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Con’s a firefighter; he knows a burning flame when he sees one. But as things heat up between him...
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated Herself (2020) in Movies
Oct 6, 2020
I was keen to see this from recommendations I'd spotted online, but I wasn't overly enthused by the description... boy am I glad that the internet has great taste in movies.
Sandra is trying to keep her life together for her two daughters after she escapes from her abusive husband. Feeling isolated, overworked and living in a terrible situation Sandra has an off the wall idea that seems like a pipe dream. With the help of those around her she makes a true home for her girls and regains pieces of herself she'd lost.
Herself has some very serious topics in it, domestic violence and childhood trauma being at the top of the list, so that's definitely something to keep in mind if you're thinking of watching it. These topics are very effectively done and those feelings jumped out and affected me in a way I really didn't expect... I cried through a significant amount of the film, so probably just as well I was sitting in my living room and not a crowded cinema.
An interesting discovery on this was that one of the writers was Clare Dunne who plays the lead role of Sandra. I don't know what the process was between her and Malcolm Campbell but that involvement undoubtedly helps Dunne relay the true intent of the script, which I felt was incredibly well written.
Dunne's performance blew me away, barely minutes into the film you realise just what you're in for, it was such a brutal switch that my jaw nearly hit the floor. At every tense moment Dunne's acting is flawless and she conveys the emotions to a T. She does it so well that you get caught up in her anxiety, I found myself waiting for the bad things she was living in fear of and it was agonising... in a good way.
Along with her performance they use footage so well to help convey the story. When Sandra has an anxiety attack they cut clips into the scene, the quick changing back and forth between memory and present day brings the unsettling familiarity of panic and brings about a deeply emotional moment in the film. It might not conjure the exact same feeling as your own personal anxiety attack but it was closer than any other films I've seen it in.
Herself is a strong reminder that the vulnerable have the power within them to overcome anything through the right support and people who care. And sadly, it also reminds us that the system is a little messed up. I'm so pleased that I got the opportunity to see this, it's a well crafted film and I can say without a doubt it's already one of the highlights of this year's LFF.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2020/10/herself-movie-review.html
Sandra is trying to keep her life together for her two daughters after she escapes from her abusive husband. Feeling isolated, overworked and living in a terrible situation Sandra has an off the wall idea that seems like a pipe dream. With the help of those around her she makes a true home for her girls and regains pieces of herself she'd lost.
Herself has some very serious topics in it, domestic violence and childhood trauma being at the top of the list, so that's definitely something to keep in mind if you're thinking of watching it. These topics are very effectively done and those feelings jumped out and affected me in a way I really didn't expect... I cried through a significant amount of the film, so probably just as well I was sitting in my living room and not a crowded cinema.
An interesting discovery on this was that one of the writers was Clare Dunne who plays the lead role of Sandra. I don't know what the process was between her and Malcolm Campbell but that involvement undoubtedly helps Dunne relay the true intent of the script, which I felt was incredibly well written.
Dunne's performance blew me away, barely minutes into the film you realise just what you're in for, it was such a brutal switch that my jaw nearly hit the floor. At every tense moment Dunne's acting is flawless and she conveys the emotions to a T. She does it so well that you get caught up in her anxiety, I found myself waiting for the bad things she was living in fear of and it was agonising... in a good way.
Along with her performance they use footage so well to help convey the story. When Sandra has an anxiety attack they cut clips into the scene, the quick changing back and forth between memory and present day brings the unsettling familiarity of panic and brings about a deeply emotional moment in the film. It might not conjure the exact same feeling as your own personal anxiety attack but it was closer than any other films I've seen it in.
Herself is a strong reminder that the vulnerable have the power within them to overcome anything through the right support and people who care. And sadly, it also reminds us that the system is a little messed up. I'm so pleased that I got the opportunity to see this, it's a well crafted film and I can say without a doubt it's already one of the highlights of this year's LFF.
Originally posted on: https://emmaatthemovies.blogspot.com/2020/10/herself-movie-review.html
Amy Norman (1048 KP) rated Ready Player Two in Books
Jul 23, 2022
I didn't want the reviews to be true but unfortunately I feel they were correct. I went into this with an open mind and ready to form my own opinions but alas this time I side with the majority.
***No direct spoilers as such but you may infer some details from what I have said***
I didn't struggle with the referencing and overexplaining that some people felt occurred in the first book but this was something completely different in the sequel.
In the first book, there was passion and a sense of urgency, and it drew you along to a satisfying conclusion. There were specific parts to the book that stood out, and it felt like a fully realised story that could almost happen.
I was really invested in the first book but this time round it was missing something.
Although the stakes were set higher it never felt like there was any real danger. There are some truly dramatic scenes but at no point did I feel like Cline had the heart to go all Game of Thrones on us.
I think Cline overstretched himself with trying to cram in 7 fantastical quests, world's, and puzzles to solve, that all the magic of the first book was completely lost.
He could have made this work well but the sped up timeline forced him into a corner there was no escaping from.
Rushed in places, where fans of the first book would have adored more detail and reveled in it, and then hyper focused and drawn out details of some really odd choices, means this book just falls flat.
There was so much potential here, but it felt like Cline was trying too hard to pay lip service to his peers and people he admires in a Halliday-esqe way, this can be felt if you actually read the acknowledgements. The comparison to Cline and some of the characters becomes quite apparent there, and are almost beyond cliche.
There is still ongoing talk of a movie adaptation for this sequel, and I feel like Cline really leaned into the idea of this (after the success of the first one). As this book would probably work better as a screenplay. I feel like this may be one of those extremely rare occurrences where the movie has the potential to be better than the book.
I often try to leave balanced reviews and can find a positive to end on but I was mostly disappointed by the end of reading, so I am struggling to end on a positive!
How about this?
There is no mention of a part three in the future but I feel like Cline has given himself the opportunity to have a fresh start, if there were to be a Ready Player Three, there are so many avenues he could explore, and bring the magic back! So I am hopeful for the futute.
***No direct spoilers as such but you may infer some details from what I have said***
I didn't struggle with the referencing and overexplaining that some people felt occurred in the first book but this was something completely different in the sequel.
In the first book, there was passion and a sense of urgency, and it drew you along to a satisfying conclusion. There were specific parts to the book that stood out, and it felt like a fully realised story that could almost happen.
I was really invested in the first book but this time round it was missing something.
Although the stakes were set higher it never felt like there was any real danger. There are some truly dramatic scenes but at no point did I feel like Cline had the heart to go all Game of Thrones on us.
I think Cline overstretched himself with trying to cram in 7 fantastical quests, world's, and puzzles to solve, that all the magic of the first book was completely lost.
He could have made this work well but the sped up timeline forced him into a corner there was no escaping from.
Rushed in places, where fans of the first book would have adored more detail and reveled in it, and then hyper focused and drawn out details of some really odd choices, means this book just falls flat.
There was so much potential here, but it felt like Cline was trying too hard to pay lip service to his peers and people he admires in a Halliday-esqe way, this can be felt if you actually read the acknowledgements. The comparison to Cline and some of the characters becomes quite apparent there, and are almost beyond cliche.
There is still ongoing talk of a movie adaptation for this sequel, and I feel like Cline really leaned into the idea of this (after the success of the first one). As this book would probably work better as a screenplay. I feel like this may be one of those extremely rare occurrences where the movie has the potential to be better than the book.
I often try to leave balanced reviews and can find a positive to end on but I was mostly disappointed by the end of reading, so I am struggling to end on a positive!
How about this?
There is no mention of a part three in the future but I feel like Cline has given himself the opportunity to have a fresh start, if there were to be a Ready Player Three, there are so many avenues he could explore, and bring the magic back! So I am hopeful for the futute.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Conspiracy of Ravens (The Shadow, #2) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
This whole series has me feeling all mixed up.
On one hand, the plot and story has a lot of potential, the writing is pretty good and keeps me reading, and the characters are well developed and complex.
But on the other hand, there's a lot that I don't like. Most prominent, the main character in this story is a young girl abused to the point of a sexual identity crisis. (S)he has no identity, is very confused, and has very little guidance on the matter.
The plot also seemed to drag a little in this one near the end. The beginning and middle was fairly well paced, but it wasn't nearly as well thought out and complex as Wake of Vultures. And it didn't really end the way I wanted it to.
This series is not one I'm going to continue. Part of it is because of the slowness and disappointingness of the plot in this novel, but the other part is the subject of Nettie/Rhett's identity crisis.
I feel like because she was abused by a man she hated, and neglected by a woman who was supposed to keep her safe, she lost all respect for women. She didn't want to be a part of that "woman" stuff. So instead she decided to become what she had respect for: the men in the horse training camp.
But rather than become a strong heroine, she became a broken confused scared young girl who tries to change who and what she is because of past experiences.
And I know the author was trying to make a statement about something, but I feel like it's done more hurt than it's helped. I wish Nettie/Rhett would learn that she is indeed perfect just as she is, she wasn't born in the wrong body, and that being a man or a woman has nothing to do with who you are or how you act.
Somehow I doubt that'll happen. So I'm retiring this series and moving on to greener pastures.
Good luck, Nettie Lonesome.
On one hand, the plot and story has a lot of potential, the writing is pretty good and keeps me reading, and the characters are well developed and complex.
But on the other hand, there's a lot that I don't like. Most prominent, the main character in this story is a young girl abused to the point of a sexual identity crisis. (S)he has no identity, is very confused, and has very little guidance on the matter.
The plot also seemed to drag a little in this one near the end. The beginning and middle was fairly well paced, but it wasn't nearly as well thought out and complex as Wake of Vultures. And it didn't really end the way I wanted it to.
This series is not one I'm going to continue. Part of it is because of the slowness and disappointingness of the plot in this novel, but the other part is the subject of Nettie/Rhett's identity crisis.
I feel like because she was abused by a man she hated, and neglected by a woman who was supposed to keep her safe, she lost all respect for women. She didn't want to be a part of that "woman" stuff. So instead she decided to become what she had respect for: the men in the horse training camp.
But rather than become a strong heroine, she became a broken confused scared young girl who tries to change who and what she is because of past experiences.
And I know the author was trying to make a statement about something, but I feel like it's done more hurt than it's helped. I wish Nettie/Rhett would learn that she is indeed perfect just as she is, she wasn't born in the wrong body, and that being a man or a woman has nothing to do with who you are or how you act.
Somehow I doubt that'll happen. So I'm retiring this series and moving on to greener pastures.
Good luck, Nettie Lonesome.
From The Ashes (Redwood Bay Fire #2)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Love is never lost COLT Walking away from Zahir Delacroix was the worst mistake I ever made....
Debbiereadsbook (1753 KP) rated Reap This Three: Getting Back Mine (Oh So Happy Holidays #3) in Books
Dec 11, 2021
loved the history between Seamus and Mine!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Oh Happy Holidays series, and you really MUST, I mean MUST read books one, Reap This, and book 2, Reap This Two before this one. Preferably, back-to-back. I had a big gap between book 3 and 3, and I think I lost a little bit of the experience by not reading all three together. And you won't get the massive cliff hanger after book 2, if you read them together, either!
Seamus wants Mine back. His coven discover a way to find Mine before he was the sceptre he is now. There follows a chase across time and space to get the two lovers back together.
And for the most part, I did enjoy this, I really did. I'm left felling . . .kinda . . bereft . . maybe? This is an ending, and Seamus IS happy, but I'm feeling there is more, you know?? I'm feeling (and ya'll know I'm all about my book feelings!) that there is more to come, and that Seamus and Mine really do get their very happy holiday. Again, I just can't see how that might happen!
I loved the trips back in time, and I loved that we learnt (learned? I can never get that one right!) more about Ian and Khnurn's relationship and just how much history they had. And I love love LOVED that Mine and Seamus had history too and that was a total surprise!
Mr Jadison has a way of pulling you in, keeping you fully engaged, and cutting you off just when you think you got the book sorted, you know?? So again, there were a few choice words, and the sky had a tinge of blue, just not quite as bad after reading Reap This Too!
So, thank you, yes, it was totally worth the wait, but are you really REALLY done with Seamus and Mine, huh?? Are you?? Are ya, huh, huh????
Cos I don't think so 🙂
4 slightly streaked blue stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Oh Happy Holidays series, and you really MUST, I mean MUST read books one, Reap This, and book 2, Reap This Two before this one. Preferably, back-to-back. I had a big gap between book 3 and 3, and I think I lost a little bit of the experience by not reading all three together. And you won't get the massive cliff hanger after book 2, if you read them together, either!
Seamus wants Mine back. His coven discover a way to find Mine before he was the sceptre he is now. There follows a chase across time and space to get the two lovers back together.
And for the most part, I did enjoy this, I really did. I'm left felling . . .kinda . . bereft . . maybe? This is an ending, and Seamus IS happy, but I'm feeling there is more, you know?? I'm feeling (and ya'll know I'm all about my book feelings!) that there is more to come, and that Seamus and Mine really do get their very happy holiday. Again, I just can't see how that might happen!
I loved the trips back in time, and I loved that we learnt (learned? I can never get that one right!) more about Ian and Khnurn's relationship and just how much history they had. And I love love LOVED that Mine and Seamus had history too and that was a total surprise!
Mr Jadison has a way of pulling you in, keeping you fully engaged, and cutting you off just when you think you got the book sorted, you know?? So again, there were a few choice words, and the sky had a tinge of blue, just not quite as bad after reading Reap This Too!
So, thank you, yes, it was totally worth the wait, but are you really REALLY done with Seamus and Mine, huh?? Are you?? Are ya, huh, huh????
Cos I don't think so 🙂
4 slightly streaked blue stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
ClareR (6230 KP) rated Build Your Home Around My Body in Books
Jul 28, 2021
I loved this enchanting, horrific, beautiful story. Build Your House Around My Body is a difficult book to describe. There are at least three timelines, all relevant to what is happening in the present day to the main character, Winnie née Ngoan.
Winnie is a lost soul - she has gone to Vietnam to stay with family while she teaches English to Vietnamese students, hoping to find herself, but she seems to become more and more lost as the story progresses. She struggles with her dual identity as her mother is American, and her father is Vietnamese. The fact that she seems to deliberately sabotage her own life is the most tragic thing about her.
The time does jump around a bit, but this didn’t confuse me at all - the chapter headings made sure of that - in fact they gave some interesting history lessons (e.g. French colonialism, Japanese occupation).
It’s a weird and wonderful one (my favourite kind!), sometimes bordering on the grotesque (ditto). Bodily functions and food that I wasn’t sure about, galore! (I’d still try the food though, although I draw the line at dog…).
The supernatural elements showed that these things are still very much a part of Vietnamese culture (spirits and demons both feature).
Some parts are achingly sad, some made me feel a bit ill, and others were actually quite amusing. I couldn’t put this book down. The joy of it was that I didn’t know, couldn’t predict, what was going to happen next!
I’m really interested to see what Kupersmith writes next if this is her debut - what an imagination!
Many thanks to Jellybooks for giving me the chance to read this wonderful book.
Winnie is a lost soul - she has gone to Vietnam to stay with family while she teaches English to Vietnamese students, hoping to find herself, but she seems to become more and more lost as the story progresses. She struggles with her dual identity as her mother is American, and her father is Vietnamese. The fact that she seems to deliberately sabotage her own life is the most tragic thing about her.
The time does jump around a bit, but this didn’t confuse me at all - the chapter headings made sure of that - in fact they gave some interesting history lessons (e.g. French colonialism, Japanese occupation).
It’s a weird and wonderful one (my favourite kind!), sometimes bordering on the grotesque (ditto). Bodily functions and food that I wasn’t sure about, galore! (I’d still try the food though, although I draw the line at dog…).
The supernatural elements showed that these things are still very much a part of Vietnamese culture (spirits and demons both feature).
Some parts are achingly sad, some made me feel a bit ill, and others were actually quite amusing. I couldn’t put this book down. The joy of it was that I didn’t know, couldn’t predict, what was going to happen next!
I’m really interested to see what Kupersmith writes next if this is her debut - what an imagination!
Many thanks to Jellybooks for giving me the chance to read this wonderful book.
Merissa (14009 KP) rated Bad Boys After Dark: Brett (Bad Billionaires After Dark #4) in Books
Nov 21, 2023
Brett is the fourth book in the Bad Boys After Dark series, but you can read it as a standalone (as I did), and you won't get lost. The other brothers play a big part in Brett's story, but not enough that you are lost with who is with whom. Brett and Sophie have known each other for a while, as Sophie works for Brett's brother. Since a wedding they both attended, Brett can't get her out of his mind. He is worried though, as he knows Sophie is not looking for just one night, but a long-term relationship. Due to circumstances in his past, Brett is slightly phobic about commitment but decides he needs to take a chance with Sophie.
This is a sweet and yet hot story, with Brett and Sophie actually getting together quite quickly as their shared attraction is off the charts. There is some angst in the book, but refreshingly enough it is not between Brett and Sophie, but Brett and someone else (who I won't say as I don't want to spoil the book).
There is an excellent array of characters, each with their own individual quirks, and loads of them needing their own stories. This was a well-written contemporary romance, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. A long book with more than enough to sink your teeth into, I definitely recommend this book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 26, 2018
This is a sweet and yet hot story, with Brett and Sophie actually getting together quite quickly as their shared attraction is off the charts. There is some angst in the book, but refreshingly enough it is not between Brett and Sophie, but Brett and someone else (who I won't say as I don't want to spoil the book).
There is an excellent array of characters, each with their own individual quirks, and loads of them needing their own stories. This was a well-written contemporary romance, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. A long book with more than enough to sink your teeth into, I definitely recommend this book.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 26, 2018
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Sailing out of Darkness in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Wow! Powerful. Powerful, powerful, powerful. I wasn't quite sure what to think about this book when I got it. I mean, a story of a non marital affair? Not always my cup of tea. But, taking on a new-to-me author, I dived into it with an open mind. Especially, with a past like mine, with my first marriage. I was very, very surprised! This book had all the feels and then some! I was captivated, twisted up inside, only to be let down gently with reminders of seeking out God and praying through.
The characters within the pages of this book are not just characters. They are chiseled with the perfect amount of flaws, they are detailed with the perfect amount of emotions and they steal your heart when you meet them. From anger, to hurt, to scared and untrusting, Samantha, Teo, Jack, India and even Tootie will leave you wanting to continue on with them. Each one is perfect for their roles, even Jack, whom I loved to hate!
The emotions behind this book. Lordy, I felt them all. My heart was wrenched, my mind was twisted, my soul was reminded that not all who are lost are truly broken and hopeless. All is takes is forgiveness and acceptance and having faith in the Lord to bring you through the storm. It is definitely all empowering and thought provoking!
If you are looking for a light, quick read, don't get this book. If you are looking for a 4 star worthy, emotionally gripping, thought provoking, roller coaster ride, then absolutely get this book. You'll be left feeling like you need more, yet wondering what Normandie just did to your heart and soul. Well done, Normandie Fisher. Well, done!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and CelebrateLit and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.
The characters within the pages of this book are not just characters. They are chiseled with the perfect amount of flaws, they are detailed with the perfect amount of emotions and they steal your heart when you meet them. From anger, to hurt, to scared and untrusting, Samantha, Teo, Jack, India and even Tootie will leave you wanting to continue on with them. Each one is perfect for their roles, even Jack, whom I loved to hate!
The emotions behind this book. Lordy, I felt them all. My heart was wrenched, my mind was twisted, my soul was reminded that not all who are lost are truly broken and hopeless. All is takes is forgiveness and acceptance and having faith in the Lord to bring you through the storm. It is definitely all empowering and thought provoking!
If you are looking for a light, quick read, don't get this book. If you are looking for a 4 star worthy, emotionally gripping, thought provoking, roller coaster ride, then absolutely get this book. You'll be left feeling like you need more, yet wondering what Normandie just did to your heart and soul. Well done, Normandie Fisher. Well, done!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and CelebrateLit and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.
Night Reader Reviews (683 KP) rated NOS4A2 in Books
Apr 26, 2020
Just Because Review
While I imagine a few already know this it is important to note that Joe Hill is Stephen King's son, which is actually what made me interested in his work. This book reflects the works of Stephen King so much that I almost thought he was the actual author. It is very clear that this book resides in the same universe as Stephen King's works. It mentions things like the Pennywise Circus and True Knot (Doctor Sleep). It also reminded me of Christine and multiple people in the book have "a touch of the shinning" and if readers pay attention they may notice elements from Dreamcatcher and Finders Keepers as well.
As a child, Vic discovers a bike that gives her the ability to cross the Shorter Way Bridge to locate lost things, so long as they are in a fixed position. The bad thing about this is that using the ability has its cost and the price she must pay is the risk of losing part of her mind each time she goes across. One day after fighting with her mother she takes off across the bridge looking for trouble and finds just that in Charles Manx. Luckily she manages to escape but Charles Manx will forever hold a grudge against her and she will see him again after she is an adult and has convinced herself that the Shorter Way Bridge was just a fantasy from a delusional mind.
I highly recommend this book. The only reason why it did not get a 5 out of 5 was that while the story was original the world felt to firmly set in the Stephen King universe and I am not sure if that was intentional or if it was just a by-product of the household that Joe Hill grew up in.
For more reviews check out Night Reader on Smashbomb.com or Night Reader Reviews on Facebook
As a child, Vic discovers a bike that gives her the ability to cross the Shorter Way Bridge to locate lost things, so long as they are in a fixed position. The bad thing about this is that using the ability has its cost and the price she must pay is the risk of losing part of her mind each time she goes across. One day after fighting with her mother she takes off across the bridge looking for trouble and finds just that in Charles Manx. Luckily she manages to escape but Charles Manx will forever hold a grudge against her and she will see him again after she is an adult and has convinced herself that the Shorter Way Bridge was just a fantasy from a delusional mind.
I highly recommend this book. The only reason why it did not get a 5 out of 5 was that while the story was original the world felt to firmly set in the Stephen King universe and I am not sure if that was intentional or if it was just a by-product of the household that Joe Hill grew up in.
For more reviews check out Night Reader on Smashbomb.com or Night Reader Reviews on Facebook