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Disappointing.
I have to admit that I took a chance on this book. The main theme appealed to me: an 'old-boy' type institution where a girl tries to question all of the highly questionable, chauvinistic opinions of the boys who go there. Something bad happens to the girl, Jules, but I really think that the fallout from the act committed against her is far too glossed over and rushed. This is the point at which I realised just how much this book was aimed at the teen market and not at me (I should have realised before I started). However, I STILL think that it should have been more explicit - the act and what happened afterwards to the girl. How can our children learn what is acceptable and what is not until we tell them EXACTLY what is NOT acceptable? I really feel that far too much attention was paid to the main male protagonist, Jamie, especially after the attack, but I can see why. He also showed the opposite side of the story to the privilege of the other students. This could have been a whole separate book though, I feel.
I'm not so sure that Kiely wrote the female characters very well. The other females all seemed rather vacuous and 'thin'. Whilst some girls are like this, I still feel that in this day and age, there would have been more girls who would have felt they should come down firmly on Jules' side. That is perhaps naive of me, and this is far more true to life. This would raise some very interesting discussion points with young people though, I'm sure.
I'm not so sure that Kiely wrote the female characters very well. The other females all seemed rather vacuous and 'thin'. Whilst some girls are like this, I still feel that in this day and age, there would have been more girls who would have felt they should come down firmly on Jules' side. That is perhaps naive of me, and this is far more true to life. This would raise some very interesting discussion points with young people though, I'm sure.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Day Of The Accident in Books
Dec 6, 2018
Full review can be found on my blog: www.diaryofdifference.com
When Maggie wakes up from a coma, her whole life has changed. The nurse tells her that she has been in an accident, her little daughter is dead, and her husband sold the house and left her.
Maggie doesn’t remember a thing.
With no home, no family, and no memory, she has to find a way and discover what happened that day.
A thriller that will uncover the greatest of secrets everyone could have. A nail-biter, this one, I tell you.
The character of Maggie was so well formed, that love between a mother and her little daughter is expressed in such a lovely and caring way. A book that will be definitely hard to read for all the parents out there, but a very good one.
I especially loved the part with the letters – it was such a unique way to present …
… present what?
I am not telling you. Go and read it, duhh!
The scenes are so vivid and realistic and the little Virginia Woolf Easter eggs thrown across the pages of this book were so precious. Thrilling story and plot that keeps you on your toes. I haven’t read anything this good in a while!
If you are looking for a book to keep you up at night – this is the one.
If you are looking for the great plot twist – there isn’t only one plot twist…
I highly recommend it to all of the mystery lovers that are reading my review.
A masterpiece.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Books UK, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
When Maggie wakes up from a coma, her whole life has changed. The nurse tells her that she has been in an accident, her little daughter is dead, and her husband sold the house and left her.
Maggie doesn’t remember a thing.
With no home, no family, and no memory, she has to find a way and discover what happened that day.
A thriller that will uncover the greatest of secrets everyone could have. A nail-biter, this one, I tell you.
The character of Maggie was so well formed, that love between a mother and her little daughter is expressed in such a lovely and caring way. A book that will be definitely hard to read for all the parents out there, but a very good one.
I especially loved the part with the letters – it was such a unique way to present …
… present what?
I am not telling you. Go and read it, duhh!
The scenes are so vivid and realistic and the little Virginia Woolf Easter eggs thrown across the pages of this book were so precious. Thrilling story and plot that keeps you on your toes. I haven’t read anything this good in a while!
If you are looking for a book to keep you up at night – this is the one.
If you are looking for the great plot twist – there isn’t only one plot twist…
I highly recommend it to all of the mystery lovers that are reading my review.
A masterpiece.
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Books UK, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Fairest - Levana's Story in Books
Jan 2, 2019
***If you have not read the series please be aware of possible spoilers. These books are NOT stand alones and must be read in order.***
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! While this book technically goes between Cress and Winter I only just read it (3 months after reading Winter which didn't hinder my enjoyment of Winter in the least. However, I DO recommend reading Fairest in the proper order. ). And let me tell you....The moon has been visible every day this week and I keep looking at it and thinking, "Hmmm, I wonder if Levana can see me...."
I do NOT like Levana...AT ALL...And this book did not change that. I do not have compassion for her. I do not see ANY good in her. BUT, this book was REALLY REALLY well written, and it gives us SO MUCH INSIGHT into Levana's past. Although I DO feel bad for the whole reason she wears a veil. Knowing that if that event hadn't taken place that maybe she would have turned out nicer, but it is doubtful. She is a cunning queen. She knows what she is doing, and sees the long term goals. Too bad she didn't have at least a smidgen of good in her. Although she does raise her step-daughter...But let's not get into my feelings on that...Levana is the epitome of evil. Yet the world that Marissa Meyer has created is spectacular.
I borrowed the audiobook copy of Fairest from my local library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! While this book technically goes between Cress and Winter I only just read it (3 months after reading Winter which didn't hinder my enjoyment of Winter in the least. However, I DO recommend reading Fairest in the proper order. ). And let me tell you....The moon has been visible every day this week and I keep looking at it and thinking, "Hmmm, I wonder if Levana can see me...."
I do NOT like Levana...AT ALL...And this book did not change that. I do not have compassion for her. I do not see ANY good in her. BUT, this book was REALLY REALLY well written, and it gives us SO MUCH INSIGHT into Levana's past. Although I DO feel bad for the whole reason she wears a veil. Knowing that if that event hadn't taken place that maybe she would have turned out nicer, but it is doubtful. She is a cunning queen. She knows what she is doing, and sees the long term goals. Too bad she didn't have at least a smidgen of good in her. Although she does raise her step-daughter...But let's not get into my feelings on that...Levana is the epitome of evil. Yet the world that Marissa Meyer has created is spectacular.
I borrowed the audiobook copy of Fairest from my local library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Great ideas for Christmas presents. Maybe I will be able to get ahead for next year!
There is nothing worse than starting a project and realising that you need 2 or 3 (or 4) skeins for that adorable baby blanket, or the cardigan that would be perfect for your nephew. One-Skein Wonders® solves that problem! One skein (granted some of the skeins are rather large) and that is all you need. From toys and blankets, to caps and sweaters. You are sure to love the adorable project bursting with color and creativity on every page!
If you are anything like me, you will be scrambling for the next few weeks crocheting like mad in order to get all of your projects done before Christmas Eve! Let me tell you, this book has 101 fun projects requiring only one skein. Mommy and Me Legwarmers and Tiny Tango Vest are a couple of my favorites. This will be the perfect pattern book to start your presents early for next year. This wonderful collection of patterns is put together very well! I wish had more time, because I would love to make a lot of the items in this book. The projects are very cute and the pictures depict them very well. The symbol key, abbreviations and glossary were very helpful and easy to understand. The patterns themselves have been designed with a lot of thought and are easy to understand.
I received a free digital copy of Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies from Storey Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
There is nothing worse than starting a project and realising that you need 2 or 3 (or 4) skeins for that adorable baby blanket, or the cardigan that would be perfect for your nephew. One-Skein Wonders® solves that problem! One skein (granted some of the skeins are rather large) and that is all you need. From toys and blankets, to caps and sweaters. You are sure to love the adorable project bursting with color and creativity on every page!
If you are anything like me, you will be scrambling for the next few weeks crocheting like mad in order to get all of your projects done before Christmas Eve! Let me tell you, this book has 101 fun projects requiring only one skein. Mommy and Me Legwarmers and Tiny Tango Vest are a couple of my favorites. This will be the perfect pattern book to start your presents early for next year. This wonderful collection of patterns is put together very well! I wish had more time, because I would love to make a lot of the items in this book. The projects are very cute and the pictures depict them very well. The symbol key, abbreviations and glossary were very helpful and easy to understand. The patterns themselves have been designed with a lot of thought and are easy to understand.
I received a free digital copy of Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies from Storey Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Marylegs (44 KP) rated Life of Pi in Books
Aug 14, 2019
So Life of Pi, a story of Indian boy castaway in a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger for 277 days. This is a story of human endurance and spiritual belief. The story is beautifully written and being a non-religious person I enjoyed that fact that this young boy embraces all religions he comes across and values them all equally and sees the best in each. I was slightly worried the religious aspects would be off putting for me but I believe they added depth and beauty to this story.
Unfortunately I came to read this book after having seen the film so I found it hard not to picture what I had already seen. Also, it meant I already knew how the story ended. I wish I had read the book before seeing the film as I think the story would have been better leaving the ending unknown. It was hard to get caught up with the revelations when they are revealed before you begin. I kept applying what I knew of the story’s ending to the book as I read.
I enjoyed that the story was written as if Pi himself were telling it to me, other than a couple of brief chapters were the journalist is making observations about Pi and his home. It isn’t hard to feel for Pi and knowing he survives to tell his story allows you to fully immerse in his pain and suffering. I would recommend this book, if you haven’t seen the film yet please read the book first so as not to ruin the story and how it unfolds.
Unfortunately I came to read this book after having seen the film so I found it hard not to picture what I had already seen. Also, it meant I already knew how the story ended. I wish I had read the book before seeing the film as I think the story would have been better leaving the ending unknown. It was hard to get caught up with the revelations when they are revealed before you begin. I kept applying what I knew of the story’s ending to the book as I read.
I enjoyed that the story was written as if Pi himself were telling it to me, other than a couple of brief chapters were the journalist is making observations about Pi and his home. It isn’t hard to feel for Pi and knowing he survives to tell his story allows you to fully immerse in his pain and suffering. I would recommend this book, if you haven’t seen the film yet please read the book first so as not to ruin the story and how it unfolds.
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Reaper (Birds of a Feather #5) in Books
Dec 19, 2018
Reaper (Birds of a Feather #5) by Lena North
Reaper is the fifth and final book in the Birds of a Feather series, and it goes out with a bang! Annie is spying on Wilder's ranch, with something to tell them, and not sure of her reception or the reaction once she does. It feels strange for her to mingle amongst people she feels like she already knows, and yet doesn't. Olly is his usual taciturn self, and yet Annie breaks through his barriers easy enough. Things don't go easy for the two of them though, and the whole gang gets involved to keep Annie safe until Olly retrieves his head out of his butt!
What a finale. Seriously, it was fantastic. I love Olly, I have done all the way through this series, but I will admit to enjoying seeing him make a fool of himself. I wasn't too impressed with some of his behaviour though, and was glad he was made to see the error of his ways.
So many characters, so many stories. I can't say out of all of them which are my favourites! Lena North has done an amazing job of making each of these characters and situations completely different, and yet maintaining the overall storyline. I wasn't sure at the beginning if I would like these as much as I did The Dreughan Trilogy. I can now confirm that yes, I did - absolutely!
For a fantastic coming-of-age story, then I can definitely recommend this whole series, and basically anything written by Lena North too!
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
What a finale. Seriously, it was fantastic. I love Olly, I have done all the way through this series, but I will admit to enjoying seeing him make a fool of himself. I wasn't too impressed with some of his behaviour though, and was glad he was made to see the error of his ways.
So many characters, so many stories. I can't say out of all of them which are my favourites! Lena North has done an amazing job of making each of these characters and situations completely different, and yet maintaining the overall storyline. I wasn't sure at the beginning if I would like these as much as I did The Dreughan Trilogy. I can now confirm that yes, I did - absolutely!
For a fantastic coming-of-age story, then I can definitely recommend this whole series, and basically anything written by Lena North too!
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Paddington 2 (2017) in Movies
Jul 8, 2019
The loveable marmalade sandwich loving bear is back. This time, Paddington
has found a home with the Brown family, and spends his days with new found
friends throughout London. Eager to find the “perfect gift” for his Aunt
Lucy’s 100th birthday, Paddington takes on several odd jobs in hopes of
purchasing a pop-up book of London that is for sale at an antique shop.
Little does Paddington know, this pop-up book carries the clues to a
treasure chest.
Narcissistic, has been actor Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant)
learns that said pop-up in fact does exist, he puts his acting skills to
use and transforms himself into various characters to steal it. Witness to
the burglary, Paddington pursues the thief, but ends up being blamed for
the crime and gets put in prison. The Brown family, along with all of
Paddington’s closest friends try to clear Paddington’s name by uncovering
all the clues to get the book back before Buchanan locates the treasure.
It’s safe to say a sequel was expected after a successful first run. This
film definitely follows the template of the first, with the same amount of
exuberance, curiosity, and laughter.
You can’t help but fall in love with
Paddington. I must admit, Hugh Grant stole the show. His villainous
attempt at portraying 12 different characters was phenomenal. You can tell
he was having a fun time with his characters. A delightful, sweet movie
the whole family will enjoy that mainly focuses on the importance of being
kind and with kindness friends and help are always there. Nice guys always
finish first!
has found a home with the Brown family, and spends his days with new found
friends throughout London. Eager to find the “perfect gift” for his Aunt
Lucy’s 100th birthday, Paddington takes on several odd jobs in hopes of
purchasing a pop-up book of London that is for sale at an antique shop.
Little does Paddington know, this pop-up book carries the clues to a
treasure chest.
Narcissistic, has been actor Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant)
learns that said pop-up in fact does exist, he puts his acting skills to
use and transforms himself into various characters to steal it. Witness to
the burglary, Paddington pursues the thief, but ends up being blamed for
the crime and gets put in prison. The Brown family, along with all of
Paddington’s closest friends try to clear Paddington’s name by uncovering
all the clues to get the book back before Buchanan locates the treasure.
It’s safe to say a sequel was expected after a successful first run. This
film definitely follows the template of the first, with the same amount of
exuberance, curiosity, and laughter.
You can’t help but fall in love with
Paddington. I must admit, Hugh Grant stole the show. His villainous
attempt at portraying 12 different characters was phenomenal. You can tell
he was having a fun time with his characters. A delightful, sweet movie
the whole family will enjoy that mainly focuses on the importance of being
kind and with kindness friends and help are always there. Nice guys always
finish first!
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