Search
Search results
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Fading (Fading, #1) in Books
Sep 5, 2019
DNF @ 32%
It may seem a little unfair to rate this book when I didn't finish it, but it didn't grab me at any of that 32%. I was bored with it; I wanted more of our heroine and hero together and they'd only just met (sort of, anyway). The whole <spoiler>rape</spoiler> thing, having just read a book based around the same thing, [b:Going Under|17337522|Going Under|S. Walden|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1364409096s/17337522.jpg|24070983], I was a little jaded with the subject anyway.
I think I'm just off NA at the minute and will be doing a stint of YA Contemporaries instead.
It may seem a little unfair to rate this book when I didn't finish it, but it didn't grab me at any of that 32%. I was bored with it; I wanted more of our heroine and hero together and they'd only just met (sort of, anyway). The whole <spoiler>rape</spoiler> thing, having just read a book based around the same thing, [b:Going Under|17337522|Going Under|S. Walden|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1364409096s/17337522.jpg|24070983], I was a little jaded with the subject anyway.
I think I'm just off NA at the minute and will be doing a stint of YA Contemporaries instead.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Glorious in Books
Apr 27, 2018
It's really hard to say if I liked Glorious or not. I liked it in some ways, in some ways it was good but I could not like it, and in other ways I disliked it.
One of the reasons I did like it, was the writing. McFadden has an interesting writing style: She writes like people think. You get asked a question and you have a million things you want to say, and a million thoughts go through your head at light speed, but all you say is a short quick answer that has no significance to the person who asked, but has monumental significance to you because of your thoughts behind all of it? That's what reading Glorious feels like, and that's how McFadden writes. It's beautiful and insightful.
Glorious is really hard to enjoy, even if you do like it, because of the things that happen. It's a tragic time period, and a lot of horrible things happen to poor Easter. She witnesses families being torn apart by abuse and rape, she sees people die, she commits sins, she gets wrapped up with the wrong people. There are good parts, wonderful parts that make you smile and sigh and say "thank God something good is finally happening to the poor girl." But then there are other parts that say "oh will it ever end for poor Easter?" It's hard to enjoy stuff like rape and murder and lynching. Glorious is a wakeup call, reminding us what life was like for Black Americans (respectively) after they got their freedom, but before they gained equality with Whites.
I got to Chapter 23, about 2/3 of the way through, when I stopped reading. It didn't feel like anything was happening. I mean, lots of things happened to Easter, but nothing was happening in the story. It was just her life written out, and it was too broad. There was no main plot, it was all subplot.
I "enjoyed" (or maybe appreciated is a better word) the part that I read, however I don't think I should read something unless I feel urged to continue.
Content: Adult content. Language, violence, rape, etc. Has some homosexuality
Recommendation: Ages 18+
One of the reasons I did like it, was the writing. McFadden has an interesting writing style: She writes like people think. You get asked a question and you have a million things you want to say, and a million thoughts go through your head at light speed, but all you say is a short quick answer that has no significance to the person who asked, but has monumental significance to you because of your thoughts behind all of it? That's what reading Glorious feels like, and that's how McFadden writes. It's beautiful and insightful.
Glorious is really hard to enjoy, even if you do like it, because of the things that happen. It's a tragic time period, and a lot of horrible things happen to poor Easter. She witnesses families being torn apart by abuse and rape, she sees people die, she commits sins, she gets wrapped up with the wrong people. There are good parts, wonderful parts that make you smile and sigh and say "thank God something good is finally happening to the poor girl." But then there are other parts that say "oh will it ever end for poor Easter?" It's hard to enjoy stuff like rape and murder and lynching. Glorious is a wakeup call, reminding us what life was like for Black Americans (respectively) after they got their freedom, but before they gained equality with Whites.
I got to Chapter 23, about 2/3 of the way through, when I stopped reading. It didn't feel like anything was happening. I mean, lots of things happened to Easter, but nothing was happening in the story. It was just her life written out, and it was too broad. There was no main plot, it was all subplot.
I "enjoyed" (or maybe appreciated is a better word) the part that I read, however I don't think I should read something unless I feel urged to continue.
Content: Adult content. Language, violence, rape, etc. Has some homosexuality
Recommendation: Ages 18+
Auburn (57 KP) rated White Stag (Permafrost, #1) in Books
Apr 10, 2019
A compelling new story that takes the nuance of Cruel prince and the lore of Goblin King. Fans of strong characters and women who can take on the world will love this read.
Soren and Janneka make the perfect pair to take on the world. Their companionship and fight through the book is commendable. This permafrost world is so well developed that it takes a bit of time to understand the plot. The characters had their own fears and you developed warmth for the odd man out.
*Warning of slight trigger warning for rape is advised. There is no full discussion but alluded to and the scars it leaves behind are in the plot multiple times.
Soren and Janneka make the perfect pair to take on the world. Their companionship and fight through the book is commendable. This permafrost world is so well developed that it takes a bit of time to understand the plot. The characters had their own fears and you developed warmth for the odd man out.
*Warning of slight trigger warning for rape is advised. There is no full discussion but alluded to and the scars it leaves behind are in the plot multiple times.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated The Orville - Season 1 in TV
Apr 25, 2019
When I first heard about The Orville and that it was being made by Seth MacFarlane honestly I didn't have any faith in it because I figured it was going to basically be Family guy in space... No thing but homophobic and rape jokes.
Oh man I have never been so glad to be wrong.
I heard from a few friends that it was actually a pretty amazing show ... Even better then the new Star Trek show so I though hell why not give it a shot... And I am so glad I did! I was not prepared for how much I was going to live The Orville. The cast is amazing and the stories are even better!
Oh man I have never been so glad to be wrong.
I heard from a few friends that it was actually a pretty amazing show ... Even better then the new Star Trek show so I though hell why not give it a shot... And I am so glad I did! I was not prepared for how much I was going to live The Orville. The cast is amazing and the stories are even better!
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) in Movies
Aug 20, 2018
The screenplay!
Man, just when I think Hollywood has nothing fresh to give us, they crank out a gem like this film.
When a sassy divorced Missouri woman is unhappy with local law enforcement after her daughter's brutal rape/murder case has gone cold, she takes matters into her own hands to try and spark some progress by purchasing three billboards shaming them.
The real star here is the dialogue. What a fresh, engaging, sometimes nasty script really kept me laughing, gasping and thoroughly entertained and wanting to know what happens next.
I would say the third act is a slight disappointment, but doesn't detract from an overall mesmerizing film.
When a sassy divorced Missouri woman is unhappy with local law enforcement after her daughter's brutal rape/murder case has gone cold, she takes matters into her own hands to try and spark some progress by purchasing three billboards shaming them.
The real star here is the dialogue. What a fresh, engaging, sometimes nasty script really kept me laughing, gasping and thoroughly entertained and wanting to know what happens next.
I would say the third act is a slight disappointment, but doesn't detract from an overall mesmerizing film.
Merissa (11928 KP) rated Forrest's #Win (Recovery Road #1) in Books
Apr 8, 2021 (Updated Jul 27, 2023)
FORREST'S #WIN is the first book in the Recovery Road series, and WOW! Just, WOW! This story deals with the (on-page) rape of one of the main characters, and the healing process both of them undertake following that.
Okay, so first things first. The rape scene. Yes, it's on-page and yes, it's horrible. However, I felt it was written exceptionally well, giving the horror of the situation without sensationalising it. It is over fairly quickly and then the focus is on the recovery. If rape is a trigger for you, then I would think exceedingly carefully about whether this is the book for you.
Right then, moving on. Blake and Forrest are best friends first and foremost. Blake jokes about being Forrest's house-husband before he even realises he is attracted to him. For me, one of the best bits of the book is when Blake is there for Forrest, no matter what. Forrest needs a hug? He gets one. He needs to hold Blake's hand during therapy? Consider it done. Only once does he pull away from Forrest, and that is because of questions raised by the therapist.
I loved how these two worked through the therapy, their relationship growing and changing in the process. Forrest with his schedules cracked me up, but it worked for him. Faith throws a whole new aspect to the story, but once again, our main two deal with it by pulling together and communicating! Ahh, what a refreshing change!
One of the things that jarred me, to begin with, was how Forrest and Blake spoke to each other at times, but it quickly just became part of them. Plus, they were using and implementing tools given to them in therapy, which made me happy.
Overall, this is a beautiful, heartwarming story about something horrible and the recovery process, culminating in a HEA so much brighter than the two main characters could have envisaged. I loved every word and HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book. I can't wait to see what comes next. Just make sure you take heed of the Trigger Warning.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Apr 8, 2021
Okay, so first things first. The rape scene. Yes, it's on-page and yes, it's horrible. However, I felt it was written exceptionally well, giving the horror of the situation without sensationalising it. It is over fairly quickly and then the focus is on the recovery. If rape is a trigger for you, then I would think exceedingly carefully about whether this is the book for you.
Right then, moving on. Blake and Forrest are best friends first and foremost. Blake jokes about being Forrest's house-husband before he even realises he is attracted to him. For me, one of the best bits of the book is when Blake is there for Forrest, no matter what. Forrest needs a hug? He gets one. He needs to hold Blake's hand during therapy? Consider it done. Only once does he pull away from Forrest, and that is because of questions raised by the therapist.
I loved how these two worked through the therapy, their relationship growing and changing in the process. Forrest with his schedules cracked me up, but it worked for him. Faith throws a whole new aspect to the story, but once again, our main two deal with it by pulling together and communicating! Ahh, what a refreshing change!
One of the things that jarred me, to begin with, was how Forrest and Blake spoke to each other at times, but it quickly just became part of them. Plus, they were using and implementing tools given to them in therapy, which made me happy.
Overall, this is a beautiful, heartwarming story about something horrible and the recovery process, culminating in a HEA so much brighter than the two main characters could have envisaged. I loved every word and HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book. I can't wait to see what comes next. Just make sure you take heed of the Trigger Warning.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Apr 8, 2021
Charlotte (184 KP) rated Two Forces (Crescentwood #2) in Books
Mar 20, 2021
Darker, dirtier and a damn sight more dangerous!
Spoilers/warning : Please be aware there is an attempted rape scene/a rape and sex trafficking which includes reference to underage girls which could be a trigger for some readers.
Also a few graphic descriptions of violence and sex.
Chapter one starts us on the same day we left off, only with Sophie, not Preston.
I'm so happy that we've not jumped ahead weeks, especially after the cliffhanger of the first book. It's pretty seamless too, no subtle character discrepancies and no questions about what's happened since we were last enveloped in Crescentwood.
Sophie is as strong and sassy as ever but we get to see a more vulnerable side too. A side that puts cracks in tough exteriors of four smoking hot guys.
Each page I read makes me want a reverse harem so bad! Hot, gorgeous bad boys with tattoos and a soft spot for Sophie and some mind blowing sex.....lucky girl! I love how the boys characters are growing, how each of them is showing traits that explain why Sophie is so drawn to them.
Yet again we're left with questions and a bit of a cliffhanger but I wouldn't have it any other way, it just has me impatiently waiting for the next installment!
The epilogue is grim, twisted and puts a lot of the pieces together. It confirmed some of my theories, made me uncomfortable, oddly satisfied and quite honestly anxious about what's ahead for Sophie and the boys.
Spoilers/warning : Please be aware there is an attempted rape scene/a rape and sex trafficking which includes reference to underage girls which could be a trigger for some readers.
Also a few graphic descriptions of violence and sex.
Chapter one starts us on the same day we left off, only with Sophie, not Preston.
I'm so happy that we've not jumped ahead weeks, especially after the cliffhanger of the first book. It's pretty seamless too, no subtle character discrepancies and no questions about what's happened since we were last enveloped in Crescentwood.
Sophie is as strong and sassy as ever but we get to see a more vulnerable side too. A side that puts cracks in tough exteriors of four smoking hot guys.
Each page I read makes me want a reverse harem so bad! Hot, gorgeous bad boys with tattoos and a soft spot for Sophie and some mind blowing sex.....lucky girl! I love how the boys characters are growing, how each of them is showing traits that explain why Sophie is so drawn to them.
Yet again we're left with questions and a bit of a cliffhanger but I wouldn't have it any other way, it just has me impatiently waiting for the next installment!
The epilogue is grim, twisted and puts a lot of the pieces together. It confirmed some of my theories, made me uncomfortable, oddly satisfied and quite honestly anxious about what's ahead for Sophie and the boys.
Michelle (114 KP) rated The Crow (1994) in Movies
Apr 27, 2018
Fantastic movie if you were a fan of Brandon Lee. Though Brandon was killed while filming this movie it's still an enjoyable movie about Eric Draven a young rock star and his fiance Shelly Webster who planned their wedding for Halloween or Devil's Night. Eric returns home to find that nasty people are in the apartment with Shelly. They shoot Eric who falls out the window of the attic apartment to his death. They then rape and seriously wound Shelly. Dr's battled to save her but were unable. A year later on Devil's Night Eric is brought back to life to seek revenge on the ones who hurt and killed Shelly. He is helped along the way by a crow.
Awix (3310 KP) rated A Clockwork Orange (1971) in Movies
Apr 7, 2019 (Updated Apr 7, 2019)
Kubrick's provocative examination of violence and morality. Young offender Alex (McDowell) leads a carefree life of theft, assault, and rape, until his actions catch up with him and he is sent to prison. There he volunteers for a new therapy which is supposed to remove his capacity for violent wrongdoing...
A massively iconic, much-imitated film, despite being taken out of circulation (in the UK at least) by the director for thirty years. The film's musings on the nature of moral agency are less striking than its baleful, scathing criticism of social attitudes towards crime and punishment, and the extraordinarily vivid opening and still difficult-to-watch opening sequence. A grotesque morality play with many coups de cinema; an extraordinary film by any standard.
A massively iconic, much-imitated film, despite being taken out of circulation (in the UK at least) by the director for thirty years. The film's musings on the nature of moral agency are less striking than its baleful, scathing criticism of social attitudes towards crime and punishment, and the extraordinarily vivid opening and still difficult-to-watch opening sequence. A grotesque morality play with many coups de cinema; an extraordinary film by any standard.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated An American Marriage in Books
Mar 2, 2018 (Updated Mar 2, 2018)
Read this without looking at what it's about
I wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading this book, believing it would show a satirical version of marriage, however, This exceeded my expectations.
Following the story of Roy Jr and Celeste, after just a year and a half of marriage, Roy is falsely incarcerated for a rape and their bond begins to fall apart. It puts the lense on how the American justice system breaks down marriages in African American families, but it also looks at how conventional ties no longer apply.
Written in a letter format for the majority, it is a beautiful and harrowing drama of a husband and wife as they struggle to cope in these situations. Great read.
Following the story of Roy Jr and Celeste, after just a year and a half of marriage, Roy is falsely incarcerated for a rape and their bond begins to fall apart. It puts the lense on how the American justice system breaks down marriages in African American families, but it also looks at how conventional ties no longer apply.
Written in a letter format for the majority, it is a beautiful and harrowing drama of a husband and wife as they struggle to cope in these situations. Great read.