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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Bring Me Back in Books
Mar 2, 2018
Unnerving with lots of twists
B. A. Paris returns once again with a deeply troubling psychological thriller following a couple and a woman, who disappeared 12 years ago.
Finn and his girlfriend Layla are in France before she mysteriously vanishes, leaving him to answer police questions over her disappearance. Fast forward 12 years, and Finn has settled down, about to marry Layla's older, much more mature sister, but suddenly bizarre events begin to occur, and they wonder - has she returned?
The entire book is unnerving, moving between several narratives and voices, first establishing Finn's version of the past and the present. And then soon after, another voice emerges, and you're left to question whether it really is Layla.
While you do get an inkling with 30 minutes left of the book about what could be possible - it is written so that the final reveal is still harrowing and shocking. Another gripping thriller from Paris.
Finn and his girlfriend Layla are in France before she mysteriously vanishes, leaving him to answer police questions over her disappearance. Fast forward 12 years, and Finn has settled down, about to marry Layla's older, much more mature sister, but suddenly bizarre events begin to occur, and they wonder - has she returned?
The entire book is unnerving, moving between several narratives and voices, first establishing Finn's version of the past and the present. And then soon after, another voice emerges, and you're left to question whether it really is Layla.
While you do get an inkling with 30 minutes left of the book about what could be possible - it is written so that the final reveal is still harrowing and shocking. Another gripping thriller from Paris.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches (Flavia de Luce, #6) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Flavia’s mother has been found and her body is being returned to Bishop’s Lacey. Flavia is waiting with the rest of her family on the train station when the body arrives when a stranger comes up to her and gives her a cryptic message. Minutes later, he’s dead. What did his message mean? What does this have to do with Flavia’s mother?
As often in this series, the mystery takes a back seat to Flavia and her family. Still, the plot does answer some questions about the de Luce family and appears to wrap up a few long running plot threads. Fans will absolutely love this book however, because of the character study it gives us in grief. While the mystery is weak, it is a very strong book, especially if you know the characters.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-dead-in-their-vaulted.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
As often in this series, the mystery takes a back seat to Flavia and her family. Still, the plot does answer some questions about the de Luce family and appears to wrap up a few long running plot threads. Fans will absolutely love this book however, because of the character study it gives us in grief. While the mystery is weak, it is a very strong book, especially if you know the characters.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/07/book-review-dead-in-their-vaulted.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated Claws for Concern (Cat in the Stacks, #9) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Charlie’s grandson has been born, and he’s delighted to be spending time with this addition to the family. But he soon begins to get drawn into another mystery. First a true crime writer wants to write about some of Charlie’s past cases. Then there’s the mysterious man in the library asking questions.
This is definitely a slower book in the series as it took a while for us to figure out exactly where the mystery might be. There is one in the book, and I enjoyed it once Charlie started investigating. As always, the characters, both new and old, shine. I loved getting to spend more time with the usual gang, and most of them get at least an appearance. We also get to see some characters from the author’s other series, which was a lot of fun.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/03/book-review-claws-for-concern-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is definitely a slower book in the series as it took a while for us to figure out exactly where the mystery might be. There is one in the book, and I enjoyed it once Charlie started investigating. As always, the characters, both new and old, shine. I loved getting to spend more time with the usual gang, and most of them get at least an appearance. We also get to see some characters from the author’s other series, which was a lot of fun.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/03/book-review-claws-for-concern-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Dana (24 KP) rated Howl and Other Poems in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I don't overly enjoy poetry for the most part, but I have to say, I really enjoy Allen Ginsberg's writing.
I had previously read "Howl" and "A Supermarket in California" which I very much enjoyed. The other poems, being new to me, I thoroughly enjoyed.
Ginsberg has a very interesting writing style that is very vivid. I love how he speaks directly to his fellow poets in some of his poems. In writing them in, he is giving them an even greater form of immortality.
I enjoyed the poem "America." It's asking the citizens of America what the war is worth, but America is also asking things of him that he wouldn't be able to live up to. He questions his own writing in this as well.
Ginsberg has a very musical beat to his poems that makes you have to keep reading. It pulls you along, especially when you read it out loud.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this little book of poems.
I had previously read "Howl" and "A Supermarket in California" which I very much enjoyed. The other poems, being new to me, I thoroughly enjoyed.
Ginsberg has a very interesting writing style that is very vivid. I love how he speaks directly to his fellow poets in some of his poems. In writing them in, he is giving them an even greater form of immortality.
I enjoyed the poem "America." It's asking the citizens of America what the war is worth, but America is also asking things of him that he wouldn't be able to live up to. He questions his own writing in this as well.
Ginsberg has a very musical beat to his poems that makes you have to keep reading. It pulls you along, especially when you read it out loud.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this little book of poems.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated Tea Cups and Carnage (A Tourist Trap Mystery, #7) in Books
Feb 21, 2018
It was a pleasure to return to South Cove, CA to visit with Jill and her friends again. There was a lot going on this time around. Between the extra business for the food truck during the local beach festival and a missing check, Jill's more than a little stressed out. Yet when a dead body is found, she can't help herself. She has to start asking questions, even if her police-detective boyfriend, Greg, isn't too thrilled about it.
The various sub-plots in this one made it hard to put down - I really needed to know what was going on, on all fronts! Besides the usual cast of characters, the new shop owner in town, Kathi, was a interesting addition. I'm hoping to see more of her during my next visit to South Cove.
NOTE: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The various sub-plots in this one made it hard to put down - I really needed to know what was going on, on all fronts! Besides the usual cast of characters, the new shop owner in town, Kathi, was a interesting addition. I'm hoping to see more of her during my next visit to South Cove.
NOTE: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Connie (244 KP) rated Super Powereds: Year 3 in Books
Jun 8, 2018 (Updated Jun 8, 2018)
The series you NEED to read!
Drew has done it again. After Year 2 I was worried that there would be nowhere new and exciting to go... But boynwas I wrong! I've never been so glad to be wrong, either. The twists and turns of the plot would do ANY Subtlety hero proud!
The Melbrook crew has made it to their third year, and things get even tougher as they go. A lot of questions (and a little bit of romance) keep the ball rolling, and we start to see the adult more and more in each of the students. Situations aren't what they seem at first sight, and not everyone is who they claim to be. How do you find trust in a world where everyone has a hidden identity?
This series is building toward a fantastic climax, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
This book has about 650 pages and cost $6 via Kindle.
The Melbrook crew has made it to their third year, and things get even tougher as they go. A lot of questions (and a little bit of romance) keep the ball rolling, and we start to see the adult more and more in each of the students. Situations aren't what they seem at first sight, and not everyone is who they claim to be. How do you find trust in a world where everyone has a hidden identity?
This series is building toward a fantastic climax, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
This book has about 650 pages and cost $6 via Kindle.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Molly the Mole: A Story to Help Children Build Self-Esteem in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Molly the Mole: A Story to Help Children Build Self-Esteem by Alice Reeves is part of the Truth and Tails series, specifically regarding Self-Esteem. Molly is feeling sad because she is comparing herself to her friends. She does not think she measures up in various areas. Through helping her friends with different things, they help to show her that she has other traits and qualities that make her special too. The lesson of being yourself and feeling good about it is one important message, but also accepting each other for who they are and for whatever their talents and skills might be.
The questions at the end of the book to promote discussion are an added bonus. This is a good addition to an elementary class to help develop values and positive character.
I give this book 4/5 stars. I received an ARC from the publisher,Jessica Kingsley Publishers, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The questions at the end of the book to promote discussion are an added bonus. This is a good addition to an elementary class to help develop values and positive character.
I give this book 4/5 stars. I received an ARC from the publisher,Jessica Kingsley Publishers, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Blues Brothers (1980) in Movies
Jun 20, 2018
We're on a mission from God!
If you ever just want to put yourself in a good mood, put on The Blues Brothers. There is really something for everyone in it.
Do you like musicals? Do you like car chases (one of the most epic of all time)? Do you like comedies? Do you like epic road films? Do you like Carrie Fisher with a flamethrower?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the film for you.
After his brother Jake gets out of prison, Elwood Blues and his newly freed brother visit a church where they discover it is going to close unless they can raise enough money to keep it running. Through a profound religious experience, Jake discovers he must get his old rhythm and blues band back together to raise money for this noble cause.
The film truly is perfect in every way!
Do you like musicals? Do you like car chases (one of the most epic of all time)? Do you like comedies? Do you like epic road films? Do you like Carrie Fisher with a flamethrower?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the film for you.
After his brother Jake gets out of prison, Elwood Blues and his newly freed brother visit a church where they discover it is going to close unless they can raise enough money to keep it running. Through a profound religious experience, Jake discovers he must get his old rhythm and blues band back together to raise money for this noble cause.
The film truly is perfect in every way!
Loz Hughes (80 KP) rated The 100 in TV
Jul 17, 2018
Raises interesting morality questions in a post apocalyptic environment (earth)/in space. (1 more)
Subsequent series develop and enrich the storyline
Quite teeny to start with in the first series but the second and third start to get more gripping.
I was recommended this series by my best friend and to start with it appeared a bit budget and awkward in parts, but as the episodes and series progressed you developed a feel for the different characters and gained more enjoyment from the storyline itself.
For me I found the morality aspect interesting. Who do you pick to explore a potentially deadly planet? Who gets to survive in space when theres limited oxygen levels etc?
Still following the series since the first one, so I guess its pretty good if im still watching it three years later or so :).
If you like survival, sci fi, and lord of the flies it should appeal.
For me I found the morality aspect interesting. Who do you pick to explore a potentially deadly planet? Who gets to survive in space when theres limited oxygen levels etc?
Still following the series since the first one, so I guess its pretty good if im still watching it three years later or so :).
If you like survival, sci fi, and lord of the flies it should appeal.
Loz Hughes (80 KP) rated Transcendence (2014) in Movies
Jul 20, 2018
Johnny Depp as a scientist pushing the boundaries of Ai. (1 more)
The concept of uploading a digital version of your brain
Interesting concept.
Contains spoilers, click to show
The plot is an interesting concept. Basically a scientist successfully manages to upload the brain of a Monkey in digital format and presents these findings to the scientific community, he comes into conflict with a group of Anti technology, animal activists and gets shot and slowly poisoned as the bullet is laced with a radioactive material. The film then follows Will (the scientist), and his partner, who struggling with his premature imminent death decides to upload his brain as the first human trail. Afterwards comes the questions of how much meddling is too much meddling in human evolution.
I think they could have done much more with the film than they did but overall it was a decent watch.
I think they could have done much more with the film than they did but overall it was a decent watch.