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Terra's World
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Terra, which Neil Gaiman said reminded him of Douglas Adams,Terry Pratchett and Roald Dahl, launched...
Lottie disney bookworm (1056 KP) rated The Magic of Terry Pratchett in Books
May 27, 2020
As a child who was brought up in a house of Discworld stories, with a stepfather who (still) proudly displays the Clarecraft Rincewind figurine which bears an uncanny likeness to him, and a mother who has a matching Nanny Ogg (it bears no likeness but let’s just say encompasses a couple of her characteristics), this was an ARC that I was frankly desperate to read. I have to thank Netgalley and Marc Burrows for granting me this opportunity. My opinions are enthusiastic, and entirely my own.
As a 32 year old female, mother and accountant you may be forgiven for expecting my book reviews to be based around chick-lit or classical novels and, although it is the case that I own several very well-read copies of Pride & Prejudice, I am wholly a child of the sci-fi/fantasy genre. Terry Pratchett novels sit alongside George RR Martin, Terry Brooks, David Eddings and Ursula Le Guin in my house; I owned and loved Discworld computer games and probably know every word to the film Labyrinth.
It could therefore be said that I would find Marc Burrow’s biography fascinating regardless: however, I am ashamed to say that, before reading this book, I knew very little about the life of the author whose books I admire so much.
Burrows structures his writing predictably enough, running through the life of Terry Pratchett chronologically, from his working-class upbringing; his career in journalism; the progression in popularity of his novels; his knighthood all the way up to his untimely death from Alzheimer’s. However, this is where an affiliation to any standard biography ends.
It is immediately apparent that Marc Burrows is an avid Terry Pratchett fan, even without reading his foreword, due to the inclusion of footnotes: a writing style which is synonymous with Pratchett. This allows Burrows, as it did with Pratchett, to provide little notes and details which cannot be in the main text without limiting the reading experience. It also allows both authors to inject a large amount of humour into their writing.
It should also be mentioned that no book has gripped me from the introduction in a long time, although I am fairly sure no other book would use the word “crotch” before we even reach Chapter One!
‘The Magic of Terry Pratchett’ is a clever, well-informed biography which perfectly encompasses the humour of the Discworld creator whilst educating the reader of his journey to becoming the icon that he is today. I have no doubt that this has been a labour of love for Marc Burrows: when the kindle says you have 20 minutes reading time left and you have reached the bibliography, you know that a whole lot of research has been done!
Sir Terry also had the tendency to embellish his stories and this is a factor Burrows does not try to hide; highlighting when facts don't quite add up and almost analysing the situation to try and discern the truth. This was such a refreshing approach to a biography: the wool is not pulled over the eyes of the reader, nor the subject blindly believed for convenience.
It is important to note that this book transgresses the existence of Discworld and “the business with the elephant” and encompasses all of Sir Terry’s work: from short stories in the local paper to his TV documentary on assisted death.
The reader will also learn of the involvement of Rhianna Pratchett in her father’s work and discover that the “man in the hat” was not always the easiest man to work with.
I am going to need at least 3 copies upon release- can we preorder?
As a 32 year old female, mother and accountant you may be forgiven for expecting my book reviews to be based around chick-lit or classical novels and, although it is the case that I own several very well-read copies of Pride & Prejudice, I am wholly a child of the sci-fi/fantasy genre. Terry Pratchett novels sit alongside George RR Martin, Terry Brooks, David Eddings and Ursula Le Guin in my house; I owned and loved Discworld computer games and probably know every word to the film Labyrinth.
It could therefore be said that I would find Marc Burrow’s biography fascinating regardless: however, I am ashamed to say that, before reading this book, I knew very little about the life of the author whose books I admire so much.
Burrows structures his writing predictably enough, running through the life of Terry Pratchett chronologically, from his working-class upbringing; his career in journalism; the progression in popularity of his novels; his knighthood all the way up to his untimely death from Alzheimer’s. However, this is where an affiliation to any standard biography ends.
It is immediately apparent that Marc Burrows is an avid Terry Pratchett fan, even without reading his foreword, due to the inclusion of footnotes: a writing style which is synonymous with Pratchett. This allows Burrows, as it did with Pratchett, to provide little notes and details which cannot be in the main text without limiting the reading experience. It also allows both authors to inject a large amount of humour into their writing.
It should also be mentioned that no book has gripped me from the introduction in a long time, although I am fairly sure no other book would use the word “crotch” before we even reach Chapter One!
‘The Magic of Terry Pratchett’ is a clever, well-informed biography which perfectly encompasses the humour of the Discworld creator whilst educating the reader of his journey to becoming the icon that he is today. I have no doubt that this has been a labour of love for Marc Burrows: when the kindle says you have 20 minutes reading time left and you have reached the bibliography, you know that a whole lot of research has been done!
Sir Terry also had the tendency to embellish his stories and this is a factor Burrows does not try to hide; highlighting when facts don't quite add up and almost analysing the situation to try and discern the truth. This was such a refreshing approach to a biography: the wool is not pulled over the eyes of the reader, nor the subject blindly believed for convenience.
It is important to note that this book transgresses the existence of Discworld and “the business with the elephant” and encompasses all of Sir Terry’s work: from short stories in the local paper to his TV documentary on assisted death.
The reader will also learn of the involvement of Rhianna Pratchett in her father’s work and discover that the “man in the hat” was not always the easiest man to work with.
I am going to need at least 3 copies upon release- can we preorder?
Hitchcock Blonde
4.0
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First published to tie-in with the Royal Court Theatre's production in April 2003, with a cast...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Remem-Bear Me (Polar Heat #4) in Books
Sep 1, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
158 of 200
Kindle
Remem-Bear Me ( polar heat books 4)
By Terry Bolryder
The papa bear finally gets his mate...
Sam Weston is tired of his son’s clumsy attempts to set him up. They clearly didn’t inherit his talent for matchmaking, and besides, he’s still in love with his fated mate who has been gone for twenty years. But when his sons make an ad to promote their island resort and show off their sexy dad, it somehow draws in the one woman he still wants. Sam thinks he’s dreaming, until he realizes the love of his life has no memory of their lives together.
Joanne Weston knows from the moment she sees Sam that she made the right decision to come to the Caymans after seeing that cheesy ad. For twenty years, she’s been been trying to figure out who she is and recover the memory loss she sustained after a terrible accident. The moment she looks into Sam’s gorgeous blue eyes, she knows there’s something between them that transcends everything. She just needs him to help her remember.
Sparks quickly fly between the two reunited lovers, and Sam is overjoyed to have his mate back in his arms. But as memories from the past creep ever-closer, Sam and Joanne will be presented with the most difficult decision they have ever made. Remain happy but ignorant about the reasons they were separated, or face the truth, no matter how painful it may be?
Awe so a perfect ending to a great little series. Terry Bolryder writes short books but always packed with goodness. This is the last of Polar Heat and I’ve loved getting to know these gorgeous polar bears and their mates. It’s even better now mommas home! Those little cubs are just so so cute! Great if you like shifter books and quick reads
Kindle
Remem-Bear Me ( polar heat books 4)
By Terry Bolryder
The papa bear finally gets his mate...
Sam Weston is tired of his son’s clumsy attempts to set him up. They clearly didn’t inherit his talent for matchmaking, and besides, he’s still in love with his fated mate who has been gone for twenty years. But when his sons make an ad to promote their island resort and show off their sexy dad, it somehow draws in the one woman he still wants. Sam thinks he’s dreaming, until he realizes the love of his life has no memory of their lives together.
Joanne Weston knows from the moment she sees Sam that she made the right decision to come to the Caymans after seeing that cheesy ad. For twenty years, she’s been been trying to figure out who she is and recover the memory loss she sustained after a terrible accident. The moment she looks into Sam’s gorgeous blue eyes, she knows there’s something between them that transcends everything. She just needs him to help her remember.
Sparks quickly fly between the two reunited lovers, and Sam is overjoyed to have his mate back in his arms. But as memories from the past creep ever-closer, Sam and Joanne will be presented with the most difficult decision they have ever made. Remain happy but ignorant about the reasons they were separated, or face the truth, no matter how painful it may be?
Awe so a perfect ending to a great little series. Terry Bolryder writes short books but always packed with goodness. This is the last of Polar Heat and I’ve loved getting to know these gorgeous polar bears and their mates. It’s even better now mommas home! Those little cubs are just so so cute! Great if you like shifter books and quick reads
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Alpha Champion ( Wolf Protectors book 1) in Books
Aug 31, 2022
157 of 230
Kindle
Alpha Champion ( Wolf Protectors book 1)
By Terry Bolryder
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Lily Mason is tired of her father's machinations. Seven years ago he tore her away from the love of her life because he was only half alpha. Now he's holding a tournament where full blooded alphas will fight to claim her. She doesn't want any part of it, but if she runs, her little sister takes her place. Lily's ready to give up on her own happiness, until a familiar face appears amongst the contestants fighting to win her.
Lucas Vale doesn't care that the tournament is for full-alphas only. He's determined to use his brother's name and invitation to make sure that no other male gets close to his mate. He's been looking for Lily for years, ever since her father separated them as teens. But Lucas isn't a lovesick teen anymore. He's a world champion fighter who is ready to kick some alpha trash if it means rescuing the woman he loves.
But he'll have to be careful not to be caught, which is difficult when sparks fly from the moment he sees Lily and her beautiful curves again. Now he'll have to fight his way through full blooded alphas with powerful advantages. But Lucas isn't worried.
He may be half alpha, but he's 100% sure he can do anything for the woman he loves.
I haven’t read a Terry Bolryder for a while and I have missed her books. They do exactly what they promise short but sweet hot shifter stories. These happen to be hot shifter MMA fighters what’s not to love? So you get a short bit enjoyable book about all kinds of shifters!
Kindle
Alpha Champion ( Wolf Protectors book 1)
By Terry Bolryder
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
Lily Mason is tired of her father's machinations. Seven years ago he tore her away from the love of her life because he was only half alpha. Now he's holding a tournament where full blooded alphas will fight to claim her. She doesn't want any part of it, but if she runs, her little sister takes her place. Lily's ready to give up on her own happiness, until a familiar face appears amongst the contestants fighting to win her.
Lucas Vale doesn't care that the tournament is for full-alphas only. He's determined to use his brother's name and invitation to make sure that no other male gets close to his mate. He's been looking for Lily for years, ever since her father separated them as teens. But Lucas isn't a lovesick teen anymore. He's a world champion fighter who is ready to kick some alpha trash if it means rescuing the woman he loves.
But he'll have to be careful not to be caught, which is difficult when sparks fly from the moment he sees Lily and her beautiful curves again. Now he'll have to fight his way through full blooded alphas with powerful advantages. But Lucas isn't worried.
He may be half alpha, but he's 100% sure he can do anything for the woman he loves.
I haven’t read a Terry Bolryder for a while and I have missed her books. They do exactly what they promise short but sweet hot shifter stories. These happen to be hot shifter MMA fighters what’s not to love? So you get a short bit enjoyable book about all kinds of shifters!
Lenard (726 KP) rated Soul (2020) in Movies
Dec 26, 2020
There is a saying that even though you can't achieve greatness you can still inspire someone else to be great. Joe Gardner is a sometime jazz pianist who works as a part time middle school band teacher. On the day the principal hires him as a full-time teacher with all the benefits, Joe is invited to join a jazz quartet for their nightly club gigs. In his dazed excitement, he falls down an open manhole (the city will face a major lawsuit for that). His soul is transported onto the conveyor belt for the Great Beyond, but Joe escapes into the Great Before. There, in order to stall his forever death, he becomes a mentor to a "new" soul so that the nonbinary entity named 22 finds a spark to live. 22 has been mentored by all the greats from Archimedes to Copernicus to Mother Teresa never finding a reason to exist. That is, until a trip to the land of the lost souls ends with both Joe's soul and 22 inside corporeal beings. Joe teaches 22 that life has value whether it is a pursuit of music, a dream deferred like a raisin in the sun, or observing a leaf falling from a tree. In fact, Joe has influenced the lives of many of his students, like Curley, a jazz drummer in the Dorothea William Quartet, or current student Sonia, a master trombonist, who he privately teaches outside of school. While some people can see his dreams may not be his meal ticket, Joe will always be a mentor to other struggling musicians who may one day be successful.
On the technical aspects of the film, there is a lot to praise. While a Michael Giacchino score may have worked, the score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross counterposes the jazz score throughout. Music soothes all souls. The animation is masterful as usual. The "Terry" sequence and some of the character designs in the afterlife will influence future animators much like Joe's students.
On the technical aspects of the film, there is a lot to praise. While a Michael Giacchino score may have worked, the score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross counterposes the jazz score throughout. Music soothes all souls. The animation is masterful as usual. The "Terry" sequence and some of the character designs in the afterlife will influence future animators much like Joe's students.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Jabberwocky (1977) in Movies
Feb 10, 2018 (Updated Feb 10, 2018)
Little bit Slithy, little bit Frabjous
Oddball comedy-drama that sets the tone for much of Terry Gilliam's career by being visually ravishing but a bit all-over-the-place story-wise. Gilliam's background at the time was in TV comedy, which may explain why so many well-known TV comics turn up in the film - apart from Michael Palin, there's Warren Clarke, Harry H Corbett, John le Mesurier, and so on.
The thing is that this isn't actually very funny - there are the seeds of some good jokes here, but the fact the movie has been filmed and edited in the style of an art-house historical drama kills most of them dead. Still, the medieval period has seldom been brought to the screen with such an authentic sense of filth, squalour, and misery, and the monster suit is pretty good. That said, if you're not into absurd comedy, Dragonslayer (1981) tells a very similar story in a more accessible style.
(And I have to say I'm astounded a film so focused on gore and bodily functions has only got a PG certificate. Caveat emptor.)
The thing is that this isn't actually very funny - there are the seeds of some good jokes here, but the fact the movie has been filmed and edited in the style of an art-house historical drama kills most of them dead. Still, the medieval period has seldom been brought to the screen with such an authentic sense of filth, squalour, and misery, and the monster suit is pretty good. That said, if you're not into absurd comedy, Dragonslayer (1981) tells a very similar story in a more accessible style.
(And I have to say I'm astounded a film so focused on gore and bodily functions has only got a PG certificate. Caveat emptor.)
Awix (3310 KP) rated Kin-dza-dza! (1986) in Movies
Apr 4, 2020
Soviet-era comedy-SF resembles a high-speed collision between Mad Max and The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy as directed by Terry Gilliam. Earthling Everymen are accidentally teleported to the post-apocalyptic dystopia of Pluk, where lower-caste citizens must wear bells in their noses, social status is determined by the colour of your trousers, and most of the local language translates as 'koo!' Can they persuade a couple of dodgy locals to help them get home?
Possibly a little bit slow and overlong, and many of the jokes are probably too understated, but the desolate alien world is well-realised on a low budget (special effects are sparingly used, but look good when they are) and the intricately ridiculous society of Pluk has been worked out in impressive detail. Hard to tell whether the satire is aimed at capitalist society or communist, but perhaps this is the point: life on Pluk may be unfair, arbitrary, and often unintelligible, but then isn't that true everywhere? Well-played, solidly scripted for the most part (end comes unravelled a bit), very watchable and entertaining.
Possibly a little bit slow and overlong, and many of the jokes are probably too understated, but the desolate alien world is well-realised on a low budget (special effects are sparingly used, but look good when they are) and the intricately ridiculous society of Pluk has been worked out in impressive detail. Hard to tell whether the satire is aimed at capitalist society or communist, but perhaps this is the point: life on Pluk may be unfair, arbitrary, and often unintelligible, but then isn't that true everywhere? Well-played, solidly scripted for the most part (end comes unravelled a bit), very watchable and entertaining.
BF
Bactracking: for Speedway Fans of the 70s, 80s and 90s: Volume 2
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BACTRACKING: For Speedway fans of the 70s, 80s and 90s: Volume 2 SECOND in our new book series...
In Country (1989)
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Directed by Academy Award-winner Norman Jewison (Moonstruck, Agnes of God), this is the portrait of...