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Rachel King (13 KP) rated The Uncoupling in Books
Feb 11, 2019
The story is told in a third-person narrative and divided into three parts. The first part focuses on the events leading up to the introduction of the play Lysistrata by the school's new drama teacher. The second part goes into detail about all of the different couples affected by the spell that the play casts over the town. The third part tells what happens in the night of the actual high-school production of the play and afterwards.
The spell of Lysistrata resembled a cold wind and only affected "women who were in some way connected sexually to men." No woman in the book was strong enough to resist the power of this mysterious wind, not even the ones newly in love and lust. Every woman affected imagined her own reasons for abstaining, and though all of the different reasons had a logical ring to them, only other women could relate. The men were simply left in the dark to react however he felt could change his twist in circumstances.
Early on, I felt that this book was a bit like a study of sex and the affects of sex -- or lack thereof -- on individuals and relationships. Even though the play Lysistrata was meant to be a catalyst for all of these private events, the high-school reenactment seemed to take a minor background role. The spell seemed to empower the women, though they did not act any happier with their new freedom and individuality. Many were just as baffled or depressed with the chastity as the men, but no couple was able to converse with each other about it, which I found strange and attributed to the effects of the spell. Ironically, because the issues of sex are such a private matter, very few couples shared their problems with anyone else in town, and so no one truly recognized the correlation between the abstinence of the females in town and the play Lysistrata. This irritated me to no end throughout the book.
On the night of the play, the spell is magically lifted by, quite appropriately, a warm wind when the men in the audience begin to protest the essence of the play itself and use that to try and win their women back. Throughout the whole book, the reader is lead to believe that this spell has no designer, that it has simply attached itself to the performance of the play from Lysistrata's origins in 411 B.C. Though I at first was suspicious of a certain person as casting the spell, I was also lulled into changing my mind about this. Without giving away the ending, I was quite surprised at the truth behind the spell's beginnings. There is much I could say about the thoughts that raced through my head while reading the last few pages and the conclusions that I drew from the revelation, but I will resist. I will say that the book is worth every page for its startling culmination.
The spell of Lysistrata resembled a cold wind and only affected "women who were in some way connected sexually to men." No woman in the book was strong enough to resist the power of this mysterious wind, not even the ones newly in love and lust. Every woman affected imagined her own reasons for abstaining, and though all of the different reasons had a logical ring to them, only other women could relate. The men were simply left in the dark to react however he felt could change his twist in circumstances.
Early on, I felt that this book was a bit like a study of sex and the affects of sex -- or lack thereof -- on individuals and relationships. Even though the play Lysistrata was meant to be a catalyst for all of these private events, the high-school reenactment seemed to take a minor background role. The spell seemed to empower the women, though they did not act any happier with their new freedom and individuality. Many were just as baffled or depressed with the chastity as the men, but no couple was able to converse with each other about it, which I found strange and attributed to the effects of the spell. Ironically, because the issues of sex are such a private matter, very few couples shared their problems with anyone else in town, and so no one truly recognized the correlation between the abstinence of the females in town and the play Lysistrata. This irritated me to no end throughout the book.
On the night of the play, the spell is magically lifted by, quite appropriately, a warm wind when the men in the audience begin to protest the essence of the play itself and use that to try and win their women back. Throughout the whole book, the reader is lead to believe that this spell has no designer, that it has simply attached itself to the performance of the play from Lysistrata's origins in 411 B.C. Though I at first was suspicious of a certain person as casting the spell, I was also lulled into changing my mind about this. Without giving away the ending, I was quite surprised at the truth behind the spell's beginnings. There is much I could say about the thoughts that raced through my head while reading the last few pages and the conclusions that I drew from the revelation, but I will resist. I will say that the book is worth every page for its startling culmination.
Becs (244 KP) rated Hollow City: The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine's Children in Books
Oct 2, 2019
Hollow City: The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Synopsis: September 3, 1940. Ten peculiar children flee an army of deadly monsters. And only one person can help them—but she’s trapped in the body of a bird. The extraordinary journey that began in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children continues as Jacob Portman and his newfound friends journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world. There, they hope to find a cure for their beloved headmistress, Miss Peregrine. But in this war-torn city, hideous surprises lurk around every corner. And before Jacob can deliver the peculiar children to safety, he must make an important decision about his love for Emma Bloom.
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Fiction
Audience/Reading Level: Middle School+
Interests: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal
Style: Light Read
Point of View: Third Person
Difficulty Reading: It was a very easy read and know even younger individuals will be able to understand what the underlying meaning of the story is.
Promise: Like its predecessor, this second novel in the Peculiar Children series blends thrilling fantasy with newly discovered (and thoroughly mesmerizing) vintage photography to create a one-of-a-kind reading experience that will delight readers of all ages.
Quality: Like your favorite cake with extra whip cream and ice cream. 😉
Insights: When I first read this series, I read Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs first to get a better understanding of the characters since I had a feeling that there was going to be a lot of references to it. I was right. I honestly fell in love with this series and love the way that Ransom Riggs writes. It just captures my attention and transports me into a world of fantasy that is a great escape from reality!
Favorite Quotes: “Laughing doesn’t make bad things worse any more than crying makes them better.”
“There was romance in the unknown, but once a place had been discovered and cataloged and mapped, it was diminished, just another dusty fact in a book, sapped of mystery. So maybe it was better to leave a few spots on the map blank. To let the world keep a little of its magic, rather than forcing it to divulge every last secret. Maybe it was better, now and then, to wonder.”
What will you gain: A love of a new fantasy world that will make you wish, you too were a part of the Peculiar children’s world.
Aesthetics: I absolutely love the vintage style this series has. The photographs help give an idea of who and what the characters look like. The way that Ransom Riggs writes, just draws anybody of any age into the plot and storyline, like an enchantment that takes you from the real world, into a world filled with magic, hope, love, and adventure.
“Some truths are expressed best in the form of myth.”
Synopsis: September 3, 1940. Ten peculiar children flee an army of deadly monsters. And only one person can help them—but she’s trapped in the body of a bird. The extraordinary journey that began in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children continues as Jacob Portman and his newfound friends journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world. There, they hope to find a cure for their beloved headmistress, Miss Peregrine. But in this war-torn city, hideous surprises lurk around every corner. And before Jacob can deliver the peculiar children to safety, he must make an important decision about his love for Emma Bloom.
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Fiction
Audience/Reading Level: Middle School+
Interests: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal
Style: Light Read
Point of View: Third Person
Difficulty Reading: It was a very easy read and know even younger individuals will be able to understand what the underlying meaning of the story is.
Promise: Like its predecessor, this second novel in the Peculiar Children series blends thrilling fantasy with newly discovered (and thoroughly mesmerizing) vintage photography to create a one-of-a-kind reading experience that will delight readers of all ages.
Quality: Like your favorite cake with extra whip cream and ice cream. 😉
Insights: When I first read this series, I read Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs first to get a better understanding of the characters since I had a feeling that there was going to be a lot of references to it. I was right. I honestly fell in love with this series and love the way that Ransom Riggs writes. It just captures my attention and transports me into a world of fantasy that is a great escape from reality!
Favorite Quotes: “Laughing doesn’t make bad things worse any more than crying makes them better.”
“There was romance in the unknown, but once a place had been discovered and cataloged and mapped, it was diminished, just another dusty fact in a book, sapped of mystery. So maybe it was better to leave a few spots on the map blank. To let the world keep a little of its magic, rather than forcing it to divulge every last secret. Maybe it was better, now and then, to wonder.”
What will you gain: A love of a new fantasy world that will make you wish, you too were a part of the Peculiar children’s world.
Aesthetics: I absolutely love the vintage style this series has. The photographs help give an idea of who and what the characters look like. The way that Ransom Riggs writes, just draws anybody of any age into the plot and storyline, like an enchantment that takes you from the real world, into a world filled with magic, hope, love, and adventure.
“Some truths are expressed best in the form of myth.”
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Gathering Frost (Once Upon a Curse, #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I've always loved fairy tales so when I was given the opportunity to receive an ARC of Gathering Frost I quickly jumped on it as Sleeping Beauty was one of the movies I remember my mom taking me to see in the theaters when it first came out (that's another shh moment). I love how the author took a classic fairy tale and gave it her own twist as this is definetely not the tale we grew up with.
After a catastrophic life altering event, we find ourselves with two worlds that have become one and we find that Jade is a completely different person. Strong, agile and fierce she does what needs to be done to accomplish the task at hand but she doesn't feel emotions. An encounter with Asher is the beginning of changes that she never expected, let alone believe to be possible.
I loved how well the blending of the old with the new was done and I certainly loved the scenery and characters but above all else the story. You will find yourself being transported into the story line as Ms. Davis weaves her web and I believe you will find it hard to put this book down. I certainly am looking forward to the next book as the author left us with what I call a tid bit of what's going to be her rendition of Beauty and the Beast.
You won't be disappointed!
After a catastrophic life altering event, we find ourselves with two worlds that have become one and we find that Jade is a completely different person. Strong, agile and fierce she does what needs to be done to accomplish the task at hand but she doesn't feel emotions. An encounter with Asher is the beginning of changes that she never expected, let alone believe to be possible.
I loved how well the blending of the old with the new was done and I certainly loved the scenery and characters but above all else the story. You will find yourself being transported into the story line as Ms. Davis weaves her web and I believe you will find it hard to put this book down. I certainly am looking forward to the next book as the author left us with what I call a tid bit of what's going to be her rendition of Beauty and the Beast.
You won't be disappointed!
Laura (45 KP) rated Ten Inch Hero (2008) in Movies
Sep 16, 2017
Contains spoilers, click to show
This movie does a lot of things well that many movies don't talk about. The characters talk about periods and female masturbation in a way that makes them seem normal (which they are). One female character is promiscuous but is never slut-shamed by her peers; they acknowledge that she does what she wants in a healthy way and that it doesn't make her a bad person. They are all friends in their twenties and tease each other in a light-hearted way. Another girl is a virgin (at an age that many see as too old to still be one) who is very inexperienced in general and instead of making her feel bad or like she's done something wrong they support her in becoming comfortable with her sexuality. The feeling of being judged and ignored based on your looks by a potential romantic partner is discussed from both the female and male perspective. And although a male character changes his entire appearance for a girl at the end, they tried to show that the way he used to look was more an effort to hide himself than just an expression of his personality. And, he never acted like he was friends with her in order to sleep with her - they were friends first and they both realized that maybe they would be good together.
Negatives: primarily that everyone is straight and white
Negatives: primarily that everyone is straight and white
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated It's Always the Husband in Books
May 16, 2018
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Michele Campbell Books, and SheSpeaks.com for the opportunity to read #AlwaysTheHusband for an honest review!
While I do agree with other reviewers that the 3 main characters, and most of the secondary characters were not very likable (I mean, Chief Rizzo? What a dick.), I very much enjoyed this book. True, these women (girls, really, when the story begins) are not likable, and maybe not even that relatable, but I still wanted to know what happened to them and why. More often than not, I found myself feeling pity for the men in their lives. And, honestly, Kate was SUCH a terrible person that I ended up feeling like she deserved what she got.
Yes, there were portions that made me literally roll my eyes, but in my opinion did not take away from the story. The second half of the story is more fast-paced, however that slower-paced first half is necessary so that the reader can more clearly understand the characters' motives and personalities, and how they all fit (or clash, as the case may be) together.
MAJOR SPOILER ALERT:
I truly did not think it would end up being the husband, despite (or perhaps because of) the title. There were several points in the story where I was 100% convinced either Aubrey or Jenny had killed Kate. Well done, Ms. Campbell, you got me!
While I do agree with other reviewers that the 3 main characters, and most of the secondary characters were not very likable (I mean, Chief Rizzo? What a dick.), I very much enjoyed this book. True, these women (girls, really, when the story begins) are not likable, and maybe not even that relatable, but I still wanted to know what happened to them and why. More often than not, I found myself feeling pity for the men in their lives. And, honestly, Kate was SUCH a terrible person that I ended up feeling like she deserved what she got.
Yes, there were portions that made me literally roll my eyes, but in my opinion did not take away from the story. The second half of the story is more fast-paced, however that slower-paced first half is necessary so that the reader can more clearly understand the characters' motives and personalities, and how they all fit (or clash, as the case may be) together.
MAJOR SPOILER ALERT:
I truly did not think it would end up being the husband, despite (or perhaps because of) the title. There were several points in the story where I was 100% convinced either Aubrey or Jenny had killed Kate. Well done, Ms. Campbell, you got me!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2482 KP) rated Permanently Booked in Books
Feb 22, 2019
Who Help the Librarian Check out Permanently?
Summer Smythe and Dorothy Westin are taking some books to be donated to the Hibiscus Pointe library when they find the body of Lorella, the librarian, on the floor in the stacks. Summer is certain that the strange encounter they had on their way into the library is the best clue to the killer, but Dorothy thinks the book club that Lorella was trying to start in the retirement community might hold the clue. Can the duo work together again to solve the latest mystery?
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and it was great to get to visit Dorothy and Summer again. They may be very different people, but they make a fantastic team. We get to see that as the book spends equal time in their third person points of view. This technique is perfectly used to allow them both to drive the mystery at various times. The plot is great with several viable suspects and keep us guessing until the end. I did think one or two minor things were left dangling, but it wasn’t a big deal since the important pieces of the puzzle were resolved. The characters range from fairly normal to wacky in a fun way, and I loved spending time with them. If you are looking for a light mystery, this is one to book to put on your reading schedule soon.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and it was great to get to visit Dorothy and Summer again. They may be very different people, but they make a fantastic team. We get to see that as the book spends equal time in their third person points of view. This technique is perfectly used to allow them both to drive the mystery at various times. The plot is great with several viable suspects and keep us guessing until the end. I did think one or two minor things were left dangling, but it wasn’t a big deal since the important pieces of the puzzle were resolved. The characters range from fairly normal to wacky in a fun way, and I loved spending time with them. If you are looking for a light mystery, this is one to book to put on your reading schedule soon.
Merissa (13770 KP) rated Red Waters (Tainted Waters #3) in Books
Mar 8, 2019
Red Waters (Tainted Waters #3) by India R. Adams
Red Waters is the third book in the Tainted Waters series, and we suddenly explore a dark and dangerous place with Whit. She starts off by wanting to find Yury, but instead, she is found instead. Her world changes to something so prevalent and yet unrecognisable.
Ms. Adams gives you an insight into the world of human trafficking, and no matter how horrendous, how descriptive her writing is, how it breaks your heart to read - you just know that this is merely the tip of the iceberg.
This is a hard book to read, so I can only imagine how hard it was to write. It is told first person, present tense, so you are with Whit and all she endures. You stay there when the clear lines between black and white blur and become grey.
There are two further books in this series yet to come, and I absolutely can't wait!! Ms. Adams' writing continues to evolve with each book of hers I read. The standard is exceptional, and the story matter makes you think. With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, this book was devoured in one sitting. Absolutely outstanding, and highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Ms. Adams gives you an insight into the world of human trafficking, and no matter how horrendous, how descriptive her writing is, how it breaks your heart to read - you just know that this is merely the tip of the iceberg.
This is a hard book to read, so I can only imagine how hard it was to write. It is told first person, present tense, so you are with Whit and all she endures. You stay there when the clear lines between black and white blur and become grey.
There are two further books in this series yet to come, and I absolutely can't wait!! Ms. Adams' writing continues to evolve with each book of hers I read. The standard is exceptional, and the story matter makes you think. With no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed, this book was devoured in one sitting. Absolutely outstanding, and highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Angel-A (2005) in Movies
May 13, 2019
Je t'aime
My number 3 title in my #top10 #favourite films is 'Angel-a'
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#Angela is a very underrated #lucbesson movie but for me its his absolute best work. This #film has had such a massive impact on my life/who I am as a person & for that reason alone its a film I hold so close to my #heart. Essentially a #love story but different to the kind we are used to #Angel-a is #heartbreaking, #funny, #strange & visually #breathtaking. Teaching not only about the importance of love but more about the importance of learning to #loveyourself first Angel-a has such a powerful message especially for people feeling lost in life. Simply #beautiful to look at with every scene looking like a piece of art & directed with such #passion, love & care that I was pulled right into its #weird & wonderful story right from the start. Its an #emotional rollercoaster at times hitting you right in the heart but it also has just enough #crazy Besson style & humour to make it truly unique & different to what you would expect from the genre. Seemingly #inspired by the film wingsofdesire by #wimwenders & just like it Angle-a too is also rich in #philosophy & the cast is an absolute joy to watch. While not for everyone I simply can not describe how much I adore this movie. ------------------------------------------------
#filmbuff #filmcritic #angel #heaven #magical #fantasy #art #artsy #french #wednesdaywisdom
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#Angela is a very underrated #lucbesson movie but for me its his absolute best work. This #film has had such a massive impact on my life/who I am as a person & for that reason alone its a film I hold so close to my #heart. Essentially a #love story but different to the kind we are used to #Angel-a is #heartbreaking, #funny, #strange & visually #breathtaking. Teaching not only about the importance of love but more about the importance of learning to #loveyourself first Angel-a has such a powerful message especially for people feeling lost in life. Simply #beautiful to look at with every scene looking like a piece of art & directed with such #passion, love & care that I was pulled right into its #weird & wonderful story right from the start. Its an #emotional rollercoaster at times hitting you right in the heart but it also has just enough #crazy Besson style & humour to make it truly unique & different to what you would expect from the genre. Seemingly #inspired by the film wingsofdesire by #wimwenders & just like it Angle-a too is also rich in #philosophy & the cast is an absolute joy to watch. While not for everyone I simply can not describe how much I adore this movie. ------------------------------------------------
#filmbuff #filmcritic #angel #heaven #magical #fantasy #art #artsy #french #wednesdaywisdom
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated As Long as We Both Shall Live in Books
May 22, 2019
My wife! I think shes dead! Matt frantically calls to park rangers, explaining that he and his wife, Marie, were out hiking when she stumbled on a cliff edge and fell into the raging river below. They start a search but arent hopeful: no one could have survived that fall.
Its a tragic accident.
But when police discover Matts first wife also died in suspicious circumstances a fire in their family home they have a lot more questions for him.
Is Matt a grieving husband, or has he just killed his second wife? Detectives Loren and Spengler dig into the couples lives to see what they can unearth. And they find that loves got teeth, its got claws, and once it hitches you to a person, its tough to rip yourself free.
So what happens when youre done making it work?
Well this is one crazy warped marriage ride!
Seriously I found myself laughing at the antics and thoughts of these two at times; then on the flip side being gripped by the suspense.
I really enjoyed this one.
Read what happens when 20 years of marriage becomes a minefield of love/hate.
If you love psychological twisty thrillers as much as me then you need to read this one!
Recommend reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-book ARC to read and review. This is my honest voluntary review.
Its a tragic accident.
But when police discover Matts first wife also died in suspicious circumstances a fire in their family home they have a lot more questions for him.
Is Matt a grieving husband, or has he just killed his second wife? Detectives Loren and Spengler dig into the couples lives to see what they can unearth. And they find that loves got teeth, its got claws, and once it hitches you to a person, its tough to rip yourself free.
So what happens when youre done making it work?
Well this is one crazy warped marriage ride!
Seriously I found myself laughing at the antics and thoughts of these two at times; then on the flip side being gripped by the suspense.
I really enjoyed this one.
Read what happens when 20 years of marriage becomes a minefield of love/hate.
If you love psychological twisty thrillers as much as me then you need to read this one!
Recommend reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-book ARC to read and review. This is my honest voluntary review.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated You Die Next (Starke & Bell, #2) in Books
May 22, 2019
When a group of urban explorers stumble across a murderer's kill room in a derelict film studio, terror strikes. And when one of the group is found dead, the team realise - they're being hunted.
DI Dominic Bell is investigating the murder, but as the body count rises, time is running out. The only person who can help him is a figure from his past, Clementine Starke - but Clementine is haunted by her own demons. Can the two of them pair up to catch the killer? Or is it already too late?
This is the second book of Clementine Starke, DI Dominic Bell stories.
You don't have to have read the first one to read this one as there is enough back story provided to fill you in.
This story revolves around a group of Urban Explorers that see something they shouldn't have.
Along side this we have Starke and Bell who have their own demons they are dealing with.
This was a great story and I loved the plot and it was definitely a new premise to have the plot around.
Great characters and love seeing a bit more insight into our main ones.
We had lots of twists and turns and an ending I didn't see coming.
Looking forward to the next in series.
Recommend reading!
My thanks to Orion Publishing Group, the Author for an eARC via NetGalley; this is my honest opinion.
DI Dominic Bell is investigating the murder, but as the body count rises, time is running out. The only person who can help him is a figure from his past, Clementine Starke - but Clementine is haunted by her own demons. Can the two of them pair up to catch the killer? Or is it already too late?
This is the second book of Clementine Starke, DI Dominic Bell stories.
You don't have to have read the first one to read this one as there is enough back story provided to fill you in.
This story revolves around a group of Urban Explorers that see something they shouldn't have.
Along side this we have Starke and Bell who have their own demons they are dealing with.
This was a great story and I loved the plot and it was definitely a new premise to have the plot around.
Great characters and love seeing a bit more insight into our main ones.
We had lots of twists and turns and an ending I didn't see coming.
Looking forward to the next in series.
Recommend reading!
My thanks to Orion Publishing Group, the Author for an eARC via NetGalley; this is my honest opinion.