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Christina Tsitlakidou (43 KP) created a video about Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) in Movies
Jun 30, 2017
MPMcDonald (8 KP) rated Across the Universe (Across the Universe, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
It was good. I read it over a year ago so the details are a bit fuzzy, but I loved the premise of a group of what are basically space pilgrims, setting off to a distant planet. There are some interesting twists to the story. I loved the details of the ship and world building.
AT (1676 KP) rated The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry in Books
Feb 18, 2020
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry was a book club pick. As a whole, I really enjoyed the story. It was funny, sad, sentimental, frustrating, thoughtful, and hopeful, all in one. However, I didn't like the part with the "pilgrims". That was non-stop irritation for me, and I was thrilled to see that the story quickly moved forward after a couple of chapters. Honestly, I don't think the story would've lacked without that part. I don't think it added anything of true importance, either. Past that, I thought it was a good story that is worth reading.
Kaysee Hood (83 KP) rated All the Crooked Saints in Books
Nov 17, 2017
Music (2 more)
Mental Illness
Family
Saints Have Darkness, Too
Forget all you know about Stiefvater's previous books.
Okay, don't forget everything. Let me make it a bit clearer. Forget the characters you've known before. Forget the twists and turns, plots, and bits of information before. You'll need your mind clear to process All the Crooked Saints because a whole new world has been created in 1962 Colorado on a ranch in Bicho Raro where miracles take place, yet not the type of miracles you may have in mind.
The Sorias have a gift to perform these miracles on people who come, called pilgrims, where the darkness within a person becomes tangible. Some come believing once it is done then all is well. This is not the case. Drawing out the darkness is the first part. The second part is on the pilgrim to figure out on their own or darkness shall overcome the Soria who attempts to help. This is how it has always been. This is what the Sorias have been told. This is what the cousins, who the story is greatly based around, have been told. Yet is this the truth?
This is what the cousins (Beatriz and Joaquin) are trying to figure out when Daniel, the oldest of their trio, breaks the rule in aiding one of the pilgrims. They know neither can directly interfere. So Beatriz goes out on a limb using the radio system she has built for Joaquin to see if the broadcasting can help the others and let Daniel know he is not alone until they figure out how to change his fate. They've noticed the broadcast has done well for the other pilgrims, so why not their dear cousin, too? They have to figure it out before he dies out in the valley from the darkness, starvation, dehydration, or the elements.
However, there may be a slight problem with this plan. Well, two problems. One, Pete Wyatt arrived with a pilgrim to do odd jobs around the ranch to earn the box truck. The very box truck Beatriz fixed up and built the radio station in. As well as he is doing Pete may earn the truck before they can help Daniel. It's hard enough working under the time frame they have without the ticking time of Pete. Two, a Soria recognized Joaquin's voice. This means their secret is no longer a secret. This means they may not be able to help Daniel anyway.
They're pressed for time. Can Pete be talked to? Can Daniel, the saint, who should have known better, even be saved from his darkness? Or will the little bit of work be all in vain?
All this can be found out in the tale that will have you turning pages to find out if Daniel can be saved from his darkness, why he risked his life, and if the other pilgrims can be helped without bringing darkness to them all.
Okay, don't forget everything. Let me make it a bit clearer. Forget the characters you've known before. Forget the twists and turns, plots, and bits of information before. You'll need your mind clear to process All the Crooked Saints because a whole new world has been created in 1962 Colorado on a ranch in Bicho Raro where miracles take place, yet not the type of miracles you may have in mind.
The Sorias have a gift to perform these miracles on people who come, called pilgrims, where the darkness within a person becomes tangible. Some come believing once it is done then all is well. This is not the case. Drawing out the darkness is the first part. The second part is on the pilgrim to figure out on their own or darkness shall overcome the Soria who attempts to help. This is how it has always been. This is what the Sorias have been told. This is what the cousins, who the story is greatly based around, have been told. Yet is this the truth?
This is what the cousins (Beatriz and Joaquin) are trying to figure out when Daniel, the oldest of their trio, breaks the rule in aiding one of the pilgrims. They know neither can directly interfere. So Beatriz goes out on a limb using the radio system she has built for Joaquin to see if the broadcasting can help the others and let Daniel know he is not alone until they figure out how to change his fate. They've noticed the broadcast has done well for the other pilgrims, so why not their dear cousin, too? They have to figure it out before he dies out in the valley from the darkness, starvation, dehydration, or the elements.
However, there may be a slight problem with this plan. Well, two problems. One, Pete Wyatt arrived with a pilgrim to do odd jobs around the ranch to earn the box truck. The very box truck Beatriz fixed up and built the radio station in. As well as he is doing Pete may earn the truck before they can help Daniel. It's hard enough working under the time frame they have without the ticking time of Pete. Two, a Soria recognized Joaquin's voice. This means their secret is no longer a secret. This means they may not be able to help Daniel anyway.
They're pressed for time. Can Pete be talked to? Can Daniel, the saint, who should have known better, even be saved from his darkness? Or will the little bit of work be all in vain?
All this can be found out in the tale that will have you turning pages to find out if Daniel can be saved from his darkness, why he risked his life, and if the other pilgrims can be helped without bringing darkness to them all.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Sunlight Pilgrims in Books
May 25, 2017
So boring
This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Note: I did not finish reading this book.
It is winter 2020 and the world is facing the most extreme winter for over 200 years. Jenni Fagan’s The Sunlight Pilgrims explores the potential disastrous effects of climate change beginning with a new ice age set in the very near future, only four years away. With the North Atlantic drift slowing and temperatures around the world dropping to -40 degrees, the Earth’s inhabitants fear a pending apocalypse.
The story is largely set in Clachan Fells, a Scottish caravan park situated at the base of a group of mountains. Tin houses are not the most practical form of abodes for cold weather, let alone the worst snowstorms the world has ever seen. This is the situation the main characters of The Sunlight Pilgrims find themselves. Dylan MacRae has moved into a mobile home he did not know he owned until the recent death of his mother and soon makes friends with his neighbour Constance and her daughter Stella. Although only twelve years old Stella is more concerned about her identity than she is the fatal weather condition outside. Born a boy, Stella is uncomfortable in her body and struggles to get other people to accept that she is really a girl.
Surprisingly, the dystopian snow scene seems to be more of a backdrop to a different storyline featuring identity, family and romance. Dylan is a lonely man falling in love with the woman next door, however she is tied up with relationship problems of her own. Stella, whilst seemingly carefree, is desperate to be accepted for who she is and live a happy and secure life.
Jenni Fagan does an exceptional job of portraying the confusion, thoughts and emotions of a transgender child experiencing stigma amongst her peers. Yet Fagan also emphasises the potential acceptance of people in this situation through the reception received from Dylan who did not bat an eyelid on discovering the truth about Stella’s identity.
The Sunlight Pilgrims combines popular current affairs that are likely to attract a wide audience. Sadly as a story it falls short of mediocrity. Without a clear storyline it is a struggle to remain interested. The readers’ lack of enthusiasm for the characters and their individual worries makes it a challenge to reach the end. As I never made it to the final chapter I cannot say whether the conclusion is worth sticking around for. Mixed reviews on Goodreads suggest that enjoyment depends on the individual reader rather than the novel itself. I, however, cannot recommend this book.
Note: I did not finish reading this book.
It is winter 2020 and the world is facing the most extreme winter for over 200 years. Jenni Fagan’s The Sunlight Pilgrims explores the potential disastrous effects of climate change beginning with a new ice age set in the very near future, only four years away. With the North Atlantic drift slowing and temperatures around the world dropping to -40 degrees, the Earth’s inhabitants fear a pending apocalypse.
The story is largely set in Clachan Fells, a Scottish caravan park situated at the base of a group of mountains. Tin houses are not the most practical form of abodes for cold weather, let alone the worst snowstorms the world has ever seen. This is the situation the main characters of The Sunlight Pilgrims find themselves. Dylan MacRae has moved into a mobile home he did not know he owned until the recent death of his mother and soon makes friends with his neighbour Constance and her daughter Stella. Although only twelve years old Stella is more concerned about her identity than she is the fatal weather condition outside. Born a boy, Stella is uncomfortable in her body and struggles to get other people to accept that she is really a girl.
Surprisingly, the dystopian snow scene seems to be more of a backdrop to a different storyline featuring identity, family and romance. Dylan is a lonely man falling in love with the woman next door, however she is tied up with relationship problems of her own. Stella, whilst seemingly carefree, is desperate to be accepted for who she is and live a happy and secure life.
Jenni Fagan does an exceptional job of portraying the confusion, thoughts and emotions of a transgender child experiencing stigma amongst her peers. Yet Fagan also emphasises the potential acceptance of people in this situation through the reception received from Dylan who did not bat an eyelid on discovering the truth about Stella’s identity.
The Sunlight Pilgrims combines popular current affairs that are likely to attract a wide audience. Sadly as a story it falls short of mediocrity. Without a clear storyline it is a struggle to remain interested. The readers’ lack of enthusiasm for the characters and their individual worries makes it a challenge to reach the end. As I never made it to the final chapter I cannot say whether the conclusion is worth sticking around for. Mixed reviews on Goodreads suggest that enjoyment depends on the individual reader rather than the novel itself. I, however, cannot recommend this book.
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated All the Crooked Saints in Books
Jul 5, 2018
This book was alright - it was an interesting read but the writing was strange. The Stiefvater books I've read have all been audiobook style (Raven Cycle) so it was strange to read a book on paper like this and it was rough at times to pick apart the context of the book.
The whole Saint aspect was well thought out I think and quite unique to things I have read in the past as far as magical realism goes. There was also a plethora of great characters to choose from to be your favourite from the start. The book doesn't generally focus on any one in particular even though it's about the three cousins I feel equal play time was given to the pilgrims so it was a joy in that aspect.
If it weren't for the difficult shift in head space, going from one character straight into another's thoughts I think this book would have been utterly joyful! But a solid 3.5 stars anyway!
The whole Saint aspect was well thought out I think and quite unique to things I have read in the past as far as magical realism goes. There was also a plethora of great characters to choose from to be your favourite from the start. The book doesn't generally focus on any one in particular even though it's about the three cousins I feel equal play time was given to the pilgrims so it was a joy in that aspect.
If it weren't for the difficult shift in head space, going from one character straight into another's thoughts I think this book would have been utterly joyful! But a solid 3.5 stars anyway!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2071 KP) rated The Pilgrim's Progress in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Join Christian on his journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. He’ll encounter many dangers and trials as he tries to stay on the straight and narrow path. And then in the second half of the book, follow his wife Christiana’s journey.
I was obsessed with this story in other forms as a kid, and it was interesting to read the original many years later as an adult. Christian’s journey is book, with many powerful lessons and morals that still apply today. Even when the characters start to sermonize as they walk along, it is interesting. The second half isn’t as engaging, however, and feels like it suffers the fate of the sequel. There are still some good moments here, but overall the first part is better. Bunyan never tries to hide his allegory. This translation into modern English is very readable while still maintaining the voice of an author from the 1600’s.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/09/book-review-pilgrims-progress-by-john.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
I was obsessed with this story in other forms as a kid, and it was interesting to read the original many years later as an adult. Christian’s journey is book, with many powerful lessons and morals that still apply today. Even when the characters start to sermonize as they walk along, it is interesting. The second half isn’t as engaging, however, and feels like it suffers the fate of the sequel. There are still some good moments here, but overall the first part is better. Bunyan never tries to hide his allegory. This translation into modern English is very readable while still maintaining the voice of an author from the 1600’s.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/09/book-review-pilgrims-progress-by-john.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry in Books
Jun 25, 2020
A heartwarming read
I decided to give this book ago on the basis of other reviews on here, and overall I'm glad I decided to give it a go as it's a rather heartwarming enjoyabke read.
This is very well written, and Harold is truly a character you can get behind as he's endearing yet ultimately flawed. Even Maureen too who you start off disliking, winds up winning your heart as well. The plot is a great idea and came across to me sometimes as an English Forrest Gump, with the pilgrimage across the country. There's a lot of heart in this book and Harold's journey takes you on an emotional journey as a reader. I felt rather emotional and almost welling up at the end. The end itself for me was fairly mixed, it was good just not quite the amazingly happy ending I'd hoped for. There are some frustrations with this story, mainly from the other 'pilgrims' and how Harold does/doesn't deal with these situations. But overall this is a very enjoyable and surprisingly fast paced read.
This is very well written, and Harold is truly a character you can get behind as he's endearing yet ultimately flawed. Even Maureen too who you start off disliking, winds up winning your heart as well. The plot is a great idea and came across to me sometimes as an English Forrest Gump, with the pilgrimage across the country. There's a lot of heart in this book and Harold's journey takes you on an emotional journey as a reader. I felt rather emotional and almost welling up at the end. The end itself for me was fairly mixed, it was good just not quite the amazingly happy ending I'd hoped for. There are some frustrations with this story, mainly from the other 'pilgrims' and how Harold does/doesn't deal with these situations. But overall this is a very enjoyable and surprisingly fast paced read.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated 10 Routes That Crossed the World in Books
Jun 18, 2018
10 Routs that Crossed the World by Gillian Richardson is a book that discusses the history behind 10 important routes in the world. Each chapter begins with a short story based on the specific route and then proceeds to facts about the place. Extremely interesting for kids who enjoy history.
Pretty much every important road and trail in history are described and discussed. From Route 66 back to the Bering Strait. The Camino de Santiago trail in Spain and its importance to pilgrims for centuries as well as the Appalachian Trail and why people hike it. I had never even heard of the war-torn Khyber Pass connecting Afghanistan and Pakistan. I'm already scheming how we can add this to our World History study next year. This one does not read like a textbook at all. We especially enjoyed reading about the Serengeti and the migration of millions of animals. There is an extended bibliography and a list of further reading if you'd like to explore any of these topics more in depth.
This book is written for middle grade students. They will enjoy the historical background to the trails and the stories.
I received this book from Annick press via NetGalley in response for an honest review.
Pretty much every important road and trail in history are described and discussed. From Route 66 back to the Bering Strait. The Camino de Santiago trail in Spain and its importance to pilgrims for centuries as well as the Appalachian Trail and why people hike it. I had never even heard of the war-torn Khyber Pass connecting Afghanistan and Pakistan. I'm already scheming how we can add this to our World History study next year. This one does not read like a textbook at all. We especially enjoyed reading about the Serengeti and the migration of millions of animals. There is an extended bibliography and a list of further reading if you'd like to explore any of these topics more in depth.
This book is written for middle grade students. They will enjoy the historical background to the trails and the stories.
I received this book from Annick press via NetGalley in response for an honest review.
Lindsay (1693 KP) rated The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving Blessing in Books
Nov 17, 2021
The Berenstain Bears Thanksgiving Blessing is a book for all children. The book is a must-have on your bookshelves if you are a Berenstain Bears fan. This book helps teach children about Thanksgiving and being thankful for the blessing that you have.
This book teaches Mama and Papa as they ride through the woods to their grans and gramps place for Thanksgiving dinner. They teach about how the native Bears and pilgrims shared and started the whole Thanksgiving feast and what it means to be thankful for all the blessings you have.
The blessing is quite a few things we have somewhat forgotten we came to have. Some of the blessings are Family and Friends, Faith, and religion. A few others. The cubs do mention a song that is a favorite of mine. The song is “Over the river and Through the woods.”
What will your child or children learn about the history of holidays and celebrations? This book teaches a bit about it. What is your child or children learning to be Thankful for during the season? Are we teaching that children should be thankful for the blessing that they have? The many blessings we have in life have continued told in this book.
This book teaches Mama and Papa as they ride through the woods to their grans and gramps place for Thanksgiving dinner. They teach about how the native Bears and pilgrims shared and started the whole Thanksgiving feast and what it means to be thankful for all the blessings you have.
The blessing is quite a few things we have somewhat forgotten we came to have. Some of the blessings are Family and Friends, Faith, and religion. A few others. The cubs do mention a song that is a favorite of mine. The song is “Over the river and Through the woods.”
What will your child or children learn about the history of holidays and celebrations? This book teaches a bit about it. What is your child or children learning to be Thankful for during the season? Are we teaching that children should be thankful for the blessing that they have? The many blessings we have in life have continued told in this book.