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Sarah (126 KP) rated Memoirs of a Geisha in Books
Jul 12, 2018
A Disappointing Read
When I bought this book, it was because I had seen so much excitement around it - how it was thrilling and unlike anything else.
I really should have saved my money.
When I read a book, or watch a film for that matter, I want to care about the characters and to have something vested in the outcome - be it good or bad. I want to hate the bad guys, to be rooting for the hero/ine. Here, I just didn't. The characters were unsympathetic; whether it was the point of view or the style of writing, I read with a feeling of detachment and no great sense of "what will happen next". Even worse, the ending was a huge disappointment, feeling as if it had been tacked on quickly in order to meet a deadline.
In all honesty, a book I wish I hadn't bothered to persevere with to the end.
I really should have saved my money.
When I read a book, or watch a film for that matter, I want to care about the characters and to have something vested in the outcome - be it good or bad. I want to hate the bad guys, to be rooting for the hero/ine. Here, I just didn't. The characters were unsympathetic; whether it was the point of view or the style of writing, I read with a feeling of detachment and no great sense of "what will happen next". Even worse, the ending was a huge disappointment, feeling as if it had been tacked on quickly in order to meet a deadline.
In all honesty, a book I wish I hadn't bothered to persevere with to the end.
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated All the Crooked Saints in Books
Jul 5, 2018
This book was alright - it was an interesting read but the writing was strange. The Stiefvater books I've read have all been audiobook style (Raven Cycle) so it was strange to read a book on paper like this and it was rough at times to pick apart the context of the book.
The whole Saint aspect was well thought out I think and quite unique to things I have read in the past as far as magical realism goes. There was also a plethora of great characters to choose from to be your favourite from the start. The book doesn't generally focus on any one in particular even though it's about the three cousins I feel equal play time was given to the pilgrims so it was a joy in that aspect.
If it weren't for the difficult shift in head space, going from one character straight into another's thoughts I think this book would have been utterly joyful! But a solid 3.5 stars anyway!
The whole Saint aspect was well thought out I think and quite unique to things I have read in the past as far as magical realism goes. There was also a plethora of great characters to choose from to be your favourite from the start. The book doesn't generally focus on any one in particular even though it's about the three cousins I feel equal play time was given to the pilgrims so it was a joy in that aspect.
If it weren't for the difficult shift in head space, going from one character straight into another's thoughts I think this book would have been utterly joyful! But a solid 3.5 stars anyway!
Dean (6926 KP) rated Mile 22 (2018) in Movies
Sep 24, 2018
Great action scenes (1 more)
Bloody and brutal 18 certificate
Great action film
I really don't get the critic and low ratings for this film. This ticks all the boxes for an 18 rated film. Good to see things not watered down just to achieve a 15 rating. A film with close proximity fights to the death and shoot outs is going to be bloody!
I'd say it one of best action films in quite a while. It's a mix of a Bourne storyline and ideas with @Heat (1995) style shoot outs and fights featuring Iko Uwais from @The Raid (2011)
Personally I didn't find the plot confusing which has been mentioned in a few reviews and it has a neat twist as well.
If you like your action, brutal, gritty and with a bit more realism this is a film you will enjoy.
I'd say it one of best action films in quite a while. It's a mix of a Bourne storyline and ideas with @Heat (1995) style shoot outs and fights featuring Iko Uwais from @The Raid (2011)
Personally I didn't find the plot confusing which has been mentioned in a few reviews and it has a neat twist as well.
If you like your action, brutal, gritty and with a bit more realism this is a film you will enjoy.
Joelene Marie (28 KP) rated How to Murder Your Life in Books
Oct 1, 2018
Compulsively readable, feels more like a novel than an autobiography. At times I found myself able to relate to her or almost feeling sorry for her, at least in regards to her childhood, while other times I found her to be truly obnoxious and off-putting, especially in not accepting responsibility for her actions. However, I enjoyed her style of writing and I commend her bravery in putting her life and her struggles with addiction out there for the world to see, and judge. I imagine that every author dreads the bad reviews but when it's a book about your life that has to sting twice as hard. Hopefully her story will inspire others dealing with the same issues to turn things around. Curious to see if/how she will continue her literary career, perhaps a novel will be in her future (I certainly hope so!) *Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!*
Cumberland (1142 KP) rated The Wanderer in Books
Oct 7, 2018
Not A Lot Going On
This book is intended for middle grade readers, so I was expecting a simple story. It ended up being to simple. The author underestimates what the reader will follow and comprehen, and the story greatly suffers because of this. The characters were interesting, but I would have liked the writer to spend more time explaining the characters past and showing them develop new relationships. Cody and his dad particularly had a relationship that I would have liked to know more about.
I did enjoy the story style of change back and forth between Cody's and Sophie's journals. They both had unique views on the events happening around them, and Cody's point of view gave the reader some much needed insight on Sophie.
Overall this was a quick read, and it did have some strong points; however the story feels as if its missing something that keeps it from being anything special.
I did enjoy the story style of change back and forth between Cody's and Sophie's journals. They both had unique views on the events happening around them, and Cody's point of view gave the reader some much needed insight on Sophie.
Overall this was a quick read, and it did have some strong points; however the story feels as if its missing something that keeps it from being anything special.
Lee (2222 KP) rated I Kill Giants (2017) in Movies
Oct 28, 2018
I KILL GIANTS is a movie I'd never heard of before until I stumbled across it on Netflix. Based on a graphic novel, I Kill Giants tells the story of Barbara, a young teen who lives with her older sister and brother. Barbara doesn't really have any friends, is bullied at school, is thought of as weird by everyone and is currently seeing the school psychologist (when she can be bothered). She also sets traps and bait in order to catch and kill giants, researching the different types of giants and preparing herself for when the time comes that she must protect the town from a really big one. If you've seen A MONSTER CALLS then this movie treads very similar ground to that and is also similar in style. I wasn't quite as emotional at the end of this movie as I was at the end of that one, but I did find it just as enjoyable
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Maisy Goes to the Library in Books
Nov 14, 2018
Another cute little Maisy book which my daughter enjoyed. My local library has recently reopened after being closed for over a year for refurbishments so I thought I would celebrate with my daughter with a book about the library. It was cute and all done in the original Maisy style. There were only a couple things to do with the storyline which I wasn't so keen on. The book introduced us to some services that may not be available in your local library, so it might be worth having a read through first before reading it to a child as once you say 'oh, we can't do that at ours', you might have a disappointed kiddie. Also, I would of liked if the book focused more on the 'books' part of the library more than just messing around with friends. In my opinion this meant that this book missed some really good opportunities to make libraries more exciting for children.
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Girl on the Edge in Books
Nov 30, 2018
CD Reiss has destroyed me yet again in this incredible book.
WOW, what an ending!? CD Reiss has destroyed me yet again in this incredible book.
In Girl on the Edge, we meet Caden and Greyson, a military couple, having found each other during the harsh realities of war. After returning home to New York to try and start a life as a married couple, everything begins to change, testing the limits of even the most hardened soldier. Watching these two fight for each other without limits, again and again, was beautiful and heartbreaking. Their commitment, strength and undying love overflowed from the pages and I was crushed at every obstacle they endured and my heart swelled with each step forward. Highly recommended author and book - I've been a fan of Christine's for years and she always finds some new creative twist and Girl of the Edge was no different! War, love and just the right amount of CD Reiss-style sass.. ;-)
In Girl on the Edge, we meet Caden and Greyson, a military couple, having found each other during the harsh realities of war. After returning home to New York to try and start a life as a married couple, everything begins to change, testing the limits of even the most hardened soldier. Watching these two fight for each other without limits, again and again, was beautiful and heartbreaking. Their commitment, strength and undying love overflowed from the pages and I was crushed at every obstacle they endured and my heart swelled with each step forward. Highly recommended author and book - I've been a fan of Christine's for years and she always finds some new creative twist and Girl of the Edge was no different! War, love and just the right amount of CD Reiss-style sass.. ;-)
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Night Voyage: A Magical Adventure and Coloring Book in Books
Jan 2, 2019
From the creative story to the detailed artwork, Daria Song has brought us another fantastic coloring book. Continuing with the dream style story and beautiful pages, this book is sure to keep me occupied for hours. Coloring has becoming a peaceful and quiet outlet for me over the past year or so. Expressing creativity on paper through color is one of my favorite things to do. If you have not experienced the joy of putting your pencil to page, Daria's series is an excellent place to start. I enjoy the intricate detail of her work. I have always had an obsession with stars and Daria's stars have a very unique personality which I love. Purchase your copy today and be whisked into a magical world of dreams and color.
I received a free copy of The Night Voyage from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a free copy of The Night Voyage from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Bluff in Books
Dec 11, 2018
A fun romp.
This book was so much fun, and made me wonder why I hadn't read any previous titles written by this author. It's almost like Jackie Collins Lite. A fun, fast-paced read during which the reader does not need to expend extra brain power to figure things out, Bluff begins with the high-society murder of the century, and takes you on a rollicking ride with Maud Warner, Jean Sunderland and Danya, and various other quirky characters who help to flesh out the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style. The story came together pretty seamlessly. There were several small reveals throughout the story, delivered in such a way that they didn't seem like reveals. One of them had me practically cheering out loud - hell yes, ladies!
While I do wish there had been more poker involved, the poker scenes that are included are well done and interesting.
Thank you to Bookish First and Poisoned Pen Press for the digital ARE!
I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style. The story came together pretty seamlessly. There were several small reveals throughout the story, delivered in such a way that they didn't seem like reveals. One of them had me practically cheering out loud - hell yes, ladies!
While I do wish there had been more poker involved, the poker scenes that are included are well done and interesting.
Thank you to Bookish First and Poisoned Pen Press for the digital ARE!