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Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated My Daughter, My Mother in Books
Jun 16, 2019 (Updated Jun 16, 2019)
Hard to get into but easy to finish
I usually go for books set a lot earlier that 1984 so when I picked this up I was full of anticipating I would immediately hate it and stop reading. Luckily that wasn't the case!
It jumps back and forth from past to present and includes real life issues going on in the world at that time. I personally love to see a story include real life problems as it feels like it actually happened and makes it so much more interesting to read. Don't worry, I know these people don't actually exist!!
It took me a few chapters to get into it but once I did I began to love it. Although the actual plot on both sides if good, it feels rushed to get the story out and some bits are quite difficult to grasp.
There is a family in the book that are sikh which despite my religious education at school I don't know much about so to an extent this book taught me something about sikhs. This is also hard because there are certain aspects to the writing i found hard to understand.
I like to see the good in every story so I'd say have a read of it yourself and see what you think.
It jumps back and forth from past to present and includes real life issues going on in the world at that time. I personally love to see a story include real life problems as it feels like it actually happened and makes it so much more interesting to read. Don't worry, I know these people don't actually exist!!
It took me a few chapters to get into it but once I did I began to love it. Although the actual plot on both sides if good, it feels rushed to get the story out and some bits are quite difficult to grasp.
There is a family in the book that are sikh which despite my religious education at school I don't know much about so to an extent this book taught me something about sikhs. This is also hard because there are certain aspects to the writing i found hard to understand.
I like to see the good in every story so I'd say have a read of it yourself and see what you think.
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated Harp's Voice (Harp's Song, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
This is the second book in the series and picks up right where the first book leaves off. Cassie Shine doesn't miss a beat on this book. She continues the story of Harp with even more emotion, and heart wrenching detail than the first book in the series.
Harp was a lot different in this book than the first book, and honestly she wasn't my favorite character. I thought she was acting like a brat, stubborn, and persnickety. If you know and understand her life up until this point I feel like she was allowed to be this way up to a certain point. I did think she had a lot of personality and she was extremely bold which made me fall back in love with the character.
I loved Anne, and the way she grows throughout the book. Her relationship with Harp is rocky, but throughout the story you can see her motherly instincts grow and a mother daughter relationship form. It was beautiful.
The only thing I would change about this would be maybe a novella to follow to show the characters in 5 years and see how their stories wrap up. I'd love to see Anne end up with Dr. Dylan, and how her family's reunion is going.
Overall I loved this story. It's very moving and heart wrenching. I can't wait to read more from this author she's absolutely wonderful and her stories are indicative of a book hangover.
Harp was a lot different in this book than the first book, and honestly she wasn't my favorite character. I thought she was acting like a brat, stubborn, and persnickety. If you know and understand her life up until this point I feel like she was allowed to be this way up to a certain point. I did think she had a lot of personality and she was extremely bold which made me fall back in love with the character.
I loved Anne, and the way she grows throughout the book. Her relationship with Harp is rocky, but throughout the story you can see her motherly instincts grow and a mother daughter relationship form. It was beautiful.
The only thing I would change about this would be maybe a novella to follow to show the characters in 5 years and see how their stories wrap up. I'd love to see Anne end up with Dr. Dylan, and how her family's reunion is going.
Overall I loved this story. It's very moving and heart wrenching. I can't wait to read more from this author she's absolutely wonderful and her stories are indicative of a book hangover.
JT (287 KP) rated Toy Story 4 (2019) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
It’s been nearly 25-years since the original Toy Story graced our screens and back then the animation was ahead of its time. Fast forward to 2019 and the fourth film in a near perfect franchise might seem a risky move by Pixar, particularly when things ended so neatly with a tear in the eye after Toy Story 3.
But the gang is back together and while some of the characters don’t get the screen time they deserve, having to make way for a new breed of toys, it still holds its charm. The Woody and Buzz relationship which formed the backbone of the previous three films is left as a mere afterthought, paving the way for a Woody-Bo Peep connection and love interest.
This doesn’t detract from an endearing story line that sees the group try and save a homemade toy called Forky, made by Andy’s little sister Bonnie as a way to cope with starting kindergarten.
There are some likeable new characters including Duke Kaboom (voiced by Keanu Reeves), Ducky and Bunny who each bring their own injection of humour to the proceedings. The younger generation will love being introduced to the likes of Woody and Buzz, while fans of the original will be able to reconnect with a franchise that captured hearts almost three decades ago.
Whatever Pixar touches inevitably turns to gold and here they have hit another one out of the park.
But the gang is back together and while some of the characters don’t get the screen time they deserve, having to make way for a new breed of toys, it still holds its charm. The Woody and Buzz relationship which formed the backbone of the previous three films is left as a mere afterthought, paving the way for a Woody-Bo Peep connection and love interest.
This doesn’t detract from an endearing story line that sees the group try and save a homemade toy called Forky, made by Andy’s little sister Bonnie as a way to cope with starting kindergarten.
There are some likeable new characters including Duke Kaboom (voiced by Keanu Reeves), Ducky and Bunny who each bring their own injection of humour to the proceedings. The younger generation will love being introduced to the likes of Woody and Buzz, while fans of the original will be able to reconnect with a franchise that captured hearts almost three decades ago.
Whatever Pixar touches inevitably turns to gold and here they have hit another one out of the park.
Centaur
Declan Murphy and Ami Rao
Book
As heard on BBC Radio 4: Midweek and BBC Radio 2: Simon Mayo drivetime. Coping with your own death,...
Lindsay (1774 KP) rated Mommy's Oven in Books
Jan 24, 2021
Do you have a little boy or girl that may become a big brother or sister? But you are not carrying that child but you want to explain how that child will be joining your family. This book called “Mommy's Oven” by Brandi Pearce may be able to explain it in a way.
This book is done uniquely through the little boy's view. But it is also based on a true story. It was done well. I just love the story about the surrogate. It brings up the baking a cake analogy which is an original way to talk about making a baby.
I do just love the pictures. They look really real. The images are so well done that I thought they would be popped out of the book. That is how I recall the pictures looked. The story plot is good. Your child can imagine it as if they are the little boy who is getting a new sibling. I think it is good for both genders.
It explains it in a way a child will understand. Parents can read this to their child or children. It may even become a favorite of your child or children. It shows your child and children that family can be made up of different ways but the family can still grow bigger, just differently. Your children may have questions about it and this one good to have on your bookshelf.
This book is done uniquely through the little boy's view. But it is also based on a true story. It was done well. I just love the story about the surrogate. It brings up the baking a cake analogy which is an original way to talk about making a baby.
I do just love the pictures. They look really real. The images are so well done that I thought they would be popped out of the book. That is how I recall the pictures looked. The story plot is good. Your child can imagine it as if they are the little boy who is getting a new sibling. I think it is good for both genders.
It explains it in a way a child will understand. Parents can read this to their child or children. It may even become a favorite of your child or children. It shows your child and children that family can be made up of different ways but the family can still grow bigger, just differently. Your children may have questions about it and this one good to have on your bookshelf.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2398 KP) rated The First Wave in Books
Sep 2, 2020
Operation: Algeria
It’s November of 1942, and Billy Boyle is part of the landing party trying to secure Algeria for the Allies. However, the plans fall apart quickly after the landing. Then, Billy figures out that someone is stealing the medical supplies that are coming in. Can he figure out who is trying to profit from the thefts while also rescuing his love?
Between the history, the spy story, and the mystery, there is a lot going on in this book. At times, it gets to be a bit too much, and I felt like the pacing was slowed down as a result. That’s ironic since there is plenty of action, and I was turning pages as quickly as I could multiple times over the course of the book. This certainly isn’t one of my normal light mysteries, but it shouldn’t be since it is a book about war. Still, the impact of this story hit me hard since I love these characters. The characters, both real and fictional, interact effortlessly, and it is very easy to care for our heroes. I do recommend reading the first book first since this book spoils some of the events of that story. It has to since those events impacted the characters so much. When you are looking to be fully immersed in another time and place, this is definitely the book to pick up.
Between the history, the spy story, and the mystery, there is a lot going on in this book. At times, it gets to be a bit too much, and I felt like the pacing was slowed down as a result. That’s ironic since there is plenty of action, and I was turning pages as quickly as I could multiple times over the course of the book. This certainly isn’t one of my normal light mysteries, but it shouldn’t be since it is a book about war. Still, the impact of this story hit me hard since I love these characters. The characters, both real and fictional, interact effortlessly, and it is very easy to care for our heroes. I do recommend reading the first book first since this book spoils some of the events of that story. It has to since those events impacted the characters so much. When you are looking to be fully immersed in another time and place, this is definitely the book to pick up.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Dead Man's Steel in Books
Oct 4, 2017
Outstanding conclusion to this trilogy. I was worried about the number of story threads and loose ends at the end of the Sword of the North and how these could satisfactorily be resolved in 400 pages. I was not disappointed.
The story not only starts to close off loose ends but new threads start up.
The one-time residents of the continent decide to return and Reckon the human race.
Meanwhile a horde of demons has started to break through a rift in the highlands and need to be stopped while they still can.
And there is a dragon.
There are a lot of sad endings for characters I had come to love/loathe and love reading about. Some of these are a long time coming (it seems almost every chapter involving Brodar Kayne has him on the verge of death at the end).
Quite simply an awesome ending to one of the best fantasy series I have read in a long time.
I am tempted to end with the words "better than Abercrombie" but I am not sure I can. Oh I have.
The story not only starts to close off loose ends but new threads start up.
The one-time residents of the continent decide to return and Reckon the human race.
Meanwhile a horde of demons has started to break through a rift in the highlands and need to be stopped while they still can.
And there is a dragon.
There are a lot of sad endings for characters I had come to love/loathe and love reading about. Some of these are a long time coming (it seems almost every chapter involving Brodar Kayne has him on the verge of death at the end).
Quite simply an awesome ending to one of the best fantasy series I have read in a long time.
I am tempted to end with the words "better than Abercrombie" but I am not sure I can. Oh I have.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Christmas Blessing in Books
Feb 25, 2019
Ms. Carlson is back with another emotionally moving Christmas novella. I love her Christmas novellas and will forever read them. She brings wonderful messages from God and mixes them into a captivating story line, and blends it all with characters that steal your heart and become your family til the end.
This Christmas story is set during one of my favorite time periods to read about: WWII, and follows Amelia and her son. I loved how Ms. Carlson transported me back in time. I loved following Amelia on her journey of pain and hope, and longing. The way I felt reading this book, seeing Amelia come to terms with her situation, seeing God work on her heart, really refreshed my own.
If you love stories filled with hope, longing and an ending that will leave you wanting more from a superbly talented author, then this 5 star book is for you. Ms. Carlson delivers her readers a novella that you won't soon forget! Well done!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
This Christmas story is set during one of my favorite time periods to read about: WWII, and follows Amelia and her son. I loved how Ms. Carlson transported me back in time. I loved following Amelia on her journey of pain and hope, and longing. The way I felt reading this book, seeing Amelia come to terms with her situation, seeing God work on her heart, really refreshed my own.
If you love stories filled with hope, longing and an ending that will leave you wanting more from a superbly talented author, then this 5 star book is for you. Ms. Carlson delivers her readers a novella that you won't soon forget! Well done!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
ames_morgan (8 KP) rated Love, Hate, and Other Filters in Books
Jun 19, 2018
A compelling coming of age story about a young girl born in America but belonging to a Muslim family. This book is YA but can definitely transcend this genre. Beautifully written this book tells the story of Maya who is a senior in high school. Maya wants to be a good Indian daughter but she also wants to go to NYU and study to be a filmmaker. Maya's parents forget that they themselves defied their beliefs to a point by coming to America and starting a new life with a love marriage. As Maya and her parents start to come to an understanding a horrible act of terrorism happens too close to home for Maya's parents especially when a Muslim man is initially named as the terrorist. All of Maya's hopes and dreams are suddenly crushed as her parents decide that it is too dangerous for Maya to go away from home. And to further add insult to injury Maya has gone and fallen in love with a boy who is not Indian and definitely not a Muslim. Now Maya has to decide what she is willing to lose to follow her heart. Profound, witty and beautiful!
Justin Taylor (59 KP) rated Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 (2018) in Movies
Dec 10, 2018
A great story about the internet that is better than the movie from last year that I'll never mention (4 more)
The glorious references and Cameos.....see if you can find them all
The post credits scene had me laughing in stitches
The Disney princesses are amazing
Very heartfelt
This is a great fim
This movie is great and I adore it, the story was well done and the voice actors nail it again,
The characters are expanded upon and animation and absolutely amazing
The new characters are absolutely awesome I'll tell you... you'll fall in love with gal Gadot's character!
The references are spot on and the cameos are awesome including one scene that was in all the trailers!
Stay til the very end of the credits there's a surprise!
In general the movie is awesome the one thing I'll have to say is I find the original movie more interesting than this one but I still love this one more if that makes sense. And of course im gonna watch it again.
Would recommend this to anyone who loves Disney or video games
The characters are expanded upon and animation and absolutely amazing
The new characters are absolutely awesome I'll tell you... you'll fall in love with gal Gadot's character!
The references are spot on and the cameos are awesome including one scene that was in all the trailers!
Stay til the very end of the credits there's a surprise!
In general the movie is awesome the one thing I'll have to say is I find the original movie more interesting than this one but I still love this one more if that makes sense. And of course im gonna watch it again.
Would recommend this to anyone who loves Disney or video games