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Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated 50 Cities of the U.S.A.: Explore America's cities with 50 fact-filled maps in Books
Jun 18, 2018
50 Cities of the U.S.A. by Gabrielle Balkan is an informative book about famous people and places in some of the United States' best known cities. The book contains beautiful illustrations and the trivia. Each city gets a two-page spread, and the author and illustrator Sol Linero do a great job in packing the two pages with as much information as possible.
This is a book that will inspire great thinking about travel, the United States and different events, structures, and people. The book has so much to offer and sets it up in a fun, easy to read format. Children could look through the book to find just facts about buildings in the city or people. I find this to be such an excellent book because it provides in depth information for children who already have a geographic passion, but will also inspire new thinking for children who have yet to discover geography.
I recommend this book for children who enjoy learning about the U.S. and geography.
I received an ARC of 50 Cities of the U.S.A from NetGalley via Quarto Publishing Group and Wide Eyed Editions.
This is a book that will inspire great thinking about travel, the United States and different events, structures, and people. The book has so much to offer and sets it up in a fun, easy to read format. Children could look through the book to find just facts about buildings in the city or people. I find this to be such an excellent book because it provides in depth information for children who already have a geographic passion, but will also inspire new thinking for children who have yet to discover geography.
I recommend this book for children who enjoy learning about the U.S. and geography.
I received an ARC of 50 Cities of the U.S.A from NetGalley via Quarto Publishing Group and Wide Eyed Editions.
Gail (4 KP) rated Tracking a Shadow (Jarvis Mann Detective #1) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Very interesting read. Jarvis Mann is back on the job. This time he is helping a woman with stalker issues. But is it all what it seems? I like Jarvis humor and his laid back style. He is different from most men you read about. He knows he’s not the best and didn’t expect others to bow down. He was flawed but that also made him perfect. He can’t hold onto a woman that’s for sure. He believed lies over what was in front of him. I liked that this wasn’t all about giving him a HEA but his journey as a P.I.
I knew something was up with the case from jump. I couldn’t believe Emily at all. But when the woman is beautiful men have a hard time denying them. The twist and turns the author put in the book made it worth reading. I don’t read many detective books but this one was an excellent choice. The plot and characters were well written. There was even some naughty scenes that made Jarvis very human. Because most men don’t have superhuman stamina.
I knew something was up with the case from jump. I couldn’t believe Emily at all. But when the woman is beautiful men have a hard time denying them. The twist and turns the author put in the book made it worth reading. I don’t read many detective books but this one was an excellent choice. The plot and characters were well written. There was even some naughty scenes that made Jarvis very human. Because most men don’t have superhuman stamina.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Waffles and Pancakes in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a charming story about bullying and its effects, as told through the pictures and words of hamsters. Waffles and Pancakes haven't been acting themselves ever since a certain trip to the vet, where they met a guinea pig named Oscar. He bullies them and makes them feel bad and afraid. Once their owners figure out what's wrong, they talk to the boy who owns Oscar, and he's mean to them for coming to his house. The boys learn he doesn't have many friends, and he's a bully to make up for his hurt feelings at being alone. They all decide to be friends, including Oscar, Waffles, and Pancakes, and the story has a very happy ending.
This would be a great book to share with younger kids and older ones alike. Everybody has been involved in bullying in some way, either as the bully, the one being picked on, or the friend of either. It's time to put a stop to bullying, and I believe this story would be an excellent starting point to have that discussion. Wonderfully written and illustrated!
5 stars
This is such a charming story about bullying and its effects, as told through the pictures and words of hamsters. Waffles and Pancakes haven't been acting themselves ever since a certain trip to the vet, where they met a guinea pig named Oscar. He bullies them and makes them feel bad and afraid. Once their owners figure out what's wrong, they talk to the boy who owns Oscar, and he's mean to them for coming to his house. The boys learn he doesn't have many friends, and he's a bully to make up for his hurt feelings at being alone. They all decide to be friends, including Oscar, Waffles, and Pancakes, and the story has a very happy ending.
This would be a great book to share with younger kids and older ones alike. Everybody has been involved in bullying in some way, either as the bully, the one being picked on, or the friend of either. It's time to put a stop to bullying, and I believe this story would be an excellent starting point to have that discussion. Wonderfully written and illustrated!
5 stars
Steph (468 KP) rated Poison Study (Study, #1) in Books
Jul 9, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was wel-written, fast-paced, and complex. I thought Snyder did an excellent job creating well-rounded characters. I absolutely adored Yelena and Valek and their relationship throughout the book! The plot was extremely well-done. There was just the right amount of complexity to leave you satisfied with the political intrigue and not be overwhelmed with detail.
My only complaint was the ending/resolution. I thought the Commander was unnecessarily uncompromising and ungrateful. Surely since Yelena had just saved his life and his country? Empire? he would bend a little. Especially since they had just formed that bond. What use is Yelena to him in the south? I think his excuse about the rules is bullshit too. Who of the generals would even know that he had saved her life and such?
Also I was a little I satisfied with how relaxed Yelena and Valek are about parting. Maybe it's their confidence that they will see each other again and find a way to make it work, but I just didn't really feel the depth of their emotions like I had in the rest of the book. It was a little fast.
My only complaint was the ending/resolution. I thought the Commander was unnecessarily uncompromising and ungrateful. Surely since Yelena had just saved his life and his country? Empire? he would bend a little. Especially since they had just formed that bond. What use is Yelena to him in the south? I think his excuse about the rules is bullshit too. Who of the generals would even know that he had saved her life and such?
Also I was a little I satisfied with how relaxed Yelena and Valek are about parting. Maybe it's their confidence that they will see each other again and find a way to make it work, but I just didn't really feel the depth of their emotions like I had in the rest of the book. It was a little fast.
Merissa (12919 KP) rated Photographic Heart (Itayu Lake #8) in Books
Oct 16, 2018
Photographic Heart (Itayu Lake #8) by A.M. Halford
Photographic Heart is the eighth book in the Itáyu Lake series, and we have Brannon's story. He is the nephew of the two angelic aunts who have featured in previous books. He has had his vision and knows he will meet his mate soon, and a rough idea of where, hence why he is back at Itáyu Lake. Kyle has been sent to the Lake by a friend, who knows his friend will love the scenery there.
This was a well told story, making it an excellent addition to the series. This Lake is so well known by now, the author is able to concentrate on the connections between the mates, and everyone else who lives there. With lighthearted moments as well as heartbreaking ones, this book has something for everyone.
I would recommend reading this series from the start, just so you know who is with who! A great read, and recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a well told story, making it an excellent addition to the series. This Lake is so well known by now, the author is able to concentrate on the connections between the mates, and everyone else who lives there. With lighthearted moments as well as heartbreaking ones, this book has something for everyone.
I would recommend reading this series from the start, just so you know who is with who! A great read, and recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Ross (3284 KP) rated Batman: The Killing Joke (2016) in Movies
Nov 9, 2018
The 2016 adaptation of one of the best-known, most iconic graphic novels of all time had massive shoes to fill. For me, it fell a little short, but was saved by the voice-acting and by, largely, sticking to the storyline it had to work with.
Before we get into the Killing Joke story proper, there is an added storyline following the relationship between Batman and Batgirl. This, plus the more cartoon-y style of the animation were a definite downer for a first 20 minutes. It doesn't really add anything to the overall piece, there is no apparent impact on Batman's actions as a result of their relationship.
That aside, this is a thrilling, gripping adaptation of the book, which sticks close to it. We learn about the Joker's backstory and first interaction with Batman, and we see that he has got into Batman's head as he always wanted.
The use of Mark Hamill as Mr J is excellent, his voice totally captures the Joker's madness, softness and violence.
A great spend of an hour, but something of a let-down from the book.
Before we get into the Killing Joke story proper, there is an added storyline following the relationship between Batman and Batgirl. This, plus the more cartoon-y style of the animation were a definite downer for a first 20 minutes. It doesn't really add anything to the overall piece, there is no apparent impact on Batman's actions as a result of their relationship.
That aside, this is a thrilling, gripping adaptation of the book, which sticks close to it. We learn about the Joker's backstory and first interaction with Batman, and we see that he has got into Batman's head as he always wanted.
The use of Mark Hamill as Mr J is excellent, his voice totally captures the Joker's madness, softness and violence.
A great spend of an hour, but something of a let-down from the book.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Flu (Flu, #1) in Books
Nov 14, 2018
I thought this was an excellent book. A selection of stories that came together as it went along. I got completely hooked just before half way into the book and couldn't put it down. When I started this book I wasn't sure as there are so many Zombie novels out there I thought this one would be nothing new, but i was so wrong. A great read that just kept me asking for more. The story is very descriptive and gruesome but I thought this was great, not recommended for those with a weak stomach. The characters were very interesting and likable and the story kept running at a nice fast pace. Highly recommended for Zombie fans and fans of gore! I would have given this book 5 stars, however I thought the ending was a bit abrupt, it left me feeling like there should have been more and that not everything was really explained, it's like the story has been left open for a sequel...I hope so anyway, if not then the ending is a bit annoying. A part from that this was a great read!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Shoplifters (Manbiki Kazuko) (2018) in Movies
Dec 3, 2018 (Updated Dec 3, 2018)
Got to admit, feels a bit odd to be giving a Palm d'Or winning film only a 9 out of 10, but you have to call them as you see them. A loving but totally amoral family make a living from various types of fraud and petty crime; when they find an abused child lives not far from them they end up benevolently and accidentally kidnapping her. Not one of those films which is really driven by plot (until close to the end, at least), but an examination of the idea of family and its importance at all levels of society.
A notably warm and non-judgemental film, no matter how bleak the subject matter may sound, driven along by understated storytelling and with excellent performances from the 'parents' of the shoplifter family. The compassion of the director towards all of the characters is palpable, even when they are at their worst (which can be pretty bad). If the film never completely resolves the moral ambiguities at its heart, then it is surely wholly intentional. Probably no-one's idea of mainstream entertainment, but a notably fine and moving film nevertheless.
A notably warm and non-judgemental film, no matter how bleak the subject matter may sound, driven along by understated storytelling and with excellent performances from the 'parents' of the shoplifter family. The compassion of the director towards all of the characters is palpable, even when they are at their worst (which can be pretty bad). If the film never completely resolves the moral ambiguities at its heart, then it is surely wholly intentional. Probably no-one's idea of mainstream entertainment, but a notably fine and moving film nevertheless.
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The Dancing Master in Books
Jan 2, 2019
The Dancing Master is the first book I have read by Julie Klassen. This story is not only intriguing and suspenseful, but it is also full of romance and God's love and grace. Set in Regency England, I found this to be an excellent book. If you like Jane Austen's settings, you will most definitely like Julie Klassen's books.
Written in a more modern American voice, the language flows well and is easy to understand. I really love the characters in this story. Everyone seems to have secrets they are trying to hide and the past comes back to haunt more than one person in the story. However, all will be revealed in due course. Will our characters be able to overcome their differences? Or will the past come between them and drive them apart for good?
I found Alec and Julia's story to be fun, a bit suspenseful, and romantic. While romance isn't as prevalent in this book, it is still there.
I borrowed The Dancing Master from my local library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Written in a more modern American voice, the language flows well and is easy to understand. I really love the characters in this story. Everyone seems to have secrets they are trying to hide and the past comes back to haunt more than one person in the story. However, all will be revealed in due course. Will our characters be able to overcome their differences? Or will the past come between them and drive them apart for good?
I found Alec and Julia's story to be fun, a bit suspenseful, and romantic. While romance isn't as prevalent in this book, it is still there.
I borrowed The Dancing Master from my local library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Merissa (12919 KP) rated Memories of the Heart (Memories, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Enticing Journey Book Promotions in return for a fair and honest review.
This book doesn't pull any punches as it takes you along for the ride. Both Josh and Micah have things to learn to make their own lives better. Along the way, their grandmothers are there to help, just as they always have been. But what happens when life gets in the way and rushes by. Before you realise it, a year has gone past. Is it too late to reconnect? This is what Micah has to learn and decide as the book starts. He is a tool at the beginning and his attitude sucks. However, as the story progresses, you understand more and more about the whys and wherefores and it actually helps make him a more rounded character.
Felice Stevens has once again brought to life some amazing characters and circumstances - enough angst to make it seem real and yet not over the top. Her writing style is excellent and well paced to keep you turning the pages and wanting the next part RIGHT NOW!
Definitely recommended for all fans of the M/M genre.
This book doesn't pull any punches as it takes you along for the ride. Both Josh and Micah have things to learn to make their own lives better. Along the way, their grandmothers are there to help, just as they always have been. But what happens when life gets in the way and rushes by. Before you realise it, a year has gone past. Is it too late to reconnect? This is what Micah has to learn and decide as the book starts. He is a tool at the beginning and his attitude sucks. However, as the story progresses, you understand more and more about the whys and wherefores and it actually helps make him a more rounded character.
Felice Stevens has once again brought to life some amazing characters and circumstances - enough angst to make it seem real and yet not over the top. Her writing style is excellent and well paced to keep you turning the pages and wanting the next part RIGHT NOW!
Definitely recommended for all fans of the M/M genre.