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Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Spark: A Mother's Story of Nurturing Genius in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Oh my goodness! What an amazing book & knowing that it is all true just makes it that much more fascinating. This family is amazing & their story could inspire anyone to want to give it all they've got.
As a teacher who is continually put under more & more pressure to get my students to pass a test, this book was heart warming. It speaks to the true heart of teaching & learning. The theme of the book is to set a high ceiling for anyone & let their passions direct them. If & when this is done, you will marvel at the results. This is sooooo true!! I've been privileged enough to see this within in my own classroom. It just leaves me wondering what kind of "genius" all this emphasis on "high stakes" testing is stifling within our society at this very moment... What a shame!
As a teacher who is continually put under more & more pressure to get my students to pass a test, this book was heart warming. It speaks to the true heart of teaching & learning. The theme of the book is to set a high ceiling for anyone & let their passions direct them. If & when this is done, you will marvel at the results. This is sooooo true!! I've been privileged enough to see this within in my own classroom. It just leaves me wondering what kind of "genius" all this emphasis on "high stakes" testing is stifling within our society at this very moment... What a shame!
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Home Fire in Books
Aug 7, 2017
Not quite Antigone, interesting take on modern Islamophobia
There are two very distinctive opinions on this book about how British Muslims are treated in a western society, split between being seen as subservient and loyal as well as dangerous and dogmatic. It is absolutely relevant to the current political climate hence it is an intriguing read. At times it borders on satirical because some of the elements appear very far fetched. From a Romeo and Juliet style love story played out in the media, to the extreme Islamophobic views of a Muslim politician. While there are definite elements of truths planted in this book, the extreme nature of the funeral scene just bordered on slightly ridiculous especially when there are real examples in the public eye. It is a gripping and engaging read with something lacking.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Good Immigrant in Books
Sep 14, 2017
An important read for modern Britain
Nikesh Shukla has done a phenomenal job in compiling various essays to highlight the voices of marginalised Britain.
From bloggers to actors such as Riz Ahmed, the writings show the experiences of growing up with dual cultures and how society continues to be colour blind instead of embracing these differences.
In Ahmed's story for example, he describes going to America because he was constantly typecasted in the UK film industry. As he headed to play a role in the new Star Wars movie, he was detained at the airport for the umpteenth time to be questioned. It shows no matter how much he strived, the prejudices remain.
And that's just one anecdote of many voices. It is riveting and engaging, finally giving the opportunity to hear about second generation, children of immigrants in Britain.
From bloggers to actors such as Riz Ahmed, the writings show the experiences of growing up with dual cultures and how society continues to be colour blind instead of embracing these differences.
In Ahmed's story for example, he describes going to America because he was constantly typecasted in the UK film industry. As he headed to play a role in the new Star Wars movie, he was detained at the airport for the umpteenth time to be questioned. It shows no matter how much he strived, the prejudices remain.
And that's just one anecdote of many voices. It is riveting and engaging, finally giving the opportunity to hear about second generation, children of immigrants in Britain.
ALilLacey (2 KP) rated After Impact (After Impact #1) in Books
Mar 4, 2019
After Impact was a great start to a new thought provoking series. Avalon brought interest to a new look of how the world may handle an asteroid destroying life on earth. I liked actually reading a book where a younger girl actually acted appropriately for her age and that she was intelligent. The book keeps you wondering how society will not only function being the last few thousand alive on earth and waking from cryo-sleep hoping to find the outside earth environment liveable. In addition to that, we work through a mysterious illness and disappearance of some of the lower class residence. Of course we also have a good mix of love interests too. Overall an excellent young adult book and it's a clean read! Definitely recommended. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2371 KP) rated Heirs and Graces (Her Royal Spyness Mysteries, #7) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Lady Georgiana is asked to come to an estate in 1930's England to teach the new heir to the dukedom proper upper society manners. This heir has just been discovered and has been raised in the Australian Outback. However, not too long after this heir arrives, Georgie has to add sleuthing to her list of things to do when someone gets a knife in the back - literally.
These trips back in time are always fun, and this one was no exception. I loved the new characters and the tension was so thick I always had a hard time putting it down.
I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Please read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-heirs-and-graces-by-rhys.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
These trips back in time are always fun, and this one was no exception. I loved the new characters and the tension was so thick I always had a hard time putting it down.
I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Please read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-review-heirs-and-graces-by-rhys.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Unravelling Oliver in Books
Mar 9, 2018
An incredibly creepy look at sociopaths
This psychological thriller is unlike most others because there isn't a big reveal as such but it is based on the behaviour of the criminal mind.
In this case, we look at Oliver, who is a sociopath, and feels very little remorse for the terrible crimes he has committed but instead feels aggrieved at his lack of entitlement.
While half of the book is written from his perspective looking back at his past, the rest is written by people around him who believe they could sense his immoral behaviour. Hence it is a case of whether it is nature of nurture that has forced him to behave in such way, and if society truly did think that he was a monster. Interesting concept, but as expected, you'll hate the main character.
In this case, we look at Oliver, who is a sociopath, and feels very little remorse for the terrible crimes he has committed but instead feels aggrieved at his lack of entitlement.
While half of the book is written from his perspective looking back at his past, the rest is written by people around him who believe they could sense his immoral behaviour. Hence it is a case of whether it is nature of nurture that has forced him to behave in such way, and if society truly did think that he was a monster. Interesting concept, but as expected, you'll hate the main character.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Island (2005) in Movies
May 26, 2018
If Logan's Run and The Hunger Games had a baby...
From Michael Bay, the director of every crappy movie over the last 10 years, comes a really good one!
Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson have surprising chemistry as they try and figure out what's going on in their "perfect" society which ends of having a few surprises. When he begins to question his sterile existance and the "Kool-Aid" they have all been told, he begins to figure out what is actually going on behind the scenes.
A surprising good action movie develops with some interesting twists and turns. Say what you want about Bay. He can certainly orchestrate a good action sequence when he wants to and doesn't have 27 robots fighting each other at the same time.
I highly recommend checking this one out.
Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson have surprising chemistry as they try and figure out what's going on in their "perfect" society which ends of having a few surprises. When he begins to question his sterile existance and the "Kool-Aid" they have all been told, he begins to figure out what is actually going on behind the scenes.
A surprising good action movie develops with some interesting twists and turns. Say what you want about Bay. He can certainly orchestrate a good action sequence when he wants to and doesn't have 27 robots fighting each other at the same time.
I highly recommend checking this one out.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Open Minds (Mindjack Series, #1) in Books
Jul 10, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This was part of a young adult dystopian box set and I have to say that I am glad that I started with this book. I really enjoyed it.
This was an extremely quick read that kept me captivated for hours. I found myself invested in the characters. This novel is not your typical dystopian book. It deals with mind readers and a society that is scared of evolution. The fact that this was not a stereotypical dystopian really surprised me. I liked the characters and I liked the content. I'm glad that I was able to sit down and take time to read this young adult novel.
Ultimately, I enjoyed this novel. I will definitely continue on in the series and I am excited to read the rest of the box set.
This was an extremely quick read that kept me captivated for hours. I found myself invested in the characters. This novel is not your typical dystopian book. It deals with mind readers and a society that is scared of evolution. The fact that this was not a stereotypical dystopian really surprised me. I liked the characters and I liked the content. I'm glad that I was able to sit down and take time to read this young adult novel.
Ultimately, I enjoyed this novel. I will definitely continue on in the series and I am excited to read the rest of the box set.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Ingrid Goes West (2017) in Movies
Jul 31, 2018
Very disturbing
What worries me the most about this film is how disturbingly accurately it reflects today’s society. There is never a doubt about the realism of how the insta-celeb and the stalker-esque are depicted, and it makes for a very depressing watch. It really puts me off using certain social media.
Aubrey Plaza is a great choice, as she really knows how to do crazy stalker and she makes the film even more disturbing. My problem was the plot was a bit predictable, I didn’t think it was particularly funny and I felt the ending was a bit of a letdown and potentially not the right message to be sending? Its not a terrible film and I appreciate what it’s trying to do, it’s just not a film to watch if you need cheering up!
Aubrey Plaza is a great choice, as she really knows how to do crazy stalker and she makes the film even more disturbing. My problem was the plot was a bit predictable, I didn’t think it was particularly funny and I felt the ending was a bit of a letdown and potentially not the right message to be sending? Its not a terrible film and I appreciate what it’s trying to do, it’s just not a film to watch if you need cheering up!
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Digging Up The Marrow (2014) in Movies
Sep 19, 2018
Weird and Wonderful (Sort of)
Mr Hatchet himself, Adam Green, fronts this mockumentary, playing himself.
In this movie he is investigating the claims of a fan that monsters exists, and that even more than that, he can show Adam where the monsters live!
The movie follows Adam's interviews and investigations as he seeks proof that monsters live in the world below us, in a sort of parallel society that his enigmatic fan has seen himself.
There are a number of developments, regarding the intent and story behind the fan, and you do get some glimpses of...well that would be telling.
The film is a bit goofy, but largely in a good way, and it is mostly a pretty funny take on what the film-maker clearly knew was a surreal plot.
In this movie he is investigating the claims of a fan that monsters exists, and that even more than that, he can show Adam where the monsters live!
The movie follows Adam's interviews and investigations as he seeks proof that monsters live in the world below us, in a sort of parallel society that his enigmatic fan has seen himself.
There are a number of developments, regarding the intent and story behind the fan, and you do get some glimpses of...well that would be telling.
The film is a bit goofy, but largely in a good way, and it is mostly a pretty funny take on what the film-maker clearly knew was a surreal plot.