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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Never in Books
Jul 10, 2022
118 of 230
Book
Never
By Ken Follet
⭐️⭐️⭐️
A stolen US army drone.
A shrinking oasis in the Sahara Desert.
A secret stash of deadly chemicals.
Each is a threat to global stability. Each can be overcome with only the highest levels of diplomacy. But when those in charge disagree and refuse to back down, an international chain reaction kicks off with potentially catastrophic consequences: a world edging closer to war . . .
Now three people must work with the utmost skill to stop that from happening:
A spy working undercover with jihadis.
A brilliant Chinese spymaster.
A US president beleaguered by a populist rival for the next election.
The only question is – in a game of brinksmanship, can the inevitable ever be stopped?
This took longer than It usually does for me to finish a Ken Follet I did enjoy the book and find it quite current with everything going on in the world at the minute. It was good but I don’t know something was missing for me. I liked the way he worked in those little relationships with certain characters I think those are what actually made the book likeable. I really wanted to love this and be giving it full 5 stars such a shame it fell a little flat.
Book
Never
By Ken Follet
⭐️⭐️⭐️
A stolen US army drone.
A shrinking oasis in the Sahara Desert.
A secret stash of deadly chemicals.
Each is a threat to global stability. Each can be overcome with only the highest levels of diplomacy. But when those in charge disagree and refuse to back down, an international chain reaction kicks off with potentially catastrophic consequences: a world edging closer to war . . .
Now three people must work with the utmost skill to stop that from happening:
A spy working undercover with jihadis.
A brilliant Chinese spymaster.
A US president beleaguered by a populist rival for the next election.
The only question is – in a game of brinksmanship, can the inevitable ever be stopped?
This took longer than It usually does for me to finish a Ken Follet I did enjoy the book and find it quite current with everything going on in the world at the minute. It was good but I don’t know something was missing for me. I liked the way he worked in those little relationships with certain characters I think those are what actually made the book likeable. I really wanted to love this and be giving it full 5 stars such a shame it fell a little flat.
Debbiereadsbook (1749 KP) rated Shifter Woods: Growl (Esposito County Shifters #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2023
its only short but packs quite the punch!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is a short, slotting into the series after book 3, I think. (I'm a little puzzled by the listings on some sites about the order!) I've not read those, and I'll come back to that shortly. I didn't think I missed anything by not reading them, though, and so I would say this can be read as a stand alone.
I liked this, a lot. It gives you an insight into Esposito County, and the people who live in it.
It;s steamy and smexy. It's dark and dangerous. It's only short but packs a punch! I loved the twist with the magic spell that was shielding Marco, and what that was doing just a tad too well!
Going back to not reading the other books. I didn't feel I missed anything, and you know I'm all about sharing my book feelings, but what I am left with is a NEED to read those books. Not because I missed anything, but because I want to read everyone else's story!
So, my KU shelf needs clearing for those books 🙂
4 solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is a short, slotting into the series after book 3, I think. (I'm a little puzzled by the listings on some sites about the order!) I've not read those, and I'll come back to that shortly. I didn't think I missed anything by not reading them, though, and so I would say this can be read as a stand alone.
I liked this, a lot. It gives you an insight into Esposito County, and the people who live in it.
It;s steamy and smexy. It's dark and dangerous. It's only short but packs a punch! I loved the twist with the magic spell that was shielding Marco, and what that was doing just a tad too well!
Going back to not reading the other books. I didn't feel I missed anything, and you know I'm all about sharing my book feelings, but what I am left with is a NEED to read those books. Not because I missed anything, but because I want to read everyone else's story!
So, my KU shelf needs clearing for those books 🙂
4 solid stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology in Books
May 25, 2018
This review is totally biased, so I apologize for that first if I offend anyone... A family member of mine had some experiences with the Church of Scientology while away at a stint in rehab. He did get clean there, and we are thankful for that - but the garbage they put in his brain, how unbelievably brainwashed he became to these ludicrous ideals... makes me sick. He will never be the same. So, I knew I was on Leah's side before I even read about her story.
I'm happy though to have a more inside look at Scientology now after reading this - because I thought I was drawing assumptions from personal "experience" but boy was I right about this cult! It's totally clear now why Nicole Kidman's adopted kids with Tom Cruise are no longer in her life because it is required by the church - how awful and sad. It explains the Katie Holmes situation as well - I'm sure she freaked out when she realized what she had gotten herself and her daughter into. It disgusts me that TC has basically abandoned his daughter because of these crazies!
My heart definitely goes out to Leah. She went through hell and back with these people and still somehow survived and landed back on two feet. I do place some blame on her mother for ever getting involved (why?!? just why?!?)but the story does a great job of showing how she got in, what she went through and how she eventually got out.
I cannot believe that Scientology is considered a "Church". They way they treat people is horrendous. They don't actually do anything for those less fortunate like most churches; but the amount of money that these people have is disgusting. And its just used to rope more people into this cult.
Leah's story was very informative, and a great peek into the mystery of this strange group of people. I'm glad she got out and survived, because it seems that some people do not survive leaving. A eye-opening read for sure.
I'm happy though to have a more inside look at Scientology now after reading this - because I thought I was drawing assumptions from personal "experience" but boy was I right about this cult! It's totally clear now why Nicole Kidman's adopted kids with Tom Cruise are no longer in her life because it is required by the church - how awful and sad. It explains the Katie Holmes situation as well - I'm sure she freaked out when she realized what she had gotten herself and her daughter into. It disgusts me that TC has basically abandoned his daughter because of these crazies!
My heart definitely goes out to Leah. She went through hell and back with these people and still somehow survived and landed back on two feet. I do place some blame on her mother for ever getting involved (why?!? just why?!?)but the story does a great job of showing how she got in, what she went through and how she eventually got out.
I cannot believe that Scientology is considered a "Church". They way they treat people is horrendous. They don't actually do anything for those less fortunate like most churches; but the amount of money that these people have is disgusting. And its just used to rope more people into this cult.
Leah's story was very informative, and a great peek into the mystery of this strange group of people. I'm glad she got out and survived, because it seems that some people do not survive leaving. A eye-opening read for sure.
Chopper Prophets
Podcast
It was the fall of 2012. My wife and I were on a ride down to Encinitas, Ca. with some close...
The Black Friend
Book
The instant New York Times bestseller! Writing from the perspective of a friend, Frederick Joseph...
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated The Perks of Being a Wallflower in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Find my review on my blog: www.diaryofdifference.com
We all are, or have once been wallflowers. The shy creatures of the universe, strangled in a problematic world where everything is so confusing and hard. We have all once swam in those deep waters, where the finish line is the act of growing up, and we all coped with it in different ways.
Charlie is struggling with the same things we were, when in high school. The friendships, or lack of them, the crushes, the secret thoughts, the exams, the pressure, the misunderstandings with our parents, our goals, hopes and dreams, our visions of what we will become.
It is an emotional, but very realistic story, about one kid, and all the things he learns while growing up. By learning things the hard way, by listening, by watching things happen to his friends and family, by just being a wallflower.
The author has written this book in a way where Charlie is writing letters to his secret friend, telling him about his daily adventures. I loved this way, because the letters give a sense of confidentiality, of honesty, or pure thoughts with nothing to hide.
Charlie is a shy guy, who has trouble making friends, socialising, and lacks a lot of common sense. To me, this game me vibes of an autistic kid, or an anxious child suffering from PTSD, which hits all the marks, but I don’t know whether or not this was the author’s purpose. It was written in 1998, so I can assume these subjects might have been taboo, as people weren’t as open minded as today.
To me, Charlie was a relatable character. Even though clearly going through a lot more than just a normal kid, in this book, he copes with problems we have all coped. And the part I loved about Charlie the most is – he is honest, so brutally honest, and doesn’t try to hide things he understands or trying to understand. He sees things we don’t tend to see, and he feels things in a way I would want to feel them.
“So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be.”
He suddenly meets a group of friends, that accept him as he is, and he can be as weird and crazy as he wants, no one bothers. These friendships – my dear reader – are something we all wish for, and some of us are so lucky to have them.
I truly believe that this book is definitely something I would give to my kid to read, or to my small siblings. I wish I had read this 10 years ago, when I would relate more, and when all the high-school topics were relevant. But even now, I can still remember the exact way Charlie felt in some situations, and I wish I had read the book and acted differently on some of mine.
”Charlie, we accept the love we think we deserve.”
Charlie will teach us a lot about high school little traumas, high-school crushes and true love, friendships and betrayals, seeing the family in a different way, and acting on things instead of doing nothing. With Charlie, I went back to high-school, and remembered all the good things and the bad, and I ALMOST shed a few tears for all the memories and times I will never have. Now, I raise a glass, and say cheers for all the good memories and friendships made.
“And I thought about how many people have loved those songs. And how many people got through a lot of bad times because of those songs. And how many people enjoyed good times with those songs. And how much those songs really mean. I think it would be great to have written one of those songs. I bet if I wrote one of them, I would be very proud. I hope the people who wrote those songs are happy. I hope they feel it’s enough. I really do because they’ve made me happy. And I’m only one person.”
Spend a little time, and pick up this book. It is a short and sweet read, and it is a book that everyone should have on their shelves.
We all are, or have once been wallflowers. The shy creatures of the universe, strangled in a problematic world where everything is so confusing and hard. We have all once swam in those deep waters, where the finish line is the act of growing up, and we all coped with it in different ways.
Charlie is struggling with the same things we were, when in high school. The friendships, or lack of them, the crushes, the secret thoughts, the exams, the pressure, the misunderstandings with our parents, our goals, hopes and dreams, our visions of what we will become.
It is an emotional, but very realistic story, about one kid, and all the things he learns while growing up. By learning things the hard way, by listening, by watching things happen to his friends and family, by just being a wallflower.
The author has written this book in a way where Charlie is writing letters to his secret friend, telling him about his daily adventures. I loved this way, because the letters give a sense of confidentiality, of honesty, or pure thoughts with nothing to hide.
Charlie is a shy guy, who has trouble making friends, socialising, and lacks a lot of common sense. To me, this game me vibes of an autistic kid, or an anxious child suffering from PTSD, which hits all the marks, but I don’t know whether or not this was the author’s purpose. It was written in 1998, so I can assume these subjects might have been taboo, as people weren’t as open minded as today.
To me, Charlie was a relatable character. Even though clearly going through a lot more than just a normal kid, in this book, he copes with problems we have all coped. And the part I loved about Charlie the most is – he is honest, so brutally honest, and doesn’t try to hide things he understands or trying to understand. He sees things we don’t tend to see, and he feels things in a way I would want to feel them.
“So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be.”
He suddenly meets a group of friends, that accept him as he is, and he can be as weird and crazy as he wants, no one bothers. These friendships – my dear reader – are something we all wish for, and some of us are so lucky to have them.
I truly believe that this book is definitely something I would give to my kid to read, or to my small siblings. I wish I had read this 10 years ago, when I would relate more, and when all the high-school topics were relevant. But even now, I can still remember the exact way Charlie felt in some situations, and I wish I had read the book and acted differently on some of mine.
”Charlie, we accept the love we think we deserve.”
Charlie will teach us a lot about high school little traumas, high-school crushes and true love, friendships and betrayals, seeing the family in a different way, and acting on things instead of doing nothing. With Charlie, I went back to high-school, and remembered all the good things and the bad, and I ALMOST shed a few tears for all the memories and times I will never have. Now, I raise a glass, and say cheers for all the good memories and friendships made.
“And I thought about how many people have loved those songs. And how many people got through a lot of bad times because of those songs. And how many people enjoyed good times with those songs. And how much those songs really mean. I think it would be great to have written one of those songs. I bet if I wrote one of them, I would be very proud. I hope the people who wrote those songs are happy. I hope they feel it’s enough. I really do because they’ve made me happy. And I’m only one person.”
Spend a little time, and pick up this book. It is a short and sweet read, and it is a book that everyone should have on their shelves.
Soulful Baker: From highly creative fruit tarts and pies to chocolate, desserts and weekend brunch with Julie Jones, and Lisa Linder is one of those gorgeous cookery books that is great for any time of year, but especially for people who like to cook more around Christmas.
This is more than a cookery book, it’s actually a lovely reminder of how the author and her mum began cooking together again, after her mum was diagnosed with dementia. As a form of mutual therapy they shared their joint love of cooking over on Instagram and gained many followers.
These are simple recipes but done in such an elaborate way, I too was managed to fool people I was good at cooking! There are detailed ingredients and easy to understand methods to follow. Plus there are many equally tasty looking colourful photos to inspire you.
Beautiful and moving. Not the usual thing you’d say about a cookbook, right?
“Soulful Baker” is a bakery book with heart.
This is more than a cookery book, it’s actually a lovely reminder of how the author and her mum began cooking together again, after her mum was diagnosed with dementia. As a form of mutual therapy they shared their joint love of cooking over on Instagram and gained many followers.
These are simple recipes but done in such an elaborate way, I too was managed to fool people I was good at cooking! There are detailed ingredients and easy to understand methods to follow. Plus there are many equally tasty looking colourful photos to inspire you.
Beautiful and moving. Not the usual thing you’d say about a cookbook, right?
“Soulful Baker” is a bakery book with heart.
Stephanie (4 KP) rated Monopoly Deal in Tabletop Games
Jun 24, 2018
This game is a card version of monopoly which is very useful for being on the go. The game only contains card's no board or playing piece's. The main goal of this game is to complete 3 full property set's the fastest. This is a game which is family friendly and allows lots of people to play and can be a quick game so no one will get too bored. This game I would recommend for those that are travelling and want some fun to pass the time . I would also recommend it to the people who don't necessarily want to commit to an overly long game which you tend to find happening during the original monopoly games.
Okay, I really wanted to love this book. Who wouldn't love a book that tells you that you're a badass in the title? Obviously, this girl didn't.
Now, I'm not saying that this book was awful but I'm not going to say that it was glorious and wonderful. The advice in here is good advice but it's nothing different than your stereotypical self help book.
Advice includes: Love yourself, send positive vibes to the universe, believe in yourself (now you really don't need to read the book).
Honestly, I was hoping that this book would help me in some way and I do know various people that this book could truly help but I was not one of those people. I did not get any epiphany moments except for the Blah Blah would love this part, and So and So would like this part.
Ultimately, I'm not a huge fan but it does have some good advice in a semi-sarcastic way.
Now, I'm not saying that this book was awful but I'm not going to say that it was glorious and wonderful. The advice in here is good advice but it's nothing different than your stereotypical self help book.
Advice includes: Love yourself, send positive vibes to the universe, believe in yourself (now you really don't need to read the book).
Honestly, I was hoping that this book would help me in some way and I do know various people that this book could truly help but I was not one of those people. I did not get any epiphany moments except for the Blah Blah would love this part, and So and So would like this part.
Ultimately, I'm not a huge fan but it does have some good advice in a semi-sarcastic way.