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Maddie (37 KP) rated The Snowman (Harry Hole #7) (Oslo Sequence #5) in Books
Dec 5, 2017
Interesting Villian (1 more)
Chilling Setting
Token Crazy Chick (1 more)
Awkward Writing
Glad I read this before the film came out
I read this to get ready to see the film - which I did not end up going to due to abysmal ratings. So glad I did, because the case in this novel was incredibly compelling. It wasn't an earth-shattering tale, but stood on its own ground. The cold, Nordic settings lent itself to the isolated Harry Hole. Although predictable, I still felt for Harry and thought he was realistic enough.
The only things I would say were not in favor of the book were (1) There is a moment in the book where a female character kind of goes off the deep end...and (2) There is awkward writing where the author tries to slip in pop culture references that seem to come out of nowhere. Number 1 just didn't lend itself that greatly to the plot, and I really felt like it could have done without the incident altogether. And 2 just needed to be ignored.
Other than that, it was a very entertaining read and I'm glad I picked it up before the film ruined my perceptions!
The only things I would say were not in favor of the book were (1) There is a moment in the book where a female character kind of goes off the deep end...and (2) There is awkward writing where the author tries to slip in pop culture references that seem to come out of nowhere. Number 1 just didn't lend itself that greatly to the plot, and I really felt like it could have done without the incident altogether. And 2 just needed to be ignored.
Other than that, it was a very entertaining read and I'm glad I picked it up before the film ruined my perceptions!
Amanda Palmer recommended Upstairs At Erics by Yazoo in Music (curated)
Tim McGuire (301 KP) rated The loved ones (2009) in Movies
Sep 6, 2019 (Updated Sep 13, 2019)
Perfect.
2. The Loved Ones. Perfect. This movie was freakin awesome. Comes from the land down under, written and directed by a dude named Sean Byrne. Story goes a little something like (hit it), damaged girl asks damaged boy to prom, but boy has a girlfriend already says no, awww. Girl's dad kidnaps boy and together as a family tortures the shit out of him. It was pure twisted fun, not so much horror, more like bloody torture film. Music was awesome, background stories of characters were cool. You believed the crazy people were in fact fucking insane, and the boy was in some serious pain! Stars Xavier Samuel as Brent the boy, who looks like Prince Casian and Bella Swan had a kid. (I'm sorry for the two references from 2 of the worst film series in a while but, oh well, Xavier was in on of em...) And Robin McLeavy as Lola, the insane chick, she's also the hot frontier woman with the tattoo on her face from Hell on Wheels! But seriously, fans of "this kind" of movie should check it out... Its clever... Peace... filmbufftim on FB
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Meet Me In San Francisco (Girls' Weekend Away) in Books
Sep 6, 2019
I liked the group of friends and their adventure to San Francisco. I too, explored the city, when I went there a few years ago and it reminded me of a lot of what I got up to down at Fisherman's Wharf. I also liked Landon and his wanting to help Celia however he could in relationship to her ex and money wise and how you could see how much he really liked/loved her.
It was just a little too much chick-lit--focusing a lot more on the friends and their relationship than her romance with Landon--for my liking. Not that I didn't enjoy what they got up to, and her adventures with Landon, of course, but I like my books to concentrate more on the romance than anything else.
I wish I'd read the first book in the series so I could see Bonni and Quinn's romance and how Landon's and Celia's romance started. I'm sure that things will be continued in the next book with these two and figuring out what's going to happen with her ex-husband but I'm not sure if I'll continue the series at this point.
It was just a little too much chick-lit--focusing a lot more on the friends and their relationship than her romance with Landon--for my liking. Not that I didn't enjoy what they got up to, and her adventures with Landon, of course, but I like my books to concentrate more on the romance than anything else.
I wish I'd read the first book in the series so I could see Bonni and Quinn's romance and how Landon's and Celia's romance started. I'm sure that things will be continued in the next book with these two and figuring out what's going to happen with her ex-husband but I'm not sure if I'll continue the series at this point.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The One That Got Away in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Sarina's life is going pretty smoothly -- she's busy with her own architecture firm, she's expecting to be engaged to her boyfriend, Noah, any day, and she has a good group of friends to hang out with while Noah is away in Argentina for work. She feels so secure she's finally ready to face Eamon Roy, a former Olympic swimmer and Sarina's former-one-night-stand (who broke her heart years ago), and who is making a visit to Austin, Texas.
Suddenly, though, Eamon's visit is no longer temporary, as he decides to move back to Austin and renovate a home -- a job for which he hires Sarina. The two become fast friends, and Sarina finds herself questioning everything she thought was so perfect about her life.
Overall, this was a really fun, enjoyable read. I breezed through it, because Sarina is a thoroughly engaging character. Further, Chase has a way of writing that pulls you in - when Sarina gets bad news, for instance, I felt myself feeling as if I'd been punched in the gut, too. It was refreshing to read a "chick lit" novel about an architect, versus the usual publicist or nanny or such. I enjoyed reading about Sarina's job and she was extremely driven as a businesswoman, which was great. Further, I enjoyed that the novel had a gay character (Sarina's roommate, Danny), who didn't seem completely steeped in stereotype. Also refreshing!
About my only beef was that it all became a bit much about two-thirds or so through the book, as Sarina continues to waffle about Noah and Eamon. For a bit, the book feels very junior high-esque as Sarina goes on and on about Eamon, then Noah, then dreaming of Eamon, then more wrangling, etc. I get that it was a big decision, and she and Noah had been together for four years, but sigh. Get it together, girl!
Otherwise, this was fun, fast-paced, novel, with just the right mix of serious, real-life plot thrown in. Sarina faces some tough choices in life (and not just as she deals with her feelings with Eamon and Noah), but with her parents/stepparents, her business, and more. It's refreshing to see a chick lit heroine deal with real life in such a way. Supposedly the Chase's next book features some characters who pop up in this one. I'll definitely be putting it on my to-read list. (Overall, I'd rate <i>The One That Got Away</i> at 3.5 stars.)
Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Suddenly, though, Eamon's visit is no longer temporary, as he decides to move back to Austin and renovate a home -- a job for which he hires Sarina. The two become fast friends, and Sarina finds herself questioning everything she thought was so perfect about her life.
Overall, this was a really fun, enjoyable read. I breezed through it, because Sarina is a thoroughly engaging character. Further, Chase has a way of writing that pulls you in - when Sarina gets bad news, for instance, I felt myself feeling as if I'd been punched in the gut, too. It was refreshing to read a "chick lit" novel about an architect, versus the usual publicist or nanny or such. I enjoyed reading about Sarina's job and she was extremely driven as a businesswoman, which was great. Further, I enjoyed that the novel had a gay character (Sarina's roommate, Danny), who didn't seem completely steeped in stereotype. Also refreshing!
About my only beef was that it all became a bit much about two-thirds or so through the book, as Sarina continues to waffle about Noah and Eamon. For a bit, the book feels very junior high-esque as Sarina goes on and on about Eamon, then Noah, then dreaming of Eamon, then more wrangling, etc. I get that it was a big decision, and she and Noah had been together for four years, but sigh. Get it together, girl!
Otherwise, this was fun, fast-paced, novel, with just the right mix of serious, real-life plot thrown in. Sarina faces some tough choices in life (and not just as she deals with her feelings with Eamon and Noah), but with her parents/stepparents, her business, and more. It's refreshing to see a chick lit heroine deal with real life in such a way. Supposedly the Chase's next book features some characters who pop up in this one. I'll definitely be putting it on my to-read list. (Overall, I'd rate <i>The One That Got Away</i> at 3.5 stars.)
Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Easy A (2010) in Movies
Jun 15, 2019
Promiscuous
Contains spoilers, click to show
So don't get me wrong I do enjoy this film, however it's something that I'll watch if it's on rather than seeking it out.
The story is okay, nothing particularly special especially theres so many films out there that have the whole 'rumour running away with you' plot lines. The plot progresses well but doesn't really have anything in it to want to keep watching, you're just coasting along with it as it were.
As a big Emma Stone fan, I'm gutted to say this doesn't do it for her unfortunately. Not saying her acting is bad, for the acting in the film as a whole is basic, no passion there. Emma is fab in films I've seen her in and this is no exception but with her talent she deserves a part with a bit more meat to it.
The good points is that it has it's funny moments, the story is alright to follow and can be relatable.
If you're having a chick flick'athon then this should be in there somewhere, I'd recommend a watch but it's not one I'd say go out and buy now.
The story is okay, nothing particularly special especially theres so many films out there that have the whole 'rumour running away with you' plot lines. The plot progresses well but doesn't really have anything in it to want to keep watching, you're just coasting along with it as it were.
As a big Emma Stone fan, I'm gutted to say this doesn't do it for her unfortunately. Not saying her acting is bad, for the acting in the film as a whole is basic, no passion there. Emma is fab in films I've seen her in and this is no exception but with her talent she deserves a part with a bit more meat to it.
The good points is that it has it's funny moments, the story is alright to follow and can be relatable.
If you're having a chick flick'athon then this should be in there somewhere, I'd recommend a watch but it's not one I'd say go out and buy now.
Michael Packner (32 KP) rated Child's Play 2 (1990) in Movies
Jun 22, 2019
The final fight in the toy factory is one of the best in slasher history. (4 more)
Chucky is even better the second time around
The kills continue to be inventive
The film successfully keeps the dark tone from the first
The film finds a perfect balance of darkness and humor
Close your eyes and count to seven. When you wake you'll be in heaven.
Child's Play 2 is the perfect horror sequel. The film takes everything that made the first one great and ups the ante without going too far. More violence, more gore, more comedy, and more Chucky. Yes, part 2 saw Chucky starting to find his footing as a king of zing with the one liners before he kills you, but it wasn't until Bride of Chucky that I felt they took it too far. It's great to have Alex Vincent back as Andy and Christine Elise steps into the series as Kyle, Andy's foster sibling with a rocker chick edge. The kills are great and the suspense is still there. The film is not quite as dark as the original, but the tone is still on point. The climax in the toy factory is one of the best, at least in slasher history. Definitely a must watch in the Child's Play series.
Child's Play 2 is the perfect horror sequel. The film takes everything that made the first one great and ups the ante without going too far. More violence, more gore, more comedy, and more Chucky. Yes, part 2 saw Chucky starting to find his footing as a king of zing with the one liners before he kills you, but it wasn't until Bride of Chucky that I felt they took it too far. It's great to have Alex Vincent back as Andy and Christine Elise steps into the series as Kyle, Andy's foster sibling with a rocker chick edge. The kills are great and the suspense is still there. The film is not quite as dark as the original, but the tone is still on point. The climax in the toy factory is one of the best, at least in slasher history. Definitely a must watch in the Child's Play series.
Jerry Cantrell recommended Led Zeppelin IV by Led Zeppelin in Music (curated)
Merissa (11950 KP) rated Charming Falls Apart in Books
Oct 9, 2020
Charming Falls Apart is a feel-good chick-lit romance book about a PR exec who faces her worst nightmare when she loses her job and her fiancé in one day. Told from the first person, you stay with Allison as she tries to figure which way is up and what to do next.
Although this book was an easy read, I definitely felt of the lack of Eric's voice. It would have been nice to hear what he felt about Allison as the story progressed rather than just her.
Allison has a lot of learning to do in this book and Jordan is with her every step of the way. She is everything you would ever want in a friend. Other characters are clear-cut as to whether you like them or not and some are question marks all the way through. I'll let you decide which is which.
All in all, this was a great story that I enjoyed in a genre not usually one I read much of. I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* 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!
Although this book was an easy read, I definitely felt of the lack of Eric's voice. It would have been nice to hear what he felt about Allison as the story progressed rather than just her.
Allison has a lot of learning to do in this book and Jordan is with her every step of the way. She is everything you would ever want in a friend. Other characters are clear-cut as to whether you like them or not and some are question marks all the way through. I'll let you decide which is which.
All in all, this was a great story that I enjoyed in a genre not usually one I read much of. I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
* 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!
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated If We’re Not Married By Thirty in Books
May 2, 2022
A book that’s not hard to guess the ending, but did have some parts where I doubted that what I thought would happen would.
This is the second book that I have read by Anna Bell and her humour is poured into her books and her characters are just so loveable!
This book is definitely based around something that I think most people my age have done, which is make a pact with a friend about if you’re not both married or in a relationship by a certain age, then you will both get together. I think everyone makes the same pact thinking that it’s years and years away so it will never happen, and soon life creeps up on you and before you know it you’ve reached that age!
I loved the characters in this book and rooted for Lydia every step of the way. Although the book was predictable, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed it. Although the best characters were definitely the two mothers.
After enjoying two of Anna Bell’s books, I will definitely be looking at buying more that she has written. They are just good old rom-com chick lits, perfect for when you just need a bit of a giggle.
This is the second book that I have read by Anna Bell and her humour is poured into her books and her characters are just so loveable!
This book is definitely based around something that I think most people my age have done, which is make a pact with a friend about if you’re not both married or in a relationship by a certain age, then you will both get together. I think everyone makes the same pact thinking that it’s years and years away so it will never happen, and soon life creeps up on you and before you know it you’ve reached that age!
I loved the characters in this book and rooted for Lydia every step of the way. Although the book was predictable, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed it. Although the best characters were definitely the two mothers.
After enjoying two of Anna Bell’s books, I will definitely be looking at buying more that she has written. They are just good old rom-com chick lits, perfect for when you just need a bit of a giggle.