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Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Swimming Lessons in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Great series of letters let down by monotony
Claire Fuller's writing is poetic and haunting in this novel especially as we read a series of letters left by a wife who has been missing for 12 years.
The story surrounds Ingrid, and her horribly destructive relationship with her writer husband Gil. Her youngest daughter Flora has to come to terms with these revelations, after idolising her father for so long.
My only concern is while the back and forth narrative between Ingrid's letter and the present day is well laid out, the story itself becomes lacklustre and the epilogue is a little misleading leaving a question mark over her death. Good writing but plot could be more rich.
The story surrounds Ingrid, and her horribly destructive relationship with her writer husband Gil. Her youngest daughter Flora has to come to terms with these revelations, after idolising her father for so long.
My only concern is while the back and forth narrative between Ingrid's letter and the present day is well laid out, the story itself becomes lacklustre and the epilogue is a little misleading leaving a question mark over her death. Good writing but plot could be more rich.
Wittsend (43 KP) rated The Girl in the Red Coat in Books
Aug 2, 2017
This was such a richly crafted novel! I'm still taking everything in. When Beth's eight-year-old daughter vanishes without a trace right before her eyes, it feels as though her world has surreptitiously turned on its axis. How does a parent recover from something so tragic? When the leads fizzle out and time goes on, The author paints a loving and endearing portrait of a mother struggling to stay alive, and to put one foot in front of the other day after day. She refuses to give up hope or to ever stop looking for her little girl.
The author's skillful use of alternating perspectives between chapters, and a totally unexpected plot twist, made this thrilling to read.
The author's skillful use of alternating perspectives between chapters, and a totally unexpected plot twist, made this thrilling to read.
Micah Ulibarri (79 KP) rated The Week Of (2018) in Movies
May 6, 2018
Adam Sandler has been pretty prolific recently thanks to a contract with Netflix. This most recent film involves a team up with long time collaborator Chris Rock as fathers of the bride and groom, respectively.
Obviously, based on the actor choice, this is a comedy. So the question is: Is it funny? Answer: YES! It actually is. Frankly, I've been pretty down on Sandler recently, but he still has some decent jokes to pull out. I laughed out loud hard about 5 times and chuckled or smiled quite a bit throughout.
The film was very well acted and the big scene between Sandler and his daughter is particularly touching.
It's not a masterpiece, but a decent Netflix only film.
Obviously, based on the actor choice, this is a comedy. So the question is: Is it funny? Answer: YES! It actually is. Frankly, I've been pretty down on Sandler recently, but he still has some decent jokes to pull out. I laughed out loud hard about 5 times and chuckled or smiled quite a bit throughout.
The film was very well acted and the big scene between Sandler and his daughter is particularly touching.
It's not a masterpiece, but a decent Netflix only film.
Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated Romeo & Juliet (Shakespeare Children's Stories) in Books
Apr 10, 2018
Shakespeare can be a challenge for anyone to read and understand and this book fits in with most readers in enabling us all to get an understanding of the basic story before attempting the more challenging 16th Century English. In this version of Macbeth, the author has retold the story in an easily accessible way that will allow all ages to follow along. Illustrated throughout, the plot is covered with parts of the dialogue showing the original language, introducing that element of Shakespeare to the reader. For me, this book will be perfect for introducing my daughter to the themes in Shakespeare before she is ready to challenge the language, I great idea well presented.
Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated Shakespeare for Children: The Tragedy of Macbeth in Books
Apr 10, 2018
Shakespeare can be a challenge for anyone to read and understand and this book fits in with most readers in enabling us all to get an understanding of the basic story before attempting the more challenging 16th Century English. In this version of Macbeth, the author has retold the story in an easily accessible way that will allow all ages to follow along. Illustrated throughout, the plot is covered with parts of the dialogue showing the original language, introducing that element of Shakespeare to the reader. For me, this book will be perfect for introducing my daughter to the themes in Shakespeare before she is ready to challenge the language, I great idea well presented.
KittyMiku (138 KP) rated Minecraft in Video Games
May 17, 2019
Lots to do (1 more)
Creative or survival modes
I have minecraft on my laptop but I enjoy it on the xbox one more. It's easier to use in my opinion. Nothing like exploring and building with some intense action along the way. I find myself lost for hours on end in this game. Whether I'm in a dungeon, cave or just exploring. It never ends with just a small amount if game play. I am often lost for hours on on having a blast. Not to mention it's okay for kids. Though my daughter will have to fight me for some time. It's also great for releasing stress after a long day at work and helps those creative juices flow.
Laura (6 KP) rated The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019) in Movies
Jun 11, 2019
Good for a kids film
After seeing the secret Life of pets, I felt I needed to then see the second one. We opted for the new odeon luxe that has opened. I feel that this may have contributed to an increased score. The storyline was good, no prolonged intro which was great for the kids. Some scary moments which my daughter wasn't too impressed with but every movie needs its ups and downs! Some excellent humour and some excellent correlation to real life (fox in the farm, cone of shame). Overall, something just didn't hit the spot to say it was fantastic, however overall a good film
This fun between the books e-novella focuses on Kelly, the daughter of the main character. She's just beginning to develop her gift of seeing and speaking to ghosts, but she gets involved in a mystery when a woman approaches her and asks if Kelly can figure out if the woman's condo is haunted. Will Kelly solve the mystery? I found it fun to see a minor character from the series take a larger role in this book, and Granny is a hoot as always. I just wish it had been longer.
My full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-silent-ghost-by-sue-ann.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
My full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-silent-ghost-by-sue-ann.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Ruth Frampton (577 KP) rated Caught in a Cycle in Books
Mar 11, 2018
What do I want to be?
This children's book has its issues deciding what message it is really trying to give. The main theme is bullying is wrong, but it also gets mixed up with telling lies just makes things worse and while set in a zoo doing less that likely jobs make the whole thing difficult for it to give its message clearly and uncluttered by the extras.
A shame really, my daughter enjoyed it but didn't pick up the full message without some reinforcements.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher. and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
A shame really, my daughter enjoyed it but didn't pick up the full message without some reinforcements.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher. and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Johnny English Strikes Again (2018) in Movies
Oct 8, 2018
Kids will love it, parents will tolerate it
I took my daughter and 8 of her friends to see this for her birthday "treat". They all loved it. Having seen very little of Mr Bean etc, I guess they had never really seen anything like this. Pure slapstick. Rowan Atkinson's rubber face and totally cringeworthy dancing.
The storyline is fairly basic Connery-era Bond, with a few funny moments, and simple enough to keep children engaged and not too daft to annoy adults.
While this was far from a great film, I have seen a lot worse recently, and the kids all enjoyed it. (their rating = 8/10, mine = 5/10, generous average = 7/10)
The storyline is fairly basic Connery-era Bond, with a few funny moments, and simple enough to keep children engaged and not too daft to annoy adults.
While this was far from a great film, I have seen a lot worse recently, and the kids all enjoyed it. (their rating = 8/10, mine = 5/10, generous average = 7/10)