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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Eleanor & Park in Books
Feb 8, 2018
When Park first sees Eleanor get on the school bus, he cringes. Everything about her is wrong - her size, her hair, her clothes. He knows the other kids will pick on her immediately. But for some reason, he tells her to sit down next to him, despite knowing it will attract attention -- exactly what Park doesn't want. However, over time, Park and Eleanor forge an unlikely friendship-- attention be damned.
I feel like reviewing this book can't do it justice. This was a lovely, amazing, heartwarming, heartbreaking novel. Rowell does an unbelievable job of capturing adolescent love, relationships, and high school life. And not your typical YA cool kids, easy romance, where the protagonists "meet cute" and fall in love on Day 1. Park and Eleanor's friendship isn't easy, their relationship isn't easy: their lives aren't easy. Rowell portrays all of this beautifully, even if it's agonizing to read, without making it seem trite. Park and Eleanor are two of the most developed characters I've read about in ages. They leap off the pages, to the point where I wanted to adopt Eleanor and hug and befriend Park.
The book slowed a bit for me in the middle -- the creep of an adolescent relationship can be a bit rough -- but it's worth it. The ending is crushing, in many ways, and I would just about kill for a sequel, even though I can grudgingly probably admit it's best the way it ended. No matter what, a beautiful read-- so worth your time-- and one I'll be recommending to anyone I can find who hasn't read it yet.
I feel like reviewing this book can't do it justice. This was a lovely, amazing, heartwarming, heartbreaking novel. Rowell does an unbelievable job of capturing adolescent love, relationships, and high school life. And not your typical YA cool kids, easy romance, where the protagonists "meet cute" and fall in love on Day 1. Park and Eleanor's friendship isn't easy, their relationship isn't easy: their lives aren't easy. Rowell portrays all of this beautifully, even if it's agonizing to read, without making it seem trite. Park and Eleanor are two of the most developed characters I've read about in ages. They leap off the pages, to the point where I wanted to adopt Eleanor and hug and befriend Park.
The book slowed a bit for me in the middle -- the creep of an adolescent relationship can be a bit rough -- but it's worth it. The ending is crushing, in many ways, and I would just about kill for a sequel, even though I can grudgingly probably admit it's best the way it ended. No matter what, a beautiful read-- so worth your time-- and one I'll be recommending to anyone I can find who hasn't read it yet.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Aftermath (Sirantha Jax, #5) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Leave it to Aguirre to take her heroine in a direction that is apparently pissing off at least half of her readers (those who expected romance). Sirantha Jax is in fine form in [b:Aftermath|10648186|Aftermath (Sirantha Jax, #5)|Ann Aguirre|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1311703515s/10648186.jpg|10219927], staying strong and true to herself through an all-new set of trials (literally) and troubles. Loyal Velith stays by her side throughout, continuing to depict a friendship that goes beyond mere romance.
I don't normally mine books for quotes as I read them, but two bits stuck with me from this book. Musing, Jax thinks, "… the world moves on, even when you don't want it to, even when change feels like the end of everything. It never stops. That's harsh and magical and somewhat comforting because nothing is immutable, however much we want it to be. Moments cannot be caught like fossils in amber, ever-perfect, ever-beautiful. They go dark and raw, full of shadows, leaving you with the memories. And the world moves on."
Later, Velith says, "The heart is not a glass of water, but more like an endlessly pumping spring."
There is so much wisdom about love and relationships in those words that I will remember this book far longer than the plot details will necessarily stay with me.
The plot is, of course, as can always be expected of Aguirre, good. It hangs together well. There was a little drag this time, but not much. I am eagerly awaiting the release of <i>Endgame</i> later this month, and will be purchasing it as soon as it's released.
I don't normally mine books for quotes as I read them, but two bits stuck with me from this book. Musing, Jax thinks, "… the world moves on, even when you don't want it to, even when change feels like the end of everything. It never stops. That's harsh and magical and somewhat comforting because nothing is immutable, however much we want it to be. Moments cannot be caught like fossils in amber, ever-perfect, ever-beautiful. They go dark and raw, full of shadows, leaving you with the memories. And the world moves on."
Later, Velith says, "The heart is not a glass of water, but more like an endlessly pumping spring."
There is so much wisdom about love and relationships in those words that I will remember this book far longer than the plot details will necessarily stay with me.
The plot is, of course, as can always be expected of Aguirre, good. It hangs together well. There was a little drag this time, but not much. I am eagerly awaiting the release of <i>Endgame</i> later this month, and will be purchasing it as soon as it's released.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Suite 606 (In Death, #27.5) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I only read the story by [a:J.D. Robb|17065|J.D. Robb|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1202524651p2/17065.jpg]. I glanced at the other three, but they're primarily romance stories, which do NOT interest me.
The whole point of these little anthologies is to introduce readers who enjoy an established author's work to other, similar authors, right?
I know that J.D. Robb is a pen name for [a:Nora Roberts|11139|Mary Shelley|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1205347203p2/11139.jpg]. I know that the stories she publishes as NR are romances. If I saw an anthology anchored by an NR story, I'd expect it to be full of romances.
However, I don't read the NR stuff. I only read her JDR books, which have a little romantic spice about the main character, Eve Dallas, and her husband Roarke, with occasional glimpses into Eve's partner, Peabody's, relationship with her guy, McNab. That's it, though. Neither of those sets of relationships are the focal point of the plots. The mystery/crime is the main thing, and while they're set in the future with the advantages of technology we don't yet have, they're essentially police procedurals. (I don't consider them SF, quite, because all the tech seems to be extrapolated from what we have now, and quite plausible. And, of course, the tech isn't the point of the stories, either.)
So why not put similar stories in an anthology anchored by a JDR story? Why why why? Misleading and disappointing readers is NOT the way to garner any positive buzz for the lesser-known authors, and the backlash can lead to less enthusiasm from established readers (like me) for the established author's work.
The whole point of these little anthologies is to introduce readers who enjoy an established author's work to other, similar authors, right?
I know that J.D. Robb is a pen name for [a:Nora Roberts|11139|Mary Shelley|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1205347203p2/11139.jpg]. I know that the stories she publishes as NR are romances. If I saw an anthology anchored by an NR story, I'd expect it to be full of romances.
However, I don't read the NR stuff. I only read her JDR books, which have a little romantic spice about the main character, Eve Dallas, and her husband Roarke, with occasional glimpses into Eve's partner, Peabody's, relationship with her guy, McNab. That's it, though. Neither of those sets of relationships are the focal point of the plots. The mystery/crime is the main thing, and while they're set in the future with the advantages of technology we don't yet have, they're essentially police procedurals. (I don't consider them SF, quite, because all the tech seems to be extrapolated from what we have now, and quite plausible. And, of course, the tech isn't the point of the stories, either.)
So why not put similar stories in an anthology anchored by a JDR story? Why why why? Misleading and disappointing readers is NOT the way to garner any positive buzz for the lesser-known authors, and the backlash can lead to less enthusiasm from established readers (like me) for the established author's work.
Gail (4 KP) rated The Game (Carolina Connections, #4) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
The Game by Sylvie Stewart
Four Stars
I liked this story a lot. Gavin was too cute with his boyish charm and looks. I thought it was really funny that he was the youngest in his group and that they called him Junior. I admired the way that he putted himself up after drowning in self pity for two years. He was doing everything he could to better himself. He wasn’t big headed or egotistical. He was so patient through it all and I know I wouldn’t have done the same. I would’ve blew up at Emmy for the things she did. Emmy was so hard working and hard so much strength. I didn’t understand how her dad couldn’t be proud of her. It sucks because even in 2017 we still have people like Emmy's dad. They only see people in status and careers. They don’t see that these people work just as hard and most times harder then themselves. Judging them by their background not by their actions. It’s a very sad thing when a daughter can’t be proud to take her man in front of her dad and receive his approval. I did think Emmy tried to hard to please her father. She put so much in getting his smiles and approval that she lacked a life and knowledge of relationships. Through some of the earlier chapters I didn’t really like her. She was so indecisive not really knowing what she wanted but having Gavin along anyway. Je was very mature in handling her doubts and rejections. The author did a really good job on this story and I cant wait to get the next one.
Four Stars
I liked this story a lot. Gavin was too cute with his boyish charm and looks. I thought it was really funny that he was the youngest in his group and that they called him Junior. I admired the way that he putted himself up after drowning in self pity for two years. He was doing everything he could to better himself. He wasn’t big headed or egotistical. He was so patient through it all and I know I wouldn’t have done the same. I would’ve blew up at Emmy for the things she did. Emmy was so hard working and hard so much strength. I didn’t understand how her dad couldn’t be proud of her. It sucks because even in 2017 we still have people like Emmy's dad. They only see people in status and careers. They don’t see that these people work just as hard and most times harder then themselves. Judging them by their background not by their actions. It’s a very sad thing when a daughter can’t be proud to take her man in front of her dad and receive his approval. I did think Emmy tried to hard to please her father. She put so much in getting his smiles and approval that she lacked a life and knowledge of relationships. Through some of the earlier chapters I didn’t really like her. She was so indecisive not really knowing what she wanted but having Gavin along anyway. Je was very mature in handling her doubts and rejections. The author did a really good job on this story and I cant wait to get the next one.
Katie Guinn (34 KP) rated My Husband's Wife in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Lily Macdonald is a young, newly married lawyer, determined to make a fresh start and leave her secrets in the past. But her first murder case, representing a convicted killer named Joe, will threaten her happy future.
*sigh* I’m getting really burned out on “domestic thrillers,” guys. The kind that center around husbands and wives with secrets and strained relationships, that focus on the minutiae of everyday life than on any real action. The kind that likes to tout themselves as “the next Gone Girl.” Give me a good suspenseful serial killer novel, with a twisty plot and an actual likable main character!
That’s one of my biggest problems with these sorts of books, every character is just so hard to like that it’s difficult to connect with anyone or really feel invested in the story. Lily and Ed Macdonald are two people who honestly shouldn’t have married in the first place; they barely knew each other and neither of them knows how to communicate unless it’s in the form of an argument. Their nine-year-old neighbor, Carla, gains some sympathy at first as she copes with bullies and the feeling of being “different,” Unfortunately, when the story picks up more than a dozen years later, Carla hasn’t changed very much. She still thinks and acts like a child, turning out to be, in my opinion, the least likable character in the book. A note to all the thriller authors out there: it’s not a crime to write characters that people like.
I gave this one three stars because while the writing and plotting was decent, it’s ultimately a forgettable novel. Also, it’s no Gone Girl.
*sigh* I’m getting really burned out on “domestic thrillers,” guys. The kind that center around husbands and wives with secrets and strained relationships, that focus on the minutiae of everyday life than on any real action. The kind that likes to tout themselves as “the next Gone Girl.” Give me a good suspenseful serial killer novel, with a twisty plot and an actual likable main character!
That’s one of my biggest problems with these sorts of books, every character is just so hard to like that it’s difficult to connect with anyone or really feel invested in the story. Lily and Ed Macdonald are two people who honestly shouldn’t have married in the first place; they barely knew each other and neither of them knows how to communicate unless it’s in the form of an argument. Their nine-year-old neighbor, Carla, gains some sympathy at first as she copes with bullies and the feeling of being “different,” Unfortunately, when the story picks up more than a dozen years later, Carla hasn’t changed very much. She still thinks and acts like a child, turning out to be, in my opinion, the least likable character in the book. A note to all the thriller authors out there: it’s not a crime to write characters that people like.
I gave this one three stars because while the writing and plotting was decent, it’s ultimately a forgettable novel. Also, it’s no Gone Girl.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Disjointed Lives in Books
Jul 20, 2018
An unexpected gem
I won a copy of this in a Smashbomb giveaway (thank you @Smashbomb!) and am now giving my entirely honest and unbiased review.
This is the first time ive read any of Morgan Sheppard’s work, and I can safely say that I will be doing again going forwards. I read this in its entirety on a very long and tedious train journey for work, and I can honestly say it really brightened up my commute!
This is only a short story, but it is very well written with a surprisingly simple premise. On the surface the premise seems almost too basic, but it really works. It’s surprising how effective and interesting a story about someone reciting their past can be. The two main characters are likeable and relatable and I’m sure most readers would recognise parts of themselves in this. The situation and story itself has a lot of relevance to relationships and today’s society.
I do have a couple of criticisms but these are pretty minor. One issue is some of the dialogue comes across as a little stilted and awkward and doesn’t flow quite as well as a normal real life conversation would. My other criticism actually has a massive compliment wrapped up in it - this story is far too short! I enjoyed reading this very much and wasn’t happy when it ended as I wanted more and would happily have read more. I feel like this could have been made into a much longer and more detailed story and it still could’ve been just as good. There’s a lot of potential here!
This is the first time ive read any of Morgan Sheppard’s work, and I can safely say that I will be doing again going forwards. I read this in its entirety on a very long and tedious train journey for work, and I can honestly say it really brightened up my commute!
This is only a short story, but it is very well written with a surprisingly simple premise. On the surface the premise seems almost too basic, but it really works. It’s surprising how effective and interesting a story about someone reciting their past can be. The two main characters are likeable and relatable and I’m sure most readers would recognise parts of themselves in this. The situation and story itself has a lot of relevance to relationships and today’s society.
I do have a couple of criticisms but these are pretty minor. One issue is some of the dialogue comes across as a little stilted and awkward and doesn’t flow quite as well as a normal real life conversation would. My other criticism actually has a massive compliment wrapped up in it - this story is far too short! I enjoyed reading this very much and wasn’t happy when it ended as I wanted more and would happily have read more. I feel like this could have been made into a much longer and more detailed story and it still could’ve been just as good. There’s a lot of potential here!
Phoebe (13 KP) rated Hannibal - Season 1 in TV
Oct 8, 2018
Hannibal's character portrayal (3 more)
Will's character depth
The aesthetic
The portrayal of mental disorders
A true favourite
I'm loving the show so far, and considering one of my all time favourite films is Silence of the Lambs, I have high expectations.
It did not disappoint.
The relationships built within this season are well thought out and captivating, especially that of Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter. The way the two men circle each other, their relationship filled with manipulation and a subtle seduction, you learn the ways they need each other, and become dependant on each other as they delve further into each other's psyches.
Speaking of, the way in which Will is both portrayed by Hugh Dancy, and treated within the show in regards to his innate aptitude for understanding the macabre is fascinating. I found it opened a new door to how the mind can work, and the dark repercussions they can have. This is also well shown through Abigail, as we follow through the aftermath of a traumatic event at the hands of her father.
The overly stunning aesthetics of this show work not only to entice but also to act as a juxtaposition to the gore caused by Hannibal and the "monsters of the week" in every episode. It allows the viewer a glimpse into how Hannibal sees the world; as a work of art. Even down to his victims. The elegance that he constantly exudes, particularly in scenes in his kitchen, almost numbs the viewer to the horrific truth behind his character.
Overall, a beautiful show. One I would highly recommend, but maybe not to those with a particularly weak stomach.
It did not disappoint.
The relationships built within this season are well thought out and captivating, especially that of Will Graham and Hannibal Lecter. The way the two men circle each other, their relationship filled with manipulation and a subtle seduction, you learn the ways they need each other, and become dependant on each other as they delve further into each other's psyches.
Speaking of, the way in which Will is both portrayed by Hugh Dancy, and treated within the show in regards to his innate aptitude for understanding the macabre is fascinating. I found it opened a new door to how the mind can work, and the dark repercussions they can have. This is also well shown through Abigail, as we follow through the aftermath of a traumatic event at the hands of her father.
The overly stunning aesthetics of this show work not only to entice but also to act as a juxtaposition to the gore caused by Hannibal and the "monsters of the week" in every episode. It allows the viewer a glimpse into how Hannibal sees the world; as a work of art. Even down to his victims. The elegance that he constantly exudes, particularly in scenes in his kitchen, almost numbs the viewer to the horrific truth behind his character.
Overall, a beautiful show. One I would highly recommend, but maybe not to those with a particularly weak stomach.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Big Little Lies in TV
Dec 16, 2018
The best thing about good programming is good writing!
I just finished binge watching all 7 episodes of this fantastic HBO limited series featuring a mostly female cast (I'm sure everyone knows of this by now).
The story centers around three women, all raising children trying to lead "normal" lives, but have hidden scars and emotional baggage in their relationships they are trying to work through. Tensions continue to escalate through a series of confrontations and slow burn emotional scenes, but the payoff is ultimately worth it. I am much more a fan of vague endings than most people, so I would say I thought they could have left out the final scene and left us to wonder what happened, but I'm sure I'm in the minority on that.
The acting is certainly stellar all around; however, the real royalty here is the screenplay. too often great writing gets overlooked since it's not the flashiest of production values, but this one should not be ignored. It shows that everyone you encounter in life is a human being with strengths and weaknesses. You have to take the good with the bad sometimes, or make the tough choices to save your situation and make a better life for yourself.
After finishing I read they are doing a second season. Not sure how I feel about that. It would be all right maybe if it was a completely separate story, but this is going to be a continuation. They are adding Meryl Streep so I guess that's a good start.
I will have to wait and see!
The story centers around three women, all raising children trying to lead "normal" lives, but have hidden scars and emotional baggage in their relationships they are trying to work through. Tensions continue to escalate through a series of confrontations and slow burn emotional scenes, but the payoff is ultimately worth it. I am much more a fan of vague endings than most people, so I would say I thought they could have left out the final scene and left us to wonder what happened, but I'm sure I'm in the minority on that.
The acting is certainly stellar all around; however, the real royalty here is the screenplay. too often great writing gets overlooked since it's not the flashiest of production values, but this one should not be ignored. It shows that everyone you encounter in life is a human being with strengths and weaknesses. You have to take the good with the bad sometimes, or make the tough choices to save your situation and make a better life for yourself.
After finishing I read they are doing a second season. Not sure how I feel about that. It would be all right maybe if it was a completely separate story, but this is going to be a continuation. They are adding Meryl Streep so I guess that's a good start.
I will have to wait and see!
Jessica - Where the Book Ends (15 KP) rated Left Drowning (Left Drowning, #1) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
*I received this book via Net Galley as an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This book was PHE-NOM-ENAL!!!! I couldn't put it down. It took me a bit to read because I was on vacation and was busy, but I loved this book and read it every chance I could. I actually finished it on the plane yesterday and the end had me in tears...I felt so bad for the poor guy sitting next to me.
Chris, Blythe, Sabin, Eric, Estelle, James, and Zach are absolutely amazing characters!!!! I couldn't get enough of them. The more of the book I read the more I felt like these characters were real people that I knew. I fell in love with them all! I cried for the Shepard kids, and I cried for Blythe and James and the shitty hands that were dealt to them all. These kids were so strong and persevered through so much!
The story was amazing, and the way their lives were so entwined even though they didn't know about it was absolutely amazing. I kind of figured out early on how their lives were entwined but I was still enthralled by the story and I couldn't wait to see it all unfold.
The author did an amazing story, and I felt she covered the subject of death, abuse, and relationships very well. The author eloquently covered these hard topics with grace and tact.
This is the first book of this authors that I have read, and I absolutely loved it! I can't wait to read more of her books!
This book was PHE-NOM-ENAL!!!! I couldn't put it down. It took me a bit to read because I was on vacation and was busy, but I loved this book and read it every chance I could. I actually finished it on the plane yesterday and the end had me in tears...I felt so bad for the poor guy sitting next to me.
Chris, Blythe, Sabin, Eric, Estelle, James, and Zach are absolutely amazing characters!!!! I couldn't get enough of them. The more of the book I read the more I felt like these characters were real people that I knew. I fell in love with them all! I cried for the Shepard kids, and I cried for Blythe and James and the shitty hands that were dealt to them all. These kids were so strong and persevered through so much!
The story was amazing, and the way their lives were so entwined even though they didn't know about it was absolutely amazing. I kind of figured out early on how their lives were entwined but I was still enthralled by the story and I couldn't wait to see it all unfold.
The author did an amazing story, and I felt she covered the subject of death, abuse, and relationships very well. The author eloquently covered these hard topics with grace and tact.
This is the first book of this authors that I have read, and I absolutely loved it! I can't wait to read more of her books!
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Kevin Hart: What Now? (2016) in Movies
Jul 15, 2019
Kevin Hart returns to theaters with his latest concert movie What Now The film features his concert held in Philadelphia, PA where over 50,000 adoring fans sold out Lincoln Financial Field.
Kevin Hart does more than answer the question as to “What Now?” He brings forth new material about his family, pop culture, relationships, and the quirky interaction that we all engage in during our daily lives. His routine offers fans and comedy lovers the opportunity to sit back and let the laughs take over.
Hart demonstrates with the turnout, material, and ability to keep a full house entertained that he is stand-up comedy’s rock star.
No one else is even close right now in being able to bring audiences of different cultures, races, lifestyles, professions, and backgrounds together in order to laugh at all of the things that make us uncomfortable or what we probably shouldn’t laugh at under normal circumstances. For Hart, nothing is out of bounds or considered safe.
Fans and newcomers will not be disappointed with Hart’s newest performance. The presentation of the act incorporates an interactive stage and special effects that allow the jokes to come to life.
At times, I found myself more interested in the technological aspects than the jokes. They were able to build off of each other and enhance the performance, even for the few jokes that miss the mark.
This film however, does not. There are more than enough quotes and lines that audiences will find themselves repeating or using in casual conversation. The performance is fresh and ensures that we will continue to see Kevin Hart for years to come.
Kevin Hart does more than answer the question as to “What Now?” He brings forth new material about his family, pop culture, relationships, and the quirky interaction that we all engage in during our daily lives. His routine offers fans and comedy lovers the opportunity to sit back and let the laughs take over.
Hart demonstrates with the turnout, material, and ability to keep a full house entertained that he is stand-up comedy’s rock star.
No one else is even close right now in being able to bring audiences of different cultures, races, lifestyles, professions, and backgrounds together in order to laugh at all of the things that make us uncomfortable or what we probably shouldn’t laugh at under normal circumstances. For Hart, nothing is out of bounds or considered safe.
Fans and newcomers will not be disappointed with Hart’s newest performance. The presentation of the act incorporates an interactive stage and special effects that allow the jokes to come to life.
At times, I found myself more interested in the technological aspects than the jokes. They were able to build off of each other and enhance the performance, even for the few jokes that miss the mark.
This film however, does not. There are more than enough quotes and lines that audiences will find themselves repeating or using in casual conversation. The performance is fresh and ensures that we will continue to see Kevin Hart for years to come.