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An interesting and intelligent novel
The premise of this book is intriguing, and although astronauts/scientists who appear to have lost their minds on a distant planet isn’t an entirely unique story, this definitely has it’s own take. The planet Solaris is an enigma in itself, helped by there never being a full explanation behind it. The few characters in this are interesting, strong and conflicted, although I do wish we’d seen a bit more of Snaut and Sartorius.
This is a very intelligent take on a science fiction story, with some beautiful imagery, although at times some of the scientific type explanations can become a little laborious. I’m also torn between loving the ambiguity and lack of resolution, to being very frustrated as I wanted to know more than was explained.
This is a very intelligent take on a science fiction story, with some beautiful imagery, although at times some of the scientific type explanations can become a little laborious. I’m also torn between loving the ambiguity and lack of resolution, to being very frustrated as I wanted to know more than was explained.
Phil (3 KP) rated The Pillars of the Earth in Books
Jul 3, 2017
In Depth, long page turner
Contains spoilers, click to show
I'm not normally the sort of person who goes in for historical fiction. Especially those set in the Dark Ages, but gave it a go as had heard it was a modern 'must read'.
For something that was over 1000 pages, it never felt like a slog or a chore to read. The more you get in to it, the more you want to read in one sitting.
Admitted, the sex scenes are quite gratuitous and graphic at times. And, taken in a modern context, the continual dumping on the lead character can seem overly harsh, as if the author gets pleasure from torturing his lead. But read the book through the historical lens of it's 12th-13th Century setting, and this reduces the frustrations, and adds to the realism
For something that was over 1000 pages, it never felt like a slog or a chore to read. The more you get in to it, the more you want to read in one sitting.
Admitted, the sex scenes are quite gratuitous and graphic at times. And, taken in a modern context, the continual dumping on the lead character can seem overly harsh, as if the author gets pleasure from torturing his lead. But read the book through the historical lens of it's 12th-13th Century setting, and this reduces the frustrations, and adds to the realism
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Chronicle of the Mound Builders in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[Chronicle of the Mound Builders] by [Elle Marie] is a fast paced, thought provoking ride. The tie between the past and the present using a female archaeologist as one of the main protagonists is a different take on a mystery.
As someone who if familiar with the Cahokia Mounds and the mystery that surrounds them I personally found the plot of this story intriguing. The characters were believable even in some of the more fantastic elements. It all fit together.
I could have done without the sex scene because it seemed gratuitous but I get that is common in fiction today. The story could stand very well on its own without that though.
I have recommended this book to my sister who is an anthropologist and a big [Elizabeth Peters] fan.
As someone who if familiar with the Cahokia Mounds and the mystery that surrounds them I personally found the plot of this story intriguing. The characters were believable even in some of the more fantastic elements. It all fit together.
I could have done without the sex scene because it seemed gratuitous but I get that is common in fiction today. The story could stand very well on its own without that though.
I have recommended this book to my sister who is an anthropologist and a big [Elizabeth Peters] fan.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Five Quarters Of The Orange in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I am always fascinated with any novel, fiction or otherwise, that is set in the time of World War II. This book took me a bit longer to get in to than is typical of a book set in this time period. But the end made it well worth the wait.
At times it is hard to follow because it bounces back & forth between Boise's life currently & her childhood spent in a small village in France during WWII. The story itself didn't form fully for me until it ended...all the loose ends were tied up & the events up to that point finally made sense. The 1 thing that frustrated me was Mirabelle, the mother. I was left not being quite sure whether or not she was really crazy.
At times it is hard to follow because it bounces back & forth between Boise's life currently & her childhood spent in a small village in France during WWII. The story itself didn't form fully for me until it ended...all the loose ends were tied up & the events up to that point finally made sense. The 1 thing that frustrated me was Mirabelle, the mother. I was left not being quite sure whether or not she was really crazy.
Anninmi (2 KP) rated High Achiever-The Shocking True Story Of One Addict’s Double Life in Books
Apr 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 15, 2018)
Contains spoilers, click to show
This book, a true life story, is written in a way that reads like fiction and engages from the beginning. It is short and easy to read but full of valuable lessons to the reader of what jail is like and what it feels like to both have messed up and hurt those you love as well as successfully navigated recovery. There is some “mature content” (drug use, language, lesbianism) but it isn’t gratuitous. Ms. Jenkins book is as funny, touching, and insightful as her blog, “Juggling The Jenkins”.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated The Secret of the Golden Heart (Golden Heart, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
I totally didn't notice this was religious fiction when I entered the giveaway, but figured I'd give it a chance anyway. Besides, I still enjoy the Chronicles of Narnia.
Okay, I reached 130 pages out of 240 and I just cannot read anymore. While there are some interesting ideas within, this reads like a rough draft. Too much happens too fast for anything to sink in as nothing is fleshed out. It's all a series of "and then this happened and then this," etc, and mostly just telling instead of showing. Characters need more than a name to make them feel alive, scenes need more than just an action or two, and the story just felt lifeless. Sorry, I tried.
Received through Goodreads First Reads giveaway, along with a lovely bookmark.
Okay, I reached 130 pages out of 240 and I just cannot read anymore. While there are some interesting ideas within, this reads like a rough draft. Too much happens too fast for anything to sink in as nothing is fleshed out. It's all a series of "and then this happened and then this," etc, and mostly just telling instead of showing. Characters need more than a name to make them feel alive, scenes need more than just an action or two, and the story just felt lifeless. Sorry, I tried.
Received through Goodreads First Reads giveaway, along with a lovely bookmark.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated OUT (A Cam Thomas Story #1) in Books
Mar 4, 2018
This is another book recommendation I got from a book chat. I am loving those since it is helping find amazing books like this. Cam is a main character that you really want to see everything work out for because she is just authenic. Of course some things are not realistic but it is fiction and I guess some people get that lucky. The relationship,although it is the soul mate thing, develops nicely. They even have road bumps(or more like potholes into Narnia). This is where the secondary characters come in to help fix things. I like that the secondary characters are not fluff but played a role is directing the plot but aren't overbearing. I definately will read more in this series. It is binge worthy.
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Prairie Song (Hearts Seeking Home, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
This book is really good. I loved it from the beginning. You will be reminded of a book from the other series that you may think that it connected to it. It was really intruding. You will learn how to deal with some really serious issues.
The issues are a various of different things. One person in this book can show how they deal with geif and it not all good. You get to experience some things going on Trail as well. I would recommend this book to any one that likes historical fiction, a bit of civil war era, romance.
Though I am not going to make you decide I will let you decide for yourself if you want to read it or not and rate for yourself.
The issues are a various of different things. One person in this book can show how they deal with geif and it not all good. You get to experience some things going on Trail as well. I would recommend this book to any one that likes historical fiction, a bit of civil war era, romance.
Though I am not going to make you decide I will let you decide for yourself if you want to read it or not and rate for yourself.
Jill528 (15 KP) rated Before We Were Yours in Books
Jun 16, 2018 (Updated Jun 16, 2018)
I was completely blown away by this powerful and heart-wrenching story about family, love, perseverance, and loss!
This novel was inspired by the horrifying true events of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, run by Georgia Tann from the 1920’s-1950’s. The plot is written from two points of view, weaving between past and present, this is the story of how one family’s past has shaped its present. Lisa Wingate’s writing is absolutely flawless. She pulls you deep into the lives of each character where you feel like you are inside the novel witnessing all these heinous events up close.
Before We Were Yours is one of the best historical fiction books I have read to date, it will definitely stay with me for a very long time. Highly recommend!
This novel was inspired by the horrifying true events of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, run by Georgia Tann from the 1920’s-1950’s. The plot is written from two points of view, weaving between past and present, this is the story of how one family’s past has shaped its present. Lisa Wingate’s writing is absolutely flawless. She pulls you deep into the lives of each character where you feel like you are inside the novel witnessing all these heinous events up close.
Before We Were Yours is one of the best historical fiction books I have read to date, it will definitely stay with me for a very long time. Highly recommend!
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Modern Romance in Books
Jul 10, 2018
Going into this book I wasn't expecting much. I mean, how could a comedian write an intelligent non fiction book about romance? I know, I was that person that had a snap judgment on an author and I shouldn't have thought that.
This book was extremely interesting and the audiobook was HILARIOUS! I loved listening to Aziz Ansari read this book and describe the statistics that he gathered. The book was interesting and quite entertaining. He gathered a lot of information and was able to bring life into what could have been a dull psychology book.
Ultimately, if you're looking for an interesting and fun read, this is the book is for you. The statistics were never dull and it was fascinating to learn about other cultures and the differences between generations.
This book was extremely interesting and the audiobook was HILARIOUS! I loved listening to Aziz Ansari read this book and describe the statistics that he gathered. The book was interesting and quite entertaining. He gathered a lot of information and was able to bring life into what could have been a dull psychology book.
Ultimately, if you're looking for an interesting and fun read, this is the book is for you. The statistics were never dull and it was fascinating to learn about other cultures and the differences between generations.