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Homeless Angels
Book
In Craig Minto's collection of short stories, we're given a real insight into the lives of those we...
ClareR (5784 KP) rated Why Visit America in Books
Aug 23, 2020
I really do enjoy a good short story, and this book certainly delivers in spades on that count. Quirky, dark, thought provoking, touching on pretty much ALL the genres. All of the stories are about possible versions of the US, some are more positive than others. This is well worth a read, but be warned: it’s bizarre and offbeat, which is a big plus where I’m concerned.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole who serialised this book.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole who serialised this book.
David McK (3496 KP) rated Star Wars: Vader - Dark Visions in Books
May 7, 2020
Another graphic novel I picked up on sale as part of 2020s Comixology 'May the Fourth' sale, and I'm glad I didn't pay full price.
A collection of short stories (or vignettes) all centring on Vader, some of these are - admittedly - better than others, with some nice ideas in there (e.g. Vader being seen as a saviour rather than as a villain).
It's just a pity that there's not really enough meat on the bones (so to speak!)
A collection of short stories (or vignettes) all centring on Vader, some of these are - admittedly - better than others, with some nice ideas in there (e.g. Vader being seen as a saviour rather than as a villain).
It's just a pity that there's not really enough meat on the bones (so to speak!)
The Three Caballeros (1944)
7.5
Rate It
Movie Watch
Comical mixture of animation and live action featuring Donald Duck in four short stories as he...
Heart of the Oak
10.0
Rate It
Book
Heart of the Oak is a sweet story of the life of an old oak tree. He’s old and weathered; his...
nature children's childrens fiction short stories Heart of the Oak
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Single, Carefree, Mellow in Books
Feb 13, 2018
This collection of short stories started off strongly, and I found myself drawn into the web Heiny creates for her characters. The majority of her stories feature women and after the first couple ended, I found myself disappointed that we wouldn't get to know more about the characters. (There is one group of characters that she re-visits throughout a couple of stories in the collection, which does help sate your curiosity a bit.)
Because I devoured this book so quickly - over less than two days - I was a bit fatigued by the end. Most of the stories feature adultery in some form or another, and frankly, that got a bit old in the end. That would really be my only issue with the story set. By the end, you're thinking "really? again!" and wondering if these women have anything else to do to occupy their time.
Otherwise, this collection of stories is vibrant and poignant and at times, made me laugh out loud. I found myself tagging pages where lines were just so hilarious, I wanted to jot them down for safe-keeping: it's rare when that happens. And again, even though the stories were brilliant little nuggets, so many of the characters were so intriguing, I found myself wishing I could read more about them. I just wish they had a little more to do than cheat on each other all the time.
Because I devoured this book so quickly - over less than two days - I was a bit fatigued by the end. Most of the stories feature adultery in some form or another, and frankly, that got a bit old in the end. That would really be my only issue with the story set. By the end, you're thinking "really? again!" and wondering if these women have anything else to do to occupy their time.
Otherwise, this collection of stories is vibrant and poignant and at times, made me laugh out loud. I found myself tagging pages where lines were just so hilarious, I wanted to jot them down for safe-keeping: it's rare when that happens. And again, even though the stories were brilliant little nuggets, so many of the characters were so intriguing, I found myself wishing I could read more about them. I just wish they had a little more to do than cheat on each other all the time.
Reading Comprehension Practice Grades 3 and 4
Education
App
Improve reading skills the fun and easy way! All stories are followed with multiple choice questions...
EmersonRose (320 KP) rated In The Dark Corner I Stood Alone in Books
Nov 20, 2019
I stood alone in a dark corner. My imagination ran wild.”
In the Dark Corner, I stood Alone is a collection of short stories by author Petra Pavlikova, published on June 12th, 2018. These short stories pull together themes of women and fairytales. Telling stories about strong women in stressful situations, difficult because they are real, and how these women pull through, with a healthy dose of the fantastical. The collection itself is a short and easy read as the stories range in length from 5-20 pages each. I loved the beautiful imagery created in these stories as they each take you on fantastic journeys.
The characters in these stories are such strong and relatable women that I fell in love with each one as I read their story. From beginning to end this book captured this beautiful whimsey that kept me captivated in each story. As you read, each has a distinctive story to tell, but they are all in the same unique voice that has a charming but straightforward tone that captures the fairytale quality splendidly. I think that my favorite story may be The Smell of Sweet Lavender, as it tackles a heart-wrenching tale of trying to be true to yourself and the cost it sometimes has on those that you love most. But each was so unique that they held different messages and meanings to them, that I could see myself having a different favorite depending on what mood I was in at the time. This is definitely one of those books that I could see myself re-reading whenever I just wanted to curl up with a sweet set of stories that allow my imagination wander in the realm of fairies and distant kingdoms. The magic in them creates a tone but the themes within them last without extra flare, making them that much more poignant.
The other thing that makes this book really stand out is the remarkable work of the illustrator Anastasia Telegina. From the small flowers and bright colored pages to the exquisite images of the women in the book, the watercolor work is astounding and fits in perfectly with the wanderlust tone of the writing. Each time I saw that stories full image, I was blown away by the beauty and talent. They play with your imagination rather than entirely putting images in your head, keeping the fluidity of the imagination intact while still creating magnificent images. Creating perhaps what is more what a child might imagine from what is described that a realistic picture. This pair clearly makes an excellent team.
These are stories for almost any age in the themes it tackles and the beautiful way in which they are told. While some of the ideas may be intense for a younger audience, the way in which the stories are told make them accessible to any reader. They are important topics dealt with in a way that is natural and very real world, while held within a slightly more fantastical space. I very much enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it. I will be keeping an eye out to read more from this author. Five Stars.
In the Dark Corner, I stood Alone is a collection of short stories by author Petra Pavlikova, published on June 12th, 2018. These short stories pull together themes of women and fairytales. Telling stories about strong women in stressful situations, difficult because they are real, and how these women pull through, with a healthy dose of the fantastical. The collection itself is a short and easy read as the stories range in length from 5-20 pages each. I loved the beautiful imagery created in these stories as they each take you on fantastic journeys.
The characters in these stories are such strong and relatable women that I fell in love with each one as I read their story. From beginning to end this book captured this beautiful whimsey that kept me captivated in each story. As you read, each has a distinctive story to tell, but they are all in the same unique voice that has a charming but straightforward tone that captures the fairytale quality splendidly. I think that my favorite story may be The Smell of Sweet Lavender, as it tackles a heart-wrenching tale of trying to be true to yourself and the cost it sometimes has on those that you love most. But each was so unique that they held different messages and meanings to them, that I could see myself having a different favorite depending on what mood I was in at the time. This is definitely one of those books that I could see myself re-reading whenever I just wanted to curl up with a sweet set of stories that allow my imagination wander in the realm of fairies and distant kingdoms. The magic in them creates a tone but the themes within them last without extra flare, making them that much more poignant.
The other thing that makes this book really stand out is the remarkable work of the illustrator Anastasia Telegina. From the small flowers and bright colored pages to the exquisite images of the women in the book, the watercolor work is astounding and fits in perfectly with the wanderlust tone of the writing. Each time I saw that stories full image, I was blown away by the beauty and talent. They play with your imagination rather than entirely putting images in your head, keeping the fluidity of the imagination intact while still creating magnificent images. Creating perhaps what is more what a child might imagine from what is described that a realistic picture. This pair clearly makes an excellent team.
These are stories for almost any age in the themes it tackles and the beautiful way in which they are told. While some of the ideas may be intense for a younger audience, the way in which the stories are told make them accessible to any reader. They are important topics dealt with in a way that is natural and very real world, while held within a slightly more fantastical space. I very much enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it. I will be keeping an eye out to read more from this author. Five Stars.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated The Good Book for Kids: How the Bible's Big Ideas Relate to YOU in Books
Jun 18, 2018
The Good Book for Kids: How the Bible's Big Ideas Relate to YOU by Lisa Tawn Bergren is a great book that teaches the Bible for kids. The Bible is broken down by chapters from Genesis to Revelation in an interesting way that gains the attention of kids. This book can be viewed as a devotional for kids. The lessons are short but have meaning.
The book is a narrative of the main stories of the Bible. The stories are written in way that engages children in a way to instill Christian principles. After the short lesson, the book has a section titled "skinny" which breaks down the lesson into key points with a modern twist. At the end of each lesson there are a few questions that are asked that can be used as discussion points.
This book is a great resource for church, Bible class at a Christian school or a devotional at home.
I received as ARC from David C Cook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book is a narrative of the main stories of the Bible. The stories are written in way that engages children in a way to instill Christian principles. After the short lesson, the book has a section titled "skinny" which breaks down the lesson into key points with a modern twist. At the end of each lesson there are a few questions that are asked that can be used as discussion points.
This book is a great resource for church, Bible class at a Christian school or a devotional at home.
I received as ARC from David C Cook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah (7799 KP) rated Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas in Books
Aug 14, 2020
Short but sweet
I loved This is Going to Hurt, so I was hugely excited to see Adam Kay had written another book. And this one follows on in the same enjoyable format as the first.
This book easily balances witty and rather funny anecdotes with heartwarming and sometimes even heartbreaking stories. I laughed out loud quite a lot reading this. It also in parts tells the honest truth about the state of the NHS and what the staff have to endure, which makes for rather grim reading. The main problem with this book is not the quality of the writing and anecdotes, it's the quantity. This is so short a book that I struggled to drag it out past an hour or so, and whilst I know we should take quanlity over quantity, these stories make you want more and there just isn't enough in this to even call it a book. I can understand focusing on Christmas but if there wasn't enough Christmas anecdotes, why release it at all? It's a shame as otherwise this would be a hugely enjoyable book.
This book easily balances witty and rather funny anecdotes with heartwarming and sometimes even heartbreaking stories. I laughed out loud quite a lot reading this. It also in parts tells the honest truth about the state of the NHS and what the staff have to endure, which makes for rather grim reading. The main problem with this book is not the quality of the writing and anecdotes, it's the quantity. This is so short a book that I struggled to drag it out past an hour or so, and whilst I know we should take quanlity over quantity, these stories make you want more and there just isn't enough in this to even call it a book. I can understand focusing on Christmas but if there wasn't enough Christmas anecdotes, why release it at all? It's a shame as otherwise this would be a hugely enjoyable book.