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Toni Collette recommended The Sound of Music (1965) in Movies (curated)
The Awkward Age
Book
In a Victorian terraced house, in north-west London, two families unite in imperfect harmony. After...
Fiction
The Swan Thieves
10.0
Rate It
Book
Psychiatrist Andrew Marlowe, devoted to his profession and the painting hobby he loves, has a...
Carma (21 KP) rated Up by Five (Just Everyday Heroes: Night Shift, #5) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
The only person that would be capable of taming the wild Connor Dixon is Gabby Evans. Up by Five is the final story in the Just Everyday Heroes: Night Shift (previously Counting on Love series). In this final story Connor, who has been a part of the series from back in the Day Shift books (previously Bradford series), gets his moment in the spotlight. Once again Erin Nicholas hits it out of the park with Connors story. 5 stars from this Dixon fan!!
Connor is a man people love, to hate. He is cocky, annoying, brash, bossy, arrogant, dickish and totally runs his sisters lives. He is the only boy to his brood of sisters and he like being in charge of their lives, or so he thinks. He believes he walks on water at the very least. His sisters love him but think he needs to get his own life. He doesnt think he needs to change at all, who doesnt love him? Hes got girls falling all over him, his own bachelor pad, what more does a guy need? One apartment fire answers that question for him very quickly.
Gabrielle Gabby Evans doesnt need anyone to help her do anything. Her brothers constantly underestimate her and she is tired of it. When her apartment burns down she has little options of what to next. Connor Dixon steps up and offers to share his apartment while she gets back on her feet. She doesnt think she can do that, since she is wildly attracted to him, has been for a while now. But it would be safe, since he doesnt seem the least bit attracted to her. Working together for so long, they have a familiarity, a friendship that has seen its fair share of drama, she knows this can work. Right?
Both Connor and Gabby have met their match in each other and right from the start anyone can see they were made for each other. Furniture testing aside, they play off each others strengths and weaknesses with ease. Sure there are some bumps in the road but hello thats how relationships work.
The continuation of relationships from the previous novels, both day and night shift help add to the hysterical interactions splattered throughout the book. Connor and Mac could have their own stand up tour. I also loved the Candy Land (Medical version) in the book, which just shows again the camaraderie they all feel with each other. Connor is a man you love to hate but just love at the end of the day.
Connor is a man people love, to hate. He is cocky, annoying, brash, bossy, arrogant, dickish and totally runs his sisters lives. He is the only boy to his brood of sisters and he like being in charge of their lives, or so he thinks. He believes he walks on water at the very least. His sisters love him but think he needs to get his own life. He doesnt think he needs to change at all, who doesnt love him? Hes got girls falling all over him, his own bachelor pad, what more does a guy need? One apartment fire answers that question for him very quickly.
Gabrielle Gabby Evans doesnt need anyone to help her do anything. Her brothers constantly underestimate her and she is tired of it. When her apartment burns down she has little options of what to next. Connor Dixon steps up and offers to share his apartment while she gets back on her feet. She doesnt think she can do that, since she is wildly attracted to him, has been for a while now. But it would be safe, since he doesnt seem the least bit attracted to her. Working together for so long, they have a familiarity, a friendship that has seen its fair share of drama, she knows this can work. Right?
Both Connor and Gabby have met their match in each other and right from the start anyone can see they were made for each other. Furniture testing aside, they play off each others strengths and weaknesses with ease. Sure there are some bumps in the road but hello thats how relationships work.
The continuation of relationships from the previous novels, both day and night shift help add to the hysterical interactions splattered throughout the book. Connor and Mac could have their own stand up tour. I also loved the Candy Land (Medical version) in the book, which just shows again the camaraderie they all feel with each other. Connor is a man you love to hate but just love at the end of the day.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Love, Simon (2018) in Movies
Jul 8, 2019
Meet Simon, just your average teenage boy who loves to hang out with his best friends and spend time with his family. His life is seemingly perfect, except he has a secret. Simon (Nick Robinson) is gay. With news of a closeted gay kid at school, who only is known as Blue; Simon starts to venture out of his secret. However, as John Hughes taught us in the 1980’s it’s not easy being a teenager. As Simon tries to navigate this new friendship with Blue, he begins to affect the lives of his best friends Leah (Katherine Langford), Nick (Keiynan Lonsdale), and Abby (Alexandra Shipp) just to keep his secret safe. Even his mom (Jennifer Gardiner) and dad (Josh Duhamel) begin to realize something is up. So, the question is if his secret gets out how will he handle it?
Love, Simon is the coming of age story 2018 needed. Modern coming of age films lack critical aspects of the teenage condition; being selfish and having massive amounts of teen angst. That is what was special about the 1980’s classics Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, they showed how teenagers actually felt.
Love, Simon also bring an LGBT love story into a heavily saturated heteronormative genre. Now for those who say, well why is this important? It’s important because representation in film matters. Being able to see yourself in a character on the big screen can mean so much.
Originally, going into this film I was a bit skeptical; as the film has been heavily advertised on all social media platforms. So, I began to worry if the hype would live up to the actual film. I was glad to be proven quite the opposite; as I ended up completely falling in love with this film. The wit shown in the script, and the delivery made by the actors was incredible. Watching this film was a breath of fresh air; as most coming of age films follow very formulated clichés and while this had some it used them in completely different ways. I would say more on this matter but truly you have to see it to experience it. Even the soundtrack exuded the teenage experience; completely complementing it from beginning to end.
Love, Simon is a film that shows being yourself is a freeing experience and it is definitely a film I will be buying once it hits Blu Ray. This film is for anyone who loved those coming of age movies from the 1980’s and anyone who loves a good love story
Love, Simon is the coming of age story 2018 needed. Modern coming of age films lack critical aspects of the teenage condition; being selfish and having massive amounts of teen angst. That is what was special about the 1980’s classics Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles, they showed how teenagers actually felt.
Love, Simon also bring an LGBT love story into a heavily saturated heteronormative genre. Now for those who say, well why is this important? It’s important because representation in film matters. Being able to see yourself in a character on the big screen can mean so much.
Originally, going into this film I was a bit skeptical; as the film has been heavily advertised on all social media platforms. So, I began to worry if the hype would live up to the actual film. I was glad to be proven quite the opposite; as I ended up completely falling in love with this film. The wit shown in the script, and the delivery made by the actors was incredible. Watching this film was a breath of fresh air; as most coming of age films follow very formulated clichés and while this had some it used them in completely different ways. I would say more on this matter but truly you have to see it to experience it. Even the soundtrack exuded the teenage experience; completely complementing it from beginning to end.
Love, Simon is a film that shows being yourself is a freeing experience and it is definitely a film I will be buying once it hits Blu Ray. This film is for anyone who loved those coming of age movies from the 1980’s and anyone who loves a good love story
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Always and Forever, Lara Jean in Books
Jan 21, 2020
I was really nervous to read this book after reading the second one. It almost felt like there wasn't much of the story left to go. The letters have found their way back to Lara Jean, she's made her decision and she's sticking to it. What I loved about this book is that it was more about growing up than anything else.
Lara Jean is plagued with this thought about college and her future and what it means for her relationship and what her mom always said, "Never go to college with a boyfriend." The story evolves from one about Lara Jean falling in love for the first time and turns into her growing and learning to choose that love and to fight for that love and to follow her heart, even when it's hard, even when people are telling you to do the opposite, even when it might not make the most sense, you have to be true to who you are and it's nice to watch her grow and learn all those things.
I'm happy with who she ended up with and surprised at how much I enjoyed the ending. I will say that I was disappointed that she didn't ever lose her virginity but I also don't feel like it was crucial to the story. I think it would've just been nice because she loves him so much and for her to have sex, it was like that was sealing it - not that it needed to be sealed, but I guess in some ways it did. I'm not sure how to describe it without giving too much away.
I think this is the perfect trilogy to read in high school and I wish I would've read it sooner. It's interesting to read stories about people in high school and have so much to relate to and then read about them stressing about college and think idly to yourself, "you have no idea, kid."
Overall, I think this series is really well written. I love the plot and the characters, I love the development, I love the progressive undertones and the way that you can just tell that it was so obviously written by a woman of color. I think those types of stories are always the best. I could live in Lara Jean's world for a long while so I'm bummed to say goodbye but I'm excited for the final two films to come out and I'm hoping that they're every bit as good as the books.
Lara Jean is plagued with this thought about college and her future and what it means for her relationship and what her mom always said, "Never go to college with a boyfriend." The story evolves from one about Lara Jean falling in love for the first time and turns into her growing and learning to choose that love and to fight for that love and to follow her heart, even when it's hard, even when people are telling you to do the opposite, even when it might not make the most sense, you have to be true to who you are and it's nice to watch her grow and learn all those things.
I'm happy with who she ended up with and surprised at how much I enjoyed the ending. I will say that I was disappointed that she didn't ever lose her virginity but I also don't feel like it was crucial to the story. I think it would've just been nice because she loves him so much and for her to have sex, it was like that was sealing it - not that it needed to be sealed, but I guess in some ways it did. I'm not sure how to describe it without giving too much away.
I think this is the perfect trilogy to read in high school and I wish I would've read it sooner. It's interesting to read stories about people in high school and have so much to relate to and then read about them stressing about college and think idly to yourself, "you have no idea, kid."
Overall, I think this series is really well written. I love the plot and the characters, I love the development, I love the progressive undertones and the way that you can just tell that it was so obviously written by a woman of color. I think those types of stories are always the best. I could live in Lara Jean's world for a long while so I'm bummed to say goodbye but I'm excited for the final two films to come out and I'm hoping that they're every bit as good as the books.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Unseen (The Unseen Trilogy, #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2017
It's been some time since I've read a book that is deserving of more than five stars as such is this book.
This is the story of Mackenzie, a woman who at a young age lost her parents and was raised by a detestable aunt but through it all and with the love and support of her best friend Maddie, Mackenzie has still managed to accomplish whatever goals she has set for herself. However, Mackenzie has a secret; she can hear what people are thinking and little does she know that more devastating losses are coming her way. I can't go into any further details as I don't want to spoil the story for you.
I will say that:
1) Wow!!! I loved the heck out of this book.
2) Stephanie Erickson is an extremely talented writer who cleverly transports you into the story line by placing the reader front and center to the point where you are in its grip and don't want to put the book down.
3) The story itself moved at a steady pace filled with well developed characters and mind altering, emotional revelations.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more from this talented author. Don't let this be the book that you pass by as I genuinely believe you too will enjoy it.
This is the story of Mackenzie, a woman who at a young age lost her parents and was raised by a detestable aunt but through it all and with the love and support of her best friend Maddie, Mackenzie has still managed to accomplish whatever goals she has set for herself. However, Mackenzie has a secret; she can hear what people are thinking and little does she know that more devastating losses are coming her way. I can't go into any further details as I don't want to spoil the story for you.
I will say that:
1) Wow!!! I loved the heck out of this book.
2) Stephanie Erickson is an extremely talented writer who cleverly transports you into the story line by placing the reader front and center to the point where you are in its grip and don't want to put the book down.
3) The story itself moved at a steady pace filled with well developed characters and mind altering, emotional revelations.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more from this talented author. Don't let this be the book that you pass by as I genuinely believe you too will enjoy it.
Merissa (13192 KP) rated Dalysian Struggle (Dalysia #2) in Books
Sep 13, 2017
Dalysian Struggle (Dalysia #2) by Jamie Summer
Dalysian Struggle continues with Sophie as the champion for the Dalysians, even though there are many who doubt her capabilities - including herself! She made it through the test, and now she has to face the Trials, including the Cetoan's and their champion.
This book is a doozy, and it does end on a cliffhanger from hell, so consider this fair warning! The story is intricate, and yet flows easily. The characters are all completely believable, whether you like them or not. The pacing is consistent, and yet you find yourself tensing up as you near the end.
I love where Jamie Summer has taken this story, although she did have me worried there for a while (#TeamRen all the way!). However, being kept constantly on my toes, not knowing where the story was taking me, certainly kept my interest, and I was completely taken with Sophie's story, and what would happen next.
What will happen next? Well, I sit waiting so impatiently for the next book. I need to know what happens next. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
This book is a doozy, and it does end on a cliffhanger from hell, so consider this fair warning! The story is intricate, and yet flows easily. The characters are all completely believable, whether you like them or not. The pacing is consistent, and yet you find yourself tensing up as you near the end.
I love where Jamie Summer has taken this story, although she did have me worried there for a while (#TeamRen all the way!). However, being kept constantly on my toes, not knowing where the story was taking me, certainly kept my interest, and I was completely taken with Sophie's story, and what would happen next.
What will happen next? Well, I sit waiting so impatiently for the next book. I need to know what happens next. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Midge (525 KP) rated The Perfect Betrayal in Books
Mar 16, 2019
A Perfect Thriller!
This book has all of the qualities of the perfect psychological thriller. Deftly layered with emotion and suspense it starts off fairly slowly but the tension builds into a dramatic sequence of events.
The story is told predominantly from the point of view of the main character, Tess, along with snippets from her grief counsellor and brother-in-law. Tess’ conversations that she had with her late husband were heart-breaking. It was an incredibly emotionally charged book, well written and beautifully plotted and so cleverly constructed to help conceal major reveals in the natural progression of the story.
“The Perfect Betrayal” is my favourite type of psychological thriller - where the voices and thoughts of the characters and the reader’s own imagination complement the story. From the beginning, it is an absorbing and riveting novel as well as being massively addictive. The main protagonist, Tess, did not know who to trust and nor did I.
Highly recommended, this is a sad and harrowing story of grief, love and loss, with a fulfilling but shocking finish. Lauren North’s writing is just exquisite and I will be looking out for her next offering.
[Thank you to #NetGalley, Random House UK/ Transworld Publishers, and Lauren North for my free ARC of #ThePerfectBetrayal in exchange for an honest review.]
The story is told predominantly from the point of view of the main character, Tess, along with snippets from her grief counsellor and brother-in-law. Tess’ conversations that she had with her late husband were heart-breaking. It was an incredibly emotionally charged book, well written and beautifully plotted and so cleverly constructed to help conceal major reveals in the natural progression of the story.
“The Perfect Betrayal” is my favourite type of psychological thriller - where the voices and thoughts of the characters and the reader’s own imagination complement the story. From the beginning, it is an absorbing and riveting novel as well as being massively addictive. The main protagonist, Tess, did not know who to trust and nor did I.
Highly recommended, this is a sad and harrowing story of grief, love and loss, with a fulfilling but shocking finish. Lauren North’s writing is just exquisite and I will be looking out for her next offering.
[Thank you to #NetGalley, Random House UK/ Transworld Publishers, and Lauren North for my free ARC of #ThePerfectBetrayal in exchange for an honest review.]
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel in Books
Jul 12, 2018
I received this Graphic Novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have been meaning to read Anne of Green Gables for years upon years. About a month ago I picked up the audiobook and decided to listen/read it. I really enjoyed the story. It was so beautiful in it's simplicity. When I saw there was a graphic novel on netgalley, I immediately had to download it and read it.
The artwork in this book is spectacular. It's beautifully done and just transports you to the lake of shining waters and makes you feel almost as if you're there with Anne enjoying the day. I loved how simplistic the story was and how placing into a graphic novel just seemed to work. The artwork is simplistic yet complex in its variety of colors and beauty.
With reading the book just a few weeks ago, I did notice a bit of the story missing or redone which is completely understandable. You can't fit everything in all the time. I mention this solely for those kids who might decide to read this instead of the book for school.
All in all, this graphic novel expertly shows you the simplicity of the story and enhances it with the beautiful artwork. If you love Anne of Green Gables, I highly recommend taking a look at this. It's spectacular!
I have been meaning to read Anne of Green Gables for years upon years. About a month ago I picked up the audiobook and decided to listen/read it. I really enjoyed the story. It was so beautiful in it's simplicity. When I saw there was a graphic novel on netgalley, I immediately had to download it and read it.
The artwork in this book is spectacular. It's beautifully done and just transports you to the lake of shining waters and makes you feel almost as if you're there with Anne enjoying the day. I loved how simplistic the story was and how placing into a graphic novel just seemed to work. The artwork is simplistic yet complex in its variety of colors and beauty.
With reading the book just a few weeks ago, I did notice a bit of the story missing or redone which is completely understandable. You can't fit everything in all the time. I mention this solely for those kids who might decide to read this instead of the book for school.
All in all, this graphic novel expertly shows you the simplicity of the story and enhances it with the beautiful artwork. If you love Anne of Green Gables, I highly recommend taking a look at this. It's spectacular!