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Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated What Does Consent Really Mean? in Books
Apr 10, 2018
Where to start? Well, this is certainly the book I wish I'd had when I was growing up and when my own children were of the age to need this advice for that fact. This book, "What does consent really mean?" is presented as a graphic novel and shows multi-cultural characters discussing and growing in knowledge about the topic of consent. This inclusion of such a range of opinions, yet, still coming to a consensus, also demonstrates to young people how you can and should be able to discuss matters openly in a healthy relationship. I found especially good the part where the teenage girls were more able to discuss this area than the teenage lads although through their clearly good friendships they worked through this, once again demonstrating a mature attitude to the audience.
I can certainly recommend this book as a reference book for any teenagers, schools or those involved with working with this age group.
I can certainly recommend this book as a reference book for any teenagers, schools or those involved with working with this age group.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated To the Duke, with Love (The Rakes of St. James, #2) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Despite being the second in the series, you dont need to read the first to enjoy this novel.
Overall, the novel wasnt terrible. I am not a fan of insta-lust nor people contradicting their morals with their actions. While there was chemistry between the leads, the insta-lust factor put me off. The erotic scenes were also a bit tame for my tastes. Filled with innuendos instead of being straightforward, I feel the erotic scenes would be more suited for someone who is put off but more vulgar language.
I also wasnt a fan of the authors writing style in general. Some part seems too long, dragging out unnecessarily or was just too flowery.
Bottom line, this is a historical romance meant for those who want a tamer historical romance. Honestly, it reminds of the novels that my grandma used to read, like Kathleen Woodiwiss and older Jude Deveraux.
Overall, the novel wasnt terrible. I am not a fan of insta-lust nor people contradicting their morals with their actions. While there was chemistry between the leads, the insta-lust factor put me off. The erotic scenes were also a bit tame for my tastes. Filled with innuendos instead of being straightforward, I feel the erotic scenes would be more suited for someone who is put off but more vulgar language.
I also wasnt a fan of the authors writing style in general. Some part seems too long, dragging out unnecessarily or was just too flowery.
Bottom line, this is a historical romance meant for those who want a tamer historical romance. Honestly, it reminds of the novels that my grandma used to read, like Kathleen Woodiwiss and older Jude Deveraux.
Kyera (8 KP) rated Golden Son in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Golden Son takes place more than a year after Red Rising. Darrow has left the Academy, formed bonds with new people and has a new role in society. It was a little confusing to be thrown into the story with all those new elements because it made me feel like I had missed a book. I had to keep piecing together what happened and who these new characters were. Once it became more natural, the book was much more enjoyable to read.
The second book has just as much (if not more) deception, death, and destruction as the first, and thats saying something. It is full of action, betrayal, hope, and horror that leaves you on the edge of your seat and tears your emotions apart as you read the final pages you just need to immediately start the finale. Highly recommended, but read Red Rising prior to this as it would make absolutely no sense without it.
The second book has just as much (if not more) deception, death, and destruction as the first, and thats saying something. It is full of action, betrayal, hope, and horror that leaves you on the edge of your seat and tears your emotions apart as you read the final pages you just need to immediately start the finale. Highly recommended, but read Red Rising prior to this as it would make absolutely no sense without it.
Awix (3310 KP) rated 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) in Movies
Feb 20, 2018 (Updated Feb 20, 2018)
Kubrick and Clarke's proverbial good SF movie encompasses the entire history of the human race in 142 minutes (it takes the Fifty Shades trilogy 343 minutes to say considerably less about slightly more trivial matters). Much of the plot is left for the viewer to infer: where do we come from? Where are we going? What is our essential nature? What does it all mean? Probably appears to concern uplift of human race from primitive apes to transcendent star-beings by extraterrestrial forces, with the odd problem along the way.
Not the warmest or paciest of films, but still fabulous to look at and displaying a consummate mastery of image and sound. Probably says something about the film that the only performance most people can remember is that of Hal the computer. Not so much a film with a story as a series of unforgettable linked audio-visual experiences; one of those movies that everyone should see at least once, preferably on the big screen.
Not the warmest or paciest of films, but still fabulous to look at and displaying a consummate mastery of image and sound. Probably says something about the film that the only performance most people can remember is that of Hal the computer. Not so much a film with a story as a series of unforgettable linked audio-visual experiences; one of those movies that everyone should see at least once, preferably on the big screen.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Zama (2017) in Movies
Jun 5, 2018
Very art-housey Argentinian movie which has managed to acquire some kind of profile due to the involvement as producers of Pedro Almodavar and Danny Glover. Mildly stressed functionary Zama finds himself posted to a backwater South American outpost of the Spanish empire, some time in the 17th century, desperately tries to get himself transferred elsewhere, has very little success with this. In the end it all goes a little bit Apocalypse Now/Aguirre the Wrath of God.
Beautiful to look at, but one of those films where the fact that not very much happens is kind of the point. Implicitly highly critical of colonialism and slavery, of course - the Spanish overlords and the trappings of their civilisation are shabby and squalid compared to the local people - but more a character study of someone who finds himself becalmed in life (nice central performance). As I say, not very much happens until quite near the end, but it doesn't happen very beautifully.
Beautiful to look at, but one of those films where the fact that not very much happens is kind of the point. Implicitly highly critical of colonialism and slavery, of course - the Spanish overlords and the trappings of their civilisation are shabby and squalid compared to the local people - but more a character study of someone who finds himself becalmed in life (nice central performance). As I say, not very much happens until quite near the end, but it doesn't happen very beautifully.
I've read the first 7 at least a dozen times each and truly enjoy them every time. This book lived up to none of those standards. There was one, only one, character I actually cared about in the entire book. I found 4 - 5 pages of the work truly engaging. The level of writing simply wasn't the same. The character development wasn't there. I didn't get a feel for the personality behind any of the characters. I went in expecting it to be extremely different, but the plot made no sense. I would have enjoyed finding out more about the characters beyond their relation to another character.
The characters we loved from past books are so incredibly different they don't seem like the same people. Even knowing they have aged and are likely to change, they are nearly unrecognizable. I will likely not dive into this story again like I have the others so often.
The characters we loved from past books are so incredibly different they don't seem like the same people. Even knowing they have aged and are likely to change, they are nearly unrecognizable. I will likely not dive into this story again like I have the others so often.
Emily Slomski (3 KP) rated Fortunate Son in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Narrative (2 more)
Voice!
History of CCR
Personal and Revealing Memoir of CCR's Front Man
John Fogerty welcomes us into his world and talks to us like a close friend. He doesn't shy away from the difficult topics. For those who had only a positive connotation for Creedence Clearwater Revival, this book will smash that perspective. Fogerty spends the majority of the book discussing the difficult relationships between the band members and the many ways that the recording company screwed the band, and particularly John Fogerty, over. There is much to get out of this book. While he spends a lot of time talking about the difficulties, he also talks about his childhood, his personal relationship with music, his wife, his friendships with people like Bruce Springsteen, and the fulfilling life he has built for himself today. I totally recommend this book for anyone interested in Fogerty, CCR, and/or classic rock and roll!
Purrsistently (46 KP) rated The Life of Pi in Books
Jun 24, 2018
Ew.
It wasn’t the worst thing ever but definitely should have a content warning for graphic dismemberment of people and animals. I was not prepared for that at all and still would have read it but wouldn’t have been so broadsided.
I really didn’t enjoy this at all. I wouldn’t quite say “Don’t read this” but wouldn’t recommend it either. I didn’t find the thoughtful parts to be anything particularly profound, but I expected and would have enjoyed more of those and less extensive descriptions of feces.
I’ve never been one for this kind of story in general unless it featured really great characters. Life of Pi is no The Martian.
If you’re merely curious about it, I would recommend watching the movie instead because it will waste 10 less hours of your time if detailed defecation scenes aren’t your cup of tea.
I really didn’t enjoy this at all. I wouldn’t quite say “Don’t read this” but wouldn’t recommend it either. I didn’t find the thoughtful parts to be anything particularly profound, but I expected and would have enjoyed more of those and less extensive descriptions of feces.
I’ve never been one for this kind of story in general unless it featured really great characters. Life of Pi is no The Martian.
If you’re merely curious about it, I would recommend watching the movie instead because it will waste 10 less hours of your time if detailed defecation scenes aren’t your cup of tea.
AHarvey (1 KP) rated Burned (Burned, #1) in Books
Jul 5, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
Where does one begin when trying to explain the overwhelming admiration they have for this book.
I loved that I could not only relate to the character on her views on religion, sex, gender roles, and romance, but, also the fact that the author never makes light of the abuse or sexualization of women in this novel.
This leaves you pondering what you would do in Pattyn's place. I couldn't help but root for her despite her turning into a cold stone killer at the end of the novel.
This gives you a better understanding of people in abusive relationships and how it affects those associated with it. It not only showcases different levels of abuse (whether it's sexual, verbal, or physical) but also shows you the raw painful aftermath that the abuse victims face.
This book was brilliantly written and I recommend this to anyone who can stomach it's horrific content of abuse.
I loved that I could not only relate to the character on her views on religion, sex, gender roles, and romance, but, also the fact that the author never makes light of the abuse or sexualization of women in this novel.
This leaves you pondering what you would do in Pattyn's place. I couldn't help but root for her despite her turning into a cold stone killer at the end of the novel.
This gives you a better understanding of people in abusive relationships and how it affects those associated with it. It not only showcases different levels of abuse (whether it's sexual, verbal, or physical) but also shows you the raw painful aftermath that the abuse victims face.
This book was brilliantly written and I recommend this to anyone who can stomach it's horrific content of abuse.
Sue (5 KP) rated Walk a Crooked Line in Books
Aug 13, 2018
A young girl is found at the base of an old water tower deemed a suicide and Detective Jo Larsen is put on the case. What brought this girl to this place and caused her to end young life; abuse, neglect, bullying, loneliness, and/or depression. Upon further investigation through interviews with family and friends, Jo and her partner Hank try to put the pieces together and find that something horrible happened to Kelly causing her to take the fatal plunge.
In this well-written book by author Susan McBride, she draws you into a story about a girl that was failed by those that were supposed to look out for her and take care of her. It brings to light a factor that many young people face today concerning bullying, loneliness, and trying to fit in. Through the character of Jo, you see the story unfold as she investigates and discovers the parallels between her own childhood and that of the young girl she is investigating.
In this well-written book by author Susan McBride, she draws you into a story about a girl that was failed by those that were supposed to look out for her and take care of her. It brings to light a factor that many young people face today concerning bullying, loneliness, and trying to fit in. Through the character of Jo, you see the story unfold as she investigates and discovers the parallels between her own childhood and that of the young girl she is investigating.