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Erika (17789 KP) rated Annihilation (2018) in Movies
Feb 25, 2018 (Updated Feb 25, 2018)
I don't know what I was expecting out of this film. I'm on a very long wait list to borrow the book from the library. As always, I'm sure the book is probably better, but I'll have to wait to make that judgment.
So, Alex Garland's Ex Machina was my favorite movie of 2014, so I was expecting a lot from the director. Again, I'm not familiar with the source material, so I'm not sure how well it was, or wasn't translated. The story was interesting, but there was a lot of tense silence. Yeah, it worked in the movie, Drive, but I don't think it worked here. The visuals were stunning, so it was interesting to watch from that aspect.
Now, the cast... I'm not sure how/why Jennifer Jason Leigh gets roles, because she is not a great actress (sorry, not sorry). Oscar Isaac was completely wasted. Tessa Thompson's character... she had glasses, so she must be smart??
The only interesting part of the movie, where any sort of tension was present, was the end in the lighthouse. Whatever that was... It gave me Pale Man vibes (see Pan's Labyrinth) vibes, which completely and totally freaked me out. I have serious heebie-jeebies after that, and even right at this moment...
Overall, it was an alright scifi movie, but, I'm glad I have moviepass so I legit didn't pay for it.
So, Alex Garland's Ex Machina was my favorite movie of 2014, so I was expecting a lot from the director. Again, I'm not familiar with the source material, so I'm not sure how well it was, or wasn't translated. The story was interesting, but there was a lot of tense silence. Yeah, it worked in the movie, Drive, but I don't think it worked here. The visuals were stunning, so it was interesting to watch from that aspect.
Now, the cast... I'm not sure how/why Jennifer Jason Leigh gets roles, because she is not a great actress (sorry, not sorry). Oscar Isaac was completely wasted. Tessa Thompson's character... she had glasses, so she must be smart??
The only interesting part of the movie, where any sort of tension was present, was the end in the lighthouse. Whatever that was... It gave me Pale Man vibes (see Pan's Labyrinth) vibes, which completely and totally freaked me out. I have serious heebie-jeebies after that, and even right at this moment...
Overall, it was an alright scifi movie, but, I'm glad I have moviepass so I legit didn't pay for it.
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated The Overseer in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I never had any interest in reading the Da Vinci Code, and if I'd heard about this, I might not have been interested in it, either. But somehow I picked up a damaged copy of it, and got terribly interested but it was in such bad shape that there was no way to go on reading. I found that I had to request it from the library, and as soon as it arrived I started over at the beginning. I've read it in chunks since then.
If I'd read this book when it was first released, back in 1998, I'm sure it would have been much more chilling. It was quite effective, even in 2011. I can easily remember the public figures who are echoed in Rabb's books - there are certainly similar ones in the news every day right now (some of them the same ones!)
I did, however, enjoy The Overseer for what it was. I didn't find myself chafing at the flaws other reviewers here have mentioned. Yes, government agents in such thrillers have to be nearly superhuman, and the protagonist, in order to survive, has to learn new rules very quickly. But the reader also has to suspend her disbelief, or she has no business reading such things. If the hero is an idiot, I'll accept that he's a slow learner and likely to die - but then he wouldn't be the hero, would he?
All in all, a decent read if you enjoy thrillers.
If I'd read this book when it was first released, back in 1998, I'm sure it would have been much more chilling. It was quite effective, even in 2011. I can easily remember the public figures who are echoed in Rabb's books - there are certainly similar ones in the news every day right now (some of them the same ones!)
I did, however, enjoy The Overseer for what it was. I didn't find myself chafing at the flaws other reviewers here have mentioned. Yes, government agents in such thrillers have to be nearly superhuman, and the protagonist, in order to survive, has to learn new rules very quickly. But the reader also has to suspend her disbelief, or she has no business reading such things. If the hero is an idiot, I'll accept that he's a slow learner and likely to die - but then he wouldn't be the hero, would he?
All in all, a decent read if you enjoy thrillers.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Hedy's Journey: The True Story of a Hungarian Girl Fleeing the Holocaust in Books
Jun 16, 2018
Hedy's Journey by Michelle Bisson is a horrific, true story about a Hungarian Jewish girl named Hedy who had to travel through Germany during the Holocaust in search of safety. She takes a portion of the journey to America alone, as she is required to separate from her parents.
She and her family suffered through trials and tribulations on the unpredictable journey. Plans often changed, and she had no choice but to be brave. Follow along in the story to learn there destination and future.
The author, Michelle Bisson, is Hedy's daughter. She tells the story of Hedy's (Hungarian Jewish) journey to safety, from the Nazis to the US. The story is sort of passing of the baton. Someone has to continue to tell their stories, history in its worst manifestation, and I appreciated the effort of this daughter. The story is told with extreme delicacy and the designs convey this emotion. I truly appreciate that she has taken the story about her mother's experience and offered it to others so that they can retain this piece of history that is so essential to children's education. In addition, I appreciated the author mentioning that it wasn't just Jews who were persecuted.
The book also contains lots of photographs of Hedy and her family as well as a timeline of events. This book is one I believe should be integral to children's curriculums and should be in every library.
She and her family suffered through trials and tribulations on the unpredictable journey. Plans often changed, and she had no choice but to be brave. Follow along in the story to learn there destination and future.
The author, Michelle Bisson, is Hedy's daughter. She tells the story of Hedy's (Hungarian Jewish) journey to safety, from the Nazis to the US. The story is sort of passing of the baton. Someone has to continue to tell their stories, history in its worst manifestation, and I appreciated the effort of this daughter. The story is told with extreme delicacy and the designs convey this emotion. I truly appreciate that she has taken the story about her mother's experience and offered it to others so that they can retain this piece of history that is so essential to children's education. In addition, I appreciated the author mentioning that it wasn't just Jews who were persecuted.
The book also contains lots of photographs of Hedy and her family as well as a timeline of events. This book is one I believe should be integral to children's curriculums and should be in every library.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Beat Depression Fast: 10 Steps to a Happier You Using Positive Psychology in Books
Nov 14, 2018
3.5 stars
As I have mentioned before in another review I find it difficult to rate self help books. The reason for this is because I cannot state if the activities within these pages will actually work. Recovery from depression is a very long journey, longer than this book takes to read and so I can't really comment on if these theories work as I'm yet to delve deeper. I was struggling between 3 stars and 4 stars so I settled with a 3.5. Some of the terminology was a bit much to understand in places and I thought there was perhaps a bit too much repetition, also there were a couple mistakes which could actually offend some people. On the other hand, this book was filled with some great information. I have read a fair few self help books on depression and so I was surprised to come across some new information I didn't already know. I was able to discover more ways in which depression can take hold and actually found out I drastically need to change my diet...I never really thought about it before but after doing one of the exercises I discovered how poor my diet actually is. The meditation parts in this book were ok, easy to follow and understand but I'm yet to know if they will work. The journey of recovery will continue long after this book is returned to the library.
As I have mentioned before in another review I find it difficult to rate self help books. The reason for this is because I cannot state if the activities within these pages will actually work. Recovery from depression is a very long journey, longer than this book takes to read and so I can't really comment on if these theories work as I'm yet to delve deeper. I was struggling between 3 stars and 4 stars so I settled with a 3.5. Some of the terminology was a bit much to understand in places and I thought there was perhaps a bit too much repetition, also there were a couple mistakes which could actually offend some people. On the other hand, this book was filled with some great information. I have read a fair few self help books on depression and so I was surprised to come across some new information I didn't already know. I was able to discover more ways in which depression can take hold and actually found out I drastically need to change my diet...I never really thought about it before but after doing one of the exercises I discovered how poor my diet actually is. The meditation parts in this book were ok, easy to follow and understand but I'm yet to know if they will work. The journey of recovery will continue long after this book is returned to the library.
Not bad, but lacking anything special
I picked this from the library the other day, and I was shocked to see it was a novella. I’d been so looking forward to the latest King novel, and was a little disappointed to see this only stretched to a meagre 132 pages. It’s a shame too that the story itself is also a bit of a disappointment.
King has written some brilliant short stories in his time, so once I realised Elevation was a novella, I’d been expecting another thrilling story. Sadly whilst being a decent quick read, this doesn’t have all of the usual King magic. Characters are King’s speciality and it’s fair to say that the characters in this are fairly likeable and well developed for such a short story. And usual, his writing style is impeccable. The problem is that the story is detailed, just not anywhere near detailed enough and the plot is quite weak. You probably couldn’t stretch this out for a full length novel, but that’s because the plot itself is just a bit dull and lacklustre. It reminds me a lot of a slightly different take on Thinner, which is worrying - is King starting to lose his originality?
This isn’t a terrible novella by any means. You can still see King’s captivating story telling shining through, it’s just a shame it’s a very weak plot that doesn’t live up to his talent.
King has written some brilliant short stories in his time, so once I realised Elevation was a novella, I’d been expecting another thrilling story. Sadly whilst being a decent quick read, this doesn’t have all of the usual King magic. Characters are King’s speciality and it’s fair to say that the characters in this are fairly likeable and well developed for such a short story. And usual, his writing style is impeccable. The problem is that the story is detailed, just not anywhere near detailed enough and the plot is quite weak. You probably couldn’t stretch this out for a full length novel, but that’s because the plot itself is just a bit dull and lacklustre. It reminds me a lot of a slightly different take on Thinner, which is worrying - is King starting to lose his originality?
This isn’t a terrible novella by any means. You can still see King’s captivating story telling shining through, it’s just a shame it’s a very weak plot that doesn’t live up to his talent.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Heartless in Books
Jan 2, 2019
Heartless is WAAAAAY different than Marissa's Lunar Chronicles. Different style, different feel...But just as spectacular! Set in the land of Hearts, before Alice ever came through the looking glass...We meet all our favorite (and maybe not so favorite) Wonderland characters in a way that we have never seen them before. I absolutely LOVE getting glimpses into the lives of well known characters...BEFORE the story starts.
Personally, this is my FAVORITE story about the Queen of Hearts that I have encountered. Romance, suspense, heartbreak...this is a thrilling tale that you won't want to put down. And even though we know who she becomes in the end...You can't help hoping that the story will end differently...Because your heart breaks for Cath and Jest. Marissa has painted a character that I want to love...That I want to cheer for...
If you love fairytales with happy endings that are all cupcakes and rainbows...This is probably not going to suit your style. But if you are like me, meaning you are a glutton for punishment and read books back to back that rip your heart apart and cause the river of emotions to flow in a torrential downpour. Then THIS is definitely the book for you!
I received a complimentary print copy of Heartless. I borrowed the audio version from my local library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Personally, this is my FAVORITE story about the Queen of Hearts that I have encountered. Romance, suspense, heartbreak...this is a thrilling tale that you won't want to put down. And even though we know who she becomes in the end...You can't help hoping that the story will end differently...Because your heart breaks for Cath and Jest. Marissa has painted a character that I want to love...That I want to cheer for...
If you love fairytales with happy endings that are all cupcakes and rainbows...This is probably not going to suit your style. But if you are like me, meaning you are a glutton for punishment and read books back to back that rip your heart apart and cause the river of emotions to flow in a torrential downpour. Then THIS is definitely the book for you!
I received a complimentary print copy of Heartless. I borrowed the audio version from my local library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2510 KP) rated Book, Line, and Sinker in Books
Jun 23, 2019
This Book is Not a Stinker, and That’s Not a Line to Hook You
Treasure hunters have come to town, certain they have a map to Captain Kidd’s treasure that he buried off the coast of Briar Creek, Connecticut. Their presence quickly divides the town, with the library that Lindsay Norris runs becoming ground zero for some of the fights. However, when the tension leads to a dead body at the dig site, several of her friends become suspects. Naturally, Lindsay begins looking for a clue that might point the police in a different direction. Can she dig up the correct X to mark the killer?
I completely enjoyed this book. The plot is a little different for a cozy mystery, but in this case that was a good thing. Just adjust your expectations accordingly, but you will be satisfied when you turn the final page. Lindsay’s love life gets complicated when her ex-fiance shows up, but I enjoyed seeing how that storyline played out, and I felt it allowed us to get to know Lindsay better. The characters are as charming as always; I’m especially pleased to see that Lindsay’s relationship with the police is already changing for the better. We get some extras, thanks to the crafternoon group, including discussion questions for The Great Gatsby, a cross stitch pattern, and two recipes. I may be behind in this series, but I am certainly enjoying catching up.
I completely enjoyed this book. The plot is a little different for a cozy mystery, but in this case that was a good thing. Just adjust your expectations accordingly, but you will be satisfied when you turn the final page. Lindsay’s love life gets complicated when her ex-fiance shows up, but I enjoyed seeing how that storyline played out, and I felt it allowed us to get to know Lindsay better. The characters are as charming as always; I’m especially pleased to see that Lindsay’s relationship with the police is already changing for the better. We get some extras, thanks to the crafternoon group, including discussion questions for The Great Gatsby, a cross stitch pattern, and two recipes. I may be behind in this series, but I am certainly enjoying catching up.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Thief of Hearts (Hearts, #5) in Books
Jan 9, 2020
This has been borrowed from the Kindle Unlimited library.
I read the previous books in this series a while ago now and gave all of them 4.5 stars but one, which is a rare thing for me to do.
This is Stu's story, Lee's brother from the previous book. He's just been released from prison and has enrolled in an adult class where Andrea is teaching at the local college. There's an instant attraction between them but Andrea fights it as Stu is her student. Stu flirts with her continuously and before long feelings begin to emerge. It turns out all is not as it seems.
I won't go into too much detail as it will ruin the story but I did enjoy this. I grew to really like Stu but he did deceive Andrea a bit. He made up for it big time and, through Andreas teaching and her just being a really supportive, caring person, he started to believe in himself and that he could do better than being a thief.
That epilogue had me smiling like a lunatic. Alfie is a bit of a genius!
This hasn't been my favourite of the series but I have enjoyed seeing more of the Cross clan, and I'm looking forward to reading Trevor's story next. I have One Epic Night as a freebie from the author which is a prequel to the sixth book in this series and I will be reading it next.
I read the previous books in this series a while ago now and gave all of them 4.5 stars but one, which is a rare thing for me to do.
This is Stu's story, Lee's brother from the previous book. He's just been released from prison and has enrolled in an adult class where Andrea is teaching at the local college. There's an instant attraction between them but Andrea fights it as Stu is her student. Stu flirts with her continuously and before long feelings begin to emerge. It turns out all is not as it seems.
I won't go into too much detail as it will ruin the story but I did enjoy this. I grew to really like Stu but he did deceive Andrea a bit. He made up for it big time and, through Andreas teaching and her just being a really supportive, caring person, he started to believe in himself and that he could do better than being a thief.
That epilogue had me smiling like a lunatic. Alfie is a bit of a genius!
This hasn't been my favourite of the series but I have enjoyed seeing more of the Cross clan, and I'm looking forward to reading Trevor's story next. I have One Epic Night as a freebie from the author which is a prequel to the sixth book in this series and I will be reading it next.
Ronnie (304 KP) rated Hollow City: The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine's Children in Books
Mar 2, 2020
setting (1 more)
characters
so visibly you feel as though you are there
After their loop is raided and Miss Peregrine is captured, the children flee to London, chasing after their only hope of getting her back. Throughout the journey, relationships are tested, enemies are defeated, and new friends are made. Dangerous hide around every corner and Jacob must make a life altering decision about his love for Emma.
Throughout the book Riggs once again manages to weave a story so intriguing you can’t put it down and describes scenes so visibly you feel as though you are there. I loved this book, more than the first. Having different settings made the book very interesting and enjoyable for me and I loved how, no matter how dark the story was, there is still comedy woven through the book. I also loved that new characters were added into this book, adding another dimension. It was also amazing to watch Jacob grow more comfortable and confident with his peculiarity. The only negative thing I have to say about the book is that I don’t like Emma and Jacob’s relationship. I often forget about it and the whole thing seems uncomfortable and unnecessary, only being used when it’s convenient. Another reason the relationship didn’t sit well with me because Emma used to be with Jacob’s grandad, so the whole relationship feels a bit wrong to me. Despite this, I still loved the book and can’t wait to start reading ‘Library Of Souls’.
Throughout the book Riggs once again manages to weave a story so intriguing you can’t put it down and describes scenes so visibly you feel as though you are there. I loved this book, more than the first. Having different settings made the book very interesting and enjoyable for me and I loved how, no matter how dark the story was, there is still comedy woven through the book. I also loved that new characters were added into this book, adding another dimension. It was also amazing to watch Jacob grow more comfortable and confident with his peculiarity. The only negative thing I have to say about the book is that I don’t like Emma and Jacob’s relationship. I often forget about it and the whole thing seems uncomfortable and unnecessary, only being used when it’s convenient. Another reason the relationship didn’t sit well with me because Emma used to be with Jacob’s grandad, so the whole relationship feels a bit wrong to me. Despite this, I still loved the book and can’t wait to start reading ‘Library Of Souls’.
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