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ClareR (5561 KP) rated This One Sky Day in Books
May 11, 2021
This One Sky Day is packed full of magical realism and beautiful descriptions of what appears on the surface to be a tropical paradise.
Popisho is a magical land where everyone is born with a special gift or ‘cors’ Some are healers, some have speed or strength, and some, namely Xavier Redchoose, has the gift of cooking the perfect meal for everyone. He is the macaenus of his generation. He has the ability at his fingertips to make food taste delicious, and to cook just what his guest loves and needs the most. All cors are given by the gods.
It’s a story that tells you to use your gifts to make you happy, it talks about politics and how they can be twisted to serve the needs of those who are supposed to who are supposed to serve others, and it’s a story that shows that change is inevitable.
I’m not so sure that I understood everything, but it’s a beautifully written, entertaining story. I never knew what was going to happen next, in a world where literally anything could happen!
I WILL say that I’ve read enough about pum-pums to last me a lifetime. I may even be a little bit traumatised! 🤭
I think the best word to describe this book is “gleeful”. Whilst I was reading it, it felt like the author had enjoyed writing it (whether that’s true or not, I have no idea!), and it was a book that just made me feel happy! 🤷🏼♀️
So, whether I’ve managed to grasp the finer details of this novel is immaterial to me - I just really very much enjoyed reading it.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for another great serialisation.
Popisho is a magical land where everyone is born with a special gift or ‘cors’ Some are healers, some have speed or strength, and some, namely Xavier Redchoose, has the gift of cooking the perfect meal for everyone. He is the macaenus of his generation. He has the ability at his fingertips to make food taste delicious, and to cook just what his guest loves and needs the most. All cors are given by the gods.
It’s a story that tells you to use your gifts to make you happy, it talks about politics and how they can be twisted to serve the needs of those who are supposed to who are supposed to serve others, and it’s a story that shows that change is inevitable.
I’m not so sure that I understood everything, but it’s a beautifully written, entertaining story. I never knew what was going to happen next, in a world where literally anything could happen!
I WILL say that I’ve read enough about pum-pums to last me a lifetime. I may even be a little bit traumatised! 🤭
I think the best word to describe this book is “gleeful”. Whilst I was reading it, it felt like the author had enjoyed writing it (whether that’s true or not, I have no idea!), and it was a book that just made me feel happy! 🤷🏼♀️
So, whether I’ve managed to grasp the finer details of this novel is immaterial to me - I just really very much enjoyed reading it.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for another great serialisation.
Lindsay (1693 KP) rated The Care and Keeping of Grandmas in Books
Nov 19, 2023
Do you sometimes have a grandma that you see that comes and stays with you and your family? You want to help her out by doing things or at least trying. Well, this book, The Care and Keeping of Grandmas is a sweet story about a granddaughter and her grandma when her grandma came to live with her and the family.
Though she is this in the prefer of her view and learning along the way. These are her tips throughout the book to help others and children. The pictures and story are done well.
I like the story; each person can change the person for themselves, even though this one is about a granddaughter and her grandma. You can picture a grandson helping out his grandma. Though this book. It shows that you need to allow time and let the person suggest, and they will ask for help rather than have it forced upon them.
Grandmas are something special to have, and I enjoy the grandma I have left. However, I loved both of my grandmas when I had them. This book shows that grandmas can do things, and some live in different places; we should still be around to help when needed.
This story shows the special bond a grandchild has with their grandma. However, the child learns when to lend a hand and when to let her do her own thing. But be there when you need to be there. This story shows the love and care bond between a grandchild and a grandmother. Suppose the grandma needs to move in and feel at home. This book tells that in a funny and fun way, a picture book. Have you heard of " How to Babysit a Grandma"? This book puts a little humor and a fun spin on it.
Though she is this in the prefer of her view and learning along the way. These are her tips throughout the book to help others and children. The pictures and story are done well.
I like the story; each person can change the person for themselves, even though this one is about a granddaughter and her grandma. You can picture a grandson helping out his grandma. Though this book. It shows that you need to allow time and let the person suggest, and they will ask for help rather than have it forced upon them.
Grandmas are something special to have, and I enjoy the grandma I have left. However, I loved both of my grandmas when I had them. This book shows that grandmas can do things, and some live in different places; we should still be around to help when needed.
This story shows the special bond a grandchild has with their grandma. However, the child learns when to lend a hand and when to let her do her own thing. But be there when you need to be there. This story shows the love and care bond between a grandchild and a grandmother. Suppose the grandma needs to move in and feel at home. This book tells that in a funny and fun way, a picture book. Have you heard of " How to Babysit a Grandma"? This book puts a little humor and a fun spin on it.
starwarsluvr (236 KP) rated Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones, #2) in Books
Jan 30, 2018
Wow, ok so what can I say about this... this was.. amazing. The writing flowed even better then the first book. The characters were even better. Everything was easier to follow in most places and the depth of the characters was even more amazing. The imagery of the scenes was beautiful. I felt as if I was a part of it and seeing the scenery and people and places with my own eyes. Ian goes through so many problems and trials to become who he needs to be again. I loved that he lost who he was for a while and then he had to refind himself. It added so much to this story to watch him go through so many feelings and ideas and thoughts. He had to work so hard and got through it all to become who he had to be. Ian is amazing and wonderful and such a special person/Shinree. I loved that this book has a bit of everything. It has mystery, sex, intrique, love, happiness, sadness, and so much action. I loved CL's use of magic in this written world.. I loved the feelings and the action. It was all so much fun to read and I cannot wait to see how this all ends in book 3.
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated Toy Story 4 (2019) in Movies
Jun 23, 2019
Animation (1 more)
Voicework
Fun for kids and adults alike
The animation is absolutely exquisite and probably the best to have ever graced the big screen. With this and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, animated films have never looked better and the bar has been set very high indeed. Everything from the glisten in Woody’s eyes to the rope-like fabric of Jessie’s hair is astounding and needs to be seen on the biggest screen possible. There are shots here that wouldn’t look out of place on your living room wall, they are breath-taking.
Of course, the main test of a good Pixar movie is how it makes you feel. And Toy Story 4 delivers heart and humour in spades with a witty script and beautiful send-off to these beloved characters. If Disney makes good on its promise that this IS the final part of a quadrilogy, then they’ve created something very special indeed. We may have lost two animated series’ in 2019, but boy did they go out with a bang.
Now pass me the tissues for god’s sake.
More at: https://moviemetropolis.net/2019/06/21/toy-story-4-review-this-is-the-end/
Of course, the main test of a good Pixar movie is how it makes you feel. And Toy Story 4 delivers heart and humour in spades with a witty script and beautiful send-off to these beloved characters. If Disney makes good on its promise that this IS the final part of a quadrilogy, then they’ve created something very special indeed. We may have lost two animated series’ in 2019, but boy did they go out with a bang.
Now pass me the tissues for god’s sake.
More at: https://moviemetropolis.net/2019/06/21/toy-story-4-review-this-is-the-end/
disneymusicnerd (172 KP) rated Disney Magic Kingdoms in Apps
Sep 10, 2019
Girl who has everything
I have played this game since it started & for the most part, love it! The story mode is great & I love the range of characters & the fact new characters are constantly joining. I feel like more emphasis needs to be put on story modes rather than limited events- I also feel that limited events are getting much harder & require more gems/money to get, which is 1 thing I always loved about the game was the limited financial input. I also am fed up with complaining (& seeing everyone else complain) that there is not enough land. I'm sure I've almost got more rides in storage than out & swapping them round is a nightmare to juggle space wise- especially now the lands have a requirement of what you need to put in. The new enchantments are overly complicated & while I like the idea behind it, they are a bit of a nuisance. I love the game as a concept & up until recently, would have scored this higher! Too many difficult timed events & the enchantment confusion have lowered this for me.
Lindsay (1693 KP) rated When I Meet You (Tree Of Life #3) in Books
May 9, 2020
When I Meet You is well done. It another story about genealogy. We are brought in with Jillian being with her dad on a trip to Denver. She does not know why. But her reaction to the steamer trunk brings us to the start of Jillian's journey in finding out who the owner is.
I enjoy the way, the author brings the past to life and the future together. Though she does it with clues given to her. We will not be able to solve the mystery until the end. Jillian also is pulled to look at her family history or at least into the steamer trunk that she was given by her mother.
The timelines go back and forth between the 1909 storyline and the present-day timeline. Could have Jillian found someone special. Norlan seems to be more occupied to feed two hundred people. Will he be able to create a menu for that many people. Will get the help he needs as well.
There are historical events. The story is mostly on the train from Ohio to Denver. Pinkerton seems to be the one mostly corresponding that is sent to a woman that is the owner of a trunk that was abandon at Denver's Union Station. Whatever happened to the owner?
I enjoy the way, the author brings the past to life and the future together. Though she does it with clues given to her. We will not be able to solve the mystery until the end. Jillian also is pulled to look at her family history or at least into the steamer trunk that she was given by her mother.
The timelines go back and forth between the 1909 storyline and the present-day timeline. Could have Jillian found someone special. Norlan seems to be more occupied to feed two hundred people. Will he be able to create a menu for that many people. Will get the help he needs as well.
There are historical events. The story is mostly on the train from Ohio to Denver. Pinkerton seems to be the one mostly corresponding that is sent to a woman that is the owner of a trunk that was abandon at Denver's Union Station. Whatever happened to the owner?
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated This Little Prayer of Mine in Books
Apr 27, 2018
This Little Prayer of Mine is a beautiful prayer book that every kid—and parent—should read and pray. It gets down into the heart, disclosing what's really there and how we all really feel. I was surprised how much I as an 18 year old related to this book. I pray the same prayers—though not in such beautiful verse—as this prayer.
It targets just about everything: the biblical command to be joyful: "help me to be happy," the search for the God's will: "show me what the right path is and help me follow you," and even loneliness and depression: "please let me know you're here with me and everything's alright," and then our end path, what really matters: "but most of all I'm grateful for your love that never ends." I had shivers running down my spine while I read this prayer.
Not only is it a wonderful prayer in itself, but the rhythm of the verse is enchanting and perfectly smooth. The illustrations are beautiful, and instantly reminded me of Max Lucado's children's book You Are Special (those of you who don't know, another highly recommended book and author).
This Little Prayer of Mine may be short, but it's a prayer that needs to be read by the big and the small.
Recommendation: Ages 4+
It targets just about everything: the biblical command to be joyful: "help me to be happy," the search for the God's will: "show me what the right path is and help me follow you," and even loneliness and depression: "please let me know you're here with me and everything's alright," and then our end path, what really matters: "but most of all I'm grateful for your love that never ends." I had shivers running down my spine while I read this prayer.
Not only is it a wonderful prayer in itself, but the rhythm of the verse is enchanting and perfectly smooth. The illustrations are beautiful, and instantly reminded me of Max Lucado's children's book You Are Special (those of you who don't know, another highly recommended book and author).
This Little Prayer of Mine may be short, but it's a prayer that needs to be read by the big and the small.
Recommendation: Ages 4+
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Matrix Resurrections (2021) in Movies
Dec 31, 2021
Unnecessary
And now from the unnecessary sequels department…
And, that, pretty much sums up THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS - a title that is a confession of a studio and creator that is looking to milk a few more bucks out of a dormant franchise.
Written and Directed by Lana Wachowski (one of the creators/directors of the original Matrix trilogy), MATRIX RESURRECTIONS drops us back into the Matrix that is the same, yet different, and - intriguingly enough - brings us back to Neo and Trinity, 2 characters that died in the 3rd film.
Of course, this being Science Fiction/Fantasy, no one needs to stay dead, if another story can be built around them.
Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss are back as Neo & Trinity (this film would not have happened if they didn’t say yes to this) - and they are the best thing in this film. Their chemistry is strong and any film that can bring back Carrie-Anne Moss as a lead in a film, is okay by me.
The best newcomer in this film is Jonathan Groff as “Agent Smith” (Hugo Weaving was set to reprise his role, but had to drop out due to Theater Commitments). Groff channels his inner “King George” (the character that he was Tony Nominated for in the Stage Musical Hamilton) and it works well in this film.
As for the other “character/actors” - like the characters that Jada Pinkett-Smith (the only other returning actor from the original trilogy), Yahya Abdbul-Mateen II (playing a version of Morpheus), Thelma Hopkins, Jessica Henwick and…yes that IS Cristina Ricci - they are all pretty generic and serve as plot machinations to get us from one action set piece to another.
And, of course, there is Neil Patrick Harris as “THE ANALYST”, it’s an interesting, pivotal, role in this film and would have been better served being played by someone less “well known”. All I kept thinking as I watched this performance was - “it’s evil Neil Patrick Harris”!
As for the special effects/set pieces, they are “fine” but nothing “special”. The first Matrix film was a brilliant, groundbreaking and mind-bending piece of filmmaking that introduced cinema (for good or ill) to “bullet time” - a Special F/X that has been en vogue ever since. But this film is just a mismash of CGI that is neither brilliant nor groundbreaking and the dense mythology plot of this film is not “mind-bending”, it is more like “headache-inducing”.
Do yourself a favor and skip the Resurrection of The Matrix and, instead, check out the brilliant 1999 original - it holds up well (and is the subject of my January podcast).
Letter Grade: B- (thanks to Reeves, Moss and Groff)
6 Stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
And, that, pretty much sums up THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS - a title that is a confession of a studio and creator that is looking to milk a few more bucks out of a dormant franchise.
Written and Directed by Lana Wachowski (one of the creators/directors of the original Matrix trilogy), MATRIX RESURRECTIONS drops us back into the Matrix that is the same, yet different, and - intriguingly enough - brings us back to Neo and Trinity, 2 characters that died in the 3rd film.
Of course, this being Science Fiction/Fantasy, no one needs to stay dead, if another story can be built around them.
Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss are back as Neo & Trinity (this film would not have happened if they didn’t say yes to this) - and they are the best thing in this film. Their chemistry is strong and any film that can bring back Carrie-Anne Moss as a lead in a film, is okay by me.
The best newcomer in this film is Jonathan Groff as “Agent Smith” (Hugo Weaving was set to reprise his role, but had to drop out due to Theater Commitments). Groff channels his inner “King George” (the character that he was Tony Nominated for in the Stage Musical Hamilton) and it works well in this film.
As for the other “character/actors” - like the characters that Jada Pinkett-Smith (the only other returning actor from the original trilogy), Yahya Abdbul-Mateen II (playing a version of Morpheus), Thelma Hopkins, Jessica Henwick and…yes that IS Cristina Ricci - they are all pretty generic and serve as plot machinations to get us from one action set piece to another.
And, of course, there is Neil Patrick Harris as “THE ANALYST”, it’s an interesting, pivotal, role in this film and would have been better served being played by someone less “well known”. All I kept thinking as I watched this performance was - “it’s evil Neil Patrick Harris”!
As for the special effects/set pieces, they are “fine” but nothing “special”. The first Matrix film was a brilliant, groundbreaking and mind-bending piece of filmmaking that introduced cinema (for good or ill) to “bullet time” - a Special F/X that has been en vogue ever since. But this film is just a mismash of CGI that is neither brilliant nor groundbreaking and the dense mythology plot of this film is not “mind-bending”, it is more like “headache-inducing”.
Do yourself a favor and skip the Resurrection of The Matrix and, instead, check out the brilliant 1999 original - it holds up well (and is the subject of my January podcast).
Letter Grade: B- (thanks to Reeves, Moss and Groff)
6 Stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Darren (1599 KP) rated All Superheroes Must Die (2013) in Movies
Jun 20, 2019
Story: All Superheroes Must Die starts as the superheroes Charge (Trost), Cutthroat (Till), Shadow ((Merkley) and The Wall (Valmassy) all awaken with an implant in their wrists with a message from the villainous Rickshaw (Remar).
Rickshaw sets the heroes tasks they must complete to save innocent lives of their city even if it means break their own rules along the way. We are left to watch as our heroes must work together as they are torn apart by this mastermind villain.
Thoughts on All Superheroes Must Die
Story – The story is simple and all it needs to be, we have vulnerable superheroes finally against a villain who has a play that is solely against the superheroes. Each test feels like a genuine threat to the heroes with the villain safely out of danger which only adds to the idea that the film is giving us. The idea theses heroes must learn to fight without their powers also adds to the concept behind the film. The story really does take the superhero genre to a new direction and one we haven’t seen before.
Sci-Fi/Thriller – The world is filled with superheroes with powers we don’t get to see put into action but the thriller side of the film really does keep us guessing from start to finish.
Characters/Performance – The characters are all created well to feel like superheroes in everyday life with the villain as always needing to be the stand-out character of the film outsmarting the heroes along the way. Performance wise everything is good with each star becoming their character almost effortlessly.
Settings – The settings are all inside a small town that has different stores for our heroes to complete their tasks inside which shows us the number of victims there could be if the villain wins.
Special Effects – We have good special effects for the budget which is all good for the film which tries to make everything practical effects.
Final Thoughts – This is a refreshing take on the superhero genre that brings us into the story to see them take on a villain that isn’t afraid to kill.
Overall: Enjoyable superhero film that fans can enjoy
https://moviesreview101.com/2017/05/02/all-superheroes-must-die-2011/
Rickshaw sets the heroes tasks they must complete to save innocent lives of their city even if it means break their own rules along the way. We are left to watch as our heroes must work together as they are torn apart by this mastermind villain.
Thoughts on All Superheroes Must Die
Story – The story is simple and all it needs to be, we have vulnerable superheroes finally against a villain who has a play that is solely against the superheroes. Each test feels like a genuine threat to the heroes with the villain safely out of danger which only adds to the idea that the film is giving us. The idea theses heroes must learn to fight without their powers also adds to the concept behind the film. The story really does take the superhero genre to a new direction and one we haven’t seen before.
Sci-Fi/Thriller – The world is filled with superheroes with powers we don’t get to see put into action but the thriller side of the film really does keep us guessing from start to finish.
Characters/Performance – The characters are all created well to feel like superheroes in everyday life with the villain as always needing to be the stand-out character of the film outsmarting the heroes along the way. Performance wise everything is good with each star becoming their character almost effortlessly.
Settings – The settings are all inside a small town that has different stores for our heroes to complete their tasks inside which shows us the number of victims there could be if the villain wins.
Special Effects – We have good special effects for the budget which is all good for the film which tries to make everything practical effects.
Final Thoughts – This is a refreshing take on the superhero genre that brings us into the story to see them take on a villain that isn’t afraid to kill.
Overall: Enjoyable superhero film that fans can enjoy
https://moviesreview101.com/2017/05/02/all-superheroes-must-die-2011/
Debbiereadsbook (1069 KP) rated Misdemeanor (Responsible Adult #1) in Books
Jul 6, 2021
cliff hanger but so bloody good!
I was gifted my copy of this book, direct from the author.
Micky is doing his best to keep his head above water. Looking after his disabled little brother, Flynn is top of that list. getting this new job will help a great deal. He just didn't plan on Danny, his boss. Danny is still suffering after a bad break up, but Micky is a breath of fresh air, even if the man has so many layers. Can they make it work?
Micky is trying, dammit, he really is! He lost his mum a few years ago, and his dad is absent and a deadbeat. Looking after Finn fell on to Micky cos Micky wants to keep Flynn close, to keep the two of them together. Flynn's special needs won't be easy for a stranger to deal with but Micky can, for the most part. But Micky is hurting, deep inside. He won't admit it, not to anyone, and certainly not to his best friend who is a career crook! But Danny? Danny picks at him, peels away his onion layers and digs deep til Micky really can't help himself.
The world though, is out to get Micky and he has to keep one step ahead of everyone trying to take Flynn away from him.
I loved this, bar one thing . . well maybe BECAUSE of this one thing I loved it, I'm still not sure yet!
Micky is not a bad person, he's just not made the best of choices up to now, but the job with Danny is step in the right direction. He tries HARD, he really does. Flynn is his world, but Danny sneaks in.
Danny is lovely, he knows Micky has his own stuff to deal with, but he will be there for Micky, should Micky need him. And I think Micky DOES need Danny, deeply. Micky might not admit to that fact, but Micky needs Danny, just as much as Flynn needs Micky. And I loved the pair of them, I really did!
That one thing?? Cliff hanger, baby, a massive cliff hanger that my poor kindle is lucky to have survived! Because this is NOT a complete story, no ma'am. This is the first in a trilogy! I didn't really pay attention to the other books, when I was asked if I wanted to read this one, just that THIS book sounded really good. Now, going forward, I will pay more attention, and maybe wait till I have all three parts in trilogies available to me, should I wish to read them!
I need book 2, like yesterday cos fooooooooooooooooooooooooooook me, these guys are gonna kill me, I'm sure, before they get to their Happy Ever After! Oh! Ms White, they DO get there, don't they?? Oh god I hope so!
Anyway!
Loved it!
5 full and slightly dented stars (cos they were flung across the room when I finished this!)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Micky is doing his best to keep his head above water. Looking after his disabled little brother, Flynn is top of that list. getting this new job will help a great deal. He just didn't plan on Danny, his boss. Danny is still suffering after a bad break up, but Micky is a breath of fresh air, even if the man has so many layers. Can they make it work?
Micky is trying, dammit, he really is! He lost his mum a few years ago, and his dad is absent and a deadbeat. Looking after Finn fell on to Micky cos Micky wants to keep Flynn close, to keep the two of them together. Flynn's special needs won't be easy for a stranger to deal with but Micky can, for the most part. But Micky is hurting, deep inside. He won't admit it, not to anyone, and certainly not to his best friend who is a career crook! But Danny? Danny picks at him, peels away his onion layers and digs deep til Micky really can't help himself.
The world though, is out to get Micky and he has to keep one step ahead of everyone trying to take Flynn away from him.
I loved this, bar one thing . . well maybe BECAUSE of this one thing I loved it, I'm still not sure yet!
Micky is not a bad person, he's just not made the best of choices up to now, but the job with Danny is step in the right direction. He tries HARD, he really does. Flynn is his world, but Danny sneaks in.
Danny is lovely, he knows Micky has his own stuff to deal with, but he will be there for Micky, should Micky need him. And I think Micky DOES need Danny, deeply. Micky might not admit to that fact, but Micky needs Danny, just as much as Flynn needs Micky. And I loved the pair of them, I really did!
That one thing?? Cliff hanger, baby, a massive cliff hanger that my poor kindle is lucky to have survived! Because this is NOT a complete story, no ma'am. This is the first in a trilogy! I didn't really pay attention to the other books, when I was asked if I wanted to read this one, just that THIS book sounded really good. Now, going forward, I will pay more attention, and maybe wait till I have all three parts in trilogies available to me, should I wish to read them!
I need book 2, like yesterday cos fooooooooooooooooooooooooooook me, these guys are gonna kill me, I'm sure, before they get to their Happy Ever After! Oh! Ms White, they DO get there, don't they?? Oh god I hope so!
Anyway!
Loved it!
5 full and slightly dented stars (cos they were flung across the room when I finished this!)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**