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Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated D-Tox (Eye See You) (2002) in Movies
Sep 19, 2019
Rambo Sees Rocky
D-Tox aka Eye See You- is a underrrated moive starring a 80's action star and a good supporting cast.
Recovering from the psychological effects of witnessing a brutal crime, FBI Agent Jake Malloy (Sylvester Stallone) checks into a rehabilitation clinic for law enforcement officers in the remote wilderness of Wyoming during the dead of winter. He soon finds himself helping other patients as a serial killer begins killing them one by one.
Its one of Stallone's last theatrical movie before he retired for a bit.
I would reecordmend this movie, it is very underrated.
Recovering from the psychological effects of witnessing a brutal crime, FBI Agent Jake Malloy (Sylvester Stallone) checks into a rehabilitation clinic for law enforcement officers in the remote wilderness of Wyoming during the dead of winter. He soon finds himself helping other patients as a serial killer begins killing them one by one.
Its one of Stallone's last theatrical movie before he retired for a bit.
I would reecordmend this movie, it is very underrated.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Honey Boy (2019) in Movies
Dec 1, 2019
Disclaimer: I'm a huge Shia fan, and I couldn't wait to see this.
Honey Boy is a fictionalized (?) account, written by Shia LeBeouf about his father, and substance issues. The film bounces back and forth between Otis (Shia) as a child, then as an adult in a rehabilitation facility. It always makes for an interesting film, IF it's well done. In this case, it worked. Shia plays his own father (or a fictionalized version), and it was a great performance. I can imagine playing his father was a cathartic experience.
It's also worth mention FKA Twigs, who played a minor character. While she wasn't in it much, I thought she did well, and I wouldn't mind seeing her in more films.
Honey Boy is a fictionalized (?) account, written by Shia LeBeouf about his father, and substance issues. The film bounces back and forth between Otis (Shia) as a child, then as an adult in a rehabilitation facility. It always makes for an interesting film, IF it's well done. In this case, it worked. Shia plays his own father (or a fictionalized version), and it was a great performance. I can imagine playing his father was a cathartic experience.
It's also worth mention FKA Twigs, who played a minor character. While she wasn't in it much, I thought she did well, and I wouldn't mind seeing her in more films.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Goblins Wear Suits (The Magical Beings' Rehabilitations Center #2) in Books
Feb 6, 2020
Morgan thought the most difficult decision of her life was deciding to become an official employee of the MBRC. But now, a senior in high school, she’s realizing it only gets worse.
With a certain Goblin mob boss urging her to stay within commuting distance of Chicago, and a flirtatious Pooka pushing her to study overseas, Morgan has a hard enough time trying to sort through her college choices the way it is. Planning out her future is made even more difficult when terrorist threats are issued by an anti-human, anti-rehabilitation, magic-based organization. Does Morgan want to continue working at the MBRC when it puts her life in danger?
It has rounded off book one nicely but I think I got a little bored towards the end. I'm glad that she chose her pooka in the end. I do like K.M. Shea and I'm moving on to her next series!
With a certain Goblin mob boss urging her to stay within commuting distance of Chicago, and a flirtatious Pooka pushing her to study overseas, Morgan has a hard enough time trying to sort through her college choices the way it is. Planning out her future is made even more difficult when terrorist threats are issued by an anti-human, anti-rehabilitation, magic-based organization. Does Morgan want to continue working at the MBRC when it puts her life in danger?
It has rounded off book one nicely but I think I got a little bored towards the end. I'm glad that she chose her pooka in the end. I do like K.M. Shea and I'm moving on to her next series!
When I originally got this book from the library, I returned it because it wasn't grabbing my attention. The second time, I figured I should just power through it.
The aim of this book was to do a rehabilitation of Evelyn Nesbit's reputation. The author honestly downplays how famous she was, and spent a lot of time setting up the reputations of the men around her, rather than her. Nesbit was who inspired THE GIBSON GIRL, and her image is used all of the time.
Do I believe she was raped by this skeezy Standford White? I was doubting it towards the end, since she kept up contact with him, as a mistress. However, stepping back from it, it seems like she was groomed by White, and didn't realize the drugging/raping wasn't normal until after the fact.
I actually think the author did a disservice to Nesbit, downplaying her success and pumping up the men in her life. No one knows who these crusty dudes are now, but her image is iconic.
The aim of this book was to do a rehabilitation of Evelyn Nesbit's reputation. The author honestly downplays how famous she was, and spent a lot of time setting up the reputations of the men around her, rather than her. Nesbit was who inspired THE GIBSON GIRL, and her image is used all of the time.
Do I believe she was raped by this skeezy Standford White? I was doubting it towards the end, since she kept up contact with him, as a mistress. However, stepping back from it, it seems like she was groomed by White, and didn't realize the drugging/raping wasn't normal until after the fact.
I actually think the author did a disservice to Nesbit, downplaying her success and pumping up the men in her life. No one knows who these crusty dudes are now, but her image is iconic.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I will start off by saying this is definitely not "light reading" by any definition of the phrase. However, I would encourage pretty much anyone to pick it up, whether they are an actual survivor or not. It is not only a benefit to those who have endured such atrocities, but it also provides insight for those who haven't (thankfully) but more than likely know (or will come to know) someone who has.
I taught a rehabilitation course for those convicted of domestic violence (often with sexual attacks involved), and I met a couple of the survivors on occasion. Had I known about this book then, I certainly would have offered it to them, as I think it would have helped them understand that they were not alone in the world and there were people out there who could, and would, do anything they could to help.
Bottom line: Everyone should read this, but keep a box of tissues handy. You're gonna need it.
5 stars
I will start off by saying this is definitely not "light reading" by any definition of the phrase. However, I would encourage pretty much anyone to pick it up, whether they are an actual survivor or not. It is not only a benefit to those who have endured such atrocities, but it also provides insight for those who haven't (thankfully) but more than likely know (or will come to know) someone who has.
I taught a rehabilitation course for those convicted of domestic violence (often with sexual attacks involved), and I met a couple of the survivors on occasion. Had I known about this book then, I certainly would have offered it to them, as I think it would have helped them understand that they were not alone in the world and there were people out there who could, and would, do anything they could to help.
Bottom line: Everyone should read this, but keep a box of tissues handy. You're gonna need it.
5 stars
ClareR (5577 KP) rated The Mars Room: A Novel in Books
Jul 30, 2018
A stunning debut.
Romy Hall has been given 2 consecutive life sentences for the murder of her stalker. This novel follows her arrival at prison, and reveals the story of her life in the lead up and at the start of her incarceration. We also meet some of the women who she lives with during this time.
I can see why this book has been nominated for The Man Booker Prize 2018 - it clearly shows how a childhood of poverty and benign neglect can lead to drug addiction and crime. It also shows the awful conditions of the prison that Romy is kept in and the hatred of the guards towards their charges. This isn't an environment of rehabilitation, it's an environment of harsh punishment. Which probably explains the high rates of reoffending.
It's a frustrating book to read, because I think the reader really does start to care about the people that they read about (at least I did), even though the writing doesn't actually invite us to feel for the characters. In fact it's all written in quite a detached way. They are more than just the crime they committed, and this book shows that.
I can see why this book has been nominated for The Man Booker Prize 2018 - it clearly shows how a childhood of poverty and benign neglect can lead to drug addiction and crime. It also shows the awful conditions of the prison that Romy is kept in and the hatred of the guards towards their charges. This isn't an environment of rehabilitation, it's an environment of harsh punishment. Which probably explains the high rates of reoffending.
It's a frustrating book to read, because I think the reader really does start to care about the people that they read about (at least I did), even though the writing doesn't actually invite us to feel for the characters. In fact it's all written in quite a detached way. They are more than just the crime they committed, and this book shows that.
Merissa (11674 KP) rated Together Bound (Sentries #2) in Books
Jan 9, 2020
TOGETHER BOUND is the second book in the Sentries series and we continue with Todd and Nicky's story. I would definitely recommend reading this as a series as we deal with the same characters in the same world and if you don't, then this may not make any sense at all!
Todd and Nicky go undercover at a slave rehabilitation camp to try and find out if the Chancellor has gone crazy or not. It turns out he's not crazy, but he's not himself either! This is a dangerous mission, more so for Nicky in many ways, but Todd has his own battles to fight too.
I loved returning to their world and seeing how they interact with each other. I don't think this was as "hot and heavy" as the first book but there are definitely moments where Todd goes Alpha!
There is a great cast of characters in this book and I would love to hear more from them in future books. A fantastic ending that wraps up this part of their story nicely whilst leading onto the next... which I CAN'T WAIT FOR!!!
Definitely recommended by me and bring on the next!
Todd and Nicky go undercover at a slave rehabilitation camp to try and find out if the Chancellor has gone crazy or not. It turns out he's not crazy, but he's not himself either! This is a dangerous mission, more so for Nicky in many ways, but Todd has his own battles to fight too.
I loved returning to their world and seeing how they interact with each other. I don't think this was as "hot and heavy" as the first book but there are definitely moments where Todd goes Alpha!
There is a great cast of characters in this book and I would love to hear more from them in future books. A fantastic ending that wraps up this part of their story nicely whilst leading onto the next... which I CAN'T WAIT FOR!!!
Definitely recommended by me and bring on the next!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Lost Files of the M.B.R.C in Books
Jan 7, 2021
4 of 250
Kindle
The lost files of the Magical Beings: A MBRC anthology: A Chicago urban fantasy comedy
By K.M. Shea
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The Lost Files of the MBRC is an anthology of five MBRC short stories--three of which have never before been released.
When Morgan decided to stay employed at the Magical Beings' Rehabilitation Center, she thought her life might quiet down as she started college and developed her career. She thought wrong.
In between balancing her relationship with Devin the Pook and planning for MBRC domination with her reluctant business partner, Aysel, Morgan chauffeurs around a reclusive Kraken, continues to play the lute at Asahi and Kadri's annual marriage celebration, and pulls all-nighter study sessions for college. Thankfully, her old friends - like Madeline, Frank, and Frey - are still around to wreak havoc and fun!
This was one of my favourite series last year! This is 5 short stories just tying up lose ends!
It’s fantastic to read I’m how they are all doing and how settled it’s become! Nice end to a fab series!
Kindle
The lost files of the Magical Beings: A MBRC anthology: A Chicago urban fantasy comedy
By K.M. Shea
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
The Lost Files of the MBRC is an anthology of five MBRC short stories--three of which have never before been released.
When Morgan decided to stay employed at the Magical Beings' Rehabilitation Center, she thought her life might quiet down as she started college and developed her career. She thought wrong.
In between balancing her relationship with Devin the Pook and planning for MBRC domination with her reluctant business partner, Aysel, Morgan chauffeurs around a reclusive Kraken, continues to play the lute at Asahi and Kadri's annual marriage celebration, and pulls all-nighter study sessions for college. Thankfully, her old friends - like Madeline, Frank, and Frey - are still around to wreak havoc and fun!
This was one of my favourite series last year! This is 5 short stories just tying up lose ends!
It’s fantastic to read I’m how they are all doing and how settled it’s become! Nice end to a fab series!
ClareR (5577 KP) rated Making a Psychopath: My Journey into 7 Dangerous Minds in Books
Nov 8, 2020
This was such an interesting glimpse into the minds and motivations of psychopaths, and also made me realise that there is most certainly no such thing as ‘one size fits all’. I also learnt that we bandy this word ‘psychopath’ around and we don’t always use it correctly. Generally speaking, psychopaths are people who have no remorse or worries about using and abusing people. They have no feelings of guilt over their actions.
This was a fascinating look at seven very different people (six men and one woman), and looked at how they used different kinds of violence and manipulation to get what they wanted.
This also looks at rehabilitation and whether it’s actually possible - which surprised me. I had thought that there was no chance of that at all. I shouldn’t have judged though, because all people are different, and that applies to those diagnosed with psychopathy as well. Some will never be able to rehabilitate, but there are those who want to be able to live their lives out of an institution.
I’ve said this a lot, but this really WAS interesting, insightful and informative, and I very much enjoyed it.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author, Mark Freestone, for reading along and adding clarifications to us readers, as well as answering our questions!
This was a fascinating look at seven very different people (six men and one woman), and looked at how they used different kinds of violence and manipulation to get what they wanted.
This also looks at rehabilitation and whether it’s actually possible - which surprised me. I had thought that there was no chance of that at all. I shouldn’t have judged though, because all people are different, and that applies to those diagnosed with psychopathy as well. Some will never be able to rehabilitate, but there are those who want to be able to live their lives out of an institution.
I’ve said this a lot, but this really WAS interesting, insightful and informative, and I very much enjoyed it.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the author, Mark Freestone, for reading along and adding clarifications to us readers, as well as answering our questions!
Merissa (11674 KP) rated Heart of Trust (Hooves & Hearts #1) in Books
May 16, 2024
HEART OF TRUST is the first book in the Hooves & Hearts series that ISN'T just for horse lovers. I love horses but I've only just figured out which part is the mane and which is the tail. All the bits in-between? Yeah, I'm lost. The thing is though, I didn't need to understand everything as the MMC was just as clueless as me - and I mean that in a good way. I learnt alongside him and it made for one heckuva reading experience.
Carter and Meg are made for each other; they just don't realise it at first as they are both carrying past hurts with them. It takes a horse-shaped cupid by the name of D'Artagnan to bring them together as they both want what's best for him.
There is a whole lot going on in this book and it isn't all romance. You have a mother with her own agenda, betrayal, mystery, rehabilitation, a slightly-lost younger brother, and a rocking grandpa that I want to have lunch with!
I've only ever read this author's fantasy works, but I'm happy to say she knocks contemporary out of the park too. A real page-turner that had me enthralled. Highly recommended by me.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 15, 2024
Carter and Meg are made for each other; they just don't realise it at first as they are both carrying past hurts with them. It takes a horse-shaped cupid by the name of D'Artagnan to bring them together as they both want what's best for him.
There is a whole lot going on in this book and it isn't all romance. You have a mother with her own agenda, betrayal, mystery, rehabilitation, a slightly-lost younger brother, and a rocking grandpa that I want to have lunch with!
I've only ever read this author's fantasy works, but I'm happy to say she knocks contemporary out of the park too. A real page-turner that had me enthralled. Highly recommended by me.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 15, 2024