Search
Search results
Adam Carolla recommended track Peace of Mind by Boston in Greatest Hits by Boston in Music (curated)
Dana (24 KP) rated The Sun is Also a Star in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I will start off by saying I am not a big reader of contemporary books. Personally, I can't get super attached to the characters because they are too much like me. I know, that's weird, but it's me.
I think my main problem with the book was the pacing and that it did not lend itself to the space it had enough. I wanted more space to get into the characters just a bit more. I wanted to get to know them better, but there wasn't enough space on the page to get that connection. The pacing, at times, felt either rushed or too slow. The majority of it was fine, but I tended to focus on those off beat moments a little too much.
That being said, I did really like this book. The characters were super cute and very well written! I am glad that we are getting to have more diverse characters and authors in our reading landscape and I am very happy for Nicola and all she has accomplished!
I am grateful for this book and glad it came out when it did. This country has very strict (and, in my opinion, too harsh) laws on immigration. A book that focuses on deportation in this political climate is very compelling and necessary for people to read. Also the fact that it is focusing on an interratial couple is amazing and I could not ask for better!
I hope to get to read more of Nicola Yoon's writings soon.
I think my main problem with the book was the pacing and that it did not lend itself to the space it had enough. I wanted more space to get into the characters just a bit more. I wanted to get to know them better, but there wasn't enough space on the page to get that connection. The pacing, at times, felt either rushed or too slow. The majority of it was fine, but I tended to focus on those off beat moments a little too much.
That being said, I did really like this book. The characters were super cute and very well written! I am glad that we are getting to have more diverse characters and authors in our reading landscape and I am very happy for Nicola and all she has accomplished!
I am grateful for this book and glad it came out when it did. This country has very strict (and, in my opinion, too harsh) laws on immigration. A book that focuses on deportation in this political climate is very compelling and necessary for people to read. Also the fact that it is focusing on an interratial couple is amazing and I could not ask for better!
I hope to get to read more of Nicola Yoon's writings soon.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Then She Was Gone in Books
Apr 27, 2019
Just Okay
I loved I Found You by Lisa Jewell, so when I read the synopsis of her other book, Then She Was Gone, it was a book I knew I had to read. While this book was still a good read, it wasn't great, and I was left feeling a little disappointed.
The plot for Then She Was Gone was interesting enough although I did predict the mystery of why Poppy looked like Ellie early on. There were a couple of plot twists that I didn't see coming though of which I was thankful. I was constantly trying to figure out what Floyd's endgame was when it came to Laurel. I was also always hopeful that Ellie would return home safely. I thought the ending was done nicely. It tied up all loose ends and provided me with enough closure to be satisfied.
The one thing that bothered me, and I know it's a personal preference, was how the book was written in present tense aside from when Ellie and Noelle were telling their side of the story. It just really irks me when books are written this way. That really seemed to take away from the story for me.
The characters in Then She Was Gone were mostly believable. I had a hard time believing Noelle's side of things could actually happen for as long as they did when it came to Poppy. I also had a hard time believing Noelle could stay a virgin for so long. Poppy seemed very intelligent for her young years to not have been in some kind of advanced schooling. Poppy came across more of an adult than a child in every scene she was in. The author does attempt to explain why Poppy is the way she is, but I still found Poppy a bit unrealistic for a little girl. I liked Laurel, and I could only imagine her pain, but I felt like she was too uncaring toward her daughter Hanna and her son Jake. Maybe I'd have to be in Laurel's shoes to understand what it's like (although I pray I never am). It would have been nice to get a glimpse of Hanna's and Jake's point of view of things. Jake is hardly ever mentioned in the book, and there were many times I had to rack my brain to remember who Jake was whilst reading Then She Was Gone. It seems like Jake was put in as an afterthought to quickly tie up some loose ends. I enjoyed the character of Paul, Laurel's ex-husband. I admired his sunny disposition. Sara-Jade was another character I liked a lot although she wasn't in the book often enough. I liked Floyd and felt he was a well fleshed out character, but I was always wary when it came to him.
The pacing was done well enough. My interest never wavered, and I found myself needing to know what happened next to see if my predictions were correct. Then She Was Gone is definitely a page turner. I'll give it that.
Trigger warnings for Then She Was Gone include profanities, sexual situations (although not graphic), kidnapping, drinking alcohol, violence, death, murder, and miscarriages.
Overall, Then She Was Gone is just a decent read. The plot is interesting enough, and some of the characters are well written. For me, the present tense use really took away my enjoyment of the book. I would still recommend Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell to those aged 17+ especially to those who like thrillers.
The plot for Then She Was Gone was interesting enough although I did predict the mystery of why Poppy looked like Ellie early on. There were a couple of plot twists that I didn't see coming though of which I was thankful. I was constantly trying to figure out what Floyd's endgame was when it came to Laurel. I was also always hopeful that Ellie would return home safely. I thought the ending was done nicely. It tied up all loose ends and provided me with enough closure to be satisfied.
The one thing that bothered me, and I know it's a personal preference, was how the book was written in present tense aside from when Ellie and Noelle were telling their side of the story. It just really irks me when books are written this way. That really seemed to take away from the story for me.
The characters in Then She Was Gone were mostly believable. I had a hard time believing Noelle's side of things could actually happen for as long as they did when it came to Poppy. I also had a hard time believing Noelle could stay a virgin for so long. Poppy seemed very intelligent for her young years to not have been in some kind of advanced schooling. Poppy came across more of an adult than a child in every scene she was in. The author does attempt to explain why Poppy is the way she is, but I still found Poppy a bit unrealistic for a little girl. I liked Laurel, and I could only imagine her pain, but I felt like she was too uncaring toward her daughter Hanna and her son Jake. Maybe I'd have to be in Laurel's shoes to understand what it's like (although I pray I never am). It would have been nice to get a glimpse of Hanna's and Jake's point of view of things. Jake is hardly ever mentioned in the book, and there were many times I had to rack my brain to remember who Jake was whilst reading Then She Was Gone. It seems like Jake was put in as an afterthought to quickly tie up some loose ends. I enjoyed the character of Paul, Laurel's ex-husband. I admired his sunny disposition. Sara-Jade was another character I liked a lot although she wasn't in the book often enough. I liked Floyd and felt he was a well fleshed out character, but I was always wary when it came to him.
The pacing was done well enough. My interest never wavered, and I found myself needing to know what happened next to see if my predictions were correct. Then She Was Gone is definitely a page turner. I'll give it that.
Trigger warnings for Then She Was Gone include profanities, sexual situations (although not graphic), kidnapping, drinking alcohol, violence, death, murder, and miscarriages.
Overall, Then She Was Gone is just a decent read. The plot is interesting enough, and some of the characters are well written. For me, the present tense use really took away my enjoyment of the book. I would still recommend Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell to those aged 17+ especially to those who like thrillers.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated A Clash of Kings (Reissue) in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Wow! This book was much darker than the first. It seemed like nothing good happened. Don't take that wrong...the book itself was wonderful! There was just a great deal of death & destruction in this one. Of course, when all the castles in the realm head to war & there are now 4 kings instead of 1, what else should 1 expect?
I must say that I have decided on 3 favorites in all the characters I've met so far: Tyrion, Bran, & Areya. They are all so well written! Tyrion the Imp is so twisted. I never quite know what is going to happen to him. 1 minute he's tenderhearted, the next he's riding to battle with an axe in hand. Bran is so brave but he just doesn't know it. Areya is just such a stong, anti-female character. She is a little warrior, but also very cunning too.
I can't wait to see what the next book in the series has in store for me!
I must say that I have decided on 3 favorites in all the characters I've met so far: Tyrion, Bran, & Areya. They are all so well written! Tyrion the Imp is so twisted. I never quite know what is going to happen to him. 1 minute he's tenderhearted, the next he's riding to battle with an axe in hand. Bran is so brave but he just doesn't know it. Areya is just such a stong, anti-female character. She is a little warrior, but also very cunning too.
I can't wait to see what the next book in the series has in store for me!
Merissa (12552 KP) rated Flight (Voodoo Butterfly, #3) in Books
Aug 6, 2020
Flight is the third book in the Voodoo Butterfly series and it really must be read as a series rather than a set of standalones.
We start off in Malaysia as Sophie has travelled there to figure things out with Taj once and for all. Once there she realises things weren't as simple as she thought although, to be fair, it was quite clear as the reader just what was going on! 😁 Still, it made for a thrilling read, especially with the added bits of Sophie learning as she goes along. I do so love Marie and the witticisms she gives to Sophie.
The details given are, quite simply, amazing. I can only imagine the amount of research this series has taken but it is worth every moment. Yolanda was a bit too obvious for me so I can't say as I was surprised with that turn of events but even so, I still enjoyed how it was written.
This is an amazing series that just gets better with each book. I love the depth and history of each story and how they interlock with each other. I will always be #TeamJacques but I guess I can see how Taj fits into the picture. 😉
All in all, a brilliant book in a fantastic series that I most definitely recommend. Can't wait for the fourth!
* 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!
We start off in Malaysia as Sophie has travelled there to figure things out with Taj once and for all. Once there she realises things weren't as simple as she thought although, to be fair, it was quite clear as the reader just what was going on! 😁 Still, it made for a thrilling read, especially with the added bits of Sophie learning as she goes along. I do so love Marie and the witticisms she gives to Sophie.
The details given are, quite simply, amazing. I can only imagine the amount of research this series has taken but it is worth every moment. Yolanda was a bit too obvious for me so I can't say as I was surprised with that turn of events but even so, I still enjoyed how it was written.
This is an amazing series that just gets better with each book. I love the depth and history of each story and how they interlock with each other. I will always be #TeamJacques but I guess I can see how Taj fits into the picture. 😉
All in all, a brilliant book in a fantastic series that I most definitely recommend. Can't wait for the fourth!
* 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!
I really enjoyed both The Liars Club series and The Royal Four by Celeste Bradley, but Fallen for me wasn't quite up to the same standard. This was her first book, so maybe my expectations were too high from her later work? I missed the humour most especially. I also found that Fallen was very much more a charater driven books without a huge amount of plot going on.
The heroine, Izzy, wakes up suddenly one night to find the hero in her bed! It's a mistake, but of course in the eyes of the Ton she is a ruined woman, unless he marries her. I liked both Izzy and Julian, but there wasn't enough there to make this a truly great example of the genre. It's still a pleasant read, but Bradley's other books are better in my opinion.
The heroine, Izzy, wakes up suddenly one night to find the hero in her bed! It's a mistake, but of course in the eyes of the Ton she is a ruined woman, unless he marries her. I liked both Izzy and Julian, but there wasn't enough there to make this a truly great example of the genre. It's still a pleasant read, but Bradley's other books are better in my opinion.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Life & Death of Jorja Graham (Jorja Graham #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
(This review can be found on my blog <a href="http://themisadventuresofatwentysomething.blogspot.com/">The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl</a>).
I participated in a book blitz for The Life & Death of Jorja Graham a week or so ago. After reading the blurb and seeing a teaser, I really wanted to read this book. While is wasn't a fantastic read, it was still an alright read.
The title sounds very ominous which is another thing that made me want to read the book. It's very straight forward, and I think that suits the book just fine.
The girl on the cover, who I assume is Jorja Graham, looks a bit spooky which I love! I do sort of like the cover, but I would've liked to see the mansion which is mentioned a lot throughout the book on the cover too.
The world building was good, I thought. I found it to be believable for the most part. Towards the end, it gets a little big confusing though. I'd elaborate, but I want this to be a spoiler free review.
The pacing was a bit slow to begin with. I was starting to think I had made a mistake in buying this book. Luckily, the pacing starts picking up about thirty percent in.
The plot was alright. For about the first sixty percent or so, the book reads like a contemporary romance for the most part. However, it's like it becomes a different book for the rest of the way because it turns into more of a paranormal book. Again, I don't want to give away any spoilers, but let's just say there was a plot twist I was totally not expecting! There is a slight cliff hanger at the end of the book, and I do believe there will be another book in the series, but don't quote me on that.
I thought the character of Jorja was written really well. I instantly liked her and her charming nature. Corbin comes off as a bit of a stalker to begin with, but I eventually warmed to him and his passionate nature as well. The other minor characters were written a bit lukewarm, I felt. For example, Jorja's best friend Cat could've been written as a stronger character, but I felt that she was just a bit too bland. I would've liked to know more about her and more about hers and Jorja's friendship.
I did enjoy the dialogue, and I felt it flowed very well. I felt that maybe if this book was a bit longer and a had a bit more detail, it could've been better. There is some swearing and some violence.
All in all, The Life & Death of Jorja Graham is a decent read. The lead character is likable and the dialogue is fantastic!
I'd recommend this book to those aged 16+ who are big fans of paranormal romance.
<b>I'd give The Life & Death of Jorja Graham by Brynn Myers a 3.5 out of 5.</b>
(I bought this ebook with my own money from Amazon. I was not required to write a review).
I participated in a book blitz for The Life & Death of Jorja Graham a week or so ago. After reading the blurb and seeing a teaser, I really wanted to read this book. While is wasn't a fantastic read, it was still an alright read.
The title sounds very ominous which is another thing that made me want to read the book. It's very straight forward, and I think that suits the book just fine.
The girl on the cover, who I assume is Jorja Graham, looks a bit spooky which I love! I do sort of like the cover, but I would've liked to see the mansion which is mentioned a lot throughout the book on the cover too.
The world building was good, I thought. I found it to be believable for the most part. Towards the end, it gets a little big confusing though. I'd elaborate, but I want this to be a spoiler free review.
The pacing was a bit slow to begin with. I was starting to think I had made a mistake in buying this book. Luckily, the pacing starts picking up about thirty percent in.
The plot was alright. For about the first sixty percent or so, the book reads like a contemporary romance for the most part. However, it's like it becomes a different book for the rest of the way because it turns into more of a paranormal book. Again, I don't want to give away any spoilers, but let's just say there was a plot twist I was totally not expecting! There is a slight cliff hanger at the end of the book, and I do believe there will be another book in the series, but don't quote me on that.
I thought the character of Jorja was written really well. I instantly liked her and her charming nature. Corbin comes off as a bit of a stalker to begin with, but I eventually warmed to him and his passionate nature as well. The other minor characters were written a bit lukewarm, I felt. For example, Jorja's best friend Cat could've been written as a stronger character, but I felt that she was just a bit too bland. I would've liked to know more about her and more about hers and Jorja's friendship.
I did enjoy the dialogue, and I felt it flowed very well. I felt that maybe if this book was a bit longer and a had a bit more detail, it could've been better. There is some swearing and some violence.
All in all, The Life & Death of Jorja Graham is a decent read. The lead character is likable and the dialogue is fantastic!
I'd recommend this book to those aged 16+ who are big fans of paranormal romance.
<b>I'd give The Life & Death of Jorja Graham by Brynn Myers a 3.5 out of 5.</b>
(I bought this ebook with my own money from Amazon. I was not required to write a review).
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated DNA Demons N Angels in Books
Dec 6, 2021
When you produce a baby on you own and that is the least complicated part of the pregnancy!
Evie has a happy marriage apart from her husbands mother and grand mother calling her a devil woman everytime they see her. She then becomes pregnant the problem is her husband has had a vasectomy and that is just the start of an extremely complicated pregnancy!
I thought this book was extremely well written. It has sex scenes in it but they are gentle and not too graphic. There are also some Violent scenes but nothing too macabre just possibly a bit grim. I think the relationship between evie and lucas is gorgeous so is the relationship between evie and malisa. Its a story that is relatable with a few things I actually found myself reminiscing about the birth of my youngest child with the birth scene it was beautiful. I don't know if that's the end of Eve's story but I would deffinatly like to read more of it and I think that there could be another book to carry on the story as it doesn't feel finished.
Evie has a happy marriage apart from her husbands mother and grand mother calling her a devil woman everytime they see her. She then becomes pregnant the problem is her husband has had a vasectomy and that is just the start of an extremely complicated pregnancy!
I thought this book was extremely well written. It has sex scenes in it but they are gentle and not too graphic. There are also some Violent scenes but nothing too macabre just possibly a bit grim. I think the relationship between evie and lucas is gorgeous so is the relationship between evie and malisa. Its a story that is relatable with a few things I actually found myself reminiscing about the birth of my youngest child with the birth scene it was beautiful. I don't know if that's the end of Eve's story but I would deffinatly like to read more of it and I think that there could be another book to carry on the story as it doesn't feel finished.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Last to Die (Sheridan, #2) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I enjoyed Last to Die. I remember enjoying One Scream Away more I think, but then it was last year. The plot was very well thought out and complex, and because of that and the somewhat unclear writing style, at times I just followed along and hoped it would clear up in the end. It did, and everything was explained. I wouldn't have understood what was going on if it hadn't been for alternating the viewpoints between the protagonists and the antagonists, though.
The ending with Dani and Mitch could have been a little more, I think. It almost felt a little empty, like it was lacking some physical or mental release of tension. In fact there could have been more between Dani and Mitch the whole way through… her falling for him for the second time seemed just too easy.
All in all though, the plot was great, the writing was readable though a little confusing at times, and the characters were likeable. Dani and Mitch (ok…especially Mitch) definitely hold a place on my list as top hero's.
Content/Recommendation: language, some sex. Ages 18+
The ending with Dani and Mitch could have been a little more, I think. It almost felt a little empty, like it was lacking some physical or mental release of tension. In fact there could have been more between Dani and Mitch the whole way through… her falling for him for the second time seemed just too easy.
All in all though, the plot was great, the writing was readable though a little confusing at times, and the characters were likeable. Dani and Mitch (ok…especially Mitch) definitely hold a place on my list as top hero's.
Content/Recommendation: language, some sex. Ages 18+
Erika (17789 KP) rated The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn (2011) in Movies
Mar 20, 2020
Now... I know Herge himself chose Spielberg as the only director for Tintin before Herge passed away.
Instead of choosing to go with one adventure, or even two that were sequels/two-parts, the decision was made to mash up The Crab with the Golden Claws, and the Secret of the Unicorn. Tintin originally met Captain Haddock in the Crab with the Golden Claws (1941), not the Secret of the Unicorn (1943). Needless to say, I was completely confused. Tintin and Haddock were already friends, and Tintin bought the Unicorn as a gift... It was just bizarre to me. Why and how was that decision made? Yes, there were tons of homages to the adventures of Tintin overall, but the plot just felt all over the place.
I also did not dig the animation/mo-cap, it was very off-putting and distracting. Thank god the technology was improved in Ready Player One.
I think I was expecting too much. I wouldn't be remotely interested in a sequel for this. Maybe Spielberg will try it again? It would work better as a television series anyway, you've got 23 complete adventures, the stories need another chance.
Instead of choosing to go with one adventure, or even two that were sequels/two-parts, the decision was made to mash up The Crab with the Golden Claws, and the Secret of the Unicorn. Tintin originally met Captain Haddock in the Crab with the Golden Claws (1941), not the Secret of the Unicorn (1943). Needless to say, I was completely confused. Tintin and Haddock were already friends, and Tintin bought the Unicorn as a gift... It was just bizarre to me. Why and how was that decision made? Yes, there were tons of homages to the adventures of Tintin overall, but the plot just felt all over the place.
I also did not dig the animation/mo-cap, it was very off-putting and distracting. Thank god the technology was improved in Ready Player One.
I think I was expecting too much. I wouldn't be remotely interested in a sequel for this. Maybe Spielberg will try it again? It would work better as a television series anyway, you've got 23 complete adventures, the stories need another chance.