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ClareR (5879 KP) rated Perestroika in Books
Mar 10, 2024
Perestroika by João Cerqueira is the story of a fictional country’s turn away from Communism.
We start off in Slavia in 1978 before any of the massive changes that will eventually take place, and we meet the inhabitants of the country: from the corrupt politicians to the men incarcerated in concentration camps. We see how people live on next to nothing and lies from the government that tell them all of their woes are because of the wicked Capitalist West.
The tables are turned on these corrupt Communists with the advent of Perestroika, and instead of Communists governing the country, an all-out crime boss finds himself in charge. But make no mistake: this was engineered by Ivan Fiorov (the crime boss) and his lackeys.
This is a story that is as relevant today as it always has been - especially with what is going on in the Ukraine at the moment. Some of the story arcs in this are horrific, and not just those that take place in the concentration camps. There’s child abuse, sexual coercion, drug abuse, neo-Nazis, violence. The people in this country experience a lot of change in a short period of time. But at the same time, everything stays the same.
Well worth a read.
We start off in Slavia in 1978 before any of the massive changes that will eventually take place, and we meet the inhabitants of the country: from the corrupt politicians to the men incarcerated in concentration camps. We see how people live on next to nothing and lies from the government that tell them all of their woes are because of the wicked Capitalist West.
The tables are turned on these corrupt Communists with the advent of Perestroika, and instead of Communists governing the country, an all-out crime boss finds himself in charge. But make no mistake: this was engineered by Ivan Fiorov (the crime boss) and his lackeys.
This is a story that is as relevant today as it always has been - especially with what is going on in the Ukraine at the moment. Some of the story arcs in this are horrific, and not just those that take place in the concentration camps. There’s child abuse, sexual coercion, drug abuse, neo-Nazis, violence. The people in this country experience a lot of change in a short period of time. But at the same time, everything stays the same.
Well worth a read.
ClareR (5879 KP) rated In the Lives of Puppets in Books
Jan 29, 2024
I don’t know about just Pinocchio, I got some Wizard of Oz vibes as well from this wondrous book. I love a retelling, I’ve read quite a lot of them, and I’m fully prepared to read more, especially if the imagination and emotions are anything like those in In The Lives of Puppets. The ‘Found Family’ theme that runs through TJ Kline’s books is so beautiful: if people, for whatever reason, are rejected by or have lost their families, it’s reassuring to know that there are people, families, like this out there (but not necessarily robots…).
Even after discovering the truth of his origins, Victor still wants to save his father, Giovanni, and his friends want to help him and keep him safe. He is probably the last human alive. Robot society is very interesting, especially as they seem to want to mimic humans, even though they seem to be the ones responsible for their demise (although I think the humans were more than capable of destroying themselves).
Actually, I don’t want to say too much more, other than the fact that I loved reading this and I was sad to see it come to an end - it was perfect!
Even after discovering the truth of his origins, Victor still wants to save his father, Giovanni, and his friends want to help him and keep him safe. He is probably the last human alive. Robot society is very interesting, especially as they seem to want to mimic humans, even though they seem to be the ones responsible for their demise (although I think the humans were more than capable of destroying themselves).
Actually, I don’t want to say too much more, other than the fact that I loved reading this and I was sad to see it come to an end - it was perfect!
Debbiereadsbook (1437 KP) rated A Killer Whisky: Alberta (Canadian Historical Mysteries) in Books
Mar 6, 2025
I did not see that ending coming at me!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is an historical murder mystery, set in the back drop of the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1918, in Alberta, Canada.
And I really rather enjoyed it!
We get to hear from a good few people, and I do love hearing from everyone. Being set over 100 years ago, times and people have changed and I do like comparing then to now: habits mostly, but attitudes and customs, the way things were.
What I did like, was the way the epidemic was being treated: hand washing, masks and the like. Reminded me a lot of a more recent event, and I wonder if they DID do those things, or if the author took liberty, but not that it matters either way. Just a point.
What I especially liked, was that I did not get whodunnit til it was revealed in the book! I loved being kept on my toes and made to question everything and everyone. I really did not see that coming, so very well played there!
A solid 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is an historical murder mystery, set in the back drop of the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1918, in Alberta, Canada.
And I really rather enjoyed it!
We get to hear from a good few people, and I do love hearing from everyone. Being set over 100 years ago, times and people have changed and I do like comparing then to now: habits mostly, but attitudes and customs, the way things were.
What I did like, was the way the epidemic was being treated: hand washing, masks and the like. Reminded me a lot of a more recent event, and I wonder if they DID do those things, or if the author took liberty, but not that it matters either way. Just a point.
What I especially liked, was that I did not get whodunnit til it was revealed in the book! I loved being kept on my toes and made to question everything and everyone. I really did not see that coming, so very well played there!
A solid 4 star read
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
PadPics for Instagram - Free IG Photo & Videos Viewer for iPad
Social Networking and Utilities
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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated My Dad Wrote A Porno in Podcasts
Jan 5, 2018 (Updated Jan 5, 2018)
Hilariously bad
This is a bit like Sex and the City, in terms of being so terrible, it's a guilty pleasure. And the fact that it has had 90 million downloads constitutes it as a cultural phenomenon.
The podcast is self-explanatory, in which the host Jamie Morton discovers that his retired father has begun dabbling in writing erotica. Introducing Belinda Blinked, her profuse sweatiness, and those 'pomegranates'. As a result, he decides to bring his friends into the action, each week discussing a chapter and literally peeing their pants over how hilariously bad it is. Beware, listening to this in public can cause people to give you strange looks as you attempt to stifle a laugh.
It has received such acclaim that we're onto book three now. It's obviously for adults only, but it's cheeky and pretty ridiculous.
The podcast is self-explanatory, in which the host Jamie Morton discovers that his retired father has begun dabbling in writing erotica. Introducing Belinda Blinked, her profuse sweatiness, and those 'pomegranates'. As a result, he decides to bring his friends into the action, each week discussing a chapter and literally peeing their pants over how hilariously bad it is. Beware, listening to this in public can cause people to give you strange looks as you attempt to stifle a laugh.
It has received such acclaim that we're onto book three now. It's obviously for adults only, but it's cheeky and pretty ridiculous.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Stitch It Simple: 25 hand sewn projects to make and share in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Stitch it simple is one of those rare books where I like every single pattern. I mean really, how can you not love a stuffed cat door stop, or felt slippers, or adorable elephants hanging down? The patterns range from small décor (stuffed butterfly, an Owl card) to large, (purses, window panels, cushions)
One thing I really like is a lot of the patterns have little “alternate patterns,” with a variation on the pattern. For instance the bird table-runner has a variation to make it into a placemat. The Owl card has an alternate Owl Tote bag you can make.
All the photographs are beautiful, and it has detailed drawings and diagrams on the techniques. This book would be awesome for people who want one book and lots of projects that will get them started sewing for the home.
One thing I really like is a lot of the patterns have little “alternate patterns,” with a variation on the pattern. For instance the bird table-runner has a variation to make it into a placemat. The Owl card has an alternate Owl Tote bag you can make.
All the photographs are beautiful, and it has detailed drawings and diagrams on the techniques. This book would be awesome for people who want one book and lots of projects that will get them started sewing for the home.
When I read the first look I was intrigued by the premise but sadly the rest of the book fell flat for me. The characters seemed silly and the plot was alright. Mostly I just couldn't get behind the reasoning or the follow through. Add Kat's mom who seemed to just be there to push her over the edge and not be a substantial enough character to feel real.
Some may enjoy the music references as well as the personalities of the individual characters. I found myself having to look a lot of things up which slowed me down. If I could have just read straight through I may have enjoyed it more.
Overall I can see why a certain audience would really love this book, the meaning, and the resolution. Hopefully those people find this and are able to enjoy it.
Some may enjoy the music references as well as the personalities of the individual characters. I found myself having to look a lot of things up which slowed me down. If I could have just read straight through I may have enjoyed it more.
Overall I can see why a certain audience would really love this book, the meaning, and the resolution. Hopefully those people find this and are able to enjoy it.
Moodyhydra (3 KP) rated The Tattooist of Auschwitz in Books
Oct 2, 2018 (Updated Oct 2, 2018)
Amazing
This book was a beautifull and horrifying read all at once. A true story from the mouth of a survivor.
I found myself smiling at the stolen moments shared between new lovers and then crying at the horrors and injustice these poor people endured, and that the lucky (if we can all them that) survived. The horrors they had to see and things they had to do to survive and then live with after is something we will never understand. This story is not only one of horror and death, but also of bravery, resilliance and above all LOVE. To know that love can be found even in a place like this the darkest of places was inspiring. The way it was written was beautifull and respectfull to the memory of those it involved. Definitely a book everyone should read.
I found myself smiling at the stolen moments shared between new lovers and then crying at the horrors and injustice these poor people endured, and that the lucky (if we can all them that) survived. The horrors they had to see and things they had to do to survive and then live with after is something we will never understand. This story is not only one of horror and death, but also of bravery, resilliance and above all LOVE. To know that love can be found even in a place like this the darkest of places was inspiring. The way it was written was beautifull and respectfull to the memory of those it involved. Definitely a book everyone should read.
Liverpool: A Macabre Miscellany
Book
Liverpool has a deeply chequered past. As the second city of the Empire, she was a leading light in...
TC
The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the Jesuits
Book
Founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola, the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) has been praised as a saintly...