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I have loved the movie since it came out. I have raved about it's stunning visuals and unique story. So I finally dedicated time to read the book. I felt I was finally able to read the story without comparing the two.
I immediately loved her sass from the beginning. However, I felt there were several times throughout the story where Coraline's emotions were lost. I have read Neil Gaiman before, and it is typical that emotions are stark and factual, and not easy for the reader to find empathy.
If it had not been for the existing love of Coraline and her story, I think I would have really struggled to finish this.
I immediately loved her sass from the beginning. However, I felt there were several times throughout the story where Coraline's emotions were lost. I have read Neil Gaiman before, and it is typical that emotions are stark and factual, and not easy for the reader to find empathy.
If it had not been for the existing love of Coraline and her story, I think I would have really struggled to finish this.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated The Poisonwood Bible in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Detailed look into colonialism in Congo
Barbara Kingsolver's epic novel about missionaries and colonialism in the Congo through the eyes of the women in a Christian American family is decadent and detailed. While many will complain about the hard hitting truths of complicity of western nations in destroying the country, it is extremely important and brings to light many historically overlooked issues.
Keeping in mind that this is fictional, the various narratives are well researched to the point where at times it seems plausible and factual. The four main voices are completely different from one another and sometimes the anti-communist voice seemed like a mockery of that type of rhetoric. Leah's voice seemed more realistic than the others. Overall, a well written piece of literary fiction.
Keeping in mind that this is fictional, the various narratives are well researched to the point where at times it seems plausible and factual. The four main voices are completely different from one another and sometimes the anti-communist voice seemed like a mockery of that type of rhetoric. Leah's voice seemed more realistic than the others. Overall, a well written piece of literary fiction.
AJaneClark (3962 KP) rated This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor in Books
Sep 2, 2019
Couldn’t put it down
Adam Kay delights us with his diary entries of his time as a Junior doctor. I was gripped from the moment I started and couldn’t put the book down! I found myself getting pulled in with the highs and lows of his chosen profession. There were lots of giggles to be had, and some solemn moments also. But more than this it shines yet further light on those men and women that sacrifice a lot in the pursuit of healing others and the poor conditions that they find themselves working in. Thanks @Smashbomb for picking me in the giveaway, and allowing me the opportunity to read something so thought provoking.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Modern Romance in Books
Dec 14, 2019
Interesting and funny
I had to do a double take when I first saw a recommendation to read this book - a factual non-fiction book written by a comedian isn't something you hear about every day. But it's actually a fun and hugely interesting read.
There's a great balance in this between facts, data and laughs, and there are some very clever insights in this into modern dating and romance. It was also interesting to read about dating in other foreign cities that I didn't know much about. Aziz is a relatively endearing author, coming across as rather friendly and inviting and you get the feeling that he really cares about the subject matter. There's a lot of truth in this book and whilst I don't think anything in this is massively groundbreaking, it's still an insightful and entertaining read.
There's a great balance in this between facts, data and laughs, and there are some very clever insights in this into modern dating and romance. It was also interesting to read about dating in other foreign cities that I didn't know much about. Aziz is a relatively endearing author, coming across as rather friendly and inviting and you get the feeling that he really cares about the subject matter. There's a lot of truth in this book and whilst I don't think anything in this is massively groundbreaking, it's still an insightful and entertaining read.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Lincoln in the Bardo in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Epic modern Shakespearean tragedy
Listened on Audible.co.uk.
George Saunder's epic historical and existential tragedy seems to resonate on many levels with a variety of readers. Taking the real life account of the death of Abraham Lincoln's son, exploring his grief and creating a magical realistic theatrical piece is a true wonder.
It's a listening experience for all the senses, with the beautiful music and sounds of the Civil War, as well as a host of well known voices - it's haunting in many aspects. The language is rich and variable mixing Shakespearean dialogue with modern slang.
Where it falls short are the constant breaks in the novel through footnotes describing the actual factual account of that time. It is jarring and ruins the experience - it should be left to the end and is only valid when reading. In this case Saunders sounds timid, having to constantly back up his claims. It would have been five stars, but it happened too often.
George Saunder's epic historical and existential tragedy seems to resonate on many levels with a variety of readers. Taking the real life account of the death of Abraham Lincoln's son, exploring his grief and creating a magical realistic theatrical piece is a true wonder.
It's a listening experience for all the senses, with the beautiful music and sounds of the Civil War, as well as a host of well known voices - it's haunting in many aspects. The language is rich and variable mixing Shakespearean dialogue with modern slang.
Where it falls short are the constant breaks in the novel through footnotes describing the actual factual account of that time. It is jarring and ruins the experience - it should be left to the end and is only valid when reading. In this case Saunders sounds timid, having to constantly back up his claims. It would have been five stars, but it happened too often.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Saving Mr. Banks (2013) in Movies
Apr 4, 2019 (Updated Apr 4, 2019)
Well-mounted but self-referential (and that's putting it very charitably!) look at the origins of Mary Poppins. Pamela Travers (Thompson), who is very British and starchy, flies to Los Angeles where she meets the avuncular Walt Disney (Hanks), intent on adapting her books about a supernatural dominatrix for the cinema. Colin Farrell appears in flashback as Travers' feckless dad; despite what the soundtrack listing suggests, he does not sing 'Chim Chiminee', so manage your expectations.
Nicely made and played, and quite amusing an' all, but hard to escape the impression this is just a massive piece of self-aggrandisement by the House of Mouse: poor old repressed Travers just needs a bit more Disney in her life in order to become happier and more successful, to say nothing of the various factual inaccuracies. But then it's a Disney film actually about Walt Disney, so what do you expect? Watchable stuff, but take a pinch of salt along with the many spoonfuls of sugar.
Nicely made and played, and quite amusing an' all, but hard to escape the impression this is just a massive piece of self-aggrandisement by the House of Mouse: poor old repressed Travers just needs a bit more Disney in her life in order to become happier and more successful, to say nothing of the various factual inaccuracies. But then it's a Disney film actually about Walt Disney, so what do you expect? Watchable stuff, but take a pinch of salt along with the many spoonfuls of sugar.
Chrissie-ann (78 KP) rated Rillington Place in TV
Jun 18, 2018
Unnerving factual crime drama
I watched this last night as it has made its way onto netflix. Based on real life events in the 1940s surrounding an infamous UK serial killer. Having a strong curiosity and interest in serial killers I thought I would give this a go.
I have not been disappointed,John Christie is an individual I have read a lot about and I feel this show really shows him in a disturbing way. It shows how his relationships are affected and formed while he manipulates people to ensure he is in control of every situation.
Tim Roth as John Christie is impressive, his acting brings John Christie back to life. There is always a feeling of fear and uncertainty, as Tim Roth develops his character in a way that shows how calculating he was.
One of the best shows I have watched in a while, luckily only a 3 parter so I didn't have to pull an all nighter!
I have not been disappointed,John Christie is an individual I have read a lot about and I feel this show really shows him in a disturbing way. It shows how his relationships are affected and formed while he manipulates people to ensure he is in control of every situation.
Tim Roth as John Christie is impressive, his acting brings John Christie back to life. There is always a feeling of fear and uncertainty, as Tim Roth develops his character in a way that shows how calculating he was.
One of the best shows I have watched in a while, luckily only a 3 parter so I didn't have to pull an all nighter!
CKD (37 KP) rated Before We Were Yours in Books
Dec 7, 2018
This book tells the stories of Rill Foss and Avery Stafford. Rill is a young girl growing up on the Mississippi River in 1939. Through an unfortunate series of events, she and her siblings are placed in the Tennessee Children's Home orphanage. Avery Stafford is a privileged young woman who has recently moved back to Aiken, SC to help her parents out. She stumbles across a mystery involving her grandmother on her paternal side which leads her to uncover Rill's story.
This book is based on actual events. The stories of Rill and Avery are fiction but some of the facts around the Tennessee Children's Home are factual. The kidnapping and eventual adoption of these "orphan" children was organized by Georgia Tann, Director. She had lots of influential people that looked the other way until she was eventually closed the center down after a state investigation into numerous instances of adoption fraud.
This book is based on actual events. The stories of Rill and Avery are fiction but some of the facts around the Tennessee Children's Home are factual. The kidnapping and eventual adoption of these "orphan" children was organized by Georgia Tann, Director. She had lots of influential people that looked the other way until she was eventually closed the center down after a state investigation into numerous instances of adoption fraud.
David McK (3188 KP) rated Rapscallion (Matthew Hawkood, #3) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
The third book in James McGee's <i>Hawkwood</i> series of novels, this see Matthew Hawkwood sent undercover to the prison Hulks to investigate both the escape of several prisoners, and the disappearance of those sent previously to track them down.
Again taking factual history as its starting point (life on the prison Hulks, and the activities of the Free Traders (i.e. Smugglers)), the plot builds up to include those afore-mentioned smuggling rings, and a little bit of sea battle (a first in the series). It's also a first that the majority of this novel takes place away from London!
I do have to say, however, that even more so than the first two books, I found this one to be very remniscient of one of the Sharpe books from the 90s - have a look at <i>Sharpe's Company</i> (in particular) to see what I mean! That's not to say I din't enjoy it - I did - but just that, to me, elements of the plot seemed very familiar
Again taking factual history as its starting point (life on the prison Hulks, and the activities of the Free Traders (i.e. Smugglers)), the plot builds up to include those afore-mentioned smuggling rings, and a little bit of sea battle (a first in the series). It's also a first that the majority of this novel takes place away from London!
I do have to say, however, that even more so than the first two books, I found this one to be very remniscient of one of the Sharpe books from the 90s - have a look at <i>Sharpe's Company</i> (in particular) to see what I mean! That's not to say I din't enjoy it - I did - but just that, to me, elements of the plot seemed very familiar
Merissa (11666 KP) rated Arandora Star in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This is a fictional story set around a factual event and to put it in a few descriptive words, it is poignant, heart-rending, thought provoking and disturbing. I could go on but I won't. What I will do is recommend that you read for yourself this amazing story that certainly sheds a different light on the whole affair.
The story unfolds at a steady pace and you are given time to empathise with the characters in the different situations they find themselves in. This is a gripping and compelling novel that will keep you glued to the pages until the end and will then leave you with a book-hangover as you ponder what you have read. I was filled with "what-ifs, maybes and should haves" for a fictional character but the ending was perfect for the book.
This is an amazing book and I really can't recommend it highly enough. Prepare to be immersed in history.
I bought this book as part of the Kindle Daily Deal on 10th February 2014.
The story unfolds at a steady pace and you are given time to empathise with the characters in the different situations they find themselves in. This is a gripping and compelling novel that will keep you glued to the pages until the end and will then leave you with a book-hangover as you ponder what you have read. I was filled with "what-ifs, maybes and should haves" for a fictional character but the ending was perfect for the book.
This is an amazing book and I really can't recommend it highly enough. Prepare to be immersed in history.
I bought this book as part of the Kindle Daily Deal on 10th February 2014.