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Suswatibasu (1703 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.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Exit West in Books
Jul 24, 2017
A dystopian current affairs magical realistic fiction
A deeply tragic account of how two people can be caught in circumstances of war, how easy it is to lose everything and the potential hope that humanity offers. Saeed and Nadia attempt to face an apocalyptic situation in the face of adversity despite having a tenuous connection to one another. It is quite a depressing read especially given the current situation in the Middle East - but Hamid does a great job in humanising the characters. They are just two simple people attempting to make a relationship work under intense circumstances. A beautiful account, I just wished the story was slightly more developed as it tended to run from one scene to another.
Mr Renard (10 KP) rated Ready Player One in Books
Jul 25, 2017
Promising concept buried under clumsy craftsmanship
A great concept that should in theory be catnip to an 80s kid such as myself. However this is to pop culture junkies what Fifty Shades of Gray was to S&M enthusiasts: poorly written, drawn out fan fiction that is in dire need of a more competent editor.
The 80s pop culture references are so clumsily laid on, they lose any fun they may have held for me after the first chapter.
Sure, the author has done his research, but this reads as if it was written by a machine trying to approximate human emotion and interaction; technical pitches for gadgets yet to be commissioned in place of wit, story and heart.
Very disappointing.
The 80s pop culture references are so clumsily laid on, they lose any fun they may have held for me after the first chapter.
Sure, the author has done his research, but this reads as if it was written by a machine trying to approximate human emotion and interaction; technical pitches for gadgets yet to be commissioned in place of wit, story and heart.
Very disappointing.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated His Bloody Project in Books
Jul 25, 2017
Well written, realistic penny dreadful
The author has done quite a spectacular job of researching this piece of historical fiction, bringing to life a gruesome episode in 1800s Scotland. Expect to read a documentary type book and not a particularly suspenseful thriller. It took a long time to get into this book, mostly because the performance was quite dry and dull, hence I struggled to concentrate. During the crux of the story, in which Roddy is in court, the story picks up slightly, sounding more like a courtroom drama. He attempts to explore the idea of moral insanity, but falls short mostly because of the lack of understanding they would have at the time the book is set.
Well written and researched but a bit bland.
Well written and researched but a bit bland.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated All Fall Down (Supervolcano, #2) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
The follow up novel to [Harry Turtledove's] [Supervolcano: Eruption] was worth the read. The continuing story of the characters as they try in their own ways to survive was enjoyable.
[Supervolcano: All Fall Down] picked up right where [Eruption] left off. In the midst of this disaster the way [Turtledove] portrays his characters not as hero's out to save the world but as humans with all their faults makes the story more believable. It even has a serial killer mystery twist within the plot.
I definitely prefer my science fiction based on real science and not super natural. That is what [Turtledove] has produced so far with the two books from the [Supervolcano] series. I like my fantasy with a good does of reality in most cases.
[Supervolcano: All Fall Down] picked up right where [Eruption] left off. In the midst of this disaster the way [Turtledove] portrays his characters not as hero's out to save the world but as humans with all their faults makes the story more believable. It even has a serial killer mystery twist within the plot.
I definitely prefer my science fiction based on real science and not super natural. That is what [Turtledove] has produced so far with the two books from the [Supervolcano] series. I like my fantasy with a good does of reality in most cases.
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated The Hidden Treasure of Dutch Buffalo Creek in Books
Sep 7, 2017
The Hidden Treasure of Buffalo Creek is a wonderful book to read. If you are a historical fiction or historical fan this book may be for you. You learn about history or some events as you go through the adventures with James. It a sweet it tells you about family history and about some of the history of the eras you may not have lived it or want to learn about.
It goes through some of the lives of a few people and how they got here. You learn to grow and follow faith along the way. James is the main one. You go along for an adventure. You may learn about some things that have been going on in the Germany or the USA.
It goes through some of the lives of a few people and how they got here. You learn to grow and follow faith along the way. James is the main one. You go along for an adventure. You may learn about some things that have been going on in the Germany or the USA.
Saffire is a really fun and mysterious book. There the main character is brought to Panama Canal to do something and to have chat with General. You get a good history about the time period. You also get a romance and action packed.
What will happen to Holt? There are some historical characters in the book. Sigmund does a wonderful job of tells the facts about 1909. The year may be a bit off but the facts stated are true. You will find that at the end of the book.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you will enjoy this book. It tells of the building of the Panama Canal. I like that fell. It also gives a little mystery along with the action in the book.
What will happen to Holt? There are some historical characters in the book. Sigmund does a wonderful job of tells the facts about 1909. The year may be a bit off but the facts stated are true. You will find that at the end of the book.
If you enjoy historical fiction, you will enjoy this book. It tells of the building of the Panama Canal. I like that fell. It also gives a little mystery along with the action in the book.
An Interesting Lead in to the Next Novel
Contains spoilers, click to show
I read this one last after I'd finished the whole series and I feel that was the best way to do it. You really get a feel for the struggle that Thimble and Stone had. *SpoilerAlert* Spoiler for book three! I would have liked to have read their story all the way to the docks where they go to the island as it would have tied in nicely with the third book but I understand that would have probably been a book in itself instead of a short story but yeah, overall a great piece of fiction. I'm really glad the author saved Thimble and Stone they were great characters too good to lose in a series like this.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Angels: Who They Are and How They Help-What the Bible Reveals in Books
Apr 27, 2018
This book will give you a literal view of angels—they’re nothing like what we imagine them, and they’re nothing like what contemporary fiction makes them out to be, either (angels serving God or fallen angels both). They are warriors—glorious, perfect, merciless warriors.
The best thing about this book is that Dr. Jeremiah is very centered with what the Bible says. The Bible is our ultimate source of truth, and if we have a “religious experience” that contradicts the Bible, if we begin to worship Angels more than God, if we get wrapped up in what he calls “Angelmania,” we have a serious problem.
Angels is insightful and clarifying, and it answers many questions both that I’ve had and others I’d never even thought about.
The best thing about this book is that Dr. Jeremiah is very centered with what the Bible says. The Bible is our ultimate source of truth, and if we have a “religious experience” that contradicts the Bible, if we begin to worship Angels more than God, if we get wrapped up in what he calls “Angelmania,” we have a serious problem.
Angels is insightful and clarifying, and it answers many questions both that I’ve had and others I’d never even thought about.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Prudence (The Custard Protocol, #1) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I absolutely adore Prudence, both the book and the girl. I don’t have a single bad thing to say about it other than I wish I had the next book in the series right now, because I’m quite unhappy to leave her world.
Gail Carriger has a knack for making incredible characters full of life and wit and hilarity. Every story I’ve ever read by her has made me want to jump right into the book and live there. It doesn’t even matter which character I’d be, as long as I was there. Added to that is her eloquent, witty, and distinct writing style. I wholeheartedly recommend Prudence to any fan of YA fiction, drama, romance, adventure, or supernatural adventures in an air ship.
Gail Carriger has a knack for making incredible characters full of life and wit and hilarity. Every story I’ve ever read by her has made me want to jump right into the book and live there. It doesn’t even matter which character I’d be, as long as I was there. Added to that is her eloquent, witty, and distinct writing style. I wholeheartedly recommend Prudence to any fan of YA fiction, drama, romance, adventure, or supernatural adventures in an air ship.