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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Death by Tiara (A Jaine Austen Mystery #13) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Jaine takes on the job of writing the song lyrics for a beauty pageant contestant and finds herself in the high passion world of local beauty contests. Things are so heated that it’s hardly a surprise when a dead body turns up. But with her client at the top of the suspect list, Jaine will have to act fast to find the killer.
As always this book is a pure delight. The many sub-plots keep things moving right along, and the mystery is wrapped up in a logical fashion. The characters are a little out there, but that is definitely part of the fun of the series. They contribute to the laughs, which are plentiful. This is definitely light reading but lots of fun.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/08/book-review-death-by-tiara-by-laura.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
As always this book is a pure delight. The many sub-plots keep things moving right along, and the mystery is wrapped up in a logical fashion. The characters are a little out there, but that is definitely part of the fun of the series. They contribute to the laughs, which are plentiful. This is definitely light reading but lots of fun.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/08/book-review-death-by-tiara-by-laura.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
RavenclawPrincess913 (253 KP) rated Out of Place in Books
Jul 24, 2019
Title: Out of Place ARC
Author: Jennifer Blecher
Read Dates: June 1st- July 4th
Why did I choose to read this book?
I chose to read this book because I received the ARC of it and also because I can relate to the main character.
Did I like it? Yes, I loved it. I can relate to Cove I was bullied all throughout my life and also have wanted to be a fashion designer too since I was younger. (Make handmade custom clothing now) The book kinda made me cry and get very emotional because of that.
One character I disliked: The Mean Girls
Do I recommend this book? Yes, it will show younger kid's never to give up on your dreams and to ignore the bullies.
Questions for you:
1. Have you read this book?
2. Have you ever been bullied?
3. What's your "dream" or dream job?
Author: Jennifer Blecher
Read Dates: June 1st- July 4th
Why did I choose to read this book?
I chose to read this book because I received the ARC of it and also because I can relate to the main character.
Did I like it? Yes, I loved it. I can relate to Cove I was bullied all throughout my life and also have wanted to be a fashion designer too since I was younger. (Make handmade custom clothing now) The book kinda made me cry and get very emotional because of that.
One character I disliked: The Mean Girls
Do I recommend this book? Yes, it will show younger kid's never to give up on your dreams and to ignore the bullies.
Questions for you:
1. Have you read this book?
2. Have you ever been bullied?
3. What's your "dream" or dream job?
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Zoolander 2 (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Zoolander 2” picks up just a couple days after the first film left off. Staying true to the story line, Zoolander and Hansel are as vapid as ever and have retreated to lives in exile after the school for children who couldn’t read good (or whatever) collapsed due to shoddy construction. With their dreams dashed, both models are licking their wounds when they are summoned back into the world of fashion by a disgustingly beautiful fashionista with the Botox of the gods, Alexanya Ato (Kristen Wiig). With a face that can hardly move Ato is unsettlingly inviting.
For Zoolander and Hansel, the world they once knew has been taken over by today’s most annoying pop stars and what is now known as – “mainstream hipster society.”
Reminiscent of the “Austin Powers” series, Penelope Cruz leads a high speed action-spy adventure (cheesy as it may sound, it’s pretty great) as Melanie Valentina, working for Interpol “fashion division.” Cruz sets out to discover who has been killing Hollywood’s famous faces following Bieber’s tragic, and very graphic, death.
Inadvertently, due to Zoolander’s irresistible good looks, Cruz embarks on a mission to help him reunite with his estranged son and defeat Mugatu (Will Ferrell). The film is exactly what you would expect following the first “Zoolander.” It’s short, funny, ridiculous, and yet the sequel is surprisingly relevant.
The incorporation of an androgynous character named All played by Benedict Cumberbatch steps dangerously close to the edge of what is acceptable amongst the film’s own likely audience of hipster pc’rs.
Surprise appearances are actually part of what makes this sequel pretty great, yet they don’t take over and the ridiculous storyline somehow remains a coherent.
The best appearance of all, and most out of place, is that of Neil deGrasse Tyson himself. Of course, as a beautiful person, Zoolander’s journey is one of epic spiritual proportions in his own mind, so somehow a physicist fits in quite nicely.
Delivering exactly what it advertises, I give “Zoolander 2” 3.5 out of 5 stars.
For Zoolander and Hansel, the world they once knew has been taken over by today’s most annoying pop stars and what is now known as – “mainstream hipster society.”
Reminiscent of the “Austin Powers” series, Penelope Cruz leads a high speed action-spy adventure (cheesy as it may sound, it’s pretty great) as Melanie Valentina, working for Interpol “fashion division.” Cruz sets out to discover who has been killing Hollywood’s famous faces following Bieber’s tragic, and very graphic, death.
Inadvertently, due to Zoolander’s irresistible good looks, Cruz embarks on a mission to help him reunite with his estranged son and defeat Mugatu (Will Ferrell). The film is exactly what you would expect following the first “Zoolander.” It’s short, funny, ridiculous, and yet the sequel is surprisingly relevant.
The incorporation of an androgynous character named All played by Benedict Cumberbatch steps dangerously close to the edge of what is acceptable amongst the film’s own likely audience of hipster pc’rs.
Surprise appearances are actually part of what makes this sequel pretty great, yet they don’t take over and the ridiculous storyline somehow remains a coherent.
The best appearance of all, and most out of place, is that of Neil deGrasse Tyson himself. Of course, as a beautiful person, Zoolander’s journey is one of epic spiritual proportions in his own mind, so somehow a physicist fits in quite nicely.
Delivering exactly what it advertises, I give “Zoolander 2” 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Without a Doubt in Books
May 18, 2018
Jewelry Robbery at Christmas
Reporter Carol Childs is in the right place at the wrong time when she witnesses a jewelry store robbery. Since it is the start of awards season in Los Angeles, the store had plenty of jewels on hand. With Eric, her FBI agent boyfriend, working the case, it creates issues in their relationship. Carol is certain that socialite Carmen Montague is involved in some fashion. Is she correct?
The book starts off quickly, and the pace never lags as the story continues. I was turning pages as quickly as I could to keep up with the twists and turns of the plot. The characters are strong, which includes the new characters. I would have liked to see a bit more of the series regulars, but that’s a minor complaint overall. There were a few minor editing issues in the book, but again they are minor and didn’t impact the story at all.
The book starts off quickly, and the pace never lags as the story continues. I was turning pages as quickly as I could to keep up with the twists and turns of the plot. The characters are strong, which includes the new characters. I would have liked to see a bit more of the series regulars, but that’s a minor complaint overall. There were a few minor editing issues in the book, but again they are minor and didn’t impact the story at all.
Annie Chanse (15 KP) rated Fallout: Lois Lane in Books
May 25, 2018
I LOVE this book.
I absolutely loved this book. I read an uncorrected proof copy, so there were a few errors, but I am sure those will be fixed before actual publication. But the book was AMAZING. Lois Lane is and always has been one of my greatest heroes. And this book definitely did the teenage Lois justice. In fact, she is pretty perfect. I also love how the author incorporates Clark Kent into the story in such a way that he is important to the story, but he is still secondary to Lane's character. A lot of times, trying to write a story told from the point of view of another character from a story as popular as the Superman mythos, the central character being written about loses her voice in favor of the more well-known hero. Not the case in this novel. I loved it. It was perfect. I hope DESPERATELY that the author continues to write more Lois Lane books in this fashion.
Jarom Solar Norris (177 KP) rated Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) in Movies
Feb 13, 2019 (Updated Feb 13, 2019)
You may have heard that Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse is a cinematic marvel, a first-of-its-kind blockbuster that innovates on animated styles in incredible fashion. Not only does it do a bunch of crazy things that all work and look amazing, but a lot of it has been documented on Twitter. Just look at this: https://twitter.com/NickTyson/status/1076942124921151488
You can find a lot of cool stuff on the twitter of animator Nick Kondo, and even the composer Daniel Pemberton has written threads on how the movie was made, and that’s awesome. While watching the movie I had a thought strike me that “This kind of story could literally only be told in animation.” And everything it does is finely-crafted work, it makes you care about the characters just as much as the people making the movie did. We can all cross our fingers that it means we’ll be seeing more animated movies in the years to come.
You can find a lot of cool stuff on the twitter of animator Nick Kondo, and even the composer Daniel Pemberton has written threads on how the movie was made, and that’s awesome. While watching the movie I had a thought strike me that “This kind of story could literally only be told in animation.” And everything it does is finely-crafted work, it makes you care about the characters just as much as the people making the movie did. We can all cross our fingers that it means we’ll be seeing more animated movies in the years to come.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The House of Worth: Fashion Sketches, 1916-1918 in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
I am no fashionista and actually requested this book because I love looking at images of historical clothing. The sketches were beautifully but unfortunately I couldnt see most of them on my tablet because they were chopped up between pages. It was bizarre. The photograph were intact, however, so I was able to enjoy those.
The images are accompanied by lengthy descriptions which I found fascinating. I had to read it in small doses, however, as it can by dry especially for someone who really isnt into the ins and outs of fashion. I felt I would have enjoyed the book more if I were into such things. There was a lot I didnt understand or recognize, so I passed over it. I honestly feel that, while I enjoyed the images, the text was lost on someone such as me.
I am no fashionista and actually requested this book because I love looking at images of historical clothing. The sketches were beautifully but unfortunately I couldnt see most of them on my tablet because they were chopped up between pages. It was bizarre. The photograph were intact, however, so I was able to enjoy those.
The images are accompanied by lengthy descriptions which I found fascinating. I had to read it in small doses, however, as it can by dry especially for someone who really isnt into the ins and outs of fashion. I felt I would have enjoyed the book more if I were into such things. There was a lot I didnt understand or recognize, so I passed over it. I honestly feel that, while I enjoyed the images, the text was lost on someone such as me.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Deep and Dark and Dangerous (A Ghost Story) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
By far one of best I have read in a long time. This is exactly the type of ghost stories I love to read! Hahn delivered yet again.
The story chronicles Ali traveling with her aunt up to Michigan to babysit her younger cousin. I think what make this novel so remarkable is that it is one of her less predictable ones. Hahn does not lay everything out for you in the beginning. Instead, she gives you bits and pieces at a time and you place them together.
I also loved that the ghost was not evil, per se. Of course, she had her flaws as do all Hahns characters. However, she did evoke some sympathy.
If you appreciate a good ghost story, I highly recommend it. Again, Hahn writes for a younger generation, but this is a good ole fashion ghost story that needs zero tricks to keep the reader interested.
The story chronicles Ali traveling with her aunt up to Michigan to babysit her younger cousin. I think what make this novel so remarkable is that it is one of her less predictable ones. Hahn does not lay everything out for you in the beginning. Instead, she gives you bits and pieces at a time and you place them together.
I also loved that the ghost was not evil, per se. Of course, she had her flaws as do all Hahns characters. However, she did evoke some sympathy.
If you appreciate a good ghost story, I highly recommend it. Again, Hahn writes for a younger generation, but this is a good ole fashion ghost story that needs zero tricks to keep the reader interested.
Chelsee R Clawson (23 KP) rated American Horror Story - Season 1 in TV
Mar 16, 2018
Twistedly beautiful
This series is very refreshing. Weird and sometimes strange but like a guilty pleasure nonetheless leaving you wanting more! With storylines and characters so twisted and peculiar it leaves you totally mind boggled. And just so you know tate Langdon is sinfully delicious (just saying!) I have progressed to series 3 so far so I have a lot to catch up on (I know! Don't give me that judging look) ? but I will say from what I've seen, if you think the first series isnt enough to keep you up all night binge watching episodes like its going out of fashion. Just you wait! each following season gets better and awesomely shocking! your brain will start to wonder "wait... Did my eyeballs just see that!?" two thumbs up and two big toe wiggles from me thoroughly recommend to anyone who revels in not being normal, well because normal people scare me of course ?