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Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Giver in Books

Jan 12, 2018  
The Giver
The Giver
Lois Lowry | 2012 | Children
8
8.5 (84 Ratings)
Book Rating
As a person who reads as much as I do and loves dystopian fiction it is surprising that I had not read [The Giver] by [Lois Lowry] before now. It has been in my classroom for years and on "my list" but I never got around to it. Now with it coming out as a movie(which I will never see because the book is ALWAYS better), I decided to read it.

It reminded me of [Fahrenheit 451] by [Ray Bradbury]. The concept of a sterilized society without creativity has been around for a long time. [Lowry] puts the reliance of society's memory on a child. It becomes his responsibility to remember and protect them from their own history. The Sameness is their protection but at what cost?

Overall I enjoyed [The Giver] and hope all my students read it.
  
This book throws some new twists into the series with the introduction of Gregor, Cat's almost-first husband, whom has been conveniently erased from her memory by Mencheres. Mind-boggling, I know. This book kind of revived the series for me, as it answered a few questions and finally forced Cat to make a monumental decision about her future. It's hard for me not to say that I loved everything about this book, but it comes pretty darn close. I especially liked Vlad's role in this as Cat's platonic support system, despite how it ticks off Bones. Of course, the big lesson for the book is how important communication is - if Cat and Bones had just bothered to talk to each other, much of the conflict could have been avoided. I'm all ready to read the next book, This Side of the Grave.
  
Memento (2000)
Memento (2000)
2000 | Mystery, Thriller
Very unique storytelling
If you are a Christopher Nolan fan, or even a fan of movies that make you think, you should give Memento a try.

The story is pretty simple about a man (Guy Pearce) who is trying to remember details relating to the murder or death of his wife. The problem: the suffers from short term memory loss and wakes up every day having to start over.

Maybe like a serious version of Groundhog Day, Memento is such a fascinating slow burn, slow reveal of details. As the man encounters the creepy individuals who inhabit his life, he does not know who to trust or how the puzzle pieces will ultimately fit together.

If you watch the movie 10 times, you will find different layers in it each time.

A must watch!
  
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ClareR (5911 KP) May 26, 2018

I really enjoyed this film - it had a great atmosphere to it, and was really frustrating at times.

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Sara Cox (1845 KP) Feb 18, 2020

I absolutely love this film!

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Moodyhydra (3 KP) rated The Tattooist of Auschwitz in Books

Oct 2, 2018 (Updated Oct 2, 2018)  
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Heather Morris | 2018 | Biography, History & Politics, Religion
10
8.7 (74 Ratings)
Book Rating
Beautifull writing (0 more)
Amazing
This book was a beautifull and horrifying read all at once. A true story from the mouth of a survivor.
I found myself smiling at the stolen moments shared between new lovers and then crying at the horrors and injustice these poor people endured, and that the lucky (if we can all them that) survived. The horrors they had to see and things they had to do to survive and then live with after is something we will never understand. This story is not only one of horror and death, but also of bravery, resilliance and above all LOVE. To know that love can be found even in a place like this the darkest of places was inspiring. The way it was written was beautifull and respectfull to the memory of those it involved. Definitely a book everyone should read.
  
Three Things About Elsie
Three Things About Elsie
Joanna Cannon | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.1 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
A heartwarming read
My manager gave me this book to try out as she really enjoyed it, and as it turns out I really enjoyed it too, despite never having heard of it before.

This is a very heartwarming and slightly poignant tale of Florence and her past, seen through the eyes of a number of different characters. The plot itself is interesting and very written, it gets very confused at times - but then considering Florence’s mental state, this is kind of the point. It’s a very easy read and one that keeps you gripped. The ending itself for me wasn’t entirely unpredictable, probably because I’ve read too many books myself, but despite this it was still a very satisfying ending. This is an excellent venture into old age, dementia and memory and a very good read.
  
Elizabeth is Missing
Elizabeth is Missing
Emma Healey | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry
9
8.1 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
Love love
Contains spoilers, click to show
I found this book fascinating throughout. The story line kept you gripped. You really feel for Maud throughout the book as she is really trying to fix all the pieces together from her past and present. The past story with Sukey has a predicable outcome but you never find out how it all happened. That's the only bit I felt could be predicted but the present story line with Elizabeth varies right to the last minute.

You really feel for Maud at the end because she has helped solve the mystery of her missing sister due to her memory she is unaware she finally has the answers she has been looking for.

Overall I loved the book. But I have so many different questions but we will stay as blissfully unaware as Maud is at the end of the book.