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Con’s a firefighter; he knows a burning flame when he sees one. But as things heat up between him...
gayga (2128 KP) rated The Dead Zone in Books
Dec 11, 2017
Another awesome Stephen King book
I enjoy this book because even though the whole premise of someone who wakes up after being in a coma and finds they are psychic is a bit far fetched.
I found that the bits about Johnny and his mum were a bit long winded compared to the film but in general I thought it was a great film.
Possibly I should have read the book first as the differences between the two did jar a bit. Overall the majority of the film was true to the novel.
I found that the bits about Johnny and his mum were a bit long winded compared to the film but in general I thought it was a great film.
Possibly I should have read the book first as the differences between the two did jar a bit. Overall the majority of the film was true to the novel.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Remote in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I was given the opportunity to read an ARC for this science fiction novel in exchange for an honest review. If you enjoy reading science fiction novels then you'll love reading Remote.
In this fabulous book there is love, mischief, fantasy and action all rolled into one suspense filled story. In this book, the main heroine was masterfully imagined along with her friends, family and the world she lives in.
Once you pick up this book it will be hard to put down and it will always have you wondering what is next. Remote is the perfect example of an author who knows what she is doing.
In this fabulous book there is love, mischief, fantasy and action all rolled into one suspense filled story. In this book, the main heroine was masterfully imagined along with her friends, family and the world she lives in.
Once you pick up this book it will be hard to put down and it will always have you wondering what is next. Remote is the perfect example of an author who knows what she is doing.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Idiot: A Novel in Books
Jan 3, 2018
A rather juvenile romp
As the title suggests, Elif Batuman's novel explores linguistics and Russian literature through the eyes of a young Harvard undergraduate, Selin. The character falls in love with an older, neurotic Hungarian mathematics student, and travels to his country to be near him. It is occasionally humorous, and describes a rite of passage - but no more than that. Unfortunately, at times it is rather banal and tedious.
While Batuman's writing is to be desired, the content fell short as the narrative varies between sharp and rambling. The naivety of Selin also appears slightly unbelievable, and would probably be better geared at a younger audience.
While Batuman's writing is to be desired, the content fell short as the narrative varies between sharp and rambling. The naivety of Selin also appears slightly unbelievable, and would probably be better geared at a younger audience.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated A Brief History of Seven Killings in Books
Jan 3, 2018
Requires background context, interesting but slow
No doubt, Marlon James' epic novel is well-researched, capturing the mood of 1970's Jamaica, at the height of the attempted assassination of Bob Marley. However, at times it seemed laborious as there were many distinct voices, some of which appeared unwarranted.
Earlier sections set in Jamaica were stronger as there was more of a sense of purpose and structure. But James's emphasis on dragging out scenes and repeating dialogue ended up losing dynamism.
It's a complex tale, painstakingly detailed which is why it deserves such lavish praise. But it definitely is an acquired taste, and requires concentration.
Earlier sections set in Jamaica were stronger as there was more of a sense of purpose and structure. But James's emphasis on dragging out scenes and repeating dialogue ended up losing dynamism.
It's a complex tale, painstakingly detailed which is why it deserves such lavish praise. But it definitely is an acquired taste, and requires concentration.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Homegoing in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Extraordinary novel spanning seas and generations
A rather melancholic and at times bitterweet read, describing the journey of one family split into two lineages as a result of colonialism and slavery. It is rather horrific read to tales of rape and torture, but there is no way of skirting around the issue. What is more telling is the effects that eight generations of brutality has on a modern generation and how easy it is to dismiss today's problems without looking at the context.
Yaa Gyasi has really excelled in bringing the narratives together coherently. An important piece of literature worth putting as part of the school curriculum.
Yaa Gyasi has really excelled in bringing the narratives together coherently. An important piece of literature worth putting as part of the school curriculum.
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.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Once Upon an Ever After (Once Upon a Road Trip, #2) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
The amazing adventure of Angeli continues. After her road trip to explore half of America and meet some people from online face to face she returned to Minnesota with a new sense of self, a stronger sense of faith, and a new long distance boyfriend. In [Once Upon an Ever After] [Angela N. Blount] shows that nothing worth having is easy but it doesn't have to be hard as long as you stand by what you know and believe. This is an incredibly well written and well told coming of age novel for today. I highly recommend everyone read [Once Upon A Road Trip] and [Once Upon an Ever After].
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Wildfire in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[Wildfire] is a story of a young woman trying to escape her past and what is expected of her and finding where she belongs. It is a true coming of age novel of love, loss and discovery. [Mary Pauline Lowry] catches the true feeling of rebellion of the main character Julie as she tries to overcome the pain of her past with the Pikers, a hot shot crew, forest fire fighters who often hike or fly into the heart of fires all through fire season. This book kept me reading and was finished off in a day. It was a very well told story.
King at his finest
Epic, multi character novels are what Stephen King does best and It is a fantastic example. The characters are all well written, well developed, flawed but all loveable in their own ways. The plot itself is a mix between a coming of age and a horror story, and keeps you reading throughout this 900 page + novel. The finale does get a bit too bonkers in parts and there are a few aspects of the story that are a little unnecessary, but it's a sign of a great book when you get to the end and feel so sad that it's over.