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ClareR (5551 KP) rated The Most Fun We Ever Had in Books
Nov 16, 2021
I do love a good character driven novel, and The Most Fun We Ever Had is just that. It’s a big book at just over 500 pages, but I was so engrossed, that it went by in a flash.
This is the story of the Sorensen family: Marilyn and David meet in the 1960’s, fall in love, get married, have four daughters and never fall out of love. Quite unusual for books these days, where marital strife seems to be the norm. Don’t worry though, the daughters more than make up for their parents! Marilyn and David seem to take everything in their stride, even when the teenaged grandson they never knew existed, appears in their lives. They’re master jugglers: they’ve juggled four daughters and all of their problems, and are more than happy to include this young man in their lives. Along with a surprise granddaughter when their third daughter becomes a single parent.
I’ve tried to pinpoint what it is about this book that I liked so much, and I think that its just so emotionally engaging. It’s pretty difficult to read this book and NOT become involved in this family’s lives. It’s enthralling, and a great read for those of us who enjoy being a fly on the wall!
It’s a great mix of humour and emotional turmoil. I loved it!
This is the story of the Sorensen family: Marilyn and David meet in the 1960’s, fall in love, get married, have four daughters and never fall out of love. Quite unusual for books these days, where marital strife seems to be the norm. Don’t worry though, the daughters more than make up for their parents! Marilyn and David seem to take everything in their stride, even when the teenaged grandson they never knew existed, appears in their lives. They’re master jugglers: they’ve juggled four daughters and all of their problems, and are more than happy to include this young man in their lives. Along with a surprise granddaughter when their third daughter becomes a single parent.
I’ve tried to pinpoint what it is about this book that I liked so much, and I think that its just so emotionally engaging. It’s pretty difficult to read this book and NOT become involved in this family’s lives. It’s enthralling, and a great read for those of us who enjoy being a fly on the wall!
It’s a great mix of humour and emotional turmoil. I loved it!
ClareR (5551 KP) rated Lessons In Chemistry in Books
Mar 19, 2023
I loved this - every page of it. And to think I’d held off reading it because everyone was saying how good it was (I don’t even understand my own logic sometimes!). Actually, I think I was worried I wouldn’t like it. No need to be concerned though!
There’s a serious theme behind the laugh out loud moments. Elizabeth Zott is a single parent and what’s more, she was never married. And to add insult to injury, she wants to work as an actual scientist - a chemist (believe me, I live in a house of scientists, and it’s a serious business!). And she’s a very good scientist.
The 1950’s were no time to have a career if you were female. The general feeling I get from this, is that they (the men) wanted women to look pretty, pop out babies and do the cooking and cleaning. I think I may be the antithesis of the 1950’s woman…
I loved Elizabeth Zott. She’s funny, intelligent, and she takes no nonsense. I’ve seen reviews where people say she’s clearly autistic, but I’m not so sure. Elizabeth had a difficult childhood, a hard time at university, and she’s constantly having to prove herself. I don’t know as I’d feel too chipper in her shoes.
But I laughed a lot. Her daughter is charming, her friends are the best, and the dog is clearly the star of the show!
Highly recommended.
There’s a serious theme behind the laugh out loud moments. Elizabeth Zott is a single parent and what’s more, she was never married. And to add insult to injury, she wants to work as an actual scientist - a chemist (believe me, I live in a house of scientists, and it’s a serious business!). And she’s a very good scientist.
The 1950’s were no time to have a career if you were female. The general feeling I get from this, is that they (the men) wanted women to look pretty, pop out babies and do the cooking and cleaning. I think I may be the antithesis of the 1950’s woman…
I loved Elizabeth Zott. She’s funny, intelligent, and she takes no nonsense. I’ve seen reviews where people say she’s clearly autistic, but I’m not so sure. Elizabeth had a difficult childhood, a hard time at university, and she’s constantly having to prove herself. I don’t know as I’d feel too chipper in her shoes.
But I laughed a lot. Her daughter is charming, her friends are the best, and the dog is clearly the star of the show!
Highly recommended.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Tampa in Books
Apr 3, 2019
Celeste is an 8th grade English teacher. She is married to a handsome and wealthy man named Ford who is also a police officer. Celeste, herself is beautiful and could be a model instead of a teacher. But teaching is her chosen profession in order to find a way to quell her affinity for 14 year old boys. During her first year teaching, she finds the perfect candidate, Jack. Jack comes from a single parent home and his father works long hours. They have lots of time to be together. But when Jack wants more, Celeste has to find a way to end this relationship without hurting Jack or exposing her secret.
This book is disturbing on so many levels. First of all, even though I've seen in on the news several times, it's hard to believe that a grown woman would have any interest in a 14 year old boy. There are a few other things that happen in the book as well, that will give away too much to talk about here. I will say this book was like a bad car crash. Where you just can't look away. It was hard to put the book down, I had to find out what was going to happen in the end. The 3 stars for this rating is due mostly to the subject matter. There were parts that were hard to read, especially as a mother to a young boy. Overall, the book was pretty good and I will read other books by Alissa Nutting.
This book is disturbing on so many levels. First of all, even though I've seen in on the news several times, it's hard to believe that a grown woman would have any interest in a 14 year old boy. There are a few other things that happen in the book as well, that will give away too much to talk about here. I will say this book was like a bad car crash. Where you just can't look away. It was hard to put the book down, I had to find out what was going to happen in the end. The 3 stars for this rating is due mostly to the subject matter. There were parts that were hard to read, especially as a mother to a young boy. Overall, the book was pretty good and I will read other books by Alissa Nutting.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Yours, Mine, & Forever (Taking Chances Book 2) in Books
Feb 23, 2021
I love the eye-catching cover and description of this book. Yours, Mine & Forever is a truly sweet story about the road through the adoption process. The book is complicated by two guys interested in a relationship with Norah, the ups and downs of adoption and second-guessing yourself. I truly loved getting a glimpse into the adoption process for a single parent. Joanne Markey developed her characters very well and I really felt Norah’s struggles and her heart for the kids very keenly. She also weaved in faith and reliance on God that emphasized talking to God like second nature to her characters, a fact I really liked.
If you like books by Denise Hunter, you would love this book! It has elements of faith, family, and happily ever after. A true Hallmark warm fuzzy feeling inside a book. I give it 4 out of 5 stars for the big heart Norah displays regarding the kids, the emphasis on faith and for having some bittersweet moments weaved in.
I will say that this is the second book in a series and can technically be read as a standalone. However, I highly suggest reading the books in order to better understand the context of the story. I read the first book after the second (silly of me I know), and I totally understood more of the second story context afterward.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
If you like books by Denise Hunter, you would love this book! It has elements of faith, family, and happily ever after. A true Hallmark warm fuzzy feeling inside a book. I give it 4 out of 5 stars for the big heart Norah displays regarding the kids, the emphasis on faith and for having some bittersweet moments weaved in.
I will say that this is the second book in a series and can technically be read as a standalone. However, I highly suggest reading the books in order to better understand the context of the story. I read the first book after the second (silly of me I know), and I totally understood more of the second story context afterward.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest opinion. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated Big Little Lies in Books
May 14, 2019
Throughally enjoyed it
Big Little Lies is a story about three different women who are each at a crossroad in their lives! Madeline (#1) remembers everything and forgives noone, when her ex husband and his new wife move into her community Madeline realizes her daughter will be in the same class as her ex husbands other daughter, and to top it all off Madeline’s daughter seems more interested in her dads and his new wife’s life than her mums. Celeste (#2) is a beautiful women and her twin boys will also be starting school, but Celeste has her eyes set on becoming the queen of the school parent body, but that comes at a price and not easily! Jane (#3) is a young single mother new to the town but is harboring secret doubts about her son. Madeline and Celeste take Jane under their wing, but none of them expected that Jane’s arrival will affect them all individually. If you want to find out what happens I would highly recommend you read this to find out for yourself, if you have not already!
I awarded five stars to this book as Liane Moriarty has done it again! She has written another outstanding story for all us readers to indulge in. This is the perfect book for those who enjoy contemporary, chick-lit, mystery and would make an excellent read to discuss if you are part of a book club. I really did enjoy this story, it is an easy to read, fast paced page turner perfect for everyone. I must admit this story did not stick with me afterwards but I devoured it and loved it nevertheless. Get stuck into this chick-lit, drama filled book and forget your own life for a while. Enjoy.
I awarded five stars to this book as Liane Moriarty has done it again! She has written another outstanding story for all us readers to indulge in. This is the perfect book for those who enjoy contemporary, chick-lit, mystery and would make an excellent read to discuss if you are part of a book club. I really did enjoy this story, it is an easy to read, fast paced page turner perfect for everyone. I must admit this story did not stick with me afterwards but I devoured it and loved it nevertheless. Get stuck into this chick-lit, drama filled book and forget your own life for a while. Enjoy.
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated A Quiet Place (2018) in Movies
Jul 17, 2018
Incredible acting (3 more)
Unique take on the monster horror genre
Superb cast
Super intense
The most intense I've felt in a movie!!
This is an incredible movie. I cannot find a single fault to this movie.
The acting is incredible and that's without very little dialogue. The whole idea if the movie is: you make a sound, you die. This made me feel very intense at times especially considering the main female lead (Emily blunt) was pregnant. Even stuff as simple as moving medicine bottles had to be moved very carefully and this kept me on the edge of my seat. It's funny how very little and slight sounds and movements can sound so loud and scary. This was a very unique concept which added so much.
John Krisinki is an incredible actor and director. The movie is shot beautifully. He manages to not only bring the horror perfectly but he brings forward the importance of family and what a parent would do to protect their children. The kids were cast perfectly and every part of the cast brings so much emotion to the roles, they completely suck you in and you really care about them.
The CGI was great and not knowing exactly what the monsters are or where they came from brought another level of creepy to them. There were twists I didn't see happened within the first 10 minutes and the movie is paced incredibly well.
I'd be very interested to see a sequel to this with a whole new cast but not sure what the plot could be without reusing this same plot. I did get a feeling of cloverfield from this and could easily see this as being some kind of spinoff to those movies.
1 of the best movies I've seen of this genre. Could definitely recommend watching this.
The acting is incredible and that's without very little dialogue. The whole idea if the movie is: you make a sound, you die. This made me feel very intense at times especially considering the main female lead (Emily blunt) was pregnant. Even stuff as simple as moving medicine bottles had to be moved very carefully and this kept me on the edge of my seat. It's funny how very little and slight sounds and movements can sound so loud and scary. This was a very unique concept which added so much.
John Krisinki is an incredible actor and director. The movie is shot beautifully. He manages to not only bring the horror perfectly but he brings forward the importance of family and what a parent would do to protect their children. The kids were cast perfectly and every part of the cast brings so much emotion to the roles, they completely suck you in and you really care about them.
The CGI was great and not knowing exactly what the monsters are or where they came from brought another level of creepy to them. There were twists I didn't see happened within the first 10 minutes and the movie is paced incredibly well.
I'd be very interested to see a sequel to this with a whole new cast but not sure what the plot could be without reusing this same plot. I did get a feeling of cloverfield from this and could easily see this as being some kind of spinoff to those movies.
1 of the best movies I've seen of this genre. Could definitely recommend watching this.
ClareR (5551 KP) rated The Chalet in Books
Nov 8, 2020
The Chalet was a twisty, turny thriller that had me guessing all the way through. I couldn’t for the life of me work out who had been responsible for the death (and at one point I wasn’t even convinced that he was dead!), and I had a list of pretty much everyone in the chalet. My main reason for their guilt was that they just weren’t very nice (I know, I’ll never make a great detective!).
This story is split between two timelines to begin with - the present day and twenty years before. In the present day, two couples are sharing a chalet for a holiday mixed with business. I’ll say this again: these are not particularly nice people. They’re rich, entitled and generally insensitive.
Interspersed with this timeline is that of two couples twenty years earlier. Two brothers and their girlfriends are on a skiing holiday. They’re all Oxford University students: three come from affluent upper class families, and one, Louisa, comes from a working class, single parent family. She is made to feel different at all times - whether this is her own insecurities is never quite clear. Her boyfriends brother certainly doesn’t do much to make her feel welcome. At some point during this holiday, there’s a terrible accident that has an equally terrible effect on characters in the present day timeline.
I won’t say any more about the storyline - I don’t want to be the one to spoil someone’s reading enjoyment! What I WILL say, is that I thoroughly enjoyed this and looked forward to reading it every morning on the Pigeonhole app. It’s a tense, exciting, addictive read - and I loved it!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this and helping me once more, to read my NetGalley books! And also thanks to the author, Catherine Cooper for reading along with us.
This story is split between two timelines to begin with - the present day and twenty years before. In the present day, two couples are sharing a chalet for a holiday mixed with business. I’ll say this again: these are not particularly nice people. They’re rich, entitled and generally insensitive.
Interspersed with this timeline is that of two couples twenty years earlier. Two brothers and their girlfriends are on a skiing holiday. They’re all Oxford University students: three come from affluent upper class families, and one, Louisa, comes from a working class, single parent family. She is made to feel different at all times - whether this is her own insecurities is never quite clear. Her boyfriends brother certainly doesn’t do much to make her feel welcome. At some point during this holiday, there’s a terrible accident that has an equally terrible effect on characters in the present day timeline.
I won’t say any more about the storyline - I don’t want to be the one to spoil someone’s reading enjoyment! What I WILL say, is that I thoroughly enjoyed this and looked forward to reading it every morning on the Pigeonhole app. It’s a tense, exciting, addictive read - and I loved it!
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising this and helping me once more, to read my NetGalley books! And also thanks to the author, Catherine Cooper for reading along with us.
Merissa (11622 KP) rated Star-Crossed Negotiations in Books
Nov 14, 2022
I loved EVERY word!
STAR-CROSSED NEGOTIATIONS is a hard-hitting story of love and betrayal, of wars fought and peace wanted. It is everything I have come to expect from a Tessa McFionn book and I loved every word!
Vanysha and Kieran were young lovers, torn apart by a disapproving parent and the events that followed were kept secret. Move forward six years and they meet again by chance when the ship Kieran is using to take him to another planet is the one Vanysha bought. Everything that could go wrong, does go wrong, but they still make it to Hexaka. What they find there is nothing that they expected but turns into something even more.
I really felt for Van and Kieran in this story. Neither of them deserved what happened to them, especially Van. They are well-rounded characters with understandable pain and anguish. There wasn't a single thing about them that could have been better.
The supporting cast is just as good - both on the ship and planet-side! I adore H'reeh and I really hope his children get a story of their own! In fact, I hope we return to Hexaka. It is a much nicer world than Central! Plus, I need to see how Van and Kieran getting on.
Steadily paced, this novel gives the characters time to adjust to circumstances, and that made the steamy time even hotter. Definitely worth the wait.
This is definitely a Royal Jan-star this author's crown! Please tell me we're returning, please!!! HIGHLY recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books
Vanysha and Kieran were young lovers, torn apart by a disapproving parent and the events that followed were kept secret. Move forward six years and they meet again by chance when the ship Kieran is using to take him to another planet is the one Vanysha bought. Everything that could go wrong, does go wrong, but they still make it to Hexaka. What they find there is nothing that they expected but turns into something even more.
I really felt for Van and Kieran in this story. Neither of them deserved what happened to them, especially Van. They are well-rounded characters with understandable pain and anguish. There wasn't a single thing about them that could have been better.
The supporting cast is just as good - both on the ship and planet-side! I adore H'reeh and I really hope his children get a story of their own! In fact, I hope we return to Hexaka. It is a much nicer world than Central! Plus, I need to see how Van and Kieran getting on.
Steadily paced, this novel gives the characters time to adjust to circumstances, and that made the steamy time even hotter. Definitely worth the wait.
This is definitely a Royal Jan-star this author's crown! Please tell me we're returning, please!!! HIGHLY recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books
Lucy Buglass (45 KP) rated Rare Beasts (2019) in Movies
Oct 14, 2019
Directorial debuts are tough, and it gives people a chance to establish their personal style. Sadly for me, Billie Piper’s first film had a style that didn’t sit well with me at all. She was heavily involved in the project; directing, writing and starring in it, but her unique first film is perhaps a bit too quirky.
Rare Beasts follows Mandy, a career-driven single mother (Billie Piper) and her turbulent relationship with Pete (Leo Bill). Possibly the most frustrating thing about this film as it’s unclear why the two of them even ended up together at all.
It’s not uncommon for people to choose poorly when they’re dating, and end up in a relationship that doesn’t work, but Rare Beasts offers no reason for the two to even end up together in the first place. Mandy’s a single mother, she’s wild, she wears bold clothing, and Pete is a traditionalist who is, frankly, a misogynist with anger issues.
Interestingly, the film’s synopsis describes Pete as ‘charming’, and I’m unable to see that quality in him, nor is it ever shown from Mandy’s point of view. She never once looks at Pete lovingly, or seems charmed by him.
The lack of context or any indication as to what drove them to be together is a problem for me. Even if we saw one tiny nice moment between them it would make sense, but throughout the film they’re consistently awful to each other with no redeeming features.
Combined with a narrative that is all over the place and dialogue that feels very unnatural, it comes across as jarring most of the time. I have no issue with unconventional film styles, but I found it very hard to follow what was going on at various points.
It seems Rare Beasts is confused about what tone its actually going for, switching between whimsical musical style scenes (minus the music or singing) and gritty realism in a matter of seconds.
I appreciated the efforts to raise awareness of social issues such as domestic abuse, gender inequalities and the struggles of bringing up a child as a single parent, but these messages are squashed by a visual style that is rather overwhelming.
There is also a sub-plot involving Mandy’s parents (Kerry Fox and David Thewlis), who have separated but appear to have a complicated relationship. This is never fully explained either so it’s hard to connect with them, especially when Mandy’s mother falls ill.
This attempt to tug at our heartstrings falls flat, which is disappointing as it had the potential to bring some real, raw emotion to Rare Beasts. Sadly it’s as disjoined and confusing as Mandy and Pete’s relationship.
It’s clear those involved in the film gave it their all, and I can’t fault the quality of the actors even though some of the lines didn’t work and felt too far removed from natural conversation to be taken seriously. At least they tried.
Billie Piper has talent, there’s no doubt about it, but she hasn’t quite made it work in this very daring debut behind the camera. If Rare Beasts was attempting to be relatable and resonate with audiences, it failed to do that with me.
Rare Beasts follows Mandy, a career-driven single mother (Billie Piper) and her turbulent relationship with Pete (Leo Bill). Possibly the most frustrating thing about this film as it’s unclear why the two of them even ended up together at all.
It’s not uncommon for people to choose poorly when they’re dating, and end up in a relationship that doesn’t work, but Rare Beasts offers no reason for the two to even end up together in the first place. Mandy’s a single mother, she’s wild, she wears bold clothing, and Pete is a traditionalist who is, frankly, a misogynist with anger issues.
Interestingly, the film’s synopsis describes Pete as ‘charming’, and I’m unable to see that quality in him, nor is it ever shown from Mandy’s point of view. She never once looks at Pete lovingly, or seems charmed by him.
The lack of context or any indication as to what drove them to be together is a problem for me. Even if we saw one tiny nice moment between them it would make sense, but throughout the film they’re consistently awful to each other with no redeeming features.
Combined with a narrative that is all over the place and dialogue that feels very unnatural, it comes across as jarring most of the time. I have no issue with unconventional film styles, but I found it very hard to follow what was going on at various points.
It seems Rare Beasts is confused about what tone its actually going for, switching between whimsical musical style scenes (minus the music or singing) and gritty realism in a matter of seconds.
I appreciated the efforts to raise awareness of social issues such as domestic abuse, gender inequalities and the struggles of bringing up a child as a single parent, but these messages are squashed by a visual style that is rather overwhelming.
There is also a sub-plot involving Mandy’s parents (Kerry Fox and David Thewlis), who have separated but appear to have a complicated relationship. This is never fully explained either so it’s hard to connect with them, especially when Mandy’s mother falls ill.
This attempt to tug at our heartstrings falls flat, which is disappointing as it had the potential to bring some real, raw emotion to Rare Beasts. Sadly it’s as disjoined and confusing as Mandy and Pete’s relationship.
It’s clear those involved in the film gave it their all, and I can’t fault the quality of the actors even though some of the lines didn’t work and felt too far removed from natural conversation to be taken seriously. At least they tried.
Billie Piper has talent, there’s no doubt about it, but she hasn’t quite made it work in this very daring debut behind the camera. If Rare Beasts was attempting to be relatable and resonate with audiences, it failed to do that with me.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Unmaking of Ellie Rook in Books
Sep 24, 2020
The protagonist in this novel was Ellie, and the whole story was told from her perspective. Ellie comes back to her hometown after the news, that her mother drowned. But as I was going through the pages, it was clear, that Rook family is a very dysfunctional one, hiding many horrible secrets. I really liked the way the author chose her characters, they all have a story to tell, they all are interesting and play very important parts in this book. I liked the way Ellie opened up and shared her story throughout the pages. She seemed fearless but used to crumble after her father’s words. I think she represents many of those, who grew up with abusive, controlling parent.
The narrative was very fast paced, and every chapter allowed to see a little bit more of Ellie’s past, and what shaped her to be the way she is now. The topics covered in this book were emotional and physical abuse, bullying, teenage romance, controlling behaviour and many more. This book has some very cleverly written surprises and twists and was an easy and pleasant read for me.
The atmosphere of this book is very dark, gloomy and messy, filled with scrap cars, crows, and violence. I liked the writing style of this novel, it was complex and layered. The chapters were short, and the ending of this book left me very satisfied indeed. Even though a single perspective was sufficient for me, I would’ve liked to read Imelda’s thoughts as well. I don’t really know how I feel about all that folk story about Finella, it adds a nice touch to the story, but making it a core of this book wasn’t really necessary.
So, to conclude, it is a really good domestic noir, filled with complex characters and difficult situations. I really enjoyed this book and the topics it discussed, and I recommend it to people who are looking for a quick but important read. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
The narrative was very fast paced, and every chapter allowed to see a little bit more of Ellie’s past, and what shaped her to be the way she is now. The topics covered in this book were emotional and physical abuse, bullying, teenage romance, controlling behaviour and many more. This book has some very cleverly written surprises and twists and was an easy and pleasant read for me.
The atmosphere of this book is very dark, gloomy and messy, filled with scrap cars, crows, and violence. I liked the writing style of this novel, it was complex and layered. The chapters were short, and the ending of this book left me very satisfied indeed. Even though a single perspective was sufficient for me, I would’ve liked to read Imelda’s thoughts as well. I don’t really know how I feel about all that folk story about Finella, it adds a nice touch to the story, but making it a core of this book wasn’t really necessary.
So, to conclude, it is a really good domestic noir, filled with complex characters and difficult situations. I really enjoyed this book and the topics it discussed, and I recommend it to people who are looking for a quick but important read. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂