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The Sun is Also a Star
The Sun is Also a Star
Nicola Yoon | 2016 | Children
10
8.5 (16 Ratings)
Book Rating
SPOILER FREE!

Young love...Who would have thought that I would actually fall in love with this story? I'm not really into romance stories it would have to really get me and I thought this story was pretty cute from the beginning to the very end. 

This book has been in my TBR jar and I selected the title surprised to find out that the movie comes out next month so It was meant to be. I knew it was going to be a romance story and I had my fingers crossed it was going to be worth the read and sure enough it was. It's different, unique, and beautiful...a love story I have not read before so it has originality for me to keep reading.

Our story starts out in New York City. We get to meet Natasha, a young girl who is originally born in Jamaica along with her younger brother and parents. Natasha and her family are being deported back to Jamaica, Natasha is doing everything she can for her and her family to be able to stay in America. Natasha is all about facts and what's in front of her type of person.

We also get to meet Daniel, who is a Korean - American whose family is from South Korea. Daniels family have high expectations for him to be a doctor and has a very important interview to get into Yale. Daniel is all about fate and destiny and true love.

I definitely feel like the love tension between the two went really fast but in a really good way. We have two completely different people and one who truly believes in fate and tries to show the other to follow your heart and what it says. 

You know its a good book when you really can't put the book down and you want to know what's going to happen and I mean I had to know what the fate was between these two young couples and where they were going to end up. So many questions running thru my head... Are they going to end up being together? Are they getting married on the same day they meet? Do Natasha and her family have to go back to Jamaica? The ending gave me goosebumps! I love endings of stories, it's everything for me and it ended perfectly for me.

Get your popcorn and candies! The movie comes out next month and I'm very stoked to have a "Me-Time" to watch this! 
  
Mulberry Mischief
Mulberry Mischief
Sharon Farrow | 2019 | Mystery
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this one!

Marlee (the mc) becomes involved when the town eccentric wants to use berries for magical protection.

I really liked Marlee as a character. She's smart and quick-thinking.

She tries to help the woman she knows as Leticia and ends up discovering a corpse.

The townsfolk are fully realized. I really liked Theo, Tess, and Natasha.
  
The Sun is Also a Star
The Sun is Also a Star
Nicola Yoon | 2016 | Children
8
8.5 (16 Ratings)
Book Rating
Science Vs Fate
This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Following the success of her debut novel, Nicola Yoon’s second book, The Sun is also a Star, has been highly anticipated amongst young adult readers. In twelve hours time, senior student, Natasha will be deported to Jamaica. Her family are undocumented immigrants and can no longer remain living in the United States. Despite her best efforts, Natasha has not succeeded in getting the courts to change their mind, and now there is barely any time left. Today is the last day before things change forever; little does she know how significant this day will be.

Only half the story is told from Natasha’s point of view. The remainder is narrated by Daniel, a Korean American whose parents’ high expectations have resulted in an interview with the prestigious university, Yale. With several hours to go, Daniel is wandering around New York when a chain of events leads him into saving Natasha’s life – literally. Instantly infatuated with Natasha, Daniel attempts to convince her that their meeting is fate. Yet, Natasha’s factual, scientific brain refuses to concede, leaving Daniel with less than 12 hours to convince her otherwise.

At heart, The Sun is also a Star, is a romance novel, however it contains so many other themes. Both characters are from immigrant families whose histories greatly impact on their current and future lives. Natasha’s father’s impractical dreams have lead to this disastrous consequence, whereas Daniel’s parents are adamant that he become a doctor and avoid the poverty they grew up with. Naturally, the teens are unhappy with the way their futures are being plotted; Natasha more so, however the poetry-loving Daniel wishes he could become who he wants to be rather than who he is told to be.

Although being deep thinkers, Natasha and Daniel are total opposites, yet something is pulling them together. Whether it is love or the simply the way the universe works, the character’s break all ethnic stereotypes as their relationship races from strangers to something much more intimate.

Nicola Yoon has experienced first hand growing up in both Jamaica and New York, therefore readers can assume that Natasha’s experiences are largely based on the author’s own – presumably not including the deportation. Society generally tends to assume all people from Jamaica or Korea fit into a certain box – liking certain music, academic success, wearing particular fashion – yet Daniel and Natasha prove otherwise.

Despite the narrative being condensed into one day in the life of these two characters, there is so much going on. Firstly there is the rushing around New York trying to get to appointments on time and so forth, however the content in between these scenes will keep the reader thinking for hours. Daniel’s poetical theories about love and Natasha’s scientific explanation about the universe will make you question your own philosophy about the world. Whether either or neither of them are correct, what they do prove is the difference a single day can make.

The Sun is also a Star has a similar vibe to novels by Rainbow Rowell, David Levithan and John Green – some of the top Young Adult authors of the current era. It is a story that will pull at your heartstrings while your logical brain refuses to see chance of a happy ending. With no way of guessing what the universe has in store, this book will keep you thoroughly engaged from beginning to end.
  
The Sun is Also a Star
The Sun is Also a Star
Nicola Yoon | 2016 | Children
8
8.5 (16 Ratings)
Book Rating
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review </i>

Following the success of her debut novel, Nicola Yoon’s second book, <i>The Sun is also a Star</i>, has been highly anticipated amongst young adult readers. In twelve hours time, senior student, Natasha will be deported to Jamaica. Her family are undocumented immigrants and can no longer remain living in the United States. Despite her best efforts, Natasha has not succeeded in getting the courts to change their mind, and now there is barely any time left. Today is the last day before things change forever; little does she know how significant this day will be.

Only half the story is told from Natasha’s point of view. The remainder is narrated by Daniel, a Korean American whose parents’ high expectations have resulted in an interview with the prestigious university, Yale. With several hours to go, Daniel is wandering around New York when a chain of events leads him into saving Natasha’s life – literally. Instantly infatuated with Natasha, Daniel attempts to convince her that their meeting is fate. Yet, Natasha’s factual, scientific brain refuses to concede, leaving Daniel with less than 12 hours to convince her otherwise.

At heart, <i>The Sun is also a Star</i>, is a romance novel, however it contains so many other themes. Both characters are from immigrant families whose histories greatly impact on their current and future lives. Natasha’s father’s impractical dreams have lead to this disastrous consequence, whereas Daniel’s parents are adamant that he become a doctor and avoid the poverty they grew up with. Naturally, the teens are unhappy with the way their futures are being plotted; Natasha more so, however the poetry-loving Daniel wishes he could become who he wants to be rather than who he is told to be.

Although being deep thinkers, Natasha and Daniel are total opposites, yet something is pulling them together. Whether it is love or the simply the way the universe works, the character’s break all ethnic stereotypes as their relationship races from strangers to something much more intimate.

Nicola Yoon has experienced first hand growing up in both Jamaica and New York, therefore readers can assume that Natasha’s experiences are largely based on the author’s own – presumably not including the deportation. Society generally tends to assume all people from Jamaica or Korea fit into a certain box – liking certain music, academic success, wearing particular fashion – yet Daniel and Natasha prove otherwise.

Despite the narrative being condensed into one day in the life of these two characters, there is so much going on. Firstly there is the rushing around New York trying to get to appointments on time and so forth, however the content in between these scenes will keep the reader thinking for hours. Daniel’s poetical theories about love and Natasha’s scientific explanation about the universe will make you question your own philosophy about the world. Whether either or neither of them are correct, what they do prove is the difference a single day can make.

<i>The Sun is also a Star</i> has a similar vibe to novels by Rainbow Rowell, David Levithan and John Green – some of the top Young Adult authors of the current era. It is a story that will pull at your heartstrings while your logical brain refuses to see chance of a happy ending. With no way of guessing what the universe has in store, this book will keep you thoroughly engaged from beginning to end.
  
Natasha (Blackbird #2)
Natasha (Blackbird #2)
Dahlia Donovan | 2014 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This series started with a bang when we met Ivy and her beloved Alpha Gits, Steve and Gareth. Would this book be able to match that one? The simple answer is yes, yes it can. As this book is about Natasha and Darren, they are obviously the main ones we see. However, we do still see Ivy, Gareth and Steve as well as the others from Blackbird Security as Ivy once more tries to remain out of the Auctioneer's clutches.

Darren and Natasha have a history together, a difficult history. So much so that Darren needed all the help of his pack to keep him together after their last meeting. Will it be any different this time? I love Ivy's answer to Natasha as they are talking about it - “You know what I love about history?” Ivy stood from the couch she‟d been curled up on to make her way into the kitchen to start making tea. “It‟s in the past. You don‟t have to give a damn about it, unless you want to.”

This is a wonderful, fast paced addition to the Blackbird Series, written in Dahlia Donovan's inimitable style. I loved seeing Ivy and her gits again and I think I always will. What was brilliant though was being able to 'meet' some of the others and learn more about them. I can't wait for the other stories that I hope won't be too long in making an appearance but for some reason, I am especially looking forward to Elaine's. She's prickly and stand-offish and I love her.

Highly recommended.
  
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Ashe77 (2 KP) rated Russian Doll in TV

Feb 19, 2019  
Russian Doll
Russian Doll
2019 | Comedy, Mystery
Innovation (4 more)
Creativity
Character depth
Comedy
Acting
Fresh, engaging and incredibly clever.
Contains spoilers, click to show
What a fantastic show. Very clever concepts with great characters and a wonderfully funny and realistic representation of the social circles Nadia has. Natasha Lyonne very clearly channels AL Pacino in her portrayal which isn't a bad thing but shows she's a very good and engaging actress. Loved the depth and layers to the characters and the twists and redirects were constantly superb. Kansas City Shuffles everywhere.

The comedy was funny and the poignancy was powerful.
  
The Beauty of Impossible Things
The Beauty of Impossible Things
Rachel Donohue | 2021 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry
6
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
70 of 235
Book
The Beauty of Impossible Things
By Rachel Donogue
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Foresight is not always a gift...

The summer Natasha Rothwell turns fifteen, strange dancing lights appear in the sky above her small town, lights that she interprets as portents of doom.

Natasha leads a sheltered life with her beautiful, bohemian mother in a crumbling house by the sea. As news of the lights spreads, more and more visitors arrive in the town, creating a feverish atmosphere of anticipation and dread. And the arrival of a new lodger, the handsome Mr Bowen, threatens to upset the delicate equilibrium between mother and daughter.

Then Natasha's fears seem to be realized when a local teenager goes missing, and she is called on to help. But her actions over that long, hot summer will have unforeseen and ultimately tragic consequences that will cast a shadow for many years to come...

It was good and very well written. It was just missing something for me I expected more of an ending I think. But overall a good read I will certainly try more from this author.
  
The Sun is Also a Star
The Sun is Also a Star
Nicola Yoon | 2016 | Children
10
8.5 (16 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was an excellent read! I loved the characters and the different perspectives we got the story from, not only the main characters but the supporting ones as well. I loved how the story showed how much of a difference one person can make in someone's life and how one choice can change the course of that person's life completely. Daniel and Natasha made me believe in true love and fate they made me feel like anything is possible which I think is the mark of a really good story.
  
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Erika (17788 KP) rated War and Peace in Books

Feb 16, 2019  
War and Peace
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy | 1869 | Fiction & Poetry
9
8.6 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
Leo Tolstoy's expositions about history theory. (0 more)
While reading this book, I went from loving it, to hating it, to loving it. This book is widely talked about because of its length, but how many people have actually read the unabridged novel?
The main character I was annoyed with, that made me hate it, was Natasha. Some of her decisions were so stupid, but then I had to remind myself that I was once a dumb 16 year old that made stupid decisions.
At the beginning, it was hard to pick out which characters were actually considered to be the main characters. For sure, Natasha and Pierre, but the others I questioned.
This novel is a very interesting meditation (that's what I'm going to call it), on the differences between war, peace, and the cause and effect that follows.
Something I found very interesting was that Tolstoy would have sections of historical analysis and theory. I really enjoyed these parts, since I have a degree in history. The way it was juxtaposed with the novel kept it interesting for me. Though, I might be in the minority there.
I'm glad I finally read this novel, and can now say, proudly, that I made it through the whole thing.
  
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Sarah (7798 KP) Feb 17, 2019

I've had this on my To Read list since forever, but always put it off as it's such an huge book. Sounds like it's worth the read though!

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Erika (17788 KP) Feb 17, 2019

@Sarah I was surprised at how much I liked the novel. I think it was clever of Tolstoy, because almost as soon as you got bored with one part, the novel would switch gears.
If you listen to audiobooks (I get them from the digital catalog through my library), it's around 66 hours.

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Dean (6925 KP) rated Deception (2008) in Movies

Apr 30, 2019  
Deception (2008)
Deception (2008)
2008 | Action, Mystery
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
An very good cast, a good idea but a poor-ish execution only make this an ok thriller. I had high hopes for a lot more but the title alone really gives any idea of a twist away right from the start which was annoying. Hugh Jackman was very good in his role I thought and there are some appearances from Natasha Henstridge (Species, Ghost of Mars) and Maggie Q (Die Hard 4). However it is all too straight forward to work out if you have seen any decent thriller before. Ok for a look but nothing special, you might prefer Derailed instead.