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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated You in Books
Apr 27, 2018
While reading—and after finishing—You, I really had no idea what to say about it. I let it sit in my brain for a while, and I think I’ve decided how I feel. It’s a funny book though, because honestly, you have to be the right kind of reader for it. I’m not yet sure what that kind of reader is.
First, as you can see above, I can’t really say what genre it was. It wasn’t really young adult, though I’m sure some young people will enjoy it. It’s not really adult either though, because it’s about a group of people who play videogames for a living. So I wasn’t sure what category to put it into for my brain.
There was some fantasy aspects, because the videogame they made was fantasy. The videogame characters would come to visit Russell, the main character, in his dreams or daydreams. Once he took one of them on a date. That was kind of weird.
Then there was the plot. They’re making this game, another game in the series, and there’s a bug that’s causing all sorts of problems. They have to play the game to get rid of the bug. Now I’m not a game designer but that doesn’t seem very probable to me personally. I’d do a control search for the line of problem code, and just take it the hell out. But like I said, I’m not a designer.
The subplot to the bug mystery had something to do with the past, the founder of the company, a mysterious death, and an “ultimate game.” It was all very vague, and not a lot of it was wrapped up.
Finally, I didn’t particularly like the conclusion. Suffice to say I thought the whole novel would take a different turn than it did, and it wasn’t what I wanted.
But the good parts were good! The writing was funny and descriptive, the characters were well developed—I loved Lisa so much!—and it was fast paced.
Personally, I liked it. I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it, but I probably wouldn’t read (or listen to) it again.
Content/recommendation: some language, no sex. Ages 16+
First, as you can see above, I can’t really say what genre it was. It wasn’t really young adult, though I’m sure some young people will enjoy it. It’s not really adult either though, because it’s about a group of people who play videogames for a living. So I wasn’t sure what category to put it into for my brain.
There was some fantasy aspects, because the videogame they made was fantasy. The videogame characters would come to visit Russell, the main character, in his dreams or daydreams. Once he took one of them on a date. That was kind of weird.
Then there was the plot. They’re making this game, another game in the series, and there’s a bug that’s causing all sorts of problems. They have to play the game to get rid of the bug. Now I’m not a game designer but that doesn’t seem very probable to me personally. I’d do a control search for the line of problem code, and just take it the hell out. But like I said, I’m not a designer.
The subplot to the bug mystery had something to do with the past, the founder of the company, a mysterious death, and an “ultimate game.” It was all very vague, and not a lot of it was wrapped up.
Finally, I didn’t particularly like the conclusion. Suffice to say I thought the whole novel would take a different turn than it did, and it wasn’t what I wanted.
But the good parts were good! The writing was funny and descriptive, the characters were well developed—I loved Lisa so much!—and it was fast paced.
Personally, I liked it. I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it, but I probably wouldn’t read (or listen to) it again.
Content/recommendation: some language, no sex. Ages 16+
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Thirteen Reasons Why in Books
Jan 6, 2020 (Updated Jan 31, 2020)
I first read this novel almost 7 years ago, I think. Maybe 8. Either way, it's been a decent amount of time since I last read this book and to be honest, I've been really nervous to revisit it. I know that there is a lot of controversy about it, and even more when it comes to the show, and ever since I first read the book, I've always been very protective of this story, these characters, this novel, all of it.
I find it incredibly amusing to read reviews of the show and the book of people that hate it and don't understand Hannah and think she just blamed everyone else and never took responsibility for her actions, and I partially understand. I can see why they think that but I think what makes this book so special and this story so special is how relatable it is. I think that unless you've been in Hannah's shoes, in her mindset, in that place than you can't understand. I think what people are most afraid to admit is that when someone dies by suicide, they do it for a culmination of reasons, and a lot of them are because of people - what they said, what they did or didn't do, what they say behind another person's back, etc. You hear stories in the news all the time about kids dying by suicide because they were bullied or because a bunch of people told them too, over and over and over again. People are mean and cruel and they do things that affect other people and it resonates. Each of the 13 people on her tapes all played a part. You can say she was blaming them or whatever you so please, but each of their actions created the circumstances for her to feel like she had nowhere else to go.
Again, I love this book. I love these characters, I love this plot, I love how real it is. I love the show, I love everything about it. I'm sure there are people who disagree with me. I'm sure there are people who vehemently protest this novel and its corresponding series, but I think this is a book that I will forever love, reread, and protect.
In a lot of ways, I am Hannah Baker. I think everyone is a little bit.
I find it incredibly amusing to read reviews of the show and the book of people that hate it and don't understand Hannah and think she just blamed everyone else and never took responsibility for her actions, and I partially understand. I can see why they think that but I think what makes this book so special and this story so special is how relatable it is. I think that unless you've been in Hannah's shoes, in her mindset, in that place than you can't understand. I think what people are most afraid to admit is that when someone dies by suicide, they do it for a culmination of reasons, and a lot of them are because of people - what they said, what they did or didn't do, what they say behind another person's back, etc. You hear stories in the news all the time about kids dying by suicide because they were bullied or because a bunch of people told them too, over and over and over again. People are mean and cruel and they do things that affect other people and it resonates. Each of the 13 people on her tapes all played a part. You can say she was blaming them or whatever you so please, but each of their actions created the circumstances for her to feel like she had nowhere else to go.
Again, I love this book. I love these characters, I love this plot, I love how real it is. I love the show, I love everything about it. I'm sure there are people who disagree with me. I'm sure there are people who vehemently protest this novel and its corresponding series, but I think this is a book that I will forever love, reread, and protect.
In a lot of ways, I am Hannah Baker. I think everyone is a little bit.
Jeff Nichols recommended Cool Hand Luke (1967) in Movies (curated)
Steven Sklansky (231 KP) rated The Space Between Us (2017) in Movies
Sep 6, 2017
Story (2 more)
Characters
Making you feel connected to the Movie
Zero Consequences (1 more)
Timing of events
Fun and Exciting From Start to Finish
From the start of the movie it really grabs with how the world is perceived today. The earth is becoming a place that is environmentally unfit to live. Although it seems that the time doesn't really show that there is an urgent need to move off the planet.
The story starts with a group of astronauts leaving for Mars to test the living capabilities and seeing if we can survive. What we end up getting is a story about a boy born on Mars and not being able to leave the planet because he would be able to survive earth's atmosphere. You really feel for Gardener through out the movie because of how trapped his life feels. He only has one friend that is a robot and other that lives on earth and can only chat through computer. I know you have to give this kid a love interest, but he is supposed to be a secret. I don't know how he found his way in to a chat site that would give him access to earth, but they should have tried a lot harder. He knew he was a secret but he really could have told her everything.
Once he got to earth he found her really easily. For someone who has never been to Earth I find it hard to believe he could find his way around with no help.
Once he did find her it was nothing but stealing cars and running from the cops till they found his dad. Which no one got in trouble for.
With all the unrealistic plot points and timeline that really didn't fit. The story behind it all was very well told and was very enjoyable. The chemistry between all the actors and actresses was fantastic. The movie really did grab you and pull you in and allow you to feel for these characters. I like any movie that keeps in and focused.
I recommend that everyone see this movie if you like a little tug at the heart strings.
The story starts with a group of astronauts leaving for Mars to test the living capabilities and seeing if we can survive. What we end up getting is a story about a boy born on Mars and not being able to leave the planet because he would be able to survive earth's atmosphere. You really feel for Gardener through out the movie because of how trapped his life feels. He only has one friend that is a robot and other that lives on earth and can only chat through computer. I know you have to give this kid a love interest, but he is supposed to be a secret. I don't know how he found his way in to a chat site that would give him access to earth, but they should have tried a lot harder. He knew he was a secret but he really could have told her everything.
Once he got to earth he found her really easily. For someone who has never been to Earth I find it hard to believe he could find his way around with no help.
Once he did find her it was nothing but stealing cars and running from the cops till they found his dad. Which no one got in trouble for.
With all the unrealistic plot points and timeline that really didn't fit. The story behind it all was very well told and was very enjoyable. The chemistry between all the actors and actresses was fantastic. The movie really did grab you and pull you in and allow you to feel for these characters. I like any movie that keeps in and focused.
I recommend that everyone see this movie if you like a little tug at the heart strings.
KatieLouCreate (162 KP) rated Three Dark Crowns in Books
Oct 11, 2018
pacing (1 more)
story
Great Read
I bought this book probably over a year ago while browsing some books in my local supermarket. The cover pulled me in, but the blurb made me buy the book. It was a promising premise of the book and I knew I just had to buy it and find out what happens.
Overall, I love the book. It is such a refreshing read from the stock, cliche, ya books you usually read. This has originality in it. The characters are fully developed and interesting. The story does feel like it is going too slowly or too quickly unless it is needed. It is a well written book and well worth the read if you want something different to you traditional YA reads.
My only woe with this book is the somewhat lack of world building. Usually it would be enough if the book was not a fantasy. But I feel all fantasy books, especially those not based on our world, in our time, needs a lot of world building to it. Sure, there is a map, and you can some world building and traditions/ceremonies. But I am still unsure of what the whole island looks like as a whole. Is it a hot country? Cold? Is it mountainous or flat? Is it a large island or small? Do they have electricity or not? It is just simple things like this, and to be honest, I'm just nit-picking here because I did rather enjoy the whole story.
Now if you need me, I will be reading the second book, One Dark Throne because that cliff-hanger at the end was so juicy I need to find out more...
Overall, I love the book. It is such a refreshing read from the stock, cliche, ya books you usually read. This has originality in it. The characters are fully developed and interesting. The story does feel like it is going too slowly or too quickly unless it is needed. It is a well written book and well worth the read if you want something different to you traditional YA reads.
My only woe with this book is the somewhat lack of world building. Usually it would be enough if the book was not a fantasy. But I feel all fantasy books, especially those not based on our world, in our time, needs a lot of world building to it. Sure, there is a map, and you can some world building and traditions/ceremonies. But I am still unsure of what the whole island looks like as a whole. Is it a hot country? Cold? Is it mountainous or flat? Is it a large island or small? Do they have electricity or not? It is just simple things like this, and to be honest, I'm just nit-picking here because I did rather enjoy the whole story.
Now if you need me, I will be reading the second book, One Dark Throne because that cliff-hanger at the end was so juicy I need to find out more...
Travis Knight recommended Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) in Movies (curated)
Merissa (12015 KP) rated Lacuna in Books
Oct 23, 2020
Lacuna is a standalone fantasy but I really, REALLY, hope to return to this world. I need more of Crow and Tancho, it's as simple as that!
Their world is split into four, with one ruler for each quarter. To ensure no fighting, there is a central command (if you like) but obviously, not everything can be good in paradise. I loved how each quarter was so different and how the people embodied their element. Crow and Tancho, without doubt, are my favourites and that is completely as it should be.
When they find out what their birthmark bond is actually about, I thought it fantastic. They wanted to kill each other most of the time and their verbal battles, childishness and general poutiness were spot on. After all, how would you feel being tied to someone you didn't know, even if you did find them attractive?
The world-building is perfect and the pacing is second-to-none. There is plenty of action going on in Crow and Tancho's world and therefore, it makes sense, that they would have no time to explore their growing bond. When they do, however, they make up for lost time. 😉 There is also a brilliant cast of supporting characters, from best friends to the other king and queen. They all have their own foibles and interests but pull together perfectly.
I adore MM and Fantasy so, for me, this was the perfect blend of both. An amazing story set in a fantastic world with an outstanding storyline and wonderful characters. What more could you ask for? Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Their world is split into four, with one ruler for each quarter. To ensure no fighting, there is a central command (if you like) but obviously, not everything can be good in paradise. I loved how each quarter was so different and how the people embodied their element. Crow and Tancho, without doubt, are my favourites and that is completely as it should be.
When they find out what their birthmark bond is actually about, I thought it fantastic. They wanted to kill each other most of the time and their verbal battles, childishness and general poutiness were spot on. After all, how would you feel being tied to someone you didn't know, even if you did find them attractive?
The world-building is perfect and the pacing is second-to-none. There is plenty of action going on in Crow and Tancho's world and therefore, it makes sense, that they would have no time to explore their growing bond. When they do, however, they make up for lost time. 😉 There is also a brilliant cast of supporting characters, from best friends to the other king and queen. They all have their own foibles and interests but pull together perfectly.
I adore MM and Fantasy so, for me, this was the perfect blend of both. An amazing story set in a fantastic world with an outstanding storyline and wonderful characters. What more could you ask for? Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Emma @ The Movies (1786 KP) rated The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) in Movies
Sep 25, 2019
I've obviously been living under a rock as I hadn't realised that this was a Disney film. But while it has some Disney traits it didn't feel very Disney. In fact something feels a little off about the whole thing, and I can't say that that is a new feeling about their recent live action offerings. If we're excluding Pixar then the only film I've enjoyed from them recently is A Wrinkle In Time, this did nothing to change that.
Occasionally I come across films that leave me rather unenthusiastic, this is one of them. A seemingly massive budget has delivered an entirely mediocre piece filled with a large and impressive cast given parts that are lacklustre and often awkward. I'm not sure what was worse, Richard E. Grant's chandelier headdress or Keira Knightley's horny overlording and her high pitched whine. At least Helen Mirren with a whip gives you something good to watch.
All the realms have that wondrous quality but somehow don't come with the awe-inducing picture on the screen. Once you get into the Realm Of Amusements things get slightly more comical and you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd accidentally stumbled into a Spy Kids movie.
A welcome diversion came in the form of Misty Copeland's performances. It's just a shame that it was tainted by the rest of the film.
Sadly I can't get excited about this, I'm more annoyed about the fact that in all likelihood this will be hogging screen time until Christmas.
What you should do
Go and watch a ballet of The Nutcracker, it'll be more exciting and beautiful to watch.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
I'd love the skill to create those clockwork marvels.
Occasionally I come across films that leave me rather unenthusiastic, this is one of them. A seemingly massive budget has delivered an entirely mediocre piece filled with a large and impressive cast given parts that are lacklustre and often awkward. I'm not sure what was worse, Richard E. Grant's chandelier headdress or Keira Knightley's horny overlording and her high pitched whine. At least Helen Mirren with a whip gives you something good to watch.
All the realms have that wondrous quality but somehow don't come with the awe-inducing picture on the screen. Once you get into the Realm Of Amusements things get slightly more comical and you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd accidentally stumbled into a Spy Kids movie.
A welcome diversion came in the form of Misty Copeland's performances. It's just a shame that it was tainted by the rest of the film.
Sadly I can't get excited about this, I'm more annoyed about the fact that in all likelihood this will be hogging screen time until Christmas.
What you should do
Go and watch a ballet of The Nutcracker, it'll be more exciting and beautiful to watch.
Movie thing you wish you could take home
I'd love the skill to create those clockwork marvels.
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated The Lady Who Cried Murder (Mac Faraday Mystery #6) in Books
Apr 16, 2022
If you are looking for murder or mystery to enjoy, Lauren Carr will not disappoint. I read almost all of her books. Her books will have you lured in for more than you are expecting. Each book or audiobook can be read as a standalone though you can read them in series. This one is about a girl who wants to be a celebrity but will see get it all and easy money. Will she get it all, or will she pay the price?
There seem to be more secrets and murders than one person can handle. We meet a mother who thinks her daughter has stood abducted. The daughter shows up at a press conference and has set up her mother. Her mother is angry and does some things and changes her will. Whatever happens to her daughter Khole?
David does not want to stand up once more, so he does the interviewer something by checking it out. But do they listen to him when he wants to make sure it is not a setup to make it a circus of the Spenser police department?
Does David find Khole killed and cut up? Who had done it and why? What is Khole's big announcement about what she would tell the interview? We seem to be working with David and Mac and Cameron and Joshua. The team appears to be paired up and works out who the killer is? Guess who gets pulled into these are their girlfriends. You will not guess who is behind all the murders. This one ended up having me guessing until the end. I still did not know who it was up to until the end.
There seem to be more secrets and murders than one person can handle. We meet a mother who thinks her daughter has stood abducted. The daughter shows up at a press conference and has set up her mother. Her mother is angry and does some things and changes her will. Whatever happens to her daughter Khole?
David does not want to stand up once more, so he does the interviewer something by checking it out. But do they listen to him when he wants to make sure it is not a setup to make it a circus of the Spenser police department?
Does David find Khole killed and cut up? Who had done it and why? What is Khole's big announcement about what she would tell the interview? We seem to be working with David and Mac and Cameron and Joshua. The team appears to be paired up and works out who the killer is? Guess who gets pulled into these are their girlfriends. You will not guess who is behind all the murders. This one ended up having me guessing until the end. I still did not know who it was up to until the end.