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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Giver of Stars in Books

Nov 7, 2019

The Giver of Stars

Jojo Moyes | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry

8.7

(3 Ratings)

Book Rating

This was such a great read—I was completely caught up in the story, set in 1930s Kentucky. It tells of a group of women who agree to set up a traveling library—where the books are delivered via horseback—per the direction of Eleanor Roosevelt and the WPA.

What a vivid and mesmerizing tale. We are introduced to Alice, who comes from England to Kentucky after her marriage. But her union isn’t all she imagined, and she finds herself feeling trapped and alone—until she joins the library. They are led by Margery, who refuses to fit the mold of the typical Kentucky woman, much to the ire of some townspeople, including Alice’s father-in-law, who runs the local mine.

The plot is dramatic, riveting, and, honestly, stressful at times (I was so invested). I loved the idea of a tale that mixes the power of books and reading with the power of women and the fear so many had of both. You’d like to think a lot has changed since the ‘30s, but this felt rather timely sometimes... The book also speaks eloquently to the racial divide, classism, and more. I found many parts to be so touching and others very powerful. This is a book that speaks to you on a variety of levels.

Overall, this is a beautiful book, with a strong and moving message. Definitely recommend! 4+ stars.

Kudos

Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated High Strung (2016) in Movies

Jan 27, 2020

High Strung (2016)

2016 | Drama, Musical, Romance

5.7

(3 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Great dancing and violin playing (1 more)

Decent storyline - I particularly liked Ruby's character arc

Everything seems rushed into the last 30-40 minutes (2 more)

Most of the movie is dancing - it kind of overshadowed the storyline?

Some things don't feel wrapped up or were vague - intentional?

High Strung has a really good concept, but it kind of fell short in the execution.

Ruby's story seemed to be the only one I felt had a full arc - or maybe this is because I enjoyed her story more. Either way, it was 1am when I was watching and the others didn't seem to have a lot of background other than vague details. Ruby just stuck out to me. They weren't wrapped up either, and I'm not sure if it was intentional (especially Johnnie, the male lead - we know he's from England and he plays the violin but I don't recall the why in some details that I feel are important).

Everything also seems rushed into the last 30-40 minutes; much of the beginning features a lot of dancing. While yes, the movie IS focused on dancing and playing the violin as there is a String and Dance competition, it feels... a little too much? Personally I enjoyed it (I can't dance for the life of me and my violin skills sure aren't competition worthy, so it was fascinating), but it kind of overshadowed the story.