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Crystal (148 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
Jun 4, 2018 (Updated Jun 8, 2018)
Gaming references (3 more)
80s Easter eggs
Immersive
Not your typical dystopia
Don't judge a book by its movie
I still have not seen the movie and I have heard mixed reviews. However, I very much enjoyed this book. If you are into young adult dystopia then this book is for you. Ready Player One is one of the few books I've read multiple times. It is one of those books where you can really catch on to little details you may have missed the first time around. This book is chock full of 80s pop culture references.
I say this book is a bit of a slow starter and that is because of the world building. We get to know the main character and his in real life daily issues and also the craftsmanship of the fully immersive VR world that is the Oasis. I felt like I was plugging in along with the other players.
Synopsis: The story takes place in the very near future. Sky rocketing gas prices have forced people to give up driving. Most people now actually work in a VR office rather than commuting. The economy has fallen apart and people depend on the Oasis for everything. The big baddie is a mega corporation that wants to control the Oasis, and in turn control the country/world. Regular kids raised by the Oasis take on this corporation simply by trying to win an Easter egg hunt set up by the games founder. The stakes are high. What starts off as a contest quickly becomes a matter of life and death as our heroes get closer to solving the quest and winning it all.
I say this book is a bit of a slow starter and that is because of the world building. We get to know the main character and his in real life daily issues and also the craftsmanship of the fully immersive VR world that is the Oasis. I felt like I was plugging in along with the other players.
Synopsis: The story takes place in the very near future. Sky rocketing gas prices have forced people to give up driving. Most people now actually work in a VR office rather than commuting. The economy has fallen apart and people depend on the Oasis for everything. The big baddie is a mega corporation that wants to control the Oasis, and in turn control the country/world. Regular kids raised by the Oasis take on this corporation simply by trying to win an Easter egg hunt set up by the games founder. The stakes are high. What starts off as a contest quickly becomes a matter of life and death as our heroes get closer to solving the quest and winning it all.
Merissa (12346 KP) rated Courage (The Dreughan #1) in Books
Oct 30, 2018
Courage (The Dreughan #1) by Lena North
Courage is the first book in the Dreughan series, which I bought after reading and loving Seaborn.
What can I say about this? First of all, Vilda is the absolute star of the show - which is only right being as it is her book! She is a very mature character, for all her physical age is young. Just think back to medieval times, and consider they married at fourteen, and then things will make more sense. I loved how Sannah and Troy were there for her, even more so when we heard the reasons for that. As for the Dreughan crew, I loved all of them. Absolutely and utterly.
This is a great story, intricate enough to keep an adult happy whilst still being action packed enough to keep the younger readers engrossed. This is the first book in a trilogy, so don't expect everything to be wrapped up in this book. This IS the only book with Vilda as the main focus though, which just makes the other books just as interesting as this one.
If I am being 100% honest here, I will say there were a couple of errors in this book. Just words misspelt, but still, the writing was so good I am more than happy to overlook those as they definitely didn't impact my enjoyment of the story at all.
I have gone from this book straight into Reason. I am LOVING this series, and can't recommend it highly enough. Absolutely fantastic.
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
What can I say about this? First of all, Vilda is the absolute star of the show - which is only right being as it is her book! She is a very mature character, for all her physical age is young. Just think back to medieval times, and consider they married at fourteen, and then things will make more sense. I loved how Sannah and Troy were there for her, even more so when we heard the reasons for that. As for the Dreughan crew, I loved all of them. Absolutely and utterly.
This is a great story, intricate enough to keep an adult happy whilst still being action packed enough to keep the younger readers engrossed. This is the first book in a trilogy, so don't expect everything to be wrapped up in this book. This IS the only book with Vilda as the main focus though, which just makes the other books just as interesting as this one.
If I am being 100% honest here, I will say there were a couple of errors in this book. Just words misspelt, but still, the writing was so good I am more than happy to overlook those as they definitely didn't impact my enjoyment of the story at all.
I have gone from this book straight into Reason. I am LOVING this series, and can't recommend it highly enough. Absolutely fantastic.
* Verified Purchase ~ July 2018. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) rated Life of the Party (2018) in Movies
Jan 18, 2019
Mother/daughter relationship (1 more)
No fat-bashing
Contains spoilers, click to show
I went into this movie with few expectations and was pleasantly surprised that Melissa McCartney's character wasn't completely ridiculous and over-the-top. It was easy to feel empathy for this sympathetic character who returns to school to finish her archaeology degree as an adult-student following a big change in her life. Her daughter also attends the university and instead of the typical teenage response of angst and embarrassment, she obviously loves her mom and they have a great relationship. This movie is sweet and has heart. There are some silly situations, but most are benign. For the most part, I enjoyed this movie.
I would have given this a higher rating but took away a star for promoting dangerous practice.
I have a bit of a problem when it comes to the frat initiation scene because people are ignorant, i.e. the Bird Box challenges, and will attempt stupid feats they see in movies. The scene in question involves someone being spanked with a wooden paddle. Some may think it is a harmless prank, however, if attempted in real life by amateurs, it can cause real physical damage to a person, from kidney injuries, broken skin, and broken bones, and it should not be attempted at home. Especially not drunken revelers. Just the idea of pledging to a frat, sorority or team tends to make young people think of humiliating or painful acts to inflict upon others so anything that may encourage undeveloped minds to engage in hazing practices gets a thumbs down from me.
Otherwise, a fun movie.
I would have given this a higher rating but took away a star for promoting dangerous practice.
I have a bit of a problem when it comes to the frat initiation scene because people are ignorant, i.e. the Bird Box challenges, and will attempt stupid feats they see in movies. The scene in question involves someone being spanked with a wooden paddle. Some may think it is a harmless prank, however, if attempted in real life by amateurs, it can cause real physical damage to a person, from kidney injuries, broken skin, and broken bones, and it should not be attempted at home. Especially not drunken revelers. Just the idea of pledging to a frat, sorority or team tends to make young people think of humiliating or painful acts to inflict upon others so anything that may encourage undeveloped minds to engage in hazing practices gets a thumbs down from me.
Otherwise, a fun movie.
Merissa (12346 KP) rated Fallen Autumn in Books
Dec 17, 2018
First of all, I'm not exactly sure what genre to put this book in as it could be so many - young adult, fiction, fantasy, mythology, action, adventure, nature/environment - either way, it was absolutely brilliant. A slow burner, yes, but absolutely brilliant.
There are parts of the story taken from Greek mythology, fairy tales, Noah's ark and somehow they all seem to fit together perfectly.
The book asks you the question of when will we stop treating the earth as something which owes us and when we will start trying to preserve what we have and to bring back what we have lost but it does it in such a way that you don't feel bashed over the head with it.
The journey for Petra as she learns who she is and what she needs to do is amazing. She has the support of her lifelong friend Ty and recent frenemy, Isabel, as well as that of her grandmother, Demi. You learn how Petra's fate and that of the Polar Bear Queen, Nanuk, are intermingled and you will hold your breath as Petra tries to get to help in time. There was one part of the story that I had to re-read, this time with a tissue wiping away my tears before they could block the words out. And it only got worse when I read the epilogue of the book and saw that this part was based on fact - which I can remember watching on the news.
This is a story to be told and I'm really hoping that there will be another installment! Wonderful.
There are parts of the story taken from Greek mythology, fairy tales, Noah's ark and somehow they all seem to fit together perfectly.
The book asks you the question of when will we stop treating the earth as something which owes us and when we will start trying to preserve what we have and to bring back what we have lost but it does it in such a way that you don't feel bashed over the head with it.
The journey for Petra as she learns who she is and what she needs to do is amazing. She has the support of her lifelong friend Ty and recent frenemy, Isabel, as well as that of her grandmother, Demi. You learn how Petra's fate and that of the Polar Bear Queen, Nanuk, are intermingled and you will hold your breath as Petra tries to get to help in time. There was one part of the story that I had to re-read, this time with a tissue wiping away my tears before they could block the words out. And it only got worse when I read the epilogue of the book and saw that this part was based on fact - which I can remember watching on the news.
This is a story to be told and I'm really hoping that there will be another installment! Wonderful.
Merissa (12346 KP) rated End Of Normal in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Barclay Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Olivia starts the day as an average teen, worrying about boys and pushing the boundaries her parents have given her - the 'skinnyness' of her jeans in this instance. It's a normal day at school and the evening looks to be like one of many. However, there is a beautiful meteor shower which draws the attention of everyone and that is when the nightmare begins.
This tale is cleverly woven using the right amount of teenage angst and general panic that you imagine would ensue in situation like this. I know that I probably wouldn't just shrug my shoulders and say "Oh well"! This is a Young Adult so everything in it is 'gentle' and consists of kisses and cuddles, nothing more although this is not a problem for me. Something that happens not long after chaos descends surprised me, enough so that it brought tears to my eyes. I cannot allow myself to believe that that part is done although I am concerned about a possible triangle in the future (I don't like them!) if what I want to believe is true. This was not the end of the shocks reading this book as they come one after the other.
The writing will take you along as it weaves and twists its tale. S.C. Arscott has done an amazing job with her story and the characters. They are not perfect, they have their flaws, but they are strong and consistent. The tale is only beginning so I recommend you read this one and then start waiting impatiently for the story to continue.
Olivia starts the day as an average teen, worrying about boys and pushing the boundaries her parents have given her - the 'skinnyness' of her jeans in this instance. It's a normal day at school and the evening looks to be like one of many. However, there is a beautiful meteor shower which draws the attention of everyone and that is when the nightmare begins.
This tale is cleverly woven using the right amount of teenage angst and general panic that you imagine would ensue in situation like this. I know that I probably wouldn't just shrug my shoulders and say "Oh well"! This is a Young Adult so everything in it is 'gentle' and consists of kisses and cuddles, nothing more although this is not a problem for me. Something that happens not long after chaos descends surprised me, enough so that it brought tears to my eyes. I cannot allow myself to believe that that part is done although I am concerned about a possible triangle in the future (I don't like them!) if what I want to believe is true. This was not the end of the shocks reading this book as they come one after the other.
The writing will take you along as it weaves and twists its tale. S.C. Arscott has done an amazing job with her story and the characters. They are not perfect, they have their flaws, but they are strong and consistent. The tale is only beginning so I recommend you read this one and then start waiting impatiently for the story to continue.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Dakota and the American Dream in Books
Apr 24, 2020
"Dakota was tired of playing catch with his mother at the park," so he rested on a bench but was soon distracted by a peculiar talking squirrel. Chasing after the strange creature, Dakota finds himself in a fantasy world full of anthropomorphic animals. Before he knows what is happening, Dakota finds himself working for Corporate America with its odd rules and unhappy employees.
The fantasy world of Sameer Garach's Dakota and the American Dream is a satire of modern-day America. From a ten year old's perspective, the short story covers the corporate ladder, hierarchy, racism, discrimination, career success and an extreme love of coffee. Whilst all this is humorous to the adult mind, there is an alarming amount of truth that paints the "American Dream" as a corrupt society.
From the very start, Dakota's experience feels remarkably like Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and could almost be said to be a 21st-century version of the classic children's book. Most of Dakota's story will go over the heads of young readers, however, adults will enjoy the humour and childhood innocence as well as appreciate the connection with their favourite books as a child.
As a parody of both real life and fiction, Dakota and the American Dream is a clever story that entertains and makes you think. Although sometimes extreme, it is amusing to read about everyday life being acted out by squirrels, mice, rats, a cowardly lion, an 800-pound Gorilla and many more bizarre creatures. If the humour and satire was stripped away, we would be left with a child's confusion about the way America works with many things appearing stupid or unfair.
The fantasy world of Sameer Garach's Dakota and the American Dream is a satire of modern-day America. From a ten year old's perspective, the short story covers the corporate ladder, hierarchy, racism, discrimination, career success and an extreme love of coffee. Whilst all this is humorous to the adult mind, there is an alarming amount of truth that paints the "American Dream" as a corrupt society.
From the very start, Dakota's experience feels remarkably like Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and could almost be said to be a 21st-century version of the classic children's book. Most of Dakota's story will go over the heads of young readers, however, adults will enjoy the humour and childhood innocence as well as appreciate the connection with their favourite books as a child.
As a parody of both real life and fiction, Dakota and the American Dream is a clever story that entertains and makes you think. Although sometimes extreme, it is amusing to read about everyday life being acted out by squirrels, mice, rats, a cowardly lion, an 800-pound Gorilla and many more bizarre creatures. If the humour and satire was stripped away, we would be left with a child's confusion about the way America works with many things appearing stupid or unfair.
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