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Songs of Love and War
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Welcome to Castle Deverill, and the incredible sweeping story of love and family from bestselling...
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Seth Baumgartner's Love Manifesto in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Seth Baumgartner’s Love Manifesto by Eric Luper
Genre: YA Fiction
ISBN: 9780061827532
Published: June 1st 2010 by Balzer + Bray
Rating: 4
Seth hasn’t had such a great love life in the past few weeks. His girlfriend dumped him, he saw his father with another woman, and he’s having some friendship problems with his best friend… add to that the fact that his father wants him to win a golf tournament that he really doesn’t care about, he can’t keep a job, and the most unexpected girl on earth starts having feelings for him. Seth starts an anonymous podcast with music and his opinions called The Love Manifesto where he talks about what love is, why we want it, and why we’re stupid enough to keep coming back for more… and he finds some pretty interesting things about love, friendship, family, and himself.
Seth Baumgartner’s Love Manifesto (and I thought my last name was hard to pronounce) was a fun read. It drew me in right away with the writing style and the witty characters. I loved the characters. Up until the end I wasn’t quite sure I really liked Seth that much, because he was doing some pretty stupid things… but in the end when he got his head back on straight and started making the right choices, I saw that he really wasn’t too bad after all. His best friend Dimitri was hilarious (I think he was my favorite… the description on the back of the book of “smut-minded” is pretty accurate.) and his sister Audrey was my kind of gal. You got to love Audrey. Obnoxious, sarcastic, but sweet on her man in subtle ways, and a very good kisser.
The plot was great: it had drama, mystery, and emotion without getting sappy or melodramatic. It takes the reader on quite a ride, so you don’t quite know who the good guy is, and you feel bad for Seth, but it’s not too depressing either.
Although Luper didn’t quite explain or define “love,” he did show it in the characters actions by the end of the story. Even though I was hoping for something a little deeper, he did end the story well and I was satisfied after finishing.
Good writing, great character, fun plot, awesome ending, (and I love the mp3-player cover!) this one will pull you in and keep you hooked from the first page to the last.
Content/recommendation: Some language and sexual innuendoes. Ages 15+
This review is copyright 2010 to Haley Mathiot and Night Owl Reviews.
Genre: YA Fiction
ISBN: 9780061827532
Published: June 1st 2010 by Balzer + Bray
Rating: 4
Seth hasn’t had such a great love life in the past few weeks. His girlfriend dumped him, he saw his father with another woman, and he’s having some friendship problems with his best friend… add to that the fact that his father wants him to win a golf tournament that he really doesn’t care about, he can’t keep a job, and the most unexpected girl on earth starts having feelings for him. Seth starts an anonymous podcast with music and his opinions called The Love Manifesto where he talks about what love is, why we want it, and why we’re stupid enough to keep coming back for more… and he finds some pretty interesting things about love, friendship, family, and himself.
Seth Baumgartner’s Love Manifesto (and I thought my last name was hard to pronounce) was a fun read. It drew me in right away with the writing style and the witty characters. I loved the characters. Up until the end I wasn’t quite sure I really liked Seth that much, because he was doing some pretty stupid things… but in the end when he got his head back on straight and started making the right choices, I saw that he really wasn’t too bad after all. His best friend Dimitri was hilarious (I think he was my favorite… the description on the back of the book of “smut-minded” is pretty accurate.) and his sister Audrey was my kind of gal. You got to love Audrey. Obnoxious, sarcastic, but sweet on her man in subtle ways, and a very good kisser.
The plot was great: it had drama, mystery, and emotion without getting sappy or melodramatic. It takes the reader on quite a ride, so you don’t quite know who the good guy is, and you feel bad for Seth, but it’s not too depressing either.
Although Luper didn’t quite explain or define “love,” he did show it in the characters actions by the end of the story. Even though I was hoping for something a little deeper, he did end the story well and I was satisfied after finishing.
Good writing, great character, fun plot, awesome ending, (and I love the mp3-player cover!) this one will pull you in and keep you hooked from the first page to the last.
Content/recommendation: Some language and sexual innuendoes. Ages 15+
This review is copyright 2010 to Haley Mathiot and Night Owl Reviews.
MoMoBookDiary (20 KP) rated The Food of Love in Books
Oct 1, 2018
MoMo’s Book Diary recommends this emotional family tale as a 5 star read.
This is the first Amanda Prowse book I have read. My first impression is that Amanda Prowse is an exceptional novelist who has deeply researched this storyline. In this heart-wrenching novel we are introduced to Freya and Lockie and their two daughters, Charlotte and Lexi and taken on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey with them as they are plunged into a nightmare situation.
What starts out as a perfectly ordinary family living a happy domestic life soon is rocked to the core. No-one understands. No-one has the answers. No-one knows what to do. Mistakes are made. The one thing you can feel from the first page to the last is the love the characters have between them.
This is a MUST READ novel which tells the story of how an eating disorder can invade any family. It is about the importance of love and honesty within the family. It is about sticking together to get through whatever crisis is in front of us.
I knew nothing about anorexia before and whilst I understand it may not be factually perfect – everyone’s experience is different - but it is a novel not a self-help book.
Once I started to read this book I couldn’t put it down, even after finishing it a few days ago, I still find myself thinking about the characters and what happens next. I highly recommend this novel to everyone.
Thanks to Amanda Prowse, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel prior to publication.
This is the first Amanda Prowse book I have read. My first impression is that Amanda Prowse is an exceptional novelist who has deeply researched this storyline. In this heart-wrenching novel we are introduced to Freya and Lockie and their two daughters, Charlotte and Lexi and taken on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey with them as they are plunged into a nightmare situation.
What starts out as a perfectly ordinary family living a happy domestic life soon is rocked to the core. No-one understands. No-one has the answers. No-one knows what to do. Mistakes are made. The one thing you can feel from the first page to the last is the love the characters have between them.
This is a MUST READ novel which tells the story of how an eating disorder can invade any family. It is about the importance of love and honesty within the family. It is about sticking together to get through whatever crisis is in front of us.
I knew nothing about anorexia before and whilst I understand it may not be factually perfect – everyone’s experience is different - but it is a novel not a self-help book.
Once I started to read this book I couldn’t put it down, even after finishing it a few days ago, I still find myself thinking about the characters and what happens next. I highly recommend this novel to everyone.
Thanks to Amanda Prowse, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel prior to publication.
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated Great Expectations in Books
Nov 13, 2019
This classic tale follows the life of Philip 'Pip' Pirrip as he discovers escaped convicts, falls in love and meets the eccentric Miss Havisham. When a mysterious benefactor bequeathes him money to make a gentleman of him Piip grasps the opportunity with both hands.
For me Great Expectations is the archetypal Dickens novel, in that it is very uneven and full of dull and tiresome sections which do little to advance the plot but instead let Dickens show off his love of absurd names and his observations of social hierarchies in Victorian London.
The first part is fine - after the rather clumsy opening paragraph. The scenes on the marshes are evocative, Stella is well portrayed as the unobtainable target of his affections and Miss Havisham steals the show.
It is when Pip arrives in London that it all starts to go wrong. The characters become flat and two dimensional, only there to demonstrate how he is progressing in his quest to become a gentleman, the usual Dickens tool of the name that slightly indicates their character frequently used instead of actually providing them with any character. Very little of this section is actually relevant to the plot in hand and just seems to be filler to pad the book to the requisite number of episodes.
Once Pip returns home for the final chapters and the big reveal the story once again picks up as the various plot strands laid in the first part come together.
Overall the first and last parts of the book are worth reading, but the middle bit can be safely skimmed through as the reader won't miss anything important and will avoid much tedium.
For me Great Expectations is the archetypal Dickens novel, in that it is very uneven and full of dull and tiresome sections which do little to advance the plot but instead let Dickens show off his love of absurd names and his observations of social hierarchies in Victorian London.
The first part is fine - after the rather clumsy opening paragraph. The scenes on the marshes are evocative, Stella is well portrayed as the unobtainable target of his affections and Miss Havisham steals the show.
It is when Pip arrives in London that it all starts to go wrong. The characters become flat and two dimensional, only there to demonstrate how he is progressing in his quest to become a gentleman, the usual Dickens tool of the name that slightly indicates their character frequently used instead of actually providing them with any character. Very little of this section is actually relevant to the plot in hand and just seems to be filler to pad the book to the requisite number of episodes.
Once Pip returns home for the final chapters and the big reveal the story once again picks up as the various plot strands laid in the first part come together.
Overall the first and last parts of the book are worth reading, but the middle bit can be safely skimmed through as the reader won't miss anything important and will avoid much tedium.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981) in Movies
Jul 19, 2020
After the runaway success of the first Friday the 13th a mere year earlier, Part 2 is the first of many sequels spaffed out in a short space of time. The sequels are mostly ok, certainly watchable, with only a couple that I would say step into crappy territory.
Part 2 is one of the half decent ones, and for better or worse, I actually quietly love it.
Not too dissimilar to its predecessor, it's overflowing with over acting. This time around, the dialogue is pretty much balls awful and cheesy, but it's not enough to stop me from enjoying what is a damn fun horror sequel.
It set the stage for what slasher follow ups would become known for - more gore, more victims, more nudity, more silliness. It's just the way these things go and Friday the 13th Part 2 arguably introduced these sequel tropes to the world.
Of course, this is our first proper introduction to Jason, pre hockey mask, and I've always found Part 2 Jason to be quite intimidating. The hockey mask is undoubtedly iconic, and cemented Jason as a horror icon, but here he dons some dungarees and a potato sack over his face. There's something truly unsettling about a big dude in that get up, chasing people with a massive pick axe.
The closing moments of the movie boasts a memorable 'gotcha' moment once again, whilst showing off the decent make up and effects work, and a returning Harry Manfredini is present once again to provide a jarring music score.
Part 2 is trashy in parts but I can't help but love it. 💀
Part 2 is one of the half decent ones, and for better or worse, I actually quietly love it.
Not too dissimilar to its predecessor, it's overflowing with over acting. This time around, the dialogue is pretty much balls awful and cheesy, but it's not enough to stop me from enjoying what is a damn fun horror sequel.
It set the stage for what slasher follow ups would become known for - more gore, more victims, more nudity, more silliness. It's just the way these things go and Friday the 13th Part 2 arguably introduced these sequel tropes to the world.
Of course, this is our first proper introduction to Jason, pre hockey mask, and I've always found Part 2 Jason to be quite intimidating. The hockey mask is undoubtedly iconic, and cemented Jason as a horror icon, but here he dons some dungarees and a potato sack over his face. There's something truly unsettling about a big dude in that get up, chasing people with a massive pick axe.
The closing moments of the movie boasts a memorable 'gotcha' moment once again, whilst showing off the decent make up and effects work, and a returning Harry Manfredini is present once again to provide a jarring music score.
Part 2 is trashy in parts but I can't help but love it. 💀
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Girl with a Clock for a Heart in Books
Apr 15, 2023
46 of 235
Book
The Girl with a Clock for a Heart
By Peter Swanson
⭐️⭐️⭐️
George Foss never thought he'd see her again, but on a late-August night in Boston, there she is, in his local bar, Jack's Tavern. When George first met her, she was an eighteen-year-old college freshman from Sweetgum, Florida. She and George became inseparable in their first fall semester, so George was devastated when he got the news that she had committed suicide over Christmas break. But, as he stood in the living room of the girl's grieving parents, he realized the girl in the photo on their mantelpiece - the one who had committed suicide - was not his girlfriend. Later, he discovered the true identity of the girl he had loved - and of the things she may have done to escape her past.Now, twenty years later, she's back, and she's telling George that he's the only one who can help her...In his electrifying debut, Peter Swanson evokes the spirit of Body Heat and Double Indemnity, in a thriller about love, loss and those memories we hold closest to our hearts.'...it was like I had a secretdisease, or there was this clock inside of me, ticking like a heart,and at any moment an alarm would go off ...'
So I’ve been looking forward to this read and I was really enjoying it the deviousness of This woman and the stupidity of George I suppose some will go to all lengths to help that first love. BUT and it’s really stressed me out and annoyed me so much and that was the ending I mean really????
Book
The Girl with a Clock for a Heart
By Peter Swanson
⭐️⭐️⭐️
George Foss never thought he'd see her again, but on a late-August night in Boston, there she is, in his local bar, Jack's Tavern. When George first met her, she was an eighteen-year-old college freshman from Sweetgum, Florida. She and George became inseparable in their first fall semester, so George was devastated when he got the news that she had committed suicide over Christmas break. But, as he stood in the living room of the girl's grieving parents, he realized the girl in the photo on their mantelpiece - the one who had committed suicide - was not his girlfriend. Later, he discovered the true identity of the girl he had loved - and of the things she may have done to escape her past.Now, twenty years later, she's back, and she's telling George that he's the only one who can help her...In his electrifying debut, Peter Swanson evokes the spirit of Body Heat and Double Indemnity, in a thriller about love, loss and those memories we hold closest to our hearts.'...it was like I had a secretdisease, or there was this clock inside of me, ticking like a heart,and at any moment an alarm would go off ...'
So I’ve been looking forward to this read and I was really enjoying it the deviousness of This woman and the stupidity of George I suppose some will go to all lengths to help that first love. BUT and it’s really stressed me out and annoyed me so much and that was the ending I mean really????
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Welcome to Night Vale in Podcasts
Jan 11, 2018
The characters (2 more)
The voice actors
Pretty much everything.
For the weirdos
I don't even really remember how I first heard about Welcome to Night Vale but from the first time I listened I knew this was something I was going to love and damn was I right.
I really don't even know how to sum up the show it's so unique and so much fun that is easy to get lost in the episodes that I sat for hours just listening to one episode after another. The characters are just so damn likable that you feel yourself grow really attached to them and waiting for the next episode was hell because you just wanted to know what would happen next.
The only thing I didn't enjoy most of the time was the weather which is just a song but freaking hell so many of the songs are just so bad and I honestly can't even give a genre to.
I really don't even know how to sum up the show it's so unique and so much fun that is easy to get lost in the episodes that I sat for hours just listening to one episode after another. The characters are just so damn likable that you feel yourself grow really attached to them and waiting for the next episode was hell because you just wanted to know what would happen next.
The only thing I didn't enjoy most of the time was the weather which is just a song but freaking hell so many of the songs are just so bad and I honestly can't even give a genre to.
Li Hughes (285 KP) rated Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) in Movies
Aug 5, 2017
Characterization (2 more)
Plot
Sets/CGI
Great, but not as good as the first
Don't get me wrong, I love this film. And Baby Groot, can't forget him. But as good as this film was on it's own, it doesn't quite live up to the original.
The first had such an easy, unself-conscious joy to it. The jokes flowed and felt organic. And that's still mostly the case here. But there are several spots, especially with Drax and Nebula, where the humor feels forced. Drax and Nebula's characters both feel a touch 'off', overall.
On the other hand, Peter and his relationships are written very well. Yondu's arc and character growth are amazing. The rest of the plot is strong and the stunts and CGI are awesome.
Personally, my favorite part was the resolution at the end and Peter's realization. So emotional, heart-warming and in-character, without being sappy or weird.
The first had such an easy, unself-conscious joy to it. The jokes flowed and felt organic. And that's still mostly the case here. But there are several spots, especially with Drax and Nebula, where the humor feels forced. Drax and Nebula's characters both feel a touch 'off', overall.
On the other hand, Peter and his relationships are written very well. Yondu's arc and character growth are amazing. The rest of the plot is strong and the stunts and CGI are awesome.
Personally, my favorite part was the resolution at the end and Peter's realization. So emotional, heart-warming and in-character, without being sappy or weird.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Lone Wolf in Books
May 10, 2018
I love the way Jodi Picoult gets into your heart and mind with her books. Luke Warren the famous wolf man has been in a terrible accident and is currently lying in a bed on life support. He has two children who see differently about what should happen to him. First is his daughter Cara who has lived with him and his wolves for the past six years and was in the accident with her father. Edward who left home when he was eighteen after an argument with his father and this is the first time he will speak to his father after all these years. Should life support be terminated or should they wait to see if Luke will wake up on his own. Journey with two kids who are just trying to do what is best for their father. Will they end up seeing eye to eye, or will something dramatic happen that will tea the family apart forever!!
Joyce Soots Stewart (0 KP) rated The Breakdown in Books
Apr 21, 2018
A brilliantly entertaining psychological thriller
A brilliantly entertaining psychological thriller, I loved , loved , loved this book and got great enjoyment out of reading it !! It is An easy five star rating and of course would whole heartedly recommend that you read it. Well worth the money ! I am keeping my copy and it is going on my shelf of amazing books ! The author delivers a brilliantly crafted intense psychological thriller grabbing you from the first page to the last. Gripping, riveting, and maddening, the author takes readers on a twisty, dark and scary journey. A page-turner which will keep you on the edge of your seat turning into the night. Emotional and addictive and would make a great lifetime movie. Left me wanting more. I would love to see more of Cass and maybe her end up with Janes husband.