Search

Search only in certain items:

The Fault in Our Stars
The Fault in Our Stars
John Green | 2012 | Children
10
8.2 (185 Ratings)
Book Rating
Title: The Fault In Our Stars

Author: John Green

Read Dates: May 28th-31st

Why did I choose to read this book?

I chose to read this book because I just had thyroid removal surgery because of a tumor that was size of a tennis ball and was pushing my windpipe and stuff back that I found out is either cancer or precancerous also have other medical issues like my brain tumor. But read this because I felt I could relate to it.

Did I like it? Yes

Four things I liked about this book:
1. I can relate to how she is feeling. For example how she says she feels like a grenade I feel the same about my medical issues and don't want to hurt my family/friends either. It was very emotional.
2. I love the love story between Hazel and Augustus
3. I like how she doesn't give up
4. I like the thing Augustus did for her at the end

One thing I disliked: That Augustus dies it made me cry

Do I recommend this book? Yes

Questions for you:
1. Have you read this book?
2. Can you relate to the book as well?
3. Recommend a similar book.
  
The Ethics of Ambiguity
The Ethics of Ambiguity
Simone de Beauvoir | 1947 | Essays, Philosophy, Psychology & Social Sciences
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Complex themes, slightly obvious
Simone De Beauvoir is one of the foremost feminist philiosophers there are. However, unlike in The Second Sex, The Ethics of Ambiguity explores the nature of freedom and basically deconstructs arguments made by pioneering philosophers Marx and Kant. She poses the question how can humans be both subject and object yet still be free? She says if humans are born free why are they also treated like objects to control? And there lies the ambiguity.

As free, we have the ability to take note of ourselves and choose what to do. As factic, we are constrained by physical limits, social barriers and the expectations and political power of others. She has quite a Hobbesian approach saying human beings are responsible for their own actions and therefore have to work at creating concrete ideals rather than following an abstract notion of freedom.

She also criticises approaches that require grasping for freedom at the expense of others - adding that inadvertently reduces gaining freedom down to another form of slavery ie. Communism, Capitalism and Democracies.

She concludes that the only way you can will yourself free is to will others free in the process.

While the sentiment is there, her writing style was very repetitive in this book, and at times a little tangential. Not her best work, but still very relevant for current times.
  
Bridget Jones's Baby: The Diaries
Bridget Jones's Baby: The Diaries
Helen Fielding | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Bridget Jones is back! With new story to tell us. It is impossible not to love this witty, silly, clumsy, unbelievable woman. I think the reason why she is a Global phenomenon is that she is very relatable. Confusion of which one to choose, fear of being single and wish of a family, there are many women and men who feel exactly the same. This book is continuation of previous Bridget Jones’s adventures, continuing war between Mark and Daniel and a nice ending filled with lots of pain and happiness. So if u expect something very new and exciting, I will have to disappoint you there.
This book is very easy to read and it is kind of one sitting read. I had a chance to see the movie based on this book as well and I was pleased to see that book and movie are quite different. That allows living same story twice, with different twists and turns. Let me tell you one thing, there is never enough of Ms Jones and her adventures (at least for me) . In conclusion all I want to say is if would like to have a great laugh with a bit of romance, grab this book and after that definitely see the film, and enjoy this great woman and her adventures twice.
  
TL
The Latecomer
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Title: The Latecomer
Author: Jean Hanff Korelitz
435 pages

I love the roses on the cover how there's three bloomed and one getting ready to bloom fits the story perfectly.

In the story it follows Salo and Johanna who had triplets Harrison, Lewis and Sally through IVF. IVF is in vitro fertilization in which an egg is removed from a woman's ovary and fertilized with the males sperm in a laboratory. Than later on if any are successful the embryo is put back into the woman's womb to develop into a baby. This subject is why I choose to read the book because before my rainbow baby I'm pregnant with currently after five miscarriages, being told I'm infertile would never have kids, and having a ruptured ectopic pregnancy last August we were planning to go this route. This book is very emotional and hits close to home personally. Also, in the book the triplets are going off to college when they plan to do another round of IVF introducing "The Latecomer" which is emotional to say the least. This book was very emotional to me but could not hold my intrest for long. Reason being it's very slow paced and I'm usto books with a faster paced plot. I do reccomend if you enjoy reading a lovely emotional story though.
  
40x40

Merissa (11649 KP) rated Matching with Monsters (The Red Agency #1) in Books

Dec 1, 2023 (Updated Dec 1, 2023)  
Matching with Monsters (The Red Agency #1)
Matching with Monsters (The Red Agency #1)
Crystal Lynn | 2023 | Erotica, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
MATCHING WITH MONSTERS is the first book in The Red Agency series and we start with Ari, a mid-twenties young woman who has just quit her job. Life has not taken the path she envisaged but she has the support of two best friends, Cami and Lyssa. When she gets an interview at The Red Agency, she presumes it's for a job, but it turns out to be so much more.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story and it practically read itself! I loved Ari's open-mindedness (after the initial shock that, let's face it, would shake anyone up!) I loved how she loved her monsters no matter which face they wore. And I loved how each of them was different, with their own personalities and baggage. It was easy to see from the first word which one was speaking.

I thought Cami's boss might be one, but how that all came together was better than I had imagined. I am looking forward to both her and Lyssa's stories. Absolutely recommended for any who like Why Choose Monster Romance!

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 30, 2023
  
of 235
Kindle
King of Flames ( The Masks of Under 1)
By Kathryn Ann Kingsley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Everything about my life has been pretty normal working as a forensic autopsy technician. Until the day I woke up with a mysterious symbol tattooed on my arm.

Suddenly normal no longer existed. The barrier between Earth and a world called Under, dissolved...

Now I’m trapped with dozens of other people. Held prisoner by the creators of myths and legends, where the realm is ruled by two masked kings who want to turn us into creatures like them.

But even though I didn’t choose to be here, this new world manages to pull me deeper, affecting me differently than other humans. Unfortunately King Edu, also known as the King of Flames, notices this and I’m now considered a threat.

If I want to survive King Edu and the dangers of Under, I need to escape. The only problem is, there’s another masked king who seems to have an interest in me. Aon, the King of Shadows, wants me here in this world, and he wants me alive.

I just need to figure out why.

This was just so different to anything I’ve read. It was a whole new world of dark and twisty! Really liked the characters and story. Can’t wait to see where it goes.
  
Divine Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #8)
Divine Ecstasy (Guardians of the Realms #8)
Setta Jay | 2016 | Erotica, Paranormal, Romance
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sacha is the second female to get her mate (Brianne and Vane) and she gets a fully-fledged God in Hades. She is lying in a coma when he realises, so he does the only thing a God can do, and wakes her up! Drake is none too chuffed with this turn of events and it is down to P to try and explain the importance of why Sacha needs to choose for herself.

Can I just say, I loved Hades! Even since I watched Disney's Hercules with my daughters, I couldn't help but see Hades like this in my mind! Let me just say though, that Setta Jay's Hades is nothing like this! He is gorgeous, caring, proactive, and yes, just a little bit arrogant. He is a God though, so give him a break.

Sacha and Hades make the perfect couple. He is understanding of her and tries to help with her recovery. Sacha rounds Hades out and smooths his arrogant edges. Love them.

Hot, sexy, funny, action-packed - Divine Ecstasy is a fantastic addition to the Guardians of the Realms series, and I can't wait for P's book and Sirena's!!!

* 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!
Mar 7, 2016
  
KOD by J. Cole
KOD by J. Cole
2018 | Hip-hop, Rap, Rhythm And Blues
J. Cole is a popular hip-hop lyricist out of Fayetteville, North Carolina. Not too long ago, he released his long-anticipated, self-produced, fifth studio album, entitled, “KOD”.

J. Cole – “KOD Trailer”

Cole revealed via Twitter that “KOD” stands for Kids on Drugs, King Overdosed, and Kill Our Demons. The rest of the album he leaves to our interpretation. Well, let’s begin.

INTRO


The album begins with caution. Jazz bellows underneath a female voice reciting uplifting words. Her message suggests listeners should make the right decisions (choose wisely) because the past (sand in an hourglass) can provide shelter for their demons.

Also, a way to a painless existence is provided. Those in pain must choose wisely, or make healthier decisions, to avoid being tormented by their past.

KOD

The title track showcases Cole’s Kids on Drugs braggadocios side. In verse one, he utilizes his carnal mind to reply to media/fans asking him a bunch of ‘how’ questions. But instead of being humble, Cole replies to his critics in an arrogant way.

The second verse disconnects from the first and goes into a random storytelling mode with intersecting ideas that jump from one subject to another.

The outro is noteworthy. It forms a bridge between Intro and KOD songs. Also, it ends on a thought-provoking note.

If love is indeed the strongest drug like Cole stated, then why isn’t it being chased after like the drugs listed above? Why aren’t more people getting high off love? The question then becomes…is love even a drug?

That depends on who you ask. But what we all will agree on, love is an invisible element that contributes to people being addicted to drugs? It’s a fact, a strong love for something breeds addiction, dependency, et cetera.

PHOTOGRAPH

Cole uses a 2018 rhyme pattern to address a woman he follows privately on social media. He’s addicted or loves to stalk the woman online, and it’s starting to mess with his health.

Cole always excels when he tells stories about him and a woman. Women are his go-to subject to rap about and he does a pretty good job on this song.

THE CUT OFF (FEAT. KILL EDWARD)

Cole isn’t too fond of doing features on his albums. But this time, he enlists his alter ego, kiLL edward, to help him say that Heaven is a mental mind state.

edward raps that he’s stuck in his fallen ways and that’s why he keeps falling down. That’s why he drinks alcohol and uses drugs to help him cope. But keep in mind that edward is actually Cole.

Cole raps about disloyal friends that owe him an apology and what he’s gonna do to them when they meet. But all the while, edward is in Cole’s mind telling him that drinking alcohol and using drugs will help numb his pain.

ATM

ATM is an energetically poppin’ single with replay value. It begins with the album’s theme—choose wisely.

Cole praises money like it’s biblical and even states that it solved every problem he had. But after counting up all the money, he concludes that you can’t take it with you when you die.

The Scott Lazer & Cole-directed video shows the King of Drugs chauffeuring a bunch of children riding on a drug float. The storyline is dope, reminiscent of a classic video from hip-hop’s golden era.

Also, Cole literally gives his arm and leg to purchase a vehicle. That transaction signifies what people are doing nowadays to accumulate material wealth. But keep in mind, chasing money will lead to your death or downfall. Message received.

MOTIV8

Motiv8 is a good track that features a sample from Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Get Money” single.

Cole encourages listeners to get high and get money, even though he just said that chasing money is detrimental to their health.

Verse 2 features one of Cole’s best lyrics and flow.

KEVIN’S HEART

Cole’s continues his lyrical crusade and touches on his favorite subject.

He raps about being in a committed relationship but admits to being an addict that’s addicted to cheating. He tries to fight the temptation and remain faithful but acknowledges that he’s fake for thinking that way.

BRACKETS

The song begins with a Richard Pryor comedy skit.

Cole speaks about being a millionaire and then he receives a phone call from Uncle Sam.

Verse 2 highlights Cole’s disgust with paying higher taxes now that he’s a millionaire.

ONCE AN ADDICT – INTERLUDE

Cole shines brightly on this song, which is reminiscent of Nas’ “Project Windows” single.

He addresses his mother’s battle with alcoholism. The reason why she drank—because Cole’s step-father had a baby with another woman. So, to cope with the pain, Cole’s mother started abusing alcohol.

With no one to turn to, she used to call to talk to Cole. But he didn’t like talking to her while she was drunk.

At the end of the song, Cole regrets being that way to his mother when she needed him the most.

FRIENDS (FEAT. KILL EDWARDS)

Cole finds solace in his alter ego and cops another bag of weed to smoke. Somehow, he needs it to cope and gets aggravated when he doesn’t smoke.

He takes this time to address his friends who aren’t motivated to succeed. He tells them several things they can blame their lack of motivation on. And ends it by saying that the blame game is also an addiction that people use to not get better.

Also, he raps about depression and drug addiction.

WINDOW PAIN – OUTRO

The song begins with a girl telling Cole about the time her cousin got shot. Cole is sad, listening to the girl with tears in his eyes.

Then Cole praises the Most High. He speaks about things he wanna do like killing the man that made his mother cry and seeing his granny on the other side.
The girl ends the song with a powerful message.

1985 – INTRO TO “THE FALL OFF”

Cole ends his KOD album in battle rap mode. He addresses Lil Pump for dissing him on Pump’s “F*ck J Cole” song.

Cole’s flow is melodic and his lyrics cut deep. He foretells Pump’s future and predicts the rapper will be on Love & Hip-Hop in five years. Also, Cole wished him good luck in his career.

CONCLUSION

J. Cole gets a big thumbs up for producing a solid album with no features. Also, his evergreen message of choosing wisely has to be applauded, especially nowadays when living recklessly is being rewarded.

Listeners have different options to cope with their pain. Using drugs and drinking alcohol are just two ways of doing so. But if you choose wisely, and pick a healthier way to ease your pain, your life will change for the better.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/j-cole-kod/
  
Gather the Daughters
Gather the Daughters
Jennie Melamed | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
7.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
The first thing which attracted me to this book, was the cover; I think it’s absolutely stunning and incredibly mysterious. The second reason why I picked it up, was the blurb; cult on an island, I was absolutely intrigued with this, and it absolutely drawn me in once I started it.

This book absolutely hooked me with its diverse and complex characters. This novel is told by children, sharing different perspectives of the events happening in the book, and beautifully opening up their personalities and feelings. I loved how Melamed is giving insight into different lives, first of children, and then how it feels, once you are forced into adulthood. There is a great variety of characters to choose from, and everyone will be able to find their favourite. My favourite one was Janey, I absolutely loved her strength and her wish to do something, to change the lives of young girls. All the characters are carrying so much pain and sadness that it literary breaks your heart while reading the book. That’s why, if you are sensitive towards child abuse and incest, you might want to skip this one.

The plot of this book was incredibly well thought through and very amusing. Melamed’s experience with traumatised children was shining through in this novel. The whole narrative travels through seasons, starting in spring and finishing in spring again. Every season brought in different stories and different feelings. I really enjoyed the creative twists and turns in this novel, which made it more enticing and didn’t leave me bored. The topics discussed in this book are endless; every girl shared the issue they were facing, that’s why this book is really fascinating and intriguing. Even though this is a work of fiction, there are some of the described things still happening in this world. For example, child marriage and abusing children as soon as they hit puberty, is still a common practice in South Asia and Middle East, and is absolutely horrifying.

The writing style of this novel is gorgeous and I absolutely loved it. The chapters are decent length and didn’t make me bored while reading. The ending of the book rounded up everything really nicely, leaving me satisfied, but questioning at the same time. I think it is absolutely stunning debut of Melamed and I will be looking forward to read more of her books. So, to conclude, this is a very dark and sorrowful novel filled with complex family relations and children, who want to be children as long as they can. I do strongly recommend this book and I hope people find it as fascinating, as I did.
Was given this book by publisher for honest review.
  
40x40

Lindsay (1693 KP) rated Ghost Owl in Books

Apr 9, 2019  
Ghost Owl
Ghost Owl
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ghost Owl is a story of Mariah Easter. Will she find out about her potential and learn about herself? She seems to struggle with her gift. I love the fact that Nacy show us a way into the afterlife and that maybe we are all reincarnate or we move through space and different dimensions of space.

Is everything an illusion or is it something as we see what want to make or see what we want to see? Is life as we see it or is what we think it is. Could it be that there are different parts of world that we can travel to any dimensions we want to and choose to live in the dimension where were born or do want to go higher. Is there nothing in this world, we do not exist. We are in body to experience that lifetime but then shred it and go to another life or travel somewhere else.

As we travel though Mariah Journey, is death even real? Nancy has you guessing and trying to believe that maybe we come back and travel to dimension and live there. It just us making that choice. Are what we pass to the next life and experience higher. Mariah meets someone and what about this new gift and maybe smell she or essence she got. What tribe is part of and why? We learn some of this as we read about Mariah Easter and her journey.