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Roxanne (13 KP) rated Sybil: The True Story of a Woman Possessed by Sixteen Separate Personalities in Books
Nov 9, 2018
21/08 - Page 279
I must say that I am completely fascinated by this book, the strength of this woman is very inspiring. Before picking up this book I had never heard of this story before, I didn't know who Sybil was and I had definitely not seen the film. Before reading the other reviews I did not know that this story had been exposed as fake, which I admit did take the wind out of my sails a bit but I decided to read the book anyway as I was still very much intrigued by the whole story. The thought of someone having 16 different personalities is extraordinary and so when I found this online when looking at my local library's website I did not hesitate in reserving it for pick up. Even though I still have a big chunk of the book left to go through I thought I would take some time to comment on how truly fascinating this book is and I hope it continues to hold my attention. After a shaky start I was somewhat disappointed, the narrative and the language didn't sit well with me but thankfully after a shift in time and an exploration of different perspectives this book did pick up for me. I am very much enjoying reading about Sybil and her other selfs and how these other selfs possibly came to be thanks to an abusive mother and a passive father. For Sybil to express the amount of hurt and disappointment she has experienced by releasing another self is brilliant yet harrowing as I found myself really hoping that she will get well and return to her 'whole self'.
30/08 - Finished
I must say that I continued to enjoy this book, as I turned every page it just kept improving. However, after finding out that this book is indeed fake I felt kind of deflated which took away a star (seeing as it's advertised as a true story) but that was my only reason to deduct a star. The writing improved immensely compared to the beginning of the book as I was definitely struggling to get into the story...it became easier when the time shift happened as well which I was grateful for.
It took me quite a while to get through this book but I thought I would mention that the amount of time taken isn't a reflection on the book, life just kept getting in the way of my reading. If you are interested in the subject matter, even if just slightly, then I would recommend reading this book as it is just fascinating. Although fiction, the trauma and situations this woman goes through will have you on the edge of your seat with your breath held. I must warn readers, however, that this is not reading for the faint of heart as the descriptions of child abuse are very graphic.
Overall, highly recommended from me.
I must say that I am completely fascinated by this book, the strength of this woman is very inspiring. Before picking up this book I had never heard of this story before, I didn't know who Sybil was and I had definitely not seen the film. Before reading the other reviews I did not know that this story had been exposed as fake, which I admit did take the wind out of my sails a bit but I decided to read the book anyway as I was still very much intrigued by the whole story. The thought of someone having 16 different personalities is extraordinary and so when I found this online when looking at my local library's website I did not hesitate in reserving it for pick up. Even though I still have a big chunk of the book left to go through I thought I would take some time to comment on how truly fascinating this book is and I hope it continues to hold my attention. After a shaky start I was somewhat disappointed, the narrative and the language didn't sit well with me but thankfully after a shift in time and an exploration of different perspectives this book did pick up for me. I am very much enjoying reading about Sybil and her other selfs and how these other selfs possibly came to be thanks to an abusive mother and a passive father. For Sybil to express the amount of hurt and disappointment she has experienced by releasing another self is brilliant yet harrowing as I found myself really hoping that she will get well and return to her 'whole self'.
30/08 - Finished
I must say that I continued to enjoy this book, as I turned every page it just kept improving. However, after finding out that this book is indeed fake I felt kind of deflated which took away a star (seeing as it's advertised as a true story) but that was my only reason to deduct a star. The writing improved immensely compared to the beginning of the book as I was definitely struggling to get into the story...it became easier when the time shift happened as well which I was grateful for.
It took me quite a while to get through this book but I thought I would mention that the amount of time taken isn't a reflection on the book, life just kept getting in the way of my reading. If you are interested in the subject matter, even if just slightly, then I would recommend reading this book as it is just fascinating. Although fiction, the trauma and situations this woman goes through will have you on the edge of your seat with your breath held. I must warn readers, however, that this is not reading for the faint of heart as the descriptions of child abuse are very graphic.
Overall, highly recommended from me.
Andy Bell recommended Amnesia by Mr. Fingers in Music (curated)
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Tomb Raider (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
Lara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits when she finds herself on the island where her father disappeared.
3D screening of this one... yes I never learn! You know what I'm going to say... 3D ain't for me. Again, nothing particularly stood out in this one for me with the effects. There felt like very little point in doing it in 3D apart from gouging some more money out of cinema goers.
Being that this preview was only the day before general release I really wasn't surprised that there were so few people there. I really wish I'd waited for the 2D showing.
Here's where we take a swift turn from where I thought my waffle would go for this one... It's an action film with a strong female character, and a lot of us were sold after the first outing of our tomb raiding totty. This one however felt like I'd just found a treasure chest full of Fool's Gold.
I'm not entirely sure that I liked much in it at all. There seemed to be several bits that were surplus to requirements, and honestly didn't even vaguely add anything to the production. And even if you suspend belief, as you would expect to do in this kind of film, you're still left with several bits that just make you stop and say "no".
You heard me talk above about people leaving the secret screening before even five minutes of the movie were done with... two people left this screening half way through. Admittedly I don't know why, but when you couple that with the fact I've never seen so many people going in and out of the screen during a film... well, I get the feeling everyone was a little bit bored. A lot of what was happening wasn't really engaging enough to hook you in until that "big bad" reveal. If it hadn't been for the fact I knew it would bug people who were sitting up and across the aisle from me, I'd have had my phone out like I was sitting at home on my sofa watching a movie on Movies 24.
I want to say I was extremely disappointed in this, but to be honest it doesn't really make me want to express any feelings that strong about it.
3D screening of this one... yes I never learn! You know what I'm going to say... 3D ain't for me. Again, nothing particularly stood out in this one for me with the effects. There felt like very little point in doing it in 3D apart from gouging some more money out of cinema goers.
Being that this preview was only the day before general release I really wasn't surprised that there were so few people there. I really wish I'd waited for the 2D showing.
Here's where we take a swift turn from where I thought my waffle would go for this one... It's an action film with a strong female character, and a lot of us were sold after the first outing of our tomb raiding totty. This one however felt like I'd just found a treasure chest full of Fool's Gold.
I'm not entirely sure that I liked much in it at all. There seemed to be several bits that were surplus to requirements, and honestly didn't even vaguely add anything to the production. And even if you suspend belief, as you would expect to do in this kind of film, you're still left with several bits that just make you stop and say "no".
You heard me talk above about people leaving the secret screening before even five minutes of the movie were done with... two people left this screening half way through. Admittedly I don't know why, but when you couple that with the fact I've never seen so many people going in and out of the screen during a film... well, I get the feeling everyone was a little bit bored. A lot of what was happening wasn't really engaging enough to hook you in until that "big bad" reveal. If it hadn't been for the fact I knew it would bug people who were sitting up and across the aisle from me, I'd have had my phone out like I was sitting at home on my sofa watching a movie on Movies 24.
I want to say I was extremely disappointed in this, but to be honest it doesn't really make me want to express any feelings that strong about it.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Station Eleven in Books
Oct 15, 2018
Beautifully written and just so human.
I had this book recommended quite a few times to me I even bought it almost a year ago and just never got around to picking it up and it kept popping up in one of my Facebook groups so I thought I'd finally give it a chance since all the comment were very positive and I cannot tell you how glad I am that I finally gave it a chance. The story in itself is really simple but it's absolutely beautifully written Mandel really has a way with words that I can't even describe her whole story just flow together so beautifully I love the back and forth between the time before and after the epidemic the characters flawed and honestly it's just so human and beautiful that I couldn't stop reading. One of the things that really stuck out to me most was that when it came to Station Eleven and when certain characters had to take a life it wasn't some proud moment like it is in most dystopian books it was a heartbreaking moment it was something that the characters didn't want to have to go through and I found it so beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking. As the story progresses and you find out more about certain characters and how everything connected it was just so beautifully done and I really could just go on forever praising this book definitely one of the best books I've read this year.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Last Holiday [Audiobook] in Books
Jun 11, 2023
![The Last Holiday [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/634/86651570-1252-41ec-b241-209829bf0634.jpg?m=1686481353)
This is the first book I have listened to/read by Amy Sheppard and, overall, I wasn't disappointed.
The story centres around a group of friends on a camping holiday to celebrate one of the groups daughters 18th birthday. It becomes pretty clear early on that the group is full of secrets and angst that ends up having deadly consequences.
The narrator did a great job but due to the amount of characters with each chapter being from a different point of view, I did find it difficult to keep track of which character I was with. You wouldn't have this problem with a physical book but dipping in and out of an audiobook (as I tend to do), made this a tad confusing and did reduce my enjoyment just a little but not by much.
The characters were an interesting and eclectic bunch most of which I found not particularly likeable so didn't have a lot of sympathy with what befell them but I loved the twists and turns that I didn't see coming which kept me listening intently until the whole story was revealed.
Overall, a good audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the physical book but I must thank Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of The Last Holiday.
The story centres around a group of friends on a camping holiday to celebrate one of the groups daughters 18th birthday. It becomes pretty clear early on that the group is full of secrets and angst that ends up having deadly consequences.
The narrator did a great job but due to the amount of characters with each chapter being from a different point of view, I did find it difficult to keep track of which character I was with. You wouldn't have this problem with a physical book but dipping in and out of an audiobook (as I tend to do), made this a tad confusing and did reduce my enjoyment just a little but not by much.
The characters were an interesting and eclectic bunch most of which I found not particularly likeable so didn't have a lot of sympathy with what befell them but I loved the twists and turns that I didn't see coming which kept me listening intently until the whole story was revealed.
Overall, a good audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the physical book but I must thank Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of The Last Holiday.
Jesus Said: I Will Never Leave You nor Forsake You
Book
Maria Bezuidenhout, born in the 1940s from Johannesburg, gives an intriguing account of how life...
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The 8th Doll (Alex Guidry, #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(This review is also on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.co.uk/">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).
I have to admit that I've never read a book about the Mayan Prophecy. However, when I saw the synopsis of this book, I was definitely intrigued. It's not something I'd normally pick up and read, but I decided to take a chance on it. I'm glad I did because it was such an amazing book!!!
Charlie Landry, a geologist, is found beheaded during a drilling project in Mexico. To help find out why he was murdered and who did it, Alex Guidry is called in to help. A doll is found near Landry's body with the number 8 written in blood on the front. This now throws a spanner in the works. What is Landry trying to tell him? Also, who keeps murdering everyone?
The title of this book, The 8th Doll, definitely suits the story. The story revolves mainly around trying to figure out what this eighth doll means. Fantastic title chosen by the author.
I love the cover of this book! The cover gives you a big hint about what the story is going to be about with the doll with the eight written on it and the Mayan temple of the Seven Dolls in the background. I think it's a fantastic cover!
The setting takes place in Mexico which makes sense as that's where the Mayans lived. The author does a great job of portraying how Mexico is, especially when it comes to the climate!
The pacing of this book was fantastic!! It is definitely a fast paced thriller. I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next in the story. Many times, I stayed up late just to finish many chapters.
The dialogue was definitely easy to understand. There are a few Spanish words in there, but they are easy enough to figure out what they mean, or they are explained. I was really happy about this.
The characters were very well developed. Alex has a good head on his shoulders and is a great detective. I loved the character of Maria. I don't know why, but I guess it's because she brought a woman's touch to the story, lol. Jenkins was my favourite character though. He was perfect with his comic timing. He reminds me of a cross between Samuel L. Jackson and Will Smith. I also thought the baddie, Ah Pukuh, was written well. I also have to say that I loved the mayor. He's only a minor character, but I loved him nonetheless.
I loved the fact that this book used aspects of Mayan prophecy. I must admit that I don't know much about it, but after reading this book, it's clear that the author's done his homework on it. It's such a well written book!
The only fault I found with the book, and this is only a minor fault, is the insta-love between Maria and Alex. Lust I can believe in, but I'm not a believer of love at first sight. That's only a personal gripe though.
Definitely give The 8th Doll by Chris Rakunas a read even if this normally isn't your sort of book.
I'd recommend this book to everyone aged 16+. It's so good!
I have to admit that I've never read a book about the Mayan Prophecy. However, when I saw the synopsis of this book, I was definitely intrigued. It's not something I'd normally pick up and read, but I decided to take a chance on it. I'm glad I did because it was such an amazing book!!!
Charlie Landry, a geologist, is found beheaded during a drilling project in Mexico. To help find out why he was murdered and who did it, Alex Guidry is called in to help. A doll is found near Landry's body with the number 8 written in blood on the front. This now throws a spanner in the works. What is Landry trying to tell him? Also, who keeps murdering everyone?
The title of this book, The 8th Doll, definitely suits the story. The story revolves mainly around trying to figure out what this eighth doll means. Fantastic title chosen by the author.
I love the cover of this book! The cover gives you a big hint about what the story is going to be about with the doll with the eight written on it and the Mayan temple of the Seven Dolls in the background. I think it's a fantastic cover!
The setting takes place in Mexico which makes sense as that's where the Mayans lived. The author does a great job of portraying how Mexico is, especially when it comes to the climate!
The pacing of this book was fantastic!! It is definitely a fast paced thriller. I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next in the story. Many times, I stayed up late just to finish many chapters.
The dialogue was definitely easy to understand. There are a few Spanish words in there, but they are easy enough to figure out what they mean, or they are explained. I was really happy about this.
The characters were very well developed. Alex has a good head on his shoulders and is a great detective. I loved the character of Maria. I don't know why, but I guess it's because she brought a woman's touch to the story, lol. Jenkins was my favourite character though. He was perfect with his comic timing. He reminds me of a cross between Samuel L. Jackson and Will Smith. I also thought the baddie, Ah Pukuh, was written well. I also have to say that I loved the mayor. He's only a minor character, but I loved him nonetheless.
I loved the fact that this book used aspects of Mayan prophecy. I must admit that I don't know much about it, but after reading this book, it's clear that the author's done his homework on it. It's such a well written book!
The only fault I found with the book, and this is only a minor fault, is the insta-love between Maria and Alex. Lust I can believe in, but I'm not a believer of love at first sight. That's only a personal gripe though.
Definitely give The 8th Doll by Chris Rakunas a read even if this normally isn't your sort of book.
I'd recommend this book to everyone aged 16+. It's so good!
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful, #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(This review can also be found on my blog: <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.com/">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).
A friend of mine had recommended this book back when it first came out. While I was definitely intrigued, I kept putting off buying it. However, with Walking Disaster coming out, I thought I'd give it a read. I'm super happy I did. I loved it!
Abby Abernathy is a reformed good girl. She moved to another state to get away from her horrible past. However, when she meets Travis, a self-professed womanizer, she struggles to continue being that good girl she so desperately wants to be. Travis is violent and sleeps with almost any woman. The more Abby tries to stay away, the more she finds herself drawn to Travis. Will Abby be able to keep up her good girl image or will she succumb to Travis' charms?
I love this title!! It definitely suits this book because it describes, perfectly, the relationship between Travis and Abby. It's even mentioned in the book!
I like the cover. In fact, I think it's really pretty. I'm sure it's symbolic of Travis and Abby with Abby being the butterfly, but I just can't figure it out. I don't see how Abby is a trapped butterfly.
For the most part, the world building was alright. There were times, while reading, were I felt like I was more in a high school setting then a college setting. Also, there was hardly any mention of time going by. For example, Abby and Travis would say about 4 or 5 sentences to each other, and three hours had passed by. That happened quite a few times in the book which I found annoying. Other than that, everything about the world was great.
The pacing was perfect in Beautiful Disaster! I couldn't get enough of the action. The chapters flowed beautifully into each other, and I found that I couldn't read the pages fast enough. Every sentence left me wanting more!
The characters were fantastic and well written! I loved how Abby was trying to turn her life around. I didn't think she had as bad of a life as she let on although I would've loved to learn more about her past. Abby had a sweet vulnerability to her which I liked. I thought Travis was quite romantic, and I loved how crazy he was about Abby. At some points, I felt that he was a little too crazy about Abby, but I still found myself wishing I had someone like Travis to look after me (except not as violent). Like Abby, I would've loved to find out more about Travis' background. I really hope I will learn more about him in Walking Disaster. I loved America although I kept picturing her differently to the blonde girl that she is. Shep is great when it comes to America and his cousin Travis. He's also great to Abby. Shep has a good heart, and I loved how willing he was to help those he loved.
The dialogue was a bit intense but in a good way. I loved reading how Abby and Travis interacted with each other. These two were super funny and at times would drive me crazy with how they acted towards each other when they would argue. As for the language, there is A LOT of swearing so if you don't like cuss words, this isn't your type of book.
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire was definitely an enjoyable and intense read. I was also appreciative that the sex scenes were done quite tastefully instead of being graphic. I didn't really like the way it ended as I felt it was a rush decision on the characters' part. (Don't worry, I won't go into detail). Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I'd recommend this book to everyone aged 17+ who is seeking a bit of a bad boy or a bit of a thrill. Please be aware that there is a lot of violence and swearing within this book.
Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful #1) by Jamie McGuire gets a 4.25 out of 5 from me.
A friend of mine had recommended this book back when it first came out. While I was definitely intrigued, I kept putting off buying it. However, with Walking Disaster coming out, I thought I'd give it a read. I'm super happy I did. I loved it!
Abby Abernathy is a reformed good girl. She moved to another state to get away from her horrible past. However, when she meets Travis, a self-professed womanizer, she struggles to continue being that good girl she so desperately wants to be. Travis is violent and sleeps with almost any woman. The more Abby tries to stay away, the more she finds herself drawn to Travis. Will Abby be able to keep up her good girl image or will she succumb to Travis' charms?
I love this title!! It definitely suits this book because it describes, perfectly, the relationship between Travis and Abby. It's even mentioned in the book!
I like the cover. In fact, I think it's really pretty. I'm sure it's symbolic of Travis and Abby with Abby being the butterfly, but I just can't figure it out. I don't see how Abby is a trapped butterfly.
For the most part, the world building was alright. There were times, while reading, were I felt like I was more in a high school setting then a college setting. Also, there was hardly any mention of time going by. For example, Abby and Travis would say about 4 or 5 sentences to each other, and three hours had passed by. That happened quite a few times in the book which I found annoying. Other than that, everything about the world was great.
The pacing was perfect in Beautiful Disaster! I couldn't get enough of the action. The chapters flowed beautifully into each other, and I found that I couldn't read the pages fast enough. Every sentence left me wanting more!
The characters were fantastic and well written! I loved how Abby was trying to turn her life around. I didn't think she had as bad of a life as she let on although I would've loved to learn more about her past. Abby had a sweet vulnerability to her which I liked. I thought Travis was quite romantic, and I loved how crazy he was about Abby. At some points, I felt that he was a little too crazy about Abby, but I still found myself wishing I had someone like Travis to look after me (except not as violent). Like Abby, I would've loved to find out more about Travis' background. I really hope I will learn more about him in Walking Disaster. I loved America although I kept picturing her differently to the blonde girl that she is. Shep is great when it comes to America and his cousin Travis. He's also great to Abby. Shep has a good heart, and I loved how willing he was to help those he loved.
The dialogue was a bit intense but in a good way. I loved reading how Abby and Travis interacted with each other. These two were super funny and at times would drive me crazy with how they acted towards each other when they would argue. As for the language, there is A LOT of swearing so if you don't like cuss words, this isn't your type of book.
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire was definitely an enjoyable and intense read. I was also appreciative that the sex scenes were done quite tastefully instead of being graphic. I didn't really like the way it ended as I felt it was a rush decision on the characters' part. (Don't worry, I won't go into detail). Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I'd recommend this book to everyone aged 17+ who is seeking a bit of a bad boy or a bit of a thrill. Please be aware that there is a lot of violence and swearing within this book.
Beautiful Disaster (Beautiful #1) by Jamie McGuire gets a 4.25 out of 5 from me.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Murder Out of Character in Books
Mar 1, 2024 (Updated Mar 1, 2024)
Has Marvey Found a Hit List?
The summer fun raising campaign for the library is kicking off with a cocktail reception, and Marvey Harris is in the thick of things thanks to her job. The event goes well, but as the staff is cleaning up, Marvey finds a list of names left behind by someone. She’s intrigued since her good friend Spence is on it as is a man who has just died.
Two days later, another person on the list has died. Marvey can’t help but think she’s found a list that someone is targeting, but she is having a hard time getting anyone to take her seriously. Especially since no one seems to be able to figure out a solid connection between the four people on the list. Can Marvey discover what is going on before a killer strikes again?
I’d intended to get back and finish this series, and I was happy to see the main characters again. While the supporting players could have been a bit better developed, I love Marvey and her friends. They are just wonderful. I was intrigued by the plot, but it didn’t quite work for me. The pacing was off, with some repetitive scenes. While the killer and motive did make sense, there was still a major part of the plot that was never explained. If you are a plot first person, I’d recommend you skip this book. But if you enjoy reading about strong bonds between characters, you will want to check this one out.
Two days later, another person on the list has died. Marvey can’t help but think she’s found a list that someone is targeting, but she is having a hard time getting anyone to take her seriously. Especially since no one seems to be able to figure out a solid connection between the four people on the list. Can Marvey discover what is going on before a killer strikes again?
I’d intended to get back and finish this series, and I was happy to see the main characters again. While the supporting players could have been a bit better developed, I love Marvey and her friends. They are just wonderful. I was intrigued by the plot, but it didn’t quite work for me. The pacing was off, with some repetitive scenes. While the killer and motive did make sense, there was still a major part of the plot that was never explained. If you are a plot first person, I’d recommend you skip this book. But if you enjoy reading about strong bonds between characters, you will want to check this one out.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Serial Wives in Books
Dec 9, 2018
Couldn't connect with any of the characters (1 more)
Seems to be a long book but only 204 pages
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I was immediately intrigued by the description of "Serial Wives" by Yvonne Eve Walus. A guilt ridden girl, a mother with a husband who recently returned home but is still a bad boy, and a serial killer who murders women and displays their bodies dressed in a white sheet and puts a fencing mask on them. This description had me hooked. Unfortunately, I did not feel connected to any of the characters. I did not find myself rooting for them to succeed or survive. I did not hate them nor was I actively hoping any of them failed or died. I just was not sympathetic toward them. I found the story to be all over the place, leaping from one person to an other. From the beginning you knew all of the characters were going to be connected. The "reveals" did not seem like reveals.
The book seemed very long. When I finished, I was surprised to see if was, according to Goodreads, only 204 pages. I think the story was ok and would give it 3 stars. Yvonne Eve Walus has written 13 books but I do not think I will add any to my "want to read" list.
I was immediately intrigued by the description of "Serial Wives" by Yvonne Eve Walus. A guilt ridden girl, a mother with a husband who recently returned home but is still a bad boy, and a serial killer who murders women and displays their bodies dressed in a white sheet and puts a fencing mask on them. This description had me hooked. Unfortunately, I did not feel connected to any of the characters. I did not find myself rooting for them to succeed or survive. I did not hate them nor was I actively hoping any of them failed or died. I just was not sympathetic toward them. I found the story to be all over the place, leaping from one person to an other. From the beginning you knew all of the characters were going to be connected. The "reveals" did not seem like reveals.
The book seemed very long. When I finished, I was surprised to see if was, according to Goodreads, only 204 pages. I think the story was ok and would give it 3 stars. Yvonne Eve Walus has written 13 books but I do not think I will add any to my "want to read" list.