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Lady In The Lake
Lady In The Lake
Laura Lippman | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is an engrossing mystery set in 1960’s Baltimore. Madeline Schwartz has left her husband, desperate to make something of her life house and kitchen. After 20 years, she finds herself (mostly) free to make her own decisions and she decides to try and find her dream job - that of a journalist. But this is the 1960’s, and the closest she gets is as a PA at the newspaper.

Addie puts herself in the path of danger in order to solve the deaths of two women: one black, one white. The police are all in in their crusade to find the murderer of the white woman, not so much the black woman. And the newspaper centres around the white woman’s story too.

This book looks at themes of racism, classism, gender discrimination and ageing. Maddie is 37 years old, attractive, yet ageing. She’s looked down on by the men for her gender, and by the women because they think her looks scored her the job. No-one seems to appreciate her capabilities, or even give her the chance to show them.

I loved the chapters from other characters points of view - people Maddie had met in her investigation - and the way that we learn a bit more about her background. I was equally interested to see that the murders were based on real life cases from the same period, and the media coverage was the same as in the story.

An absorbing mystery that I’d recommend!
  
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
J.K. Rowling | 2014 | Children, Fiction & Poetry
10
9.1 (271 Ratings)
Book Rating
Suitable for any age group, any gender, everyone (0 more)
I have obviously miss pronounced some words but, who cares (0 more)
A must read
I am currently reading this book for the 8th time but, this time I am reading aloud to my son. We absolutely can not wait to see "what happens next" and, even though I know the book, on each reading it's like reading for the first time. My son is now waiting his acceptance letter from Hogwarts (he has not seen all the movies yet as he won't sit for long periods of time) I will not be telling him what happens. The book is a modern day classic and can be read at any level (although some words may be hard to pronounce).
  
Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
1986 | Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Can't get much more 80's than this!
In my experience, few films have had such a different range of reviews by gender than this film. Most women I know utterly hate everything about this goofy 80s campfest starring Kurt Russell at his best while men seem to eat up all the cheesy one liners and mediocre story and visual effects.

I watch this movie a lot when I was a teenager.When revisiting it as an adult, I can see why some people can't get into it as it does look dated now, but it will always be a guilty pleasure for me.

What a perfect blend of comedy, action, romance, sci-fi and fantasy all rolled into one.