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Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Sorry to Bother You (2018) in Movies
Apr 1, 2019
Bananas
When a man gets a job at a call center, he finds that using his “white voice” not only gets him ahead faster, but it takes him down a road crazier than he ever could have imagined. “Crazier” is the operative word here as this movie pushes crazy to the absolute limit. Sorry to Bother You is not without its flaws, but it gets the job done in terms of quality.
Acting: 10
Beginning; 10
Characters: 10
Cassius’ (LaKeith Stanfield) character works on a number of levels. He’s your average guy trying to make it in the world having to rob Peter to pay Paul. He’s easily lovable and funny. More importantly, he’s relatable. There was a number of times watching the movie where I found myself thinking, “Definitely been there before.”
While his character shines, it pales in comparison to Detroit played by the phenomenal Tessa Thompson. She has such a smoothness about her that you can’t escape. In this role, she is a starving artist trying to pave her way and stay true to herself as she wants Cassius to do. She’s cool as shit, but also not the type of girl you ever want to doublecross. I can’t express enough how much Detroit impacted the movie as a whole.
Cinematography/Visuals: 7
The movie succeeds with a lot of jarring imagery, although I will admit that the shock value felt too strong at times. The visuals won’t change your life, but there were a few moments that raised an eyebrow or two. This is the lovechild of when artsy-fartsy meets comedy.
Conflict: 8
Genre: 10
Memorability: 10
Pace: 9
There were a couple of times where I found myself asking, “Ok, where is this going?” But it gets there eventually. It’s consistently funny and is meant to be one of those movies that you probably need to watch a couple of times to really grasp. Outside of one lull, expect to be consistently entertained throughout as this strange mystery unfolds.
Plot: 9
Resolution: 3
Overall: 86
Sorry to Bother You should be a classic, but a meh ending keeps that award just out of reach. I still really liked it and I think you will too. However, it fell just short of me loving it. If you’re looking for some strong social commentary, look no further.
Acting: 10
Beginning; 10
Characters: 10
Cassius’ (LaKeith Stanfield) character works on a number of levels. He’s your average guy trying to make it in the world having to rob Peter to pay Paul. He’s easily lovable and funny. More importantly, he’s relatable. There was a number of times watching the movie where I found myself thinking, “Definitely been there before.”
While his character shines, it pales in comparison to Detroit played by the phenomenal Tessa Thompson. She has such a smoothness about her that you can’t escape. In this role, she is a starving artist trying to pave her way and stay true to herself as she wants Cassius to do. She’s cool as shit, but also not the type of girl you ever want to doublecross. I can’t express enough how much Detroit impacted the movie as a whole.
Cinematography/Visuals: 7
The movie succeeds with a lot of jarring imagery, although I will admit that the shock value felt too strong at times. The visuals won’t change your life, but there were a few moments that raised an eyebrow or two. This is the lovechild of when artsy-fartsy meets comedy.
Conflict: 8
Genre: 10
Memorability: 10
Pace: 9
There were a couple of times where I found myself asking, “Ok, where is this going?” But it gets there eventually. It’s consistently funny and is meant to be one of those movies that you probably need to watch a couple of times to really grasp. Outside of one lull, expect to be consistently entertained throughout as this strange mystery unfolds.
Plot: 9
Resolution: 3
Overall: 86
Sorry to Bother You should be a classic, but a meh ending keeps that award just out of reach. I still really liked it and I think you will too. However, it fell just short of me loving it. If you’re looking for some strong social commentary, look no further.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Don't Wake Up: A Shocking and Compelling New Thriller That You Will Not be Able to Put Down! in Books
Apr 4, 2019 (Updated Apr 8, 2019)
Definitely a page-turner
This was one of those books that I won on Librarything and then totally enjoyed being introduced to a new author. It was a little wild and crazy in places, but it kept me engrossed and reading, which I really appreciated. I was amazed that absolutely no one seemed to believe Alex: I understand that she had no real evidence to back up her story, but it seemed tragic to me how quickly her friends and family abandoned her to sadness and despair.
I wasn't sure I would like this book at first, because I'm not a huge fan of the unreliable narrator to begin with, especially the self-pitying alcoholic one, which seemed to fit Alex quite well. But, I won't lie, she definitely grew on me. This was *even with* the fact that something else had happened in Alex's life thirteen months ago--something that her friends and co-workers felt she had conflated with her "pretend attack," and everyone, including Alex, referred to incessantly. But, of course, it took forever for anyone to tell us what had actually happened, which drove me a little insane. There's dragging something out for suspense and then there's annoying your reader to no end!
However, I really enjoyed the fact that we couldn't trust any of our characters--even the policewoman investigating Alex's case, Laura Best, who was only out to further her career, not actually seek justice for Alex. My favorite character was Laura's boss, Greg Turner. He was a great detective, and I could totally root for him in his own series. Not being able to trust anybody else, though, was kind of fun. It kept me constantly guessing. The book was surprisingly compelling: truly a page-turner. There were some great twists and turns in this one. I guessed a couple of pieces, but not all of them. In the end, I stayed up late to finish this book, which is always a sign of a winner for me (my sleep is a precious commodity!).
I was impressed that this was the author's debut. I also enjoyed how it kept me madly flipping the pages, trying to figure out what happened. I see Liz Lawler has another book out now, and I'll definitely be checking that one out at some point.
I wasn't sure I would like this book at first, because I'm not a huge fan of the unreliable narrator to begin with, especially the self-pitying alcoholic one, which seemed to fit Alex quite well. But, I won't lie, she definitely grew on me. This was *even with* the fact that something else had happened in Alex's life thirteen months ago--something that her friends and co-workers felt she had conflated with her "pretend attack," and everyone, including Alex, referred to incessantly. But, of course, it took forever for anyone to tell us what had actually happened, which drove me a little insane. There's dragging something out for suspense and then there's annoying your reader to no end!
However, I really enjoyed the fact that we couldn't trust any of our characters--even the policewoman investigating Alex's case, Laura Best, who was only out to further her career, not actually seek justice for Alex. My favorite character was Laura's boss, Greg Turner. He was a great detective, and I could totally root for him in his own series. Not being able to trust anybody else, though, was kind of fun. It kept me constantly guessing. The book was surprisingly compelling: truly a page-turner. There were some great twists and turns in this one. I guessed a couple of pieces, but not all of them. In the end, I stayed up late to finish this book, which is always a sign of a winner for me (my sleep is a precious commodity!).
I was impressed that this was the author's debut. I also enjoyed how it kept me madly flipping the pages, trying to figure out what happened. I see Liz Lawler has another book out now, and I'll definitely be checking that one out at some point.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Look For Me in Books
Apr 9, 2019
DD Warren is trying to find out who has killed the Baez family. Mother, Justine; her boyfriend, Charlie; her youngest daughter, Lola; and her only son, Manny. But there is another child, Roxanna, as well as two dogs, Rosie and Blaze. Where are they? Did Roxanna do this to her family? If so, why? But Roxy was the protector of the family. Her mom is a recovering alcoholic and when she was drinking Roxy made sure her siblings ate and made it to school. When the state took the kids away from Justine for a year, this role for Roxy became more prominent. After that year, the girls were never the same. Did something happen during their year in foster care that could have warranted this kind of violence? Will DD be able to find the person or people responsible for this before more people are killed? Will her new CI, Flora Dane prove to be helpful or detrimental to this case?
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
When I made the request from NetGalley for this book, I was intrigued by the description and didn't know that this was the 9th book in the series. I don't think that I needed to read the entire series to get into this book, but I'm sure the background on some of the characters would have been helpful. So, I'm definitely going to go back now and read the rest of the series.
Can you imagine coming home and finding your whole family dead? Your younger sister clutching your brother in order to protect him from a crazy killer? How do you come back from that? Over the course of a few days Detective DD Warren is trying to find out who could do such a thing to this family. With the help of confidential informant, Flora Dane, will they be able to find the killer as well as find Roxana before it's too late. Who would want to hurt these people? What did they do? So many questions and the answers can't come fast enough, until they all do come crashing into one another in one fell swoop.
I can't wait to read more books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
When I made the request from NetGalley for this book, I was intrigued by the description and didn't know that this was the 9th book in the series. I don't think that I needed to read the entire series to get into this book, but I'm sure the background on some of the characters would have been helpful. So, I'm definitely going to go back now and read the rest of the series.
Can you imagine coming home and finding your whole family dead? Your younger sister clutching your brother in order to protect him from a crazy killer? How do you come back from that? Over the course of a few days Detective DD Warren is trying to find out who could do such a thing to this family. With the help of confidential informant, Flora Dane, will they be able to find the killer as well as find Roxana before it's too late. Who would want to hurt these people? What did they do? So many questions and the answers can't come fast enough, until they all do come crashing into one another in one fell swoop.
I can't wait to read more books in this series.
Dpaint43 (16 KP) rated Keyforge: Call of the Archons in Tabletop Games
May 31, 2019 (Updated May 31, 2019)
Welcome to their world and become their god
Fantasy Flight and Richard Garfield have fixed the problem with Magic (Richard's other design and maybe the biggest money maker ever) and every copycat collectible card game that came after. Mr. Garfield's original plan for Magic the Gathering was to have a competitive card game that people can enjoy and buy a pack of cards for, say "wow" this is an awesome card and can make a deck more interesting. He did not expect thousands of dollars to be spent to create decks that are full with nothing but "wow" cards, but not fun, that win every time. The talent and fun was replaced by the more money you spend, the better your deck. Keyforge is a two player game that everyone can get into and enjoy. For $10 you can buy a single deck and only play that deck forever against any other deck and have fun. Every deck of 36 cards is made up using an algorithm to make sure no one has the same combination of cards. You get a unique deck name, unique deck sigil and a one of a kind combination of fun you can truly call your own. Of course you won't want to stop at just one deck because they each open up a new world. Your goal as a god (Archon) is to ascend to a higher level of being by opening 3 keys. Each key needs six aember to open. This aember is collected each turn by choosing one of the 3 houses that follow you (there are 7 in the game but only 3 per deck) and using the creatures, spells, items and crazy concoctions of that house of followers to reap and fight your way to victory. The rules are simple but the strategy is deep. There aren't many key words to remember nor rules to memorize. Young kids can play as easily as adults. The flavor text on most cards give a great synergy with each family and cards actions. It won't take long to have a favorite house or creature to play. And play. And play.
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Become The Force: 9 Lessons on Living as a Master Jedi in Books
Jun 5, 2019
Become the Force: 9 Lessons on How to Live as a Jediist Master (For Everyone Who Loves Star Wars) is written by Daniel M. Jones, Theresa Cheung.
Yes, I know what you are thinking! On the surface this does seem a bit of a giggle, but underneath it’s full of light goodness and that is simply a mix of being a good person over a bad person, and seeing the light side as opposed to the dark.
Disclosure: I am a Star Wars fan and I admit to taking a stand and putting my religion down as a Jedi Knight back in the last census of 2001. (Yep, I was one of those naughty people). Partly because of the protest but also partly because I’d always fancied myself as a Jedi Knight and it seemed a bit of a laugh at the time to say my religion was Jediism.
But that’s just it, whether you can truly classify it as a religion or not, this is more about a philosophy of being kind to yourself and each other. Many such teachings have been clearly taken from a mixture of Zen like “religions” as a way to understand your ‘self’ and to help make positive changes in our fast-moving, often stressful world.
In many ways I’d love to follow this path, yet I do see how some may never actually take this seriously, purely on account that some of these philosophies are based on the films, although not as heavily as some groups are. Yes there are other sects that differ and are more about the films than the mindfulness.
And that’s just what it is, mindfulness, living in the present and CBT techniques.
Believing in an energy force which surrounds us and is in all living things may sound like something out of a science fiction book, but it’s not. We are all living, breathing energy.
The author discusses spiritualist principles and ideas from great thinkers throughout history – from Plato to modern day Alan Watts (who proposed that Buddhism could be thought of as a form of psychotherapy and not a religion), and of course it goes without saying, our great philosopher Yoda, too!
I’m impressed at how this book has been put together, and that it is not as crazy as I first thought it might be! lol
Yes, I know what you are thinking! On the surface this does seem a bit of a giggle, but underneath it’s full of light goodness and that is simply a mix of being a good person over a bad person, and seeing the light side as opposed to the dark.
Disclosure: I am a Star Wars fan and I admit to taking a stand and putting my religion down as a Jedi Knight back in the last census of 2001. (Yep, I was one of those naughty people). Partly because of the protest but also partly because I’d always fancied myself as a Jedi Knight and it seemed a bit of a laugh at the time to say my religion was Jediism.
But that’s just it, whether you can truly classify it as a religion or not, this is more about a philosophy of being kind to yourself and each other. Many such teachings have been clearly taken from a mixture of Zen like “religions” as a way to understand your ‘self’ and to help make positive changes in our fast-moving, often stressful world.
In many ways I’d love to follow this path, yet I do see how some may never actually take this seriously, purely on account that some of these philosophies are based on the films, although not as heavily as some groups are. Yes there are other sects that differ and are more about the films than the mindfulness.
And that’s just what it is, mindfulness, living in the present and CBT techniques.
Believing in an energy force which surrounds us and is in all living things may sound like something out of a science fiction book, but it’s not. We are all living, breathing energy.
The author discusses spiritualist principles and ideas from great thinkers throughout history – from Plato to modern day Alan Watts (who proposed that Buddhism could be thought of as a form of psychotherapy and not a religion), and of course it goes without saying, our great philosopher Yoda, too!
I’m impressed at how this book has been put together, and that it is not as crazy as I first thought it might be! lol
Beckie Shelton (40 KP) rated The One in Books
Feb 8, 2018
This is what I love about reviewing books, it takes you out of your comfort zone and you get to experience author's that perhaps might never cross your radar and what a shame that would be as, The One by John Marrs was one of those gems that I may have passed by, an utterly brilliant captivating phycological thriller which kept me entranced till the final pages.
How to adequately convey this story and do it justice, as it truly is a unique concept. I have read an abundance of fiction over the years and the subject expressed in The One, A Gene that matches you with another individual romantically, a soul mate. is truly a unique idea.
In The One, we have what seems like five different stories all wrapped up in a shared Tale, Five Love matches all separate but also intertwined in a bigger picture. The unique writing style of John Marrs makes this very addictive reading, each chapter focusing on a gene match playing in an enthralling loop that makes you want to keep reading.
we have,
Mandy & Richard
Christopher & Amy
Jade & Kevin
Nick & Sally
Ellie & Tim
Finding the love of your life, the other half of you may seem an amazing and wonderous thing. But in reality, the obstacles this can throw at you if you think on this logically are truly shocking, What if your match is married or old, dead or disabled. He or she could be a criminal when you ponder deeper on this matter all sorts of shockingly crazy scenarios spring to mind.The one explores these situations giving us an insight into what could happen when we ask the question WHAT IF?
In conclusion, this book is a breathtaking phycological thriller that keeps you gripped throughout. I've tried to convey a sense of what The one gives you without giving too much away as this is one of those stories you really need to go in blind to truly appreciate the sheer brilliance of its storyline. Love doesn't always run smoothly, in fact in this tale don't expect the ordinary it abounds with twists and turns that keep you guessing throughout.
I Received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley in return for a review and this is my own honest opinion.
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
How to adequately convey this story and do it justice, as it truly is a unique concept. I have read an abundance of fiction over the years and the subject expressed in The One, A Gene that matches you with another individual romantically, a soul mate. is truly a unique idea.
In The One, we have what seems like five different stories all wrapped up in a shared Tale, Five Love matches all separate but also intertwined in a bigger picture. The unique writing style of John Marrs makes this very addictive reading, each chapter focusing on a gene match playing in an enthralling loop that makes you want to keep reading.
we have,
Mandy & Richard
Christopher & Amy
Jade & Kevin
Nick & Sally
Ellie & Tim
Finding the love of your life, the other half of you may seem an amazing and wonderous thing. But in reality, the obstacles this can throw at you if you think on this logically are truly shocking, What if your match is married or old, dead or disabled. He or she could be a criminal when you ponder deeper on this matter all sorts of shockingly crazy scenarios spring to mind.The one explores these situations giving us an insight into what could happen when we ask the question WHAT IF?
In conclusion, this book is a breathtaking phycological thriller that keeps you gripped throughout. I've tried to convey a sense of what The one gives you without giving too much away as this is one of those stories you really need to go in blind to truly appreciate the sheer brilliance of its storyline. Love doesn't always run smoothly, in fact in this tale don't expect the ordinary it abounds with twists and turns that keep you guessing throughout.
I Received a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley in return for a review and this is my own honest opinion.
https://www.beckiebookworm.com/
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
Saerie_Faerie (18 KP) rated Downsizing (2017) in Movies
Jan 27, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
When I saw the trailer for this movie I was very intrigued by the premise and I still am if I am honest. I also really like Matt Damon as an actor and was expecting to see him in a more serious role, though The Martian was fairly serious. It started out fine and made sense but as soon as his wife leaves him small and stays big nothing is ever resolved after that. The movie even ends on an odd note that, to me felt like they ran out of time and literally could not cut any more and it was mildly necessary for the story so left it. I do believe the reactions to "downsizing" is realistic though in my opinion which was really nice.
Spoilers from here forward.
Ngoc Lan's prosthetic is never mentioned again after her and Paul have sex. Really? Walking around on a peg leg and having really bad chafing but doesn't mention it? Unrealistic.
Paul takes a random pill from a girl at a party and has crazy visions of his wife and friends but never has to do anything about his underlying feelings.
Paul's neighbor has some weird career supplying the small people with "luxury" items, but no one ever actually talks about them or uses them? Like huge bottles of vodka just exist and don't get used and get left out from the safe underground bunker? Just a convenient plot device for them to go to Norway.
Ngoc Lan illegally enters America and the only thing that happens to her is she goes to the hospital to get treated? Absolutely completely unrealistic.
Also I don't think any women have a conversation besides once without Paul or without it being about a dude. Not sure how I feel about that; or about Ngoc Lan being a house cleaner because of course she is a house cleaner, probably with a side of being a nail artist.
This movie was totally disappointing to me and it could have been awesome. They tried too hard to have it make sense, address all the possible problems with it, have it be funny, and have it be serious at the same time that it just turned muddy. Will probably write a fic to fix it for myself at a later.
Spoilers from here forward.
Ngoc Lan's prosthetic is never mentioned again after her and Paul have sex. Really? Walking around on a peg leg and having really bad chafing but doesn't mention it? Unrealistic.
Paul takes a random pill from a girl at a party and has crazy visions of his wife and friends but never has to do anything about his underlying feelings.
Paul's neighbor has some weird career supplying the small people with "luxury" items, but no one ever actually talks about them or uses them? Like huge bottles of vodka just exist and don't get used and get left out from the safe underground bunker? Just a convenient plot device for them to go to Norway.
Ngoc Lan illegally enters America and the only thing that happens to her is she goes to the hospital to get treated? Absolutely completely unrealistic.
Also I don't think any women have a conversation besides once without Paul or without it being about a dude. Not sure how I feel about that; or about Ngoc Lan being a house cleaner because of course she is a house cleaner, probably with a side of being a nail artist.
This movie was totally disappointing to me and it could have been awesome. They tried too hard to have it make sense, address all the possible problems with it, have it be funny, and have it be serious at the same time that it just turned muddy. Will probably write a fic to fix it for myself at a later.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Once And For All in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Louna is the daughter of a single mother, Natalie Barrett. Natalie runs a famous wedding planning business with her friend William. Together--often with Louna's assistance--they help frantic brides have the perfect day. But Louna, Natalie, and William are a cynical trio: so much that they even take bets on the success of each wedding after every affair is over and they're cleaning up. Louna has another reason to be cynical: she met her true love the previous summer, but it ended tragically. After graduating high school, she's just trying to get through her last summer and head off to college. Standing in her way: charming Ambrose, the brother of one of her mother's clients. Natalie takes on Ambrose as an employee to appease her client, so Louna is stuck with cheery, serial-dater Ambrose. But the more time she spends with him, the less he starts to bother her...
<i>I was surprisingly charmed by this novel.</i> It's predictable, but in a good way. You know what you get with a Dessen novel, and this book came along at a good time for me. It's more serious than expected (I won't spoil that plot twist for you) but also <i>breezy and sweet at times.</i> Louna is a likeable heroine--flawed, complicated, real. The supporting cast of characters is humorous and realistic: Louna's best friend Jilly, whose parents have a food truck business and saddle Jilly with her many younger siblings; William, with his bride-whisperer tendencies; Natalie, and her rigid obsession with her business; and girl-crazy Ambrose, who verges on stereotype, but manages not to. The book also gives you a fun look into the wedding business, which is sort of enjoyable and lets you see how most of our characters deal with stress.
Overall, <i>this is an engaging novel, with serious undertones.</i> It's a quick read, powered by an enjoyable cast of characters. While there are some dark moments that may surprise you, the romance probably won't. But there's nothing necessarily wrong with that sometimes. :)
You can find my review of Dessen's novel SAINT ANYTHING <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1267324399?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1">here</a>;.
<center><a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">Blog</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>; ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justacatandabook/">Instagram</a>; </center>
<i>I was surprisingly charmed by this novel.</i> It's predictable, but in a good way. You know what you get with a Dessen novel, and this book came along at a good time for me. It's more serious than expected (I won't spoil that plot twist for you) but also <i>breezy and sweet at times.</i> Louna is a likeable heroine--flawed, complicated, real. The supporting cast of characters is humorous and realistic: Louna's best friend Jilly, whose parents have a food truck business and saddle Jilly with her many younger siblings; William, with his bride-whisperer tendencies; Natalie, and her rigid obsession with her business; and girl-crazy Ambrose, who verges on stereotype, but manages not to. The book also gives you a fun look into the wedding business, which is sort of enjoyable and lets you see how most of our characters deal with stress.
Overall, <i>this is an engaging novel, with serious undertones.</i> It's a quick read, powered by an enjoyable cast of characters. While there are some dark moments that may surprise you, the romance probably won't. But there's nothing necessarily wrong with that sometimes. :)
You can find my review of Dessen's novel SAINT ANYTHING <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1267324399?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1">here</a>;.
<center><a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">Blog</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>; ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justacatandabook/">Instagram</a>; </center>
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Saving Grace in Books
Feb 13, 2018
I was somewhat disappointed by <i>Saving Grace</i> and I'm not exactly sure why. I think because its plot synopsis reminded me somewhat of a Liane Moriarty book and by the end of Green's novel, I felt that Moriarty had done it much better.
<i>Saving Grace</i> tells the story of Grace and Ted Chapman. Ted is a famous and beloved author, though one in the bit of a decline, and Grace his faithful wife, well-known mostly for her style and grace (haha). To an outsider, the Chapmans look to be the perfect couple, but we learn that Ted is quick to rage and Grace continually finds herself walking on eggshells around her husband.
The one person who seems able to calm these rages is his assistant, Ellen. When she leaves to care for her ailing mother, Grace finds herself in despair. She feels as if her life is falling apart, trying to care for her house and Ted's needs. (At this point, I find myself a little frustrated and flabbergasted. Seriously? Join the real world, lady.) However, she feels like her prayers have been answered when her daughter, Clemmie, introduces her to Beth. Beth becomes Ted's assistant and also Grace's helpmate. But Grace quickly feels as if Beth is taking over -- not just as Ted's assistant, but over Grace's life. We're left to wonder, is Grace crazy? Or Beth?
The story itself is sort of a compelling one -- assistant moves in and takes over perfect wife's life. It sounds quite exciting (Lifetime movie, anyone?. However, Grace is not that compelling of a character, and her whiny ways did not garner a ton of sympathy with me, even if Beth was a horrible person. Her husband was clearly an ass, but we really didn't get to learn much about his character, either. Or, really, even Beth's. There's also a lot of far-fetched plot points - yes, Ted is under Beth's spell, but would he really believe some of the tales she weaves about his wife? It's all just very strange.
All in all, I read the book fairly quickly, interested to see what would happen to Grace, mostly for the sake of finding out. However, in the end, I just felt Green could have done so much more with the story, and with Grace's character.
<i>Saving Grace</i> tells the story of Grace and Ted Chapman. Ted is a famous and beloved author, though one in the bit of a decline, and Grace his faithful wife, well-known mostly for her style and grace (haha). To an outsider, the Chapmans look to be the perfect couple, but we learn that Ted is quick to rage and Grace continually finds herself walking on eggshells around her husband.
The one person who seems able to calm these rages is his assistant, Ellen. When she leaves to care for her ailing mother, Grace finds herself in despair. She feels as if her life is falling apart, trying to care for her house and Ted's needs. (At this point, I find myself a little frustrated and flabbergasted. Seriously? Join the real world, lady.) However, she feels like her prayers have been answered when her daughter, Clemmie, introduces her to Beth. Beth becomes Ted's assistant and also Grace's helpmate. But Grace quickly feels as if Beth is taking over -- not just as Ted's assistant, but over Grace's life. We're left to wonder, is Grace crazy? Or Beth?
The story itself is sort of a compelling one -- assistant moves in and takes over perfect wife's life. It sounds quite exciting (Lifetime movie, anyone?. However, Grace is not that compelling of a character, and her whiny ways did not garner a ton of sympathy with me, even if Beth was a horrible person. Her husband was clearly an ass, but we really didn't get to learn much about his character, either. Or, really, even Beth's. There's also a lot of far-fetched plot points - yes, Ted is under Beth's spell, but would he really believe some of the tales she weaves about his wife? It's all just very strange.
All in all, I read the book fairly quickly, interested to see what would happen to Grace, mostly for the sake of finding out. However, in the end, I just felt Green could have done so much more with the story, and with Grace's character.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Carefully Everywhere Descending in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Audrey Anderson is a bright student from a low income family. Audrey spends most of her time focused on school, with college as her ultimate goal. While she's close to her best friend, she isn't that involved with other kids at her school. However, when one of the most popular (and beautiful) girls in school, Scarlett, asks Audrey to tutor her in English, Audrey finds herself caught up in the typical drama of high school - friendship, prom, etc.
Okay, first of all, I probably bumped up this rating a bit because it was just so refreshing to read a YA LGBT novel with a nice, normal protagonist who seemed real. Most of Audrey's friends and family seem fine with her sexuality and other girls at her school go to prom together. It's wonderful to see a LGBT book where the character's sexuality is just part of her life, versus what drives the entire plot.
The book also does a good job of portraying Audrey and Scarlett's romance - Audrey's unrequited love for Scarlett seemed a bit much at first, but remembering back to the angst of teen love, it seemed right on point.
My problem with this book was some of its odd plot twists, which really didn't seem necessary. I won't spoil the book here, but I think Bedford could have stuck with Audrey and Scarlett's love story and been just fine. That being said, I didn't think they were that crazy or out of left field. I found Audrey to be a compelling and realistic character and it was great to see an author use a YA protagonist from a low income background, even if it did seem a bit overused at times. Too often these books focus on the popular kids, driving their parents' cars and living life without a care in the world. Audrey's life is probably far more realistic for many.
Frankly, the book had some holes and issues, but it was still worth the read for its portrayal of a real YA lesbian relationship and Audrey's overall situation. I enjoyed her character and read the entire book in one day - I'll certainly be recommending it to several of my friends.
(I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)
Okay, first of all, I probably bumped up this rating a bit because it was just so refreshing to read a YA LGBT novel with a nice, normal protagonist who seemed real. Most of Audrey's friends and family seem fine with her sexuality and other girls at her school go to prom together. It's wonderful to see a LGBT book where the character's sexuality is just part of her life, versus what drives the entire plot.
The book also does a good job of portraying Audrey and Scarlett's romance - Audrey's unrequited love for Scarlett seemed a bit much at first, but remembering back to the angst of teen love, it seemed right on point.
My problem with this book was some of its odd plot twists, which really didn't seem necessary. I won't spoil the book here, but I think Bedford could have stuck with Audrey and Scarlett's love story and been just fine. That being said, I didn't think they were that crazy or out of left field. I found Audrey to be a compelling and realistic character and it was great to see an author use a YA protagonist from a low income background, even if it did seem a bit overused at times. Too often these books focus on the popular kids, driving their parents' cars and living life without a care in the world. Audrey's life is probably far more realistic for many.
Frankly, the book had some holes and issues, but it was still worth the read for its portrayal of a real YA lesbian relationship and Audrey's overall situation. I enjoyed her character and read the entire book in one day - I'll certainly be recommending it to several of my friends.
(I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.)