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Someone Knows
Someone Knows
Lisa Scottoline | 2019 | Mystery, Thriller
5
6.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was on the fence about reading Someone Knows by Lisa Scottoline. I kept wanting to read it, but then I'd change my mind. However, when I noticed it was available at my library, I decided to check it out. While it wasn't a great read, it was still alright.

Allie is a 15 year old overweight teenage girl. When popular and beautiful Sasha talks to her and invites her to hang out, she can't say no. When another teenager moves to the area and hangs out with them one night, things go lethally wrong. None of the teens confess to what actually happen, and no one gets in trouble. However, Allie continues to feel guilty over the next twenty years. This big secret has affected every aspect of Allie's life. When Allie finally wants to confess, things turn deadly.

The plot to Someone Knows sounded very similar to a book I had read previously. However, once I started reading it, I noticed how Lisa Scottoline gave her book a bunch of little twits and turns to keep it fresh. The plot seemed very realistic. I enjoyed how each chapter was told from each character's point of view. It was interesting to see the thought process behind each person. It was easy to lose myself in the story because of how realistic everything felt. Although I've never been as privileged financially as all the teens in the book, I felt like I was part of the group. There were no cliffhangers in this book either which was nice. While I did predict one plot twist, there was one that I didn't see coming! That was a nice curve ball!

I liked Allie very much. She reminded me a lot of myself at 15 years old. I definitely could see myself as Allie. In fact, my thought process was a lot like Allie's. I've never lost a sibling like Allie, but I was saddened by the death of her sister Jill, and I sympathized with Allie's mother when it came to depression. I do wish Allie would have clued her husband about what was going on because I felt bad for him since Allie was distant throughout a lot of the marriage. I get why she kept her secret to herself, but I still felt bad for Allie's and Larry's marriage. Sasha was an interesting character. I've definitely known a few Sashas in my life! Sasha was able to make any guy putty in her hands. I loved reading Sasha's point of view. Even though she could sometimes be a mean girl, I enjoyed her very much. It was interesting to read about David and learn of his struggle especially when it came to how his father was. David came across as a nice guy. Julian was a character who I would say was a mix of Sasha and David. He could be really nice and charming when he wanted to be, but he would say mean things about Allie to Sasha which wouldn't be very nice. However, I did admire how business oriented he was. I loved Kyle so much, and I hated how he was shunned because of something his father did. Kyle seemed like such a sweet boy who was dealt a tough hand through no fault of his own.

The pacing in Someone Knows seemed to be fairly slow throughout about 80 percent of the book especially during the first half or so. I know it was probably to set up the world building and backstory, but it was just so tedious. I would have liked a bit more action or had the backstory given to me during and after the main event. The pacing is what really let this book down in my opinion.

Trigger warnings include underage drinking, adult drinking, prescription pill abuse, death, talks of suicide, violence, and sexual situations (both underage and adult which aren't overly graphic).

Although the pacing for Someone Knows lets this book down, it's still an alright read. It does have some interesting characters with realistic problems that readers can identify with. I would recommend Someone Knows by Lisa Scottoline to those aged 17+ who are looking for an alright thriller to read.
  
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Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Saving Private Ryan (1998) in Movies

Jan 3, 2018 (Updated Jan 3, 2018)  
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
1998 | Action, Drama, War
Everything (0 more)
EPIC
One of the best Normandy landing scenes of all time. The cast whether it's a cameo.little part or the large roles play a fantastic role. The plot of the story is based on the Lincoln letter that is read in the beginning of the movie that a mother of 5 yes 5 lost 5 children in the Civil War. After that it was decreed that no mother should go through that again. The plot and separate stories in the movie play equal yet significant roles in the movie. There is never nay downtime in my opinion and it is a movie that keeps you interested in every second of it's 2 plus hours greatness.
  
Radio Silence
Radio Silence
Alice Oseman | 2017 | Young Adult (YA)
8
8.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ever felt like your lost and wondering even though you had planned out a whole life and executed the perfect things to make that life happen but, now maybe you don't want that life? It's not so easy to adjust especially if your parents push you to do what was the original plan. This book is about the turmoil of adjusting and when maybe your parents can't or won't adjust to whom you really are. It's about unlikely, but perfectly timed friendships. A curator of a pod cast finds and unlikely friend and the ups and downs and how we need that one light to help us through even if we see no end.
  
Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter #2)
Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter #2)
Sherrilyn Kenyon | 2003 | Fiction & Poetry
6
7.3 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
Well I loved the first book, I think I gave it five stars. This one, not so much. Unfortunately for it, the romance was based on reincarnation which is not something I enjoy reading about. I think it's because I don't get to really see the relationship grow, more like scenes of them now and then when the feelings are already there and I feel a little cheated.

Nevertheless, I still love the secondary characters and can't wait to read more. Zarek certainly has me intrigued and I can't wait to see who makes him turn all warm and gooey.

Not just yet, though. I appear to have lost interest in paranormal books right now, but soon.
  
The Vampire Affair
The Vampire Affair
Livia Reasoner | 2010 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Buffy meets Mills & Boon
Another nocturne short read from Mills & Boon (Silhouette). Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer style vampire hunters, combating some nasty vampires set on taking over the world, one business at a time.
The characters are well developed, and the plot is well written. Again I very much enjoyed reading this as a break between heavier novels.
With some naughty scenes, a sassy female and a strong male lead. Michael comes from a line of vampire hunters, with some additional strength as a buy product of a relative turned vampire, overcoming his vampiric affliction. Having lost a past love to the vampires, he was reluctant to fall for Jessie... but love overcomes all.