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The Secrets We Keep
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Kit Stitski is dead. He fell into the quarry during a party and drowned and ever since June no one has been able to come forward to say what really happened to him. Now that school has started, his mother is making a plea with the students to come forward with what they know. Was it just a tragic accident or did someone do something to Kit? Clementine was there, she spoke with Kit and sent him off to the bushes when he said he had to go to the bathroom. Ellie was there too, she is keeping Clementine's secret, but does she have a secret of her own? Jake was there, in fact, Kit followed him to the party. And Mac was there with Ellie, did he do something to Kit?

As a new school year starts, everyone is reflecting on the tragic night at the end of the previous school year. They've had the whole summer to think about it and now that school is back in session, Ms. Stitski wants answers and closure about what happened with her son. When she shows up for the first day of school, Jake, Clementine, Ellie, and Mac are all on edge because they feel they are responsible for Kit's death. They can't imagine that this was just an accident, something must of happened to him when he was out of their sight. But is that possible?

I really enjoyed this YA novel by Deb Loughead. I was a quick read that kept me engrossed the entire time. The author never really mentions where the story is set, and it could be any town in any country. Kids will be kids and will do what they want despite the rules set by their parents. None of the kids should have been at the quarry that night. It's a dangerous place and even more so when it is dark. Kit was mentally challenged, but loved by all in the school. The students recall happy moments with Kit that help his family to heal after this difficult situation. This is a story you could see in today's news stories. A tragic accident that took the life of an innocent person.

I think people of all ages will enjoy this book. I think it is especially important for youth to read. It has a message of honesty in the book. About being able to talk to your parents about the things that are going on in your world. The book has a strong family focus and includes diverse family structures that are seen today. I recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a good novel to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dundurn for the opportunity to review this book.
  
Holding Up the Universe
Holding Up the Universe
Jennifer Niven | 2016 | Children
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Libby Strout has the distinction of being "America's Fattest Teen" -- the girl who was once lifted out of her house with a crane. But no one has ever really taken the time to know Libby, a complicated and kind person who is still struggling with her mom's death and the aftermath of the crane incident. But Libby is stronger than people realize and she's now ready to try high school for the first time. She wants to experience life at a real school: with friends, clubs, love, and more. At school, Libby meets Jack Masselin. Jack is a popular kid struggling with a secret: he doesn't recognize faces. This issue makes high school popularity (and life) surprisingly complicated. Jack's life becomes even more complicated when he gets caught up in an awful high school bullying game that involves Libby. As a result, the two of them wind up in counseling together. Suddenly, they are spending a lot of time together and becoming surprising friends.

This was just a lovely book. I sped through this novel in about a day, because it was just so amazing, but I sort of wish I had savored it more, because it was so good. Libby is an excellent character. There were moments were I was simply amazed by her, and it's easy to say that I fell hard for her. Jack, too, but Libby - Libby is something special. I had read reviews (before the book came out) saying that its coverage of Libby's weight was offensive, but I didn't find it offensive at all. If anything, the book is empowering, and there were passages that made me want to stand up and shout for her. You cannot help but root for Libby.

As with many YA books, it did seem like Jack and Libby were a little mature for high school, but mostly, they felt right on point; if anything, they were each a reflection of how kids have to grow up so much faster now, what with the world being so cruel and all the bullying around them. Besides, each had suffered so much in their own way, even if Jack's life was so much easier on the surface than Libby's. Because I'd read Niven's previous novel, I was constantly waiting for something awful to happen, so there was that. :) I have to say that I enjoyed this one more than [b:All the Bright Places|18460392|All the Bright Places|Jennifer Niven|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1404331702s/18460392.jpg|26113532], even if that's hearsay for some. It was a well-written and beautiful book and just left me with a good feeling at the end... even if it also left me wishing I could meet Jack and Libby in real life.
  
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Bird (1700 KP) rated Ultima Online in Video Games

Nov 1, 2017 (Updated Nov 1, 2017)  
Ultima Online
Ultima Online
1997 | Massively Multiplayer, Role-Playing
The feeling of being genuinely fearful when traveling through dangerous (PvP) areas (5 more)
Infinite community- development possibilities and thriving economy
Smart and intuitive skill development system
PvP was skill-based, not just 'wealthiest player wins'
The launch of 'factions' and group PvP
Custom houses (and a full housing economy), mounts, etc.
The days and weeks you'll lose to this game! (0 more)
Utterly addictive old-school MMORPG
  
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Bird (1700 KP) Nov 1, 2017

Interested to know if anybody else played @Ultima Online back in the day? Great fun!

Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
Olympus Has Fallen (2013)
2013 | Action, Drama
8
7.1 (20 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Bonkers plot (2 more)
Felt like an old school 90's action film
Great action scenes
Very good action film
This felt like a throw back to some of the over the top action films of the 90's. Crazy plot, good cast and fast paced action scenes. Almost in the Die Hard mould of one guy against all the odds. Don't take it seriously and enjoy the ride.
  
The Last Stand (2013)
The Last Stand (2013)
2013 | Action, Mystery
Feels like a typical 90's action film (2 more)
Cheesy but in a good way
Some great action scenes
Old school action film
I really enjoyed this, it felt like a Arnie action film from when he was at his peak. Slightly silly plot but I found it funny and enjoyable. If you want something that brings back the 90's action film vibe, then this is it.