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ClareR (5674 KP) rated A Feast for Crows in Books
Nov 15, 2017
Can I give this more than 5 stars? No? Well it deserves it!
I was gripped from beginning to end. Putting it down was a problem, and with a book this size it does make cooking the family dinner a bit tricky one-handed! Some real 'gasp out loud' moments (one of which I tried to explain to my husband whilst he was watching the Vuelta. Unsurprisingly, it didn't go down well, but he's a tolerant chap after all these years with me!) and the usual blood and gore. I love this series, but if GRRM hasn't released The Winds of Winter by the time I finish A Dance with Dragons, I may have to have a little cry! At the rate I'm reading these though (because I keep getting distracted with other books), he has a while...
When Trixie learns that the local birds are having trouble finding food, she thinks it is the perfect project to keep the Bob-Whites busy during an especially harsh winter. They quickly decide to put on a pet show to raise funds. But someone disagrees. Who is out to sabotage the show?
Most fans of the series focus on the elements that seem out of place – Mart working on a computer and the Sleepyside mall. However, I still like this book. The plot seems weak for an entry in the series, and the crime is a little forced, but that’s my only complaint. There are some good opportunities for character growth, and the story is still fun overall.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/09/book-review-pet-show-mystery-by-kathryn.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Most fans of the series focus on the elements that seem out of place – Mart working on a computer and the Sleepyside mall. However, I still like this book. The plot seems weak for an entry in the series, and the crime is a little forced, but that’s my only complaint. There are some good opportunities for character growth, and the story is still fun overall.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/09/book-review-pet-show-mystery-by-kathryn.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Fiddler on the Roof (1971) in Movies
Feb 22, 2018
Anti-semitic pogroms in the Russian pale don't sound like the stuff of fabulous family entertainment, but this is one of the last truly classic movie musicals. Lovable Jewish milkman Tevye finds the ground shifting under his feet as his daughters begin to reject the husbands he has arranged for them, marry for love, and even consider romance with people of other faiths. Is nothing sacred any more?
Performed with great gusto by a rather eclectic cast, but it's Topol's ebullient performance that carries the movie along, keeping the audience firmly on Tevye's side even when his faith forces him into some harsh choices. Some heartbreakingly lovely songs, although the downbeat trajectory of the movie (opening in a hopeful spring and concluding in a winter of bitter misery) may be slightly off-putting for some. A heartfelt and very moving film.
Performed with great gusto by a rather eclectic cast, but it's Topol's ebullient performance that carries the movie along, keeping the audience firmly on Tevye's side even when his faith forces him into some harsh choices. Some heartbreakingly lovely songs, although the downbeat trajectory of the movie (opening in a hopeful spring and concluding in a winter of bitter misery) may be slightly off-putting for some. A heartfelt and very moving film.
I adore reading Christmas books! I think I may have mentioned that a few times this year. I love the time of year and reading books specifically centered around winter and Christmas just makes everything more special. This collection of Christmas novellas is a great way to boost the Christmas spirit. Full of faith, romance, and all things Christmas.
From Wyoming to Washington, you will be swept off your feet as these couples conquer the odds and true love prevails.
Snuggle up in your favorite reading spot with a blanket and mug of your favorite steaming beverage (if you have a fireplace, even better), and get lost in the mountains of the west.
I received a copy of Mountain Christmas Brides from Carrie Turansky as a gift. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
From Wyoming to Washington, you will be swept off your feet as these couples conquer the odds and true love prevails.
Snuggle up in your favorite reading spot with a blanket and mug of your favorite steaming beverage (if you have a fireplace, even better), and get lost in the mountains of the west.
I received a copy of Mountain Christmas Brides from Carrie Turansky as a gift. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
David McK (3369 KP) rated Summer Knight (The Dresden Files, #4) in Books
Jan 28, 2019
The fourth installment of jim Butchers' "The Dresden Files" series, this sees the eponymous PI/Wizard-for-hire (the only professional wizard in the Chicago Phone Book) becoming embroiled in Faerie politics, as he is hired by the Winter Queen to solve a murder. Meanwhile, Harry has also to deal with the backlash from the Wizard High Council, who blame him for starting a war between the Wizards and the Vampire Courts, as he's also desperately looking for a cure for his ex-girlfriend who was bitten by a vampire towards the end of 'Grave Peril'.
This book also sees a welcome return of Karrin Murphy to a larger role than in the last novel, and with Harry still wise-cracking his way through the plot it also 'felt' (if that's the word I'm looking for) lighter than that previous installment.
This book also sees a welcome return of Karrin Murphy to a larger role than in the last novel, and with Harry still wise-cracking his way through the plot it also 'felt' (if that's the word I'm looking for) lighter than that previous installment.
David McK (3369 KP) rated Superman for All Seasons in Books
Jan 30, 2019
So, Superman For All Seasons.
Told over four seasons, with each season from the point of view of a different character, starting with Spring (Jonathan Kent) before moving onto Summer (Lois Lane), Autumn (Lex Luthor, here portrayed more as a business man than as a crime lord) and finally Winter (Lana Lang), this is really all about Clark Kent's early days as The Man of Steel.
Not long ago, I also read [b:All Star Superman|7719640|Absolute All-Star Superman|Grant Morrison|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1374351837s/7719640.jpg|10465171], which (I believe) is also commonly considered one of the better Superman stories. Of the two, I have to say: I preferred this one. Less fantastical, with more of the background that all we (should) know, showing how Clark Kent came to be who he is (and with easier-to-follow art panels!)
Told over four seasons, with each season from the point of view of a different character, starting with Spring (Jonathan Kent) before moving onto Summer (Lois Lane), Autumn (Lex Luthor, here portrayed more as a business man than as a crime lord) and finally Winter (Lana Lang), this is really all about Clark Kent's early days as The Man of Steel.
Not long ago, I also read [b:All Star Superman|7719640|Absolute All-Star Superman|Grant Morrison|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1374351837s/7719640.jpg|10465171], which (I believe) is also commonly considered one of the better Superman stories. Of the two, I have to say: I preferred this one. Less fantastical, with more of the background that all we (should) know, showing how Clark Kent came to be who he is (and with easier-to-follow art panels!)
What a pleasure listening to Anna Massey narrate the audiobook of Rebecca. At first, I thought this was going to be another case of me finding classic raved about novels too much of a slow boil but I was so engaged in the prose and mind of the protagonist I ended up loving it.
Being in the head of the protagonist; who we don't even know the name of; is such a realistic if at times frustrating experience. As a self-doubting socially shy woman she's perfectly written and I'm sure many can sympathise. Thrust into a world of being waited on rather than doing the waiting when she marries Maxim de Winter, the shadow of his late wife looms large in her new home - Manderley
A beautifully written tale of suspense and mystery that will transport you to a different time.
Being in the head of the protagonist; who we don't even know the name of; is such a realistic if at times frustrating experience. As a self-doubting socially shy woman she's perfectly written and I'm sure many can sympathise. Thrust into a world of being waited on rather than doing the waiting when she marries Maxim de Winter, the shadow of his late wife looms large in her new home - Manderley
A beautifully written tale of suspense and mystery that will transport you to a different time.
In the Heart of the Country
H.E. Bates and C.F. Tunnicliffe
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H.E. Bates is a revered writer on the countryside; author of a wealth of books reflecting English...
Ikebana Through All Seasons
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After the success of Ikebana Today (9789058562081) and Contemporary Ikebana (9789058562692),...
Iceland
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Replete with lava flows, colossal glaciers and thundering waterfalls, Iceland is one of Europe's...