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This Could Hurt: A Novel
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A razor-sharp and deeply felt novel that illuminates the pivotal role of work in our lives—a...
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Coming of Age at the End of Days in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Anna is a depressed teenager living with her parents in a conventional California suburb. One day, she finds herself pulled out of her "melancholia" by meeting Lars, another teen who moves into her neighborhood, and his parents. Lars and his family introduce Anna to the world of his "church," which is more of religious cult that has a forceful prophecy about the upcoming end of days.
As Anna becomes more and more drawn into this religious world, she finds herself beset by visions and otherwise withdrawing from life around her, including her parents, who are confused and upset by her religious fervor. Anna's only other real contacts are her neighbor, Jim, a mid-20-something who has returned home to live with his parents after a string of disgraces, and Jim's crush/sweetheart, Clara, who also teaches chemistry at Anna's high school.
I'll be honest - I just didn't like this book. It wasn't what I was expecting from this author, or even the description of the novel. I loved LaPlante's "Turn of Mind," but this was nothing like that novel. The plot was odd, disjointed, and really seemed to make no sense. Anna is not a sympathetic character to me -- I completely empathized with her bewildered parents. There really seems to be no reason why Anna would become so drawn into this religion (which perhaps may be the point, but if so, it's not really made well). There are odd plot twists and turns that seem just to pop up out of nowhere, for no reason, including the oddly inserted ending and epilogue. Even's Anna's visions aren't really explained well.
I don't know; I was disappointed by this read. Perhaps I just missed a greater point this book was trying to make, but it didn't do it for me.
(Note I received an ARC of this book from Negalley in return for an unbiased review.)
As Anna becomes more and more drawn into this religious world, she finds herself beset by visions and otherwise withdrawing from life around her, including her parents, who are confused and upset by her religious fervor. Anna's only other real contacts are her neighbor, Jim, a mid-20-something who has returned home to live with his parents after a string of disgraces, and Jim's crush/sweetheart, Clara, who also teaches chemistry at Anna's high school.
I'll be honest - I just didn't like this book. It wasn't what I was expecting from this author, or even the description of the novel. I loved LaPlante's "Turn of Mind," but this was nothing like that novel. The plot was odd, disjointed, and really seemed to make no sense. Anna is not a sympathetic character to me -- I completely empathized with her bewildered parents. There really seems to be no reason why Anna would become so drawn into this religion (which perhaps may be the point, but if so, it's not really made well). There are odd plot twists and turns that seem just to pop up out of nowhere, for no reason, including the oddly inserted ending and epilogue. Even's Anna's visions aren't really explained well.
I don't know; I was disappointed by this read. Perhaps I just missed a greater point this book was trying to make, but it didn't do it for me.
(Note I received an ARC of this book from Negalley in return for an unbiased review.)
JT (287 KP) rated Risky Business (1983) in Movies
Mar 10, 2020
That shot of Tom Cruise sliding across the hall in his trademark shades, pink shirt and the tightest pair of white briefs is synonymous with the spring board that launched his career.
A film that may have proved the inspiration for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is one of Cruise’s most famous roles, and it has all the hall marks of a classic 80s comedy with an influx of drama that proved the catalyst for a great film.
Joel Goodsen (Cruise) is just your average American teen, when his parents go out of town for a few days he and fellow buddies look to have a little fun, in part by turning the homestead into a working brothel.
Of course there is a method behind the madness with Cruise hooking up with call girl Lana (De Mornay), they both have their problems and agree on a mutual business deal which also involves engaging in sex every now and again.
If you ever wonder what to do on the subway one night Cruise and De Mornay lead the lesson. That scene in itself is draped in 80s clichés, soft rock music and a strobe lighting effect from the train, it delivers on the steam factor.
The subject matter throughout is strong and covered across all angles. A highly sexed teenage boy, drug use, what not to do to your father’s Porche and being hunted down by a killer pimp, its all in there.
Cruise’s acting display is not the best, but he has the early raw talent to get him through, and of course as we know, the rest is history. What is always similar about teenage kids of this era getting into trouble is that they always seem to get away with it in the end, Ferris Bueller a prime example.
To think that anyone in this day and age would be as lucky is highly unlikely, and that goes for sliding around in tight white under garments.
A film that may have proved the inspiration for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is one of Cruise’s most famous roles, and it has all the hall marks of a classic 80s comedy with an influx of drama that proved the catalyst for a great film.
Joel Goodsen (Cruise) is just your average American teen, when his parents go out of town for a few days he and fellow buddies look to have a little fun, in part by turning the homestead into a working brothel.
Of course there is a method behind the madness with Cruise hooking up with call girl Lana (De Mornay), they both have their problems and agree on a mutual business deal which also involves engaging in sex every now and again.
If you ever wonder what to do on the subway one night Cruise and De Mornay lead the lesson. That scene in itself is draped in 80s clichés, soft rock music and a strobe lighting effect from the train, it delivers on the steam factor.
The subject matter throughout is strong and covered across all angles. A highly sexed teenage boy, drug use, what not to do to your father’s Porche and being hunted down by a killer pimp, its all in there.
Cruise’s acting display is not the best, but he has the early raw talent to get him through, and of course as we know, the rest is history. What is always similar about teenage kids of this era getting into trouble is that they always seem to get away with it in the end, Ferris Bueller a prime example.
To think that anyone in this day and age would be as lucky is highly unlikely, and that goes for sliding around in tight white under garments.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Summer of '79 in Books
Mar 19, 2020
This is an excellent novella following up with the Foley/Levin gang ten years after the events of Summer of '69. Kate and her children, Blair, Kirby, Tiger, and Jessie, gather again on Nantucket after the death of Kate's mother, Exalta.
"Exalta is dead. She died in her sleep two days earlier in the house on Fair Street, while Mr. Crimmins, their former caretaker, slept beside her."
There are a few books in the world that end perfectly, and you don't need another word. But many books are so engaging--the characters so vivid--that you often wonder what has happened to them. Elin Hilderbrand is such an excellent author and so good at world-building for her characters. It only makes sense that she would allow us to check in on her characters at a later date. And, because she's so good at bringing them to life, the concept works perfectly.
This is a slim e-book (coming out later in book form as part of a tribute anthology to the late Dorothea Benton Frank). I read it easily in one setting and quite enjoyed catching up with Kate and the kids, particularly the youngest, Jessie, who was my favorite in '69 and remains so ten years later.
"She feels like a stranger in her own family, but there’s nothing new about that."
Despite the somber occasion for which the family has gathered, it's quite fun to check in on them ten years later. Hilderbrand switches POV from Kate to all four of the kids, allowing us to see what they've been doing and how they feel. We also find Kate adjusting to moving into the role of family matriarch with the passing of her mother.
Overall, if you enjoyed Summer of '69, this is a great novella to catch you up on some beloved characters. I kind of wish we could have novellas like this for other favorite books. 4 stars.
"Exalta is dead. She died in her sleep two days earlier in the house on Fair Street, while Mr. Crimmins, their former caretaker, slept beside her."
There are a few books in the world that end perfectly, and you don't need another word. But many books are so engaging--the characters so vivid--that you often wonder what has happened to them. Elin Hilderbrand is such an excellent author and so good at world-building for her characters. It only makes sense that she would allow us to check in on her characters at a later date. And, because she's so good at bringing them to life, the concept works perfectly.
This is a slim e-book (coming out later in book form as part of a tribute anthology to the late Dorothea Benton Frank). I read it easily in one setting and quite enjoyed catching up with Kate and the kids, particularly the youngest, Jessie, who was my favorite in '69 and remains so ten years later.
"She feels like a stranger in her own family, but there’s nothing new about that."
Despite the somber occasion for which the family has gathered, it's quite fun to check in on them ten years later. Hilderbrand switches POV from Kate to all four of the kids, allowing us to see what they've been doing and how they feel. We also find Kate adjusting to moving into the role of family matriarch with the passing of her mother.
Overall, if you enjoyed Summer of '69, this is a great novella to catch you up on some beloved characters. I kind of wish we could have novellas like this for other favorite books. 4 stars.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm (2020) in Movies
Oct 24, 2020
Is Borat: Subsequent Moviefilm as laugh out loud funny as the first one? I would argue that it isn't, however I would also argue that it's cleverer, and more shocking in some of it's content, with some truly outrageous moments.
It certainly feels more scripted than before, but the reasons behind it are sound. Firstly, the narrative is much more competent than the first, with a full blown story about family that has some weirdly touching moments. The scripted parts are essential to drive the plot forwards. No spoilers here, but it climaxes with a genuinely clever twist.
Another reason for the scripted sections is the little problem of Borat being recognized pretty much everywhere these days, causing Sacha Baron Cohen to re disguise a few times (all of his disguises are ridiculous by the way.)
It's also commendable how naturally the Coronavirus pandemic is written into the story. The pandemic hit half way through production and the way this was overcome is pretty well done.
To detail any of the scenes would serve only to spoil things - so all I'll say is this - the scene at a Michael Pence rally, the anti-lockdown protest concert, the part in a Synagogue, the Woman's clinic segment, and of course, the much discussed scene involving Rudy Giuliani all rival anything that Cohen has ever put out in terms of cringe and jaw dropping. I can absolutely respect that 14 years after the first movie, he still has balls of steel and doesn't hold back in what he puts out. Some of the stuff on display here could end up having some real life repercussions for certain individuals.
It's also worth mentioning how good Maria Bakalova is as Borat's daughter Tutar. She pretty much steals the show and will no doubt have a successful career off the back of this.
If you enjoyed the original, or even have an interest in politics, then there's something for you here. Looking forward to seeing how many people try to sue SBC this time around!
It certainly feels more scripted than before, but the reasons behind it are sound. Firstly, the narrative is much more competent than the first, with a full blown story about family that has some weirdly touching moments. The scripted parts are essential to drive the plot forwards. No spoilers here, but it climaxes with a genuinely clever twist.
Another reason for the scripted sections is the little problem of Borat being recognized pretty much everywhere these days, causing Sacha Baron Cohen to re disguise a few times (all of his disguises are ridiculous by the way.)
It's also commendable how naturally the Coronavirus pandemic is written into the story. The pandemic hit half way through production and the way this was overcome is pretty well done.
To detail any of the scenes would serve only to spoil things - so all I'll say is this - the scene at a Michael Pence rally, the anti-lockdown protest concert, the part in a Synagogue, the Woman's clinic segment, and of course, the much discussed scene involving Rudy Giuliani all rival anything that Cohen has ever put out in terms of cringe and jaw dropping. I can absolutely respect that 14 years after the first movie, he still has balls of steel and doesn't hold back in what he puts out. Some of the stuff on display here could end up having some real life repercussions for certain individuals.
It's also worth mentioning how good Maria Bakalova is as Borat's daughter Tutar. She pretty much steals the show and will no doubt have a successful career off the back of this.
If you enjoyed the original, or even have an interest in politics, then there's something for you here. Looking forward to seeing how many people try to sue SBC this time around!
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