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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Hello, Sunshine in Books

Feb 13, 2018  
Hello, Sunshine
Hello, Sunshine
Laura Dave | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
6
6.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sunshine (Sunny) Mackenzie has a great life--a hit YouTube cooking show, several published cookbooks, and the potential for a show on the Food Network. She's also happily married to her husband, Danny. But all it takes is a few Twitter posts from a hacker to destroy Sunny's life. Because, you see, she's been living a life built on lies and subterfuge. Disgraced, alone, and broke, Sunny returns to her childhood home, to a complicated relationship with her sister and a six-year-old niece she barely knows. Sunny has a plan to get her life back, but it involves a new set of lies. Is it worth it--and worth sacrificing a potential relationship with her sister?

This was an interesting novel. I must admit, I was bothered the entire time I was reading it, because it felt like a weirdly familiar story, but I could never place why. You know how something is often in the back of your mind? I don't know if I've just read too many books, have a terrible memory, or if I've truly read a book with a similar plot (disgraced chef returns home): it could be all of the above. But it did affect me sometimes as I was reading.

Sunny was a tough character. It was hard to tell if I liked her. She was terrible to lie about her entire professional life, yet she was backstabbed pretty badly by her hacker. I was willing to let those two equal out, but then after all said events, she still made a chain of pretty awful decisions. Her slow learning--and lack of sense--was a bit frustrating to me, although she did grow on me as the novel progressed. The book falls back on some plot cliches and predictable story turns, though there is one good twist. It's slightly marred by a lame reason for said twist, but still: it did take me by surprise.

The cast of characters in this one is limited, and it was refreshing to read a novel told from just one perspective (Sunny's). Sammy, her niece, is the best. I wanted more Sammy. The funny parts in this novel are just plain funny--there were pieces that made me laugh out loud. I also enjoyed the novel's message related to our society's current trend of living life based on social media. It does a good job of portraying the complicated relationship between sisters as well.

Overall, this one was a little predictable, but still interesting and often fun. A quick, breezy read.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss (thank you!); it is available everywhere as of 07/11/2017.

You can read my review of Dave's novel, EIGHT HUNDRED GRAPES, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23492613-eight-hundred-grapes">here</a>;.

<center><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/126296-kristy/">Goodreads</a>; ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/mwcmoto">Twitter</a>; ~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justacatandabook/">Facebook</a>; ~ <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+KristyHamiltonbooks">Google+</a></center>;
  
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Erika (17789 KP) rated Gentlemen Broncos (2009) in Movies

Jan 19, 2018  
Gentlemen Broncos (2009)
Gentlemen Broncos (2009)
2009 | Adventure, Comedy
10
7.6 (5 Ratings)
Movie Rating Watch
This movie will definitely not be for everyone. It's along the same lines as Napoleon Dynamite (same director), so it's incredibly awkward at some points. Benjamin is an aspiring writer, whose mother tries to get him to make friends with Dusty (Mike White), and let's him go to a writing seminar. At this writing seminar, he meets his favorite author, Chevalier (Jemaine Clement), and turns in his story about Bronco to be judged to win a competition. Chevalier needs a story, so he takes Benjamin's story, changes some things (Bronco to Brutus), and publishes it as his own.
Benjamin, of course, isn't aware of this, and he let's his friend, Lonnie, make a completely awful movie based on the story. After the premiere of this awful movie, Benjamin picks up Chevalier's new book, and realizes he stole his story.
Bronco/Brutus is played by Sam Rockwell. Rockwell does an amazing job in both the roles of Bronco and Brutus.
The whole movie is hilariously awkward.
  
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Kristie (106 KP) rated The Art of Escaping in Books

Sep 18, 2018  
The Art of Escaping
The Art of Escaping
Erin Callahan | 2018
8
7.3 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fast read
I really enjoyed The Art of Escaping by Erin Callahan a lot more than I thought I would. This novel was a super cute contemporary and a fast, fun read. I loved seeing the characters grow and develop as the story went on. The friendship that starts between Mattie and Will, and later with Frankie and Stella, is an inspiring relationship that most people can connect with and would love to have in their own lives. Together, they overcome their fears and come into their own, as well as helping the people around them grow and learn. The character of Miyu was probably my favorite, I loved her attitude and learning about her and her mom Akiko. I would love to read a whole book based off of these two characters, and to learn more about their relationship. Overall, I really enjoyed this ya contemporary story, and would definitely recommend for all ages.