Search
Search results
Ross (3284 KP) rated Before They are Hanged: The First Law: Book Two in Books
Nov 29, 2017
The story continues as Glokta travels to defend the far off empire state of Dagoska from siege (and further rooting out corruption along the way) and the band of travellers head to the edge of the world. The best of the action takes place in the North where the empire is looking to teach the savage Northman a lesson - something that does not go well as a large, poorly prepared army meet a smaller collection of epic warriors afraid of nothing.
Definitely book 2 of a trilogy, this book keeps the story moving along, allows some of the characters to develop but with a little let down at the end.
Definitely book 2 of a trilogy, this book keeps the story moving along, allows some of the characters to develop but with a little let down at the end.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Swing Time in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Soul-moving realism
This is probably my favourite Zadie Smith novel, deeply touching with characters bursting to life out of the pages. Hitting on themes of racial identity and pop culture, it is a brilliant contemporary take on what young adults are currently experiencing. From cultural appropriation to the effects of globalisation all summed up in the relationship of one young woman and her peers.
Her relationship with her mother is one of generational divide while with her friend Tracy is one of class divide. The protagonist's character is the epitome of confusion and attempting to find a place in the world. Well worth the praise.
Her relationship with her mother is one of generational divide while with her friend Tracy is one of class divide. The protagonist's character is the epitome of confusion and attempting to find a place in the world. Well worth the praise.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated No Is Not Enough in Books
Jul 30, 2017
Politically-shifting mindblowing manifesto
Explosive, at times traumatizing and frustrating but ultimately hopeful - Naomi Klein's extensive knowledge and wealth of experience exudes in this mighty manifesto. Her anecdotes are both heartfelt and moving juxtaposed with endless hard-hitting facts, she's a master in her field and an appropriate figure attempting to initiate a global grassroots movement against ecocidal capitalism and right wing populism. This book, unlike her other works, feels much more personal as she states she didn't spend years researching, but it feels very much like a response to growing anger. That being said, it is still well structured and the arguments are coherent. A truly politically-shifting book
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Moonlight (2016) in Movies
Aug 3, 2017
A rare coming of age film about poverty, race and homosexuality
A moving film finally showing homosexuality in the black community. Don't expect the sugar coating of Brokeback Mountain which seems like The Sound of Music in comparison. It shows the layers of extreme difficulty living as a black man, in a poverty stricken area, surrounded by peers who think one way, and attempting to break free from a drug fuelled mother and the dealers around her. It's visually beautiful and the quiet dialogue highlights the protagonist's wonderful acting.
Amanda (7 KP) rated Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Books
Sep 9, 2017
If you haven't read this yet....why?
This book is literally the most magical journey ever. No, it is probably not the best book ever written. Yes, it was written for children. Given these facts you should still give it the chance to to win your heart because the lessons of friendship, bravery and true heroism surpass the age group it was written for. The following books include acts of literary justice that are truly moving and teach that standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger or at the risk of one'e own life, is the most important thing.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated What a Wallflower Wants (Bad Boys & Wallflowers, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I couldnt finish this book. It was so tedious and slow that I lost interest long before I could build on it. Nothing seems to happen despite everything. Not to mention, I hated reading over and over about the Beast. I understand rape is traumatic. It affects you in ways you dont even realize and you cant do anything about. However, I felt the author dedicated too much time building on this trauma instead of moving the story.
I may give it another try at a later date, but right now there are many more books able to keep my interest in ways this one couldnt.
I may give it another try at a later date, but right now there are many more books able to keep my interest in ways this one couldnt.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated The Mystery on the Mississippi in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Trixie and her friends take a trip to Missouri, where Trixie finds some stranger papers in her hotel room's garbage can. Soon, someone is following them. What do the symbols on the paper mean?
I'm torn on this one. It was my introduction to the series, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. The fast moving and suspenseful plot captivated the 7th grade me and introduced me to life long friends. However, reading it as an adult, boy to all the characters do some pretty stupid things.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-mystery-mississippi.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I'm torn on this one. It was my introduction to the series, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. The fast moving and suspenseful plot captivated the 7th grade me and introduced me to life long friends. However, reading it as an adult, boy to all the characters do some pretty stupid things.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/04/book-review-mystery-mississippi.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Wayward (Wayward Pines, #2) in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I wasn't sure how the author would be able to top the sense of suspense that came along with the weird mystery at the center of the first novel, but somehow he has done it. Even knowing the secret of what the town is, there is still plenty to discover about the things going on behind the scenes, and just how creepy they can get. The characters are still very engaging and the twists are still both plentiful and plausible, while the suspense keeps things moving along at a brisk pace. If you liked the 1st of the series, be sure to check this one out as well.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated Naughty in Nice (Her Royal Spyness Mysteries, #5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Georgie manages to get a trip to Nice in the middle of winter to try to find something stolen from the palace. But then a second theft and a murder put her in danger. Can she find her way out of it? As always, Georgie and her family and friends are a delight to be around. Also as always, this book takes forever setting things up before the plot really gets going. I enjoy the series, but I wish the mystery got moving sooner.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-naught-in-nice-by-rhys.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-naught-in-nice-by-rhys.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Dork_knight74 (881 KP) rated Maus (2017) in Movies
Jul 20, 2018
Dark
I found this one on Netflix. It's fairly dark, but doesn't start off that way. Involves a woman and her boyfriend traveling through Bosnia when their car breaks down in the woods(filled with mines) and they meet a couple of Serbian men who claim to want to help but ignite memories from her childhood during the war. Her boyfriend finds out just what she's made of when the two men turn out to be not so helpful. Decent acting and cinematography. The story unfolds well. I doubt kids would be interested, but this movie is worth a watch. Very interesting tale.