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Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated Once Upon a River in Books
Oct 2, 2020
’A river no more begins at its source than a story begins with the first page.’’
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield is a story that had the perfect plot potential to be amazing, but it didn’t deliver at all. As a huge fan of storytelling, this was a big disappointment for me, the biggest one so far in 2019.
‘’There are stories that may be told aloud, and stories that must be told in whispers, and there are stories that are never told at all.’’
The story happens in a small city, on the river Thames. It features the pub Swan, where people gather every night, and everyone knows each other, and they all tell stories all night and enjoy their company.
If you have ever been to England, it is so easy to imagine the setting of a pub, warm place, crowded with people laughing and talking loudly, glasses clinking and people singing random songs in the background. A lot of positive noise and enchanting atmosphere.
And one night, the usual setting is being disturbed, when a man enters the pub with a little girl in his arms, and then passes away. The girl appears to not be breathing for a while, and everyone thinks she is dead, but suddenly, she is breathing again. And the man that is with her is not her father.
As the town is used to, they make stories of it. How it happened, who is the father, does she have a family, why was she drowning in the river… The plot entangles when the family is to be found of the little girl, but a few people claim she is their relative.
‘’Something happens and then something else happens and then all sorts of other things happen, expected and unexpected, unusual and ordinary.’’
The storytelling and the writing of the author was beautiful. At times. The beginning was a paradise for book lovers. The best first chapters I read this year. But after the plot opening, everything started going downhill.
It felt like being on this roller coaster, excited, going slowly upwards, slowly reaching the top, ready to fall so fast, ready for an adventure, only for them to tell you that there is a fault, and you have to get back and exit the ride without even making the adventure out of it.
I wanted to love it. The writing at parts was great, and I am including a lot of quotes throughout the review, because I loved those parts. But the chapters and characters were too many, and things were happening too fast and without a purpose, that it was hard for me to pick up the pace. I had to leave the book and pick it up again, and it took me three months to complete it. A hard book to swallow and process.
Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield is a story that had the perfect plot potential to be amazing, but it didn’t deliver at all. As a huge fan of storytelling, this was a big disappointment for me, the biggest one so far in 2019.
‘’There are stories that may be told aloud, and stories that must be told in whispers, and there are stories that are never told at all.’’
The story happens in a small city, on the river Thames. It features the pub Swan, where people gather every night, and everyone knows each other, and they all tell stories all night and enjoy their company.
If you have ever been to England, it is so easy to imagine the setting of a pub, warm place, crowded with people laughing and talking loudly, glasses clinking and people singing random songs in the background. A lot of positive noise and enchanting atmosphere.
And one night, the usual setting is being disturbed, when a man enters the pub with a little girl in his arms, and then passes away. The girl appears to not be breathing for a while, and everyone thinks she is dead, but suddenly, she is breathing again. And the man that is with her is not her father.
As the town is used to, they make stories of it. How it happened, who is the father, does she have a family, why was she drowning in the river… The plot entangles when the family is to be found of the little girl, but a few people claim she is their relative.
‘’Something happens and then something else happens and then all sorts of other things happen, expected and unexpected, unusual and ordinary.’’
The storytelling and the writing of the author was beautiful. At times. The beginning was a paradise for book lovers. The best first chapters I read this year. But after the plot opening, everything started going downhill.
It felt like being on this roller coaster, excited, going slowly upwards, slowly reaching the top, ready to fall so fast, ready for an adventure, only for them to tell you that there is a fault, and you have to get back and exit the ride without even making the adventure out of it.
I wanted to love it. The writing at parts was great, and I am including a lot of quotes throughout the review, because I loved those parts. But the chapters and characters were too many, and things were happening too fast and without a purpose, that it was hard for me to pick up the pace. I had to leave the book and pick it up again, and it took me three months to complete it. A hard book to swallow and process.
Plwriter (2 KP) rated Meddling Kids: A Novel in Books
Oct 9, 2017
I fell in love with the cover of this book and immediately downloaded it. The amazon page showcases a review from the USA Today that says “…it scratches a nostalgic itch for those who grew up on Saturday morning Scooby-Doo cartoons and sugar-bombed breakfast cereal.” I started reading and then opened good reads and noticed that it suggested a bunch of Steven King books as similar reads.
I panicked. I don’t read horror. I was sure this book was going to leave me terrified. I wouldn’t let my husband leave while I was reading it.
I shouldn’t have worried.
This book was great. It was about as scary as a Scooby-Doo movie (think Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost). It was funny and fun with a great nostalgia factor.
I loved the representation in this book. It was nice to see minorities represented and normalized.
The way the book is written could turn people off. It’s either going to be something you love or something you hate. It’s prose mixed with stage directions and random author(?) interjections which makes it feel a little haphazard and messy.
Over all, I loved it and though it hearkens back to mythical horror themes it’s not too scary just like old time Scooby-Doo.
I panicked. I don’t read horror. I was sure this book was going to leave me terrified. I wouldn’t let my husband leave while I was reading it.
I shouldn’t have worried.
This book was great. It was about as scary as a Scooby-Doo movie (think Scooby-Doo! and the Witch’s Ghost). It was funny and fun with a great nostalgia factor.
I loved the representation in this book. It was nice to see minorities represented and normalized.
The way the book is written could turn people off. It’s either going to be something you love or something you hate. It’s prose mixed with stage directions and random author(?) interjections which makes it feel a little haphazard and messy.
Over all, I loved it and though it hearkens back to mythical horror themes it’s not too scary just like old time Scooby-Doo.
Dean (6925 KP) rated Friday the 13th (2009) in Movies
Oct 25, 2017
Good cast (1 more)
Has the core ingredients to keep fans happy
A great update on a classic series
A very good "re-imaging" NOT a re-make! I can't believe how many people have said it's a remake, Jason wasn't in the first one hello! Rant over.
Comparing it to the original series of films this has a flash back of the ending of the first, for those who haven't seen it shame on you, and has more in common with the 2nd and 3rd installments. I actually enjoyed it, it gives the fans of the original films an updated version of what they loved about the films. There are plenty of inventive death scenes, sex, drugs and boozing with plenty of gorgeous girls in it. I thought it had a bit too much stoner behaviour, which seem to dumb down the film a bit. It has a slick visual style similar to the recent Texas chainsaw remakes, same director, as well as the same style of old gritty locations and sets. Overall a cool update for anyone who was a fan of the original films and better than nearly all of the previous films apart from the first which is a cult classic at least. Definitely one for slasher fans.
Comparing it to the original series of films this has a flash back of the ending of the first, for those who haven't seen it shame on you, and has more in common with the 2nd and 3rd installments. I actually enjoyed it, it gives the fans of the original films an updated version of what they loved about the films. There are plenty of inventive death scenes, sex, drugs and boozing with plenty of gorgeous girls in it. I thought it had a bit too much stoner behaviour, which seem to dumb down the film a bit. It has a slick visual style similar to the recent Texas chainsaw remakes, same director, as well as the same style of old gritty locations and sets. Overall a cool update for anyone who was a fan of the original films and better than nearly all of the previous films apart from the first which is a cult classic at least. Definitely one for slasher fans.
LucyB (47 KP) rated Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls in Books
Jul 23, 2017
Fabulously feminist, and a wonderfully fun read to boot
If I could give this more stars, I would.
Yes, I know the title indicates this book is for rebel girls. I am a mother of two fairly rebellious boys - but felt it was every bit as relevant for them as it was for females! After all, why shouldn't boys read about fabulous, inspirational women too?
This book is an absolute thing of beauty - 100 accessible, creatively written tales of women who helped to shape the world we live in. The illustrations are superb, and it hits just the right note with my two kids (5 and 7). They were initially suspicious that it was going to be one of those 'educational' books, but a few stories in and they were hooked.
People with boys, don't be deterred from buying this book, simply because the title indicates a female bias. It's so important that we start recognising the achievement of women (past and present) because they've so often been ignored - and both girls and boys can benefit from this. Also - a word of warning, grown-ups are likely to get a bit hooked on it too. :-)
Yes, I know the title indicates this book is for rebel girls. I am a mother of two fairly rebellious boys - but felt it was every bit as relevant for them as it was for females! After all, why shouldn't boys read about fabulous, inspirational women too?
This book is an absolute thing of beauty - 100 accessible, creatively written tales of women who helped to shape the world we live in. The illustrations are superb, and it hits just the right note with my two kids (5 and 7). They were initially suspicious that it was going to be one of those 'educational' books, but a few stories in and they were hooked.
People with boys, don't be deterred from buying this book, simply because the title indicates a female bias. It's so important that we start recognising the achievement of women (past and present) because they've so often been ignored - and both girls and boys can benefit from this. Also - a word of warning, grown-ups are likely to get a bit hooked on it too. :-)
Fred (860 KP) rated Glass (2019) in Movies
Apr 16, 2019
It's an origin story
Can we just talk about James McAvoy for a minute here. We've already seen his performance in "Split", so we already knew what we were getting here. Or were we? He is off the hook here! Just plain amazing. Every second of him on the screen is pure magic. His ability to switch between personalities is amazing & shows he's one of the greatest actors out there.
For those who didn't know, "Glass" is a sequel to both "Unbreakable" & "Split", two films by M. Night Shyamalan . Famous for his twist endings (both good & bad), this film has another, which you won't see coming, but it's not a huge twist. I've heard people say they didn't like the ending, but I found it really good & satisfying.
The story is kind of slow moving, but it keeps you interested. Returning characters from both movies, not including the 3 main stars, are a welcome surprise. I don't want to give too much away, but let's say most of the movie takes place inside an Asylum where a doctor is trying to convince the 3 they don't have superpowers. Yeah, doesn't sound too interesting, but it is. I enjoyed it very much
For those who didn't know, "Glass" is a sequel to both "Unbreakable" & "Split", two films by M. Night Shyamalan . Famous for his twist endings (both good & bad), this film has another, which you won't see coming, but it's not a huge twist. I've heard people say they didn't like the ending, but I found it really good & satisfying.
The story is kind of slow moving, but it keeps you interested. Returning characters from both movies, not including the 3 main stars, are a welcome surprise. I don't want to give too much away, but let's say most of the movie takes place inside an Asylum where a doctor is trying to convince the 3 they don't have superpowers. Yeah, doesn't sound too interesting, but it is. I enjoyed it very much
ClareR (5686 KP) rated The Pigeonhole in Apps
May 10, 2019
Exciting new books (4 more)
Find new authors
Some older, more established authors
Read with other people
Read along with the author!
A book club in your pocket - I love this app!!
I’m a huge fan of this app. I’ve read loads of great books on it (and I’ll admit that I’ve read a few that I didn’t enjoy, but them’s the breaks sometimes!). You choose a book, and it’s then serialised into 10-12 parts for that many days.
You’re also able to highlight and comment on parts of the book that interest you, and other readers who are reading along with you, can comment on those parts as well! It’s a real group experience. Like a book club in your pocket!
The really interesting part for me, is the opportunity to read an authors book along with them! You can ask them questions about their motivations, where the ideas come from - pretty much anything (about the book, obviously!) really.
It’s a free app, the books are free too - I think the ‘payment’ are your opinions and comments. I can’t recommend this app enough!
You’re also able to highlight and comment on parts of the book that interest you, and other readers who are reading along with you, can comment on those parts as well! It’s a real group experience. Like a book club in your pocket!
The really interesting part for me, is the opportunity to read an authors book along with them! You can ask them questions about their motivations, where the ideas come from - pretty much anything (about the book, obviously!) really.
It’s a free app, the books are free too - I think the ‘payment’ are your opinions and comments. I can’t recommend this app enough!
Sawyer (231 KP) rated Pokemon Colosseum in Video Games
Feb 10, 2018
Great looking 3D graphics the first ever 3D graphics on a Pokemon game of the traditional RPG genre (1 more)
Very interesting ambitious story that definitely goes to a different direction
The game is rather Limited in how many Pokemon you can catch which would definitely be a big turn-off for any big Pokemon fans (1 more)
The game has a somewhat straightforward game progression and you pretty much have to fast travel everywhere which takes away a lot of the exploration aspects that the franchise is so known for
Probably the most ambitious Pokemon game ever
Contains spoilers, click to show
This game is truly unique within the Pokemon franchise
It was the first ever Pokemon game put out on the a non handheld console
That was considered a turn based RPG yes you had games like Pokemon Stadium and Pokemon snap but those
Where attempts at Different genres
But rather than follow the time-tested formula that people love so much they decided to go in a very experimental path featuring story revolving around a Pokemon
Thief That would steal other people's Pokemon
Game had a very solid storyline but it definitely suffers
Constraining level designs the small amount of Pokemon available and the lack of the overall charm of the franchise
It was the first ever Pokemon game put out on the a non handheld console
That was considered a turn based RPG yes you had games like Pokemon Stadium and Pokemon snap but those
Where attempts at Different genres
But rather than follow the time-tested formula that people love so much they decided to go in a very experimental path featuring story revolving around a Pokemon
Thief That would steal other people's Pokemon
Game had a very solid storyline but it definitely suffers
Constraining level designs the small amount of Pokemon available and the lack of the overall charm of the franchise
Awix (3310 KP) rated Dunkirk (2017) in Movies
Feb 10, 2018 (Updated Feb 10, 2018)
Life's a Beach
I'm fully aware I'm swimming against the tide on this one, but I didn't really understand the rapturous reception Dunkirk got from most people. Yup, well-made; yup, well-acted; yup, a highly significant moment in history - but I found the actual story to be rather thin, and - apart from all the funny business with the chronology - it is wholly lacking in the usual imagination and ambition you'd expect from a Christopher Nolan film.
Apparently Nolan wrote the script over twenty years ago and said to his wife 'I must now become a hugely successful director of blockbusters, as this will give me the experience I need to make this film' - well, for me this does almost feel like retrograde step from the man responsible for Interstellar, Inception, and the Batman trilogy. Then again, those are all SF and fantasy movies, and he's never going to win the Oscar he deserves if he carries on doing that sort of thing.
I expect I would have been impressed by this film if it had been made by anyone else, or if I wasn't so familiar with Nolan's other work. As it is, this is the only Nolan movie in over a decade I can't see myself owning on DVD.
Apparently Nolan wrote the script over twenty years ago and said to his wife 'I must now become a hugely successful director of blockbusters, as this will give me the experience I need to make this film' - well, for me this does almost feel like retrograde step from the man responsible for Interstellar, Inception, and the Batman trilogy. Then again, those are all SF and fantasy movies, and he's never going to win the Oscar he deserves if he carries on doing that sort of thing.
I expect I would have been impressed by this film if it had been made by anyone else, or if I wasn't so familiar with Nolan's other work. As it is, this is the only Nolan movie in over a decade I can't see myself owning on DVD.
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Daytripper in Books
Feb 7, 2018
Absolutely beautiful work of art and fiction
Daytripper was one of those books that I've not only had on my to be read list for a long time but also on my actual bookshelf but I just never got around to reading it even though people have been telling me to read for just about as long as I've owned it, and finally I decided to pick it up.
From start to finish you just can't help but be drawn into the absolutely gorgeous world that Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon have created in just 256 pages, the story is all about life and death, beginning and ending and the moments that make up our lives and how different choice can truly change who we are as a person.
Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon manage to create a realm of fantasy realism that I just have not come across before and I can honestly say I don't think I'll come across again but I sure hope I do.
Daytripper was a very beautiful story but for me what really stood out the most was the art which was just absolutely breathtakingly beautiful after finishing the book I found myself flipping through the pages again just to really take in the artwork.
From start to finish you just can't help but be drawn into the absolutely gorgeous world that Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon have created in just 256 pages, the story is all about life and death, beginning and ending and the moments that make up our lives and how different choice can truly change who we are as a person.
Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon manage to create a realm of fantasy realism that I just have not come across before and I can honestly say I don't think I'll come across again but I sure hope I do.
Daytripper was a very beautiful story but for me what really stood out the most was the art which was just absolutely breathtakingly beautiful after finishing the book I found myself flipping through the pages again just to really take in the artwork.
Wow. I certainly knew that the situation in Afghanistan was dire, but it's eye-opening to see just how dire. And it's also eye-opening to see just how much the United States has contributed to that. It's not that the US went in with the intention of making life there miserable, and it's not that many Afghanis themselves aren't also at fault, but it is stunning just how much those that the US put in charge of things seemed to lack any basic knowledge of how the country worked and how the people would react to various ideas. This book describes life in the country from it's pre-Russian invasion days through the present by both reporting its history, and by following the stories of 3 very different citizens; a pro-US warlord, a member of the Taliban, and a housewife. Their experiences can alternate between harrowing and shocking, but remain pretty universally distressing. It's hard not to get angry throughout this book as the amount of human cruelty and stupidity on display can become too much to handle. And in the end, it does live up to its title, as it ably demonstrates that there is no one involved without some blame to bear.