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Book Divas (227 KP) rated Schism in Books
Dec 12, 2017
This book was such an adrenaline rush that I was left feeling like I wanted or better yet, needed to jump out of my skin. The story line was an intense and thrilling ride from beginning to end and the characters were unique and their individualities shined through. The world building puts you smack dab in the virus riddled world and you quickly find yourself immersed in the thick of things.
My heart felt for what these children and young adults have had to endure and I am anxiously awaiting the release of the next book. This read deserves more than five teacups {stars} and truly a must read. This debut novel is a HIT and a dystopian masterpiece.
{I received a copy when I signed up to host the book promotion and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own}.
My heart felt for what these children and young adults have had to endure and I am anxiously awaiting the release of the next book. This read deserves more than five teacups {stars} and truly a must read. This debut novel is a HIT and a dystopian masterpiece.
{I received a copy when I signed up to host the book promotion and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own}.
Tonya (52 KP) rated This Is Us - Season 1 in TV
Dec 18, 2017
Acting (3 more)
Writing
Entertaining
Interesting Storyline
Intricately Woven Past and Present Storylines
This is a great series with a lot of potential. While the Pearson Family only has five family members, the season just wasn't long enough to fully develop the characters. But what we did learn about them shows we are on our way to learning about complex but "real" people. I love how the show goes back and forth in time from when the 3 kids were young to when they are adults finding their way in the world. The underlying theme is how did their dad die and how did his death impact each family member in the following years.
My whole family like to watch this show. We've laughed, cried, wondered what was going to happen next, and look forward to the quick wit each week.
My whole family like to watch this show. We've laughed, cried, wondered what was going to happen next, and look forward to the quick wit each week.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Amethyst Eyes in Books
Jan 12, 2018
I really enjoyed [Amethyst Eyes] by [Debbie Brown]. In the introduction it states it was written for reluctant readers, which is what I teach. I fully agree that young adults that don't like reading will enjoy the story of coming of age with a twist.
Imagine your world as you know it being turned upside down at fifteen years old. Your mom dies in an accident, you are seriously injured, finally your dad, who you haven't seen since you were little, comes to take you home with him. Here is the twist, his home is a space ship. Yes, your dad is an alien.
It is definitely not as cheesy as I made it seem. The relationship Tommy has with his dad is not that different from that of any teenager growing up and changing. The adventure of getting to know yourself is sometimes the biggest for a teenager.
Imagine your world as you know it being turned upside down at fifteen years old. Your mom dies in an accident, you are seriously injured, finally your dad, who you haven't seen since you were little, comes to take you home with him. Here is the twist, his home is a space ship. Yes, your dad is an alien.
It is definitely not as cheesy as I made it seem. The relationship Tommy has with his dad is not that different from that of any teenager growing up and changing. The adventure of getting to know yourself is sometimes the biggest for a teenager.
Beckie Shelton (40 KP) rated Ring on Her Finger in Books
Feb 8, 2018
I received a e copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Amanda St. Claire awakes to find she has unintentionally married rich playboy Blake Worthington in Vegas, an event she has no memory of,, with plans in place for Africa the last thing Amanda wants is a partnership with a boy she has loathed for the past 4 years of college an annulment is the answer.Blake has had feelings for Amanda for a long time he had his chance a few years ago and blew it and knows now his time has run out to act if he wants Mandy for himself.What follows is the ups and downs of a relationship where opinions are changed (with a lot of time and effort on Blake's part)and two young adults fall head over heels and eventually get their HEA. a sweet clean read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Amanda St. Claire awakes to find she has unintentionally married rich playboy Blake Worthington in Vegas, an event she has no memory of,, with plans in place for Africa the last thing Amanda wants is a partnership with a boy she has loathed for the past 4 years of college an annulment is the answer.Blake has had feelings for Amanda for a long time he had his chance a few years ago and blew it and knows now his time has run out to act if he wants Mandy for himself.What follows is the ups and downs of a relationship where opinions are changed (with a lot of time and effort on Blake's part)and two young adults fall head over heels and eventually get their HEA. a sweet clean read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Insight (Insight #1; Web of Hearts and Souls #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This is supposed to be a book for Young Adults but I think it is suitable for anyone wishing to read a mystery / love story with a hint of paranormal in the form of "insights" or talents or gifts, whatever you want to call them.
This book starts on earth and will take you to different dimensions via 'strings', invisible (to most) passages of energy.
I won't go into the plot as it is better to just read the synopsis and go from there but it has an overall quite simple story that is overlaid with complications and events that all in all make this a fantastic read.
And, yes, I am a hopeless romantic, so the idea of having your other half out there who will complete you is almost certainly going to go down well with me and this book does it well!!
This book starts on earth and will take you to different dimensions via 'strings', invisible (to most) passages of energy.
I won't go into the plot as it is better to just read the synopsis and go from there but it has an overall quite simple story that is overlaid with complications and events that all in all make this a fantastic read.
And, yes, I am a hopeless romantic, so the idea of having your other half out there who will complete you is almost certainly going to go down well with me and this book does it well!!
Rebecca Billcliff (2409 KP) rated The Dragon Prince - Season 1 in TV
Nov 24, 2019
Amazing Series
Humans have killed the Lord of Dragons with their Dark Magic, and a war between them and the Elves has resulted in fear, bitterness, and prejudice on both sides.
The young princes of the human kingdom discover that the only egg of the Lord of Dragons was not destroyed, but kept hidden, now embark on a quest, together with an elf, to return the egg to its mother, and hopefully, put an end to the fighting that has claimed so many lives.
Cute, witty and heartfelt, the creators of Avatar, the Last Airbender, have made another absolute gem! This one is suitable for kids, as well as animation loving adults. It explores themes of ignorance, loyalty, open mindedness and loss, in a deep and also funny way.
The third series has just come onto Netflix, and I can not wait to het started!!!!
The young princes of the human kingdom discover that the only egg of the Lord of Dragons was not destroyed, but kept hidden, now embark on a quest, together with an elf, to return the egg to its mother, and hopefully, put an end to the fighting that has claimed so many lives.
Cute, witty and heartfelt, the creators of Avatar, the Last Airbender, have made another absolute gem! This one is suitable for kids, as well as animation loving adults. It explores themes of ignorance, loyalty, open mindedness and loss, in a deep and also funny way.
The third series has just come onto Netflix, and I can not wait to het started!!!!
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Rise of the Hearts in Books
Mar 11, 2019
I am having a difficult time writing a review for Rise of the Hearts by Antoine Bonner. The premise of this book is not new but the summary was worded well enough that I was looking forward to reading it. The cover caught my eye and made me want to read it even more.
Unfortunately, it was a challenge to finish it.
I did not relate to or care about any of the characters. The story did not flow well. I had trouble following the story and was confused about what was going on. I reread sections to see if I could figure out the story. I was never able to follow the plot.
This is NOT a young adult (YA) book. Based on the description, I had mistakenly thought it was appropriate for younger readers. It is not and it is marketed as an adult book. There are several passages that are not appropriate for young adults.
The book was only 198 pages. I was not very far in when I was considering stopping. I continued and struggled through the entire book. On the last few pages I allowed myself to just skim it because I was so lost.
Unfortunately, it was a challenge to finish it.
I did not relate to or care about any of the characters. The story did not flow well. I had trouble following the story and was confused about what was going on. I reread sections to see if I could figure out the story. I was never able to follow the plot.
This is NOT a young adult (YA) book. Based on the description, I had mistakenly thought it was appropriate for younger readers. It is not and it is marketed as an adult book. There are several passages that are not appropriate for young adults.
The book was only 198 pages. I was not very far in when I was considering stopping. I continued and struggled through the entire book. On the last few pages I allowed myself to just skim it because I was so lost.
When I got the chance to read Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides by Seema Desai, I jumped at the chance. My 7 (almost 8) year old sometimes has some big emotions. I figured this would be a great book for us to read together to help him navigate those emotions.
Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides starts off with a guide for adults and a guide for kids on how to use the book to their advantage. It talks about inner guides which are any type of thing that can help you. It also talks about guards which are the negative feelings and emotions we all experience. Although the book is short in length, it does a very good job at discussing what guides we can use to help squash our guards and help us. Along the way, the author shares some tips and tools to help overcome the guards. Mine and my son's favorite tool was the tapping method. I really felt that both adults and kids can do this method quite easily to help them overcome any number of guards such as fear, anxiety, or any other horrible feeling. There's also a handy guide for teaching children (and/or adults) how to meditate. Desai also goes into just enough detail about different types of guards and guides that can help both adults and children understand what's going on. She never uses language that is too difficult to understand, nor does she drone on and on. This helps so much to keep the book flowing throughout and to help keep children's minds from wandering which they are prone to do quite often. One thing I do want to mention is I felt like my son was a little too young to understand some of the concepts and apply them. However, I do think that if he were a couple of years older, he would be the perfect age. I also think this might just depend on the emotionally maturity of the child as well.
The illustrations in Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides are fabulous! James Ballance shows how talented he is with each and every drawing. The illustrations are fun and help to keep kids engaged. The drawings are very helpful in making sure Desai's words are being understood. My son and I liked the way the illustrations were aimed towards kids his own age instead of being drawn for babies. (His words, not mine.) Each illustration helps to show what each section in the book is about. Just the drawings alone are worth reading this book!
Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides is a very informative guide that is extremely helpful for children and adults! It's written in a language that is easy to understand yet drives the point across. With it's excellent illustrations and well written (and researched) passages, this book should be in every therapist's library and every home library. Basically, just put this book in every library. I would definitely recommend Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides by Seema Desai to everyone aged 10+ who would love to get in touch with their feelings. This is one book you don't want to miss!
Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides starts off with a guide for adults and a guide for kids on how to use the book to their advantage. It talks about inner guides which are any type of thing that can help you. It also talks about guards which are the negative feelings and emotions we all experience. Although the book is short in length, it does a very good job at discussing what guides we can use to help squash our guards and help us. Along the way, the author shares some tips and tools to help overcome the guards. Mine and my son's favorite tool was the tapping method. I really felt that both adults and kids can do this method quite easily to help them overcome any number of guards such as fear, anxiety, or any other horrible feeling. There's also a handy guide for teaching children (and/or adults) how to meditate. Desai also goes into just enough detail about different types of guards and guides that can help both adults and children understand what's going on. She never uses language that is too difficult to understand, nor does she drone on and on. This helps so much to keep the book flowing throughout and to help keep children's minds from wandering which they are prone to do quite often. One thing I do want to mention is I felt like my son was a little too young to understand some of the concepts and apply them. However, I do think that if he were a couple of years older, he would be the perfect age. I also think this might just depend on the emotionally maturity of the child as well.
The illustrations in Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides are fabulous! James Ballance shows how talented he is with each and every drawing. The illustrations are fun and help to keep kids engaged. The drawings are very helpful in making sure Desai's words are being understood. My son and I liked the way the illustrations were aimed towards kids his own age instead of being drawn for babies. (His words, not mine.) Each illustration helps to show what each section in the book is about. Just the drawings alone are worth reading this book!
Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides is a very informative guide that is extremely helpful for children and adults! It's written in a language that is easy to understand yet drives the point across. With it's excellent illustrations and well written (and researched) passages, this book should be in every therapist's library and every home library. Basically, just put this book in every library. I would definitely recommend Connected: Discovering Your Inner Guides by Seema Desai to everyone aged 10+ who would love to get in touch with their feelings. This is one book you don't want to miss!
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Trying to Float: Coming of Age in the Chelsea Hotel in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
Written about a young girl by a young girl, <i>Trying To Float</i> is the amusing, witty story of Nicolaia Rips’ life thus far. About to graduate from LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts in New York City, Nicolaia talks the reader through her life from birth, through preschool and elementary school, before coming to rest at the end of her middle school experiences.
As the strap line <i>Coming of Age in the Chelsea Hotel</i> indicates, Nicolaia has lived in the Chelsea Hotel in New York for her entire life. Her unconventional father and travel obsessed mother decided to settle there after the birth of their only child, resulting in an unusual upbringing surrounded by avant-garde writers, artists and musicians, as well as the plethora of drug addicts, alcoholics and eccentrics.
Although Nicolaia’s lifestyle caused her to be the worldliest wise of five year olds, she was completely alien to the knowledge of friendships, hard work and the generally accepted behaviour of children. This resulted in numerous, often awkward, situations throughout her schooling which, although must have been soul destroying at the time, Nicolaia writes in a highly amusing tone.
<i>Trying to Float</i> reminded me of a television programme aired on the BBC last year: <i>The Kennedys</i> – a story of the daughter of highly peculiar and embarrassing parents, who was constantly surrounded by a mass of oddball characters. I could not help but see similarities even though there is absolutely no correlation between the two stories.
While Nicolaia has based this book on a journal she kept during her childhood, there are many scenes that have been warped by exaggeration and imagination to add comedic effect. Due to this, her original writing has been worked over so much in order for it to flow like a story, that it is more fiction than biographical.
It is not completely clear who the target audience is. Naturally a story about a child’s experiences at school would relate more to young adults, however the coarse language used by the inhabitants of the hotel make it more appropriate for adults. Whatever your age and background, you are likely to relate to something in this gem of a book. Nicolaia makes light of her experiences, but deep down it is a very heart-wrenching story.
Written about a young girl by a young girl, <i>Trying To Float</i> is the amusing, witty story of Nicolaia Rips’ life thus far. About to graduate from LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts in New York City, Nicolaia talks the reader through her life from birth, through preschool and elementary school, before coming to rest at the end of her middle school experiences.
As the strap line <i>Coming of Age in the Chelsea Hotel</i> indicates, Nicolaia has lived in the Chelsea Hotel in New York for her entire life. Her unconventional father and travel obsessed mother decided to settle there after the birth of their only child, resulting in an unusual upbringing surrounded by avant-garde writers, artists and musicians, as well as the plethora of drug addicts, alcoholics and eccentrics.
Although Nicolaia’s lifestyle caused her to be the worldliest wise of five year olds, she was completely alien to the knowledge of friendships, hard work and the generally accepted behaviour of children. This resulted in numerous, often awkward, situations throughout her schooling which, although must have been soul destroying at the time, Nicolaia writes in a highly amusing tone.
<i>Trying to Float</i> reminded me of a television programme aired on the BBC last year: <i>The Kennedys</i> – a story of the daughter of highly peculiar and embarrassing parents, who was constantly surrounded by a mass of oddball characters. I could not help but see similarities even though there is absolutely no correlation between the two stories.
While Nicolaia has based this book on a journal she kept during her childhood, there are many scenes that have been warped by exaggeration and imagination to add comedic effect. Due to this, her original writing has been worked over so much in order for it to flow like a story, that it is more fiction than biographical.
It is not completely clear who the target audience is. Naturally a story about a child’s experiences at school would relate more to young adults, however the coarse language used by the inhabitants of the hotel make it more appropriate for adults. Whatever your age and background, you are likely to relate to something in this gem of a book. Nicolaia makes light of her experiences, but deep down it is a very heart-wrenching story.
Micah Ulibarri (79 KP) rated Everything Sucks - Season 1 in TV
Apr 3, 2018
It's a dramedy that takes place in the 90s. I'm talking so 90's it hurts. Three high school freshmen in Boring, Oregan start off their first year of high school in a big way. Hopefully they wont embarrass themselves.
I absolutely fell in love with this show. First of all, it is funny and feels more like a comedy. Nevertheless, the characters are complex and the situations are interesting and emotional.
The young actors, Peyton Kennedy, Jahi Winston, and Rio Mangini especially, do some great work. I think it's great that they actually look like young high school kids. Nonetheless, the are able to bring the emotion.
The show has themes of relationships, self-discovery, growing up, and how the 90s influenced that. There are some very positive representations of discovering sexuality. Not only as a young adult, but some of the older adults recently out of long term relationships also learn what it is to love and trust again.
Finally, one of the big plot points is the making of a movie in the kids AV club. It's actually really impressive when you see just how intensive a process that was not even 20 years ago.
All in all, the characters are the ones that sell the show. The show often ends on cliff hangers making you wanting to come back. My wife and I watched it through twice in one week. It's only 10 episodes and every single one of them is well worth it.
Also, shout out to the 90s tunes. Most of which are still songs on pretty much any of my playlists.
I absolutely fell in love with this show. First of all, it is funny and feels more like a comedy. Nevertheless, the characters are complex and the situations are interesting and emotional.
The young actors, Peyton Kennedy, Jahi Winston, and Rio Mangini especially, do some great work. I think it's great that they actually look like young high school kids. Nonetheless, the are able to bring the emotion.
The show has themes of relationships, self-discovery, growing up, and how the 90s influenced that. There are some very positive representations of discovering sexuality. Not only as a young adult, but some of the older adults recently out of long term relationships also learn what it is to love and trust again.
Finally, one of the big plot points is the making of a movie in the kids AV club. It's actually really impressive when you see just how intensive a process that was not even 20 years ago.
All in all, the characters are the ones that sell the show. The show often ends on cliff hangers making you wanting to come back. My wife and I watched it through twice in one week. It's only 10 episodes and every single one of them is well worth it.
Also, shout out to the 90s tunes. Most of which are still songs on pretty much any of my playlists.