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ClareR (5726 KP) rated Crow Court in Books
Feb 20, 2021
Crow Court is a wonderful book set in the nineteenth century, and draws on authors of this time, such as Dickens, as inspiration. There are a few descriptions of places that sound just like something Dickens would write - both beautiful and immersive.
The book itself is written as a series of interconnecting short stories, telling us something about the characters connected with the central theme of the book: the Choirmasters treatment of the choirboys, a suicide and a murder. There are one or two stories that cut away from this theme, for example, the troupe of actors from London, who come to a local wedding in order to entertain the wedding guests with Midsummer Night’s Dream. I liked this particularly - the dynamics between the characters were fascinating - and what a way of life!
An immense amount of research went in to this book, and I really enjoyed reading the extra information that the author provided on the Pigeonhole: the historical and geographical background, and the hours and hours that must have gone in to writing in Dorset dialect (best read out loud to get the full effect, I found. Although a person from Surrey trying to read Dorset dialect must be quite something to behold!).
This is another one of those books that was a lovely surprise. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. It’s a truly wonderful read.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and to Andy Charman for reading along and adding so much to the experience.
The book itself is written as a series of interconnecting short stories, telling us something about the characters connected with the central theme of the book: the Choirmasters treatment of the choirboys, a suicide and a murder. There are one or two stories that cut away from this theme, for example, the troupe of actors from London, who come to a local wedding in order to entertain the wedding guests with Midsummer Night’s Dream. I liked this particularly - the dynamics between the characters were fascinating - and what a way of life!
An immense amount of research went in to this book, and I really enjoyed reading the extra information that the author provided on the Pigeonhole: the historical and geographical background, and the hours and hours that must have gone in to writing in Dorset dialect (best read out loud to get the full effect, I found. Although a person from Surrey trying to read Dorset dialect must be quite something to behold!).
This is another one of those books that was a lovely surprise. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. It’s a truly wonderful read.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and to Andy Charman for reading along and adding so much to the experience.
Everything's Eventual: 14 Dark Tales
8.3
Rate It
Book
The first collection of stories Stephen King has published since Nightmares & Dreamscapes nine years...
When to Jump: If the Job You Have Isn't the Life You Want
Book
An inspirational book that lays out the "Jump Curve"--four steps to wholeheartedly pursuing the...
Ali A (82 KP) rated We Go High: How 30 Women of Color Achieved Greatness Against All Odds in Books
Jul 28, 2022
Trigger Warnings: Racism, colorism, misogyny, sexism, violence, transphobia, homophobia, gun violence, mentions of drug and alcohol addiction, sexual assault, sexual violence, bullying, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, religious bigotry *
*The author has marked biographies at the beginning of the novel with * to indicate profiles that detail trigger experiences
From activists to sporting icons, bakers to scientists, journalists to actresses’, We Go High tells the stories of 30 influential women of color who have strived to overcome challenges in their lives. Paired together with stunningly beautiful portraits from Natasha Cunningham, Nicole Ellis celebrates these women of color’s achievements as well as their personal beliefs, attitudes, and determination that drives them to be remarkable.
I loved all the different types of women and their stories that were given in mini biographies - there were a lot of details given in the short amount of pages. This works great because this book is aimed for a younger audience (middle grade/young adult) that opens the door for more research to dive into.
I have known about 90% of the women mentioned in this book, but there were a handful of them I didn’t know. Such as Dr. Kissmekia Corbett, or Kizzy Corbett, who was a leading viral immunologist to help create the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. Or Sônia Guajajara, a Brazilian Indigenous activist, environmentalist, and politician.
Overall, I feel like this is an amazing book about amazing women of color for those of all ages to enjoy, though especially those in middle or high school as a stepping stone to further research and knowledge.
*The author has marked biographies at the beginning of the novel with * to indicate profiles that detail trigger experiences
From activists to sporting icons, bakers to scientists, journalists to actresses’, We Go High tells the stories of 30 influential women of color who have strived to overcome challenges in their lives. Paired together with stunningly beautiful portraits from Natasha Cunningham, Nicole Ellis celebrates these women of color’s achievements as well as their personal beliefs, attitudes, and determination that drives them to be remarkable.
I loved all the different types of women and their stories that were given in mini biographies - there were a lot of details given in the short amount of pages. This works great because this book is aimed for a younger audience (middle grade/young adult) that opens the door for more research to dive into.
I have known about 90% of the women mentioned in this book, but there were a handful of them I didn’t know. Such as Dr. Kissmekia Corbett, or Kizzy Corbett, who was a leading viral immunologist to help create the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. Or Sônia Guajajara, a Brazilian Indigenous activist, environmentalist, and politician.
Overall, I feel like this is an amazing book about amazing women of color for those of all ages to enjoy, though especially those in middle or high school as a stepping stone to further research and knowledge.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Winter's Child: A Retelling of The Snow Queen in Books
Feb 15, 2019
While WINTER'S CHILD is an easy, entertaining read, it does suffer from some short-comings. I realize that this book is not only about the Winter Child, but about how many different stories come together to make up one complete story, but there were one or two that were unnecessary to the plot as a whole. At around the three-fourths point, I was taken aback by the story going into a completely different direction than where I had hoped. This is where my main problem lays. Had some of the extra storylines been taken out and replaced with more of the development of the main plot and characters, I believe I would have been happier and completely fine with how everything turned out. Sadly, I ended up feeling somewhat cheated with the end and left unsatisfied. However, the first one-hundred pages are magical and beautifully written, and show everything I love about Cameron Dokey's work. Too bad it had to start high and then end on a low note.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Ten Cents a Pound in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Ten Cents a Pound by Nhung N. Tran-Davies is a short, poetic, back-and-forth conversation between a mother and daughter. This is the story of a unnamed young girl whose mother is working hard so that her daughter may have a better life. It tells many stories within the pages that are filled with heart warming illustrations. It is the story of a mother's love, of hope, determination, a child's love and concern for her mother and for the giving of each, so that they may both be safe, and happy.
The book simultaneously draws attention to the difficulties of living with low wages, while optimistically looking forward to the opportunities and possibilities of the future due to education.
The lovely illustrations are both realistic and wistful, and while this story may require some additional explanations for young children, it paints a beautiful picture of determination and potential.
I received a ARC from Second Story Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4/5 stars.
The book simultaneously draws attention to the difficulties of living with low wages, while optimistically looking forward to the opportunities and possibilities of the future due to education.
The lovely illustrations are both realistic and wistful, and while this story may require some additional explanations for young children, it paints a beautiful picture of determination and potential.
I received a ARC from Second Story Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4/5 stars.
Reiko LJ (126 KP) rated Hearts in Atlantis in Books
Jul 26, 2018
Hearts in lukewarm water
As someone who hasn't read any of the Dark Tower series outside of the mentions in King's short stories it was interesting to have a reference pop up again. Coupled with the "The Little Sisters of Eluria" from 'Everything's Eventual' it's enough to pique my interest in the series.
And on that note, the first section of this book was probably the best. A great reflection on the ideals and struggles of adolescence with a hearty mix of emotion and the ties that bind us.
What followed was a slog of a read. It was nice to follow the threads of connection between the original three friends through the years but most of the time it was just a chore.
It seems as though I always struggle when King's work that veers from the supernatural or strange. He meanders around with unnecessary details and where it matters, leaves too much unsaid.
Another mediocre one for me.
And on that note, the first section of this book was probably the best. A great reflection on the ideals and struggles of adolescence with a hearty mix of emotion and the ties that bind us.
What followed was a slog of a read. It was nice to follow the threads of connection between the original three friends through the years but most of the time it was just a chore.
It seems as though I always struggle when King's work that veers from the supernatural or strange. He meanders around with unnecessary details and where it matters, leaves too much unsaid.
Another mediocre one for me.
David McK (3425 KP) rated The Shu-Torun War (Star Wars: Darth Vader #3) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Third solo entry/story arc in Marvel's new Daert Vader line of stories, which see's Vader returning to the planet of Shu-torun, where he had previously installed a puppet ruler, to deal with a rebellion (small r) on that planet - a rebellion that has nothing at all to do with the Rebellion (capital R).
Having read this, it almost seems like the planet itself is more-or-less a stand in for Mustafar, complete with boiling lakes of lava and a character falling into such (sound familar at all?). Vader also seemingly has completely forgotten about the news Boba Fett brought him previously re. Luke Skywalker, as there's not a single mention of him at all in these pages. There's also nothing like the panels in Vader down, where he single-handedly takes on an entire platoon (and wins).
In short, the story-arc itself is a little forgettable, with no real connection to the films, and with no panels showing just why Vader is so feared.
Having read this, it almost seems like the planet itself is more-or-less a stand in for Mustafar, complete with boiling lakes of lava and a character falling into such (sound familar at all?). Vader also seemingly has completely forgotten about the news Boba Fett brought him previously re. Luke Skywalker, as there's not a single mention of him at all in these pages. There's also nothing like the panels in Vader down, where he single-handedly takes on an entire platoon (and wins).
In short, the story-arc itself is a little forgettable, with no real connection to the films, and with no panels showing just why Vader is so feared.
David McK (3425 KP) rated Batman the Killing Joke in Books
Jan 28, 2019
So, [b:The Killing Joke|96358|Batman The Killing Joke|Alan Moore|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1346331835s/96358.jpg|551787].
Commonly cited as one the best Batman stories (after [b:The Dark Knight Returns|59960|Batman The Dark Knight Returns|Frank Miller|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327892039s/59960.jpg|1104159]), The Killing Joke is, in reality, an origin story.
However, rather than being the origin story of a Superhero, this takes the somewhat unusual idea of being that of a villain instead: in this case, how did the most Notorious (and deadly) of Batman's foes - The Joker - come to be how he is?
This also draws parallels between The Joker and Batman himself, depicting them each as, if you will, two sides of the same coin - both have had a very bad day, but each have reacted to it differently (or have they?).
Personally, I feel that the origins of The Joker would have been better left to mystery rather than detailed as in this story; however, that's not denying that this is a good (if short) read in its own right.
Commonly cited as one the best Batman stories (after [b:The Dark Knight Returns|59960|Batman The Dark Knight Returns|Frank Miller|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327892039s/59960.jpg|1104159]), The Killing Joke is, in reality, an origin story.
However, rather than being the origin story of a Superhero, this takes the somewhat unusual idea of being that of a villain instead: in this case, how did the most Notorious (and deadly) of Batman's foes - The Joker - come to be how he is?
This also draws parallels between The Joker and Batman himself, depicting them each as, if you will, two sides of the same coin - both have had a very bad day, but each have reacted to it differently (or have they?).
Personally, I feel that the origins of The Joker would have been better left to mystery rather than detailed as in this story; however, that's not denying that this is a good (if short) read in its own right.