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The Sloan Ranger (8 KP) rated Young Guns (1988) in Movies
Jul 11, 2017
Method Man recommended The Station Agent (2003) in Movies (curated)
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Canary in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Canary could have been really awesome… if. Why does there always have to be an “if?”
This was a case of “High Concept, Poor Execution.” Here’s the thing about this book: I didn’t like the main character. For an honors student, she was an idiot.
You meet this drug dealer. You kinda maybe not even sure if you like him but you might like him. You accidently become his accomplice in a deal and don’t realize it until after it’s over. Then you help him get away from a cop. And you defend him and refuse to give the cop info in exchange for you being completely removed from the evidence. Why?
You aren’t sure.
Thing is, that’s a really bad reason to not snitch on a drug dealer. If her dad was being held captive, or he had something important of hers, or if they’d been together for six years, those are all good reasons. But “I just met you and I’m not sure if I like you but I’m still not going to rat you out?” not a good reason.
This was a case of “High Concept, Poor Execution.” Here’s the thing about this book: I didn’t like the main character. For an honors student, she was an idiot.
You meet this drug dealer. You kinda maybe not even sure if you like him but you might like him. You accidently become his accomplice in a deal and don’t realize it until after it’s over. Then you help him get away from a cop. And you defend him and refuse to give the cop info in exchange for you being completely removed from the evidence. Why?
You aren’t sure.
Thing is, that’s a really bad reason to not snitch on a drug dealer. If her dad was being held captive, or he had something important of hers, or if they’d been together for six years, those are all good reasons. But “I just met you and I’m not sure if I like you but I’m still not going to rat you out?” not a good reason.
Beth Orton recommended First Take by Roberta Flack in Music (curated)
Awix (3310 KP) rated La Flor (2018) in Movies
Nov 2, 2019
How can one rating do justice to film-making on this scale? The simple numbers involved are staggering: the film lasts thirteen and a half hours, took nine years to make, is composed of six different episodes comprising many more sub-narratives. It's usually shown over three or four days, for obvious reasons. Even the closing credits last for over forty minutes (yes, I stayed: my thought process was basically 'Well, I've come this far..).
There's at least one horror movie in the mix, along with a musical melodrama, a sprawling existential spy thriller, and a metafictional self-parody. Characters include archaeologists, witches, Casanova and Margaret Thatcher. Just about the only thing holding it together is the presence of the same four actresses, who play significant roles in almost every episode. It begins very generic, but becomes increasingly strange and avant garde as it progresses. One would say it has become completely unravelled by the end, but it's not as if it was ever very ravelled. Parts of it are indisputably brilliant and highly accomplished, others are kind of indifferent; some of it is actively irritating. In the end it is a gargantuan, self-indulgent oddity. Some of it is definitely worth watching, but the whole thirteen hours...? I'm not sure. Maybe wait until it comes on TV.
There's at least one horror movie in the mix, along with a musical melodrama, a sprawling existential spy thriller, and a metafictional self-parody. Characters include archaeologists, witches, Casanova and Margaret Thatcher. Just about the only thing holding it together is the presence of the same four actresses, who play significant roles in almost every episode. It begins very generic, but becomes increasingly strange and avant garde as it progresses. One would say it has become completely unravelled by the end, but it's not as if it was ever very ravelled. Parts of it are indisputably brilliant and highly accomplished, others are kind of indifferent; some of it is actively irritating. In the end it is a gargantuan, self-indulgent oddity. Some of it is definitely worth watching, but the whole thirteen hours...? I'm not sure. Maybe wait until it comes on TV.
Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated The Trials of Gabriel Fernández in TV
Apr 8, 2021
This incredibly powerful six part mini series from last February is almost impossible to watch, but once started it feels important that you do see it through to the end. It details a case of child cruelty, abuse and torture leading to eventual death that the entire childcare support system first ignored and then failed to prevent. It shows the exact ways that the support system and then the legal system let down a young boy that may have been saved were it not for a series of shocking professional negligence. The recounting of the story and visual details of the abuse are sickening and beyond any reasonable estimation of tragic. If attempting to watch this, be sure of the reasons you are doing so and approach it with extreme caution.
There is so much natural outrage and actual anger towards the parents who were responsible for these crimes when we see them in court, but also towards the social and justice systems themselves for showcasing their many failings so graphically. The lessons learned are vital in preventing this kind of thing happening elsewhere, and so the drive of watching this is to seek the scraps of hope that emerge by understanding what went wrong and how the law might address the issue to prevent it happening again. Watching this one has an entirely different and sober feel for me. This was in no way entertainment, but it was educational, so I don’t regret going through it, as I feel entirely better informed than I was before.
There is so much natural outrage and actual anger towards the parents who were responsible for these crimes when we see them in court, but also towards the social and justice systems themselves for showcasing their many failings so graphically. The lessons learned are vital in preventing this kind of thing happening elsewhere, and so the drive of watching this is to seek the scraps of hope that emerge by understanding what went wrong and how the law might address the issue to prevent it happening again. Watching this one has an entirely different and sober feel for me. This was in no way entertainment, but it was educational, so I don’t regret going through it, as I feel entirely better informed than I was before.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated The Devil Aspect in Books
Feb 3, 2020
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<b><i>The Devil Aspect by Craig Russell was a very pleasant read for me for many reasons! I am so glad I got the chance to read it!
The Plot</i></b>
A terrifying novel set in Czechoslovakia in 1935, in which a brilliant young psychiatrist takes his new post at an asylum for the criminally insane that houses only six inmates–the country’s most depraved murderers–while, in Prague, a detective struggles to understand a brutal serial killer who has spread fear through the city, and who may have ties to the asylum.
Psychiatrist Victor is starting a new job in the Asylum where the Devil’s Six are – Czech Republic’s most dangerous murderers. Victor has a theory by the name of the Devil Aspect, where he believes that is manifested in these six murderers. He believes it comes out in certain circumstances, making these people commit crimes, but not being aware they have done it. Something similar to a split personality, but in this case, the murderers think that the Devil is next to them, and he is making them do all these things.
<b><i>My thoughts</i></b>
This book was such a pleasurable roller coaster. I wasn’t able to put it down and I read it in only a few days. The writing is unbelievable and I am going to be picking up other books from this author, for the sole reason of his writing. The Devil’s Aspect was so intriguing and it kept me on my toes at all times. I found it extremely enjoyable.
The blend of mythology, culture and psychology is perfectly put together, and having lived in the Balkan countries, I can easily relate to many of the culture aspects. It was perfectly described and I felt as if I am in 1935 together with the characters. The time and place are wonderfully written, with incredible accuracy.
The ending was the most pleasurable, and without spoiling anything, I will only say a few things… Be ready for everything to happen. This book has many twists and many scenes where dangerous things are happening. A lot of intensity which I devoured with great pleasure. If you are coming for an adventure, you will get even more that you bargained for.
<b><i>Proceed at your own risk! And good luck!
Thank you to the team at LoveReading UK and the author, Craig Russell, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i></b>
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<b><i>The Devil Aspect by Craig Russell was a very pleasant read for me for many reasons! I am so glad I got the chance to read it!
The Plot</i></b>
A terrifying novel set in Czechoslovakia in 1935, in which a brilliant young psychiatrist takes his new post at an asylum for the criminally insane that houses only six inmates–the country’s most depraved murderers–while, in Prague, a detective struggles to understand a brutal serial killer who has spread fear through the city, and who may have ties to the asylum.
Psychiatrist Victor is starting a new job in the Asylum where the Devil’s Six are – Czech Republic’s most dangerous murderers. Victor has a theory by the name of the Devil Aspect, where he believes that is manifested in these six murderers. He believes it comes out in certain circumstances, making these people commit crimes, but not being aware they have done it. Something similar to a split personality, but in this case, the murderers think that the Devil is next to them, and he is making them do all these things.
<b><i>My thoughts</i></b>
This book was such a pleasurable roller coaster. I wasn’t able to put it down and I read it in only a few days. The writing is unbelievable and I am going to be picking up other books from this author, for the sole reason of his writing. The Devil’s Aspect was so intriguing and it kept me on my toes at all times. I found it extremely enjoyable.
The blend of mythology, culture and psychology is perfectly put together, and having lived in the Balkan countries, I can easily relate to many of the culture aspects. It was perfectly described and I felt as if I am in 1935 together with the characters. The time and place are wonderfully written, with incredible accuracy.
The ending was the most pleasurable, and without spoiling anything, I will only say a few things… Be ready for everything to happen. This book has many twists and many scenes where dangerous things are happening. A lot of intensity which I devoured with great pleasure. If you are coming for an adventure, you will get even more that you bargained for.
<b><i>Proceed at your own risk! And good luck!
Thank you to the team at LoveReading UK and the author, Craig Russell, for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.</i></b>
<a href="https://amzn.to/2Wi7amb">Wishlist</a>; | <a
<a href="https://diaryofdifference.com/">Blog</a>; | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/diaryofdifference/">Facebook</a>; | <a href="https://twitter.com/DiaryDifference">Twitter</a>; | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diaryofdifference/">Instagram</a>; | <a href="https://www.pinterest.co.uk/diaryofdifference/pins/">Pinterest</a>;
Merissa (12788 KP) rated Sixteen (The Dreamwalker Diaries #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Sixteen continues approximately six months after Fifteen finished. Ashling is on community service for trying to buy sleeping pills, Tate and Nadette are still missing, and Ashling is still without her mum. She decides that if she can just find Dr Dietz, she will find a way to dreamwalk again, so that she can save her mum from dying. She finds Dr Dietz, plus a whole more than she ever imagined. She does manage to dreamwalk again, but to a different time and place than she wanted. Walker Smith is still a horrible character, he still treats Skylar as not being worthy of him (for reasons she still doesn't know about).
Numerous twists and turns keep this story interesting. With new characters, old favourites, and old ones who become new, there is something here for everyone. I love that we meet Coop in this one and, although I understand the reasoning behind it, I'm not too happy with the hinting of a love triangle between Coop, Caleb, and Ash. That's just me, I don't like triangles, never have, and probably never will. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that things will work out, and now I just have to wait as patiently as possible for the next book to come out.
Extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, Sixteen continues to impress with the fresh ideas and circumstances detailed within its pages. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Numerous twists and turns keep this story interesting. With new characters, old favourites, and old ones who become new, there is something here for everyone. I love that we meet Coop in this one and, although I understand the reasoning behind it, I'm not too happy with the hinting of a love triangle between Coop, Caleb, and Ash. That's just me, I don't like triangles, never have, and probably never will. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that things will work out, and now I just have to wait as patiently as possible for the next book to come out.
Extremely well written, with no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt the reading flow, Sixteen continues to impress with the fresh ideas and circumstances detailed within its pages. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12788 KP) rated The Long Way Home (Coming Home #1) in Books
Feb 28, 2025
THE LONG WAY HOME is the first book in the Coming Home series and begins with Marcus and Cory, both broken characters in different ways.
Marcus was a troubled teen/trust fund child who got together with Declan, someone out of the same group of people who actually wanted to spend time with him. Unfortunately, Declan became seriously ill and made Marcus continue on with his life without Declan being in it. Cory became a dad at 19 and a single dad six months later. His whole life revolves around his daughter and his family. The sparks fly when these two meet, but not for the reasons Marcus thinks.
I will say, most of this book is angst between the two, with lots of misconstrued signals and attempts to speak. Considering they're both adults, this became frustrating very quickly. You could cut out half of this and still have a decent-sized novel, as this was a LONG read.
I found both characters to be slightly inconsistent in how they thought and behaved, especially Cory. Considering how he'd been earlier in the book, there was a bit of whiplash involved when he and Marcus actually had their first date.
On the whole, this was a good read that I would give 3.5 stars to (rounded up). It is a debut novel and there is plenty of potential for future stories.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 28, 2025
Marcus was a troubled teen/trust fund child who got together with Declan, someone out of the same group of people who actually wanted to spend time with him. Unfortunately, Declan became seriously ill and made Marcus continue on with his life without Declan being in it. Cory became a dad at 19 and a single dad six months later. His whole life revolves around his daughter and his family. The sparks fly when these two meet, but not for the reasons Marcus thinks.
I will say, most of this book is angst between the two, with lots of misconstrued signals and attempts to speak. Considering they're both adults, this became frustrating very quickly. You could cut out half of this and still have a decent-sized novel, as this was a LONG read.
I found both characters to be slightly inconsistent in how they thought and behaved, especially Cory. Considering how he'd been earlier in the book, there was a bit of whiplash involved when he and Marcus actually had their first date.
On the whole, this was a good read that I would give 3.5 stars to (rounded up). It is a debut novel and there is plenty of potential for future stories.
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 28, 2025
Merissa (12788 KP) rated Shot Across the Bow (Deep Six #5) in Books
Nov 29, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
SHOT ACROSS THE BOW is the fifth book in the Deep Six series and is the turn of Romeo and Mia. Romeo - as you can tell by the nickname - is a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy, whereas he thinks Mia has relationship written all over her. So, they both put each other in the dreaded #FriendZone, even though that's not where either of them wants to be.
If one good thing could come out of a plane crash, it's that it got them talking and stopped skirting around the edges. Once a certain conversation happens, all bets are off as to what will happen next. They both have a lot of emotional trauma and baggage to work through.
Doc and Cami meet for the first time in this book and the sharp-edged banter starts, which I think will continue all the way through their book. We don't see much of any of the others, and nothing at all of Wolf and Chrissy from book four.
There's not much at all of the historical story to this one, so I didn't get as much as I wanted, but that's probably just me. The mystery side of it didn't really grab me either as I thought it was quite obvious who was behind it, and what the reasons were.
On the whole, this was a steamy read with lots of sexual tension to begin with. I enjoyed this story and have no hesitation in recommending it.
** 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!
Nov 29, 2021
If one good thing could come out of a plane crash, it's that it got them talking and stopped skirting around the edges. Once a certain conversation happens, all bets are off as to what will happen next. They both have a lot of emotional trauma and baggage to work through.
Doc and Cami meet for the first time in this book and the sharp-edged banter starts, which I think will continue all the way through their book. We don't see much of any of the others, and nothing at all of Wolf and Chrissy from book four.
There's not much at all of the historical story to this one, so I didn't get as much as I wanted, but that's probably just me. The mystery side of it didn't really grab me either as I thought it was quite obvious who was behind it, and what the reasons were.
On the whole, this was a steamy read with lots of sexual tension to begin with. I enjoyed this story and have no hesitation in recommending it.
** 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!
Nov 29, 2021