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ClareR (5996 KP) rated An American Marriage in Books
Apr 26, 2019
A thought provoking novel
The story of Roy, Celestine and André. Roy is falsely accused of rape and is imprisoned for ten years. He and Celestine haven’t been married for much more than a year, and Celestine finds quite early on that she can’t cope with being alone and a prisoners wife. I have to admit that I disliked her a great deal for this. She knew that he was innocent, but couldn’t stand by him. She stops visiting, cuts off contact, but still pays money into his jail bank account. Her childhood friend, and Roy’s best friend develops into something more at Roy’s mothers funeral. I realise, looking back on this, that I was very judgemental of someone who was put into an impossible situation. Celestine didn’t ask for any of the problems that were thrown at her after Roy’s imprisonment, and I really think that this book was very good at making you see all sides of the story. People had their reasons for doing what they did.
I actually listened to this on audiobook, and I think this was in large part to ‘blame’ for my very emotional reaction to Celestine’s apparent abandonment of Roy. The narrators were excellent.
I actually listened to this on audiobook, and I think this was in large part to ‘blame’ for my very emotional reaction to Celestine’s apparent abandonment of Roy. The narrators were excellent.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated The One That Got Away in Books
Jun 5, 2019
The One That Got Away by Annabel Kantaria takes a terrifying peek into how you should always be cautious about meeting ex-partners at school reunions, especially that ‘one that got away’ (after a bad breakup) should you be wanting to rekindle that old flame. haha!
I’d say it is also a cautionary tale and that should make anyone considering even contemplating adultery to think twice about the consequences of playing with fire! Take George for example, who gets his fingers truly burnt when he goes after Stella despite being a married man. I loved it how he was just too conceited to see what was happening right under his very nose! But who is manipulating who? George has his own agenda.
Childhood sweethearts Stella and George have a history and they’re about to continue where it left off.
This cleverly written dark and twisted story that is probably one of the first books I have read in which I didn’t like either of the main characters, (and I think that is the point) yet I still found the story thrilling! Who to emphasise with? It’s a light read with short chapters which helped increase the speed I read this.
I’d say it is also a cautionary tale and that should make anyone considering even contemplating adultery to think twice about the consequences of playing with fire! Take George for example, who gets his fingers truly burnt when he goes after Stella despite being a married man. I loved it how he was just too conceited to see what was happening right under his very nose! But who is manipulating who? George has his own agenda.
Childhood sweethearts Stella and George have a history and they’re about to continue where it left off.
This cleverly written dark and twisted story that is probably one of the first books I have read in which I didn’t like either of the main characters, (and I think that is the point) yet I still found the story thrilling! Who to emphasise with? It’s a light read with short chapters which helped increase the speed I read this.
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated The Land Before Time (1988) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
Littlefoot, Petrie, Cera, Ducky and Spike made up the majority of my childhood. When I wasn’t watching ‘real’ dinosaurs in action, I was submersing myself in the animated world of the Great Valley.
The Land Before Time broke my little heart and it was for more reasons than that bas*ard sharp tooth killing Littlefoot’s mother. In 1994, I lost my nana and I remember sitting and watching this film and crying my eyes out.
In some ways though, this animated beauty helped me through an incredibly tough time. My mum tells me I became reclusive and barely spoke, naturally I don’t remember this but looking back at the message this film sent me, I’m sure it made me realise that loved ones never really leave us, they just move to a special place reserved for the very best of us.
The Land Before Time spawned over a dozen sequels that my little sister has enjoyed watching just like me over the years – it has a very special place in Brannon family history and for that reason, it has to be the most influential film in my life.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2017/07/08/films-that-influenced-me-adam-brannon-2/
The Land Before Time broke my little heart and it was for more reasons than that bas*ard sharp tooth killing Littlefoot’s mother. In 1994, I lost my nana and I remember sitting and watching this film and crying my eyes out.
In some ways though, this animated beauty helped me through an incredibly tough time. My mum tells me I became reclusive and barely spoke, naturally I don’t remember this but looking back at the message this film sent me, I’m sure it made me realise that loved ones never really leave us, they just move to a special place reserved for the very best of us.
The Land Before Time spawned over a dozen sequels that my little sister has enjoyed watching just like me over the years – it has a very special place in Brannon family history and for that reason, it has to be the most influential film in my life.
https://moviemetropolis.net/2017/07/08/films-that-influenced-me-adam-brannon-2/
ArecRain (8 KP) rated That Perfect Someone (Malory-Anderson Family, #10) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I immediately fell in love with this novel from the very beginning. I couldn't explain why, it just had my attention from the start. It helped that is a Malory novel, which is among my favorite series so far. Maybe I loved this novel so much because it involved the Malorys without them being the main couple.
First, I found the characters fascinating. They had me laughing, blushing, and rooting for them at every turn. I had no idea who Richard was, a little silly of me since Lindsey didn't exactly hide, so that made the plot that much more interesting when it was revealed who he was. I have a huge soft spot for romances about childhood friends ending up in love, so it's no surprise as to why I fell in love with t his book quickly.
I also enjoyed watching the protagonists' relationship grow. It was so frustrating to watch all the bitterness from the past get in the way especially since they were attracted to each other before they knew who the other was. The ending left me so pleased that I immediately wanted to reread it. I would have to if I didn't have so many other novels to read.
First, I found the characters fascinating. They had me laughing, blushing, and rooting for them at every turn. I had no idea who Richard was, a little silly of me since Lindsey didn't exactly hide, so that made the plot that much more interesting when it was revealed who he was. I have a huge soft spot for romances about childhood friends ending up in love, so it's no surprise as to why I fell in love with t his book quickly.
I also enjoyed watching the protagonists' relationship grow. It was so frustrating to watch all the bitterness from the past get in the way especially since they were attracted to each other before they knew who the other was. The ending left me so pleased that I immediately wanted to reread it. I would have to if I didn't have so many other novels to read.
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, #5.5) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I'm fairly sure that I missed a Kate Daniels book, because I don't recall some of the events referred to in this book. That annoys me, and I'll have to go back and read whatever the last one was out of order now. It'll be worth it, though, because Ilona Andrews' writing is always fun. Gunmetal Magic is no exception.
This is the first novel to focus on Andrea Nash, Kate Daniels' best friend. Exposed as a shapeshifter, she's been kicked out of the Order. She had just chosen to obey orders from a superior officer instead of fighting with the Pack, which led to a breakup with her lover Raphael. Now she has to rebuild her life from a shattered ruin.
Andrea is a fascinating character, abused repeatedly in her terrible childhood and raised to be ashamed of and hide her shapeshifting nature. Her relationship with Raphael is informed by their bouda nature, but her human side isn't left out by any means.
I particularly enjoy the part that Atlanta plays in Andrews' books, but as a near-native Atlanta I'm bound to be biased in that respect.
This volume and the bonus novella "Magic Gifts" are definitely worthwhile reading for any fan of the Kate Daniels series.
This is the first novel to focus on Andrea Nash, Kate Daniels' best friend. Exposed as a shapeshifter, she's been kicked out of the Order. She had just chosen to obey orders from a superior officer instead of fighting with the Pack, which led to a breakup with her lover Raphael. Now she has to rebuild her life from a shattered ruin.
Andrea is a fascinating character, abused repeatedly in her terrible childhood and raised to be ashamed of and hide her shapeshifting nature. Her relationship with Raphael is informed by their bouda nature, but her human side isn't left out by any means.
I particularly enjoy the part that Atlanta plays in Andrews' books, but as a near-native Atlanta I'm bound to be biased in that respect.
This volume and the bonus novella "Magic Gifts" are definitely worthwhile reading for any fan of the Kate Daniels series.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Kite Runner in Books
Jun 19, 2018
Moving and beautifully written
I can safely say that this is hands down the best book I’ve read so far this year. This book has been on my ‘to read’ list now for years, and I’ve never been moved to read it until now, mainly because I wasn’t sure it’d be my kind of story.... how wrong could I be.
This is possibly the most moving and beautifully written book I’ve read in a long time. The narration by the protagonist Amir is brilliantly done and it hooks you in from the very start. I was never bored for a second, whether reading about his childhood in Afghanistan or his later life in America and beyond. This is a heartwarming tale in parts, but for the most it is very sad and depressing and is a very good portrayal of war torn Afghanistan. I’ve never felt so moved to tears as I have when reading this book.The story itself too is not in the slightest bit predictable and to say I was surprised at the developments over the course of the book would be an understatement.
An amazing read and one that is sure to stick with me for some time.
This is possibly the most moving and beautifully written book I’ve read in a long time. The narration by the protagonist Amir is brilliantly done and it hooks you in from the very start. I was never bored for a second, whether reading about his childhood in Afghanistan or his later life in America and beyond. This is a heartwarming tale in parts, but for the most it is very sad and depressing and is a very good portrayal of war torn Afghanistan. I’ve never felt so moved to tears as I have when reading this book.The story itself too is not in the slightest bit predictable and to say I was surprised at the developments over the course of the book would be an understatement.
An amazing read and one that is sure to stick with me for some time.
Bookapotamus (289 KP) rated Loot Time Podcast in Podcasts
Oct 9, 2018
Love the content - An 80s kids dream conversation!
So, I really enjoyed most of this - the content is awesome and the discussion is really thoughtful and thorough and different from most podcasts of this genre. I loved how it would bring up things from my childhood in the 80s. How things scared me (Ghostbusters 1 vs 2 - definitely 1 OMG!) And I love that they talk about not all the mainstream stuff - hell Bill & Ted!! I really like listening to Steven - he's solid, talks really well and is easy to follow. Kevin needs to jump in more with conversation... he does a lot of agreeing and sound effects (Yea. Right? HaHa!) it's a bit distracting (and kinda loud) and doesn't add much to the conversation (the Colossal ep specifically). Steven really does well running the conversations and his voice is pretty smooth and mellow which is why I think maybe it's just as simple as Kevin turning his mic down a bit?! I'm sure you guys will find your groove - and I look forward to seeing it happen!
Jordan Binkerd (567 KP) rated The Mummy Returns (2001) in Movies
Aug 13, 2019
Brendan Fraser (6 more)
Rachel Weiss
John Hannah
Oded Fehr
Arnold Vosloo
Continuity of cast
Not as good as the first one, but still better than the next....
Introduction of concepts and elements that weren't present in the first - reincarnation, Rick's tattoo and it's significance, etc (1 more)
The Scorpion King's introduction looks like a PS2 cutscene.
A solid sequel
This is a solid sequel, even if it falls short of the mark set by it's predecessor. The entire (surviving) cast returns, which I appreciate in a franchise, and the story mostly delivers. There are a few frustrating elements, such as all of a sudden adding concepts such as reincarnation (especially given that the concurring reveal would have been relevant to the story of the first film) or Rick's tattoo that he's had since his childhood, except that he didn't have it in the first movie. Where this film really falls short, though, is a couple bad animation moments. Mostly the film is a lot like the first in terms of effects - decent animation for 2002, if occasionally dated, but a couple of sequences are jarringly bad, especially the Rock's entrance as the Scorpion King. Is it enough to keep me from watching? No. But I still cringe at that point every time.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Bob Ross: The Happy Painter (2011) in Movies
Jul 7, 2019
Bob makes everyone happy!
I found this documentary on the Bob Ross phenomenon on Amazon Prime and it is worth checking out.
It tells you a lot of Bob's childhood, his relationships with his parents, children and wives and his rise to fame doing what he loved best, painting. His passion was demonstrating the "wet on wet" technique he learned at a young age and teaching it to others. He argued anyone could learn to paint quickly and easily using the techniques he was teaching.
The documentary shows some of his appearances on other TV programs of the time like Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, John Rivers and Phil Donahue. It also talks about his love of animals and how he used to treat and care for them.
One of the points mentioned I thought was interesting was only about 3% of the viewing audience tuned in and actually painted along with Bob. The vast majority just tuned in because they enjoyed his calming voice, big hair and his colorful vernacular.
What a great talent Bob Ross was and he died way too young. I still watch his show almost every night before I go to bed as it is a great way to end the day.
It tells you a lot of Bob's childhood, his relationships with his parents, children and wives and his rise to fame doing what he loved best, painting. His passion was demonstrating the "wet on wet" technique he learned at a young age and teaching it to others. He argued anyone could learn to paint quickly and easily using the techniques he was teaching.
The documentary shows some of his appearances on other TV programs of the time like Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, John Rivers and Phil Donahue. It also talks about his love of animals and how he used to treat and care for them.
One of the points mentioned I thought was interesting was only about 3% of the viewing audience tuned in and actually painted along with Bob. The vast majority just tuned in because they enjoyed his calming voice, big hair and his colorful vernacular.
What a great talent Bob Ross was and he died way too young. I still watch his show almost every night before I go to bed as it is a great way to end the day.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Stranger Things - Season 2 in TV
Aug 4, 2019
Another great series
I binge watched this entire series in one day, and it really was rather entertaining. The first episodes start off rather slowly, but this at least gives a chance to catch up with the returning characters and introduce some new faces. It soon picks up though, and is packed full on intrigue, humour, some rather dark moments and of course a pretty awesome soundtrack. The CGI has improved a fair bit since the last series and it was such an enjoyable series to watch. My favourite parts so far were anything involving Hopper. David Harbour is just fantastic and Hopper’s character has developed well this series, especially his relationship with Eleven. Her story and development too was good to see.
Of course it isn’t perfect. I found parts of the storyline ridiculously predictable, even if they were alright to watch (like Eleven’s storyline). I liked most of the new characters but I found Bob a little too much and sickly sweet (sorry!). And the whole childhood romance thing was a little too over the top and cringey and a bit much.
But still overall one of the best series Netflix has to offer and I’m just looking forward to catching up on series 3 now!
Of course it isn’t perfect. I found parts of the storyline ridiculously predictable, even if they were alright to watch (like Eleven’s storyline). I liked most of the new characters but I found Bob a little too much and sickly sweet (sorry!). And the whole childhood romance thing was a little too over the top and cringey and a bit much.
But still overall one of the best series Netflix has to offer and I’m just looking forward to catching up on series 3 now!
