Search
Search results
Tom Turner (388 KP) rated Prince of Thorns in Books
Apr 29, 2021
Having read The Book of the Ancestor series last year and absolutely l loved them, I was hesitant to read The Broken Empire. Tried was because I was lead to believe that BOA was a step up from BE. So I assumed I would be disappointed. What clicked with me and made me take the plunge was reading that Mark Lawrence based Jorg, our brutal protagonist on Alex from Anthony Burges' A Clockwork Orange. I had also heard that the reason why people didn't consider it as good as BOA was that they couldn't connect to study a horrible protagonist. It would be interesting to know, had I read Prince of Thorns without knowing this tidbit of trivia, whether I would have fallen into the trap of misunderstanding this book as others had. But I do definitely feel that this knowledge greatly enhanced my understanding and therefore enjoyment of the book. I would even go as far as saying I might even like it better than BOA, and that's saying something!
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated 50 Cities of the U.S.A.: Explore America's cities with 50 fact-filled maps in Books
Jun 18, 2018
50 Cities of the U.S.A. by Gabrielle Balkan is an informative book about famous people and places in some of the United States' best known cities. The book contains beautiful illustrations and the trivia. Each city gets a two-page spread, and the author and illustrator Sol Linero do a great job in packing the two pages with as much information as possible.
This is a book that will inspire great thinking about travel, the United States and different events, structures, and people. The book has so much to offer and sets it up in a fun, easy to read format. Children could look through the book to find just facts about buildings in the city or people. I find this to be such an excellent book because it provides in depth information for children who already have a geographic passion, but will also inspire new thinking for children who have yet to discover geography.
I recommend this book for children who enjoy learning about the U.S. and geography.
I received an ARC of 50 Cities of the U.S.A from NetGalley via Quarto Publishing Group and Wide Eyed Editions.
This is a book that will inspire great thinking about travel, the United States and different events, structures, and people. The book has so much to offer and sets it up in a fun, easy to read format. Children could look through the book to find just facts about buildings in the city or people. I find this to be such an excellent book because it provides in depth information for children who already have a geographic passion, but will also inspire new thinking for children who have yet to discover geography.
I recommend this book for children who enjoy learning about the U.S. and geography.
I received an ARC of 50 Cities of the U.S.A from NetGalley via Quarto Publishing Group and Wide Eyed Editions.
Versusyours (757 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
Dec 13, 2019
Pop culture (2 more)
Nostalgia drips from the page
Future true story
Modern retro
Coming to this book from the movie was a mistake but not a bigger one than reading this then watching the movie.
In a strangely possible future that sees the real world being second to virtual world of the Oasis, Wade Watts finds himself orphaned and obsessed with the 80s and all levels of geek and pop trivia. This obsession grows as he along with millions of others are undertaking a quest to control the virtual world and basically be the king of both worlds. Many movies, computer games, songs and even breakfast cereals are dissected in great detail and this attention to detail makes the book for me and is where it had me hooked. If you love nostalgia then this book will be a dream of not then it could be too much.
The story is packed with twists and turns with the obligatory love interest make this book fun, interesting and gripping in equal measure.
Book then movie, I need to learn to remember that one of these days
In a strangely possible future that sees the real world being second to virtual world of the Oasis, Wade Watts finds himself orphaned and obsessed with the 80s and all levels of geek and pop trivia. This obsession grows as he along with millions of others are undertaking a quest to control the virtual world and basically be the king of both worlds. Many movies, computer games, songs and even breakfast cereals are dissected in great detail and this attention to detail makes the book for me and is where it had me hooked. If you love nostalgia then this book will be a dream of not then it could be too much.
The story is packed with twists and turns with the obligatory love interest make this book fun, interesting and gripping in equal measure.
Book then movie, I need to learn to remember that one of these days
Lindsay (1693 KP) rated To Read or Not To Read in Books
Dec 9, 2020
Are you looking for a book to track your every growing stack of books? Well, this book called To Read or Not to Read is a book for you. It sturdy bind and paper. It was made of really good quality. This book is more of a tracker or diary for book lovers.
You love writing down your thoughts or what inspired you this book has it. It also has a few different things for you. There are some surprises for you when you open it up. You can also Make your TBR List and check out many Lists that are in the book.
Do you like Trivia and or some fun quizzes to find out if you are Bookish or not? Well, that in here as well. It mostly a journal for you to keep track of the books you read. You will be able to take this book with you in your purse or backpack when you travel. There even quotes and facts about some unknown authors.
This book is good to give as a gift a well for yourself or someone else that loves books. You could gift it to someone in your family that enjoys books.
You love writing down your thoughts or what inspired you this book has it. It also has a few different things for you. There are some surprises for you when you open it up. You can also Make your TBR List and check out many Lists that are in the book.
Do you like Trivia and or some fun quizzes to find out if you are Bookish or not? Well, that in here as well. It mostly a journal for you to keep track of the books you read. You will be able to take this book with you in your purse or backpack when you travel. There even quotes and facts about some unknown authors.
This book is good to give as a gift a well for yourself or someone else that loves books. You could gift it to someone in your family that enjoys books.
Darren Fisher (2433 KP) rated Siege (1982) in Movies
Dec 13, 2020 (Updated Dec 13, 2020)
Overlooked excellent grindhouse thriller.
I rented this out a lot back in the 80s. This film needs an official re-release desperately (remains only available on VHS and Laserdisc).
Siege motors along at a fast pace, no lulls, just scene upon scene of intense cat and mouse between a gang of murderous thugs and a group of people (in what looks like the most rundown and scuzziest building ever) who take in a survivor from the gangs previous assault. Shades of John Carpenter's Assault on Precinct 13 and a cheeky wink towards Escape From New York, the gang take on more than they bargain for when the ever resourceful victims strike back. Solid acting all round and a sucker punch of a twist at the end. This is a must see! Essential grindhouse viewing!
Trivia:
1# It contains the only existing news footage of the actual 1981 Halifax Police strike.
2# Aka Self Defense (USA), Night Warriors (Europe), New York 1991 (Various countries). Seige was the UK title.
3# The Japanese release has a further 7 minutes of extra 'day-time' footage. Although this is interesting it doesn't really add anything to the final cut. Personally I prefer the 'night-time' version as it evokes more menace and gets straight to the point.
Siege motors along at a fast pace, no lulls, just scene upon scene of intense cat and mouse between a gang of murderous thugs and a group of people (in what looks like the most rundown and scuzziest building ever) who take in a survivor from the gangs previous assault. Shades of John Carpenter's Assault on Precinct 13 and a cheeky wink towards Escape From New York, the gang take on more than they bargain for when the ever resourceful victims strike back. Solid acting all round and a sucker punch of a twist at the end. This is a must see! Essential grindhouse viewing!
Trivia:
1# It contains the only existing news footage of the actual 1981 Halifax Police strike.
2# Aka Self Defense (USA), Night Warriors (Europe), New York 1991 (Various countries). Seige was the UK title.
3# The Japanese release has a further 7 minutes of extra 'day-time' footage. Although this is interesting it doesn't really add anything to the final cut. Personally I prefer the 'night-time' version as it evokes more menace and gets straight to the point.
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Star Trek Generations (1994) in Movies
Sep 28, 2021
This was the movie that formally handed the baton from the ‘old crew’ to the TNG crew. It seems to be viewed by many as one of “the bad ones” (in the pretty consistent ‘good film-bad film’ flip-flop). But for me it’s one of my personal favourites, neatly blending the old and the new in a novel and inventive way. It includes the death of an icon (“Oh My” – great trivia question!) and the most spectacular demise of the Enterprise put onto film.
Patrick Stewart adds his usual RSC gravitas, and the scenes between him and Shatner are great fun. As Commander Data getting a dose of feelings from his ’emotion chip’, Brent Spiner is also great. The rest of the TNG crew get a mixed amount of air time, with the lovely Marina Sirtis putting in a great performance – particularly during the crash scene – but with Gates McFadden getting little other than an early bath!
The movie’s not without its issues though. Some the scenes – particularly one in ‘stellar cartography – could do with a lot of tightening up. This was director David Carson’s feature debut, after some previous Trek TV experience, and a more experienced movie director might have achieved an even better outcome.
Patrick Stewart adds his usual RSC gravitas, and the scenes between him and Shatner are great fun. As Commander Data getting a dose of feelings from his ’emotion chip’, Brent Spiner is also great. The rest of the TNG crew get a mixed amount of air time, with the lovely Marina Sirtis putting in a great performance – particularly during the crash scene – but with Gates McFadden getting little other than an early bath!
The movie’s not without its issues though. Some the scenes – particularly one in ‘stellar cartography – could do with a lot of tightening up. This was director David Carson’s feature debut, after some previous Trek TV experience, and a more experienced movie director might have achieved an even better outcome.
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) created a post
Apr 13, 2019
Micah Ulibarri (79 KP) rated Rebel Force Radio: Star Wars Podcast in Podcasts
Mar 27, 2018
The Star Wars podcast with the longest track record of any Star Wars podcast. Jason Swank and Jimmy Mac work tirelessly on giving you all the Star Wars every week.
They are both guys with long time radio and podcasting pedigrees so it comes as no surprise that their show is always well edited and has great production value.
They always bring on great guest stars including Rebels creator Dave Filoni among others. You can always count on well rounded Star Wars discussion.
They also do voicemail responses to fans on the show so if you want to join the discussion, there is always an opportunity.
The only downside I have with them is at times they react to things without doing a lot of investigating, which I think is a big negative for easily the most downloaded Star Wars podcast ever. There have been a number of times I have known answers to questions they ask or know why something they go off on makes perfect sense. And I don't just mean inane Star Wars trivia. I just mean I read the basic officially released stuff all the way through before reacting.
Otherwise they are great and always entertaining. You are pretty much not part of the Star Wars community discussion if you don't tune in to them at least occasionally.
They are both guys with long time radio and podcasting pedigrees so it comes as no surprise that their show is always well edited and has great production value.
They always bring on great guest stars including Rebels creator Dave Filoni among others. You can always count on well rounded Star Wars discussion.
They also do voicemail responses to fans on the show so if you want to join the discussion, there is always an opportunity.
The only downside I have with them is at times they react to things without doing a lot of investigating, which I think is a big negative for easily the most downloaded Star Wars podcast ever. There have been a number of times I have known answers to questions they ask or know why something they go off on makes perfect sense. And I don't just mean inane Star Wars trivia. I just mean I read the basic officially released stuff all the way through before reacting.
Otherwise they are great and always entertaining. You are pretty much not part of the Star Wars community discussion if you don't tune in to them at least occasionally.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Bookish Life of Nina Hill in Books
Aug 5, 2019
Nina Hill has her life just how she wants it: a job at a bookstore, an apartment with a reading nook and her cat Phil, and her days scheduled around her organized planner. But her neatly designed life gets a big shock when the father she never knew suddenly dies, giving Nina newfound knowledge of a host of brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. Add on to that a crush on her trivia nemesis, Tom, and Nina's careful life is a mess.
I've been wanting to read this for a while, as it sounded totally up my alley, and it so was. It's a major ode to books and bookworms. I felt such an affinity to Nina, and I found the book to be witty and sweet. When I first started it, I was worried it might be a little too cute (the writing style is quirky and different), but Nina and the writing quickly grew on me.
There's so much to love and identify with in this one--about books and bookstores, trivia, family, love, and it deftly handles anxiety and introversion. I'm sure so many readers will find parts of themselves in Nina. I know I did.
"As an only child of a single mother, Nina's natural state was solitude. Growing up, she saw other people with fathers and brothers and sisters, and it looked like fun, but generally, she thought she was better of without a crowd."
I absolutely adored how Nina's finding her new family changed her--it was touching and funny. The cast of characters we meet is hilarious and yet poignant at times. Because Nina's (now late) father was older, she has brothers and sisters of a variety of ages, as well as a charming gay nephew. But watching her come out of her shell, meeting these people, is really lovely. (And brave.)
"Nina worried she liked being alone too much; it was the only time she ever fully relaxed. People were... exhausting. They made her anxious."
Honestly, I loved Nina. The way she interacted with the kids in the various book groups she ran at the bookstore. The way she handled falling for Tom. The way she loved her cat. The realistic way she presented her anxiety. The fact that she was introverted but friendly and kind. (Imagine that? Introverts can be fun, not just evil curmudgeons.) Her deep love of books and her desire to help other people love books, too. I could go on and on.
While you can see how some of this story will play out, it doesn't make it any less fun to read. It's really sweet, funny, and enjoyable. I totally fell for Nina and found it so easy to get caught up in her story and her life. This book was very touching, and I totally teared up at the end, which is rare for me. Definitely recommend this one. 4+ stars.
I've been wanting to read this for a while, as it sounded totally up my alley, and it so was. It's a major ode to books and bookworms. I felt such an affinity to Nina, and I found the book to be witty and sweet. When I first started it, I was worried it might be a little too cute (the writing style is quirky and different), but Nina and the writing quickly grew on me.
There's so much to love and identify with in this one--about books and bookstores, trivia, family, love, and it deftly handles anxiety and introversion. I'm sure so many readers will find parts of themselves in Nina. I know I did.
"As an only child of a single mother, Nina's natural state was solitude. Growing up, she saw other people with fathers and brothers and sisters, and it looked like fun, but generally, she thought she was better of without a crowd."
I absolutely adored how Nina's finding her new family changed her--it was touching and funny. The cast of characters we meet is hilarious and yet poignant at times. Because Nina's (now late) father was older, she has brothers and sisters of a variety of ages, as well as a charming gay nephew. But watching her come out of her shell, meeting these people, is really lovely. (And brave.)
"Nina worried she liked being alone too much; it was the only time she ever fully relaxed. People were... exhausting. They made her anxious."
Honestly, I loved Nina. The way she interacted with the kids in the various book groups she ran at the bookstore. The way she handled falling for Tom. The way she loved her cat. The realistic way she presented her anxiety. The fact that she was introverted but friendly and kind. (Imagine that? Introverts can be fun, not just evil curmudgeons.) Her deep love of books and her desire to help other people love books, too. I could go on and on.
While you can see how some of this story will play out, it doesn't make it any less fun to read. It's really sweet, funny, and enjoyable. I totally fell for Nina and found it so easy to get caught up in her story and her life. This book was very touching, and I totally teared up at the end, which is rare for me. Definitely recommend this one. 4+ stars.
Better than expected
I won an iOS App Store voucher in a Smashbomb giveaway and this is one of the apps I’ve purchased with it. I also purchased the extra film & tv question pack.
As I’ve said before, I’m a sucker for quizzes and trivia. I do enjoy watching the Tenable tv show, although not as much as other quiz shows mainly because of the horrendously cringey scripted jokes that Warwick Davis comes out with. However fortunately you can skip these whilst playing on the app. I was concerned about how the app would work, as the show is reliant on contestants knowledge on a subject, whereas the app has to offer multiple choice. I had thought the use of multiple choice would make the game ridiculously easy, but believe me it doesn’t. All of the choices given are sensible viable options, and unless you know a subject 100%, there is a lot of margin for error. Which is good, as it makes me more difficult. I’ve often played this and can’t believe that the options I’ve chosen aren’t in the top 10. The only way this makes it easier for you is when you know absolutely nothing about a subject, as you’ve at least got a chance of picking a few right options just from pure chance.
This is quite a fun and addictive game, and much better than watching the show.
As I’ve said before, I’m a sucker for quizzes and trivia. I do enjoy watching the Tenable tv show, although not as much as other quiz shows mainly because of the horrendously cringey scripted jokes that Warwick Davis comes out with. However fortunately you can skip these whilst playing on the app. I was concerned about how the app would work, as the show is reliant on contestants knowledge on a subject, whereas the app has to offer multiple choice. I had thought the use of multiple choice would make the game ridiculously easy, but believe me it doesn’t. All of the choices given are sensible viable options, and unless you know a subject 100%, there is a lot of margin for error. Which is good, as it makes me more difficult. I’ve often played this and can’t believe that the options I’ve chosen aren’t in the top 10. The only way this makes it easier for you is when you know absolutely nothing about a subject, as you’ve at least got a chance of picking a few right options just from pure chance.
This is quite a fun and addictive game, and much better than watching the show.