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Boundless (The Lost Fleet: Outlands, #1)
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The first in a new series by Jack Campbell but following characters previously introduced in his 'Lost Fleet' series (never mind the various spin-offs, including the 'Lost Stars' series) and so, as a result, I'm not sure it would really be a good 'jumping-on' point for any new readers to the series.

For those who *have* read the previous aforementioned series, though?

You know what you're getting: more politics, more 'real time' space action and more intrigue, with Captain 'Jack Black' Geary surviving assassination attempts on his life and put in charge of a mission to contact the aliens known as 'The Dancers', who have popped up in previous novels.

More of the same, really, but sometimes that's no bad thing!
  
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The One That Got Away
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sarina's life is going pretty smoothly -- she's busy with her own architecture firm, she's expecting to be engaged to her boyfriend, Noah, any day, and she has a good group of friends to hang out with while Noah is away in Argentina for work. She feels so secure she's finally ready to face Eamon Roy, a former Olympic swimmer and Sarina's former-one-night-stand (who broke her heart years ago), and who is making a visit to Austin, Texas.

Suddenly, though, Eamon's visit is no longer temporary, as he decides to move back to Austin and renovate a home -- a job for which he hires Sarina. The two become fast friends, and Sarina finds herself questioning everything she thought was so perfect about her life.

Overall, this was a really fun, enjoyable read. I breezed through it, because Sarina is a thoroughly engaging character. Further, Chase has a way of writing that pulls you in - when Sarina gets bad news, for instance, I felt myself feeling as if I'd been punched in the gut, too. It was refreshing to read a "chick lit" novel about an architect, versus the usual publicist or nanny or such. I enjoyed reading about Sarina's job and she was extremely driven as a businesswoman, which was great. Further, I enjoyed that the novel had a gay character (Sarina's roommate, Danny), who didn't seem completely steeped in stereotype. Also refreshing!

About my only beef was that it all became a bit much about two-thirds or so through the book, as Sarina continues to waffle about Noah and Eamon. For a bit, the book feels very junior high-esque as Sarina goes on and on about Eamon, then Noah, then dreaming of Eamon, then more wrangling, etc. I get that it was a big decision, and she and Noah had been together for four years, but sigh. Get it together, girl!

Otherwise, this was fun, fast-paced, novel, with just the right mix of serious, real-life plot thrown in. Sarina faces some tough choices in life (and not just as she deals with her feelings with Eamon and Noah), but with her parents/stepparents, her business, and more. It's refreshing to see a chick lit heroine deal with real life in such a way. Supposedly the Chase's next book features some characters who pop up in this one. I'll definitely be putting it on my to-read list. (Overall, I'd rate <i>The One That Got Away</i> at 3.5 stars.)

Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
  
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Jules (151 KP) rated Atypical in TV

Nov 24, 2019  
Atypical
Atypical
2017 | Comedy, Drama
Amazing
This show has really opened my eyes on the struggles Autism can cause in every day life. It not only follows Sam and his journey to find love, and then his life changing as he moves on to University, but it also follows a small story line around his parents and his younger sister has her own, fairly prominent story line.

Sam has Autism and doesn't always understand things well. The show really brings into life a few of the problems he may face, and how he deals with them.

Its mostly light-hearted and has a few comical characters, while still being serious at times and helping people understand what is going on.

Casey, Sams sister, understands his autism but always treats Sam as if he doesn't, in a good way. She still treats him with love and affection, but also annoys him and gets on his nerves, just as any sister would do.

The show also follows her story line, of starting in a new school and her track running. The show has some awesome characters, who show full understanding and love and care for Sam. One of the best being Sam's best friend,Zahid. Zahid is a funny and relatable, for the most part, character. He brings humour to the show in new ways, while always looking out for Sam. In ways, he shows Sam how to be 'Normal' though he's rather weird himself.

Zahid is not only Sam's best friend, but also the person he looks up to the most. The two characters have some very moving moments in the show. The show also combats toxic masculinity, with male characters seen crying, expressing feelings and hugging each other and expressing love for each other.

Overall, it is a brilliant show, that is enlightening and full of brilliant characters from all walks of life. It shows some real life problems and how a family deals with them, while taking care of each other. I would tell anyone to watch this and I imagine it would be enjoyed by all.
  
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Andrew Sinclair (25 KP) Nov 25, 2019

I couldn't agree more! It's a wonderful show!