Search
Search results
Convert Drugs Premium - Equivalent Medications
Medical and Travel
App
Find equivalent medications by product name or active ingredient (molecule) in 200+ countries using...
Hip Hop & Street Dance School
Games and Entertainment
App
~~> It’s your day! You’ve just been discovered by the best hip hop talent agent! ~~> Improve...
HealthEngine
Health & Fitness and Medical
App
Booking your next health appointment is quick and easy with HealthEngine, Australia’s #1...
Get Money! Geldmagnet werden mit Hypnose
Business and Lifestyle
App
GET MONEY! BECOME A MONEY MAGNET BY HYPNOSIS • Take a more relaxed approach to financial matters...
Tableau d'école pour iPhone et iPod : Ecrivez et dessinez en couleur, même sur vos photos !
Entertainment and Productivity
App
Want to make a drawing, play Tic Tac Toe? Need to quickly record a telephone number or code of the...
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Sun is Also a Star in Books
May 24, 2017
Science Vs Fate
This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Following the success of her debut novel, Nicola Yoon’s second book, The Sun is also a Star, has been highly anticipated amongst young adult readers. In twelve hours time, senior student, Natasha will be deported to Jamaica. Her family are undocumented immigrants and can no longer remain living in the United States. Despite her best efforts, Natasha has not succeeded in getting the courts to change their mind, and now there is barely any time left. Today is the last day before things change forever; little does she know how significant this day will be.
Only half the story is told from Natasha’s point of view. The remainder is narrated by Daniel, a Korean American whose parents’ high expectations have resulted in an interview with the prestigious university, Yale. With several hours to go, Daniel is wandering around New York when a chain of events leads him into saving Natasha’s life – literally. Instantly infatuated with Natasha, Daniel attempts to convince her that their meeting is fate. Yet, Natasha’s factual, scientific brain refuses to concede, leaving Daniel with less than 12 hours to convince her otherwise.
At heart, The Sun is also a Star, is a romance novel, however it contains so many other themes. Both characters are from immigrant families whose histories greatly impact on their current and future lives. Natasha’s father’s impractical dreams have lead to this disastrous consequence, whereas Daniel’s parents are adamant that he become a doctor and avoid the poverty they grew up with. Naturally, the teens are unhappy with the way their futures are being plotted; Natasha more so, however the poetry-loving Daniel wishes he could become who he wants to be rather than who he is told to be.
Although being deep thinkers, Natasha and Daniel are total opposites, yet something is pulling them together. Whether it is love or the simply the way the universe works, the character’s break all ethnic stereotypes as their relationship races from strangers to something much more intimate.
Nicola Yoon has experienced first hand growing up in both Jamaica and New York, therefore readers can assume that Natasha’s experiences are largely based on the author’s own – presumably not including the deportation. Society generally tends to assume all people from Jamaica or Korea fit into a certain box – liking certain music, academic success, wearing particular fashion – yet Daniel and Natasha prove otherwise.
Despite the narrative being condensed into one day in the life of these two characters, there is so much going on. Firstly there is the rushing around New York trying to get to appointments on time and so forth, however the content in between these scenes will keep the reader thinking for hours. Daniel’s poetical theories about love and Natasha’s scientific explanation about the universe will make you question your own philosophy about the world. Whether either or neither of them are correct, what they do prove is the difference a single day can make.
The Sun is also a Star has a similar vibe to novels by Rainbow Rowell, David Levithan and John Green – some of the top Young Adult authors of the current era. It is a story that will pull at your heartstrings while your logical brain refuses to see chance of a happy ending. With no way of guessing what the universe has in store, this book will keep you thoroughly engaged from beginning to end.
Following the success of her debut novel, Nicola Yoon’s second book, The Sun is also a Star, has been highly anticipated amongst young adult readers. In twelve hours time, senior student, Natasha will be deported to Jamaica. Her family are undocumented immigrants and can no longer remain living in the United States. Despite her best efforts, Natasha has not succeeded in getting the courts to change their mind, and now there is barely any time left. Today is the last day before things change forever; little does she know how significant this day will be.
Only half the story is told from Natasha’s point of view. The remainder is narrated by Daniel, a Korean American whose parents’ high expectations have resulted in an interview with the prestigious university, Yale. With several hours to go, Daniel is wandering around New York when a chain of events leads him into saving Natasha’s life – literally. Instantly infatuated with Natasha, Daniel attempts to convince her that their meeting is fate. Yet, Natasha’s factual, scientific brain refuses to concede, leaving Daniel with less than 12 hours to convince her otherwise.
At heart, The Sun is also a Star, is a romance novel, however it contains so many other themes. Both characters are from immigrant families whose histories greatly impact on their current and future lives. Natasha’s father’s impractical dreams have lead to this disastrous consequence, whereas Daniel’s parents are adamant that he become a doctor and avoid the poverty they grew up with. Naturally, the teens are unhappy with the way their futures are being plotted; Natasha more so, however the poetry-loving Daniel wishes he could become who he wants to be rather than who he is told to be.
Although being deep thinkers, Natasha and Daniel are total opposites, yet something is pulling them together. Whether it is love or the simply the way the universe works, the character’s break all ethnic stereotypes as their relationship races from strangers to something much more intimate.
Nicola Yoon has experienced first hand growing up in both Jamaica and New York, therefore readers can assume that Natasha’s experiences are largely based on the author’s own – presumably not including the deportation. Society generally tends to assume all people from Jamaica or Korea fit into a certain box – liking certain music, academic success, wearing particular fashion – yet Daniel and Natasha prove otherwise.
Despite the narrative being condensed into one day in the life of these two characters, there is so much going on. Firstly there is the rushing around New York trying to get to appointments on time and so forth, however the content in between these scenes will keep the reader thinking for hours. Daniel’s poetical theories about love and Natasha’s scientific explanation about the universe will make you question your own philosophy about the world. Whether either or neither of them are correct, what they do prove is the difference a single day can make.
The Sun is also a Star has a similar vibe to novels by Rainbow Rowell, David Levithan and John Green – some of the top Young Adult authors of the current era. It is a story that will pull at your heartstrings while your logical brain refuses to see chance of a happy ending. With no way of guessing what the universe has in store, this book will keep you thoroughly engaged from beginning to end.
Tracy Anderson's 30-Day Method
Genre: Exercise
ISBN: 9780446562041
Published:September 20th 2010 by Grand Central Life & Style
Rating: 4.5
When reviewing fitness books, I look for books that tell the reader how to fully use their bodies. I really like Anderson's method for two reasons:
1. She knows muscles. She knows how they work, she knows how to train them. In the book, the concept of using certain muscles to perform an exercise is clearly explained. This is a crucial part of muscle training.
2. She had a good balance between aerobic exercise and anaerobic exercise, and she has put them together in a good way.
Anderson was a dancer, she also took Pilates (the right way) and I could see both of those influences in her method. Don't get scared away by that—even if you've never seen the inside of a ballet studio, you'd be just fine working her method! But there is a reason that it is said that dancers are the athletes of God: because they are. Combining cardio (aerobic exercise) with Pilates (conditioning) and dance (alternating engage-disengage exercise to increase stamina) is the perfect combination for weight loss and muscle toning.
Now how to get there if you have never experienced any of that?
Anderson breaks the book down into different sections. The exercise portion, where she fully explains every stretch, position, and movement, is well described for the absolute beginner. More athletic users or advanced athletes would benefit also, but they wouldn't have to read the descriptions of the movements in their entirety.
The DVD is very good: It features Anderson working the exercises in the book enough time to hear the description, see all the details, and do it yourself.
There is also a section in the book with some great meals. The first section is a very thorough introduction that I do not recommend skipping! You'll learn tons about your body! I was also amazed at how much research Anderson did to create this method.
The only thing I don't like: The cardio routine has no verbiage. I expected some talking, either voiceover or real time, with some counting or some description of what you should be doing. However, it was just music and Anderson dancing. It would take me, who has been dancing for almost five years, two or three times doing the DVD to get the combination. It would be a lot more difficult and confusing for someone who doesn't have practice taking what they see and converting it for themselves.
The other thing I wanted to see more of was proper stretching techniques. I honestly have yet to find a book that explains how to properly stretch without injury (it is possible!). My recommendation to anyone who uses this awesome program: stretch well. Stretch correctly. Get a dancer or a sports doctor to give you advice if you need it.
Recommendation: Ages 14+ for anyone serious. This program takes time, energy, and commitment. If you can't commit to about two hours of your day, it's not for you. If you use the program, make sure you follow instructions very carefully to avoid injury! doing exercises incorrectly is a very fast way to end up in the physical therapists office (I can tell you that from personal experience, though not experience from this book).
Genre: Exercise
ISBN: 9780446562041
Published:September 20th 2010 by Grand Central Life & Style
Rating: 4.5
When reviewing fitness books, I look for books that tell the reader how to fully use their bodies. I really like Anderson's method for two reasons:
1. She knows muscles. She knows how they work, she knows how to train them. In the book, the concept of using certain muscles to perform an exercise is clearly explained. This is a crucial part of muscle training.
2. She had a good balance between aerobic exercise and anaerobic exercise, and she has put them together in a good way.
Anderson was a dancer, she also took Pilates (the right way) and I could see both of those influences in her method. Don't get scared away by that—even if you've never seen the inside of a ballet studio, you'd be just fine working her method! But there is a reason that it is said that dancers are the athletes of God: because they are. Combining cardio (aerobic exercise) with Pilates (conditioning) and dance (alternating engage-disengage exercise to increase stamina) is the perfect combination for weight loss and muscle toning.
Now how to get there if you have never experienced any of that?
Anderson breaks the book down into different sections. The exercise portion, where she fully explains every stretch, position, and movement, is well described for the absolute beginner. More athletic users or advanced athletes would benefit also, but they wouldn't have to read the descriptions of the movements in their entirety.
The DVD is very good: It features Anderson working the exercises in the book enough time to hear the description, see all the details, and do it yourself.
There is also a section in the book with some great meals. The first section is a very thorough introduction that I do not recommend skipping! You'll learn tons about your body! I was also amazed at how much research Anderson did to create this method.
The only thing I don't like: The cardio routine has no verbiage. I expected some talking, either voiceover or real time, with some counting or some description of what you should be doing. However, it was just music and Anderson dancing. It would take me, who has been dancing for almost five years, two or three times doing the DVD to get the combination. It would be a lot more difficult and confusing for someone who doesn't have practice taking what they see and converting it for themselves.
The other thing I wanted to see more of was proper stretching techniques. I honestly have yet to find a book that explains how to properly stretch without injury (it is possible!). My recommendation to anyone who uses this awesome program: stretch well. Stretch correctly. Get a dancer or a sports doctor to give you advice if you need it.
Recommendation: Ages 14+ for anyone serious. This program takes time, energy, and commitment. If you can't commit to about two hours of your day, it's not for you. If you use the program, make sure you follow instructions very carefully to avoid injury! doing exercises incorrectly is a very fast way to end up in the physical therapists office (I can tell you that from personal experience, though not experience from this book).
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Slide (Slide, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
<b>2.5 stars
Slide</b> features an intriguing idea though the results left me with mixed feelings. The concept is awesome, but the execution? Yeah, not so much. The writing is serviceable, neither bad nor great and it didn't draw me into the story straightaway. Both the way it is written and the storyline reminds me of some of the books I read as a pre-teen/teen way back during the Pleistocene epoch, otherwise known as the 1990s, with authors like Christopher Pike, R.L. Stine, Diane Hoh, Lois Duncan, Richie Tankersley Cusick, among others. It especially seems to fall right in between Pike and Stine. While the writing is more mature than Stine's, it's not quite as sophisticated as Pike's. The mystery is weak, and by the end, seems pointless as it's totally anti-climactic, over in a flash, like it was written just to finish the book up, and absurdly contrived. The whole ending is totally ludicrous and unbelievable. The clues leading up to it are obvious and not incorporated into the story well at all. These clues were so glaring they all but had a flashing sign pointing to them in cartoon-like fashion whenever they fell into the main character's path. Sylvia a.k.a. Vee wasn't written as a dummy, at first, but boy she was an absolute idiot about those clues and putting two and two together, or really much of anything until it slapped her in the face. While Vee is sympathetic, I can't say I felt much of anything for her, and even less for anyone else in book because of their lack of depth. No one is explained in any detail, either personality or looks, motivations, or whatever. Just a brief shallow summary if lucky. Speaking of.... What has happened in books today where there are no descriptions of how anybody looks, except "I have pink hair," "his blonde hair," or some other toss away adjective? I've seen it over and over again and all I'm left with is the visualization that these people have no faces, much like that episode of Doctor Who (The Idiot's Lantern). Frankly it's all rather creepy.
I feel like this could have been a great book if it was longer (the copy I read is only 250 pages of at least 1.5 spaced lines) and had much more depth. Add in a couple more suspects, motivations, etc., and maybe a little more information on Vee's "sliding" powers. Unfortunately it's only an "okay" read that's easy and moves at a rapid pace. I didn't hate the book by any means, it's just not one that'll stick in my head for more than a few days. On the plus side I love the cover composition and colors, so kudos to the artist(s). This works fine as a standalone, but is now part of a series, for some unfathomable reason. Frankly, I'm getting sick of every book that comes out, most usually in the YA genre, becoming a series. It's ridiculous how few standalone books there are anymore. Still, even with all my grumbling about the numerous series and everything else, I think I will check out [b:Impostor|13423265|Impostor (Slide, #2)|Jill Hathaway|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1341084724s/13423265.jpg|18870053], the second book in the <i>Slide</i> series, as it sounds interesting. Who knows, this might have just been the stepping stone to bigger and better things. Although if Vee is as stupid as she was in this one, I'm outta there.
Originally Reviewed: October 16, 2012
Received: Amazon Vine
Slide</b> features an intriguing idea though the results left me with mixed feelings. The concept is awesome, but the execution? Yeah, not so much. The writing is serviceable, neither bad nor great and it didn't draw me into the story straightaway. Both the way it is written and the storyline reminds me of some of the books I read as a pre-teen/teen way back during the Pleistocene epoch, otherwise known as the 1990s, with authors like Christopher Pike, R.L. Stine, Diane Hoh, Lois Duncan, Richie Tankersley Cusick, among others. It especially seems to fall right in between Pike and Stine. While the writing is more mature than Stine's, it's not quite as sophisticated as Pike's. The mystery is weak, and by the end, seems pointless as it's totally anti-climactic, over in a flash, like it was written just to finish the book up, and absurdly contrived. The whole ending is totally ludicrous and unbelievable. The clues leading up to it are obvious and not incorporated into the story well at all. These clues were so glaring they all but had a flashing sign pointing to them in cartoon-like fashion whenever they fell into the main character's path. Sylvia a.k.a. Vee wasn't written as a dummy, at first, but boy she was an absolute idiot about those clues and putting two and two together, or really much of anything until it slapped her in the face. While Vee is sympathetic, I can't say I felt much of anything for her, and even less for anyone else in book because of their lack of depth. No one is explained in any detail, either personality or looks, motivations, or whatever. Just a brief shallow summary if lucky. Speaking of.... What has happened in books today where there are no descriptions of how anybody looks, except "I have pink hair," "his blonde hair," or some other toss away adjective? I've seen it over and over again and all I'm left with is the visualization that these people have no faces, much like that episode of Doctor Who (The Idiot's Lantern). Frankly it's all rather creepy.
I feel like this could have been a great book if it was longer (the copy I read is only 250 pages of at least 1.5 spaced lines) and had much more depth. Add in a couple more suspects, motivations, etc., and maybe a little more information on Vee's "sliding" powers. Unfortunately it's only an "okay" read that's easy and moves at a rapid pace. I didn't hate the book by any means, it's just not one that'll stick in my head for more than a few days. On the plus side I love the cover composition and colors, so kudos to the artist(s). This works fine as a standalone, but is now part of a series, for some unfathomable reason. Frankly, I'm getting sick of every book that comes out, most usually in the YA genre, becoming a series. It's ridiculous how few standalone books there are anymore. Still, even with all my grumbling about the numerous series and everything else, I think I will check out [b:Impostor|13423265|Impostor (Slide, #2)|Jill Hathaway|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1341084724s/13423265.jpg|18870053], the second book in the <i>Slide</i> series, as it sounds interesting. Who knows, this might have just been the stepping stone to bigger and better things. Although if Vee is as stupid as she was in this one, I'm outta there.
Originally Reviewed: October 16, 2012
Received: Amazon Vine
A Fascinating Tale Of Obsession, Revenge & Lies
Wow, What an absolute joy this book was to read! THE EX by Freida McFadden is a fascinating tale of obsession, revenge and lies.
Told in alternating chapters between the ex and the new girlfriend, and even though the plot is not an original one by any means as it has been tried and tested many times before, I was, nevertheless, absolutely enthralled by this novel from the very first page, which I attribute to Freida McFadden’s superb writing.
The ex, Francesca Mascolo, is Italian and is expecting to marry her adorable boyfriend, Dr Joel Broder, who works as an Emergency Room physician at the local hospital. They have been together many, many years and have travelled and worked abroad together, until one night he dumps her in a crowded restaurant, saying that their relationship didn’t work for him any more. Francesca repeatedly begs him to reconsider - she is very much in love and can’t afford to pay the rent for their flat on her own earnings.
Cassie Donovan is the new girl, twenty-six-years-old and runs a small, used book-store called Bookland, that she inherited from her grandparents Grandma Bea & Grandpa Marv, when she was twenty-two. Her best friend, Zoe Malloy is also her business partner and they were room-mates at college. Cassie offered her a share in Bookland for some help with running Bookland. Cassie is the accountant and Zoe, who has a degree in Communication, manages the sales. Bookland is in a bit of financial trouble and the girls haven’t yet managed to drag it out of the financial hole it was in when Cassie took over. Zoe is gorgeous with bobbed jet black hair, red lipstick and black nails and glowing personality. She’s chatty, everyone’s friend, and kind to the homeless.
Cassie’s not interested in dating, she’s too busy trying to keep Bookland afloat. And all of her most recent dating endeavours have been bitterly disappointing.
Joel is in his mid-thirties and is very much a “Hot Doctor.” He has vivid blue eyes, a lovely smile, an attractive laugh, and lovely biceps. Joel and Cassie first meet in Bookland and Joel is so sexy that Cassie starts to waver about not dating. He is as attracted to Cassie as she is to him.
I loved that Joel is a bit of a romantic and that there is a connection between the two of them straight-away. One of the best bits of the book is following how their romance develops, however, everyone has a past and some people are keeping secrets and hiding their emotions …
I really liked Freida McFadden’s character development and her straightforward writing style. She managed to create exactly the right amount of suspense to keep the story interesting so that I felt that I needed to read just one more chapter.
Freida McFadden writes with great flair, which helped to make this novel as wonderful as it is. This book will be extremely enjoyable for anyone who loves a good psychological thriller. Overall, THE EX is a highly recommended, incredibly entertaining story with a surprising and fulfilling ending.
{Thank you to Hidden Gems and Freida McFadden for the free copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
Told in alternating chapters between the ex and the new girlfriend, and even though the plot is not an original one by any means as it has been tried and tested many times before, I was, nevertheless, absolutely enthralled by this novel from the very first page, which I attribute to Freida McFadden’s superb writing.
The ex, Francesca Mascolo, is Italian and is expecting to marry her adorable boyfriend, Dr Joel Broder, who works as an Emergency Room physician at the local hospital. They have been together many, many years and have travelled and worked abroad together, until one night he dumps her in a crowded restaurant, saying that their relationship didn’t work for him any more. Francesca repeatedly begs him to reconsider - she is very much in love and can’t afford to pay the rent for their flat on her own earnings.
Cassie Donovan is the new girl, twenty-six-years-old and runs a small, used book-store called Bookland, that she inherited from her grandparents Grandma Bea & Grandpa Marv, when she was twenty-two. Her best friend, Zoe Malloy is also her business partner and they were room-mates at college. Cassie offered her a share in Bookland for some help with running Bookland. Cassie is the accountant and Zoe, who has a degree in Communication, manages the sales. Bookland is in a bit of financial trouble and the girls haven’t yet managed to drag it out of the financial hole it was in when Cassie took over. Zoe is gorgeous with bobbed jet black hair, red lipstick and black nails and glowing personality. She’s chatty, everyone’s friend, and kind to the homeless.
Cassie’s not interested in dating, she’s too busy trying to keep Bookland afloat. And all of her most recent dating endeavours have been bitterly disappointing.
Joel is in his mid-thirties and is very much a “Hot Doctor.” He has vivid blue eyes, a lovely smile, an attractive laugh, and lovely biceps. Joel and Cassie first meet in Bookland and Joel is so sexy that Cassie starts to waver about not dating. He is as attracted to Cassie as she is to him.
I loved that Joel is a bit of a romantic and that there is a connection between the two of them straight-away. One of the best bits of the book is following how their romance develops, however, everyone has a past and some people are keeping secrets and hiding their emotions …
I really liked Freida McFadden’s character development and her straightforward writing style. She managed to create exactly the right amount of suspense to keep the story interesting so that I felt that I needed to read just one more chapter.
Freida McFadden writes with great flair, which helped to make this novel as wonderful as it is. This book will be extremely enjoyable for anyone who loves a good psychological thriller. Overall, THE EX is a highly recommended, incredibly entertaining story with a surprising and fulfilling ending.
{Thank you to Hidden Gems and Freida McFadden for the free copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}