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Joni Thomas (33 KP) rated Duolingo in Apps

Jan 26, 2018  
Duolingo
Duolingo
Education, Social Networking
8
8.4 (60 Ratings)
App Rating
Very easy to use
I used this a while back and it was so fun and easy to use. I took French in high school so the beginning courses were to brush up but as it got harder it was easy to follow along and I didn't get frustrated or confused. I downloaded it onto my daughter's iPod and she uses it from time to time when she is bored and I love hearing her tell me what certain words mean in Spanish, which is the language she chose to learn.
  
The Sense of an Ending
The Sense of an Ending
Julian Barnes | 2012 | Essays
8
7.0 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
A chain reaction of events
Without revealing too much about the ending, the story follows retired Tony, who re-evaluates his life after receiving a letter from a solicitor. It's a fairly simple drama about how someone's inconsequential actions can have a big impact on another.

Tony is led to remember a time in which his school friend killed himself while dating his ex-girlfriend at university. And his own actions which ultimately causes him remorse. It is a poignant and tragic tale of thinking before speaking. Wonderful, humanistic writing by Julian Barnes.
  
Aaron is enjoying catching up with friends at his high school reunion when Stephanie gets the call that her husband, a political activist, is murdered. The plot (and sub-plots) move along well, and I do like the characters. Unfortunately, the author is too obvious with his political leanings and he pays no attention to the passage of times. (Then again, I want to live in a world where every day is Saturday.)

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/02/book-review-farewell-to-legs-by-jeffrey.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
TV
The Villain Virus (NERDS, #4)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Flinch takes center stage in this fourth book in a middle grade series. Part James Bond spoof part adventure, it's another fun ride as everyone on earth starts trying to take it over. And the team survive a new school and figure out why everyone is turning evil and how to stop it? I've loved all of these books so far and can't wait for next year's entry already.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-villain-virus-by-michael.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
AC
A Case of Hometown Blues
W.S. Gager | 2011
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Mitch Malone has returned to his hometown to teach a seminar on investigative reporting. But that also means facing the ghosts of his past, including several tragic deaths. The murder of his high school crush forces him into facing things he's been running from for a long time. I enjoyed the mystery, which was very fast moving. I felt like the characters outside of Mitch could have used more development.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-case-of-hometown-blues-by-w.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
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Amanda (30 KP) rated The Giver in Books

Jun 21, 2018  
The Giver
The Giver
Lois Lowry | 2012 | Children
10
8.5 (84 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is probably one of the best books that I have ever read. I return to it, time and time again. The typical utopian society gone wrong theme requires you to really analyze your life and ponder on if the world could ever get to that point. Following Jonas through his life altering journey, with an ending that leaves one wondering is part of what makes this book a great book to be taught in schools. I first found out about this book through one of my high school English courses.
  
Disclaimer: I received an audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.

While I graduated several years ago, I was easily able to look back on that point in my life and find everything in this book to be extremely relevant. It's easy to follow, simple to understand, and explained in a way that makes sense no matter who you are, student or parent. I would say this should be a must-read for high school seniors, especially those who aren't quite sure what they want to do upon graduation.

5 stars
  
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LeahBeth (15 KP) rated Duolingo in Apps

Jul 11, 2018  
Duolingo
Duolingo
Education, Social Networking
8
8.4 (60 Ratings)
App Rating
It is teaching languages (0 more)
There is no "real" education, per se. Repetition and memorization, to me, aren't a great way to learn languages. (0 more)
Good, but not what I expected
I have been using Duolingo for several months, although sporadically. The method behind the app is simple memorization. Some of the "Quizzes" that were not 'covered', and it made it difficult. Some of the ways things were taught, or indicated, were completely opposite of what I was taught in high school and college, again, making it very difficult to know exactly what was correct.
  
The Hobbit
The Hobbit
J.R.R. Tolkien | 1937 | Children
6
8.4 (144 Ratings)
Book Rating
I am glad that I read this book again. I read this novel in high school and I hated it. I felt that it was too slow and felt like there were too many details yet not enough.

Now, 6 years later, I enjoyed reading this novel. I still thought that the novel dragged. I kept feeling like the book would not end. I enjoyed the adventure in this novel and the story created was magnificent. I, however, would have liked the novel to be more of a fast paced novel.
  
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Allie (4 KP) rated On My Block Season 1 in TV

Aug 13, 2018  
On My Block Season 1
On My Block Season 1
2018 | Comedy, Drama
10
10.0 (3 Ratings)
I started this show not really expecting much from it and at first I didn't really think it was anything special but as I continued it I couldn't help myself getting more and more addicted too it and I wasn't the only one. Everyone at school was talking about this show to their friends! "Have you watched On My Block yet?" "No I haven't gotten to it yet." "You need too!" I love how it's getting the attention it deserves. I need to know what happens next! I can't wait to see season 2.