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Emily (6 KP) rated Stay a Little Longer in Books
May 20, 2019
I really liked this book. It felt real, not because of the events - a series of coincidences leading Elan and Caty back to each other again and again. No, the book felt real because of how the characters felt about the events.
I've been in a sort-of long distance relationship and a lot of the feelings, worries, concerns, about starting one felt incredibly real and emotional. I read this whole book with my boyfriend in the back of my mind, despite the fact our story and that of Caty and Elan aren't really that similar.
The way these characters felt about each other, however, was. I even highlighted one line, which I never do, because it resonated with me so much - "I'd been counting wrong the whole time". When you only have a small amount of time with someone, a little change in plans can feel incredibly jarring. I loved how Elan and Caty's relationship developed. The section of texts was beautiful, showing simple conversations that people who can't see each other have. It was a lovely way of developing the relationship and the characters, quickly but naturally.
Overall this book was very emotional to read, hit close to home, felt realistic, and I would definitely read other books by this author.
I've been in a sort-of long distance relationship and a lot of the feelings, worries, concerns, about starting one felt incredibly real and emotional. I read this whole book with my boyfriend in the back of my mind, despite the fact our story and that of Caty and Elan aren't really that similar.
The way these characters felt about each other, however, was. I even highlighted one line, which I never do, because it resonated with me so much - "I'd been counting wrong the whole time". When you only have a small amount of time with someone, a little change in plans can feel incredibly jarring. I loved how Elan and Caty's relationship developed. The section of texts was beautiful, showing simple conversations that people who can't see each other have. It was a lovely way of developing the relationship and the characters, quickly but naturally.
Overall this book was very emotional to read, hit close to home, felt realistic, and I would definitely read other books by this author.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Changing Habits in Books
Jan 26, 2019
Transitional Short Story
It's a week before Giulia Falcone's wedding to Frank Driscoll, her former boss and soon to be partner in Driscoll Investigations, and she has a few last-minute things to take care of. You know, typical details for the week before the wedding like getting the wedding favors together, finding a wedding dress, and figure out who is switching the valuable items in various churches in the area for cheap fakes. Nothing major, right? When the latest theft hits close to home, Giulia is determined to find the guilty party. Can she handle everything?
This short story was written to bridge the transition as Giulia switched publishers. It packs quite a bit into the story, but handles it all in an entertaining way. The story doesn't have quite the twists and turns of a novel, but it entertained me for the hour it took me to read it. Likewise, the characters don't show us any hidden depths, but we still get to enjoy time spent with them. Since I love this cast of characters, I was glad for that chance. Plus there are a few laughs along the way. Long time fans will enjoy this story, and those who jump in here will be left wanting to spend even more time with Giulia.
This short story was written to bridge the transition as Giulia switched publishers. It packs quite a bit into the story, but handles it all in an entertaining way. The story doesn't have quite the twists and turns of a novel, but it entertained me for the hour it took me to read it. Likewise, the characters don't show us any hidden depths, but we still get to enjoy time spent with them. Since I love this cast of characters, I was glad for that chance. Plus there are a few laughs along the way. Long time fans will enjoy this story, and those who jump in here will be left wanting to spend even more time with Giulia.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Creeper (Brennan and Esposito #2) in Books
Jul 21, 2021
113 of 260
Book
The Creeper ( Brennan & Esposito book 2)
By Tania Carver
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Suzanne Perry is having a vivid nightmare. Someone is in her bedroom, touching her, and she can't move a muscle. She wakes, relieved to put the nightmare behind her, but when she opens the curtains, she sees a polaroid stuck to the window. A photo of her sleeping self, taken during the night. And underneath the words: 'I'm watching over you'. Her nightmare isn't over. In fact, it's just beginning. Detective Inspector Phil Brennan of the Major Incident Squad has a killer to hunt. A killer who stalks young women, insinuates himself into their lives, and ultimately tortures and murders them in the most shocking way possible. But the more Phil investigates, the more he delves into the twisted psychology of his quarry, Phil realises that it isn't just a serial killer he's hunting but something ? or someone ? infinitely more calculating and horrific. And much closer to home than he realised ...
I didn’t think they could follow up from The Surrogate but they did! I loved this the authors have this crazy way of playing on those fears. The characters are well thought out and executed. This book didn’t take long as I just devoured it. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
Book
The Creeper ( Brennan & Esposito book 2)
By Tania Carver
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Suzanne Perry is having a vivid nightmare. Someone is in her bedroom, touching her, and she can't move a muscle. She wakes, relieved to put the nightmare behind her, but when she opens the curtains, she sees a polaroid stuck to the window. A photo of her sleeping self, taken during the night. And underneath the words: 'I'm watching over you'. Her nightmare isn't over. In fact, it's just beginning. Detective Inspector Phil Brennan of the Major Incident Squad has a killer to hunt. A killer who stalks young women, insinuates himself into their lives, and ultimately tortures and murders them in the most shocking way possible. But the more Phil investigates, the more he delves into the twisted psychology of his quarry, Phil realises that it isn't just a serial killer he's hunting but something ? or someone ? infinitely more calculating and horrific. And much closer to home than he realised ...
I didn’t think they could follow up from The Surrogate but they did! I loved this the authors have this crazy way of playing on those fears. The characters are well thought out and executed. This book didn’t take long as I just devoured it. Can’t wait to see what comes next!
Tim McGuire (301 KP) rated Ad Astra (2019) in Movies
Sep 27, 2019
Space, its deep man!
356. Ad Astra. BRAAAD PIIITTTT'S INNNN SPPPAAACCCCEEEEE. Anyone? Anyone? I'm old. Anyways, so a pretty awesome space adventure flick, that's not really about a space adventure. There's messages in there man, like if humans start living in space, it will eventually be covered in billboards and fought over for resources just like home, and of course the overall message of... Well you have to see it. Back to the space adventure part. The future, man has ventured out into the solar system, and now that solar system is being smacked upside the head with a surge of energy causing all kinds of death and destruction, and it looks like its all stemming from the Lima project, headed by Clifford McBride, who's way out there in the outer solar system searching for life. So the people in charge send his son Roy McBride, another genius astronaut to find out what happened out there. On the way to set up a long distance call to his dad from Mars, Roy fights space pirates on the moon, starved baboons on a abandoned research facility, even secretly stows away aboard a spaceship to commander it to go save daddy!! And in the end, Roy may find some answers he was looking for! Definitely worth a watch in IMAX!! Filmbufftim on FB.
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
Book
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian meets Jane the Virgin in this poignant but often...
Young adult social issues
Uncommon Friends: Keeping Chickens the Animal Lovers’ Way
Book
Ask not what your chickens can do for you; ask what you can do for your chickens. Gone are the...
chickens non-fiction home and garden
Don't Come Crying Home: A Boy's Life in Dr Barnardo's Homes
Book
At age two, one December day in 1943, Eric is handed over to a stranger, the Reverend Brightman. The...
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated A Quiet Kind of Thunder in Books
Feb 18, 2019
Quintessential British coming of age
‘He can’t hear, she doesn’t speak but they understand one another perfectly’
That’s the strap line on this book and it blew me away like I find the best YA can. This was one of the most relatable YAs I’ve read in a long time (I work with this age group and that’s why I find it relateable...I know I’m not 18). I think some of this was down to the fact it was quintessentially British and not American and I loved sense of home in this book.
Steffi was a carefully crafted complex and refreshing character. I ‘got’ her, I admired her and wanted her to thrive in whatever way was right for her. Rhys was bloody adorable and flawed and adorable. Did I say adorable? *shrugs* The story of these two was a absorbing delight to read but it was real.
I devoured this book quickly. I slipped into this seamless writing with ease and I’m genuinely sorry it’s over. I will be reading more from Sara Barnard, she rocked this age range so good.
That’s the strap line on this book and it blew me away like I find the best YA can. This was one of the most relatable YAs I’ve read in a long time (I work with this age group and that’s why I find it relateable...I know I’m not 18). I think some of this was down to the fact it was quintessentially British and not American and I loved sense of home in this book.
Steffi was a carefully crafted complex and refreshing character. I ‘got’ her, I admired her and wanted her to thrive in whatever way was right for her. Rhys was bloody adorable and flawed and adorable. Did I say adorable? *shrugs* The story of these two was a absorbing delight to read but it was real.
I devoured this book quickly. I slipped into this seamless writing with ease and I’m genuinely sorry it’s over. I will be reading more from Sara Barnard, she rocked this age range so good.
Gail (4 KP) rated A Sadness Within in Books
Jun 4, 2018
This story is a new beat on an old tune. The story follows Will and Julia and their journey on finding the light in life even when all you hold dear is taken away. Will is living on the dark side. He doesn’t care who he hurts he lives for the next drop of fresh blood. Julia has lost her whole family and everyone is just waiting for her to explode. They meet when Celia Will's sister begs him to come home.
At times this book was very long winded. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. I felt that a lot of the conversations were unnecessary. It was very slow and when the climax happened I wasn’t excited.
With that being said I gave it 4 stars because I liked her characters and how they learned from mistake and forgave each other. The ending was very mysterious hinting at something more. It was a story on how no matter your pain you can always find your way back with the help of love.
At times this book was very long winded. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. I felt that a lot of the conversations were unnecessary. It was very slow and when the climax happened I wasn’t excited.
With that being said I gave it 4 stars because I liked her characters and how they learned from mistake and forgave each other. The ending was very mysterious hinting at something more. It was a story on how no matter your pain you can always find your way back with the help of love.
The Quintinshill Conspiracy: The Shocking True Story Behind Britain's Worst Rail Disaster
Adrian Searle and Jack Richards
Book
It was the railway's Titanic. An horrific crash involving five trains in which 230 died and 246 were...