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The Magpie Society: One for Sorrow
4.0
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A STUDENT FOUND DEAD ON THE BEACH. A WEB OF UNANSWERED QUESTIONS. SOMEONE POISED TO STRIKE...
The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row
10.0
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**WINNER OF THE 2019 MOORE PRIZE ** **THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** ‘A riveting account of...
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Gray Mountain in Books
May 10, 2018
Samantha Kofer is a real estate attorney working for a huge law firm in New York City. When all of the banks go belly up so does Samantha's job. She was given the option to being furloughed for one year and during that year, she is encouraged to volunteer during this year off at a non-profit that the firm has chosen.
Trying to find the right place to volunteer has been difficult since there are so many out of work lawyers who are all going through the same thing. She found "The Mountain Legal Aid Clinic[who]ran its low-budget operations from an abandoned hardware store on Main Street in Brady, Virginia, population twenty-two hundred and declining with each census Brady, was in southwest, Virginia, Appalachia, coal country."
In Brady, Samantha works with Mattie and Annette and meets many of their clients who are poor people in need of everything from simple divorces and wills to black lung disease claims Mattie's nephew, Donovan, is also in Brady and his firm fights coal companies tooth and nail for the people of coal country who have been destroyed by their illegal practices. There are a lot of things that happen that help to shape Samantha into a more respectable lawyer, but they don't come without great loss.
John Grisham likes to get the heart of the matter, he likes to grip at your heartstrings so that you can feel the characters that he is portraying. For a big New York City attorney, though, Samantha is not really a character I got to enjoy as much as I thought I would. She seemed a bit of a wimp in some instances. Whining about never setting foot in a courtroom or drafting a will. I wanted to jump in the book and smack her one good time. Whether or not you have done these things, you are a lawyer, and is this not in your job description? This is one of the worse John Grisham books I have read. It didn't have the same go getter attitude that the other books have.
Overall, the book kept me interested and wanting to know what was going to happen next. There were parts that had me on the edge of my seat. I'm wondering if there is going to be more from Samantha Kofer, because the story seemed unfinished.
First title in Take Control of Your TBR 2015!
Trying to find the right place to volunteer has been difficult since there are so many out of work lawyers who are all going through the same thing. She found "The Mountain Legal Aid Clinic[who]ran its low-budget operations from an abandoned hardware store on Main Street in Brady, Virginia, population twenty-two hundred and declining with each census Brady, was in southwest, Virginia, Appalachia, coal country."
In Brady, Samantha works with Mattie and Annette and meets many of their clients who are poor people in need of everything from simple divorces and wills to black lung disease claims Mattie's nephew, Donovan, is also in Brady and his firm fights coal companies tooth and nail for the people of coal country who have been destroyed by their illegal practices. There are a lot of things that happen that help to shape Samantha into a more respectable lawyer, but they don't come without great loss.
John Grisham likes to get the heart of the matter, he likes to grip at your heartstrings so that you can feel the characters that he is portraying. For a big New York City attorney, though, Samantha is not really a character I got to enjoy as much as I thought I would. She seemed a bit of a wimp in some instances. Whining about never setting foot in a courtroom or drafting a will. I wanted to jump in the book and smack her one good time. Whether or not you have done these things, you are a lawyer, and is this not in your job description? This is one of the worse John Grisham books I have read. It didn't have the same go getter attitude that the other books have.
Overall, the book kept me interested and wanting to know what was going to happen next. There were parts that had me on the edge of my seat. I'm wondering if there is going to be more from Samantha Kofer, because the story seemed unfinished.
First title in Take Control of Your TBR 2015!
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated You Die Next (Starke & Bell, #2) in Books
May 22, 2019
When a group of urban explorers stumble across a murderer's kill room in a derelict film studio, terror strikes. And when one of the group is found dead, the team realise - they're being hunted.
DI Dominic Bell is investigating the murder, but as the body count rises, time is running out. The only person who can help him is a figure from his past, Clementine Starke - but Clementine is haunted by her own demons. Can the two of them pair up to catch the killer? Or is it already too late?
This is the second book of Clementine Starke, DI Dominic Bell stories.
You don't have to have read the first one to read this one as there is enough back story provided to fill you in.
This story revolves around a group of Urban Explorers that see something they shouldn't have.
Along side this we have Starke and Bell who have their own demons they are dealing with.
This was a great story and I loved the plot and it was definitely a new premise to have the plot around.
Great characters and love seeing a bit more insight into our main ones.
We had lots of twists and turns and an ending I didn't see coming.
Looking forward to the next in series.
Recommend reading!
My thanks to Orion Publishing Group, the Author for an eARC via NetGalley; this is my honest opinion.
DI Dominic Bell is investigating the murder, but as the body count rises, time is running out. The only person who can help him is a figure from his past, Clementine Starke - but Clementine is haunted by her own demons. Can the two of them pair up to catch the killer? Or is it already too late?
This is the second book of Clementine Starke, DI Dominic Bell stories.
You don't have to have read the first one to read this one as there is enough back story provided to fill you in.
This story revolves around a group of Urban Explorers that see something they shouldn't have.
Along side this we have Starke and Bell who have their own demons they are dealing with.
This was a great story and I loved the plot and it was definitely a new premise to have the plot around.
Great characters and love seeing a bit more insight into our main ones.
We had lots of twists and turns and an ending I didn't see coming.
Looking forward to the next in series.
Recommend reading!
My thanks to Orion Publishing Group, the Author for an eARC via NetGalley; this is my honest opinion.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2395 KP) rated Wuthering Kites in Books
Sep 5, 2018
How Did the Corpse Get Into Emmy's Shop?
Emmy Adler has just moved into the apartment above her kite shop. That's why she hears the scream when Stella, her part time employee, goes to open the store that morning. Stella has found a dead body in the middle of the shop's floor. Neither of the women recognize the victim, and the police aren't certain who she was either. Who could the victim be? Why was she in Emmy's locked shop in the middle of the night? And who killed her?
There are some fun twists to this mystery early on, but the pacing does lag a time or two before Emmy figures everything out. Once she does, we are in for a wonderful climax. I missed one or two of the series characters, but others were there to step in and keep us entertained. Naturally, the book has plenty of new characters, and they were well developed, making them good suspects in the case. One of the returning characters in this book does spoil some events from the previous book. I loved seeing this character again, but you might want to read book two in the series before you pick this one up. Unlike the first two in the series, this one is coming out as an ebook only, but fans of the series will be thrilled to see these characters again.
There are some fun twists to this mystery early on, but the pacing does lag a time or two before Emmy figures everything out. Once she does, we are in for a wonderful climax. I missed one or two of the series characters, but others were there to step in and keep us entertained. Naturally, the book has plenty of new characters, and they were well developed, making them good suspects in the case. One of the returning characters in this book does spoil some events from the previous book. I loved seeing this character again, but you might want to read book two in the series before you pick this one up. Unlike the first two in the series, this one is coming out as an ebook only, but fans of the series will be thrilled to see these characters again.
Merissa (13169 KP) rated The Songstress (Records of the Three Realms #1) in Books
Apr 5, 2020
The Songstress is the first book in the Records of the Three Realms series and the reader travels to a bygone age very similar in nature to China or Japan. It starts in a tearoom where Kari is trying to protect the young girl she sees as a sister from being taken as part of the Emperor's harem. Kari ends up going too and has to learn how to bend but not break as things are thrown at her that she had absolutely no comprehension about.
This is a rich and intricate tale, woven with skill, to make each scene come alive. Each word is used to the best of it's capability. The world-building is outstanding and the characters help to bring this world to life. Although this is a long book, it doesn't feel that way, as I found myself fully invested in the characters and what was happening to them now.
This is book one in a series so don't expect everything to be tied up neatly. It does finish nicely... for now, although if you are like me, you will definitely want the second book as soon as it becomes available.
This was a fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed and was engrossed in from start to finish. With a hint of magic all the way through, this is a book to be savoured. Absolutely recommended by me.
This is a rich and intricate tale, woven with skill, to make each scene come alive. Each word is used to the best of it's capability. The world-building is outstanding and the characters help to bring this world to life. Although this is a long book, it doesn't feel that way, as I found myself fully invested in the characters and what was happening to them now.
This is book one in a series so don't expect everything to be tied up neatly. It does finish nicely... for now, although if you are like me, you will definitely want the second book as soon as it becomes available.
This was a fantastic read that I thoroughly enjoyed and was engrossed in from start to finish. With a hint of magic all the way through, this is a book to be savoured. Absolutely recommended by me.
Lindsay (1774 KP) rated Mia and Nattie One Great Team! in Books
Jan 2, 2021
I found a sweet book about a little girl and a baby lamb. This story is a sweet one. Though I think mostly about compassion and how being unique and special. What will happen to this baby sheep that is born and makes a connection with a little girl?
Will Mia find a special job that will help keep her on the farm? Will Grandma sell her as she thinks. Mia seems quite attached to Nattie. The story seems to show you that small and little that they can help when they find the right job or special thing they are good at.
The pictures are done well. They are cute. The pictures are what makes me turn the pages. They seem drawn well. Mia does some special care for Nattie. You will be surprised what Nattie's special magic or talent is.
This book shows what teamwork is or can be. It doesn't always have to be two kids or two people that do the teamwork. That was seen in this book.
This book is good for those that have children that love farm animals and or animals in general. It teaches and also shows that some animals can be calming and stress relievers without being with others. What a lovely story about a little girl and a baby sheep. What a good book to pick up. Children can learn about teamwork and caring for baby animals.
Will Mia find a special job that will help keep her on the farm? Will Grandma sell her as she thinks. Mia seems quite attached to Nattie. The story seems to show you that small and little that they can help when they find the right job or special thing they are good at.
The pictures are done well. They are cute. The pictures are what makes me turn the pages. They seem drawn well. Mia does some special care for Nattie. You will be surprised what Nattie's special magic or talent is.
This book shows what teamwork is or can be. It doesn't always have to be two kids or two people that do the teamwork. That was seen in this book.
This book is good for those that have children that love farm animals and or animals in general. It teaches and also shows that some animals can be calming and stress relievers without being with others. What a lovely story about a little girl and a baby sheep. What a good book to pick up. Children can learn about teamwork and caring for baby animals.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Coconut Island - Single by Meresha in Music
Jul 10, 2019
Meresha is a Florida-based electro-pop singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Not too long ago, she released a lyric video for her “Coconut Island” single.
“So we crossed the sea again looking to find a land where we could thrive, you and I. Then a storm came suddenly, shook us up so violently, and we lost all track of time. The warm sand beneath my cold body, I rose with the sun when you found me.” – lyrics
‘Coconut Island’ tells a dreamy tale of a young woman who enjoys a sweet-like-candy-life on a tropical island with her significant other in the summertime.
Apparently, the breezy and warm air is fresh and pure, and the deep blue sea entices them to take a swim. Later, they savor the yummy juice from coconuts while the gentle waves crash the shore.
‘Coconut Island’ contains a fun storyline, pleasing vocals, and harmonious instrumentation flavored with a tropical-pop aroma.
Also, the likable tune sends an evergreen message which states that coco is good for your soul and nature is the remedy.
Meresha considers herself an #AlienPop innovator with a wide-ranging soulful voice and quirky sonic vision.
Her last single, “Jungle Potion”, went viral, hitting a million streams within a few weeks. Also, it was included on Ariana Grande‘s official personal playlist.
Meresha has landed on the Billboard charts 7 times, including peaking at #3 on Billboard’s Next Big Chart globally.
“So we crossed the sea again looking to find a land where we could thrive, you and I. Then a storm came suddenly, shook us up so violently, and we lost all track of time. The warm sand beneath my cold body, I rose with the sun when you found me.” – lyrics
‘Coconut Island’ tells a dreamy tale of a young woman who enjoys a sweet-like-candy-life on a tropical island with her significant other in the summertime.
Apparently, the breezy and warm air is fresh and pure, and the deep blue sea entices them to take a swim. Later, they savor the yummy juice from coconuts while the gentle waves crash the shore.
‘Coconut Island’ contains a fun storyline, pleasing vocals, and harmonious instrumentation flavored with a tropical-pop aroma.
Also, the likable tune sends an evergreen message which states that coco is good for your soul and nature is the remedy.
Meresha considers herself an #AlienPop innovator with a wide-ranging soulful voice and quirky sonic vision.
Her last single, “Jungle Potion”, went viral, hitting a million streams within a few weeks. Also, it was included on Ariana Grande‘s official personal playlist.
Meresha has landed on the Billboard charts 7 times, including peaking at #3 on Billboard’s Next Big Chart globally.
okletmereviewit (4 KP) rated Swiss Army Man (2016) in Movies
May 11, 2018
The movie ends with more questions than what it started with as turn after delightful turn unfold
Contains spoilers, click to show
OK so this is something that I thought looked absolutely stupid when I first saw the previews for it in the movies. I must say how horribly wrong I was. Swiss Army Man is unique and inspired. Daniel Radcliffe is amazing as Manny "the multipurpose tool man".
The movie opens with Hank (Dando) waking up on a deserted beach, unaware of where he is or what has transpired for him to be there. As he takes in his surroundings he gives way to despair and preps to commit suicide, when he notices a body on the beach. He races over to the body which begins to expel gas on which Hank rides Manny like a jet ski to get off an island. Shortly after,
Manny begins showing signs of semipermeable intelligence. At which point he slowly comes "alive" in a have animated have dead state, almost like a paraplegic zombie. The story centers around the two learning how to live again and a story of finding oneself and making it in the world.
Through out the movie Dano and Radcliffe are stuck in the middle of the woods, where Manny's many talents come to save Hank from the brink of death time and time again. While in the woods Hank tries to teach Manny how to live again, the two undergo a spiritual journey that eventually leads Hank and Manny back to civilization.
The movie ends with more questions than what it started with as turn after delightful turn unfold, you are left wondering what the hell is going on. It is a very funny, tongue in cheek, and almost campy movie at times, but I found it to be surprisingly delightful.
Due to some of the language and brief nudity of Daniel's butt, I would suggest that this not be watched with young children as it is Rated R.
The movie opens with Hank (Dando) waking up on a deserted beach, unaware of where he is or what has transpired for him to be there. As he takes in his surroundings he gives way to despair and preps to commit suicide, when he notices a body on the beach. He races over to the body which begins to expel gas on which Hank rides Manny like a jet ski to get off an island. Shortly after,
Manny begins showing signs of semipermeable intelligence. At which point he slowly comes "alive" in a have animated have dead state, almost like a paraplegic zombie. The story centers around the two learning how to live again and a story of finding oneself and making it in the world.
Through out the movie Dano and Radcliffe are stuck in the middle of the woods, where Manny's many talents come to save Hank from the brink of death time and time again. While in the woods Hank tries to teach Manny how to live again, the two undergo a spiritual journey that eventually leads Hank and Manny back to civilization.
The movie ends with more questions than what it started with as turn after delightful turn unfold, you are left wondering what the hell is going on. It is a very funny, tongue in cheek, and almost campy movie at times, but I found it to be surprisingly delightful.
Due to some of the language and brief nudity of Daniel's butt, I would suggest that this not be watched with young children as it is Rated R.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Aquaman (2018) in Movies
Jan 8, 2019
A little too cheesy
I really badly wanted to like this film, but for me it was a little too bad in places to really be anything other than just ‘ok’.
As stated by virtually everyone else who has reviewed it so far, the CGI is fantastic. For the most part, this film looks visually stunning. There are a few instances though where I thought some of the sets and costumes were a little too lurid and garish and looked a little bit ridiculous. But mostly it looked great. And I give a huge thumbs up to the fight scenes - I’m sick of watching shaky camera fights that give you motion sickness, so it was freshing to watch the brilliantly shot and choreographed scenes in this, the flowed very well. Jason Momoa is also fantastic, he plays Aquaman perfectly with just enough charm, brashness and charisma to make him funny and likeable. I even found myself liking Amber Heard, which is odd as I’ve never liked her in anything else. The rest of the cast though are hit and miss; the excellent Willem Defoe is underused, Patrick Wilson is misplaced and hamming it up far too much, and I can’t look at Nicole Kidman anymore without seeing all of the fakery and plastic in her face... and Black Manta? When he turned up in his fancy suit, he just looked like a goth version of Alpha from the Power Rangers. Very poor choice of bad guy there.
Where this film really falters though is the script and parts of the plot. Whilst this film is obviously meant to be silly, the script is horrendous and stilted in parts and the plot is beyond predictable. And I also thought the runtime is much too long. The cast, effects and director do their best, but it’s let down by the writing.
Also, did anyone else think the Karathen looked like a Kaiju? Didn’t clock she was voiced by Julie Andrews though until afterwards.
As stated by virtually everyone else who has reviewed it so far, the CGI is fantastic. For the most part, this film looks visually stunning. There are a few instances though where I thought some of the sets and costumes were a little too lurid and garish and looked a little bit ridiculous. But mostly it looked great. And I give a huge thumbs up to the fight scenes - I’m sick of watching shaky camera fights that give you motion sickness, so it was freshing to watch the brilliantly shot and choreographed scenes in this, the flowed very well. Jason Momoa is also fantastic, he plays Aquaman perfectly with just enough charm, brashness and charisma to make him funny and likeable. I even found myself liking Amber Heard, which is odd as I’ve never liked her in anything else. The rest of the cast though are hit and miss; the excellent Willem Defoe is underused, Patrick Wilson is misplaced and hamming it up far too much, and I can’t look at Nicole Kidman anymore without seeing all of the fakery and plastic in her face... and Black Manta? When he turned up in his fancy suit, he just looked like a goth version of Alpha from the Power Rangers. Very poor choice of bad guy there.
Where this film really falters though is the script and parts of the plot. Whilst this film is obviously meant to be silly, the script is horrendous and stilted in parts and the plot is beyond predictable. And I also thought the runtime is much too long. The cast, effects and director do their best, but it’s let down by the writing.
Also, did anyone else think the Karathen looked like a Kaiju? Didn’t clock she was voiced by Julie Andrews though until afterwards.
