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ClareR (5566 KP) rated Herland, the Yellow Wall-Paper, and Selected Writings in Books
Jun 6, 2018
This review is for Herland only!
This is lauded as being amongst the first feminist literature, and I'm sure it is - both now and at the time it was first published.
An all-female society is discovered in the middle of nowhere (I envisioned deepest, darkest South America, in the jungle somewhere) by three male explorers. They arrive with their male preconceptions, and two of them change their way of thinking for the better.
It's an idyllic life in Herland (the men's name for the country, not the women's - they never mention a name). There is someone in charge, but she's elected. No (or little) conflict, no crime, everyone does their share. Motherhood is sacred and limited to one child. They conceive magically, it seems, as there are no men, and all women share the parenting. It's idyllic all right!
A short little novella, and an easy, quick read. It's interesting to see what a woman in the early part of the twentieth century thought would be an idyllic society - and rather telling that men didn't actually feature in it at all!
An all-female society is discovered in the middle of nowhere (I envisioned deepest, darkest South America, in the jungle somewhere) by three male explorers. They arrive with their male preconceptions, and two of them change their way of thinking for the better.
It's an idyllic life in Herland (the men's name for the country, not the women's - they never mention a name). There is someone in charge, but she's elected. No (or little) conflict, no crime, everyone does their share. Motherhood is sacred and limited to one child. They conceive magically, it seems, as there are no men, and all women share the parenting. It's idyllic all right!
A short little novella, and an easy, quick read. It's interesting to see what a woman in the early part of the twentieth century thought would be an idyllic society - and rather telling that men didn't actually feature in it at all!
Kyera (8 KP) rated The Upside of Unrequited in Books
Jan 31, 2018
The Upside of Unrequited follows Molly, a girl who has had 26 crushes (and counting). She’s never been brave enough to put herself out there, never told any of her crushes how she felt and has never been rejected. But will everything change with crush 27?
This book is great because it has diverse people represented and seems authentic to each of their individual personalities and struggles. It is nice to see such a well-developed collection of people introduced to readers because sometimes readers aren’t always able to find a character they can relate to in a book. I hope that this book is not one of them.
Although Molly thinks she might like two different boys at one time, this isn’t a book that revolves around a love triangle. Molly struggles with her changing relationship with her twin sister. Her sister explores her own romantic feelings. Her parents balance their lives with a new baby and a very happy occasion on the horizon.
This is a cute, quick read about crushes, first loves, family, friends, and life. Highly recommended to young adult/teen readers who enjoy happy contemporary books.
This book is great because it has diverse people represented and seems authentic to each of their individual personalities and struggles. It is nice to see such a well-developed collection of people introduced to readers because sometimes readers aren’t always able to find a character they can relate to in a book. I hope that this book is not one of them.
Although Molly thinks she might like two different boys at one time, this isn’t a book that revolves around a love triangle. Molly struggles with her changing relationship with her twin sister. Her sister explores her own romantic feelings. Her parents balance their lives with a new baby and a very happy occasion on the horizon.
This is a cute, quick read about crushes, first loves, family, friends, and life. Highly recommended to young adult/teen readers who enjoy happy contemporary books.
Natalia (73 KP) rated Siege and Storm in Books
Jan 26, 2019
I suppose I should make this quick: after enjoying the first so much, it's hard not to go into this book and not love every moment.
There's plenty of action, and the first chapters contain far more than I had anticipated, though, this was extremely welcomed. A lot of the time I find myself disappointed in the second book of a series, especially within trilogies, but this was not the case - rather than the plot slowing down, the entirety of the book feels purposeful following a largely similar structure to the first. Alina's character feels like she becomes far more developed, more than two-dimensional, and some of my favourite characters of the Grishaverse are introduced in this book: these also being ones that most fans are fond of, in case you need something more to look forward to.
Overall, this book beat the expectations I had of it, having gone into the series blind as I usually try and do. Whether you're a fan of the first book or not, it's worth continuing with the series, and if you loved it then I doubt your opinion will change on it at all.
There's plenty of action, and the first chapters contain far more than I had anticipated, though, this was extremely welcomed. A lot of the time I find myself disappointed in the second book of a series, especially within trilogies, but this was not the case - rather than the plot slowing down, the entirety of the book feels purposeful following a largely similar structure to the first. Alina's character feels like she becomes far more developed, more than two-dimensional, and some of my favourite characters of the Grishaverse are introduced in this book: these also being ones that most fans are fond of, in case you need something more to look forward to.
Overall, this book beat the expectations I had of it, having gone into the series blind as I usually try and do. Whether you're a fan of the first book or not, it's worth continuing with the series, and if you loved it then I doubt your opinion will change on it at all.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Pinocchio (2022) in Movies
Oct 13, 2022
Another day, another "live action retelling" of a Disney classic that manages to disappoint. With the exception of Maleficent and most of The Jungle Book (and I guess Aladdin wasn't completely horrible), these Disney remakes have been duds, thanks to the general air of hollow souless-ness that surrounds them. This is precisely the main detriment with Pinocchio. It's existence in the first place invites comparisons to the original, a truly beloved animation. In turn, this remake offers nothing of value. Anything new on display feels vapid, and everything familiar is far superior within the source material. You have to ask "well what was the point"? It was the same with Mulan. It was the same with Cinderella. It was the same with The Lion King, and I have no doubt that it will be the same with Hercules when that eventually arrives. Disney seem content with shitting out lifeless rehashes for a quick buck and it's probably not going to change.
Tom Hanks tries his best. Monstro looks kind of cool. Jiminy Cricket being voiced scarily accurately by Joseph Gordon Levitt is low key hilarious. Otherwise, this movie is only good for fire wood.
Tom Hanks tries his best. Monstro looks kind of cool. Jiminy Cricket being voiced scarily accurately by Joseph Gordon Levitt is low key hilarious. Otherwise, this movie is only good for fire wood.
Merissa (11649 KP) rated Still Life: A SpecFic SciFi Romance in Books
Nov 2, 2017
Still Life by Jayne Fury
Still Life is the sci-fi romance novella that takes place on and around an ice planet, that will hopefully change into a world that is lush and green. Ewan Stewarts has plans for the planet, along with Six, the droid that keeps him company. However, the ship that is bringing his supplies runs into a small problem in that all but one of the crew dies. Ewan and Jody have to work together to ride out a snowstorm, find out what killed the others, and try to survive mercenaries too.
This is a fast-paced novella, with plenty of action. Not only do you get the action that is current, but you also find out more about the past, and why Jody is how she is. The story moves along quickly, with attraction changing to love very quickly. This was a quick read, but an enjoyable one, with plenty of action going on to keep everyone happy. Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
This is a fast-paced novella, with plenty of action. Not only do you get the action that is current, but you also find out more about the past, and why Jody is how she is. The story moves along quickly, with attraction changing to love very quickly. This was a quick read, but an enjoyable one, with plenty of action going on to keep everyone happy. Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
b.Young (97 KP) rated The Ivory Needle in Books
May 7, 2018
Quick read (3 more)
Magic
Adventure in Africa
Immortal elephants
Magic, Immortal Elephants and a trip to Africa! Sign me up!!!
I was not sure what to expect from this book and was pleasantly surprised!
This is a magical story about a 16-year-old Chessie and her brother who get shipped off to Kenya to spend the summer with their Gram. Chessie is not all too excited about the trip and is more concerned with the reasons their mother has made this hastey decision.
Her opinion is changed shortly, when upon seaching Gram's attic, she comes across a small ivory box that contains a sewing needle that happens to be made out of ivory from an ancient elephant. Upon using the needle, she is immediately linked to the elephant and it's herd and some weird trances and chanting ensue.
The story is told by 3 characters: Chessie; Daniel, a young native of Kenya who is dealing with poverty; and Ayleph, an ancient elephant spirit. All three are dealing with loss and change and struggling to accept the world around them.
This book had me at the mention of magic, and was a heart-warming tale that goes to show that all are possible, even magic, if you believe it to be so.
Highly recommended for everyone.
This is a magical story about a 16-year-old Chessie and her brother who get shipped off to Kenya to spend the summer with their Gram. Chessie is not all too excited about the trip and is more concerned with the reasons their mother has made this hastey decision.
Her opinion is changed shortly, when upon seaching Gram's attic, she comes across a small ivory box that contains a sewing needle that happens to be made out of ivory from an ancient elephant. Upon using the needle, she is immediately linked to the elephant and it's herd and some weird trances and chanting ensue.
The story is told by 3 characters: Chessie; Daniel, a young native of Kenya who is dealing with poverty; and Ayleph, an ancient elephant spirit. All three are dealing with loss and change and struggling to accept the world around them.
This book had me at the mention of magic, and was a heart-warming tale that goes to show that all are possible, even magic, if you believe it to be so.
Highly recommended for everyone.
Jewels (684 KP) rated The One and Only Ivan in Books
Jun 23, 2018
Quick Read (1 more)
Good Lesson
My 3rd grader asked me to read this book after he read it. I loved it and couldn't put it down.
Ivan is a silverback gorilla that has been living and working in a show at the mall. The show owner brings in a new elephant named Ruby to bring in more visitors. Stella, the older injured elephant asks Ivan to help Ruby get a better life. Ivan's life begins to change as he tries to fulfill his promise to Stella. Ivan learns that while you may settle for what life hands you, there may always be something better for you.
This story is a great lesson for kids that you don't have to settle for what life hands you. It also serves as a good reminder for adults that we don't have to settle either, we can work towards new goals, and we can achieve them.
I would recommend this book for everyone, kids to adults. It would be great to read this as a kid, then again as a teen, and again as an adult. Rereading this on can help us remember to not settle for what life hands, but to make life ours.
Ivan is a silverback gorilla that has been living and working in a show at the mall. The show owner brings in a new elephant named Ruby to bring in more visitors. Stella, the older injured elephant asks Ivan to help Ruby get a better life. Ivan's life begins to change as he tries to fulfill his promise to Stella. Ivan learns that while you may settle for what life hands you, there may always be something better for you.
This story is a great lesson for kids that you don't have to settle for what life hands you. It also serves as a good reminder for adults that we don't have to settle either, we can work towards new goals, and we can achieve them.
I would recommend this book for everyone, kids to adults. It would be great to read this as a kid, then again as a teen, and again as an adult. Rereading this on can help us remember to not settle for what life hands, but to make life ours.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated The Nothingness of Ben (The Austin Trilogy, #1) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
3.5 stars.
I don't know how to review this. There was stuff I liked and stuff I wasn't so keen on.
Let's start with the pros:
1) The developing relationship between the brothers; the younger three were close and seeing them grow closer to their older sibling was really cute.
2) Ben's willingness to change; even if it did take a while.
3) The camaraderie between many of the characters; Ben and Colin; Cade and Travis; Colin and Jason, the list goes on.
Cons:
1) The length of time for Ben and Travis' relationship to bloom; it seemed a bit too quick in some respects, although Travis was very willing once he came around to the idea.
2) This is not necessarily about the book itself, but some of the characters: How they treated Travis at the dinner party.
I have come to notice that I like to read books that involve children in my m/m romances ([b:One Small Thing|13186809|One Small Thing (One Thing, #1)|Piper Vaughn|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327464763s/13186809.jpg|18367666]) and that really helped me in this. They were all really great kids and I liked how they all grew and ended up really happy.
I don't know how to review this. There was stuff I liked and stuff I wasn't so keen on.
Let's start with the pros:
1) The developing relationship between the brothers; the younger three were close and seeing them grow closer to their older sibling was really cute.
2) Ben's willingness to change; even if it did take a while.
3) The camaraderie between many of the characters; Ben and Colin; Cade and Travis; Colin and Jason, the list goes on.
Cons:
1) The length of time for Ben and Travis' relationship to bloom; it seemed a bit too quick in some respects, although Travis was very willing once he came around to the idea.
2) This is not necessarily about the book itself, but some of the characters: How they treated Travis at the dinner party.
I have come to notice that I like to read books that involve children in my m/m romances ([b:One Small Thing|13186809|One Small Thing (One Thing, #1)|Piper Vaughn|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327464763s/13186809.jpg|18367666]) and that really helped me in this. They were all really great kids and I liked how they all grew and ended up really happy.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Veiled ( Releasing the Magic 4) in Books
Sep 21, 2023
134 of 235
Kindle
Veiled ( Releasing the Magic 4)
By Maya Riley
⭐️⭐️⭐️
What do you do when your past takes you back?
The years I’d spent growing up were the darkest of my life, even with counting the rotter outbreak. Then I gained my freedom, met some guys who refused to leave, and even got some of my siblings back. Then my past came for me.
Now I spend my days watching, biding my time, waiting for my chance to escape while also trying to keep my sanity. During this time, I’m forced to endure their experiments. Some will test me, and some could possibly break me. What I learn, though, could change everything I thought I’d ever known to be true. I will fight my way out for my freedom.
I did it before, I can do it again.
Nobody will knock me down for good.
Not even the monster in the pearl necklace.
I really like this series it’s a different twist on a zombie apocalypse mixing it with a bit of magic. It’s a light fun read with a bit of a reverse harem going on. This was a little rushed in parts but still enjoyable for a quick read.
Kindle
Veiled ( Releasing the Magic 4)
By Maya Riley
⭐️⭐️⭐️
What do you do when your past takes you back?
The years I’d spent growing up were the darkest of my life, even with counting the rotter outbreak. Then I gained my freedom, met some guys who refused to leave, and even got some of my siblings back. Then my past came for me.
Now I spend my days watching, biding my time, waiting for my chance to escape while also trying to keep my sanity. During this time, I’m forced to endure their experiments. Some will test me, and some could possibly break me. What I learn, though, could change everything I thought I’d ever known to be true. I will fight my way out for my freedom.
I did it before, I can do it again.
Nobody will knock me down for good.
Not even the monster in the pearl necklace.
I really like this series it’s a different twist on a zombie apocalypse mixing it with a bit of magic. It’s a light fun read with a bit of a reverse harem going on. This was a little rushed in parts but still enjoyable for a quick read.
Merissa (11649 KP) rated Demon Princess (Demon Kingdom Fairy Tales #1) in Books
May 24, 2023
Adriana is a Demon Princess who is about to ascend to the throne, due to the disappearance of her father and brother, who was the heir. She is convinced that they are still alive and plans on finding them as soon as she can. However, when she is pulled away from her world at her coronation, she finds things that will change her perspectives on a lot of things.
This is a well-written, detailed, fantasy that skips on some parts and not on others. There is a generic description of places, oftentimes vague, but the characters are well-described and rounded. With connections between the main ones, they are easy to read about. There is obviously a lot more to come with this story, and it does end with a sort of cliffhanger, just to advise you. Time skips ahead with this novel, and months pass in quite a quick time.
With no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this was an enjoyable read into a world with magic and perils aplenty. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 27, 2016
This is a well-written, detailed, fantasy that skips on some parts and not on others. There is a generic description of places, oftentimes vague, but the characters are well-described and rounded. With connections between the main ones, they are easy to read about. There is obviously a lot more to come with this story, and it does end with a sort of cliffhanger, just to advise you. Time skips ahead with this novel, and months pass in quite a quick time.
With no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this was an enjoyable read into a world with magic and perils aplenty. Definitely recommended.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 27, 2016