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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2593 KP) rated Death in the Stacks in Books
Sep 17, 2020 (Updated Sep 17, 2020)
Cameos and Murder
It’s time for the annual Dinner in the Stacks fundraiser at the Briar Creek Public Library, but this year, Lindsey Norris is facing an extra challenge in putting it on. Olive Boyle has just become president of the library’s board, and she is determined to make trouble, even threatening Lindsey’s job. Despite all of this, the fundraiser goes well, until Olive’s body is found in the fiction section just after the event ends. Even though Lindsey swore she’d stop investigating murders, she still finds herself drawn into this case. Olive made enemies everywhere she went. With so many suspects, can Lindsey figure out what happened?
While the mystery has some good twists in it, I did feel the pacing was off overall. Instead, the character’s antics take over at times. As a fan of the series, I can’t complain too much about that, especially since I was laughing at those scenes. Plus, we got some character development that fans of the series will love. Fans of Jenn’s other two mystery series will have fun with the cameos those characters make in this book, although you won’t miss much of you aren’t up to date on those series. The usual assortment of extras at the end will give you something to enjoy after you’ve turned the last page. While the plot pacing does bother me, I was smiling so much while I was reading, it is hard to complain. Other fans of the series will love every page as well.
While the mystery has some good twists in it, I did feel the pacing was off overall. Instead, the character’s antics take over at times. As a fan of the series, I can’t complain too much about that, especially since I was laughing at those scenes. Plus, we got some character development that fans of the series will love. Fans of Jenn’s other two mystery series will have fun with the cameos those characters make in this book, although you won’t miss much of you aren’t up to date on those series. The usual assortment of extras at the end will give you something to enjoy after you’ve turned the last page. While the plot pacing does bother me, I was smiling so much while I was reading, it is hard to complain. Other fans of the series will love every page as well.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Where U From - Single by Mia Ferrari in Music
Jun 25, 2019
Mia Ferrari is a London-based singer-songwriter and Instagram star from Portugal. Not too long ago, she released a lovely electro-pop tune, entitled, “Where U From”.
“Baby tell me where ya from. Can’t tell from ya accent. Bite my lips, tasting ya tongue. Still, don’t know what ya meant. Tryna translate when you text. Hope I don’t regret it. Got so much I wanna say. Not sure if you’ll get it.” – lyrics
Every time Mia meets someone, it doesn’t take too long for that someone to ask her, “Where you from? Because I can’t tell from your accent.”
Her “Where U From” single tells an interesting tale of a young woman who shares a special relationship with a foreign guy whose whispers melts her heart.
Apparently, even though his spelling is okay, he communicates better with his tongue, and his hands talk dirty.
In need of a trip, she finds out where he’s from on the map because she plans on vacationing there soon. Later that night, the guy takes her one thousand miles away, around the world, and now she sees where he comes from.
‘Where U From’ contains a dreamy storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and dance-friendly instrumentation flavored with an electro-pop aroma.
“Regardless of language, feelings emerge and we can only try our best to show them. ‘Where U From’ reflects thoughts and feelings during that time. Also, the choice of transitioning from talking within a language to talking with the body, hoping not to get lost in translation.” – Mia Ferrari
“Baby tell me where ya from. Can’t tell from ya accent. Bite my lips, tasting ya tongue. Still, don’t know what ya meant. Tryna translate when you text. Hope I don’t regret it. Got so much I wanna say. Not sure if you’ll get it.” – lyrics
Every time Mia meets someone, it doesn’t take too long for that someone to ask her, “Where you from? Because I can’t tell from your accent.”
Her “Where U From” single tells an interesting tale of a young woman who shares a special relationship with a foreign guy whose whispers melts her heart.
Apparently, even though his spelling is okay, he communicates better with his tongue, and his hands talk dirty.
In need of a trip, she finds out where he’s from on the map because she plans on vacationing there soon. Later that night, the guy takes her one thousand miles away, around the world, and now she sees where he comes from.
‘Where U From’ contains a dreamy storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and dance-friendly instrumentation flavored with an electro-pop aroma.
“Regardless of language, feelings emerge and we can only try our best to show them. ‘Where U From’ reflects thoughts and feelings during that time. Also, the choice of transitioning from talking within a language to talking with the body, hoping not to get lost in translation.” – Mia Ferrari
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated In My Shoes - Single by Keyra in Music
Jun 25, 2019
Mia Ferrari is a London-based singer-songwriter and Instagram star from Portugal. Not too long ago, she released a lovely electro-pop tune, entitled, “Where U From”.
“Baby tell me where ya from. Can’t tell from ya accent. Bite my lips, tasting ya tongue. Still, don’t know what ya meant. Tryna translate when you text. Hope I don’t regret it. Got so much I wanna say. Not sure if you’ll get it.” – lyrics
Every time Mia meets someone, it doesn’t take too long for that someone to ask her, “Where you from? Because I can’t tell from your accent.”
Her “Where U From” single tells an interesting tale of a young woman who shares a special relationship with a foreign guy whose whispers melts her heart.
Apparently, even though his spelling is okay, he communicates better with his tongue, and his hands talk dirty.
In need of a trip, she finds out where he’s from on the map because she plans on vacationing there soon. Later that night, the guy takes her one thousand miles away, around the world, and now she sees where he comes from.
‘Where U From’ contains a dreamy storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and dance-friendly instrumentation flavored with an electro-pop aroma.
“Regardless of language, feelings emerge and we can only try our best to show them. ‘Where U From’ reflects thoughts and feelings during that time. Also, the choice of transitioning from talking within a language to talking with the body, hoping not to get lost in translation.” – Mia Ferrari
“Baby tell me where ya from. Can’t tell from ya accent. Bite my lips, tasting ya tongue. Still, don’t know what ya meant. Tryna translate when you text. Hope I don’t regret it. Got so much I wanna say. Not sure if you’ll get it.” – lyrics
Every time Mia meets someone, it doesn’t take too long for that someone to ask her, “Where you from? Because I can’t tell from your accent.”
Her “Where U From” single tells an interesting tale of a young woman who shares a special relationship with a foreign guy whose whispers melts her heart.
Apparently, even though his spelling is okay, he communicates better with his tongue, and his hands talk dirty.
In need of a trip, she finds out where he’s from on the map because she plans on vacationing there soon. Later that night, the guy takes her one thousand miles away, around the world, and now she sees where he comes from.
‘Where U From’ contains a dreamy storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and dance-friendly instrumentation flavored with an electro-pop aroma.
“Regardless of language, feelings emerge and we can only try our best to show them. ‘Where U From’ reflects thoughts and feelings during that time. Also, the choice of transitioning from talking within a language to talking with the body, hoping not to get lost in translation.” – Mia Ferrari
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated All The Time - Single by Zara Larsson in Music
Jun 25, 2019
Mia Ferrari is a London-based singer-songwriter and Instagram star from Portugal. Not too long ago, she released a lovely electro-pop tune, entitled, “Where U From”.
“Baby tell me where ya from. Can’t tell from ya accent. Bite my lips, tasting ya tongue. Still, don’t know what ya meant. Tryna translate when you text. Hope I don’t regret it. Got so much I wanna say. Not sure if you’ll get it.” – lyrics
Every time Mia meets someone, it doesn’t take too long for that someone to ask her, “Where you from? Because I can’t tell from your accent.”
Her “Where U From” single tells an interesting tale of a young woman who shares a special relationship with a foreign guy whose whispers melts her heart.
Apparently, even though his spelling is okay, he communicates better with his tongue, and his hands talk dirty.
In need of a trip, she finds out where he’s from on the map because she plans on vacationing there soon. Later that night, the guy takes her one thousand miles away, around the world, and now she sees where he comes from.
‘Where U From’ contains a dreamy storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and dance-friendly instrumentation flavored with an electro-pop aroma.
“Regardless of language, feelings emerge and we can only try our best to show them. ‘Where U From’ reflects thoughts and feelings during that time. Also, the choice of transitioning from talking within a language to talking with the body, hoping not to get lost in translation.” – Mia Ferrari
“Baby tell me where ya from. Can’t tell from ya accent. Bite my lips, tasting ya tongue. Still, don’t know what ya meant. Tryna translate when you text. Hope I don’t regret it. Got so much I wanna say. Not sure if you’ll get it.” – lyrics
Every time Mia meets someone, it doesn’t take too long for that someone to ask her, “Where you from? Because I can’t tell from your accent.”
Her “Where U From” single tells an interesting tale of a young woman who shares a special relationship with a foreign guy whose whispers melts her heart.
Apparently, even though his spelling is okay, he communicates better with his tongue, and his hands talk dirty.
In need of a trip, she finds out where he’s from on the map because she plans on vacationing there soon. Later that night, the guy takes her one thousand miles away, around the world, and now she sees where he comes from.
‘Where U From’ contains a dreamy storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and dance-friendly instrumentation flavored with an electro-pop aroma.
“Regardless of language, feelings emerge and we can only try our best to show them. ‘Where U From’ reflects thoughts and feelings during that time. Also, the choice of transitioning from talking within a language to talking with the body, hoping not to get lost in translation.” – Mia Ferrari
Draw Something Classic
Games and Entertainment
5.0
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"Draw Something is the coolest social drawing game around! Draw and Guess everything from doodles to...
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020) in Movies
May 28, 2020
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released the latest Animated DC film with the impressive Justice League Dark: Apokolips War. The film brings a very impressive cast who voice a large collection of DC heroes and villains in an R-rated film that is gripping and engaging.
When Darkseid (Tony Todd) Threatens the Earth; the Justice League must rally to save the day. What really makes the film shine is not only the very large cast; but the fact that so many heroes and villains from the DC universe come into play and at times take actions that viewers would not normally expect from the characters.
There is a complexity to the movie that one would not usually expect as the characters show their flaws and this is not a collection of pristine heroes vs scenery chewing bad guys.
Characters have baggage as well as strong motivations and even doubt which is very refreshing. The story also can be enjoyed by fans who are well versed in the mythos as well as more casual viewers who may not be as up to date on the actions leading up to the film as well as some of the characters.
The story is dark and mature which is reflected in the R-rating which for me is a great thing as Warner has been doing more and more R-rated animated content which is very appealing as there are far fewer restrictions on story content.
The animation is first-rate and the very impressive cast makes this one that fans will not want to miss.
When Darkseid (Tony Todd) Threatens the Earth; the Justice League must rally to save the day. What really makes the film shine is not only the very large cast; but the fact that so many heroes and villains from the DC universe come into play and at times take actions that viewers would not normally expect from the characters.
There is a complexity to the movie that one would not usually expect as the characters show their flaws and this is not a collection of pristine heroes vs scenery chewing bad guys.
Characters have baggage as well as strong motivations and even doubt which is very refreshing. The story also can be enjoyed by fans who are well versed in the mythos as well as more casual viewers who may not be as up to date on the actions leading up to the film as well as some of the characters.
The story is dark and mature which is reflected in the R-rating which for me is a great thing as Warner has been doing more and more R-rated animated content which is very appealing as there are far fewer restrictions on story content.
The animation is first-rate and the very impressive cast makes this one that fans will not want to miss.
Draw Something
Games and Entertainment
9.0
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"Draw Something is the coolest social drawing game around! Draw and Guess everything from doodles to...
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated The Secret Bridesmaid in Books
Jan 21, 2022
Sometimes you just need a feel good, light read and that is exactly what this is. I read this book in one sitting and I hardly realised that I’d been sat reading for hours until I had finally finished it. I would definitely give it a 4.5 stars overall.
We follow Sophie Breeze, a professional bridesmaid which is like a wedding planner but doesn’t take over and instead makes sure the bride is completely involved with all of the decisions but has a supportive bridesmaid to lean on. Sophie set this up as a business after her and her ex-boyfriend broke up after 8 years together, completely surprising Sophie.
Sophie is extremely likeable, and I found that I had so much in common with her - she is my age, has different things in common with me and looks at life the same way. Which made it a delight to read. She was also very down to earth and very funny, meaning that sometimes I actually properly laughed at some of the situations that she was in (running down the street in a Chewbacca outfit was my personal favourite!) and I think that’s what made it so enjoyable.
I find Katy Birchall’s writing very similar to Beth O’Leary’s, so if you’re a fan of her I would definitely give this book a try! I can’t believe that this is her first adult novel, it’s not obvious at all from the writing. I will be on the lookout for her future work.
We follow Sophie Breeze, a professional bridesmaid which is like a wedding planner but doesn’t take over and instead makes sure the bride is completely involved with all of the decisions but has a supportive bridesmaid to lean on. Sophie set this up as a business after her and her ex-boyfriend broke up after 8 years together, completely surprising Sophie.
Sophie is extremely likeable, and I found that I had so much in common with her - she is my age, has different things in common with me and looks at life the same way. Which made it a delight to read. She was also very down to earth and very funny, meaning that sometimes I actually properly laughed at some of the situations that she was in (running down the street in a Chewbacca outfit was my personal favourite!) and I think that’s what made it so enjoyable.
I find Katy Birchall’s writing very similar to Beth O’Leary’s, so if you’re a fan of her I would definitely give this book a try! I can’t believe that this is her first adult novel, it’s not obvious at all from the writing. I will be on the lookout for her future work.
Merissa (14056 KP) rated Blooded in Books
Sep 30, 2021 (Updated Jul 14, 2023)
BLOODED is a standalone novel that I would love to see made into a series. I'm really not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet.
It is a story of two parts, one longer than the other. We start off in school, with Nick and his friends preparing to graduate. Then we move forward ten years and see how their reality (and they themselves) has changed.
I would love to know more about their magic, and how it works. As I've said, I'm not ready for farewells! Their Mentor-of-the-Month was brilliant and it showed how they were resourceful and prepared to take the grey path in order to achieve the greater good. The relationships between all of them were interesting and showed how close they were. They had had good times and bad, and it reflected this.
Nick and Byron themselves were HOT. I thought it very well written how these two slowly transitioned from student-teacher to being on a level, with many adjustments having to be made on both sides. I loved how they were together and, I'll say this just once again, I still need more! This is a series begging to be written!
A wonderful story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 30, 2021
It is a story of two parts, one longer than the other. We start off in school, with Nick and his friends preparing to graduate. Then we move forward ten years and see how their reality (and they themselves) has changed.
I would love to know more about their magic, and how it works. As I've said, I'm not ready for farewells! Their Mentor-of-the-Month was brilliant and it showed how they were resourceful and prepared to take the grey path in order to achieve the greater good. The relationships between all of them were interesting and showed how close they were. They had had good times and bad, and it reflected this.
Nick and Byron themselves were HOT. I thought it very well written how these two slowly transitioned from student-teacher to being on a level, with many adjustments having to be made on both sides. I loved how they were together and, I'll say this just once again, I still need more! This is a series begging to be written!
A wonderful story that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 30, 2021
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated 1917 (2020) in Movies
Jan 12, 2020
Tour-de-Force filmmaking
I have just viewed the film that WILL WIN the Oscars for Best Picture, Director and Cinematography (and probably many, many more).
Yes, 1917 is that good.
A tour-de-force presentation of a film, 1917 tells the tale of 2 soldiers in WW 1 that are tasked with bringing a message across "no man's land" to prevent a company of soldiers from walking into an ambush.
Director Sam Mendes (SKYFALL) chose to shoot this film in such a way as to give the impression that this film is just one long shot. While it is not (he shot it in about 8 minute bursts), the choreography of the action is staged in such a way that the cuts are seamless and unnoticeable. It is a master class in Directing from Mendes, for - though it is an interesting "gimmick" that puts us (literally) in the shoes (and steps) of the 2 young soldiers on their mission - this gimmick does not get in the way of the film. It helps and enhances the film, you can sit back in your chair and forget about "the gimmick" and just get wrapped up, emotionally, in the story that is being told.
And...getting wrapped up, emotionally, you will be. For the story, events, struggles and triumphs of these 2 soldiers are brilliantly brought to the screen from Director Mendes and Cinematograper-extraordinaire Roger Deakins (14 time Oscar nominee - from SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION to his win, finally, in BLADE RUNNER 2049). These 2 (and their crew) suck you into the action and tensions of the situation. You feel every step that these soldiers take.
Since you spend the entire movie with them, Mendes has done a tremendous job of casting 2 charismatic (but not overly so) actors as the 2 soldiers. Dean-Charles Chapman (Tommen Baratheon in GAME OF THRONES) is determined, focused and single-minded as the lead soldier on this trek - he has personal stakes in this mission - as his brother is in the invasion force that is going to be ambushed. Chapman does a nice job of finding the balance - and making a true person - out of a character that has a single, over-arching mission. It is strong subtle work.
But, to me, the standout in this film is George MacKay (CAPTAIN FANTASTIC) as the buddy who is "brought along". This could have been just another "reluctant war hero" character, but MacKay brings a sense of decency and vulnerability to the early scenes of his character (where he could have just as easily played the "reluctant companion"). These nuanced character dimensions take root later on in the film and elevate this actor - and this role - above the norm.
Mendes brings in a "who's who" of modern British acting stars to fill important extended cameo roles - Colin Firth, Andrew Scott, Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch all bring gravitas and heft to their brief appearances on screen.
This is not the fastest paced film you will ever see - and I think that this serves the film well. It earns its pace and I was drawn in, emotionally, in a way that would not have worked had Mendes rushed the pace (especially early on).
But this film (and Mendes and Deakins) shines during the battle scenes. Even though we are following 2 foot soldiers, they set up the boundaries of these battles in such a way that you understand what is going on - and what is at stake - at least to the 2 soldiers we are following. It is in these scenes that this film really finds its footing. I was drawn even further into the intimate, emotional stakes of these characters at those moments.
A marvelous piece of film making that shows a Director and Cinematographer at the top of their games.
Letter Grade: A
9 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Yes, 1917 is that good.
A tour-de-force presentation of a film, 1917 tells the tale of 2 soldiers in WW 1 that are tasked with bringing a message across "no man's land" to prevent a company of soldiers from walking into an ambush.
Director Sam Mendes (SKYFALL) chose to shoot this film in such a way as to give the impression that this film is just one long shot. While it is not (he shot it in about 8 minute bursts), the choreography of the action is staged in such a way that the cuts are seamless and unnoticeable. It is a master class in Directing from Mendes, for - though it is an interesting "gimmick" that puts us (literally) in the shoes (and steps) of the 2 young soldiers on their mission - this gimmick does not get in the way of the film. It helps and enhances the film, you can sit back in your chair and forget about "the gimmick" and just get wrapped up, emotionally, in the story that is being told.
And...getting wrapped up, emotionally, you will be. For the story, events, struggles and triumphs of these 2 soldiers are brilliantly brought to the screen from Director Mendes and Cinematograper-extraordinaire Roger Deakins (14 time Oscar nominee - from SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION to his win, finally, in BLADE RUNNER 2049). These 2 (and their crew) suck you into the action and tensions of the situation. You feel every step that these soldiers take.
Since you spend the entire movie with them, Mendes has done a tremendous job of casting 2 charismatic (but not overly so) actors as the 2 soldiers. Dean-Charles Chapman (Tommen Baratheon in GAME OF THRONES) is determined, focused and single-minded as the lead soldier on this trek - he has personal stakes in this mission - as his brother is in the invasion force that is going to be ambushed. Chapman does a nice job of finding the balance - and making a true person - out of a character that has a single, over-arching mission. It is strong subtle work.
But, to me, the standout in this film is George MacKay (CAPTAIN FANTASTIC) as the buddy who is "brought along". This could have been just another "reluctant war hero" character, but MacKay brings a sense of decency and vulnerability to the early scenes of his character (where he could have just as easily played the "reluctant companion"). These nuanced character dimensions take root later on in the film and elevate this actor - and this role - above the norm.
Mendes brings in a "who's who" of modern British acting stars to fill important extended cameo roles - Colin Firth, Andrew Scott, Mark Strong and Benedict Cumberbatch all bring gravitas and heft to their brief appearances on screen.
This is not the fastest paced film you will ever see - and I think that this serves the film well. It earns its pace and I was drawn in, emotionally, in a way that would not have worked had Mendes rushed the pace (especially early on).
But this film (and Mendes and Deakins) shines during the battle scenes. Even though we are following 2 foot soldiers, they set up the boundaries of these battles in such a way that you understand what is going on - and what is at stake - at least to the 2 soldiers we are following. It is in these scenes that this film really finds its footing. I was drawn even further into the intimate, emotional stakes of these characters at those moments.
A marvelous piece of film making that shows a Director and Cinematographer at the top of their games.
Letter Grade: A
9 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)