Search
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Lincoln in the Bardo in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Epic modern Shakespearean tragedy
Listened on Audible.co.uk.
George Saunder's epic historical and existential tragedy seems to resonate on many levels with a variety of readers. Taking the real life account of the death of Abraham Lincoln's son, exploring his grief and creating a magical realistic theatrical piece is a true wonder.
It's a listening experience for all the senses, with the beautiful music and sounds of the Civil War, as well as a host of well known voices - it's haunting in many aspects. The language is rich and variable mixing Shakespearean dialogue with modern slang.
Where it falls short are the constant breaks in the novel through footnotes describing the actual factual account of that time. It is jarring and ruins the experience - it should be left to the end and is only valid when reading. In this case Saunders sounds timid, having to constantly back up his claims. It would have been five stars, but it happened too often.
George Saunder's epic historical and existential tragedy seems to resonate on many levels with a variety of readers. Taking the real life account of the death of Abraham Lincoln's son, exploring his grief and creating a magical realistic theatrical piece is a true wonder.
It's a listening experience for all the senses, with the beautiful music and sounds of the Civil War, as well as a host of well known voices - it's haunting in many aspects. The language is rich and variable mixing Shakespearean dialogue with modern slang.
Where it falls short are the constant breaks in the novel through footnotes describing the actual factual account of that time. It is jarring and ruins the experience - it should be left to the end and is only valid when reading. In this case Saunders sounds timid, having to constantly back up his claims. It would have been five stars, but it happened too often.
BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated Caraval in Books
May 14, 2019
Outstanding. Brilliant.
Wow. One, why haven’t I read this book sooner? Two, I cannot believe this is her debut novel at all, I could not tell it was that brilliant. Very impressed. I love the cover of this story too, magical. I also loved how the story was told through short chapters, including letters and clues. Made it an easy, fast paced read I didn’t want to finish.
I cannot wait to see what lies ahead in the sequel (Legendary). I can honestly say I have not read anything similar to this story before and I absolutely loved it! I awarded a well deserved five stars and already know it is going to be in my top 20 of 2018. A must buy and read from me. I would love to see this book turned into a film. It will mess with the readers head in parts but remember… It’s only a game
I cannot wait to see what lies ahead in the sequel (Legendary). I can honestly say I have not read anything similar to this story before and I absolutely loved it! I awarded a well deserved five stars and already know it is going to be in my top 20 of 2018. A must buy and read from me. I would love to see this book turned into a film. It will mess with the readers head in parts but remember… It’s only a game
Gail (4 KP) rated Pretty Reckless (Addicted Hearts, #1) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
Pretty Reckless by Jane Anthony
Five Stars
OMG! Yes this book was amazing. The author really knew how to put her words into emotions that you could feel. I laughed, cried and felt a variety of emotions. I wanted to be a shoulder for them to lean on when life just couldn’t give them a break. Kat was destructive and wild. There wasn’t a moment when I didn’t fear for her. Her change was powerful. Chase was a vast ocean of issues. He gave so much to Kat that I worried he would end up back in that sea of addiction. They were so toxic together. One wanting so much for the other. And the other not knowing what they were worth. Even though their relationship was toxic they were perfect for each other. They were puzzle pieces connected by curves and edges. I really enjoyed this story and the way the author presented these characters to me.
Five Stars
OMG! Yes this book was amazing. The author really knew how to put her words into emotions that you could feel. I laughed, cried and felt a variety of emotions. I wanted to be a shoulder for them to lean on when life just couldn’t give them a break. Kat was destructive and wild. There wasn’t a moment when I didn’t fear for her. Her change was powerful. Chase was a vast ocean of issues. He gave so much to Kat that I worried he would end up back in that sea of addiction. They were so toxic together. One wanting so much for the other. And the other not knowing what they were worth. Even though their relationship was toxic they were perfect for each other. They were puzzle pieces connected by curves and edges. I really enjoyed this story and the way the author presented these characters to me.
ClareR (5911 KP) rated Record of a Spaceborn Few in Books
Jul 26, 2018
"From the ground, we stand. From our ships, we live. By the stars, we hope..."
The lives of five people and their friends and family are followed on board one of the ships of the Exodus fleet. These are the descendants of those who escaped a dying Earth, not knowing if what they were doing would result in their deaths anyway. It didn't.
I loved reading about these people: they illustrated the different kinds of lives they had, and how they were regarded in the wider universe.
Becky Chambers books are so descriptive without being boring: I felt as though I was walking the corridors and sitting in the 'hexes' with the families. All three of these Wayfarers novels have had that personal feel to them, and this is something that has really appealed to me and kept me coming back for more. I can't wait to see where Chambers goes next. Whether she continues with the Wayfarers or not, I'll definitely read them!
I loved reading about these people: they illustrated the different kinds of lives they had, and how they were regarded in the wider universe.
Becky Chambers books are so descriptive without being boring: I felt as though I was walking the corridors and sitting in the 'hexes' with the families. All three of these Wayfarers novels have had that personal feel to them, and this is something that has really appealed to me and kept me coming back for more. I can't wait to see where Chambers goes next. Whether she continues with the Wayfarers or not, I'll definitely read them!
Ande Thomas (69 KP) rated Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969) in Movies
Jul 25, 2019
When I hear anything about Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, it's usually in the manner of "omgz orgy movie" but that's completely glossing over what I think makes this movie so great. Yes, it's about a couple's journey into sexual freedom, but the thing that elevates this film to five stars for me is the exploration by the characters into their own senses of intimacy.
As the film unfolds, we get to watch each character evolve and work through their own insecurities and feelings in a way that I think is sorely absent in today's world. In real time, we can see them identify the feeling they are having, trace it to it's source, and push past it towards a resolution.
The performances, especially Natalie Woods' as Carol, are chock full of great nonverbal expressions that bring the subtext of the film to life.
What Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice has to offer is a masterclass in the subtleties of human expression and it is a joy to watch.
As the film unfolds, we get to watch each character evolve and work through their own insecurities and feelings in a way that I think is sorely absent in today's world. In real time, we can see them identify the feeling they are having, trace it to it's source, and push past it towards a resolution.
The performances, especially Natalie Woods' as Carol, are chock full of great nonverbal expressions that bring the subtext of the film to life.
What Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice has to offer is a masterclass in the subtleties of human expression and it is a joy to watch.
The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic: (Shopaholic Book 1)
8.5
Rate It
Book
Meet Rebecca Bloomwood. She has a great flat, a fabulous wardrobe full of the season's must-haves,...
Bond Plays: v. 8: Born; People; Chair; Existence; The Under Room
4.0
Rate It
Book
Edward Bond Plays:8 brings together recent work by the writer of the classic stage plays Saved,...
Legends of Atlantis: Exodus HD Premium
Games
App
"Legends of Atlantis: Exodus is an enjoyable experience from beginning to end." -- Gamezebo, 4/5...
Kourtney Becraft (1 KP) rated A scatter of light in Books
Nov 11, 2022
The book A Scatter of Light written by Malinda Lo was a very wonderfully written novel and a great read. My reasons for choosing to read A Scatter of Light are I love the theme of the novel and Malinda Lo is one of my favorite authors so when I saw this book it was an automatic read for me. I rated A Scatter of Light a four out of five stars because the book was great from the start to the end of it. It's a coming of age story about discovering bisexuality. It takes place during the first major decision dealing with legalizing same sex marriage by the Supreme Court. During the story Aria Tang West is sent to her Grandmother's after a party gone wrong. She goes there exspecting not to have fun until she meets her Grandmother's gardener. Her Grandmother's gardener changes the outcome of her summer for the better. I hope others enjoy this great read too.
BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated The Passengers in Books
May 11, 2019
Brilliant.. Unique. Futuristic.
OMG! It’s been a while since I read a five star book! This was amazing. Absolutely loved it. A must read. I devoured it. A fast paced, page turner of a read that you won’t be able to put down. It will be all you think about.
Set in the future, driverless cars! One dark, twisted, disturbed and clever hacker messing with peoples lives and minds… Brilliantly written. A unique story, I can safely say I have not read anything like this before and was hooked, its different. One of a kind. I think I’d be against driverless cars myself if it ever came to it.
I felt so sorry for Libby caught in the middle of it all, made worse by the fact she knows one of the passengers. I must state that Jack’s character was a bit of a douche (being polite).
The book also links to social media and how people (most of us) put that before our actual actions, thoughts and feelings. Anyone can hide behind a screen which is sad and join in with these sick games… If this happened in real life you just wouldn’t would you? Well I guess there will always be a few who do. Eye opening. Shocking.
A well deserved five stars, highly recommend! A must buy. A must read. Will be going into my top twenty of 2019. Unforgettable.
Set in the future, driverless cars! One dark, twisted, disturbed and clever hacker messing with peoples lives and minds… Brilliantly written. A unique story, I can safely say I have not read anything like this before and was hooked, its different. One of a kind. I think I’d be against driverless cars myself if it ever came to it.
I felt so sorry for Libby caught in the middle of it all, made worse by the fact she knows one of the passengers. I must state that Jack’s character was a bit of a douche (being polite).
The book also links to social media and how people (most of us) put that before our actual actions, thoughts and feelings. Anyone can hide behind a screen which is sad and join in with these sick games… If this happened in real life you just wouldn’t would you? Well I guess there will always be a few who do. Eye opening. Shocking.
A well deserved five stars, highly recommend! A must buy. A must read. Will be going into my top twenty of 2019. Unforgettable.