Search
Search results
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated In Her Bones in Books
Mar 6, 2019
Wonderful thriller with detailed plot and characters
When Edie Beckett was in her teens, her mother, Lilith Wade, murdered six women. Lilith went to prison for life and Edie's life irrevocably changed. Now she's nearly thirty, trying to stay sober, working a city clerk job, and living a lonely life. Her only family is her brother Dylan, and she has no friends, no real life. At night, Edie secretly obsesses over the families of Lilith's victims, watching them online--and in real life. Then she actually meets one in person, and a man ends up murdered. Edie is immediately the police's one and only suspect. The investigating detective, Gil Brandt, is the same one who arrested her mother. He knows Edie better than anyone. She goes on the run, with Gil on her trail. Will Edie discover the truth in time?
This book just kept getting better with every page. I absolutely loved Kate Moretti's THE BLACKBIRD SEASON and was worried this one might not live up to it. I shouldn't have worried. This is just an excellent, fascinating novel.
The book is told from the point of view of Edie and Gil, with excerpts included from a tell-all book written about Lilith and her family. It all combines to make a very intriguing read. The way the novel explores looking at serial killers from the perspective of their family is just amazing and interesting. As Edie says,
"Sometimes, Lilith was just my mother."
You get this really in-depth look at how Lilith was both an awful mother, a regular mother, and influenced by mental illness. The book does a great job of providing a portrait of mental illness as well. I thought its look at Lilith as a serial killer was just so well-done. Lilith isn't necessarily the main focus--that's Edie--but she's had such an influence on forming Edie that we learn so much about her.
As for Edie, I was worried at first that I wouldn't like her or enjoy her character, because sometimes I have a hard time with characters who make nothing but bad decisions. But I quickly grew attached to her and to really, really like her. One of the best things about this book is that despite its serious and sometimes even gruesome subject matter, it can be funny sometimes. It's definitely heartbreaking and real. It's powerfully written, and Edie becomes this wonderfully great main character. She's so very smart and so very real. Moretti gives such a personality to everyone through her excellent detail; you're just able to visualize each character so well. I really love how you can get lost in her books. The bond between Brandt and Edie is interesting--different in many ways, but I liked how they were tied together in some way, and the how they each described that thread.
What's so great about this book is that you get to explore the serial killer aspect--how Edie is affected by her mom, some of the elements that formed Lilith into what she is, and more, but you also get a really well-done mystery too, after a character dies and Edie goes on the run. These two storylines run expertly in parallel and keep you riveted throughout the entire novel. There are some awesome twists and turns, and the whole book is just so well-done. I really loved these characters and truly just felt changed by the end of this one.
Overall, this is just a wonderful book. The characters are amazing and detailed, the plot is excellent, and I was just drawn in from the beginning. This goes deeper than your usual mystery or thriller, and I was so impressed and touched by this novel. I highly recommend this one!
This book just kept getting better with every page. I absolutely loved Kate Moretti's THE BLACKBIRD SEASON and was worried this one might not live up to it. I shouldn't have worried. This is just an excellent, fascinating novel.
The book is told from the point of view of Edie and Gil, with excerpts included from a tell-all book written about Lilith and her family. It all combines to make a very intriguing read. The way the novel explores looking at serial killers from the perspective of their family is just amazing and interesting. As Edie says,
"Sometimes, Lilith was just my mother."
You get this really in-depth look at how Lilith was both an awful mother, a regular mother, and influenced by mental illness. The book does a great job of providing a portrait of mental illness as well. I thought its look at Lilith as a serial killer was just so well-done. Lilith isn't necessarily the main focus--that's Edie--but she's had such an influence on forming Edie that we learn so much about her.
As for Edie, I was worried at first that I wouldn't like her or enjoy her character, because sometimes I have a hard time with characters who make nothing but bad decisions. But I quickly grew attached to her and to really, really like her. One of the best things about this book is that despite its serious and sometimes even gruesome subject matter, it can be funny sometimes. It's definitely heartbreaking and real. It's powerfully written, and Edie becomes this wonderfully great main character. She's so very smart and so very real. Moretti gives such a personality to everyone through her excellent detail; you're just able to visualize each character so well. I really love how you can get lost in her books. The bond between Brandt and Edie is interesting--different in many ways, but I liked how they were tied together in some way, and the how they each described that thread.
What's so great about this book is that you get to explore the serial killer aspect--how Edie is affected by her mom, some of the elements that formed Lilith into what she is, and more, but you also get a really well-done mystery too, after a character dies and Edie goes on the run. These two storylines run expertly in parallel and keep you riveted throughout the entire novel. There are some awesome twists and turns, and the whole book is just so well-done. I really loved these characters and truly just felt changed by the end of this one.
Overall, this is just a wonderful book. The characters are amazing and detailed, the plot is excellent, and I was just drawn in from the beginning. This goes deeper than your usual mystery or thriller, and I was so impressed and touched by this novel. I highly recommend this one!
an incredibly interesting concept with a fast paced plot (3 more)
very interesting structure of the book as a book within a book, etc.
a thought provoking commentary on gender, religion, power, war and the future of these things, even with hints towards the dangerous future of chemical/atomic/nuclear weaponry
i am sure that this will be made into a movie (it really is of grand proportions) and i can only hope they do it justice
THANK YOU FOR THIS NOVEL NAOMI ALDERMAN
i cannot encourage anyone to read this book enough. what a concept for a novel!! especially biting from the perspective of a female reader, it reads as a disturbing and compelling gender political satire that sometimes hits a little too close to home. i implore you to read it and reconsider the gender political landscape of our modern society
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Amethyst Eyes in Books
Jan 12, 2018
I really enjoyed [Amethyst Eyes] by [Debbie Brown]. In the introduction it states it was written for reluctant readers, which is what I teach. I fully agree that young adults that don't like reading will enjoy the story of coming of age with a twist.
Imagine your world as you know it being turned upside down at fifteen years old. Your mom dies in an accident, you are seriously injured, finally your dad, who you haven't seen since you were little, comes to take you home with him. Here is the twist, his home is a space ship. Yes, your dad is an alien.
It is definitely not as cheesy as I made it seem. The relationship Tommy has with his dad is not that different from that of any teenager growing up and changing. The adventure of getting to know yourself is sometimes the biggest for a teenager.
Imagine your world as you know it being turned upside down at fifteen years old. Your mom dies in an accident, you are seriously injured, finally your dad, who you haven't seen since you were little, comes to take you home with him. Here is the twist, his home is a space ship. Yes, your dad is an alien.
It is definitely not as cheesy as I made it seem. The relationship Tommy has with his dad is not that different from that of any teenager growing up and changing. The adventure of getting to know yourself is sometimes the biggest for a teenager.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Get Out (2017) in Movies
Jan 13, 2018
Good but overrated
I really disliked this on watching this at the cinema, but after watching it again for a second time I have changed my first impression - but it is still a bit overrated.
The performances are good and I like the storyline itself and it's message about today's society. The twist and the resolution were pretty good if not a little bonkers, and Chris and Rod are really endearing characters. It's some of the horror and suspense aspects themselves that I have an issue with. Sometimes the direction and soundtrack really work to create tension and suspense, but then in other scenes it lacks any subtlety whatsoever and actually becomes funny. Lingering shots on characters looking over the top creepy really doesn't work.
But this aside, it's still one of the better horror films of recent years, even if it doesn't live up to the hype.
The performances are good and I like the storyline itself and it's message about today's society. The twist and the resolution were pretty good if not a little bonkers, and Chris and Rod are really endearing characters. It's some of the horror and suspense aspects themselves that I have an issue with. Sometimes the direction and soundtrack really work to create tension and suspense, but then in other scenes it lacks any subtlety whatsoever and actually becomes funny. Lingering shots on characters looking over the top creepy really doesn't work.
But this aside, it's still one of the better horror films of recent years, even if it doesn't live up to the hype.
Taryn K (444 KP) rated Curiosity Thrilled the Cat (A Magical Cats Mystery, #1) in Books
May 4, 2018
Curiosity thrilled this reader too
This is a great start to a fun cozy series. Kathleen, our heroine, is fairly believable, for the most part. Her quirks are unusual, but so are her cats, Hercules and Owen. As an almost-new-to-the-area librarian, in a library needing many renovations, she meets many interesting people, including Gregor Easton, our victim. There are incidents, near misses, and several Fred the Funky Chickens involved before justice is served.
I've read this series through three times so far, and I'm working on a fourth run-through because of the new book Paws and Effect. I'd definitely recommend it to others.
I've read this series through three times so far, and I'm working on a fourth run-through because of the new book Paws and Effect. I'd definitely recommend it to others.
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Blokus in Tabletop Games
Apr 23, 2018
Abstract thinking and spacial reasoning (3 more)
only touching the corners is a good puzzle aspect
no language dependancy
colorful and take that blocking.
Good Game for young kids....
it's a fun little game, doesn't take very long unless everyone is distracted. Which sometimes happens with young kids. The good news with this is that it's not hard to jump right in and take someone else's turn, so you can play teams, and the adults can play and let the kids sub in if you like. There is a very real strategy in placement, so the game goes deeper if you want it. There is a also a feeling of not being threatened for the first 5-10 turns. there's not much analysis paralysis until late in the game when options are low. so it's an ok game for Adults, but a very good game for kids.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Love, Simon (2018) in Movies
Feb 2, 2019
Such a heartwarming film
I really loved the book, and I’m so pleased to say that the film is just as good. Which if you know me, happens very rarely!
There are some slight differences to the book but nothing drastic, and all of the characters are in keeping with the book counterparts. Nick Robinson is brilliant and so sweet as Simon, but the rest of his friends and cats too are so relatable. Even the annoying Martin. And Tony Hale is a riot as the principal, and brings in a lot of the laughs.
This is a truly heartwarming, sweet and sometimes funny tale of love and a coming of age/coming out story. It’s a romantic story that manages to steer clear of the cheesy romantic cliches and this makes it all the better to watch. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in tears by the end.
There are some slight differences to the book but nothing drastic, and all of the characters are in keeping with the book counterparts. Nick Robinson is brilliant and so sweet as Simon, but the rest of his friends and cats too are so relatable. Even the annoying Martin. And Tony Hale is a riot as the principal, and brings in a lot of the laughs.
This is a truly heartwarming, sweet and sometimes funny tale of love and a coming of age/coming out story. It’s a romantic story that manages to steer clear of the cheesy romantic cliches and this makes it all the better to watch. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t in tears by the end.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated The Mummy Case (Amelia Peabody, #3) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
Yet another fun mystery featuring Amelia Peabody. While I have to admit the mystery didn't interest me much, the repartee between the indomitable Amelia and Emerson, and Ms. Peabody's (or Mrs. Emerson's) narration, more than made up for it. Ramses can be amusing also, but he can be a bit too much sometimes, probably because he is too precocious and smart to be believed. How many languages does this five-year-old know? Although I do think this specific example is the whole point of these books and how they should be seen: as a farcical look on adventure books in the Victorian era, but that's just a guess. Also, the book was a bit too long and would have been a better book had thirty or so pages been taken out. However, Amelia and her exploits are still a fast and fun way to pass the time.
Stampy ;) (90 KP) rated Exploding Kittens: NSFW Deck in Tabletop Games
Apr 29, 2019
Hilarious Artwork (3 more)
Stitch up your mates
Quick and easy to learn
Easily transported around
Simple fun game to bring out when you have friends over
A fantastic fun simple game that can be taught to anyone. I've played it with so many groups of people and one thing I have discovered, they all want to play it again. Some even go out and buy themselves a copy. Its comes in a cute, very portable box so it's easy to throw in you bag and whip out when you want some laughs. To get the most out of it play it with a group rather than just two of you, with two you will still have a blast it's just with more players the game really come alive! (Or dead if you end up exploding in the first 2 minutes)
Sue (7 KP) rated Line Of Duty in TV
May 19, 2019
Twists and suspense in each season and more to come!
I was a bit sceptical as I am normally for a 'who done it' series but I can honestly say I have been well and truly sucked in.
One of the best series I have watched for a while, full of suspense, twists and you can find yourself almost questioning what you would do in those situations. I love a book of series where you almost sympathise with the 'baddies' as there is always a story behind each of their decisions.
The law is the law.
Not disappointing in any way.
One of the best series I have watched for a while, full of suspense, twists and you can find yourself almost questioning what you would do in those situations. I love a book of series where you almost sympathise with the 'baddies' as there is always a story behind each of their decisions.
The law is the law.
Not disappointing in any way.