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Gail (4 KP) rated Infinitely Mine (Incapable, #3) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
WTH! It’s over! I am sad but extremely happy that the book is over. Sad because there is no more Grayson Mandrake. This conclusion is everything you could hope for at the end of a series. It wasn’t an instant HEA. The author made them work for their fairytale ending.
Just like the first two book you develop love and hate emotions for Emmalin. I don’t understand why she is so stubborn. I wanted to rock her in my arms and tell her it would be ok. But then I would want to slap her because she wouldn’t be in the situation if she would’ve talked to Grayson. So much unnecessary pain she caused herself because she wanted to run. Her self worth was so low she believed that the man who would do anything for her would want someone else. There’s no way she believed he loved her if she could do what she did so easily. She was amazing at times and in those moments she was invincible to me. She could do no wrong because she did everything genuinely and without hesitation.
What can I say about Grayson? He is amazing, stubborn, bullheaded and loyal. I was so ped off at him for letting her leave. Then he gets her followed but doesn’t go after her. Instead he acts like a child and deliberately sets out to hurt her. But praise the lord he came to his senses. The while Carmen thing was crazy. How anyone can fake loving someone like Grayson is beyond me. I wanted to hug him for understanding and loving Emma so patiently. To put up with all her moods and still come out loving her.
This couple couldn’t catch a break but it all turned out amazingly at the end. If it hadn’t I would’ve had to do something crazy. If you haven’t started thus series you don’t know what you are missing. The ups and downs alone will have you on edge. But the drama, explosive emotions and love will be what keeps you turning the page.
Just like the first two book you develop love and hate emotions for Emmalin. I don’t understand why she is so stubborn. I wanted to rock her in my arms and tell her it would be ok. But then I would want to slap her because she wouldn’t be in the situation if she would’ve talked to Grayson. So much unnecessary pain she caused herself because she wanted to run. Her self worth was so low she believed that the man who would do anything for her would want someone else. There’s no way she believed he loved her if she could do what she did so easily. She was amazing at times and in those moments she was invincible to me. She could do no wrong because she did everything genuinely and without hesitation.
What can I say about Grayson? He is amazing, stubborn, bullheaded and loyal. I was so ped off at him for letting her leave. Then he gets her followed but doesn’t go after her. Instead he acts like a child and deliberately sets out to hurt her. But praise the lord he came to his senses. The while Carmen thing was crazy. How anyone can fake loving someone like Grayson is beyond me. I wanted to hug him for understanding and loving Emma so patiently. To put up with all her moods and still come out loving her.
This couple couldn’t catch a break but it all turned out amazingly at the end. If it hadn’t I would’ve had to do something crazy. If you haven’t started thus series you don’t know what you are missing. The ups and downs alone will have you on edge. But the drama, explosive emotions and love will be what keeps you turning the page.
Mike Wilder (20 KP) rated True Romance (1993) in Movies
May 30, 2018
I know people that hate this film, but I know far more that love it.
Contains spoilers, click to show
The film was written by Quentin Tarantino, and it really shows with the sharp dialogue and crazy plot. The film centres around Clarence (Christian Slater) who meets and marries Alabama (Patricia Arquette). After Clarence goes to get Alabama's belongings, through a series of mishaps, he ends up with suitcase of coke and they decide to sell it. This leads to a wild adventure involving drug dealers, police and movie executives.
The casting in this film is amazing with Hollywood greats turning up and each one adds something special to the film. But by far the best performance is by Brad Pitt as the roommate of Clarence's friend Dick. He is on screen for a total of about 5 minutes but steals every scene he is in. However every one of the characters in the film brings something special. The performances by Hollywood greats, including Dennis Hopper, Christopher Walken and Gary Oldman all come so close to being over the top, but the incredible script and brilliant directing manage to hold back just enough to stop it going too far.
This film is a true masterpiece where everything just falls in to place. The film is not for the faint of heart though. There are very graphic scenes of violence. One particular scene involving a woman getting severely beaten. The perpetrator definitely gets his comeuppance though. While the violence is very graphic, as with most of Tarantino's films, it is very bloody but also portrayed in a realistic manor. This adds to the shock and also to bring you closer to the victims.
I cannot praise this film enough. It is one of the greats that has been overlooked by many including Hollywood. Almost all of the performances are worthy of Oscar nomination, as with the script. But this film was overlooked by all the major awards.
If you are a fan of Tarantino films, or films with a good cast and great story give this film a try. I know people that hate this film, but I know far more that love it.
The casting in this film is amazing with Hollywood greats turning up and each one adds something special to the film. But by far the best performance is by Brad Pitt as the roommate of Clarence's friend Dick. He is on screen for a total of about 5 minutes but steals every scene he is in. However every one of the characters in the film brings something special. The performances by Hollywood greats, including Dennis Hopper, Christopher Walken and Gary Oldman all come so close to being over the top, but the incredible script and brilliant directing manage to hold back just enough to stop it going too far.
This film is a true masterpiece where everything just falls in to place. The film is not for the faint of heart though. There are very graphic scenes of violence. One particular scene involving a woman getting severely beaten. The perpetrator definitely gets his comeuppance though. While the violence is very graphic, as with most of Tarantino's films, it is very bloody but also portrayed in a realistic manor. This adds to the shock and also to bring you closer to the victims.
I cannot praise this film enough. It is one of the greats that has been overlooked by many including Hollywood. Almost all of the performances are worthy of Oscar nomination, as with the script. But this film was overlooked by all the major awards.
If you are a fan of Tarantino films, or films with a good cast and great story give this film a try. I know people that hate this film, but I know far more that love it.
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated Slave (Finding Anna, #1) in Books
Nov 5, 2018
This book was provided as part of a blog tour for Lily Loves Indie. The full review can be found here http://lilylovesindie.co.uk/?p=174 but here is a snippet for you...
Well, that being said, you could be forgiven for wondering where the four star review comes from. Let me tell you that despite my niggles, there are plenty of things that are very enjoyable about this book. One of which is the way the story is told from both perspectives quite evenly. Hayes usually splits the chapters equally between Brianna and Stephan, which means we get both of their views on the situation. However, it is the way she does this that makes it so effective and enjoyable. The switch between them isn't the other one simply repeating things from their viewpoint, far from it in fact. Rather, they may recap any major thoughts directly relating to the previous passage, but the 'next' character then moves the story further on. This keeps the plot ticking over nicely, and means that the reader can engage with both characters equally. Something that can be quite difficult has been carried out with a high level of skill and makes for very engaging reading.
The plot is another aspect that is worthy of positive praise. Although at times a little repetitive, it does have a strong arc that develops well. The idea of a submissive being abused by their previous Dom is not a new thing, but Hayes brings a unique twist to this aspect with the introduction of Brianna as a slave. It is sensitively handled throughout, and incredibly well portrayed by Hayes, who doesn't linger on the suffering, however she doesn't dwell on it either. Although it's clear from the start that Brianna has a lot of issues relating to her servitude to Ian, it's not constantly referred to and the emphasis is on her getting over those experiences. This makes it incredible engaging, and it's also very easy for the reader to empathise with Brianna as she takes the proverbial two steps forward, one step back.
Well, that being said, you could be forgiven for wondering where the four star review comes from. Let me tell you that despite my niggles, there are plenty of things that are very enjoyable about this book. One of which is the way the story is told from both perspectives quite evenly. Hayes usually splits the chapters equally between Brianna and Stephan, which means we get both of their views on the situation. However, it is the way she does this that makes it so effective and enjoyable. The switch between them isn't the other one simply repeating things from their viewpoint, far from it in fact. Rather, they may recap any major thoughts directly relating to the previous passage, but the 'next' character then moves the story further on. This keeps the plot ticking over nicely, and means that the reader can engage with both characters equally. Something that can be quite difficult has been carried out with a high level of skill and makes for very engaging reading.
The plot is another aspect that is worthy of positive praise. Although at times a little repetitive, it does have a strong arc that develops well. The idea of a submissive being abused by their previous Dom is not a new thing, but Hayes brings a unique twist to this aspect with the introduction of Brianna as a slave. It is sensitively handled throughout, and incredibly well portrayed by Hayes, who doesn't linger on the suffering, however she doesn't dwell on it either. Although it's clear from the start that Brianna has a lot of issues relating to her servitude to Ian, it's not constantly referred to and the emphasis is on her getting over those experiences. This makes it incredible engaging, and it's also very easy for the reader to empathise with Brianna as she takes the proverbial two steps forward, one step back.
JT (287 KP) rated It: Chapter Two (2019) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
“For 27 years, I dreamt of you. I craved you… I’ve missed you!” The return of Pennywise the Dancing Clown was one of the most eagerly anticipated horror icons of the year – and we weren’t left disappointed.
Bill Skarsgård‘s demented shape-shifting entity is a performance for the horror ages, as he yet again terrifies the Losers Club. Now all grown up but still suffering from their traumatic problems and insecurities, the group must reunite once again to honour a promise they made to each other all those years ago.
Stephen King’s mammoth book would always be a hard piece of work to adapt, but director Andy Muschietti has more to play with this time around – and he doesn’t hold back. Kicking off proceedings with a rather nasty homophobic attack, Muschietti sets out his stall for what is a nerve-shredding 160 minutes.
Fast forward 27-years and the Losers Club appear to be living successful lives, having left the town of Derry and their pasts behind. However, it is all about to catch up them when Mike (Isaiah Mustafa), the only one not to leave, calls each one, in turn, to reveal that ‘It‘ has returned.
It is fantastically well cast with both young and old actors delivering excellent performances.
In shock and not willing to continue the fight, the group are brought back together by their close-knit bond for each other and the willingness to end the horror that has plagued them for almost three decades – however, Pennywise is not going down without a fight.
Flashbacks between young and old work very well and connect the timeline and narrative with seamless precision. It is fantastically well cast with both young and old actors delivering excellent performances. Rarely does it ever feel disjointed? Skarsgård clearly has fun and his terror is matched by the inclusion of several other monsters, equally as terrifying as the white-faced clown.
The ending might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but die-hard fans of the book should lavish praise on Muschietti’s interpretation. The furious pace at which it is delivered will be more than enough to keep viewers strapped to their seats.
Bill Skarsgård‘s demented shape-shifting entity is a performance for the horror ages, as he yet again terrifies the Losers Club. Now all grown up but still suffering from their traumatic problems and insecurities, the group must reunite once again to honour a promise they made to each other all those years ago.
Stephen King’s mammoth book would always be a hard piece of work to adapt, but director Andy Muschietti has more to play with this time around – and he doesn’t hold back. Kicking off proceedings with a rather nasty homophobic attack, Muschietti sets out his stall for what is a nerve-shredding 160 minutes.
Fast forward 27-years and the Losers Club appear to be living successful lives, having left the town of Derry and their pasts behind. However, it is all about to catch up them when Mike (Isaiah Mustafa), the only one not to leave, calls each one, in turn, to reveal that ‘It‘ has returned.
It is fantastically well cast with both young and old actors delivering excellent performances.
In shock and not willing to continue the fight, the group are brought back together by their close-knit bond for each other and the willingness to end the horror that has plagued them for almost three decades – however, Pennywise is not going down without a fight.
Flashbacks between young and old work very well and connect the timeline and narrative with seamless precision. It is fantastically well cast with both young and old actors delivering excellent performances. Rarely does it ever feel disjointed? Skarsgård clearly has fun and his terror is matched by the inclusion of several other monsters, equally as terrifying as the white-faced clown.
The ending might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but die-hard fans of the book should lavish praise on Muschietti’s interpretation. The furious pace at which it is delivered will be more than enough to keep viewers strapped to their seats.
JT (287 KP) rated Fractured (2019) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
I went into this without expecting much. More often than not Netflix originals fall flat. I can’t understand why, given the amount of money that the streaming service has behind them? While their original TV series’ are bingewatched, their original films just don’t seem to get the high praise – until now.
Ray Monroe (Sam Worthington) and his wife Joanne (Lily Rabe) are driving back from Thanksgiving with Joanne’s parents, by all accounts it didn’t go well as the pair bicker over cold turkey and the dirty looks Ray receives from Joanne’s mother. Oblivious to their low key argument is daughter Peri (Lucy Capri), sat in the back seat. When the trio makes a pit stop at a local gas station Peri is injured in a fall and Ray takes her to the local hospital to get help. What results is a Hitchkoiam style thriller with several clever twists and turns that will leave you constantly second-guessing yourself.
Worthington is a hit and miss actor, but here actually stands up on his own two feet and delivers a solid performance as a desperate father and husband pushed to the edge
Ray has a troubled past. At the gas station, he purchases miniature bottles of alcohol rather than the batteries needed for Peri’s music player. He’s dealing with a number of issues that invlude trying to save his rocky marraige and escape a past that keeps coming back to haunt him. Worthington is a hit and miss actor, but here actually stands up on his own two feet and delivers a solid performance as a desperate father and husband pushed to the edge.
As the drama and tension unfolds we start to wonder whether or not Ray has actually lost it? We are swayed one way to the next, settling on a likely outcome but then changing our minds mid way through. Is the hospital hiding something? To go into any more detail would give it away but it’s safe to say that in my humble opion this is one the best thrillers I have seen for some time.
Ray Monroe (Sam Worthington) and his wife Joanne (Lily Rabe) are driving back from Thanksgiving with Joanne’s parents, by all accounts it didn’t go well as the pair bicker over cold turkey and the dirty looks Ray receives from Joanne’s mother. Oblivious to their low key argument is daughter Peri (Lucy Capri), sat in the back seat. When the trio makes a pit stop at a local gas station Peri is injured in a fall and Ray takes her to the local hospital to get help. What results is a Hitchkoiam style thriller with several clever twists and turns that will leave you constantly second-guessing yourself.
Worthington is a hit and miss actor, but here actually stands up on his own two feet and delivers a solid performance as a desperate father and husband pushed to the edge
Ray has a troubled past. At the gas station, he purchases miniature bottles of alcohol rather than the batteries needed for Peri’s music player. He’s dealing with a number of issues that invlude trying to save his rocky marraige and escape a past that keeps coming back to haunt him. Worthington is a hit and miss actor, but here actually stands up on his own two feet and delivers a solid performance as a desperate father and husband pushed to the edge.
As the drama and tension unfolds we start to wonder whether or not Ray has actually lost it? We are swayed one way to the next, settling on a likely outcome but then changing our minds mid way through. Is the hospital hiding something? To go into any more detail would give it away but it’s safe to say that in my humble opion this is one the best thrillers I have seen for some time.
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated The Shallows (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
The Shallows is simple, suspenseful and satisfying. Everything you want it to be.
The story is simple. Nancy (Blake Lively) is a young woman on a journey to find herself after her mother passes away. She has finally found the “perfect secret” beach her mother always told her about. Nancy surfs the day away in paradise with two other local surfers who eventually leave for the evening. When trying to catch one last wave of the day, she unexpectedly is attacked by a great white shark. Trapped 200 yards off shore on a rock island in low tide, the film becomes a battle of wits and wills between Nancy and one of nature’s most vicious predators.
No doubt, the twiterverse will dismiss this movie as nothing more than a pretty girl in a bikini stuck on a rock in the ocean. But I want to praise Blake Lively’s performance in the film as she is both likeable and believable. We feel her joy, pain, confusion and fear throughout the film. She does a fantastic job keeping our interest in her survival, which is a fine line to walk when the focus is mostly on her and a shark.
I would actually recommend seeing this film in the theater. Not only to get the visual duality of beauty and danger of the ocean, but more importantly, to get that same experience through fantastic sound. There is no thematic score warning you of danger like “Jaws,” In fact, as I write this I cannot remember there being any kind of score at all. If there was, it was minimal. But the sound design set in realism makes you feel the intimate and intense nature of this experience. This creates a satisfying payoff during those suspenseful moments where you want to look away, but cannot bring yourself to do so.
The Shallows is thoroughly enjoyable as it delivers everything it suggests from the trailer and more. At 83 minutes it does not feel long or forced but rather it delivers a simple story with the precision of timing in suspenseful moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The story is simple. Nancy (Blake Lively) is a young woman on a journey to find herself after her mother passes away. She has finally found the “perfect secret” beach her mother always told her about. Nancy surfs the day away in paradise with two other local surfers who eventually leave for the evening. When trying to catch one last wave of the day, she unexpectedly is attacked by a great white shark. Trapped 200 yards off shore on a rock island in low tide, the film becomes a battle of wits and wills between Nancy and one of nature’s most vicious predators.
No doubt, the twiterverse will dismiss this movie as nothing more than a pretty girl in a bikini stuck on a rock in the ocean. But I want to praise Blake Lively’s performance in the film as she is both likeable and believable. We feel her joy, pain, confusion and fear throughout the film. She does a fantastic job keeping our interest in her survival, which is a fine line to walk when the focus is mostly on her and a shark.
I would actually recommend seeing this film in the theater. Not only to get the visual duality of beauty and danger of the ocean, but more importantly, to get that same experience through fantastic sound. There is no thematic score warning you of danger like “Jaws,” In fact, as I write this I cannot remember there being any kind of score at all. If there was, it was minimal. But the sound design set in realism makes you feel the intimate and intense nature of this experience. This creates a satisfying payoff during those suspenseful moments where you want to look away, but cannot bring yourself to do so.
The Shallows is thoroughly enjoyable as it delivers everything it suggests from the trailer and more. At 83 minutes it does not feel long or forced but rather it delivers a simple story with the precision of timing in suspenseful moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Confucius' Social Wisom in Books
Apr 20, 2020
Well, well, well… Another 1-star. The first one for 2020. And it had to be a philosophy book.
I remember reading another book by Pavan Choudary and it was called How A Good Person Can Really Win. I remember disliking this book as well, because it was a bit dodgy and click-baity. But together with that one, I also received this book – Confucius’s Social Wisdom.
My history with Confucius
Philosophy and I found our way to each other when I was in high school. Our professor was quite different than any other professors I had, but he taught me a lot of world and moral lessons. Even today, I still remember his lessons now, when I am on a life crossroad and wonder what he would say. I discovered Confucius’s work during those years and it was a huge revelation for me to learn about other culture’s ethics and moral rules and explanations.
I always love sharing opinions and beliefs and Confucius’s works showed me another side of the world that I never thought of. Love others while you exercise self-discipline. How can it be done, and how I can implement this in my life. His works always triggered more questions than answers. And that was the beauty of it.
Why I don’t like this book
I will be completely honest with you. I appreciate everyone’s work and I know that a lot of time and effort has been put into this work. However, I will not praise nor endorse any book that is published and sells on behalf of someone else’s work. And this is what has happened here.
The author has taken the most famous quotes from Confucius and then elaborated them into what he believes they might mean, advising the reader what they should do. I cannot see any wisdom in this book whatsoever. You can get the same information by just grabbing a copy of the original works of Confucius.
I would not recommend this book to anyone. If anything, I would recommend you to avoid it. Stick to the original works of Confucius and form your own conclusions on the meaning behind the words.
I remember reading another book by Pavan Choudary and it was called How A Good Person Can Really Win. I remember disliking this book as well, because it was a bit dodgy and click-baity. But together with that one, I also received this book – Confucius’s Social Wisdom.
My history with Confucius
Philosophy and I found our way to each other when I was in high school. Our professor was quite different than any other professors I had, but he taught me a lot of world and moral lessons. Even today, I still remember his lessons now, when I am on a life crossroad and wonder what he would say. I discovered Confucius’s work during those years and it was a huge revelation for me to learn about other culture’s ethics and moral rules and explanations.
I always love sharing opinions and beliefs and Confucius’s works showed me another side of the world that I never thought of. Love others while you exercise self-discipline. How can it be done, and how I can implement this in my life. His works always triggered more questions than answers. And that was the beauty of it.
Why I don’t like this book
I will be completely honest with you. I appreciate everyone’s work and I know that a lot of time and effort has been put into this work. However, I will not praise nor endorse any book that is published and sells on behalf of someone else’s work. And this is what has happened here.
The author has taken the most famous quotes from Confucius and then elaborated them into what he believes they might mean, advising the reader what they should do. I cannot see any wisdom in this book whatsoever. You can get the same information by just grabbing a copy of the original works of Confucius.
I would not recommend this book to anyone. If anything, I would recommend you to avoid it. Stick to the original works of Confucius and form your own conclusions on the meaning behind the words.
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