Search
Search results
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Dig (2021) in Movies
Feb 6, 2021 (Updated Feb 6, 2021)
True-life Anglo-Saxon chronicle is brought to the screen as another wartime hats-and-fags tale of class and repression. Posh woman hires blunt-but-brilliant working-class bloke to examine her mounds (don't snipe, the film does the same gag, more or less); what ensues reminded me, for a while at least, of a big-budget version of Ted and Ralph with Carey Mulligan playing Charlie Higson's part.
Really a film of two halves: the first part, which is very quiet and still and all about figures in a landscape with Vaughan Williams-esque music playing, I found was much engaging than the second, which is not particularly focused and turns into a bit of a soap opera (there's a forbidden romance, terminal illness, political squabbling over who gets to run the dig and keep the treasure, etc, etc). Decent performances from a strong cast and it looks good in a fairly cinematic way, but by the end it seemed to me that archaeology in general and Sutton Hoo in particular had rather been forgotten about, which seemed like a shame.
Really a film of two halves: the first part, which is very quiet and still and all about figures in a landscape with Vaughan Williams-esque music playing, I found was much engaging than the second, which is not particularly focused and turns into a bit of a soap opera (there's a forbidden romance, terminal illness, political squabbling over who gets to run the dig and keep the treasure, etc, etc). Decent performances from a strong cast and it looks good in a fairly cinematic way, but by the end it seemed to me that archaeology in general and Sutton Hoo in particular had rather been forgotten about, which seemed like a shame.
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated The Word Trove in Books
Dec 21, 2020
Whimsical marmite
This tells a warm whimsical wonderous story of a word which has forgotten its meaning. Imagine if Alice had fallen into a dictionary instead of wonderland and you are about there. This will be marmite to readers, some not appreciating its magic and metaphors and others dreaming into the depths of its poetry and philosophy. It is a beautifully presented story and has been translated brilliantly to maintain meaning in a book about language. Another word, other than whimsical I would use to describe this journey is charming. From the delightful illustrations to the size and shape of the book itself, it is full of a sincere charm that will delight those who enjoy its pages. Those who won't like the book will find out almost from the first paragraph and if you don't, then put it down and pick up something else. Those that do, then allow yourself to go on its journey and think as well as smile in this wonderful and unique treasure of a novel.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Oct 3, 2021
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Cinnamon and Gunpowder: A Novel in Books
Sep 19, 2018
Cinnamon and Gunpowder reminds me a lot of Treasure Island. Or at least of my childhood memories of reading Treasure Island, as it's been decades since I read it. The book is told from the viewpoint of Owen Wedgwood, a chef who finds himself kidnapped by a famous pirate and forced to cook gourmet meals for her in exchange for his life. As a home cook who's had a small amount of actual training, I really enjoyed his descriptions of making do with only the cooking tools the ship has on hand and whatever rations he could lay his hands on. The creativity he displays in making amazing meals out of almost nothing is one of the best parts of the book. (And the descriptions of those meals - YUM.)
The formatting is set up as a kind of personal ship's log, each part dated and written down after the events happen. Wedgwood (or "Spoons," as the crew calls him) even mentions how he hides it and leaves out a decoy log, since he also writes down his dreams (and plans!) of escaping the pirates.
Some of the events in the book are incredibly predictable, but there are still a few surprises. I was a little disappointed when one thing in particular happened; I saw it coming but hoped that wasn't where the author was going with it. I know that's vague, but I don't want to spoil anything!
I enjoyed learning about Mad Hannah's background and why she's a pirate; she's fighting against the opium trade, and she actually gives Wedgwood a pretty accurate summary of the terrible things the opium trade was responsible for.
Any book that can combine sumptuous description of exotic meals with action and cannonballs will have my attention. And Brown does not shy away from proper action scenes. These are pirates, and fights get brutal. Men lose limbs if not their lives to storms and Navy bombardments. Keeping order on a pirate ship involves lashings and brute force. The book doesn't shrink from those, but it also gets philosophical with Wedgwood's description of flavors, and almost comedic with the images of using cannonballs as pestles for grinding herbs. It's that contrast and variety that makes this book so much fun to read.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
The formatting is set up as a kind of personal ship's log, each part dated and written down after the events happen. Wedgwood (or "Spoons," as the crew calls him) even mentions how he hides it and leaves out a decoy log, since he also writes down his dreams (and plans!) of escaping the pirates.
Some of the events in the book are incredibly predictable, but there are still a few surprises. I was a little disappointed when one thing in particular happened; I saw it coming but hoped that wasn't where the author was going with it. I know that's vague, but I don't want to spoil anything!
I enjoyed learning about Mad Hannah's background and why she's a pirate; she's fighting against the opium trade, and she actually gives Wedgwood a pretty accurate summary of the terrible things the opium trade was responsible for.
Any book that can combine sumptuous description of exotic meals with action and cannonballs will have my attention. And Brown does not shy away from proper action scenes. These are pirates, and fights get brutal. Men lose limbs if not their lives to storms and Navy bombardments. Keeping order on a pirate ship involves lashings and brute force. The book doesn't shrink from those, but it also gets philosophical with Wedgwood's description of flavors, and almost comedic with the images of using cannonballs as pestles for grinding herbs. It's that contrast and variety that makes this book so much fun to read.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Michelangelo's Ghost (Jaya Jones Treasure Hunt Mystery, #4) in Books
Feb 8, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
aya was somehow recruited to find a lost treasure. Her old professor starts it off by trying to get to her and with her research. Something happens that, makes Jaya, has to pick up the research after her professor dies.
The author has you intrigued by wanting to know what Jaya gets an email from her former Professor. Once she gets her hands on the sketchbook or famous artist from Italy. Are there connections with Michelangelo?
You will be so involved you will be wondering what's going on with it. How is a ghost story connected to present day Murder? For me, this book seems to have you guessing along the way.
They're a disappearing boyfriend that comes and goes. What up with that. It seems to grow even more intense with a ghost that keeps appearing and disappearing. It comes to be even more intense, as you, go. I thought it was growing creepier. It, not creepy scary. It just my opinion of how I felt at a point. I loved it. You did not ever know what was going to happen when you go to turn the page.
The author has you intrigued by wanting to know what Jaya gets an email from her former Professor. Once she gets her hands on the sketchbook or famous artist from Italy. Are there connections with Michelangelo?
You will be so involved you will be wondering what's going on with it. How is a ghost story connected to present day Murder? For me, this book seems to have you guessing along the way.
They're a disappearing boyfriend that comes and goes. What up with that. It seems to grow even more intense with a ghost that keeps appearing and disappearing. It comes to be even more intense, as you, go. I thought it was growing creepier. It, not creepy scary. It just my opinion of how I felt at a point. I loved it. You did not ever know what was going to happen when you go to turn the page.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated If You Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, DON’T! in Books
Dec 11, 2018
Matey, This Picture Book Will Give Ye a Christmas Laugh
When your father tells you that you are going to meet a man with a beard and a sack of treasure, he means Santa, not the pirate by the mall fountain. And even if you befriend the pirate, it might not be a good idea to ask him to join you in line. After all, he is on the naughty list. His ideas of songs might not be festive. He might want to pillage anything you are offered in line. Will he reform before you get to the front of the line?
This is another delightfully silly picture book. As the situation gets more out of hand, the more fun the book is, and the ending is priceless. The book is narrated in second person, but more as Magnolia, the main character, using her own bad experience to warn us away from what could happen. The pictures are on the cartoony side, but they perfectly capture the fun and absurdity of this story. It's perfect for Christmas, but I could see it slipping into a reading list the rest of the year.
This is another delightfully silly picture book. As the situation gets more out of hand, the more fun the book is, and the ending is priceless. The book is narrated in second person, but more as Magnolia, the main character, using her own bad experience to warn us away from what could happen. The pictures are on the cartoony side, but they perfectly capture the fun and absurdity of this story. It's perfect for Christmas, but I could see it slipping into a reading list the rest of the year.
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated The Magic Sapphire (The Decoders #1) in Books
Oct 16, 2019
Looking for a good mystery for young adults? I think I found it. This book or series is good for young readers or teens. It focuses on three friends. They seem to work together well. Their names are Matt, Jenny and Steve.
These three friends end up going on adventures together. They go on these adventure but ask for help when they need it. I really like the fact they they need to use their minds and teamwork to solve the clues. The way the author does this is well done.
Children will enjoy this book as it shows puzzle solving and teamwork throughout the book. The author also makes it fun and easy to read. It enjoyable for you to read. There a jewel thief and and men, He seem to want the the item the Steve bought but why?
There are some twist and turns throughout the book. Parents is really good for children learn about team work. It also teaches them to use their minds to solve the puzzles. Will Steve, Jenny and Matt find the hidden treasure? Will they solve the mystery?
These three friends end up going on adventures together. They go on these adventure but ask for help when they need it. I really like the fact they they need to use their minds and teamwork to solve the clues. The way the author does this is well done.
Children will enjoy this book as it shows puzzle solving and teamwork throughout the book. The author also makes it fun and easy to read. It enjoyable for you to read. There a jewel thief and and men, He seem to want the the item the Steve bought but why?
There are some twist and turns throughout the book. Parents is really good for children learn about team work. It also teaches them to use their minds to solve the puzzles. Will Steve, Jenny and Matt find the hidden treasure? Will they solve the mystery?
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Hunting for Hidden Gold in Books
Apr 25, 2020
Thieves and Gold Out West
When their dad requests their help, Frank and Joe Hardy are only too happy to jump on a plane to Montana. Fenton Hardy is on the trail of a gang of thieves, but before they leave, Frank and Joe also hear about some gold that’s been lost in the area for years. With danger attacking even before they land in Montana, the brothers have to figure out who the mole in town in, where the gang is hiding, and possibly find time for a treasure hunt. Can they do it?
It’s fun to revisit these characters even as an adult. The action starts almost immediately and never really lets up, not that I’m complaining. There was even one part of the plot that the Hardys couldn’t figure out right away, which was a nice change. The characters are thin, and we don’t see much of the usual supporting players. There are definitely some dated references, but as long as kids know the book is older, they should be fine with it. I know I had fun revisiting these characters.
It’s fun to revisit these characters even as an adult. The action starts almost immediately and never really lets up, not that I’m complaining. There was even one part of the plot that the Hardys couldn’t figure out right away, which was a nice change. The characters are thin, and we don’t see much of the usual supporting players. There are definitely some dated references, but as long as kids know the book is older, they should be fine with it. I know I had fun revisiting these characters.
Billy Gibbons recommended Jimmy Reed At Carnegie Hall by Jimmy Reed in Music (curated)
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Friends: The Reunion (2021) in Movies
Jun 19, 2021
I'm not the biggest fan of Friends to walk the earth, but I watched it enough growing up in the 90s for it to mean something to me in some capacity. This reunion is a mixed bag - on the one hand, it has a whole load of legitimately touching moments. I genuinely think the main cast enjoyed being in each others company again, and it does a good job at diving behind the scenes in its 100 minute runtime.
However, it doesn't go far enough. It threatens to really get into the nitty gritty on several occasions, but pulls back. It feels cut up to the point where I think that, considering just how beloved Friends is, the reunion would have been better suited to a limited series, where it could have been the ultimate celebration with all the main players involved.
If nothing more, The Reunion is a fun throwback to arguably the most popular comedy show to ever air, and is undoubtedly a nostalgic treat for fans of Friends, and they're the people who this is for. Matt Le Blanc is a treasure.
However, it doesn't go far enough. It threatens to really get into the nitty gritty on several occasions, but pulls back. It feels cut up to the point where I think that, considering just how beloved Friends is, the reunion would have been better suited to a limited series, where it could have been the ultimate celebration with all the main players involved.
If nothing more, The Reunion is a fun throwback to arguably the most popular comedy show to ever air, and is undoubtedly a nostalgic treat for fans of Friends, and they're the people who this is for. Matt Le Blanc is a treasure.