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Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The God Delusion in Books
Mar 15, 2018
To start with, the whole point of this book is to explain that God does not exist. Not just the Christian God that most Americans favor, but any God (or Gods) from any religion from anywhere in the world or throughout history. If that notion offends you, well I'm not going to say you shouldn't read this book, but just don't be surprised if it makes you more than a little angry. Alternatively, it presents such a powerful argument for the case against God, that you shouldn't be surprised if it has you questioning, or even renouncing, your current beliefs. Mr. Dawkins is a great writer who easily sustained my attention throughout (most of the time) and largely managed to keep a book about such a hot button topic among many feeling relatively friendly and conversational. That's not to say there aren't a few passages that seem more that a little angry, but that's too be expected given the subject matter. Unfortunately, the sections that are largely devoted to science can be a little bit too dry, but luckily they pass fairly quickly. Not a perfect book, but certainly a very interesting one, that will likely continue to anger some people for many years to come.
This book was not for me
I want to say something positive about this book. Okay, it is a quick read, I actually wanted to continue reading it although I am not sure if my reasons for this were because of enjoyment. I chose this book as I am going to be writing a part memoir for my dissertation. I liked the synopsis because I enjoy a bit of humour. In the past I have read (and enjoyed) a book by Mike Gayle called 'Turning Thirty' which I thought, and hoped, this book would have been similar. WRONG!!!!
Edwards basically writes some (I believe) far fetched memoir but mingles it with self help bullshit that has been regurgitated from other peoples ideas. I am confused by the author's objectives. Whilst I appreciate any woman who is a good and opinionated feminist, I feel that Edward's 'Sisterhood' is cringey. The writer comes across as middle class and perhaps would have benefited from excluding her middle class status to seem less arrogant to working class readers.
I learned of a technique for essay writing in college (PEE) Point, Evidence and Evaluation. This is a formula that Edwards uses throughout her book and it makes the flow very artificial instead of conversational.
On the plus side, it was her first novel, and she managed to write it and publish it. It just wasn't for me.
Edwards basically writes some (I believe) far fetched memoir but mingles it with self help bullshit that has been regurgitated from other peoples ideas. I am confused by the author's objectives. Whilst I appreciate any woman who is a good and opinionated feminist, I feel that Edward's 'Sisterhood' is cringey. The writer comes across as middle class and perhaps would have benefited from excluding her middle class status to seem less arrogant to working class readers.
I learned of a technique for essay writing in college (PEE) Point, Evidence and Evaluation. This is a formula that Edwards uses throughout her book and it makes the flow very artificial instead of conversational.
On the plus side, it was her first novel, and she managed to write it and publish it. It just wasn't for me.
Richard Curtis recommended National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) in Movies (curated)
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Networking Thoughtfully: The 30 Minute Read That Could Change Your Life in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Are you the kind of person that struggles with networking? Do you have to strain to come up with satisfactory conversation starters? Is making business deals with other people something you find challenging? Then Networking Thoughtfully is exactly what you need. This short book by Martin Wheadon is a guide for people who need to build relationships but do not know where to start. With simple points, Wheadon takes readers through a step-by-step process to help achieve positive results.
With over thirty thoughts, the reader is taken through clever ideas to boost their confidence and communication skills. The advice is written clearly, accompanied with examples to help get the most of the author's guidance. The tone of the writing is almost conversational, resulting in the sense that the author understands your anxieties and is talking from personal experience.
Although written with business gain at the forefront, Networking Thoughtfully can also be used to aid personal development. Learning how to start conversations and come up with ways to introduce yourself is beneficial when meeting new people regardless of the circumstances.
The book itself is set out neatly making it easy to follow. It is also easy to dip in and out, reading only the parts relevant to yourself, though if you wish to read it cover to cover it will only take half an hour.
Whether you are new to networking or want to improve your skills, Networking Thoughtfully is an excellent book to read. You are guaranteed to learn something new and develop techniques that benefit both your business and yourself.
With over thirty thoughts, the reader is taken through clever ideas to boost their confidence and communication skills. The advice is written clearly, accompanied with examples to help get the most of the author's guidance. The tone of the writing is almost conversational, resulting in the sense that the author understands your anxieties and is talking from personal experience.
Although written with business gain at the forefront, Networking Thoughtfully can also be used to aid personal development. Learning how to start conversations and come up with ways to introduce yourself is beneficial when meeting new people regardless of the circumstances.
The book itself is set out neatly making it easy to follow. It is also easy to dip in and out, reading only the parts relevant to yourself, though if you wish to read it cover to cover it will only take half an hour.
Whether you are new to networking or want to improve your skills, Networking Thoughtfully is an excellent book to read. You are guaranteed to learn something new and develop techniques that benefit both your business and yourself.
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Networking Thoughtfully: The 30 Minute Read That Could Change Your Life in Books
May 24, 2017
Really Useful
Are you the kind of person that struggles with networking? Do you have to strain to come up with satisfactory conversation starters? Is making business deals with other people something you find challenging? Then Networking Thoughtfully is exactly what you need. This short book by Martin Wheadon is a guide for people who need to build relationships but do not know where to start. With simple points, Wheadon takes readers through a step-by-step process to help achieve positive results.
With over thirty thoughts, the reader is taken through clever ideas to boost their confidence and communication skills. The advice is written clearly, accompanied with examples to help get the most of the author's guidance. The tone of the writing is almost conversational, resulting in the sense that the author understands your anxieties and is talking from personal experience.
Although written with business gain at the forefront, Networking Thoughtfully can also be used to aid personal development. Learning how to start conversations and come up with ways to introduce yourself is beneficial when meeting new people regardless of the circumstances.
The book itself is set out neatly making it easy to follow. It is also easy to dip in and out, reading only the parts relevant to yourself, though if you wish to read it cover to cover it will only take half an hour.
Whether you are new to networking or want to improve your skills, Networking Thoughtfully is an excellent book to read. You are guaranteed to learn something new and develop techniques that benefit both your business and yourself.
With over thirty thoughts, the reader is taken through clever ideas to boost their confidence and communication skills. The advice is written clearly, accompanied with examples to help get the most of the author's guidance. The tone of the writing is almost conversational, resulting in the sense that the author understands your anxieties and is talking from personal experience.
Although written with business gain at the forefront, Networking Thoughtfully can also be used to aid personal development. Learning how to start conversations and come up with ways to introduce yourself is beneficial when meeting new people regardless of the circumstances.
The book itself is set out neatly making it easy to follow. It is also easy to dip in and out, reading only the parts relevant to yourself, though if you wish to read it cover to cover it will only take half an hour.
Whether you are new to networking or want to improve your skills, Networking Thoughtfully is an excellent book to read. You are guaranteed to learn something new and develop techniques that benefit both your business and yourself.
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Kill List (2012) in Movies
Sep 7, 2018
Performances are strong (1 more)
Gruesome and Violent in a very effective way
The ending is very divisive (1 more)
Lots of elements are left unexplained
Intense, memorable but lacks clarity
Contains spoilers, click to show
Kill List is a very British Horror, that follows a clearly damaged ex-soldier that is drawn into the world of hit-men and assassinations in order to earn his way out of financial trouble.
Featuring a number of recognizable British tv actors, and a interesting edit style that chops out extraneous seconds here there and everywhere, often overlaying conversational narrative over a shot displaying a different scene, effectively giving you two informational elements at the same time.
It has some brutal violence, as the two hitman proceed to move down their list discovering generally bad people, which allows the viewer to avoid the moral conflict that might otherwise complicate the premise.
There are nods that the people hiring them know more than they are letting on, and the film builds to a slightly confusing crescendo with an ending similar to another very controversial horror film of recent years, that will shock some and disappoint others.
Overall it is an enjoyable but challenging film, that would have benefited from signposting a few more of the confusing elements more clearly, though the ending and its insinuations are more than likely intended to be of a vague and open nature by design.
Violent, upsetting and very dark in theme, Kill List is definitely a horror, and definitely not one for those of a weak constitution...it is flawed, and not a classic but it certainly is a solid choice for a rainy evening.
Featuring a number of recognizable British tv actors, and a interesting edit style that chops out extraneous seconds here there and everywhere, often overlaying conversational narrative over a shot displaying a different scene, effectively giving you two informational elements at the same time.
It has some brutal violence, as the two hitman proceed to move down their list discovering generally bad people, which allows the viewer to avoid the moral conflict that might otherwise complicate the premise.
There are nods that the people hiring them know more than they are letting on, and the film builds to a slightly confusing crescendo with an ending similar to another very controversial horror film of recent years, that will shock some and disappoint others.
Overall it is an enjoyable but challenging film, that would have benefited from signposting a few more of the confusing elements more clearly, though the ending and its insinuations are more than likely intended to be of a vague and open nature by design.
Violent, upsetting and very dark in theme, Kill List is definitely a horror, and definitely not one for those of a weak constitution...it is flawed, and not a classic but it certainly is a solid choice for a rainy evening.
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Anna's Secret in Books
Feb 24, 2021
This was such a touching story!
Anna’s Secret was a good story that made me feel like I walked away from it having genuinely learned something. The characters and their backgrounds were fed to us little by little, making it seem natural and conversational. Although both characters make some not so good choices, they do end up admitting their wrongs and being the better for them in the end. I personally loved Anna’s strength, and courage through some difficult times, and I think she handled her decisions both good and bad to the best of her ability. I think her mistakes really emphasized how we need to rely on God for all things and not our own strength. Matthew was also an interesting character and I enjoyed getting to know him. He led me on a journey of discovering the love of the true Father, making mistakes and owning up to them and learning to really trust people. Overall, I thought he complimented Anna very well. The plot was a true back and forth friends to enemies’ book, with some unique twist and turns throughout the storyline. This is my first time reading a book by Blossom Turner and I really liked her writing style.
I truly think that this book is a great reminder of lessons we need to keep with us on a daily basis. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creative theme, the wonderful lessons, and the message of the gospel. I recommend reading this book.
* I volunteered to read this story in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Anna’s Secret was a good story that made me feel like I walked away from it having genuinely learned something. The characters and their backgrounds were fed to us little by little, making it seem natural and conversational. Although both characters make some not so good choices, they do end up admitting their wrongs and being the better for them in the end. I personally loved Anna’s strength, and courage through some difficult times, and I think she handled her decisions both good and bad to the best of her ability. I think her mistakes really emphasized how we need to rely on God for all things and not our own strength. Matthew was also an interesting character and I enjoyed getting to know him. He led me on a journey of discovering the love of the true Father, making mistakes and owning up to them and learning to really trust people. Overall, I thought he complimented Anna very well. The plot was a true back and forth friends to enemies’ book, with some unique twist and turns throughout the storyline. This is my first time reading a book by Blossom Turner and I really liked her writing style.
I truly think that this book is a great reminder of lessons we need to keep with us on a daily basis. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creative theme, the wonderful lessons, and the message of the gospel. I recommend reading this book.
* I volunteered to read this story in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Things We Never Said in Books
May 7, 2019
Emotional roller coaster
I've been in a reading slump the past few weeks so I was excited that I could dive into the ARC of Samantha Young's newest book. I started reading Samantha Young back when she first published On Dublin Street, and I've been a fan ever since.
While reading this book, I finally was able to figure out what I love about Samantha Young's writing style, and it's the fact that each story reads like your best friend is telling you the story. It's almost like you sit down and spend 4 hours listening to your best friend's dirty jokes, setbacks, and love life. It's truly a fantastic experience. I love how conversational her books are, and I always feel like I'm saying goodbye to a friend when I finish a book. This book was no different.
Things We Never Said is the third in the Hart's Boardwalk series. We learn about Dahlia McGuire's past, her heartbreaks, and her family. Dahlia was never a character I connected to in the other books, so I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy it as much as her other books. Luckily, my hesitancy was misplaced. Not only did I start to connect with Dahlia as a character but I also truly enjoyed the plot. We got to see more of Dahlia's background, and I couldn't help but cry for her and her experiences.
I loved Dahlia's messy background, and I couldn't help but cry for her and her family. I enjoyed learning more about her history and see how she could overcome some of her hardships. With all of Samantha Young's books, the characters and relationships were the shining stars of this story. I think many readers will be able to connect with Dahlia and Michael. They were realistic, and I loved the character growth they both had to do throughout the book.
All in all, I'm giving this 4 1/2 Caffeinated Stars! The plot was interesting, the characters superb, and I really can't wait for the next book in the series.
While reading this book, I finally was able to figure out what I love about Samantha Young's writing style, and it's the fact that each story reads like your best friend is telling you the story. It's almost like you sit down and spend 4 hours listening to your best friend's dirty jokes, setbacks, and love life. It's truly a fantastic experience. I love how conversational her books are, and I always feel like I'm saying goodbye to a friend when I finish a book. This book was no different.
Things We Never Said is the third in the Hart's Boardwalk series. We learn about Dahlia McGuire's past, her heartbreaks, and her family. Dahlia was never a character I connected to in the other books, so I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy it as much as her other books. Luckily, my hesitancy was misplaced. Not only did I start to connect with Dahlia as a character but I also truly enjoyed the plot. We got to see more of Dahlia's background, and I couldn't help but cry for her and her experiences.
I loved Dahlia's messy background, and I couldn't help but cry for her and her family. I enjoyed learning more about her history and see how she could overcome some of her hardships. With all of Samantha Young's books, the characters and relationships were the shining stars of this story. I think many readers will be able to connect with Dahlia and Michael. They were realistic, and I loved the character growth they both had to do throughout the book.
All in all, I'm giving this 4 1/2 Caffeinated Stars! The plot was interesting, the characters superb, and I really can't wait for the next book in the series.
EmersonRose (320 KP) rated Running Plain Sight & Other Stories in Books
Nov 20, 2019
Running in Plain Sight is a collection of short stories by author Charles Butts. The book is named after the first story in the collection. The first story tells the life story of Leander Sills JR. When he was ten years old tragedy struck, and he was forced to go on the run. The story gives glimpses into the rest of his life as he deals with hardship, kindness, and forgiveness. These are themes that are carried over into the other three stories: If All Minds Are Clear, Home Follows, and A Balanced Imbalance. Each is centered on the life of a man who is struggling with his own mistakes or the mistakes of others but grows and finds peace in life. Beginning with Running in Pain Sight was an excellent choice for the first story in the collection because not only does it do a wonderful job of setting the themes in the collection, but that story, in particular, has an incredibly strong and powerful hook from the very beginning.
What I found most captivating about each of these stories were the characters. Both the main characters and the characters around them are flawed people, otherwise known as real people. No one is perfect in these stories, but that makes them easier to be sympatric to. What makes them strong characters is that they take responsibility for their actions. Even though the short stories really only give us glimpses into the lives of the characters that live within them, their flaws and character growth make them deeply developed characters.
Charles R. Butts Jr. published this collection in 2017 and published his first book, For Only A Season in 2016. These stories are quick reads but beautiful and powerful stories. Butts’s writing style is easy and often conversational as you are in the heads of the main characters. However, the simplicity makes the voices stronger, and the meaning of the stories shine through. I greatly enjoyed reading these stories and would highly recommend them.
What I found most captivating about each of these stories were the characters. Both the main characters and the characters around them are flawed people, otherwise known as real people. No one is perfect in these stories, but that makes them easier to be sympatric to. What makes them strong characters is that they take responsibility for their actions. Even though the short stories really only give us glimpses into the lives of the characters that live within them, their flaws and character growth make them deeply developed characters.
Charles R. Butts Jr. published this collection in 2017 and published his first book, For Only A Season in 2016. These stories are quick reads but beautiful and powerful stories. Butts’s writing style is easy and often conversational as you are in the heads of the main characters. However, the simplicity makes the voices stronger, and the meaning of the stories shine through. I greatly enjoyed reading these stories and would highly recommend them.
Carma (21 KP) rated Bad Influence (Bad Bachelors, #3) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
Annie is the brains behind the Bad Bachelor website. It has brought a myriad of emotions to women around NYC and beyond. Some people are for the site and others want her to shut it down for ruining lives. Either way Annie knows it is helping most women navigate the dating world and she doesnt want to take that away from them. She has firmly stayed out of the dating world since her relationship ended years ago when she chose her family over her relationship. Joseph is never far from her thoughts but that is as close as she wants him, until she knocks him into a pond by accident.
Joseph has returned home again after making a name for himself overseas. He hasnt stopped thinking about Annie much over the years, as his ex fiancé can attest to. He is hoping to get a chance to have a good heart to heart with her and apologize for leaving her the way he did. While contemplating his thoughts at their spot by the pond he literally bumps into his past.
Annie and Joseph didnt have a great conversational past and they both fully admit it. Now that theyve gotten a second chance will they make the best of it this time or fall back into their old habits? Annie doesnt want to fall back into her past, especially while she is being threatened by someone over the Bad Bachelors website but she needs Josephs help to find out who is behind the threats.
Bad Influence is the third book in the Bad Bachelor series and a great continuation of the storylines. I received an advance copy from Netgalley without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own. A 4 ½ star read, personally I found some slower parts to the story but overall a very good read. You dont have to read in any order as each is a standalone but if you want background on the other 2 main couples and/or the website I would recommend starting with book one, Bad Bachelor.
Joseph has returned home again after making a name for himself overseas. He hasnt stopped thinking about Annie much over the years, as his ex fiancé can attest to. He is hoping to get a chance to have a good heart to heart with her and apologize for leaving her the way he did. While contemplating his thoughts at their spot by the pond he literally bumps into his past.
Annie and Joseph didnt have a great conversational past and they both fully admit it. Now that theyve gotten a second chance will they make the best of it this time or fall back into their old habits? Annie doesnt want to fall back into her past, especially while she is being threatened by someone over the Bad Bachelors website but she needs Josephs help to find out who is behind the threats.
Bad Influence is the third book in the Bad Bachelor series and a great continuation of the storylines. I received an advance copy from Netgalley without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own. A 4 ½ star read, personally I found some slower parts to the story but overall a very good read. You dont have to read in any order as each is a standalone but if you want background on the other 2 main couples and/or the website I would recommend starting with book one, Bad Bachelor.