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I like nothing better than being the unseen observer of a family (in a book, anyway!), and Free Love gives the reader plenty to be looking at.
Phyllis is a typical 1950’s/ 60’s housewife, but is she happy in her role as a housewife? She says yes, but I’d guess not, because when the son of a friend comes for dinner, Phyllis ends up making a pass at him, and then becomes obsessed - to the point that she finds out where he lives, goes to return a shirt that he had to change out of and ends up in bed with him. Then she just doesn’t go home.
Phyllis discovers the liberating 1960’s right at the end of the decade (1967), and shrugs off the responsibilities of motherhood and of being Roger’s wife. Instead she moves in with Nicky, has sex all the time and does whatever she wants to.
It felt like I was watching a car crash in slow motion. I could empathise with Phyllis’ need for freedom: her previous life in the suburbs was stifled and grey. I felt sad for her 16 year old daughter Colette, who is essentially dumped by her mother and left with a father who isn’t coping. It’s almost as if Colette becomes the adult, and her mother the carefree teenager.
I enjoyed the 1960’s setting and the contrasts of old and new. The whole story is told from a non-judgemental point of view. That’s left up to the reader to decide, and believe me, this really did prove how scarily judgemental I can be! There’s something to be said about a middle-class woman who decides to live in a filthy bedsit, expecting others who live in it to enjoy their freedom as much as she does (with her cushion of inherited money).
The plot twist at the end was a jaw dropper!
I loved this though. It might not sound like it, but I do love to hate my characters (although that’s a harsh word for the characters in this book, I think). If you feel the same way about unlikeable characters, then this could be the book for you too!
Phyllis is a typical 1950’s/ 60’s housewife, but is she happy in her role as a housewife? She says yes, but I’d guess not, because when the son of a friend comes for dinner, Phyllis ends up making a pass at him, and then becomes obsessed - to the point that she finds out where he lives, goes to return a shirt that he had to change out of and ends up in bed with him. Then she just doesn’t go home.
Phyllis discovers the liberating 1960’s right at the end of the decade (1967), and shrugs off the responsibilities of motherhood and of being Roger’s wife. Instead she moves in with Nicky, has sex all the time and does whatever she wants to.
It felt like I was watching a car crash in slow motion. I could empathise with Phyllis’ need for freedom: her previous life in the suburbs was stifled and grey. I felt sad for her 16 year old daughter Colette, who is essentially dumped by her mother and left with a father who isn’t coping. It’s almost as if Colette becomes the adult, and her mother the carefree teenager.
I enjoyed the 1960’s setting and the contrasts of old and new. The whole story is told from a non-judgemental point of view. That’s left up to the reader to decide, and believe me, this really did prove how scarily judgemental I can be! There’s something to be said about a middle-class woman who decides to live in a filthy bedsit, expecting others who live in it to enjoy their freedom as much as she does (with her cushion of inherited money).
The plot twist at the end was a jaw dropper!
I loved this though. It might not sound like it, but I do love to hate my characters (although that’s a harsh word for the characters in this book, I think). If you feel the same way about unlikeable characters, then this could be the book for you too!
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Dec 9, 2022
Debbiereadsbook (1541 KP) rated The Feisty Omega (Leongatha Pack Origins) in Books
Dec 19, 2024
I got to know Talius a bit better!
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, Iwas gifted my copy of this book.
This is an Origins book, it comes before The Sad Omega. I am reading this book after that one. I said in my review for that book, that I didn't much like Talius. NOW I understand why he was the way he was in that book! SO, I think you really should read this book BEFORE The Sad Omega. It might give you a better view of Talius when you first meet him.
Omegas and Alphas cannot mate in this world until they are 22, or 19 with a special license. Talius meets Irian first just before his 17th birthday, he was still 16. But both are drawn to each other in a way they never were to anyone before. They get to known each other over several Christmases, until Irian's mother does something unthinkable: she gets that special license and Irian will have no choice but to mate the alpha chosen by her. And that is NOT Talius.
I really did like young Talius, and how he steps slowly around the young Irian, and how they get to know each other over time. That getting to know you bit was what I missed somewhat in The Sad Omega, I think. We don't get it, as they are already mated and bonded and happy in their pack.
I did not like Irian's mother but that also explains why she is absent from his life in future books.
Both men get a say and I loved getting into their heads as they come across each other for the first time, and at the end, when it all goes down! I did not see that going down as it did, but now I feel for Marius, the alpha that Irian was supposed to mate with, and I want to know if HE gets his HEA too.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Talius and Irian better, but more so Talius. I can see him differently now.
I hope to be able to read more of this pack, in the future.
4 very good stars
* same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is an Origins book, it comes before The Sad Omega. I am reading this book after that one. I said in my review for that book, that I didn't much like Talius. NOW I understand why he was the way he was in that book! SO, I think you really should read this book BEFORE The Sad Omega. It might give you a better view of Talius when you first meet him.
Omegas and Alphas cannot mate in this world until they are 22, or 19 with a special license. Talius meets Irian first just before his 17th birthday, he was still 16. But both are drawn to each other in a way they never were to anyone before. They get to known each other over several Christmases, until Irian's mother does something unthinkable: she gets that special license and Irian will have no choice but to mate the alpha chosen by her. And that is NOT Talius.
I really did like young Talius, and how he steps slowly around the young Irian, and how they get to know each other over time. That getting to know you bit was what I missed somewhat in The Sad Omega, I think. We don't get it, as they are already mated and bonded and happy in their pack.
I did not like Irian's mother but that also explains why she is absent from his life in future books.
Both men get a say and I loved getting into their heads as they come across each other for the first time, and at the end, when it all goes down! I did not see that going down as it did, but now I feel for Marius, the alpha that Irian was supposed to mate with, and I want to know if HE gets his HEA too.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Talius and Irian better, but more so Talius. I can see him differently now.
I hope to be able to read more of this pack, in the future.
4 very good stars
* same worded review will appear elsewhere
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Sing, Unburied, Sing in Books
Oct 3, 2017
A Toni Morrison novel updated for modern times
This is no doubt a modern day version of reading a Toni Morrison novel. From the magical realism aspect to social issues affecting African Americans, this novel is both haunting and almost poetic.
The story follows a family on their way to a prison, in which the children's white father is due to be released. The teenage boy and his three year old sister are mostly dependent on one another as well as their grandparents Pop and Mam. The mother Leonie is absent, and rather aloof in their upbringing, forcing her son, Jojo to bring up his kid sister. In between are disturbing stories featured in flashbacks and ghostly apparitions, The novel explores interracial relationships, police brutality and even post traumatic stress disorder to a degree.
While it can seem haphazard, going back and forth in time, and random narratives appearing throughout, it leaves the reader with a sense of unease and despair at the violent nature of society. A truly intriguing read.
The story follows a family on their way to a prison, in which the children's white father is due to be released. The teenage boy and his three year old sister are mostly dependent on one another as well as their grandparents Pop and Mam. The mother Leonie is absent, and rather aloof in their upbringing, forcing her son, Jojo to bring up his kid sister. In between are disturbing stories featured in flashbacks and ghostly apparitions, The novel explores interracial relationships, police brutality and even post traumatic stress disorder to a degree.
While it can seem haphazard, going back and forth in time, and random narratives appearing throughout, it leaves the reader with a sense of unease and despair at the violent nature of society. A truly intriguing read.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Digging Up Mother: A Love Story in Books
Oct 14, 2017 (Updated Oct 15, 2017)
Crude, hilarious, and sombre at times
Listened to on Audible.
For all lovers of gonzo, Doug Stanhope reaches the top of the list of crude humour, insane experiences muddled in with bittersweet memories.
This autobiography is hilarious, and the only way to read it, is to listen to it, given there are so many 'director's comments', in which Doug and his friends discuss the incident at hand. Also the fact that he is drunk at times and will loudly burp just adds to the book so much more than skimming through the pages. While the majority is about him, it premises around his mother's life and death which have ultimately shaped him. She's no ordinary mother that's a fact.
From being a pyromaniac as a child, a teen male prostitute to telephone salesman, Stanhope has had an interesting life mixed in with drugs, alcohol, women and stand up comedy. And while you do think he's a bit of a so-and-so, it's still very funny. A great listen.
For all lovers of gonzo, Doug Stanhope reaches the top of the list of crude humour, insane experiences muddled in with bittersweet memories.
This autobiography is hilarious, and the only way to read it, is to listen to it, given there are so many 'director's comments', in which Doug and his friends discuss the incident at hand. Also the fact that he is drunk at times and will loudly burp just adds to the book so much more than skimming through the pages. While the majority is about him, it premises around his mother's life and death which have ultimately shaped him. She's no ordinary mother that's a fact.
From being a pyromaniac as a child, a teen male prostitute to telephone salesman, Stanhope has had an interesting life mixed in with drugs, alcohol, women and stand up comedy. And while you do think he's a bit of a so-and-so, it's still very funny. A great listen.
ClareR (5991 KP) rated The Rules of Magic in Books
Dec 7, 2017
How I loved this book! I’ve read it in completely the wrong order - I know that Practical Magic should have been first, but I got caught up in the heat of the moment, and ordered this from the library when it came out. I’m glad I did though. It’s a lovely story, nothing like how I expected it to be. I expected it to be more stereotypically ‘witchy’, but it was much more subtle. This prequel follows two sisters and their brothers as they grow up and recognise that they are different to their peers - they are witches. Their mother encourages them to hide their abilities, to ignore them, but they know that they can't, and when they spend a summer holiday with their aunt they are encouraged to do the opposite of their mother's instructions. They also don't follow their mothers' instructions when she tells them not to fall in love - because of the family curse they are told that it will end badly.
Well worth a read!!
Well worth a read!!
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Fire in Frost (Crystal Frost, #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for a review. I did not receive any compensation nor did I guarantee a favorable review.
I must admit that during the first few chapters I was asking myself if I would ever finish reading this book. I can honestly say that continuing to read it was well worth it!! Crystal is at the cusp of womanhood and while at school one day she thinks she sees Olivia but that's hard to believe because her classmate was dead. One night she stumbles upon a secret that will alter her life and her perception of the world around her will suddenly change.
With the help of her mother and her two best friends, Emma and Derek, she will embark on a paranormal journey that will bring many revelations. This is the first book I've read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books as she made a believer of her talent out of me.
I must admit that during the first few chapters I was asking myself if I would ever finish reading this book. I can honestly say that continuing to read it was well worth it!! Crystal is at the cusp of womanhood and while at school one day she thinks she sees Olivia but that's hard to believe because her classmate was dead. One night she stumbles upon a secret that will alter her life and her perception of the world around her will suddenly change.
With the help of her mother and her two best friends, Emma and Derek, she will embark on a paranormal journey that will bring many revelations. This is the first book I've read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books as she made a believer of her talent out of me.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The White Book in Books
Jan 3, 2018
The fragility of life
This is a heartbreaking, autobiographical account surrounding the death of the author's newborn sister, and the subsequent grieving process she goes through, seeing 'white' throughout her life.
Unlike @The Vegetarian: A Novel and @Human Acts, this book is not designed to have the narrative reach of those two novels. Instead, it is a fragmented meditation on the death of the unnamed baby sister, who died two hours after her birth. Han wisely gives as much value to those heightened two hours of life as she does to her death. The story of her birth, as narrated from the point of view of the mother, who is 22 when she is obliged to deliver the premature baby herself, is simply told.
The book is structured around the white things that become part of the rituals of mourning and remembering. The dominant theme is of transience, of fleeting life and the acceptance of human fragility. It feels mysterious and abstract at time, which seems to reflect the death itself. Hats off to Han Kang and @Deborah Smith for another wonderful translation.
Unlike @The Vegetarian: A Novel and @Human Acts, this book is not designed to have the narrative reach of those two novels. Instead, it is a fragmented meditation on the death of the unnamed baby sister, who died two hours after her birth. Han wisely gives as much value to those heightened two hours of life as she does to her death. The story of her birth, as narrated from the point of view of the mother, who is 22 when she is obliged to deliver the premature baby herself, is simply told.
The book is structured around the white things that become part of the rituals of mourning and remembering. The dominant theme is of transience, of fleeting life and the acceptance of human fragility. It feels mysterious and abstract at time, which seems to reflect the death itself. Hats off to Han Kang and @Deborah Smith for another wonderful translation.
Mothergamer (1592 KP) rated Mass Effect Andromeda Deluxe Edition in Video Games
Jul 19, 2017
Interesting story (2 more)
Beautiful environments
Great voice acting
Enjoyable Game and Addition to the Series
I love the Mass Effect series so I was excited to play this latest game in the series. I liked the story a lot because it was interesting and there were some great characters. The romance options were fairly decent and I did like the introduction of a new alien race and one of them became my favorite character in the entire game. The environments are beautiful and the game play is pretty good. I did have fun playing it. I just wish they had worked on the facial animations more because during cut scenes the expressions barely emote and appear wooden and robotic. It was also frustrating just how many bugs were in the game ranging from a character not showing up in a cut scene to the game freezing up. That aside, this is an enjoyable game and a good addition to the series, so it's worth checking out.
Read full Mother Gamer review here: http://lorrie28-mothergamer.blogspot.com/2017/04/mass-effect-andromeda-fun-adventure-in.html
Read full Mother Gamer review here: http://lorrie28-mothergamer.blogspot.com/2017/04/mass-effect-andromeda-fun-adventure-in.html
Jenny Houle (24 KP) rated The Sunshine Sisters in Books
Jan 13, 2018
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased opinion.
From the very beginning of the book, we are told the outcome. Green uses the rest of the book to take us through the lives of the Sunshine sisters in relationship to their mother, Ronnie Sunshine.
I cannot suggest a "faster" way to get all the women to the point where they know the eventual outcome, but there was something disheartening about being just over 80% into the book when Ronnie tells her daughters why she has asked them to come home. At the same time, Green, in her ever present style, does a great job of wrapping all the pieces together up so there are no loose ends.
Green is very good, as an author, at reminding us that what the characters see/perceive is not always the case. What a person takes as neglect can, from the other character's viewpoint be an assumption of strength, for example. And when enough people are trying to survive the same demon, in different ways, it becomes easy to look out just for oneself.
From the very beginning of the book, we are told the outcome. Green uses the rest of the book to take us through the lives of the Sunshine sisters in relationship to their mother, Ronnie Sunshine.
I cannot suggest a "faster" way to get all the women to the point where they know the eventual outcome, but there was something disheartening about being just over 80% into the book when Ronnie tells her daughters why she has asked them to come home. At the same time, Green, in her ever present style, does a great job of wrapping all the pieces together up so there are no loose ends.
Green is very good, as an author, at reminding us that what the characters see/perceive is not always the case. What a person takes as neglect can, from the other character's viewpoint be an assumption of strength, for example. And when enough people are trying to survive the same demon, in different ways, it becomes easy to look out just for oneself.