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Caroline Kelly (4 KP) rated Origin in Books
Nov 17, 2017
Where are we from and where are we going?
I first read Dan Brown back in the hyped up days of the Da Vinci Code. Having loved that, I read the rest of his books and even purchased his last book. So when I saw he had a new book out, I had to try it. Dan Brown continues to write in the same easy reading style of previous books. The concept of where we are from and where we are going really intrigued me. I won't spoil the book by telling you where he thinks the human race are going but I liked the concept and could see quite easily how it is possible
If you liked his previous books and like Professor Langdon, I'd recommend this to you.
If you liked his previous books and like Professor Langdon, I'd recommend this to you.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Tenth of December in Books
Nov 21, 2017
Dark, disturbing and satirical
This collection of short stories cannot be pigeon-holed. In this oddly disjointed, surreal collection, the underlying issues in modern American culture are loudly explored. George Saunders' breathless writing style floods over terrible realities and hard truths, leaving the reader gasping in its wake.
Tenth of December handles its running themes in a poignant, individual and certainly irreverent way. Narcissistic ideas of charity stems from trivial competition, while sheer denial is shown in the face of true poverty. Generations breed generations, passing on corrupted ideals and traumatic examples. Paedophilia, racism, poverty: nothing is safe from these chastising, powerful stories.
Saunders leaves an expunged, brutally telling view of the American dream. In his futuristic imaginings, he exaggerates the failings of Western consumerism, yet ultimately his message is clear: When one tries to have it all, they're left with nothing.
Tenth of December handles its running themes in a poignant, individual and certainly irreverent way. Narcissistic ideas of charity stems from trivial competition, while sheer denial is shown in the face of true poverty. Generations breed generations, passing on corrupted ideals and traumatic examples. Paedophilia, racism, poverty: nothing is safe from these chastising, powerful stories.
Saunders leaves an expunged, brutally telling view of the American dream. In his futuristic imaginings, he exaggerates the failings of Western consumerism, yet ultimately his message is clear: When one tries to have it all, they're left with nothing.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Tongues in Books
Dec 12, 2017
Since I'm torn between four stars and five stars then I will give this crazy read four and 1/2 stars. I don't think that crazy is the correct term for what I need. This read had some sick and repulsive scenes .... definitely some of the best I've encountered in sometime and contains just the right amount of evil and chaos that pushes your mind into boundary lines that you never knew existed. I recommend you read this book when you have the time to do it all in one sitting because if it hadn't been for prior commitments, that's exactly what I would have done... read it all in one day. The author's writing style and descriptive prose make this a MUST read. However, if you have a weak stomach then read at your own peril.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Toma (The Dark Shadows #2) in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.
I loved this book just as much as I loved the first one. Toma is exactly as I envisioned him to be and so much more. Thanks to the author's creative writing style you are able to feel every single emotion that Anika and Toma experience. I even found myself calling Toma not so many nice names because though he is trying to do the right thing at times he also is being a jerk. Be forewarned that once you start reading this book you won't want to put it down and I say this because I stayed up late to finish.
I cannot wait to read the next installment.
I loved this book just as much as I loved the first one. Toma is exactly as I envisioned him to be and so much more. Thanks to the author's creative writing style you are able to feel every single emotion that Anika and Toma experience. I even found myself calling Toma not so many nice names because though he is trying to do the right thing at times he also is being a jerk. Be forewarned that once you start reading this book you won't want to put it down and I say this because I stayed up late to finish.
I cannot wait to read the next installment.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Once Upon a Road Trip (Once Upon a Road Trip, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
In [Once Upon A Road Trip] [Angela N. Blount] tells of a coming of age/finding yourself journey for the internet age. Angeli at the age of 18 has no idea what she wants to do. She would like to be a writer or even a minister. Her desire to figure it all out takes her on a journey through the US stopping and staying with people she has met on the internet. Before you all get like all the adults and say she is crazy, understand she had a plan. Also it was families she was staying with not weirdos.
I loved most of the style and voice of this book. In fact I plan to recommended to a few former students who are going through similar angst. The ending was predictable though. Perhaps I should not have read the dedication first.
I loved most of the style and voice of this book. In fact I plan to recommended to a few former students who are going through similar angst. The ending was predictable though. Perhaps I should not have read the dedication first.
Jenny Houle (24 KP) rated The Night Ocean in Books
Jan 13, 2018
I received an ARC for an unbiased review of THE NIGHT OCEAN by Paul La Farge.
This is not a book one can pick up and put down to come back to in a few days, nor is it really a book one can read in a location where there are much distractions. I would find myself having to back up over a few pages to try to remember the where/who/what of the current place in the book.
La Farge has a unique writing style, intertwining the voices of several narrators almost seamlessly, allowing us to believe, as readers, that an entire section is true, only to be told in the next section, that large pieces of it were...in fact...a lie. It was an absolute mindfuck and totally worth the time it took to read it.
This is not a book one can pick up and put down to come back to in a few days, nor is it really a book one can read in a location where there are much distractions. I would find myself having to back up over a few pages to try to remember the where/who/what of the current place in the book.
La Farge has a unique writing style, intertwining the voices of several narrators almost seamlessly, allowing us to believe, as readers, that an entire section is true, only to be told in the next section, that large pieces of it were...in fact...a lie. It was an absolute mindfuck and totally worth the time it took to read it.
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.
Sarah (7799 KP) rated Atomic Blonde (2017) in Movies
Aug 16, 2017
Soundtrack (1 more)
Fight scenes
Style over substance?
This is basically a slightly above average spy film - given the above average rating solely based on the killer soundtrack and great action scenes. Charlize Theron makes a pretty good kick ass action star. However the plot itself is a bit confusing at times, drags quite a lot and seems to have almost been pushed to the background in favour of the stylish music and fight scenes. The basic premise as well is sadly lacking in originality, it's so similar to numerous other spy films just with a cool 80s setting. It does however have a great supporting cast, but James McAvoy has been massively underused in this as he's a fantastic actor and needed more screen time. The ending was alright though, just a shame it took so long to get there.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Dust (Dust, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Dust by Joan Frances Turner
Genre: Adult fiction, Zombie
ISBN: 9780441019281
Pub date: September 7, 2010
Rating: DNF
Dust was a great idea, had great potential for a plot, and had great characters. But all I was reading were run-on sentences, fragments, and comma splices. Although I understand that writing novels allows for more creativity and independent writing style, I had trouble understanding it because it was so hard to read.
I hate not being able to give this book more than 35 pages (ARC) but in all honesty, a book that is hard to understand and frustrates me is not one I can enjoy anyway, no matter how good the story is.
Dust is published on September7th. Check out some other reviews before making a final opinion.
This review is copyright Haley Mathiot and Night Owl Reviews.
Genre: Adult fiction, Zombie
ISBN: 9780441019281
Pub date: September 7, 2010
Rating: DNF
Dust was a great idea, had great potential for a plot, and had great characters. But all I was reading were run-on sentences, fragments, and comma splices. Although I understand that writing novels allows for more creativity and independent writing style, I had trouble understanding it because it was so hard to read.
I hate not being able to give this book more than 35 pages (ARC) but in all honesty, a book that is hard to understand and frustrates me is not one I can enjoy anyway, no matter how good the story is.
Dust is published on September7th. Check out some other reviews before making a final opinion.
This review is copyright Haley Mathiot and Night Owl Reviews.
Acanthea Grimscythe (300 KP) rated My Best Friend's Exorcism in Books
May 16, 2018
I have a new guilty pleasure and it’s name is Grady Hendrix. After finishing My Best Friend’s Exorcism, I find myself hungering for more of Hendrix’s work. Fortunately, the audiobook was not read by the same narrator as Horrorstör. Instead, this 80s style book is read by Emily WooZeller – the woman that narrated Shallow Graves.
My Best Friend’s Exorcism reads exactly like a cliché. If you’ve seen any horror film from the 80s, you probably know exactly what I mean. All the way down to the dog. Normally this would put me off, but instead I found it oddly comforting. Totaling only ten hours, it’s not a terribly long read either.
I really wish I had more to say, but honestly with that last description I’ve pretty much said everything. Just take your average 80s horror flick elements and apply them!
My Best Friend’s Exorcism reads exactly like a cliché. If you’ve seen any horror film from the 80s, you probably know exactly what I mean. All the way down to the dog. Normally this would put me off, but instead I found it oddly comforting. Totaling only ten hours, it’s not a terribly long read either.
I really wish I had more to say, but honestly with that last description I’ve pretty much said everything. Just take your average 80s horror flick elements and apply them!