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A Spoonful of Sugar
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'They say you can never truly love a child that is not your own, but that goes against every...
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Expeditionary Force: Book 1 - Columbus Day in Books
Aug 10, 2020
Witty narrative of when Earth picked the wrong side of the war to join
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, The Martian by Andy Weir, and the movie Independence Day all have one important aspect in common - humor. Without the levity, all three would be boring and forgotten works left in a drawer somewhere. Reading the humorous description of the first book in Craig Alanson's Expeditionary Force series, Columbus Day, I knew I had to read it and wondered why I had not read it before now.
The Ruhar attacks the world on, you guessed it, Columbus Day. We thought we were saved when the Kristang flew in and attacked the Ruhar. We else were we to do but pick the side of the guys who saved us. As we quickly learn, we made the wrong move.
Having the narrator of The Maritan, R.C. Bray, narrate Columbus Day was a stroke of genius. He again proves he can skillfully deliver snarky, "American" humor while making the end of the world as we know no laughing matter.
To date, there are ten books in the series, but Alanson ended it at a point in the story Columbus Day could work as a stand-alone novel, although readers would be remiss in not continuing,
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 8/10/20.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, The Martian by Andy Weir, and the movie Independence Day all have one important aspect in common - humor. Without the levity, all three would be boring and forgotten works left in a drawer somewhere. Reading the humorous description of the first book in Craig Alanson's Expeditionary Force series, Columbus Day, I knew I had to read it and wondered why I had not read it before now.
The Ruhar attacks the world on, you guessed it, Columbus Day. We thought we were saved when the Kristang flew in and attacked the Ruhar. We else were we to do but pick the side of the guys who saved us. As we quickly learn, we made the wrong move.
Having the narrator of The Maritan, R.C. Bray, narrate Columbus Day was a stroke of genius. He again proves he can skillfully deliver snarky, "American" humor while making the end of the world as we know no laughing matter.
To date, there are ten books in the series, but Alanson ended it at a point in the story Columbus Day could work as a stand-alone novel, although readers would be remiss in not continuing,
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 8/10/20.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Fragile Eternity (Wicked Lovely, #3) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
At first I was really excited that this book was picking up on Seth and Aislinn from where the first book left off. Sorcha's court is very interesting and uniquely different from the other three courts, and I think that it is the court I would most likely fit into. I like how Marr fashions each court by a different set of rules, so that something that one court has the power to accomplish another court cannot necessarily duplicate. This makes the plot less predictable and allows the monarchs of each court to become more memorable and unique to the reader.
Keenan is just as much of an arse as he is in the other books - I see the least character growth with him, despite how much he is not getting what he wants. Aislinn is obviously still relatively naive about him. Despite how hard she works to be a good queen, she still appears to be an amateur, based on how easily everyone keeps secrets from her. I really like how hard Seth works to be a good boyfriend, but I love how the reader gets to see him in his weaker moments. This makes him more humane and believeable. His courage and determination are quite commendable, but I can hardly believe that he missed that very important detail about Faerie when he makes his bargain with Sorcha. As much reading as he has supposedly done on the subject, it isn't very likely that he would not read about the time differences. I was so disappointed when I realized that Seth had essentially become a "momma's boy" when Sorcha makes him her Faerie son. While this seems to benefit Sorcha, I really don't see how this will benefit Seth - and every other fairy, except for Bananach, seems to agree with this.
As for Bananach, while what she sees is focused on her goals of War, by the end of this book, I don't see how there could be any other outcome. Each of the monarchs are too focused on protecting and strengthening his or her own courts to care about the fate of the fairy world as a whole, which the real world has proven can only have one outcome. While the romantic in me just wants to see each of the monarchs find mates and a happily ever after, I like how Marr deviates from this typical theme and produces books that thrive on unpredictability. I look forward to getting my hands on the next book, Radiant Shadows (Wicked Lovely).
Keenan is just as much of an arse as he is in the other books - I see the least character growth with him, despite how much he is not getting what he wants. Aislinn is obviously still relatively naive about him. Despite how hard she works to be a good queen, she still appears to be an amateur, based on how easily everyone keeps secrets from her. I really like how hard Seth works to be a good boyfriend, but I love how the reader gets to see him in his weaker moments. This makes him more humane and believeable. His courage and determination are quite commendable, but I can hardly believe that he missed that very important detail about Faerie when he makes his bargain with Sorcha. As much reading as he has supposedly done on the subject, it isn't very likely that he would not read about the time differences. I was so disappointed when I realized that Seth had essentially become a "momma's boy" when Sorcha makes him her Faerie son. While this seems to benefit Sorcha, I really don't see how this will benefit Seth - and every other fairy, except for Bananach, seems to agree with this.
As for Bananach, while what she sees is focused on her goals of War, by the end of this book, I don't see how there could be any other outcome. Each of the monarchs are too focused on protecting and strengthening his or her own courts to care about the fate of the fairy world as a whole, which the real world has proven can only have one outcome. While the romantic in me just wants to see each of the monarchs find mates and a happily ever after, I like how Marr deviates from this typical theme and produces books that thrive on unpredictability. I look forward to getting my hands on the next book, Radiant Shadows (Wicked Lovely).
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2393 KP) rated The Tuscan Child in Books
Mar 16, 2018
Can Joanna Solve the Mystery of Her Father’s Past?
When Hugo Langley dies, his daughter Joanna finds a letter in his possession addressed to someone named Sofia in Italy. It references “our beautiful boy.” Joanna knows her father was shot down in the Tuscany region during World War II, but does this letter mean she has a half-brother? Intrigued, Joanna sets out to learn about that time in her father’s life. What will she learn?
This book switches back and forth from Hugo’s story in 1944 and Joanna’s journey in 1973. The chapters are clearly labeled, so it is never hard to follow which time period we are in. While this is not a traditional mystery by any means, we do learn what happened back then and how it plays out in the more “modern” setting. This book is just as much about Joanna’s growth, and she lead a cast of very strong characters I quickly fell in love with as I read.
This book switches back and forth from Hugo’s story in 1944 and Joanna’s journey in 1973. The chapters are clearly labeled, so it is never hard to follow which time period we are in. While this is not a traditional mystery by any means, we do learn what happened back then and how it plays out in the more “modern” setting. This book is just as much about Joanna’s growth, and she lead a cast of very strong characters I quickly fell in love with as I read.
Andrew Sinclair (25 KP) rated War Cry in Books
Nov 24, 2019
This is a fascinating story that follows the lives of two characters who finally meet about 3 quarters of the way through the book. Despite their circumstances they can't resist each other hurting close friends in the process. Meanwhile World War 2 is brewing and both are caught up in the action on opposing sides. At this point the story becomes a kind of global Romeo and Juliet where they must endeavour to keep their relationship secret as there are those who would seek to tear it apart. When you follow their journey as a reader and get to know both characters you can't help but route for them even though some of their actions make you question their morality. This gives it a true sense of realism as the heroes of the book don't always do the right thing. It's an engrossing read and I can't wait to read the sequel which I have already bought.
Ben Foster recommended Dr. Strangelove (1964) in Movies (curated)
ClareR (5945 KP) rated The Trial of Lotta Rae in Books
Jun 7, 2022
I read this beautifully written book on The Pigeonhole, and I’m so glad that I didn’t miss the opportunity.
The Trial of Lotta Ready Siobhan MacGowan is a story about the legal trial, and subsequent tribulations of a working class girl. Raped at 15 by a wealthy man, Lotta’s Mam and Pap support her in the battle to bring him to justice. But it all goes terribly wrong and before long, Lotta finds herself alone, on the street and trying to live under everyones radar. She is, however, often recognised from the newspaper articles, where they printed all of the lies from the trial.
This is a story of love and loss, betrayal and retribution, privilege and misogyny, with a background of the Suffragette movement and the First World War.
The narrator is, without wanting to give too much away, very interesting - and much more hard hitting because of that choice.
It’s a stunning book and highly recommended.
The Trial of Lotta Ready Siobhan MacGowan is a story about the legal trial, and subsequent tribulations of a working class girl. Raped at 15 by a wealthy man, Lotta’s Mam and Pap support her in the battle to bring him to justice. But it all goes terribly wrong and before long, Lotta finds herself alone, on the street and trying to live under everyones radar. She is, however, often recognised from the newspaper articles, where they printed all of the lies from the trial.
This is a story of love and loss, betrayal and retribution, privilege and misogyny, with a background of the Suffragette movement and the First World War.
The narrator is, without wanting to give too much away, very interesting - and much more hard hitting because of that choice.
It’s a stunning book and highly recommended.
David McK (3600 KP) rated Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) in Movies
Jan 3, 2021 (Updated Jul 9, 2024)
Contains spoilers, click to show
As I write this in early 2021, 'Wonder Woman' is considered to be the best of the DC Extended Universe movies (closely followed by 'Shazam!' and 'Aquaman')
Wonder Woman 1984, in contract, is currently ranked as the worst on IMDB.
While it's definitely not a patch on the original, I'm not sure it's all that bad: sure, it is hard to get past the seeming lack of concern Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman has for (mild spoiler alert!) the body/soul/whatever of the man the returning Steve Trevor has (think Quantum Leap style) while it definitely follows into the old 'Superhero loses/gives up their powers' trope a la Superman 2 or Spider-Man 2, and I still don't understand how a World War One pilot can climb into the cockpit of a jet and fly it with nary a problem ...
Having said that, set your expectations accordingly (Superman 3 level, maybe), and it's an enjoyable enough
Wonder Woman 1984, in contract, is currently ranked as the worst on IMDB.
While it's definitely not a patch on the original, I'm not sure it's all that bad: sure, it is hard to get past the seeming lack of concern Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman has for (mild spoiler alert!) the body/soul/whatever of the man the returning Steve Trevor has (think Quantum Leap style) while it definitely follows into the old 'Superhero loses/gives up their powers' trope a la Superman 2 or Spider-Man 2, and I still don't understand how a World War One pilot can climb into the cockpit of a jet and fly it with nary a problem ...
Having said that, set your expectations accordingly (Superman 3 level, maybe), and it's an enjoyable enough
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2393 KP) rated A Murder Most French in Books
Apr 25, 2024 (Updated Apr 25, 2024)
Murder Most Rare
When this book opens, Julia Child is excited about a demonstration that a famous chef is going to be doing that afternoon at Le Cordon Bleu, and she insists that her friend and neighbor, Tabitha Knight, go with her. However, the demonstration ends abruptly when the chef dies after taking a sip of a rare and expensive wine he’d received just before the event started. Despite vowing to stay out of it, Tabitha can’t help but wonder what is going on. Can she figure it out?
As I was reading this book, I couldn’t help but wonder why the characters, who are speaking French, are throwing French words into every line of dialogue. But that writing quirk aside, this was another great book. I loved getting to visit the characters again, and Tabitha was just as smart and resourceful as in the first book. Meanwhile, the new characters lead us on a merry chase in a well-constructed mystery. I was satisfied when everything was explained. As with the first book, there is a smattering of foul language. Once again, Paris in post the World War II era came to life, and I enjoyed this look at the time period. Don’t read this book hungry since all the talk of food will make your mouth water. I enjoyed getting to spend more time with Tabitha and Julia and look forward to their next adventure.
As I was reading this book, I couldn’t help but wonder why the characters, who are speaking French, are throwing French words into every line of dialogue. But that writing quirk aside, this was another great book. I loved getting to visit the characters again, and Tabitha was just as smart and resourceful as in the first book. Meanwhile, the new characters lead us on a merry chase in a well-constructed mystery. I was satisfied when everything was explained. As with the first book, there is a smattering of foul language. Once again, Paris in post the World War II era came to life, and I enjoyed this look at the time period. Don’t read this book hungry since all the talk of food will make your mouth water. I enjoyed getting to spend more time with Tabitha and Julia and look forward to their next adventure.
Jason (7 KP) rated The Light Between Oceans in Books
Jul 9, 2017
Better Than The Film
Yes, yes, I know this has been made into a film. I'm always a little disappointed when a good book becomes a film. With the book, the characters look how you think they should and the locations look how you think they should and so on . . .
With the film, you have the directors vision not yours and I always seem to think the director has it wrong. I even felt this with the Harry Potters. In my head, everything was how I imagined it and the films were not.
Anyways, nothing exists to serve my point as much as this book. I read it a long time before the film came out and it made me feel things more than the subsequent film did.
If you didn't know, this is the story of a man who comes back from the First World War and seeks solitude manning a lighthouse on a lonely island.
He meets the love of his life and they marry and co-exist on the island very happily. They try to have a family but sadly it is not to be as his wife suffers miscarriages.
One day, a boat washes up with a dead man and a live baby inside. What follows is nothing short of heart rending. I won't go into too much detail as you need to read this yourself and please, I implore you to avoid the film until you have read the book.
It's an emotional read, but worth it.
With the film, you have the directors vision not yours and I always seem to think the director has it wrong. I even felt this with the Harry Potters. In my head, everything was how I imagined it and the films were not.
Anyways, nothing exists to serve my point as much as this book. I read it a long time before the film came out and it made me feel things more than the subsequent film did.
If you didn't know, this is the story of a man who comes back from the First World War and seeks solitude manning a lighthouse on a lonely island.
He meets the love of his life and they marry and co-exist on the island very happily. They try to have a family but sadly it is not to be as his wife suffers miscarriages.
One day, a boat washes up with a dead man and a live baby inside. What follows is nothing short of heart rending. I won't go into too much detail as you need to read this yourself and please, I implore you to avoid the film until you have read the book.
It's an emotional read, but worth it.