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Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated North: How to Live Scandinavian in Books
Jun 14, 2018
Nørth: How to Live Scandinavian by Brontë Aurell is a fun introduction to Scandinavia. This book is filled with recipes, instructions and playful sideways satirical jabs at each of the three Scandinavian countries. From the OCD "it has to be white, all white," to the absolute gaucheness of taking a knife to a beautiful Danish cheese, use a slicer is proper and easier, to the proper way to smörgåsbord and how to drink aquavit, this book covers many aspects of living, dressing and eating in Scandinavian culture. The quirky idioms will make you laugh and the Janteloven (Law of Jante) will give you insight into the Scandinavian psyche.
I was excited to read this book. I lived for a year in Denmark and the year impacted the way I live my life. I knew Denmark and Danes impacted my life greatly but this book helped me realized just how much.
I highly recommend this book to people who want to learn about Scandinavian culture, or are Scandinavian.
I received this book from NetGalley via Quarto Publishing Group - Aurum Press and Aurum Press Ltd in exchange for an honest review.
I was excited to read this book. I lived for a year in Denmark and the year impacted the way I live my life. I knew Denmark and Danes impacted my life greatly but this book helped me realized just how much.
I highly recommend this book to people who want to learn about Scandinavian culture, or are Scandinavian.
I received this book from NetGalley via Quarto Publishing Group - Aurum Press and Aurum Press Ltd in exchange for an honest review.
Eleanor Luhar (47 KP) rated The Rest of Us Just Live Here in Books
Jun 24, 2019
This is the second book I've read by Patrick Ness, the first being More Than This which I adored. So I was really looking forward to The Rest of Us Just Live Here, and I was not disappointed!
The theme of this novel was basically what if you're not the Chosen One? As in, what if you aren't the one who slays the vampires, or exorcises all the demons? What if you don't fall in love with a Goddess or an angel? What if you're just a regular kid, like Mike?
At the start of each chapter, there's a short summary of what's happening in the "main story" - the indie kids fighting the Immortals, saving the world and that kinda thing. But that's all we get of their story; the rest is dedicated to Mike and his friends and family, struggling to lead happy, normal lives.
Each character is so unique and realistic. This is the important bit. There are characters with OCD, alcoholic parents, eating disorders. All of them are so well developed and relatable (expect perhaps Jared, who happens to be 1/4 God of Cats). I just love how their lives are normal lives, and how that doesn't mean they don't get a book written about them. Okay, Henna and Mikey nearly die, Jared can heal people and they encounter blue-eyed creatures a few times, but for the most part they aren't the heroes. They are just people.
I loved how you could compare the normal lives of the gang to what's happening with the indie kids. You can see how certain things affect each group of people differently, and how everything changes what they do. Such as the ending with Finn #2, which decides Jared's fate and alters the indie kids' story completely.
The writing is sometimes a little simplistic, like the kind of thing you read when you're a pre-teen or something. But it's easy to read, and really does draw you in. I have a few other Ness books I'd like to read, and I really am loving his work so far.
As you may or may not know, I'm a sucker for books featuring mental health problems. Anxiety, OCD, anorexia... They need to be addressed! It's great seeing how Mike and his sister get on with their lives despite the problems they're facing, and how they get involved without being judged based on their issues. Like I said, this is a really honest book, which we really need! I'd say 4 stars for this; I love it, but it's not quite in my favourites.
The theme of this novel was basically what if you're not the Chosen One? As in, what if you aren't the one who slays the vampires, or exorcises all the demons? What if you don't fall in love with a Goddess or an angel? What if you're just a regular kid, like Mike?
At the start of each chapter, there's a short summary of what's happening in the "main story" - the indie kids fighting the Immortals, saving the world and that kinda thing. But that's all we get of their story; the rest is dedicated to Mike and his friends and family, struggling to lead happy, normal lives.
Each character is so unique and realistic. This is the important bit. There are characters with OCD, alcoholic parents, eating disorders. All of them are so well developed and relatable (expect perhaps Jared, who happens to be 1/4 God of Cats). I just love how their lives are normal lives, and how that doesn't mean they don't get a book written about them. Okay, Henna and Mikey nearly die, Jared can heal people and they encounter blue-eyed creatures a few times, but for the most part they aren't the heroes. They are just people.
I loved how you could compare the normal lives of the gang to what's happening with the indie kids. You can see how certain things affect each group of people differently, and how everything changes what they do. Such as the ending with Finn #2, which decides Jared's fate and alters the indie kids' story completely.
The writing is sometimes a little simplistic, like the kind of thing you read when you're a pre-teen or something. But it's easy to read, and really does draw you in. I have a few other Ness books I'd like to read, and I really am loving his work so far.
As you may or may not know, I'm a sucker for books featuring mental health problems. Anxiety, OCD, anorexia... They need to be addressed! It's great seeing how Mike and his sister get on with their lives despite the problems they're facing, and how they get involved without being judged based on their issues. Like I said, this is a really honest book, which we really need! I'd say 4 stars for this; I love it, but it's not quite in my favourites.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Every Fifteen Minutes in Books
May 10, 2018
Dr. Eric Parrish is the chief of psychiatry at HGH. When he receives a patient consult from his friend Dr. Fortunado in the Emergency Department, he is eager to help. Dr. Parrish meets Max who he takes on as his private patient. He is determined to help Max with his OCD. When Max's grandmother dies, Dr. Parrish is worried for his safety. When a girl that Max is fond of ends up murdered, Dr. Parrish gets even more worried. Will Dr. Parrish be able to find out if Max is behind the murder or find the real killer before it is too late?
Lisa Scottoline had me on the edge of my seat again, literally, since I listened to this book on my way back and forth from work. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, a twist is thrown right at me. Twists and turns all over the place. I loved it. Lisa Scottoline is becoming one of my favorites, with her thrillers. I first read one of her books last year and quickly I have tried to read them all. This being my fourth of hers. I highly recommend her books to all who are looking for thrillers with great twists!
Lisa Scottoline had me on the edge of my seat again, literally, since I listened to this book on my way back and forth from work. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, a twist is thrown right at me. Twists and turns all over the place. I loved it. Lisa Scottoline is becoming one of my favorites, with her thrillers. I first read one of her books last year and quickly I have tried to read them all. This being my fourth of hers. I highly recommend her books to all who are looking for thrillers with great twists!
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Every Fifteen Minutes in Books
Apr 9, 2019
Dr. Eric Parrish is the chief of psychiatry at HGH. When he receives a patient consult from his friend Dr. Fortunado in the Emergency Department, he is eager to help. Dr. Parrish meets Max who he takes on as his private patient. He is determined to help Max with his OCD. When Max's grandmother dies, Dr. Parrish is worried for his safety. When a girl that Max is fond of ends up murdered, Dr. Parrish gets even more worried. Will Dr. Parrish be able to find out if Max is behind the murder or find the real killer before it is too late?
Lisa Scottoline had me on the edge of my seat again, literally, since I listened to this book on my way back and forth from work. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, a twist is thrown right at me. Twists and turns all over the place. I loved it. Lisa Scottoline is becoming one of my favorites, with her thrillers. I first read one of her books last year and quickly I have tried to read them all. This being my fourth of hers. I highly recommend her books to all who are looking for thrillers with great twists!
Lisa Scottoline had me on the edge of my seat again, literally, since I listened to this book on my way back and forth from work. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, a twist is thrown right at me. Twists and turns all over the place. I loved it. Lisa Scottoline is becoming one of my favorites, with her thrillers. I first read one of her books last year and quickly I have tried to read them all. This being my fourth of hers. I highly recommend her books to all who are looking for thrillers with great twists!
tonidavis (353 KP) rated RAVERS (2018) in Movies
Aug 27, 2018
Kamal Angelo Bolden as Vince (1 more)
Becky and Hannah relationship
Next cult horror
Honestly I went in with low expectations of this film however I was pleastly surprised by it.
This film has all the making of possible cult status whilst it not the edgest film and like most horror there are part that just aren't believable. This film had a fun factor that kept you engage and wanting to watch till the end.
Personally my favourite charcter from the film was Vince placed by Kamal Angelo Bolden. I got to watch this film at fright fest and so the cast was present to introduce the film. From Kamal introduction to seeing him on screen you could see he had one of the most charamatic personalities I've ever seen both on screen and introducing the film. Kamal charcter Vince is a drug dealer and when mist the ravers transform Vince personality stay true throughout the film this makes him engaging to watch.
Georgia Hirst plays Becky and the lead of the film it an interesting charcter as someone who at the start exhibits all the signs of somone who has OCD suddenly cope in a situation that goes from normal rave to horror flick.
This film has all the making of possible cult status whilst it not the edgest film and like most horror there are part that just aren't believable. This film had a fun factor that kept you engage and wanting to watch till the end.
Personally my favourite charcter from the film was Vince placed by Kamal Angelo Bolden. I got to watch this film at fright fest and so the cast was present to introduce the film. From Kamal introduction to seeing him on screen you could see he had one of the most charamatic personalities I've ever seen both on screen and introducing the film. Kamal charcter Vince is a drug dealer and when mist the ravers transform Vince personality stay true throughout the film this makes him engaging to watch.
Georgia Hirst plays Becky and the lead of the film it an interesting charcter as someone who at the start exhibits all the signs of somone who has OCD suddenly cope in a situation that goes from normal rave to horror flick.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Road to Winter (Fae’s Captive #2) in Books
Oct 29, 2021
180 of 250
Kindle
Road to Winter ( Fae’s Captive book 2)
By Lily Archer
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The fae king is growing on me. Every touch, look, and night spent in his arms is slowly melting my resistance. When his feral side takes over, something inside me wants to let go and give him everything. With each passing day, the pull is getting harder to deny. But the road to the winter realm is full of danger, and I need to concentrate on finding my way home, not on the promises of pleasure Leander whispers in my ear at night. Even so, how long can I resist the intoxicating kiss of winter?
These books are so bloody frustrating! I’d love to give it 4 or even 5 stars but as soon as you get into the story the book ends! Also ends on a little cliffhanger and yes I could go straight to the next book but I have a huge tbr pile to get through and have ocd about reading in a certain order. I’ll say what I said in the book 1 review it shows so much promise! They also read as novellas rather than a full book.
Kindle
Road to Winter ( Fae’s Captive book 2)
By Lily Archer
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The fae king is growing on me. Every touch, look, and night spent in his arms is slowly melting my resistance. When his feral side takes over, something inside me wants to let go and give him everything. With each passing day, the pull is getting harder to deny. But the road to the winter realm is full of danger, and I need to concentrate on finding my way home, not on the promises of pleasure Leander whispers in my ear at night. Even so, how long can I resist the intoxicating kiss of winter?
These books are so bloody frustrating! I’d love to give it 4 or even 5 stars but as soon as you get into the story the book ends! Also ends on a little cliffhanger and yes I could go straight to the next book but I have a huge tbr pile to get through and have ocd about reading in a certain order. I’ll say what I said in the book 1 review it shows so much promise! They also read as novellas rather than a full book.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Amish Quilts Coloring Book in Books
Jan 2, 2019
I had so much fun creating my own Amish "quilt" through coloring. I think this is as close to making a real quilt as I will ever get. Sewing and I don't get along so well. Which is why this book is perfect for me! The patterns and details satisfy my OCD side, while my imagination with color satisfies the creativity. Some of the spaces are quite tiny, but it worked well for me. I use colored pencils and have a great sharpener on hand at all times. Coloring is such a great outlet for relaxing. I like to put music on (usually Lindsey Stirling) and let my inner artist emerge and let my personality bleed onto the page. At the top of each page is an Amish Proverb. The one on the page I colored has been so good for me this week. We have had a rough week here, but miracles have been in the making nonetheless!
"Difficulty is the first stage of a miracle."
~Amish Proverb
Overall, this book is a great idea! A wonderful way to bring to life a piece of the culture that we love to read about.
I received two pages from this coloring book to color for free through Celebrate Lit for this Blog Tour in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
"Difficulty is the first stage of a miracle."
~Amish Proverb
Overall, this book is a great idea! A wonderful way to bring to life a piece of the culture that we love to read about.
I received two pages from this coloring book to color for free through Celebrate Lit for this Blog Tour in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated That’s You! in Video Games
May 31, 2018 (Updated May 31, 2018)
A fun party game
Multiplayer couch co-op games are sadly a rarity now with online gaming, so That’s You is a refreshing change. Not only does it let you play with up to 6 players in your own home, you also don’t need to have that many extortionately priced PlayStation controllers - it’s all controlled through an app on your phone or tablet.
The game itself is very fun and interactive and great to play with those you know fairly well. Playing with near strangers probably wouldn’t be anywhere near as entertaining or advisable. It switches between asking questions about statements and who they apply to most, to drawing challenges (either on selfies or generated artwork), completing sentences and posed pictures. It’s a lot of fun and it’s interesting to see what your loved ones think of you - I’m known as the ocd organised one, can’t say that’s a surprise!
Personally though there are parts of this game that didn’t appeal to me as much, but this is mainly due to my preferences. I’m not a fan of having my picture taken and my creative skills are a little lacking - especially in the short amount of time you’re given to create something! I also think they could do more with this game - more fun options, still centred around the same themes, but with a few different mini games. Otherwise this isn’t really a game that you can play too often.
The game itself is very fun and interactive and great to play with those you know fairly well. Playing with near strangers probably wouldn’t be anywhere near as entertaining or advisable. It switches between asking questions about statements and who they apply to most, to drawing challenges (either on selfies or generated artwork), completing sentences and posed pictures. It’s a lot of fun and it’s interesting to see what your loved ones think of you - I’m known as the ocd organised one, can’t say that’s a surprise!
Personally though there are parts of this game that didn’t appeal to me as much, but this is mainly due to my preferences. I’m not a fan of having my picture taken and my creative skills are a little lacking - especially in the short amount of time you’re given to create something! I also think they could do more with this game - more fun options, still centred around the same themes, but with a few different mini games. Otherwise this isn’t really a game that you can play too often.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Under Rose-Tainted Skies in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Norah is a mentally ill teen struggling with agoraphobia and OCD. She lives with her mom and hasn't attended school in over four years -- in fact, she really hasn't had what society would deem a "normal" outing in that time. Her interactions are with her mom, her therapist, and the online world: watching her former friends live their lives via social media. When a new boy moves in next door, Norah doesn't expect much to change. But when Luke catches Norah trying to fish in groceries left outside on her porch, he helps her. The two slowly begin to interact, and a friendship blossoms. Still, despite the movie "dates" they have at Norah's house and their many chats, Norah is trapped in her own insecurities and fears: Luke deserves a "normal" girl, who can go outside to parties, and who isn't too scared of germs to kiss. What does the future hold in store for Norah and Luke?
This was a lyrical novel offering a rather unflinching portrait of mental illness. (I must point out up front that there's a self-harm/cutting trigger.) The writing is beautiful, almost falling over the line of too flowery at times. Norah is an engaging heroine: a real person living her life with mental illness. The novel truly tries to portray her OCD and agoraphobia in a real (yet humorous at times - it's not just as if you're reading a medical manual) manner. There are some incredibly important passages in this book about how, while Norah may not look sick or mentally ill, she is. I enjoyed her character immensely.
Unfortunately, some of my love of Norah was diminished by slightly unrealistic and odd plotlines. Maybe it's just me, but I was immensely bothered by little things - Luke's dad getting a job at the TSA for 8 weeks (unless that was a long time ago, basically impossible in the security clearance era). In turn, Norah's mom undergoes a hospital stay that seems oddly inserted; further, if the family has money, why is poor, scared Norah forced to stay alone for huge chunks of time without any assistance or company? Luke also comes across as too good to be true sometimes, making me question his character, even when I wanted to buy into the love story. Finally, the ending hinges on a weird twist and seemed to tie things up a little too easily for how strongly the book was presenting Norah's illness throughout.
The angsty teen love genre is certainly in full swing lately and adding in mental illness is popular as well (I think [b:Everything, Everything|18692431|Everything, Everything|Nicola Yoon|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1450515891s/18692431.jpg|26540216] is my favorite, where it worked so beautifully). Still, I certainly wouldn't not recommend this novel. It's well-written, portrays its mental illnesses very well, and the character of Norah is worth the read alone. There are some flaws, yes, but I did enjoy the book overall. 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review; it is available as of 01/03/2017.
This was a lyrical novel offering a rather unflinching portrait of mental illness. (I must point out up front that there's a self-harm/cutting trigger.) The writing is beautiful, almost falling over the line of too flowery at times. Norah is an engaging heroine: a real person living her life with mental illness. The novel truly tries to portray her OCD and agoraphobia in a real (yet humorous at times - it's not just as if you're reading a medical manual) manner. There are some incredibly important passages in this book about how, while Norah may not look sick or mentally ill, she is. I enjoyed her character immensely.
Unfortunately, some of my love of Norah was diminished by slightly unrealistic and odd plotlines. Maybe it's just me, but I was immensely bothered by little things - Luke's dad getting a job at the TSA for 8 weeks (unless that was a long time ago, basically impossible in the security clearance era). In turn, Norah's mom undergoes a hospital stay that seems oddly inserted; further, if the family has money, why is poor, scared Norah forced to stay alone for huge chunks of time without any assistance or company? Luke also comes across as too good to be true sometimes, making me question his character, even when I wanted to buy into the love story. Finally, the ending hinges on a weird twist and seemed to tie things up a little too easily for how strongly the book was presenting Norah's illness throughout.
The angsty teen love genre is certainly in full swing lately and adding in mental illness is popular as well (I think [b:Everything, Everything|18692431|Everything, Everything|Nicola Yoon|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1450515891s/18692431.jpg|26540216] is my favorite, where it worked so beautifully). Still, I certainly wouldn't not recommend this novel. It's well-written, portrays its mental illnesses very well, and the character of Norah is worth the read alone. There are some flaws, yes, but I did enjoy the book overall. 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review; it is available as of 01/03/2017.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Memoirs of a Neurotic Zombie (Memoirs of a Neurotic Zombie #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review</i>
One day in Ohio Adam Meltzer is celebrating his twelfth birthday when suddenly he dies from a fatal be sting. Then he comes back to life – sort of. Jeff Norton’s children’s book <i>Memoirs of a Neurotic Zombie</i> is a comical tale narrated by Adam who is, as the title suggests, a zombie.
Three months after his death Adam claws his way out of his coffin and heads home where he attempts to carry on with life (afterlife?) even though his sister has taken over his bedroom and all his clothes have been donated to charity. Oh, and his body had already started decomposing. However it is not long until he discovers that he is not the only unnatural being in his neighbourhood. Connected by their weirdness, Adam becomes firm friends with Corina (a half-vampire) and Ernesto (a chupacabra). Inspired by a school science project (being half-dead is no reason for exemption, apparently) the three of them set out to track down the bee that killed Adam and solve the mystery concerning his return from the grave.
<i>Memoirs of Neurotic Zombie</i> is full of humour targeted at nine to twelve year olds, so reviewing this from an adult’s perspective if rather difficult. As people get older child humour becomes less funny, particularly in relation to certain bodily functions – namely poo. Even though being a children’s book limits the amount of seriousness, some of the story line did not feel quite right. Adam’s parents and sister were far too accepting of the situation and the lies he told at school to explain what had happened were rather farfetched.
An important element to the story was that Adam was suffering from OCD and as a result was gripped by a fear of dirt, bacteria and disease – rather ironic considering his physical condition. There is nothing wrong with writing for children about characters with disorders such as OCD, however there was no explanation about the seriousness of this mental illness. Adam’s behaviour was used to make him appear less “normal” than other children his age – something campaigners are encouraging people <u>not</u> to think!
There were some deliberate inaccuracies in Adam’s narrative, which added to the hilarity, although how much the reader will benefit from these will depend on their own intelligence. On the other hand there were one or two errors that may not have been intentional. “I lurched forward like a tweenage Frankenstein” – surely that should be “Frankenstein’s monster”? Unless, of course, Norton intended Adam not to be aware that Frankenstein was the scientist?
The storyline overall is enjoyable and something children, particularly boys, would enjoy. Then again it may not be suitable for the more sensitive child as it deals with themes of death and paranormal creatures. Adam comes across as rather intelligent for his age – despite taking some things too literally – so there are footnotes to explain definitions of difficult words or to clarify something further. In spite of a few misgivings I would recommend this book to its intended target audience.
One day in Ohio Adam Meltzer is celebrating his twelfth birthday when suddenly he dies from a fatal be sting. Then he comes back to life – sort of. Jeff Norton’s children’s book <i>Memoirs of a Neurotic Zombie</i> is a comical tale narrated by Adam who is, as the title suggests, a zombie.
Three months after his death Adam claws his way out of his coffin and heads home where he attempts to carry on with life (afterlife?) even though his sister has taken over his bedroom and all his clothes have been donated to charity. Oh, and his body had already started decomposing. However it is not long until he discovers that he is not the only unnatural being in his neighbourhood. Connected by their weirdness, Adam becomes firm friends with Corina (a half-vampire) and Ernesto (a chupacabra). Inspired by a school science project (being half-dead is no reason for exemption, apparently) the three of them set out to track down the bee that killed Adam and solve the mystery concerning his return from the grave.
<i>Memoirs of Neurotic Zombie</i> is full of humour targeted at nine to twelve year olds, so reviewing this from an adult’s perspective if rather difficult. As people get older child humour becomes less funny, particularly in relation to certain bodily functions – namely poo. Even though being a children’s book limits the amount of seriousness, some of the story line did not feel quite right. Adam’s parents and sister were far too accepting of the situation and the lies he told at school to explain what had happened were rather farfetched.
An important element to the story was that Adam was suffering from OCD and as a result was gripped by a fear of dirt, bacteria and disease – rather ironic considering his physical condition. There is nothing wrong with writing for children about characters with disorders such as OCD, however there was no explanation about the seriousness of this mental illness. Adam’s behaviour was used to make him appear less “normal” than other children his age – something campaigners are encouraging people <u>not</u> to think!
There were some deliberate inaccuracies in Adam’s narrative, which added to the hilarity, although how much the reader will benefit from these will depend on their own intelligence. On the other hand there were one or two errors that may not have been intentional. “I lurched forward like a tweenage Frankenstein” – surely that should be “Frankenstein’s monster”? Unless, of course, Norton intended Adam not to be aware that Frankenstein was the scientist?
The storyline overall is enjoyable and something children, particularly boys, would enjoy. Then again it may not be suitable for the more sensitive child as it deals with themes of death and paranormal creatures. Adam comes across as rather intelligent for his age – despite taking some things too literally – so there are footnotes to explain definitions of difficult words or to clarify something further. In spite of a few misgivings I would recommend this book to its intended target audience.