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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Fates and Furies in Books
Feb 13, 2018
This novel details the story of Lotto and Mathilde, who meet as their college days are ending and marry shortly thereafter. Lotto and Mathilde appear to all as a glamorous and lovely couple-- adored by all their friends. However, their marriage and relationship may not be all it appears - even to each other.
Groff starts off the book from Lotto's point of view and then halfway through, we get Mathilde's side. (Therefore, everyone must compare it to "Gone Girl," which is driving me crazy. Can we just stop using "Gone Girl" as the marker to which to compare every book written since?! Thank you.) It's an interesting and well-done plot device, in Groff's deft hands, and you find yourself amazed at how the relationship differs between the two perspectives.
There's a lot of discussion of Lotto and Mathilde's parties (a bit much for me) and a backstory to Lotto's childhood (and eventually Mathilde's). Groff does an excellent job of showing how Lotto and Mathilde's childhood formed the people they became as adults -- and how they acted as spouses. I won't lie - I enjoyed Mathilde's section a bit more, even if I didn't perhaps like her as much as Lotto as a person - she's an interesting character. The end is a little much, but the novel is still well-done. I'd rate it as 3.5 stars - some of it dragged a bit for me, but I certainly enjoyed it.
Groff starts off the book from Lotto's point of view and then halfway through, we get Mathilde's side. (Therefore, everyone must compare it to "Gone Girl," which is driving me crazy. Can we just stop using "Gone Girl" as the marker to which to compare every book written since?! Thank you.) It's an interesting and well-done plot device, in Groff's deft hands, and you find yourself amazed at how the relationship differs between the two perspectives.
There's a lot of discussion of Lotto and Mathilde's parties (a bit much for me) and a backstory to Lotto's childhood (and eventually Mathilde's). Groff does an excellent job of showing how Lotto and Mathilde's childhood formed the people they became as adults -- and how they acted as spouses. I won't lie - I enjoyed Mathilde's section a bit more, even if I didn't perhaps like her as much as Lotto as a person - she's an interesting character. The end is a little much, but the novel is still well-done. I'd rate it as 3.5 stars - some of it dragged a bit for me, but I certainly enjoyed it.
I am giving this first book a 4.5 stars, because, while I really enjoyed reading it, there were a few points where if got a bit too much for me. If you have read it, you'll understand what I mean. Also, like always, this is a spoiler alert as there will most likely be a bunch of spoilers in this review. So you have been warned.
I can honestly say that I loved the relationship between the two main characters. They have such a deep love for one another and it is refreshing to see. They also have a pretty healthy relationship for the circumstances they are under.
It was cool to start the series in the middle of so much chaos, just like how the characters are in their lives at that time. I like how they set up the rules of the world by explaining it through the daughter as if she is telling us the story.
All the characters, in general, are very compelling and multifaceted, something I (obviously) appreciate a lot.
This was a very good exposition graphic novel that is setting up the rest of the story and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
The artwork is phenomenal. I cannot express enough how amazing it is! Props to the artists who worked on this, because I feel like they don't get enough credit. So if you're reading this, very well done!!
I can honestly say that I loved the relationship between the two main characters. They have such a deep love for one another and it is refreshing to see. They also have a pretty healthy relationship for the circumstances they are under.
It was cool to start the series in the middle of so much chaos, just like how the characters are in their lives at that time. I like how they set up the rules of the world by explaining it through the daughter as if she is telling us the story.
All the characters, in general, are very compelling and multifaceted, something I (obviously) appreciate a lot.
This was a very good exposition graphic novel that is setting up the rest of the story and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
The artwork is phenomenal. I cannot express enough how amazing it is! Props to the artists who worked on this, because I feel like they don't get enough credit. So if you're reading this, very well done!!
Merissa (12897 KP) rated Melting For You (Neighborhood Shindig #1) in Books
Jun 19, 2019
Melting For You (Neighborhood Shindig #1) by A.M. Arthur
Melting For You is the first book in the Neighborhood Shindig series. This is decidedly lower angst than previous books by Ms. Arthur I have read, and we meet Joel and Isaiah. Joel has had the dirty done to him by his (ex) partner, in both his personal and professional lives. Isaiah has returned home to look after his dad after he had a heart attack, and also, hopefully, to build a better relationship with him.
The relationship between Joel and Isaiah starts off fast, but then slows down some, as they spend time together doing things, not just each other. I loved how the two of them worked together, and bounced ideas around. One major plus for me were the excellent descriptions of the Neighborhood Shindig itself. I could see it clearly in my mind, and my mouth was certainly watering with the descriptions given.
If I had anything bad to say about the book, it would be the ending felt a bit rushed to me. I only had six minutes reading time left, and neither Joel nor Isaiah had spoken to the other about staying. Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and look forward to returning to the Shindig. 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!
The relationship between Joel and Isaiah starts off fast, but then slows down some, as they spend time together doing things, not just each other. I loved how the two of them worked together, and bounced ideas around. One major plus for me were the excellent descriptions of the Neighborhood Shindig itself. I could see it clearly in my mind, and my mouth was certainly watering with the descriptions given.
If I had anything bad to say about the book, it would be the ending felt a bit rushed to me. I only had six minutes reading time left, and neither Joel nor Isaiah had spoken to the other about staying. Apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and look forward to returning to the Shindig. 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!
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Second Chances in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
<i>Second Chances</i> is a short story by Leigh-Ann Singh about two people who have had rather difficult pasts. Firstly there is Emily Watson who moves to Bay Brook to become the new editor of the <i>Bay Brook Times</i>. She has moved there from New York thus escaping from a bad relationship. The second person is Richard Cambridge whose family owns the newspaper. He initially appears to be a cold-hearted person until it is revealed he has recently lost his wife in a tragic accident.
The tale focuses on Emily and Richard’s relationship, which starts off on shaky ground but improves over time. During the story both characters turn to God to help them with their troubles and begin to find peace with the help of the Saviour. It is not a particularly religious book as the main emphasis is on pointing out that both characters receive the opportunity to have a second chance at life: Richard moving on from the past and returning to the present; and Emily being given the chance at new relationships and becoming “the woman God intended her to be”.
Admittedly <i>Second Chances</i> is very poorly written and ideally ought to have had a lot of editing before publication however the overall storyline is good. It is a shame that more was not done with it.
<i>Second Chances</i> is a short story by Leigh-Ann Singh about two people who have had rather difficult pasts. Firstly there is Emily Watson who moves to Bay Brook to become the new editor of the <i>Bay Brook Times</i>. She has moved there from New York thus escaping from a bad relationship. The second person is Richard Cambridge whose family owns the newspaper. He initially appears to be a cold-hearted person until it is revealed he has recently lost his wife in a tragic accident.
The tale focuses on Emily and Richard’s relationship, which starts off on shaky ground but improves over time. During the story both characters turn to God to help them with their troubles and begin to find peace with the help of the Saviour. It is not a particularly religious book as the main emphasis is on pointing out that both characters receive the opportunity to have a second chance at life: Richard moving on from the past and returning to the present; and Emily being given the chance at new relationships and becoming “the woman God intended her to be”.
Admittedly <i>Second Chances</i> is very poorly written and ideally ought to have had a lot of editing before publication however the overall storyline is good. It is a shame that more was not done with it.
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated Harp's Voice (Harp's Song, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
This is the second book in the series and picks up right where the first book leaves off. Cassie Shine doesn't miss a beat on this book. She continues the story of Harp with even more emotion, and heart wrenching detail than the first book in the series.
Harp was a lot different in this book than the first book, and honestly she wasn't my favorite character. I thought she was acting like a brat, stubborn, and persnickety. If you know and understand her life up until this point I feel like she was allowed to be this way up to a certain point. I did think she had a lot of personality and she was extremely bold which made me fall back in love with the character.
I loved Anne, and the way she grows throughout the book. Her relationship with Harp is rocky, but throughout the story you can see her motherly instincts grow and a mother daughter relationship form. It was beautiful.
The only thing I would change about this would be maybe a novella to follow to show the characters in 5 years and see how their stories wrap up. I'd love to see Anne end up with Dr. Dylan, and how her family's reunion is going.
Overall I loved this story. It's very moving and heart wrenching. I can't wait to read more from this author she's absolutely wonderful and her stories are indicative of a book hangover.
Harp was a lot different in this book than the first book, and honestly she wasn't my favorite character. I thought she was acting like a brat, stubborn, and persnickety. If you know and understand her life up until this point I feel like she was allowed to be this way up to a certain point. I did think she had a lot of personality and she was extremely bold which made me fall back in love with the character.
I loved Anne, and the way she grows throughout the book. Her relationship with Harp is rocky, but throughout the story you can see her motherly instincts grow and a mother daughter relationship form. It was beautiful.
The only thing I would change about this would be maybe a novella to follow to show the characters in 5 years and see how their stories wrap up. I'd love to see Anne end up with Dr. Dylan, and how her family's reunion is going.
Overall I loved this story. It's very moving and heart wrenching. I can't wait to read more from this author she's absolutely wonderful and her stories are indicative of a book hangover.
Merissa (12897 KP) rated Outcast Girl vs Pretty Boy (Forever Love #4) in Books
Dec 20, 2019
Outcast Girl vs. Pretty Boy is a continuation of Bianca and Cam's story. This is the fourth book in the series and I definitely recommend reading them together or the story just won't make sense.
Cam and Bianca are perfect for each other, yet they keep secrets. Not just tiny, insignificant secrets, but big, HUGE, ones that have a direct impact on their relationship. We also get snippets of Stacey and Hayden in here too.
Just like the others in this series, I was engrossed in the story and never noticed how close I was to finishing it until there were no more pages to read. One thing I had to google was 'Milo'. I was intrigued before but now I know what it is, I'm oh so tempted! Now to find somewhere here in Germany that stocks it!
I loved how this story worked out, with both Cam and Bianca dealing with their issues. I look forward to seeing how their relationship progresses as the story continues. I thoroughly enjoy hearing how Tane and Harper are getting on, so I'm hopeful we will get the same here.
Absolutely need to be read in order and definitely worth it! As recommended by me 😁
* 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!
Cam and Bianca are perfect for each other, yet they keep secrets. Not just tiny, insignificant secrets, but big, HUGE, ones that have a direct impact on their relationship. We also get snippets of Stacey and Hayden in here too.
Just like the others in this series, I was engrossed in the story and never noticed how close I was to finishing it until there were no more pages to read. One thing I had to google was 'Milo'. I was intrigued before but now I know what it is, I'm oh so tempted! Now to find somewhere here in Germany that stocks it!
I loved how this story worked out, with both Cam and Bianca dealing with their issues. I look forward to seeing how their relationship progresses as the story continues. I thoroughly enjoy hearing how Tane and Harper are getting on, so I'm hopeful we will get the same here.
Absolutely need to be read in order and definitely worth it! As recommended by me 😁
* 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!
JT (287 KP) rated Midsommar (2019) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
As the end credits rolled I sat back and contemplated what I had just witnessed – this was the most fucked up piece of cinema I’d seen in some time. Burdened by a horrific tragedy Dani (Florence Pugh) turns to boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) for support, who is unsure himself that their relationship can continue.
Joining a small group of friends they head off to Sweden to attend a mid-summer festival in the hope of rekindling their dying relationship.
The film is disturbing on almost every level and does take time to get going as the group is introduced to an idyllic community where not everything is as it seems. Director Ari Aster has made no illusions of his dislike for jump scares – and you won’t find too many here, well, maybe one. But this is a new age break-up film, not an out an out horror as many people might have expected.
But how do you turn a mild mannered community such as the Harga, into a sinister cult, justifying their ways via ritualistic events and ancient scripture – easy, you do it slowly. Aster builds the story well, introducing subtle clues to the foreboding which is inevitably coming. When it comes, it is a tour de force of shock value.
It’s a solid follow up for Aster whose feature length debut, Hereditary, split audiences – but there is no denying that he has upped his game significantly.
Joining a small group of friends they head off to Sweden to attend a mid-summer festival in the hope of rekindling their dying relationship.
The film is disturbing on almost every level and does take time to get going as the group is introduced to an idyllic community where not everything is as it seems. Director Ari Aster has made no illusions of his dislike for jump scares – and you won’t find too many here, well, maybe one. But this is a new age break-up film, not an out an out horror as many people might have expected.
But how do you turn a mild mannered community such as the Harga, into a sinister cult, justifying their ways via ritualistic events and ancient scripture – easy, you do it slowly. Aster builds the story well, introducing subtle clues to the foreboding which is inevitably coming. When it comes, it is a tour de force of shock value.
It’s a solid follow up for Aster whose feature length debut, Hereditary, split audiences – but there is no denying that he has upped his game significantly.
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