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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated All Grown Up in Books
Jan 3, 2018 (Updated Jan 3, 2018)
Entertaining, a more realistic Sex and the City
This is a fictional but all too real account of one woman’s voyage through life, battered by family, societal pressures and her own inner demons. Andrea, the character at the heart of the book, is absolutely clear that she does not want a child of her own.
Her life is spread eagled across the pages for the reader to pick over. Each chapter is a snapshot of an episode in her life, whether it is looking back over some of her chaotic childhood years - Dad was a drug user who died too early; Mum, once on her own again, runs bi-monthly dinner parties in the 1990s attended by only men, who of course try and hit on Andrea, a teenager at the time; or whether it is an examination of her relationships with her friends, lovers and acquaintances who pass through her life now.
Andrea also has a brother who in turn has a daughter, only tiny, who was born with a congenital problem and her life expectancy is only around four years. Yet, our self absorbed protagonist does not really visit to offer support because she is so wrapped up in her own world. She simply does not have the mental capacity and resources to give to her brother and little niece.
This is an interesting read, on-point in many ways – it smacks of New York and of lives lived in the city, Freudian Angst, neuroses and all the shtick of metropolitan Manhattan. At times, it did feel a little cliched but may be we all repeat the same patterns?
Her life is spread eagled across the pages for the reader to pick over. Each chapter is a snapshot of an episode in her life, whether it is looking back over some of her chaotic childhood years - Dad was a drug user who died too early; Mum, once on her own again, runs bi-monthly dinner parties in the 1990s attended by only men, who of course try and hit on Andrea, a teenager at the time; or whether it is an examination of her relationships with her friends, lovers and acquaintances who pass through her life now.
Andrea also has a brother who in turn has a daughter, only tiny, who was born with a congenital problem and her life expectancy is only around four years. Yet, our self absorbed protagonist does not really visit to offer support because she is so wrapped up in her own world. She simply does not have the mental capacity and resources to give to her brother and little niece.
This is an interesting read, on-point in many ways – it smacks of New York and of lives lived in the city, Freudian Angst, neuroses and all the shtick of metropolitan Manhattan. At times, it did feel a little cliched but may be we all repeat the same patterns?
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Blood & Thunder (THIRDS #2) in Books
Jun 27, 2017
Blood & Thunder (THIRDS #2) by Charlie Cochet
Blood and Thunder takes place approximately eight months after Hell & High Water. Dex is now firmly entrenched within Destructive Delta and is continuing his relationship with Sloane, although he does want more than what Sloane is prepared to give. He is patient though, and doesn't push things, especially when he knows that Sloane has no more to give right now. On top of this, they are still hunting for Isaac and putting out the numerous fires that he is starting.
What can I say about this? It's been over a month since I read Hell & High Water but I was immediately immersed back into their world. So much going on, and I loved every thrilling, fast-paced moment of it. Not only do we see more of Sloane and Dex, but we get a couple more hints into Calvin and Hobbs, plus Ash and Cael. It's not all plain sailing for Sloane and Dash though, and my heart broke for both of them, although I did still want to wump Sloane upside the head with his 'official reprimand'. There way many, MANY laugh out loud moments, surprisingly enough involving Dex. I honestly don't think I could cope with him in real life, but as a character, he is brilliant!
This was an exceptionally well written addition to the series, deepening and developing all the characters and their relationships with each other. There were no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, and the story itself was compelling reading. Absolutely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2017 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
What can I say about this? It's been over a month since I read Hell & High Water but I was immediately immersed back into their world. So much going on, and I loved every thrilling, fast-paced moment of it. Not only do we see more of Sloane and Dex, but we get a couple more hints into Calvin and Hobbs, plus Ash and Cael. It's not all plain sailing for Sloane and Dash though, and my heart broke for both of them, although I did still want to wump Sloane upside the head with his 'official reprimand'. There way many, MANY laugh out loud moments, surprisingly enough involving Dex. I honestly don't think I could cope with him in real life, but as a character, he is brilliant!
This was an exceptionally well written addition to the series, deepening and developing all the characters and their relationships with each other. There were no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, and the story itself was compelling reading. Absolutely recommended by me.
* Verified Purchase ~ April 2017 *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Beatrice: The Untold Story of a Legendary Woman of Mystery in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Beatrice Turner was an enigma. Brought up in polite society by strict parents, she spent her life painting, writing in her journal, and watching the world change while she still wore Victorian garb. Considered an eccentric by her peers and then again by future generations, not many really knew who she was until after her death. In this slim volume, Beatrice's story is told through her surviving journals, self-portraits, sketches and other paintings. But through it all, there are still unanswered questions, so she remains a mystery to this day.
The book itself is basically good, Beatrice must have been a fascinating woman. She kept to herself but her journal reveals that she was a woman ahead of her time and I wish they hadn't burned her works, even if there were thousands of them. I guess it's a sign of the times, no one appreciated her or considered her a real artist, they just decided that because she was different, she's an outcast. The author writes well, but my biggest complaint was that there were too many unnecessary backgrounds told of people who didn't really matter to the story. Some of them I can see how it was needed but other than those few exceptions, it was just padding. Not that it's completely surprising since little is known about Beatrice, but those parts were pointless to the book as a whole. I'd stil say this is a worthwhile book that is fascinating, quick to read, and features many of Beatrice's paintings.
5 stars for Beatrice herself, 3 stars for the book, so a 4 average.
The book itself is basically good, Beatrice must have been a fascinating woman. She kept to herself but her journal reveals that she was a woman ahead of her time and I wish they hadn't burned her works, even if there were thousands of them. I guess it's a sign of the times, no one appreciated her or considered her a real artist, they just decided that because she was different, she's an outcast. The author writes well, but my biggest complaint was that there were too many unnecessary backgrounds told of people who didn't really matter to the story. Some of them I can see how it was needed but other than those few exceptions, it was just padding. Not that it's completely surprising since little is known about Beatrice, but those parts were pointless to the book as a whole. I'd stil say this is a worthwhile book that is fascinating, quick to read, and features many of Beatrice's paintings.
5 stars for Beatrice herself, 3 stars for the book, so a 4 average.
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Daisy Jones & the Six in Books
Apr 4, 2019
I adored this book.
It's so completely different from anything I've recently read. I do love my psychological thrillers, but sometimes it's nice to jump into a totally different world. Daisy Jones & The Six perfectly fits the bill.
There's been so much hype surrounding this book that I'm sure you know the premise by now: set in the mid-sixties through late seventies, Daisy Jones & The Six is about the rise and eventual fall of a fictional rock band. It reads like a Rolling Stone interview, or an episode of Behind the Music, which is an interesting and effective approach to the subject matter. I was immediately immersed in the story, but this also means I flew through it so quickly that I was sad when it was over. It drew me in so completely that I actually forgot this was not a real band.
Sex? ✔ Drugs? ✔ Rock 'n' Roll? ✔
Daisy Jones & The Six has all this and more. I've heard that it bears more than a passing resemblance to Fleetwood Mac's history, which makes sense as the author herself states that she was very much influenced by Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks (a living goddess if there ever was one). Every character is flawed, because, life. The descriptions of the songs, the music, are so complete, I could almost hear them in my head.
Last summer, Amazon ordered a 13-episode limited series of the book. The series will be co-produced by Amazon Studios and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine banner. ALSO: Amazon will be distributing original music from the television adaptation exclusively through Amazon Music. ?
And I.Can't.Wait.
?
It's so completely different from anything I've recently read. I do love my psychological thrillers, but sometimes it's nice to jump into a totally different world. Daisy Jones & The Six perfectly fits the bill.
There's been so much hype surrounding this book that I'm sure you know the premise by now: set in the mid-sixties through late seventies, Daisy Jones & The Six is about the rise and eventual fall of a fictional rock band. It reads like a Rolling Stone interview, or an episode of Behind the Music, which is an interesting and effective approach to the subject matter. I was immediately immersed in the story, but this also means I flew through it so quickly that I was sad when it was over. It drew me in so completely that I actually forgot this was not a real band.
Sex? ✔ Drugs? ✔ Rock 'n' Roll? ✔
Daisy Jones & The Six has all this and more. I've heard that it bears more than a passing resemblance to Fleetwood Mac's history, which makes sense as the author herself states that she was very much influenced by Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks (a living goddess if there ever was one). Every character is flawed, because, life. The descriptions of the songs, the music, are so complete, I could almost hear them in my head.
Last summer, Amazon ordered a 13-episode limited series of the book. The series will be co-produced by Amazon Studios and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine banner. ALSO: Amazon will be distributing original music from the television adaptation exclusively through Amazon Music. ?
And I.Can't.Wait.
?
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated A Prayer Before Dawn (2018) in Movies
May 13, 2019
There will be blood
#aprayerbeforedawn is a relentless, hard hitting, dizzying trip into the world of addiction while incarcerated in a #notorious foreign prison. #prayerbeforedawn is the true story of #english #boxer #billymoore who is sent prison in #thailand?? & the film uses real #prisoners as cast. More like an experience than a film prayer is exhausting, relentless & at times a tuff watch. Everything intimidates here & with most of the dialog spoken not being in english or having subtitles we are made to feel as alone, frightened & intimidated as Billy. #violence is kept mostly off screen but to good effect giving it a more raw, savage & disturbing feel leaving the worst to your imagination. Sound design is incredible too be it the dread filled #soundtrack or the seemingly ramped up unnerving volume of #prison life around Billy everything seems to make you #anxious & under threat. Billy is #strong physically but his mind is #damaged/tortured & its almost as if #fighting & #drugs are his only escapism. Its depressing seeing him go from seemingly untouchable to a weak/#scared kid & with physical danger everywhere his mind starts to become more & more unstable. #joecole gives such a mesmerising performance here, you feel his #pain, #fear, paranoia & torture & admire what little #fight he has left in him. Infact whats going on in the prison could essentially be a metaphore for the stuggles going on in his head. Visually depressing but stunningly #gorgeous its almost like the director took inspiration from #nicholaswindingrefn #onlygodforgives & even uses some of its talented cast too. I really cant recommend this film enough it truly is a remarkable film & such an incredible, sad & powerful #truestory. #odeon #odeonlimitless #thursdaythoughts #fighter #boxing
Kyera (8 KP) rated Jem and the Holograms: Infinite in Books
Feb 1, 2018
I've never seen the original tv show, but I discovered the Jem and the Holograms comics in my local comic book store and fell in love. Our main character Jerrica and her sisters Kimber, Aja and Shana are all in a band together - there's only one problem. Jerrica has major stage fright and can't perform in front of people. Thankfully their dad was a genius who created realistic hologram technology, which (although not its intended purpose) allows Jerrica to take on an alternate identity, Jem. This rockstar persona allows Jerrica to perform onstage and of course, shenanigans ensue over the course of the plotline.
As a singer myself, I really related to Jerrica because I don't like performing in front of people. I don't know if I could do what she does as Jem, even with the hologram technology but it's fascinating to think about. Despite the fact that it's a comic run and writers don't have the real estate to develop a world and their characters as much as authors can in their books, I still feel that the series is very well done. They tackle personal and social issues, which are so important and make the characters feel more authentic.
This particular bind up deals with a sci-fi style adventure they go off on and doesn't take place in their original universe. As a result, I would recommend beginning the comics series from the start and eventually delving into this storyline. It was very enjoyable and I liked it more than some of the previous storylines, so I would highly recommend it.
As a singer myself, I really related to Jerrica because I don't like performing in front of people. I don't know if I could do what she does as Jem, even with the hologram technology but it's fascinating to think about. Despite the fact that it's a comic run and writers don't have the real estate to develop a world and their characters as much as authors can in their books, I still feel that the series is very well done. They tackle personal and social issues, which are so important and make the characters feel more authentic.
This particular bind up deals with a sci-fi style adventure they go off on and doesn't take place in their original universe. As a result, I would recommend beginning the comics series from the start and eventually delving into this storyline. It was very enjoyable and I liked it more than some of the previous storylines, so I would highly recommend it.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated What About Me?: Seeing Yourself the Way God Sees You in Books
Jun 16, 2018
What About Me? by Vicki Courtney addresses the very issues almost every young girl faces in an easy-to-read style, as if they were sitting down together over a cup of hot chocolate. Each chapter has QR codes to scan that link to videos of real and darling girls answering questions like "What makes someone beautiful 'on the inside'"?
The book contains four chapters which are Mirror, Mirror, That Thing You Do, Get More Likes, and The Truth of the Matter.
The first chapter; Mirror, Mirror is about self awareness and what God says about inner beauty; accepting your body shape and appearance; not comparing yourself to someone else. The second chapter; That Thing You Do is about God-given gifts and talents; emotional ups and downs of this age group; problems with exaggerating to make ourselves more appealing; our worth is not tied into failures; handling middle school; dealing with pressure. The third chapter; Get More Likes is about choosing God's way or the popular crowd's way; accepting who you are; those embarrassing moments; bullying, boys. Lastly, the fourth chapter; The Truth of the Matter is about what does God think about you; feeling valued; being a princess and an heir; having a relationship with Jesus.
In between each chapter are quizzes, relevant bible verses, advice from high school girls, and "Letter to My Daughter". Reading this book can change the perspective in young girls about themselves and their world. It can solidify their relationship with Jesus and enrich their relationship with God.
I received this book from B&H Publishing Group and B&H Kids via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book contains four chapters which are Mirror, Mirror, That Thing You Do, Get More Likes, and The Truth of the Matter.
The first chapter; Mirror, Mirror is about self awareness and what God says about inner beauty; accepting your body shape and appearance; not comparing yourself to someone else. The second chapter; That Thing You Do is about God-given gifts and talents; emotional ups and downs of this age group; problems with exaggerating to make ourselves more appealing; our worth is not tied into failures; handling middle school; dealing with pressure. The third chapter; Get More Likes is about choosing God's way or the popular crowd's way; accepting who you are; those embarrassing moments; bullying, boys. Lastly, the fourth chapter; The Truth of the Matter is about what does God think about you; feeling valued; being a princess and an heir; having a relationship with Jesus.
In between each chapter are quizzes, relevant bible verses, advice from high school girls, and "Letter to My Daughter". Reading this book can change the perspective in young girls about themselves and their world. It can solidify their relationship with Jesus and enrich their relationship with God.
I received this book from B&H Publishing Group and B&H Kids via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Too Rich for a Bride (The Sinclair Sisters of Cripple Creek, #2) in Books
Aug 30, 2018
Ida Sinclair is headed to Cripple Creek. She must first graduate from Business school. There someone that tries and mess that up with her. Her professor see her skills and is intruding and asks Ida to meet him at his office to chat after she done with her duties.
Ida just want a job in the business world? Will she get it in New York or will she go to Cripple Creek? That her plan to go to Cripple Creek to be with her sisters Nell and Kat along. Her father want he to. Her little sister Vivian is to join them the next summer.
Tucker Raines is asked to come to Cripple Creek by his mother. He arrives a day or so before Ida Sinclair. He left his sister to come help out. He finds out his father is ill and he got to take over the family business “The Raines Ice Company”. Tucker finds that having his mother and father stay in Colorado Springs so that his father can stay at the hospital is the best option and care.
Tucker finds out what the real reason and his father is in debt. How will Tucker pull his family business out of debt but also pay for his sister Willow care as well. Tucker runs into Ida Sinclair for the first time at the depot with his mother and father.
There are surprises as you turn the pages. What will happen to Tucker and Ida? Mona get you hooked and you can't be let go. You also learn about the Cripple Creek around that time period in history.
Ida just want a job in the business world? Will she get it in New York or will she go to Cripple Creek? That her plan to go to Cripple Creek to be with her sisters Nell and Kat along. Her father want he to. Her little sister Vivian is to join them the next summer.
Tucker Raines is asked to come to Cripple Creek by his mother. He arrives a day or so before Ida Sinclair. He left his sister to come help out. He finds out his father is ill and he got to take over the family business “The Raines Ice Company”. Tucker finds that having his mother and father stay in Colorado Springs so that his father can stay at the hospital is the best option and care.
Tucker finds out what the real reason and his father is in debt. How will Tucker pull his family business out of debt but also pay for his sister Willow care as well. Tucker runs into Ida Sinclair for the first time at the depot with his mother and father.
There are surprises as you turn the pages. What will happen to Tucker and Ida? Mona get you hooked and you can't be let go. You also learn about the Cripple Creek around that time period in history.
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated REC (2007) in Movies
Sep 5, 2018
28 Days Later in a stairwell
Possibly one of my favourite films, REC has everything that makes 28 days later such a monster of a movie, but it doubles down on claustrophobia and adds in the found footage aspect too, which makes the action just seem all the more immediate and in-your-face.
They do a great job of putting the viewer right there in the film, the performances feel genuine, and before long you are just along for the ride, the cameraman being your eyes and ears into a world when the infected become aggressive, murderous and frenetic, and the survivors are trapped inside an apartment building with no means of escape and no way to adequately defend themselves.
The film is paced marvelously, establishing its rules quickly, and without the need for huge amounts of clumsy exposition, and then begins an ebb and flow between periods of character recovery, followed by frantic action as the infected threaten to overwhelm the survivors.
There is just such a genuine and earnest feel to this film, reminiscent of Texas Chainsaw Massacre in the way that the glossy sheen common to well made movies is not present, and in its place is something which feels visceral, full of flawed but realistic characters.
If you like 28 days later or train to Busan, this is a must see.
They do a great job of putting the viewer right there in the film, the performances feel genuine, and before long you are just along for the ride, the cameraman being your eyes and ears into a world when the infected become aggressive, murderous and frenetic, and the survivors are trapped inside an apartment building with no means of escape and no way to adequately defend themselves.
The film is paced marvelously, establishing its rules quickly, and without the need for huge amounts of clumsy exposition, and then begins an ebb and flow between periods of character recovery, followed by frantic action as the infected threaten to overwhelm the survivors.
There is just such a genuine and earnest feel to this film, reminiscent of Texas Chainsaw Massacre in the way that the glossy sheen common to well made movies is not present, and in its place is something which feels visceral, full of flawed but realistic characters.
If you like 28 days later or train to Busan, this is a must see.
Phoebe (0 KP) rated Pitch Perfect 3 (2017) in Movies
Nov 19, 2018
Sometimes there just shouldn’t be a 3rd one
Contains spoilers, click to show
Back with the Bellas after college to find their lives just aren’t all that great in the “real world”. They’re all in jobs that they seem to hate and miss singing together. They’re thrilled when they’re invited to a performance by the current Barton Bellas only to end up disappointed that they’re not performing themselves. Then it just gets crazy. They end up on tour with other artists who are (unsurprisingly) a lot more talented than the Bellas. Some very well done “riff offs” ensue and of course when the Bellas stop taking themselves seriously they get a lot more popular. This storyline was a bit of fun if not completely predictable and as a Pitch Perfect fan I wasn’t really complaining - I’m mostly there for the music at the end of the day. It was after this though that the movie lost me completely. Turning into an espionage movie where they do indeed sing to get out of trouble. The Bellas are luckily rescued by the military and Beca is encouraged to take an offer from DJ Khaled to sing alone. Then in the final seen Beca opens for DJ Khaled alone but invites the Bellas onstage to sing Freedom! ‘90 with her creating a touching scene that Pitch Perfect always manages to do - especially as this seems to be the end of the road for the group. I loved the song choices in the movie and that the competition was higher stakes but between the convoluted plot line and sometimes forced comedic moments this definitely wasn’t my favourite Pitch Perfect installment.