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AHarvey (1 KP) rated Burned (Burned, #1) in Books
Jul 5, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
Where does one begin when trying to explain the overwhelming admiration they have for this book.
I loved that I could not only relate to the character on her views on religion, sex, gender roles, and romance, but, also the fact that the author never makes light of the abuse or sexualization of women in this novel.
This leaves you pondering what you would do in Pattyn's place. I couldn't help but root for her despite her turning into a cold stone killer at the end of the novel.
This gives you a better understanding of people in abusive relationships and how it affects those associated with it. It not only showcases different levels of abuse (whether it's sexual, verbal, or physical) but also shows you the raw painful aftermath that the abuse victims face.
This book was brilliantly written and I recommend this to anyone who can stomach it's horrific content of abuse.
I loved that I could not only relate to the character on her views on religion, sex, gender roles, and romance, but, also the fact that the author never makes light of the abuse or sexualization of women in this novel.
This leaves you pondering what you would do in Pattyn's place. I couldn't help but root for her despite her turning into a cold stone killer at the end of the novel.
This gives you a better understanding of people in abusive relationships and how it affects those associated with it. It not only showcases different levels of abuse (whether it's sexual, verbal, or physical) but also shows you the raw painful aftermath that the abuse victims face.
This book was brilliantly written and I recommend this to anyone who can stomach it's horrific content of abuse.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Tideland (2006) in Movies
Aug 2, 2018
A must for Terry Gilliam fans
It's funny how the DVD for this film contains an introduction by the director, Terry Gilliam, basically saying he forgives you if you hate his film because the subject matter is not for everyone. I don't know if I've ever seen that before.
This film definitely does not shy away from controversial subjects like awkward relationships between grown ups and children and the death of a parent with a girl being raised mostly on her own.
After a sudden death, a young girl and her loser father go to live in an abandoned house house in the country. The girl begins to explore her new world, makes some new friends and creates an imaginary world all her own.
I was fascinated by the film, the look, the cinematography, the acting and the story. Certainly not mainstream but well worth a look.
This film definitely does not shy away from controversial subjects like awkward relationships between grown ups and children and the death of a parent with a girl being raised mostly on her own.
After a sudden death, a young girl and her loser father go to live in an abandoned house house in the country. The girl begins to explore her new world, makes some new friends and creates an imaginary world all her own.
I was fascinated by the film, the look, the cinematography, the acting and the story. Certainly not mainstream but well worth a look.
Cumberland (1142 KP) rated The Wanderer in Books
Oct 7, 2018
Not A Lot Going On
This book is intended for middle grade readers, so I was expecting a simple story. It ended up being to simple. The author underestimates what the reader will follow and comprehen, and the story greatly suffers because of this. The characters were interesting, but I would have liked the writer to spend more time explaining the characters past and showing them develop new relationships. Cody and his dad particularly had a relationship that I would have liked to know more about.
I did enjoy the story style of change back and forth between Cody's and Sophie's journals. They both had unique views on the events happening around them, and Cody's point of view gave the reader some much needed insight on Sophie.
Overall this was a quick read, and it did have some strong points; however the story feels as if its missing something that keeps it from being anything special.
I did enjoy the story style of change back and forth between Cody's and Sophie's journals. They both had unique views on the events happening around them, and Cody's point of view gave the reader some much needed insight on Sophie.
Overall this was a quick read, and it did have some strong points; however the story feels as if its missing something that keeps it from being anything special.
Jamie (57 KP) rated Parenting From the Inside Out in Books
Nov 28, 2018
Finally finished! Took me 8 months to read it, but was so worth the read. The reason it took me a long time was all the processing through the valuable information this book presented. Yes, it's a parenting book, since I am not a parent, I initially started reading it with my sister in law Kris and sister Carri for the soul purpose of learning to build healthier relationships with the people in my life.
The last chapter a new door opened up for me, a chance to help a 12 year old girl and the last chapter gave me some relevant reading material and journaling opportunities for me to work with her and myself. It's amazing how God does that. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn about how our brains develop in children, ourselves, and how we relate to each other. AWESOME! is all I have to say about "Parenting From The Inside Out" By Daniel J Siegel and Mary Hartzell.
The last chapter a new door opened up for me, a chance to help a 12 year old girl and the last chapter gave me some relevant reading material and journaling opportunities for me to work with her and myself. It's amazing how God does that. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn about how our brains develop in children, ourselves, and how we relate to each other. AWESOME! is all I have to say about "Parenting From The Inside Out" By Daniel J Siegel and Mary Hartzell.
ClareR (5686 KP) rated Forget You Know Me in Books
Jan 16, 2019
Talking is good!
This is my first Jessica Strawser book, and I don't think it will be my last. From other reviews, it would seem that this is a departure from the 'thriller' genre of her previous novels: it's definitely more 'Literary Fiction'. There's no real mystery (ok, just the one), and everyone's cards are pretty much laid out on the table. It's just that they all seem incapable of talking to one another: Molly and Liza, once best friends, become more and more estranged as they live so far from one another. Daniel and Molly, although they are married, seem to be growing apart, and due to the demands of work and children, do not seem to have any time for one another. The takeaway message in this seems to be - just talk to each other, for goodness sakes! Relationships need effort from all sides!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my copy of this book to read and enjoy!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my copy of this book to read and enjoy!
Cumberland (1142 KP) rated Splintering in Books
Jan 18, 2019
Good Read
This book was written in poetry. I have been reading more books in this style lately and I really like them. This one follows the story of a family dealing with the aftermath of a break in. The poetry style was a good fit for all of the emotions the characters were displaying.
I also enjoyed the sibling relationships in this book. I thought it was extremely realistic how they were absolutely horrible to each other sometimes, but had each other's backs when it mattered.
I do have one fairly large complaint. The book alternates perspectives, and its not always clear who's point of view you are reading. The only indication is a slight change in font, and I think it would have really benefited the story if they had included the characters name at the top of the section.
Other than that I really enjoyed the story, and would suggest it to anyone looking for a quick read.
I also enjoyed the sibling relationships in this book. I thought it was extremely realistic how they were absolutely horrible to each other sometimes, but had each other's backs when it mattered.
I do have one fairly large complaint. The book alternates perspectives, and its not always clear who's point of view you are reading. The only indication is a slight change in font, and I think it would have really benefited the story if they had included the characters name at the top of the section.
Other than that I really enjoyed the story, and would suggest it to anyone looking for a quick read.
ClareR (5686 KP) rated Bitter Orange in Books
Dec 21, 2018
A Fantastic Book!
Frances Jellico lies dying in a hospital bed in the present day. She has flash backs to 1969 when she was asked to go to a large, dilapidated country house to assess the gardens for its new owner. She leaves London just after her mother dies - a mother who she had taken care of on her own for a long time. Already there when she arrives are Cara and Peter. He is an antiques expert, and Cara is his wife.
There is such a lot going on in this book: Cara and Peter have a strained relationship, Cara is clearly unwell; the vicar in the local church is not happy in his work, and Frances seems completely incapable of understanding relationships - her upbringing seems to have been very sheltered.
This is such a good story. I enjoyed uncovering the layers and the last few chapters were stunning and completely unexpected.
There is such a lot going on in this book: Cara and Peter have a strained relationship, Cara is clearly unwell; the vicar in the local church is not happy in his work, and Frances seems completely incapable of understanding relationships - her upbringing seems to have been very sheltered.
This is such a good story. I enjoyed uncovering the layers and the last few chapters were stunning and completely unexpected.
AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated Bones Of The Lost in Books
Dec 6, 2019 (Updated Dec 6, 2019)
Always gets the bad guy
In the 16th instalment of the bones series by Kathy Reichs, Dr Temperance Brennan is travelling from Charlotte to Afghanistan and back again. With appearances from all the regular characters, Temperance sets out to solve the murder of a mystery Jane Doe, and the potential unlawful killing of Afghani villagers.
Temperance aims to give the girl an identity, and figure out just who is to blame for cutting her life short. All the while Tempe is dealing with her own issues, the lack of contact from her on/off lover Andy, her unconventional relationships with her ex -husband, her flaky sister and her daughter.
Reichs always writes very well, including using the correct terminology, allowing readers to get a grasp of how the characters are really feeling, and keeping you on the edge of the mystery with little tiny bites of the truth, dotted with the odd red herring.
Temperance aims to give the girl an identity, and figure out just who is to blame for cutting her life short. All the while Tempe is dealing with her own issues, the lack of contact from her on/off lover Andy, her unconventional relationships with her ex -husband, her flaky sister and her daughter.
Reichs always writes very well, including using the correct terminology, allowing readers to get a grasp of how the characters are really feeling, and keeping you on the edge of the mystery with little tiny bites of the truth, dotted with the odd red herring.
AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated Forever Pucked (Pucked #4) in Books
Jan 18, 2020
Happy Ever Afters
Book 4 in the series brings us back round to the original characters. Alex “MC” Waters and his beautiful fiancée Violet Hall!
Alex ends up spectacularly getting injured out of the NHL when he has a run in with another team, whilst Violet gets a promotion at work.
After the scare that Alex’s injuries caused, they have both reassessed what they want in life and Violet finally agrees to set a date for the wedding. But in true typical Violet style, things will have to change... much like Alex’s mums hair!
We see again all the other characters we have been introduced to in the series, and it’s so nice to be able to follow the progression of the relationships, and how they all interlink and interact with one another.
The series continues to be well written and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the ongoing humour and individual character styles. Helena is nothing if not consistent! I look forward to finishing the series!
Alex ends up spectacularly getting injured out of the NHL when he has a run in with another team, whilst Violet gets a promotion at work.
After the scare that Alex’s injuries caused, they have both reassessed what they want in life and Violet finally agrees to set a date for the wedding. But in true typical Violet style, things will have to change... much like Alex’s mums hair!
We see again all the other characters we have been introduced to in the series, and it’s so nice to be able to follow the progression of the relationships, and how they all interlink and interact with one another.
The series continues to be well written and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the ongoing humour and individual character styles. Helena is nothing if not consistent! I look forward to finishing the series!
Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated Casino (1995) in Movies
Mar 3, 2020
In many ways, I prefer this film to Goodfellas. It has a slower burn, but feels more mature and grounded, somehow. The acting generally from all the regulars is top of the game stuff; especially Sharon Stone, who surprised many by just how good she could be, and is a rare mention in this genre for a female stealing the show! The lush visuals afforded by the glamour of the casino itself dazzles the eye. The suits are there, the attitudes are there. Much more than a lot of “ganster” films, however, this one focuses on relationships at its core. The glitz and crime are a context for looking at the people underneath and how they fail one another. It demonstrates how you can have it all in life and still despair. Criticised for lacking focus and a rock solid script, it can’t be denied there are faults, but it is still one hell of a ride!