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The nerdy birdie (67 KP) rated Providence: A Novel in Books
Jun 30, 2018
Brilliant!
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read an advance copy of "Providence"in exchange for an honest review ❤️??
Let me start off by saying that I was a bit of a "Nervous Nellie" going into this book because "You" by Caroline Kepnes makes my top ten favorite books of all times, and is by far my favorite thriller to date. I am always looking for a thriller novel to compare and while some have come dangerously close, no cigar.
Having said that...I have seen many mixed reviews regarding the topic of this book versus Kepnes's other novels. The subject varies drastically from her other fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat, pulse pounding reads! This is a book about so many things, including : love, turning a curse from something bad into good, how fate intervenes no matter what we would choose for ourselves, and how all of our lives can change in a split second.
When beginning this book I immediately started thinking ----this is definitely NOT the type of book I would ever pick up--I typically do not enjoy any type of science fiction and all things having to do with superpowers just are NOT my thing! I like villains like Harley Quinn and Joker. But...because it was written by one of my favorite authors ---I stuck around and I'm so happy that I did!
I flew through this book! The entire time I found myself rooting for this stolen boy, this monster, the underdog! I have taken away So many quotes ( you can find a few on my goodreads page) such as ..." Being alive is nothing without being able to live." My Dad faces this every single time he heads to the hospital to get his weekly chemo treatment. I can sympathize with Eggs and his illness and Lo reminding to eat, to check this, check that--- I can also see how a relationship based solely on messaging can supersede any other form of love if it's the right person.
Highly highly recommend this book, I don't want to spoil too much-- thank you for opening up my eyes to another genre. It's action meets romance meets science fiction meets superhuman?
To Caroline Kepnes: thank you for calling those delectable things you put on ice cream jimmies and NOT sprinkles, thank you for opening my eyes to the world of H.P. Lovecraft, for using my favorite quote ever by E.E. Cummings in this novel & and for leaving me with an undeniable urge to hit the store for strawberries, fluff, and a cookie scented candle.
Kepnes has a way of reaching out to you as if you are her only reader no matter what the topic may be--- please give this book a shot, she has proved she isn't a one hit wonder and can write about anything she puts her mind to!
I am Providence.
Let me start off by saying that I was a bit of a "Nervous Nellie" going into this book because "You" by Caroline Kepnes makes my top ten favorite books of all times, and is by far my favorite thriller to date. I am always looking for a thriller novel to compare and while some have come dangerously close, no cigar.
Having said that...I have seen many mixed reviews regarding the topic of this book versus Kepnes's other novels. The subject varies drastically from her other fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat, pulse pounding reads! This is a book about so many things, including : love, turning a curse from something bad into good, how fate intervenes no matter what we would choose for ourselves, and how all of our lives can change in a split second.
When beginning this book I immediately started thinking ----this is definitely NOT the type of book I would ever pick up--I typically do not enjoy any type of science fiction and all things having to do with superpowers just are NOT my thing! I like villains like Harley Quinn and Joker. But...because it was written by one of my favorite authors ---I stuck around and I'm so happy that I did!
I flew through this book! The entire time I found myself rooting for this stolen boy, this monster, the underdog! I have taken away So many quotes ( you can find a few on my goodreads page) such as ..." Being alive is nothing without being able to live." My Dad faces this every single time he heads to the hospital to get his weekly chemo treatment. I can sympathize with Eggs and his illness and Lo reminding to eat, to check this, check that--- I can also see how a relationship based solely on messaging can supersede any other form of love if it's the right person.
Highly highly recommend this book, I don't want to spoil too much-- thank you for opening up my eyes to another genre. It's action meets romance meets science fiction meets superhuman?
To Caroline Kepnes: thank you for calling those delectable things you put on ice cream jimmies and NOT sprinkles, thank you for opening my eyes to the world of H.P. Lovecraft, for using my favorite quote ever by E.E. Cummings in this novel & and for leaving me with an undeniable urge to hit the store for strawberries, fluff, and a cookie scented candle.
Kepnes has a way of reaching out to you as if you are her only reader no matter what the topic may be--- please give this book a shot, she has proved she isn't a one hit wonder and can write about anything she puts her mind to!
I am Providence.
Tamsin Clark (15 KP) rated The Ancient Magus' Bride (2017) in Movies
Jan 20, 2018
Beautiful Animation (5 more)
Beautiful soundtrack
Well chosen cast
Emotional storyline
Fantasy/horror/action/comedy/drama
Excellent adaptation from the manga
What makes us....us?
I've never been a religious follower of anime in the past. I've delved into it, mostly Studio Ghibli's work and a few others but I never really found a reason to regularly want to tune in and watch an Anime every week. Until Magus' Bride.
From the time of writing this, there have been 14 episodes and every single one has retained consistent high quality of voice acting, storyline and musical score. Not once can I ever say I have been bored or impatient with an episode. Each one will have you questioning your own humanity as you question theirs. You can't help but become attached emotionally to all the characters as they each progress through their own heartbreaking lifelines and each episode brings new and riveting challenges. All the while you're accompanied by amazing scores and haunting singing which strays from the usual cringe-worthy singing in a lot of anime, and stunningly drawn animation.
I could not recommend this any higher. It deserves a 10 and I have no shame giving it that.
From the time of writing this, there have been 14 episodes and every single one has retained consistent high quality of voice acting, storyline and musical score. Not once can I ever say I have been bored or impatient with an episode. Each one will have you questioning your own humanity as you question theirs. You can't help but become attached emotionally to all the characters as they each progress through their own heartbreaking lifelines and each episode brings new and riveting challenges. All the while you're accompanied by amazing scores and haunting singing which strays from the usual cringe-worthy singing in a lot of anime, and stunningly drawn animation.
I could not recommend this any higher. It deserves a 10 and I have no shame giving it that.
Merissa (12894 KP) rated The Mark of a Druid in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I last read this book in September 2012 and commented that I found the ending a bit rushed so would try it again to see if it made a difference.
IT DID!!!
There is so much detail in this book and it has such a build up to the big finale, with new characters even appearing right at the end, that that is why I felt it was rushed. This book is definitely better second time around as you don't feel so overloaded with characters and you are able to enjoy it more. It is a fantastic story, rich in detail and imagery. Excellent book that gets better every time you read it. Definitely a keeper.
27th April 2013
I recently "bought" this ebook (totally free!!!!) and thoroughly enjoyed it ... until the ending. It can be a bit complicated trying to read it with 2 girls vying for your attention as it flips from ancient Wales to modern day LA but the characters intermingle throughout both eras. The only trouble I had with it was the ending - it just seemed a bit rushed to me. Perhaps I'll have to read it again and see if it makes a difference. Apart from that - excellent book.
September 2012
IT DID!!!
There is so much detail in this book and it has such a build up to the big finale, with new characters even appearing right at the end, that that is why I felt it was rushed. This book is definitely better second time around as you don't feel so overloaded with characters and you are able to enjoy it more. It is a fantastic story, rich in detail and imagery. Excellent book that gets better every time you read it. Definitely a keeper.
27th April 2013
I recently "bought" this ebook (totally free!!!!) and thoroughly enjoyed it ... until the ending. It can be a bit complicated trying to read it with 2 girls vying for your attention as it flips from ancient Wales to modern day LA but the characters intermingle throughout both eras. The only trouble I had with it was the ending - it just seemed a bit rushed to me. Perhaps I'll have to read it again and see if it makes a difference. Apart from that - excellent book.
September 2012
Kyera (8 KP) rated You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Maybe you picked this up because you watched Buffy that one time and wanted to know what that red-headed chick who wasn't Willow was all about
or more likely, you are a fan of one of her many endeavors (and why shouldnt you be?). She is a super-hardworking person who seems to be doing what she loves, and in my humble opinion, completely killing it. She shares her awkwardness and how even she fangirls when meeting famous people she loves.
How can I describe this book? Imagine talking to your best friend about everything in your life: your childhood, your hopes and fears, and most importantly all things geeky (comics, video games, and the internet). That is how I felt when I was reading this book. Yes, I was a fan of Felicias already but reading this book felt more like talking to your best friend than some impersonal narrative that you just picked up off the shelf at random. Felicia is witty, funny, and down to earth. (A bit neurotic, her words, but we still love her for it.) Her candor is endearing and makes the book incredibly relatable. Her love of video games, comics, crafting and just the simple art of creating definitely speaks to her readers (I know I definitely relate). Plus, the pictures peppered throughout are just adorable.
She took her life into her own hands and with an incredible amount of hard work, created Geek & Sundry. She filled the book with her life and quite a few really good pieces of advice (as well as motivational phrases). As I sit here in my exploding TARDIS skirt (thank you mom for helping me make it), embracing my quirkiness and inner geek, I hope Felicia would be proud. I hope that people are inspired by her book, like I am inspired and take a chance. Do what they love.
Check out all of her projects with Geek & Sundry, as well as past projects like my love Dr. Horribles Sing-Along Blog, the show that started it all the Guild and her appearances on Supernatural! And if anyone could get me a signed copy of her book, I would love you forever. I take my book collection very seriously and would love to have this sitting on my shelf (rather than residing digitally in the nethersphere of my kindle.) Random fun fact, one of my exes and I used to sing My Eyes. I, of course, sang Pennys part (and when I was alone I would also be Dr. Horrible, duh). It was my favourite song from the show and Im still obsessed with it. I also found it on Sing (karaoke app, I spend too much time on there) just so that I could record it as a duet (and then sing both parts because why not?). Enough about me, go buy her wonderful book immediately and read it.
How can I describe this book? Imagine talking to your best friend about everything in your life: your childhood, your hopes and fears, and most importantly all things geeky (comics, video games, and the internet). That is how I felt when I was reading this book. Yes, I was a fan of Felicias already but reading this book felt more like talking to your best friend than some impersonal narrative that you just picked up off the shelf at random. Felicia is witty, funny, and down to earth. (A bit neurotic, her words, but we still love her for it.) Her candor is endearing and makes the book incredibly relatable. Her love of video games, comics, crafting and just the simple art of creating definitely speaks to her readers (I know I definitely relate). Plus, the pictures peppered throughout are just adorable.
She took her life into her own hands and with an incredible amount of hard work, created Geek & Sundry. She filled the book with her life and quite a few really good pieces of advice (as well as motivational phrases). As I sit here in my exploding TARDIS skirt (thank you mom for helping me make it), embracing my quirkiness and inner geek, I hope Felicia would be proud. I hope that people are inspired by her book, like I am inspired and take a chance. Do what they love.
Check out all of her projects with Geek & Sundry, as well as past projects like my love Dr. Horribles Sing-Along Blog, the show that started it all the Guild and her appearances on Supernatural! And if anyone could get me a signed copy of her book, I would love you forever. I take my book collection very seriously and would love to have this sitting on my shelf (rather than residing digitally in the nethersphere of my kindle.) Random fun fact, one of my exes and I used to sing My Eyes. I, of course, sang Pennys part (and when I was alone I would also be Dr. Horrible, duh). It was my favourite song from the show and Im still obsessed with it. I also found it on Sing (karaoke app, I spend too much time on there) just so that I could record it as a duet (and then sing both parts because why not?). Enough about me, go buy her wonderful book immediately and read it.
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated Whitney: Can I Be Me (2017) in Movies
Jun 30, 2020
I watched this documentary on netflix and found it very interesting. It was very sad to watch her deteriorate though. What I did find annoying though was how it kept going backwards and forwards in years, it would have made more sense to show her years in order as it was very confusing at times. We also see that cissy Houston was not a very nice mother at all, her interview with Oprah was both shocking and disgusting. For years I always blamed bobbi brown for her getting into drugs when I had no idea she had been dabbling in drugs long before she met him, he didn't exactly help her though and pretty much encouraged her drug use to the point if no return and ill never see him in a good light because if that, and the fact he pushed her best friend away and belittled Whitney when she was already feeling low 😔. If you was a Whitney fan and feel like you've seen everything any documentary has to offer, then give this a go. You might be surprised at what you find out.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated One Little Lie in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Yep, one little lie is all it takes for it to snowball out of control and turn into a humdinger of a white, furry monster. By the way there are no yetis in this story, that was just me trying to be clever…
Onwards and upwards… You know you want to…
Psychologist Connie’s patient, Alice Mann has a son who is a murderer. Alice’s son killed Deborah’s son and is desperate for her forgiveness. Connie wants Alice to leave it all alone and to not get involved with Deborah, however, in an effort to redeem herself, Alice starts up a support group for the parents of murderers, but there’s one little lie she’s told which is about to snowball out of control.
Confused? You should(n’t) be. But stick with me…
Tension grows between Alice and Deborah and a young girl goes missing. Soon the police are suspecting not only foul play, but that maybe the wrong person was locked up for Deborah’s son’s murder and still out there. (Slaps head, I mean, how thick are these policemen?)
After a slow start (there are several characters and it does jump around a bit) I found the twists and turns of this story really had me on edge. At times I felt I was walking on eggshells around Alice and Deb, just waiting for it all to explode. In my minds eye I can see this as a really good film or BBC drama! Visually I don’t think it would be so complicated. But then, maybe that’s not what I should be taking away from all this.
Incidentally, this carries on from Bad Sister, featuring the same psychologist Connie, and DI Lindsay Wade, but can easily be read as a standalone story. Actually I really liked this aspect, I wasn’t expecting that when I picked up the book.
Once I got into this, I discovered it is actually cleverly written so when you reach the end of each chapter, you’ll not want to stop!
Onwards and upwards… You know you want to…
Psychologist Connie’s patient, Alice Mann has a son who is a murderer. Alice’s son killed Deborah’s son and is desperate for her forgiveness. Connie wants Alice to leave it all alone and to not get involved with Deborah, however, in an effort to redeem herself, Alice starts up a support group for the parents of murderers, but there’s one little lie she’s told which is about to snowball out of control.
Confused? You should(n’t) be. But stick with me…
Tension grows between Alice and Deborah and a young girl goes missing. Soon the police are suspecting not only foul play, but that maybe the wrong person was locked up for Deborah’s son’s murder and still out there. (Slaps head, I mean, how thick are these policemen?)
After a slow start (there are several characters and it does jump around a bit) I found the twists and turns of this story really had me on edge. At times I felt I was walking on eggshells around Alice and Deb, just waiting for it all to explode. In my minds eye I can see this as a really good film or BBC drama! Visually I don’t think it would be so complicated. But then, maybe that’s not what I should be taking away from all this.
Incidentally, this carries on from Bad Sister, featuring the same psychologist Connie, and DI Lindsay Wade, but can easily be read as a standalone story. Actually I really liked this aspect, I wasn’t expecting that when I picked up the book.
Once I got into this, I discovered it is actually cleverly written so when you reach the end of each chapter, you’ll not want to stop!
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Life Before Death in Books
Nov 14, 2018
<b>4 Stars!</b>
I must say that I very much enjoy reading these sort of books, I find them incredibly moving and sometimes even life changing.
Life Before Death by Colin Fry happens to be one of those books that just turned me into a blubbering mess!
I would recommend this book to all of those who are interested in spirituality and the paranormal...and to those who may have lost close family members or friends and need a place of comfort and solace. I personally found this book to be very moving in the sense that it teaches you to remain positive in certain situations and to forgive in order to move on in your life before it is too late.
This book is very different compared to his other books as it deals more with life BEFORE death rather than focusing on the spirit world...so if you would prefer to read more about the authors psychic connections then I would say read one of his other books instead of this one. I myself prefer a book more focused on the after life which made me knock a star off of this one, not because it is a bad book in any way but because I would prefer some of his other work. He does document a small amount of his readings, however, it is not the book's main focus. Fry talks about some of the little things we could do in order to enrich our lives and to follow our dreams.
Once I finished this book I was deep in thought reflecting about my own life which is why I recommend buying a copy of this book to keep so you can keep referring back to it time and time again. I understand how easy it is to get wrapped up in the negativity of life sometimes, this is one of those books that may help you to focus on some positive aspects.
I must say that I very much enjoy reading these sort of books, I find them incredibly moving and sometimes even life changing.
Life Before Death by Colin Fry happens to be one of those books that just turned me into a blubbering mess!
I would recommend this book to all of those who are interested in spirituality and the paranormal...and to those who may have lost close family members or friends and need a place of comfort and solace. I personally found this book to be very moving in the sense that it teaches you to remain positive in certain situations and to forgive in order to move on in your life before it is too late.
This book is very different compared to his other books as it deals more with life BEFORE death rather than focusing on the spirit world...so if you would prefer to read more about the authors psychic connections then I would say read one of his other books instead of this one. I myself prefer a book more focused on the after life which made me knock a star off of this one, not because it is a bad book in any way but because I would prefer some of his other work. He does document a small amount of his readings, however, it is not the book's main focus. Fry talks about some of the little things we could do in order to enrich our lives and to follow our dreams.
Once I finished this book I was deep in thought reflecting about my own life which is why I recommend buying a copy of this book to keep so you can keep referring back to it time and time again. I understand how easy it is to get wrapped up in the negativity of life sometimes, this is one of those books that may help you to focus on some positive aspects.
Merissa (12894 KP) rated Ghost Moon (The Wolfborne Saga #4) in Books
Jan 20, 2020
Ghost Moon is the fourth book in The Wolfborne Saga and we continue with Zev's story. Isley doesn't feature in this one so I'm guessing she isn't 'the one' for Zev (for now, at least). Instead, we have Zev and the usual crew trying to clear up after the earthquake and also find reason to keep going. Virgo is especially hard hit after the events at the end of the prior book.
Now, I know I said I thought Dark Coven was the best so far, and it was... until this one. This one has just ticked all of my boxes, making me devour the whole book in one sitting.
There are many emotions in this book, some good, and some bad. I certainly feel for Zev, and for Ceren, but in different ways. I thought my heart would break with Virgo but then he had to act like a tool at the end. I know I will still like him for it in the next book, but I struggled to understand just HOW he could do that to Zev. Zev isn't Virgo's pet, to do as he wishes, and Zev's agreement was never sought. I found this to be very disappointing and so am hopeful Virgo will redeem himself soon.
As for the rest of it, you still have an amazing supporting cast, and now the werewolves aren't as many, you can see the different temperaments coming through. The pacing remains smooth and the story keeps you turning the pages.
This is definitely my favourite of the series so far but I also highly recommend reading them in order as it just won't make any sense if you don't.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Now, I know I said I thought Dark Coven was the best so far, and it was... until this one. This one has just ticked all of my boxes, making me devour the whole book in one sitting.
There are many emotions in this book, some good, and some bad. I certainly feel for Zev, and for Ceren, but in different ways. I thought my heart would break with Virgo but then he had to act like a tool at the end. I know I will still like him for it in the next book, but I struggled to understand just HOW he could do that to Zev. Zev isn't Virgo's pet, to do as he wishes, and Zev's agreement was never sought. I found this to be very disappointing and so am hopeful Virgo will redeem himself soon.
As for the rest of it, you still have an amazing supporting cast, and now the werewolves aren't as many, you can see the different temperaments coming through. The pacing remains smooth and the story keeps you turning the pages.
This is definitely my favourite of the series so far but I also highly recommend reading them in order as it just won't make any sense if you don't.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Erika (17789 KP) rated The Act in TV
May 4, 2019
The Gypsy Rose and DeeDee Munchhausen by proxy documentaries are numerous, and I found it very interesting that Hulu produced a dramatization of the story. The series started really strong, I devoured the first three episodes one right after another, but then, the waiting game.
This series was probably 3 episodes too long, episodes 6 and 7 felt like straight up filler, and should have been combined. Patricia Arquette was amazing as DeeDee, the thin veneer of kindness over her abusive behavior was really brilliant.
Of course, if you've ever watched a documentary about this, you know how it ends, but it's still an entertaining series (excluding eps 6 and 7).
This series was probably 3 episodes too long, episodes 6 and 7 felt like straight up filler, and should have been combined. Patricia Arquette was amazing as DeeDee, the thin veneer of kindness over her abusive behavior was really brilliant.
Of course, if you've ever watched a documentary about this, you know how it ends, but it's still an entertaining series (excluding eps 6 and 7).
Claudia (0 KP) rated The Hate u Give in Books
Jun 3, 2018
The Importance of Recognizing Hate.
This novel is worth reading because the storyline is so powerful and important. As a reader, you would connect to the main character, Starr. Her voice, her life experience and the community around her, are what set this story to be so powerful and beyond words. I truly recommend people to read this book not only because the topic in the book is important but because its necessary to read about what is going on today with our children and our country.