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Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Darkly Dreaming Dexter (Dexter, #1) in Books

Jan 15, 2018

"What can any of us do? Helpless as we all are, in the grip of our own little voices, what indeed van we do?"
I love Dexter! I love Jeff Lindsay! I started watching this series several years ago pretty much by accident and loved it. So, imagine my delight to learn it was based on a book. And not just one book, but a series! And written by a Florida author. Being the book nerd I am, I immediately bought the first one & it was promptly buried in my To Read stack. Here I am 5 years later finally reading it. And I find myself asking, "what the hell took so long?"
The story is fascinating and creepy but just believe able enough that you find yourself looking at people a little differently, wondering if there's a Dark Passenger in there somewhere. Lindsay is a gifted writer with a great ability to write just the right thing at just the right (or wrong time depending on how you feel about dexter and what he is.) Dexter is hands down one of the most fascinating characters in contemporary literature. He's so likable, but at the same time leaves the reader sitting on their couch thinking, "How can I possible like & even *gasp* root for a psychopathic killer!?" Believe me...you can and it is surprisingly easy.

Kudos

Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Best in Show (2000) in Movies

Feb 3, 2018

Hilarious Mockumentary

I can't tell you the funny lines that exist in Best In Show. I can't tell you because there are too many to count. I was hoping to get a good laugh, but was pleasantly surprised by just how hilarious the film was.

Best In Show is a mockumentary around the largest dog show of the year and the people that compete. My only complaint was that it teetered a bit at the ending. A little less lingering and it would have been just fine.

The dialogue is perfect. It's crisp and full of zings forcing you to hang on to every word. The characters that make up this film are over-the-top funny, yet real at the same time. Their stories and backstories are well-done giving you a reason to root for their success or failure. The success of these characters stems from how much people actually love their dogs and how much people are willing to do for them in real life. Definitely translates well. While it should feel appalling to watch, there's a part of you that gets it.

There is always something happening to keep you entertained throughout. From the opening scene (great start) to hilarious moments with Harlan (Christopher Guest) and his hound Hubert, you're left with a multitude of reasons to laugh. I give Best In Show an 89.

Kudos

Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The Ice Twins in Books

Mar 15, 2018

The Ice Twins

S.K. Tremayne | 2015 | Fiction & Poetry

7.1

(7 Ratings)

Book Rating

Angus and Sarah Moorcraft are struggling to keep their marriage in tact after the tragic death of one of their twin daughters. To escape from the memories of the incident and to hopefully push past other issues including alcoholism and infidelity, they move to an isolated lighthouse on an island just off the coast of Scotland, which Angus inherited from his grandmother. It starts promisingly enough for the family, until it becomes apparent that their surviving twin, Kirstie, is very likely Lydia, whom they thought had died. Things begin to spiral further out of control as their daughter appears to be being haunted by her dead sister (whichever one that may be) and both parents begin to go a bit crazy, Sarah especially. Secrets get revealed that threaten to shatter the already fragile balance they're maintaining until finally the truth about the accident comes out. The concept is pretty creepy and the setting is perfect for it. The characters aren't exactly likable, but no one is really as contemptuous as some recent "protagonists" in other novels, which makes it easier to root for them. Once things really get rolling, the twists come out pretty fast and furious and the suspense builds to a somewhat shocking conclusion. Unlikely to be the thriller of the year, but a very entertaining read that is perfect for the Halloween season.