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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Networking Thoughtfully: The 30 Minute Read That Could Change Your Life in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Are you the kind of person that struggles with networking? Do you have to strain to come up with satisfactory conversation starters? Is making business deals with other people something you find challenging? Then Networking Thoughtfully is exactly what you need. This short book by Martin Wheadon is a guide for people who need to build relationships but do not know where to start. With simple points, Wheadon takes readers through a step-by-step process to help achieve positive results.
With over thirty thoughts, the reader is taken through clever ideas to boost their confidence and communication skills. The advice is written clearly, accompanied with examples to help get the most of the author's guidance. The tone of the writing is almost conversational, resulting in the sense that the author understands your anxieties and is talking from personal experience.
Although written with business gain at the forefront, Networking Thoughtfully can also be used to aid personal development. Learning how to start conversations and come up with ways to introduce yourself is beneficial when meeting new people regardless of the circumstances.
The book itself is set out neatly making it easy to follow. It is also easy to dip in and out, reading only the parts relevant to yourself, though if you wish to read it cover to cover it will only take half an hour.
Whether you are new to networking or want to improve your skills, Networking Thoughtfully is an excellent book to read. You are guaranteed to learn something new and develop techniques that benefit both your business and yourself.
With over thirty thoughts, the reader is taken through clever ideas to boost their confidence and communication skills. The advice is written clearly, accompanied with examples to help get the most of the author's guidance. The tone of the writing is almost conversational, resulting in the sense that the author understands your anxieties and is talking from personal experience.
Although written with business gain at the forefront, Networking Thoughtfully can also be used to aid personal development. Learning how to start conversations and come up with ways to introduce yourself is beneficial when meeting new people regardless of the circumstances.
The book itself is set out neatly making it easy to follow. It is also easy to dip in and out, reading only the parts relevant to yourself, though if you wish to read it cover to cover it will only take half an hour.
Whether you are new to networking or want to improve your skills, Networking Thoughtfully is an excellent book to read. You are guaranteed to learn something new and develop techniques that benefit both your business and yourself.
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Sorry to Bother You (2018) in Movies
Jul 17, 2018
This movie was funny, poignant, and sure did take a turn in the third act. The world that Cassius Green ("cash is green") lives in is a not-quite bizarro version of our own world--take all the issues the United States is having and turn them to 11 and you'll understand. It reminded me a bit of Idiocracy in that way. But I digress. Cassius Green just wants stability. He wants to make money to eventually move out of his uncle's (Terry Crews) garage, and he wants to impress his girlfriend, Detroit (Tessa Thompson). He finds a job working as a telemarketer, and, what's more, he finds success by adopting a "white voice," voiced by David Cross. He soon faces a moral crisis when he finds out what he's actually selling, and who he's selling out.
Brilliantly shot and directed, Sorry to Bother You is a delight to watch. Every actor is on point, and the comedic timing never skips a beat. But it's not without a message, and it won't be hard to decipher. Sorry to Bother You is a satire in the purest of forms--and what is being satirized is us. After it's over, it invites you to take a moment to reflect on your own life, and what part you play in the world. Excellent, relevant film. Highly recommend.
(Also, I have to add that I saw this at a weekday afternoon matinee, and the audience was full of old white people. They looked less than pleased as we were walking out. What did you think this was??)
Brilliantly shot and directed, Sorry to Bother You is a delight to watch. Every actor is on point, and the comedic timing never skips a beat. But it's not without a message, and it won't be hard to decipher. Sorry to Bother You is a satire in the purest of forms--and what is being satirized is us. After it's over, it invites you to take a moment to reflect on your own life, and what part you play in the world. Excellent, relevant film. Highly recommend.
(Also, I have to add that I saw this at a weekday afternoon matinee, and the audience was full of old white people. They looked less than pleased as we were walking out. What did you think this was??)
Merissa (12374 KP) rated A Drop of Blue (Rifters #1) in Books
Jul 19, 2018
A Drop of Blue (Rifters #1) by Isa Briarwood
A Drop of Blue is the first book in the Rifters series, and one I definitely want to carry on with.
Cate is taken from her time in 1972 and finds herself very far away from home, both in physical distance and also time. She is taken in and shown the ropes, but told to basically keep her nose clean or else. Over the time she is there, she forms an attachment with Angus, another rifter, and together, they plan to escape and return to their own times.
This was an extremely gripping and fascinating story that is full of adventure. One of my favourite parts were the different eras. I think Isa Briarwood has done a fantastic job of describing different times, whilst still making them accessible for everyone. With a whole host of supporting characters, there is something here for everyone. With a well thought out story, excellent world-building, and interesting characters, this is a story to make you think. I loved what was done in this one, and can't wait to see where it will go next.
With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I have no hesitation in recommending this book, and I can't wait for the next.
* 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!
Cate is taken from her time in 1972 and finds herself very far away from home, both in physical distance and also time. She is taken in and shown the ropes, but told to basically keep her nose clean or else. Over the time she is there, she forms an attachment with Angus, another rifter, and together, they plan to escape and return to their own times.
This was an extremely gripping and fascinating story that is full of adventure. One of my favourite parts were the different eras. I think Isa Briarwood has done a fantastic job of describing different times, whilst still making them accessible for everyone. With a whole host of supporting characters, there is something here for everyone. With a well thought out story, excellent world-building, and interesting characters, this is a story to make you think. I loved what was done in this one, and can't wait to see where it will go next.
With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, I have no hesitation in recommending this book, and I can't wait for the next.
* 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 Perfect Prey in Books
Sep 14, 2018
The second in the DI Callanach series, Perfect Prey starts off with a murder in broad daylight in the middle of a music festival crowd. The investigation into this struggles along with next to no information arising, as more and more murders are committed.
This is a definite step up from the somewhat "crime-by-number" first book, with a very clever, intricate plot that simply cannot truly be guessed at until quite late on.
One of my main gripes about the first book (that the main character has to be present for every single discovery and crime scene for it to be included) is not present here. Action is told from a number of different viewpoints to enable the reader to appreciate the whole story in the best way possible.
The character development here is good too, with main characters growing in personality and side characters that were barely mentioned in the first book now given a backstory.
A few crime clichés still present here (the old "knocked on the back of the head, everything went black", and the "this is clearly an important plot point, please sound the klaxon, even though we're going to ignore it as a minor detail for now") but they don't stand out anywhere near as much as in other books, and are somewhat necessary to create that tension where the omnipresent reader knows more than the characters.
All in all, an excellent crime story and a very intriguing plot that keeps the reader gripped well into the night.
This is a definite step up from the somewhat "crime-by-number" first book, with a very clever, intricate plot that simply cannot truly be guessed at until quite late on.
One of my main gripes about the first book (that the main character has to be present for every single discovery and crime scene for it to be included) is not present here. Action is told from a number of different viewpoints to enable the reader to appreciate the whole story in the best way possible.
The character development here is good too, with main characters growing in personality and side characters that were barely mentioned in the first book now given a backstory.
A few crime clichés still present here (the old "knocked on the back of the head, everything went black", and the "this is clearly an important plot point, please sound the klaxon, even though we're going to ignore it as a minor detail for now") but they don't stand out anywhere near as much as in other books, and are somewhat necessary to create that tension where the omnipresent reader knows more than the characters.
All in all, an excellent crime story and a very intriguing plot that keeps the reader gripped well into the night.
Merissa (12374 KP) rated Venomous Craving (Eok Warriors #1) in Books
Oct 17, 2018
Venomous Craving (Eok Warriors #1) by Mary Auclair
Venomous Craving is the first book in the Eok Warriors series, and we are introduced to the whole world. Humans have been hunted to near-extinction, and now live in 'protected facilities'. They are basically breeders, although a small group managed to escape over twenty years ago, and have been surviving since then. However, things are tough for them, and it is at a tough time when Rose is captured. Taken away to be sold as a slave, she constantly worries for the family she had no choice but to leave behind. When she sees her chance for escape, she takes it, but finds herself with another person too.
This was a well thought out, intricate, science fiction romance. There is plenty of action, with political twists and turns, plus personal betrayal. For those wanting sexy times, don't worry! There is plenty of those, but they don't detract from the story.
This is only book one, so I am hopeful the questions I still have unanswered will be answered in either the next book, or future books. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, plus excellent story and character building, and a whole host of supporting characters I want to hear more about, I have no hesitation in recommending this book. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a well thought out, intricate, science fiction romance. There is plenty of action, with political twists and turns, plus personal betrayal. For those wanting sexy times, don't worry! There is plenty of those, but they don't detract from the story.
This is only book one, so I am hopeful the questions I still have unanswered will be answered in either the next book, or future books. With no editing or grammatical errors to disrupt my reading flow, plus excellent story and character building, and a whole host of supporting characters I want to hear more about, I have no hesitation in recommending this book. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12374 KP) rated Venomous Hunger (Eok Warriors #2) in Books
Oct 17, 2018
Venomous Hunger (Eok Warriors #2) by Mary Auclair
Venomous Hunger is the second book in the Eok Warriors series, but it can be read as a standalone. I would recommend you do read book one first, but only because you'd be missing on a great story if you don't.
Aliena was one of the free humans living on earth, but became very sick. So when the Eoks arrived on earth, one of inhabitants of their village placed her where they knew she would be found, in the hope of getting her the medicines she needed. Kamal has been a pirate for ten years, ever since he left the Eok nation in disgrace for an action he would do again without hesitation. Working together to rescue the humans, these two face danger and betrayal.
Once again, this is an exceedingly well written story, with plenty of action, both in and out of the bedroom. A different cast of characters this time, with only a few mentioned from book one, they are nevertheless well thought out and fully rounded. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I was thoroughly engrossed with the story.
An excellent addition to the series, and I look forward to reading more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aliena was one of the free humans living on earth, but became very sick. So when the Eoks arrived on earth, one of inhabitants of their village placed her where they knew she would be found, in the hope of getting her the medicines she needed. Kamal has been a pirate for ten years, ever since he left the Eok nation in disgrace for an action he would do again without hesitation. Working together to rescue the humans, these two face danger and betrayal.
Once again, this is an exceedingly well written story, with plenty of action, both in and out of the bedroom. A different cast of characters this time, with only a few mentioned from book one, they are nevertheless well thought out and fully rounded. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I was thoroughly engrossed with the story.
An excellent addition to the series, and I look forward to reading more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12374 KP) rated The Scarecrow & George C in Books
Jun 17, 2019
The Scarecrow & George C by Mia Kerick
The Scarecrow & George C is the third book of Mia Kerick's I have read, and whilst I didn't enjoy it as much as The Princess of Baker Street, I still thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these characters.
Van (Donovan) is the Scarecrow in this scenario. Through childhood trauma, he is too scared of people to behave 'normally'. So he pushes everyone away, makes them afraid of him, and then feels the loss inside when they believe his facade. George C doesn't believe it though. He sees past that false veneer to the young man inside, scared, hurt, and oh so alone. Both Van and George C have a past though, which could affect their future.
With an interesting and sometimes sorrowful story, this book gripped me from the start. I wanted to see Van change, become all he could be. With George C by his side, it seemed a possibility. And with Van by his side, the world was an oyster for George C. One of the best things about this book was seeing their relationship slowly change, as their feelings did.
There were no editing or grammatical errors in this book, and the characters were excellent. With quirkiness and romance, tragic pasts and hopeful futures, this was a great read I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Van (Donovan) is the Scarecrow in this scenario. Through childhood trauma, he is too scared of people to behave 'normally'. So he pushes everyone away, makes them afraid of him, and then feels the loss inside when they believe his facade. George C doesn't believe it though. He sees past that false veneer to the young man inside, scared, hurt, and oh so alone. Both Van and George C have a past though, which could affect their future.
With an interesting and sometimes sorrowful story, this book gripped me from the start. I wanted to see Van change, become all he could be. With George C by his side, it seemed a possibility. And with Van by his side, the world was an oyster for George C. One of the best things about this book was seeing their relationship slowly change, as their feelings did.
There were no editing or grammatical errors in this book, and the characters were excellent. With quirkiness and romance, tragic pasts and hopeful futures, this was a great read I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Christmas at Carnton: A Novella in Books
Jan 2, 2019
When I started this novella, I was expecting a standard 150 page story....Well this is the longest novella I have ever read Lol! But that's Ok! I love Christmas stories. And this book is 250 paged of pure magical blessings! Besides, it puts me in the mood for the season and makes me feel all warm and cozy.
Set in the south during the civil war, this story has a unique view of "The Cause". When we grow up in a society that believes in certain things, we typically accept it as normal....as the normal way of life. Aletta realises this during a conversation with Tempy, Carnton's cook and a slave. I worry about the direction our society is heading and the impacts that it will have on my children. But what I CAN do is raise them to be Godly men who follow His will and His direction.
I can not imagine the heartache Aletta went through. The war between the States was such a devastating time. And yet, the community came together to support each other. The women of the Civil War were strong, determined, and fierce. But at the end of the day they just wanted their loved ones to come home safe and whole.
A beautiful story of sacrifice, love, loss, and hope...Christmas at Carnton is an excellent way to begin the holiday season.
I received a complimentary copy of Christmas at Carnton from the publishers through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Set in the south during the civil war, this story has a unique view of "The Cause". When we grow up in a society that believes in certain things, we typically accept it as normal....as the normal way of life. Aletta realises this during a conversation with Tempy, Carnton's cook and a slave. I worry about the direction our society is heading and the impacts that it will have on my children. But what I CAN do is raise them to be Godly men who follow His will and His direction.
I can not imagine the heartache Aletta went through. The war between the States was such a devastating time. And yet, the community came together to support each other. The women of the Civil War were strong, determined, and fierce. But at the end of the day they just wanted their loved ones to come home safe and whole.
A beautiful story of sacrifice, love, loss, and hope...Christmas at Carnton is an excellent way to begin the holiday season.
I received a complimentary copy of Christmas at Carnton from the publishers through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Andrea D (21 KP) rated Sawkill Girls in Books
Jan 10, 2019
Female empowerment (1 more)
LGBTQA representation
Beautifully written and full of girl power.
You are mighty. You are one, and one, and one.
You are fragile. You can move mountains.
You are breakable. You will never break.
This power is mine. And now it is yours, too.
I love a good feminist fantasy novel.
This did not disappoint.
The horror aspect is there but it feels like a background to the character development of the 3 main female characters.
There's Zoey who is angry and it's good that she's angry, we'll celebrate her anger and fume along with her.
There's Val who is a victim of a controlling abusive force (or two) and always has been and we will grow and rebel and learn to love with her.
Then there's Marion who's always been the carer always carrying over peoples troubles on her shoulders, always the one to fix things and we will learn to let go with her, learn to be selfish if just for a few quiet moments in a stable with horses and a girl who needs to be loved.
The Asexual rep is excellent, the story is brilliant but it's secondary to these girls who through each chapter we fall a bit deeper in love with even when we think they're unforgivable Claire Legrand shows us how not everything is black and white.
Expect the tears to flow in those last few pages and your heart to leap with joy but always remember beware of the woods and the dark, dank deep.
You are fragile. You can move mountains.
You are breakable. You will never break.
This power is mine. And now it is yours, too.
I love a good feminist fantasy novel.
This did not disappoint.
The horror aspect is there but it feels like a background to the character development of the 3 main female characters.
There's Zoey who is angry and it's good that she's angry, we'll celebrate her anger and fume along with her.
There's Val who is a victim of a controlling abusive force (or two) and always has been and we will grow and rebel and learn to love with her.
Then there's Marion who's always been the carer always carrying over peoples troubles on her shoulders, always the one to fix things and we will learn to let go with her, learn to be selfish if just for a few quiet moments in a stable with horses and a girl who needs to be loved.
The Asexual rep is excellent, the story is brilliant but it's secondary to these girls who through each chapter we fall a bit deeper in love with even when we think they're unforgivable Claire Legrand shows us how not everything is black and white.
Expect the tears to flow in those last few pages and your heart to leap with joy but always remember beware of the woods and the dark, dank deep.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Painter Place in Books
Nov 1, 2019
Christian
In June of 1985, Caroline Painter's uncle whisks her away from her island home at Painter Place to film an art video in the harbor village of Mevagissey. But instead of clearing her head, the young artist becomes entangled in adventure on the English Channel when she influences a rock star's contract and the media launches her into fame. When she returns home, she discovers a shattering secret that makes her question everything in her life. Can she trust the only one who says he understands?
My Thoughts: This is a wonderful story of a close-knit family. Living in an idyllic southern island setting. This is a story that is about trust, honesty, and purity. It's about our Christian character.
Caroline Painter is a talented young woman whose family has lived on the island since her relatives left England in the early 1600's. In the author's debut novel, she has given the reader an excellent reading experience. The story-line is full of wonderful characters that the reader will love, she brings the readers into the story with wonderful characters and lots of emotion. This is certainly a fairy tale story; with fast expensive cars and gifts, but one that the readers will love.
I appreciated when Caroline gave her testimony for Christ in the story which led others to Christ. The painter family has strong beliefs that they stand for, and value the rich family character.
I enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading the next books in the series!
My Thoughts: This is a wonderful story of a close-knit family. Living in an idyllic southern island setting. This is a story that is about trust, honesty, and purity. It's about our Christian character.
Caroline Painter is a talented young woman whose family has lived on the island since her relatives left England in the early 1600's. In the author's debut novel, she has given the reader an excellent reading experience. The story-line is full of wonderful characters that the reader will love, she brings the readers into the story with wonderful characters and lots of emotion. This is certainly a fairy tale story; with fast expensive cars and gifts, but one that the readers will love.
I appreciated when Caroline gave her testimony for Christ in the story which led others to Christ. The painter family has strong beliefs that they stand for, and value the rich family character.
I enjoyed this book, and look forward to reading the next books in the series!