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Kitteh Kat (4 KP) rated The Perks of Being a Wallflower in Books
Jun 22, 2017
Plot (3 more)
Characters
The ending
Descriptive language
Immersive and powerful
This book has been sat on my shelves since September, just waiting for the right moment to be read.
An increasingly powerful book that focuses on the life of outcast high school students that are relatable but not overshadowed by popular teenagers.
Grappling with love; loss and life, a teenager writes letters to a stranger (possibly considered to be the reader) explaining his life and his struggles with starting high school and all the aspects that can come along with it - falling in love, making friends, experimenting with drugs/alcohol/sexuality- as well as a multitude of family issues.
The end of the book is revealing and intense and leaves the reader considering the moral behind the book.
My personal opinion is that I would have loves the story to be longer, as I finished it within an evening and for character introductions to be more stable or descriptive.
An increasingly powerful book that focuses on the life of outcast high school students that are relatable but not overshadowed by popular teenagers.
Grappling with love; loss and life, a teenager writes letters to a stranger (possibly considered to be the reader) explaining his life and his struggles with starting high school and all the aspects that can come along with it - falling in love, making friends, experimenting with drugs/alcohol/sexuality- as well as a multitude of family issues.
The end of the book is revealing and intense and leaves the reader considering the moral behind the book.
My personal opinion is that I would have loves the story to be longer, as I finished it within an evening and for character introductions to be more stable or descriptive.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Lincoln in the Bardo in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Epic modern Shakespearean tragedy
Listened on Audible.co.uk.
George Saunder's epic historical and existential tragedy seems to resonate on many levels with a variety of readers. Taking the real life account of the death of Abraham Lincoln's son, exploring his grief and creating a magical realistic theatrical piece is a true wonder.
It's a listening experience for all the senses, with the beautiful music and sounds of the Civil War, as well as a host of well known voices - it's haunting in many aspects. The language is rich and variable mixing Shakespearean dialogue with modern slang.
Where it falls short are the constant breaks in the novel through footnotes describing the actual factual account of that time. It is jarring and ruins the experience - it should be left to the end and is only valid when reading. In this case Saunders sounds timid, having to constantly back up his claims. It would have been five stars, but it happened too often.
George Saunder's epic historical and existential tragedy seems to resonate on many levels with a variety of readers. Taking the real life account of the death of Abraham Lincoln's son, exploring his grief and creating a magical realistic theatrical piece is a true wonder.
It's a listening experience for all the senses, with the beautiful music and sounds of the Civil War, as well as a host of well known voices - it's haunting in many aspects. The language is rich and variable mixing Shakespearean dialogue with modern slang.
Where it falls short are the constant breaks in the novel through footnotes describing the actual factual account of that time. It is jarring and ruins the experience - it should be left to the end and is only valid when reading. In this case Saunders sounds timid, having to constantly back up his claims. It would have been five stars, but it happened too often.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Hour of Dust and Ashes (Charlie Madigan, #3) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I've been anxiously awaiting the release of this book since the second one came out last August. I love this series! The tension starts at the very beginning and follows through the entire book, to the last page. I love the characters (Charlie is my hero) and I was furious about what happened at the end (in a good way. I have to read the next book now!).
I will say I wished I'd read the other two again before reading this one. I didn't forget too much, but there were a few little things were I was thinking "Okay I remember something about that, but no details." I would certainly recommend reading them closer together than one year.
If you liked the first two Charlie Madigan books, you'll love this one. Lots of loose ends were tied up, doors were opened, and secrets were revealed. I loved it!
Content/Recommendation: Some language, no sex. Ages 17+
I will say I wished I'd read the other two again before reading this one. I didn't forget too much, but there were a few little things were I was thinking "Okay I remember something about that, but no details." I would certainly recommend reading them closer together than one year.
If you liked the first two Charlie Madigan books, you'll love this one. Lots of loose ends were tied up, doors were opened, and secrets were revealed. I loved it!
Content/Recommendation: Some language, no sex. Ages 17+
Jennifer Daniell (108 KP) rated A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea in Books
Apr 10, 2018
Devastating. Heartbreaking. Sickening. And POWERFUL. I wish everyone would take the time to read about Doaa, or any refugee so that they can see just what it is that is happening. Why we MUST take these people into our country, our lives, and our homes. To be able to stop seeing them only as their religion, and instead for their humanity, their souls.
I do have to say that the author did Doaa somewhat of an injustice by being the one to tell her tale. I don't know why, but there seemed to be such a disconnect from the writer to the story, it felt very...matter of fact. Perhaps because of the language barrier or maybe because the author isn't an author by trade. Whatever it is, I suppose, is of little relevance as long as Doaa's story is heard, and because in the end their meeting led to the reuniting of a deserving family; safe, if not sound.
I do have to say that the author did Doaa somewhat of an injustice by being the one to tell her tale. I don't know why, but there seemed to be such a disconnect from the writer to the story, it felt very...matter of fact. Perhaps because of the language barrier or maybe because the author isn't an author by trade. Whatever it is, I suppose, is of little relevance as long as Doaa's story is heard, and because in the end their meeting led to the reuniting of a deserving family; safe, if not sound.
Rache (174 KP) rated True Crime Garage in Podcasts
Feb 17, 2019
Good research (3 more)
In depth discussions
Beer reviews
Chemistry of the hosts
Grab a Chair, Grab a Beer...
Nic provides some fantastically in-depth research into a lot of the cases you know, and many that you've never heard of. And where it's a case you know? Nic will find something you didn't.
The stories are told in a relatively somber way, but not depressing or too clinical - it almost feels like sitting and listening in on a couple of friends who are discussing cases they know over a beer.
There is occasional foul language, but it's usually for good reason, and Nic and The Captain have a good chemistry as hosts.
The only flaw in this fantastic podcast is very occasional comments that may appear to be derogatory or misogynistic. While this is unlikely to be the intent, as both Nic and The Captain seem to have respect for most, it can occasionally be a little jaring.
The stories are told in a relatively somber way, but not depressing or too clinical - it almost feels like sitting and listening in on a couple of friends who are discussing cases they know over a beer.
There is occasional foul language, but it's usually for good reason, and Nic and The Captain have a good chemistry as hosts.
The only flaw in this fantastic podcast is very occasional comments that may appear to be derogatory or misogynistic. While this is unlikely to be the intent, as both Nic and The Captain seem to have respect for most, it can occasionally be a little jaring.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Everybody Knows (Todos Lo Saben) (2018) in Movies
Mar 12, 2019 (Updated Mar 12, 2019)
Spanish-language Euro-drama from Iranian director Asghar Farhadi is about as odd a fish as you might expect. Family wedding is going well until Penelope Cruz's daughter is kidnapped; much stressed is placed on everyone involved and their relationships, causing secrets to bubble to the surface in an unwelcome (to say the least) manner.
The thriller elements are definitely a bit of a red herring, as for much of the film the plight of the missing girl seems to get rather forgotten about while everyone sits or stands around articulating their personal baggage and unfinished emotional business. It does get a bit slow and talky (I believe I dozed off for a few moments), but the performances are meaty, involving ones with Cruz and Bardem showing every bit of their star quality and acting ability. Too well-scripted to really qualify as a melodrama, but certainly slices itself a thick slab of theatrical ham; performances make it a worthwhile watch.
The thriller elements are definitely a bit of a red herring, as for much of the film the plight of the missing girl seems to get rather forgotten about while everyone sits or stands around articulating their personal baggage and unfinished emotional business. It does get a bit slow and talky (I believe I dozed off for a few moments), but the performances are meaty, involving ones with Cruz and Bardem showing every bit of their star quality and acting ability. Too well-scripted to really qualify as a melodrama, but certainly slices itself a thick slab of theatrical ham; performances make it a worthwhile watch.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Lion (2016) in Movies
May 14, 2019
Based-on-a-true-story drama transcends the fact it looks rather like a big long advert for Google Earth and becomes something genuinely moving. A five year old child gets on the wrong train one night in India, and finds himself in a strange city hundreds of miles away, unable to speak the local language. After various hair-raising experiences he is adopted by a nice couple from Tasmania. Many years later, and apparently settled in his new life, he finds the urge to find his home still lingers...
Definitely a film of two halves, with the second one being a bit more internal and short on actual incident - nevertheless, strong performances from the cast keep this very involving and watchable. Covers a lot of the same ground as Slumdog Millionaire, but puts its own spin on it; the climax is honestly rather affecting. Probably won't rock your world but still a well-made movie.
Definitely a film of two halves, with the second one being a bit more internal and short on actual incident - nevertheless, strong performances from the cast keep this very involving and watchable. Covers a lot of the same ground as Slumdog Millionaire, but puts its own spin on it; the climax is honestly rather affecting. Probably won't rock your world but still a well-made movie.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated To the Duke, with Love (The Rakes of St. James, #2) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Despite being the second in the series, you dont need to read the first to enjoy this novel.
Overall, the novel wasnt terrible. I am not a fan of insta-lust nor people contradicting their morals with their actions. While there was chemistry between the leads, the insta-lust factor put me off. The erotic scenes were also a bit tame for my tastes. Filled with innuendos instead of being straightforward, I feel the erotic scenes would be more suited for someone who is put off but more vulgar language.
I also wasnt a fan of the authors writing style in general. Some part seems too long, dragging out unnecessarily or was just too flowery.
Bottom line, this is a historical romance meant for those who want a tamer historical romance. Honestly, it reminds of the novels that my grandma used to read, like Kathleen Woodiwiss and older Jude Deveraux.
Overall, the novel wasnt terrible. I am not a fan of insta-lust nor people contradicting their morals with their actions. While there was chemistry between the leads, the insta-lust factor put me off. The erotic scenes were also a bit tame for my tastes. Filled with innuendos instead of being straightforward, I feel the erotic scenes would be more suited for someone who is put off but more vulgar language.
I also wasnt a fan of the authors writing style in general. Some part seems too long, dragging out unnecessarily or was just too flowery.
Bottom line, this is a historical romance meant for those who want a tamer historical romance. Honestly, it reminds of the novels that my grandma used to read, like Kathleen Woodiwiss and older Jude Deveraux.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2464 KP) rated Zero-Degree Murder (Search and Rescue Mystery #1) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
When four hikers go missing on a mountain on Thanksgiving Day, Gracie Kinkaid is one of the only people to respond. She and her search partner quickly find one of the hikers, famous actor Rob Christian, but he’s injured. While they wait for help, a snow storm is coming in. What they don’t know is that someone is hunting for them on the mountain – to kill them.
Despite being published by Berkley Prime Crime, this is more a thriller than a cozy, with language and violence to go along with that. The pacing of the plot was uneven, with parts there were page turning and passages that were slow and even predictable. The characters were also not as complex as I would have liked. It wasn’t a bad book, but it also could have been better.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-review-zero-degree-murder-by-m-l.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Despite being published by Berkley Prime Crime, this is more a thriller than a cozy, with language and violence to go along with that. The pacing of the plot was uneven, with parts there were page turning and passages that were slow and even predictable. The characters were also not as complex as I would have liked. It wasn’t a bad book, but it also could have been better.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-review-zero-degree-murder-by-m-l.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2464 KP) rated Sunset Express (Elvis Cole, #6) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are hired by the Big Green Defense Machine to help find evidence that Jonathan Green’s latest client is indeed innocent of killing his wife. However, Cole soon begins to suspect that not everything is as it appears in this case. Can he find the truth? Or has he been played?
This is definitely one of the stronger entries in the series with an intriguing mystery that twists and turns until we reach a non- dues ex machina ending. We get some appearances by characters introduced in earlier books, which is quite fun. Things do slow down at one point, and there is one mostly pointless scene designed to increase the foul language content in the book (not that it was ever an issue). Still, this is the strongest in the series yet.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-sunset-express-by-robert.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is definitely one of the stronger entries in the series with an intriguing mystery that twists and turns until we reach a non- dues ex machina ending. We get some appearances by characters introduced in earlier books, which is quite fun. Things do slow down at one point, and there is one mostly pointless scene designed to increase the foul language content in the book (not that it was ever an issue). Still, this is the strongest in the series yet.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-sunset-express-by-robert.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.