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Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee, Susan Elizabeth McClellan is the first book I've read about North Korea. The author's voice is genuine and emotional as it relates to the personal story of his adolescent years in North Korea during the 1990's. It is about a young man's awakening from naive child who believes his country is perfectly fine to realizing that not all people are treated equally. This is a memoir. The reader learns what it's truly like to grow up in North Korea
The most fascinating thing about North Korea and this memoir is the way the cult of personality works. It is deeply ingrained that Kim Jong-un is an almost magical being, someone to be revered, a perfect specimen of humanity leading the best country on Earth. It is actually illegal to mishandle any images of the Supreme Leader, never mind speak out against the regime.
Sungju Lee recounts his childhood through the 1990's famine. He begins in Pyongyang, a naive child with blind faith in his leader. This later changes as his family is forced to move to a poorer area of the country where the locals are starving and executions happen regularly. The reader learns about the complete lack of awareness that is characteristic of the more fortunate North Koreans. This is especially children. Their belief is that everyone is provided for and no one goes hungry.
This book is every eye-opening and terrifying.
The most fascinating thing about North Korea and this memoir is the way the cult of personality works. It is deeply ingrained that Kim Jong-un is an almost magical being, someone to be revered, a perfect specimen of humanity leading the best country on Earth. It is actually illegal to mishandle any images of the Supreme Leader, never mind speak out against the regime.
Sungju Lee recounts his childhood through the 1990's famine. He begins in Pyongyang, a naive child with blind faith in his leader. This later changes as his family is forced to move to a poorer area of the country where the locals are starving and executions happen regularly. The reader learns about the complete lack of awareness that is characteristic of the more fortunate North Koreans. This is especially children. Their belief is that everyone is provided for and no one goes hungry.
This book is every eye-opening and terrifying.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated Geekerella (Once Upon a Con #1) in Books
Dec 6, 2018
Sweet but forgettable
This book was cuteness-incarnate with a slice of grit, a retake on Cinderella with a geeky fandom context that worked in a way that was fun and easy to connect. I found myself sucked into this story of Elle and Darien. Darien is something of a beta-male character and I’m always here for that.
As you might imagine, Elle lives with her stepmother and step sisters, things are pretty grim and abusive at home and that made for difficult reading at certain moments. Darien is playing the lead role in a film depicting a fandom Elle has been immersed in since childhood thanks to her late dad’s love of it.
The serendipitous connection through text between these two was a lovely, sweet slow build but the masking of their identities was bound to lead to complications. The events in the storyline were occasionally fresh outside of the fairytale but mostly predictable too, especially when it came to the meeting of these two. There were some very clever aspects like the pumpkin, the cosplaying elements were enjoyable and the side characters were superb. Sage was a highlight from a side character perspective. The character diversity was oozing from the pages in an unforced and natural way. I appreciated how this was conceptualised. .
This was enjoyable, easy YA reading with a delightful geek-fandom. I think this book would appeal to many.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
As you might imagine, Elle lives with her stepmother and step sisters, things are pretty grim and abusive at home and that made for difficult reading at certain moments. Darien is playing the lead role in a film depicting a fandom Elle has been immersed in since childhood thanks to her late dad’s love of it.
The serendipitous connection through text between these two was a lovely, sweet slow build but the masking of their identities was bound to lead to complications. The events in the storyline were occasionally fresh outside of the fairytale but mostly predictable too, especially when it came to the meeting of these two. There were some very clever aspects like the pumpkin, the cosplaying elements were enjoyable and the side characters were superb. Sage was a highlight from a side character perspective. The character diversity was oozing from the pages in an unforced and natural way. I appreciated how this was conceptualised. .
This was enjoyable, easy YA reading with a delightful geek-fandom. I think this book would appeal to many.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
Amy Christmas (171 KP) rated Northern Lights in Books
Jan 14, 2019
A child's perspective written well (1 more)
Imaginative but believable world
Absolutely loved it!
I loved this book, I have been meaning to read it for years and have finally gotten around to embracing all those childhood favourites.
We follow Lyra a girl from Oxford who is looked after by the scholars of Jordan college. We are introduced to her deamon 'Pan' (for short because I couldn't for the life of me work out how to say his name) and the workings of this world, of this child's world. Before being thrown as Lyra is into the politics and shenanigans of adults.
Lyra's character is a complex one she is a feisty intelligent girl but at times the way she behaved and is described to talk is unrealistic for a child her age, however these small things can be overlooked.
As I had only ever seen the movie before, which pales in comparison, I was shocked by the twist at the end of the book concerning Ms Coulter and Lord Asriel, and made me feel as if my journeying with Lyra through the north, meeting Iorek and the witches and the Gyptians had all been worth it and there was another adventure ahead, as it is not over at the end of this book rather it tells you loud and clear that you've barely begun... and I love it.
We follow Lyra a girl from Oxford who is looked after by the scholars of Jordan college. We are introduced to her deamon 'Pan' (for short because I couldn't for the life of me work out how to say his name) and the workings of this world, of this child's world. Before being thrown as Lyra is into the politics and shenanigans of adults.
Lyra's character is a complex one she is a feisty intelligent girl but at times the way she behaved and is described to talk is unrealistic for a child her age, however these small things can be overlooked.
As I had only ever seen the movie before, which pales in comparison, I was shocked by the twist at the end of the book concerning Ms Coulter and Lord Asriel, and made me feel as if my journeying with Lyra through the north, meeting Iorek and the witches and the Gyptians had all been worth it and there was another adventure ahead, as it is not over at the end of this book rather it tells you loud and clear that you've barely begun... and I love it.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Small Spaces (Small Spaces #1) in Books
Jul 24, 2019
Fantasy Horror Book marketed for middle school/middle grades
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Katherine Arden is best known for her adult/young adult fantasy novel, The Bear and the Nightingale. With Small Spaces, Katherine Arden ventures into writing for middle school-aged children. This creepy horror book brought me back to my childhood where I stayed up late reading Lois Duncan, Richard Peck, and Joan Lowery Nixon. Those authors, among others, wrote horror books for children that were able to scare you without being gory.
The description of Small Spaces brought to mind the movie Jeepers Creepers 2 - a school bus full of children breaks down and they are in danger of something in the night/dark. That is where the similarities end. Arden teams up 3 students who are classmates but not friends. They leave the bus for the safety of the forest...
This story is tame compared to many of the horror movies children have seen in recent years. It is the innocence of the story while being scary and suspenseful that makes it such an interesting read.
Small Spaces is the first book in her Small Spaces series. The 2nd, Dead Voices, has a release date of August 27, 2019. I preordered it and will review it as soon as possible.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/24/19.
Katherine Arden is best known for her adult/young adult fantasy novel, The Bear and the Nightingale. With Small Spaces, Katherine Arden ventures into writing for middle school-aged children. This creepy horror book brought me back to my childhood where I stayed up late reading Lois Duncan, Richard Peck, and Joan Lowery Nixon. Those authors, among others, wrote horror books for children that were able to scare you without being gory.
The description of Small Spaces brought to mind the movie Jeepers Creepers 2 - a school bus full of children breaks down and they are in danger of something in the night/dark. That is where the similarities end. Arden teams up 3 students who are classmates but not friends. They leave the bus for the safety of the forest...
This story is tame compared to many of the horror movies children have seen in recent years. It is the innocence of the story while being scary and suspenseful that makes it such an interesting read.
Small Spaces is the first book in her Small Spaces series. The 2nd, Dead Voices, has a release date of August 27, 2019. I preordered it and will review it as soon as possible.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 7/24/19.
Sara Cox (1845 KP) rated The End of the Ocean in Books
Nov 18, 2019 (Updated Mar 15, 2020)
This story follows two characters in two different timelines. The older timeline is following a woman who is an environmentalist and is fighting to keep the ice in the northern countries. It follows her relationship from childhood with Magnus. He disappoints her by becoming involved with the business society of the modern world and forgetting what was in important to the Earth. To prove a point she steals some ice that he is deporting for the use of drinks in this high society and sails across the sea to show it to him. The newer timeline follows a young father and his daughter during the world's biggest drought. He worked in "desalinity" (if that's even a word) and as the oceans started to dry up and spontaneous fires ignited across the country he had to flea to find a place that was cooler and with water. Along the way he looses track of his wife and son and plan to wait at a refugee camp for them. The atmosphere becomes tense among the refugees as water and food become even more scarce. He and his daughter takes walks away from the camp and find a boat.
The story telling of this book is amazing! I really enjoyed reading it. A lot of the way through I was curious as to how these timelines interlinked. I'm glad I stuck with the curiosityy because the way that they do is truly beautiful.
The story telling of this book is amazing! I really enjoyed reading it. A lot of the way through I was curious as to how these timelines interlinked. I'm glad I stuck with the curiosityy because the way that they do is truly beautiful.
JT (287 KP) rated Good Boys (2019) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
Kids, they say the funniest things – or in the case of Good Boys, some of the dirtiest and rudest you’ll hear leave a tweens mouth. Baby faced Jacob Tremblay plays Max, a young boy approaching the outer reaches of puberty. His childhood friends Lucas (Keith L. Williams) and Thor (Brady Noon) equally have problems of their own. One is losing his parents to divorce and the other is fighting a tough exterior to pursue an ambition to sing.
In a basic plot, the trio, who call themselves the ‘beanbag boys’, need to replace Max’s Dad’s drone after using it to do some aerial reconnaissance. The boys are desperate to learn the right way to kiss a girl after being invited to a party by the cool kids at school.
The group find themselves in all sorts of trouble on a four mile adventure to the mall, from infiltrating a drug deal in a frat house to the sale of a sex doll – not to mention the most effective way to put back a dislocated shoulder.
Good Boys is littered with harmless gags but the script does feel a little bland and awkward at times. Its foul-mouthed humour can become stale and it’s by no means on the same level as Superbad or even American Pie for that matter.
What you do get is a film with the occasional laugh and the odd heartwarming moment. A solid cameo by Stephen Merchant is one of the few highlights.
In a basic plot, the trio, who call themselves the ‘beanbag boys’, need to replace Max’s Dad’s drone after using it to do some aerial reconnaissance. The boys are desperate to learn the right way to kiss a girl after being invited to a party by the cool kids at school.
The group find themselves in all sorts of trouble on a four mile adventure to the mall, from infiltrating a drug deal in a frat house to the sale of a sex doll – not to mention the most effective way to put back a dislocated shoulder.
Good Boys is littered with harmless gags but the script does feel a little bland and awkward at times. Its foul-mouthed humour can become stale and it’s by no means on the same level as Superbad or even American Pie for that matter.
What you do get is a film with the occasional laugh and the odd heartwarming moment. A solid cameo by Stephen Merchant is one of the few highlights.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Sideways Stories from Wayside School (Wayside School #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2020
When I heard that another book in the Wayside School series was coming out, I had to reread the book that started it all. These books were my childhood! I found out that I still love this series even as an adult.
Each chapter tells a tale about each individual student, and there are three chapter dedicated to each teacher of the class on the thirtieth story of the school. Some of the time, the stories of each child/teacher don't make much sense, but that's the beauty of this book. It leaves you to ponder on what that chapter was about and come to your own conclusions. There are a couple of chapters that teach some good lessons too.
One thing I also loved were the illustrations of each character before their chapter started. They are drawn very well. It was a nice touch, and it made it easier to picture that person in the story. I think it's a great idea for kids who feel like they are too old for picture books, yet they still like some illustrations in their book.
This is such an easy and fun novel to read. It's not very long which is perfect for the intended age group. I believe kids ages 8 - 13 will definitely love these stories the most although it's a fun book for any age.
I would definitely recommend Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar!
Each chapter tells a tale about each individual student, and there are three chapter dedicated to each teacher of the class on the thirtieth story of the school. Some of the time, the stories of each child/teacher don't make much sense, but that's the beauty of this book. It leaves you to ponder on what that chapter was about and come to your own conclusions. There are a couple of chapters that teach some good lessons too.
One thing I also loved were the illustrations of each character before their chapter started. They are drawn very well. It was a nice touch, and it made it easier to picture that person in the story. I think it's a great idea for kids who feel like they are too old for picture books, yet they still like some illustrations in their book.
This is such an easy and fun novel to read. It's not very long which is perfect for the intended age group. I believe kids ages 8 - 13 will definitely love these stories the most although it's a fun book for any age.
I would definitely recommend Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar!
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009) in Movies
Mar 23, 2020
An origin story that was better left alone or in better hands.
Contains spoilers, click to show
In the city of Bangkok, criminal kingpin Bison (McDonough), begins a violent bid for power in the city's slums, eliminating everyone who gets in his way.
with the violence escalating, heroes emerges in an attempt to bring Bison to justice. Fighting for good are Chun-Li (Kristin Kreuk), martial-arts master Gen (Robin Shou) although rarely seen, Interpol agent Charlie Nash (Chris Klein) and his partner, Maya Sunee (Moon Bloodgood).
In their way are also bisons Henchmen Vega (black eyed peas Taboo) Balrog (Michael Clarke duncan) & Catana (josie ho).
Unfortunately this attempt at n origin movie is almost completely flawed.
1) chun li's origin is completely unoriginal
2)both Michael Clarke duncan and Taboo were wrong for the parts visually & given the actor's ages during filming of an origin story wouldn't have helped any possible sequels.
3) chun li is displayed martial arts master...this early??
4) Vega is defeated too easily during first encounter with chun li, considering he's a skilled assassin?!
Although there's obviously actresses who could've been worse I feel Kristen kreuk wasn't the right choice for the role as she seemed physically weak where the character of chun li has always been seen as a strong female character, I would've preferred Ming-Na wen to reprise her role in a new story, with childhood flash backs.
with the violence escalating, heroes emerges in an attempt to bring Bison to justice. Fighting for good are Chun-Li (Kristin Kreuk), martial-arts master Gen (Robin Shou) although rarely seen, Interpol agent Charlie Nash (Chris Klein) and his partner, Maya Sunee (Moon Bloodgood).
In their way are also bisons Henchmen Vega (black eyed peas Taboo) Balrog (Michael Clarke duncan) & Catana (josie ho).
Unfortunately this attempt at n origin movie is almost completely flawed.
1) chun li's origin is completely unoriginal
2)both Michael Clarke duncan and Taboo were wrong for the parts visually & given the actor's ages during filming of an origin story wouldn't have helped any possible sequels.
3) chun li is displayed martial arts master...this early??
4) Vega is defeated too easily during first encounter with chun li, considering he's a skilled assassin?!
Although there's obviously actresses who could've been worse I feel Kristen kreuk wasn't the right choice for the role as she seemed physically weak where the character of chun li has always been seen as a strong female character, I would've preferred Ming-Na wen to reprise her role in a new story, with childhood flash backs.
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