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ArecRain (8 KP) rated His Wicked Lady in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This is definitely a novel you should not base on its cover. The cover makes it look medieval, the description makes it sound regency, but the actual story has a completely different than both of those.
There were a lot of pros and cons for me in this book. On one hand, I liked the strong females leads and the author tackling the subject domestic abuse. However, it felt awkward in unrealistic for the time frame that the author placed the story in. I also felt the dialogue was a bit out of place. Sometimes, authors modernize dialogue so it is more readable for the readers. I am not sure if thats what she was doing, but it didnt detract too much from the story. In fact, I quite enjoyed the lead couples bantering for the most part.
Overall, I would say I enjoyed the novel. It had some unrealistic factors that grated against my nerves, but I was invested in the HEA.
There were a lot of pros and cons for me in this book. On one hand, I liked the strong females leads and the author tackling the subject domestic abuse. However, it felt awkward in unrealistic for the time frame that the author placed the story in. I also felt the dialogue was a bit out of place. Sometimes, authors modernize dialogue so it is more readable for the readers. I am not sure if thats what she was doing, but it didnt detract too much from the story. In fact, I quite enjoyed the lead couples bantering for the most part.
Overall, I would say I enjoyed the novel. It had some unrealistic factors that grated against my nerves, but I was invested in the HEA.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Sex Object: A Memoir in Books
Mar 18, 2018
Similar to many feminist experiences
Jessica Valenti is usually very articulate and analytical in her columns, which is why her memoir feels a shade different from her usual style.
I understand that the premise is to show how sexism doesn't happen in a vacuum and that an accumulation eventually wears down a person thus accepting their situation and even relenting to further abuse. Which is why by the half way point, Valenti herself seems bored of having to replay every terrible sexual incident, and the events become repetitive to the point of desensitization.
As a person, it's horrifying to go through it, as a reader - especially a female one - it does feel like I do not need hear about the details to understand it's happening. Perhaps writing this memoir is a cathartic experience for Valenti, we'll never know. It is sad, especially when she gives up on being herself and caters to everyone else, but that is something a lot of feminist memoirs reveal.
I understand that the premise is to show how sexism doesn't happen in a vacuum and that an accumulation eventually wears down a person thus accepting their situation and even relenting to further abuse. Which is why by the half way point, Valenti herself seems bored of having to replay every terrible sexual incident, and the events become repetitive to the point of desensitization.
As a person, it's horrifying to go through it, as a reader - especially a female one - it does feel like I do not need hear about the details to understand it's happening. Perhaps writing this memoir is a cathartic experience for Valenti, we'll never know. It is sad, especially when she gives up on being herself and caters to everyone else, but that is something a lot of feminist memoirs reveal.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Disjointed Lives in Books
Mar 30, 2018
Disjointed Lives by Morgan Sheppard
Disjointed Lives is the first non-fantasy story from Morgan Sheppard. It is only a short story, based around two friends meeting for coffee, and one of them needing help. It does mention gas lighting and mental/emotional abuse, but without going into too much detail.
One of the things that is becoming clear is that Morgan Sheppard writes character based stories. The world building is very good, but what gives these stories the emotion behind them, is the characters. They are completely relate-able, with foibles and quirks that readers will recognise in themselves and those they know.
Whether you like fantasy or contemporary/women's fiction, I would definitely recommend this book, and others by this author.
* 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!
One of the things that is becoming clear is that Morgan Sheppard writes character based stories. The world building is very good, but what gives these stories the emotion behind them, is the characters. They are completely relate-able, with foibles and quirks that readers will recognise in themselves and those they know.
Whether you like fantasy or contemporary/women's fiction, I would definitely recommend this book, and others by this author.
* 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!
Sue (5 KP) rated Walk a Crooked Line in Books
Aug 13, 2018
A young girl is found at the base of an old water tower deemed a suicide and Detective Jo Larsen is put on the case. What brought this girl to this place and caused her to end young life; abuse, neglect, bullying, loneliness, and/or depression. Upon further investigation through interviews with family and friends, Jo and her partner Hank try to put the pieces together and find that something horrible happened to Kelly causing her to take the fatal plunge.
In this well-written book by author Susan McBride, she draws you into a story about a girl that was failed by those that were supposed to look out for her and take care of her. It brings to light a factor that many young people face today concerning bullying, loneliness, and trying to fit in. Through the character of Jo, you see the story unfold as she investigates and discovers the parallels between her own childhood and that of the young girl she is investigating.
In this well-written book by author Susan McBride, she draws you into a story about a girl that was failed by those that were supposed to look out for her and take care of her. It brings to light a factor that many young people face today concerning bullying, loneliness, and trying to fit in. Through the character of Jo, you see the story unfold as she investigates and discovers the parallels between her own childhood and that of the young girl she is investigating.
Ross (3284 KP) rated The Keepers - Season 1 in TV
Sep 10, 2018
This was a decent, interesting yet harrowing series. It initially looked at the disappearance and then death of a young nun teacher, and another young woman within days if each other in 1960s Baltimore. Thereafter the story unfolded covering abuse in the catholic school, repressed memories and a cast of very unusual characters from the city, all of whom appear to have been involved.
While the series is interesting, and the stories being told are truly horrific, the series itself seems to get distracted and is at times all over the place. The first few episodes were quite focused, but the last 2 episodes were a frantic rush to close off aspects of the story, but a number of other avenues suddenly appeared out of nowhere, leading to quite a confusing, tiring conclusion.
One of these days there will be a true crime series on Netflix that ends with all questions answered.
While the series is interesting, and the stories being told are truly horrific, the series itself seems to get distracted and is at times all over the place. The first few episodes were quite focused, but the last 2 episodes were a frantic rush to close off aspects of the story, but a number of other avenues suddenly appeared out of nowhere, leading to quite a confusing, tiring conclusion.
One of these days there will be a true crime series on Netflix that ends with all questions answered.
Becs (244 KP) rated A Room Away From the Wolves in Books
Jan 4, 2019
So many things being represented!
Like LGBTQ+, abuse, assualt, depression, etc. (1 more)
Ghosts + love + death + dark back story = recipe for the best book ever!
A wicked ghost story that will satisfy every need!
I absolutely loved this novel!! I couldn't get enough of it and didn't want it to end. There's LGBTQ+ representation, romance, death, mystery, family drama, talk of suicide and domestic violence. I mean A Room Away From the Wolves has it all!
The only reason why this novel isn't sitting at a 5-star rating is that it was a little confusing in the beginning. I didn't quite understand the story-line and plot and the characters seemed to be lacking. But once I actually delved deeper into the novel, I got my answers and everything became clear yet again.
Want to read more? Head over to my blog: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
The only reason why this novel isn't sitting at a 5-star rating is that it was a little confusing in the beginning. I didn't quite understand the story-line and plot and the characters seemed to be lacking. But once I actually delved deeper into the novel, I got my answers and everything became clear yet again.
Want to read more? Head over to my blog: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
Andrea D (21 KP) rated After The Woods in Books
Jan 10, 2019
An excellent beginning only to let you down towards the end.
When I started reading this book I was absolutely enthralled it held so much promise and so much seeming darkness to uncover then it turned into a crap fest. It's as if the author decided at about 80% that they had completely changed their mind about what was happening to Liv and Julia and not for the better either. I wanted this book to be about the psychopath it promised it was instead you get emotional abuse and an obvious attachment disorder and the awful line "We're both brave" no you're fucking not you're a twat who abandoned her so called best friend to a potential murderer.
Just don't waste your time it sucks you in and then gives up on you and makes you hate it for having invested so much of yourself in a book that promises to be all that and more.
Just don't waste your time it sucks you in and then gives up on you and makes you hate it for having invested so much of yourself in a book that promises to be all that and more.
Ross (3284 KP) rated American Horror Story - Season 2 in TV
Jan 14, 2019
So much gorier and darker than the first series, Asylum chronicles the events of Bloody-face, the twisted fictional serial killer of the 1960s. This is the story underlying all events in the series, but there is so much more going on. We are treated to a glimpse into the abuse and disgust of people suffering mental health problems, and the supposed treatments being dreamt up to deal with their issues.
The series also has aspects of demonic possession, alien abduction and so much more.
While there were some aspects I felt were left open (the alien abduction for one), and others were not explored quite as much as it could have been, I feel this should be seen as more of an anthology series, where a number of stories of mental illness all intertwine to tell one thrilling story.
An exciting, but at times uncomfortable to watch series with some excellent acting and writing.
The series also has aspects of demonic possession, alien abduction and so much more.
While there were some aspects I felt were left open (the alien abduction for one), and others were not explored quite as much as it could have been, I feel this should be seen as more of an anthology series, where a number of stories of mental illness all intertwine to tell one thrilling story.
An exciting, but at times uncomfortable to watch series with some excellent acting and writing.
book sparrow (239 KP) rated Pretty Stolen Dolls (Pretty Little Dolls #1) in Books
Dec 15, 2019
omg im hooked
omg i could not put this book down or even know where to start
i was hooked from the beginning fell in love with the 2 little girls, found hatred for benny immediately.
this book made me cry , it made my heart race and got me addicted.
as a victim of abuse myself i found it a bit hard to read but i was so invested in the characters that i just felt like i would betray them if i didn't keep reading and oooooh my god i am so glad i did .
i love dillon i loved him from the moment he was introduced i have a love of arrogant, self aware asshats.
if a story doesn't have a strong female lead and she all weasley and pathetic i just cant get into it and this book did not let me down.
right thats it im off to read book 2 should only take me till bed time seriously hooked
i was hooked from the beginning fell in love with the 2 little girls, found hatred for benny immediately.
this book made me cry , it made my heart race and got me addicted.
as a victim of abuse myself i found it a bit hard to read but i was so invested in the characters that i just felt like i would betray them if i didn't keep reading and oooooh my god i am so glad i did .
i love dillon i loved him from the moment he was introduced i have a love of arrogant, self aware asshats.
if a story doesn't have a strong female lead and she all weasley and pathetic i just cant get into it and this book did not let me down.
right thats it im off to read book 2 should only take me till bed time seriously hooked
Undisputed Truth: My Autobiography
Book
One of the most talked-about and bestselling books of last year, this is the no-holds-barred...