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Merissa (11950 KP) created a post
Apr 5, 2021
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Black Widow Vol. 1: S.H.I.E.L.D.'S Most Wanted: Volume 1 in Books
Nov 30, 2020
Man, I so wanted to be bowled over this one! But, in the end? Not so much!
Let's see.. Natasha Romanoff is still BW? Check! Mark Waid is writing? Check! Chris Samnee is handling the art? And, check! Seriously, sounds like a recipe for "Win!", but I didn't think so. And, I am know I am in the minority (along w/hating "emo" Robert Pattison-as-Batman), but that is what makes GoodReads so great: freedom to express your opinion on books read!
I quite liked Samnee's art! I thought his (in my opinion) very Steve McQueen/1970s "spy flick"-influenced style worked PERFECT for this! I know he worked on DD (w/Waid), but I did not check it out as I <i>like</i> DAREDEVIL, but I don't <i>love</i> it! Going forward, I can't wait too more work coming Chris' way!
Now, Waid's writing? It never gelled for me! I normally gravitate towards his scripting, but for I dunno. The writing overall felt "off" and at times, the flashbacks didn't always fit as seemlessly as they should have! Even his dialogue for Natasha just didn't "Wow!" me in any way!
At the end of the day, I don't there is much else I can say that hasn't already been said! It seems like mostly everyone liked/loved, while I didn't! That said, read it, and make up your own opinion! Just like I did...!
Let's see.. Natasha Romanoff is still BW? Check! Mark Waid is writing? Check! Chris Samnee is handling the art? And, check! Seriously, sounds like a recipe for "Win!", but I didn't think so. And, I am know I am in the minority (along w/hating "emo" Robert Pattison-as-Batman), but that is what makes GoodReads so great: freedom to express your opinion on books read!
I quite liked Samnee's art! I thought his (in my opinion) very Steve McQueen/1970s "spy flick"-influenced style worked PERFECT for this! I know he worked on DD (w/Waid), but I did not check it out as I <i>like</i> DAREDEVIL, but I don't <i>love</i> it! Going forward, I can't wait too more work coming Chris' way!
Now, Waid's writing? It never gelled for me! I normally gravitate towards his scripting, but for I dunno. The writing overall felt "off" and at times, the flashbacks didn't always fit as seemlessly as they should have! Even his dialogue for Natasha just didn't "Wow!" me in any way!
At the end of the day, I don't there is much else I can say that hasn't already been said! It seems like mostly everyone liked/loved, while I didn't! That said, read it, and make up your own opinion! Just like I did...!
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Papercutting Geometric Designs Inspired by Nature in Books
May 26, 2020
Perfect for people who are proficient at papercutting.
‏I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
It has been years since I tried papercutting designs. Of course, back then, they were basic and straightforward designs that anyone could do. When I saw Papercutting Geometric Designs Inspired by Nature by Patricia Moffett, I figured this was my chance to really try it.
I was hoping for step-by-step, easy to follow directions for beginners. Instead, Moffett provided an in-depth look at amazing but intricate geometric designs. The book gave me the feeling I was reading someone's term paper for an advanced class whose audience was other students with the same knowledge. The designs were too challenging for me to do.
This book would be perfect for someone who has already been papercutting. However, if you are a beginner, I would suggest you look for something else.
The rating given is three stars. On Goodreads, three means I "liked it." I did like looking at the beautiful designs and, if I become proficient in papercutting, I will come back to Moffett's book and try them again.
For now, Moffet has illustrated several interesting coloring/activity books that are more my speed. My favorite is The All-Round Activity Book: Get Creative with Activities, Games, and Illusions All Based on Dots.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 5/25/20.
It has been years since I tried papercutting designs. Of course, back then, they were basic and straightforward designs that anyone could do. When I saw Papercutting Geometric Designs Inspired by Nature by Patricia Moffett, I figured this was my chance to really try it.
I was hoping for step-by-step, easy to follow directions for beginners. Instead, Moffett provided an in-depth look at amazing but intricate geometric designs. The book gave me the feeling I was reading someone's term paper for an advanced class whose audience was other students with the same knowledge. The designs were too challenging for me to do.
This book would be perfect for someone who has already been papercutting. However, if you are a beginner, I would suggest you look for something else.
The rating given is three stars. On Goodreads, three means I "liked it." I did like looking at the beautiful designs and, if I become proficient in papercutting, I will come back to Moffett's book and try them again.
For now, Moffet has illustrated several interesting coloring/activity books that are more my speed. My favorite is The All-Round Activity Book: Get Creative with Activities, Games, and Illusions All Based on Dots.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 5/25/20.
House of Rougeaux
7.0
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(via Goodreads) For Abeje and her brother Adunbi, home is the slave quarters of a Caribbean sugar...
Blackmark (The Kingsmen Chronicles #1)
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“Like George RR Martin and Joe Abercrombie, Carlson writes in this genre for grown-ups, with flair...
The Skriker (Pitch & Sickle #3)
6.3
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Book Title: The Skriker - Pitch & Sickle Book Three Length: 369 pages Release Date: October 20,...
MM Historical Gaslamp Fantasy
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Casual Vacancy in Books
Jan 15, 2018
This book is another prime example of why I wish Goodreads would allow half stars...it wasn't a 4 but it wasn't a 3 either.
J.K. Rowlings's first forray into the adult book world is well written, don't get me wrong. She has a true gift in her ability to craft the written word and describes things in a way few other authors can. I just had a very hard time getting in to this book until the last 50 or so pages.
This book tells the tales of several families of all varities in the parrish of Pagford. It is a small town where it seems that evryone has their noses in each other's business and that they know who is who & what is what. The plot flows along following the lives of the various families & showing you how they are all connected, as much as 1 family or person may think they are better than the rest. Of course, the story twists & turns & eventually lets you in to the fact that no really knows what is going on in their neighbor's lives. It is all centered around the sudden death of parrish councillor Berry Fairbrother & the political wranglings around who will fill his seat.
On 1 jand it speaks to the impact that 1 man can have on the people around him. On the other it is a flat lesson on minding your own business. I hope Rowling will attempt more books targeted at an older audience but this one, for me, fell abit short of expectations.
J.K. Rowlings's first forray into the adult book world is well written, don't get me wrong. She has a true gift in her ability to craft the written word and describes things in a way few other authors can. I just had a very hard time getting in to this book until the last 50 or so pages.
This book tells the tales of several families of all varities in the parrish of Pagford. It is a small town where it seems that evryone has their noses in each other's business and that they know who is who & what is what. The plot flows along following the lives of the various families & showing you how they are all connected, as much as 1 family or person may think they are better than the rest. Of course, the story twists & turns & eventually lets you in to the fact that no really knows what is going on in their neighbor's lives. It is all centered around the sudden death of parrish councillor Berry Fairbrother & the political wranglings around who will fill his seat.
On 1 jand it speaks to the impact that 1 man can have on the people around him. On the other it is a flat lesson on minding your own business. I hope Rowling will attempt more books targeted at an older audience but this one, for me, fell abit short of expectations.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Mista in Books
Jan 15, 2018
I won a copy of this book on Goodreads. I entered the giveaway because, as a teacher, any book about teaching by a fellow teacher is worth checking out. When I read the description I had only 1 thought go through my head, "This sounds like where some of the kids I have now are going to end up." I myself teach in an "innercity" elementary school. Some of the things John experienced are things I've seen too...thankfully not the pervasive sex & drugs culture, I mean my students are 8 after all. But the blatant disrespect, cursing, lack of motivation, & uncaring attitude toward education are all definitely things I contend with on a daily basis as well. To me, reading this was both encouraging and heartbreaking. Encouraging because it is nice to know that there are teachers out there that truly care about what happens to these "tough kids" & are wiling to put up with a great deal of abuse to see that they get what they need. Heartbreaking because this story is all too common. There are not enough people that care & not enough dedicated teachers that sacrifice so much for the kids.
The book was well written & as far as I'm concerned, spot on. I've never taught high school, let along in the city, but based on my experiences this is where some of my students are headed. I can only hope that they have the benefit of a caring, persistent teacher like John that won't give up on them or let the students give up on themselves.
The book was well written & as far as I'm concerned, spot on. I've never taught high school, let along in the city, but based on my experiences this is where some of my students are headed. I can only hope that they have the benefit of a caring, persistent teacher like John that won't give up on them or let the students give up on themselves.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Broken in Books
Feb 20, 2019
Suitable for over 18’s only. It contains graphic scenes some readers may find disturbing.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
The blurb on the cover of Broken by Betsy Reavley says "the most disturbing book you will read this year". I tend to be sceptical when a book has a claim that it is the best book ever or something similar printed on its cover. However, "the most disturbing book you will read this year" is probably an understatement. It is probably the most disturbing book I have read this decade.
In chapter 19, one of the characters says, "I felt like the driver who stops to look at a fatal accident on the motorway". That is a great description on how I felt reading this book. It was like an accident that I just could not look away from.
The author grabs your attention and makes you feel the story. You can hear what Annabel hears. You can feel what Annabel feels. It is a well written story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
It is NOT for the weak of heart and is recommended for people over the age of 18. It contains graphic scenes and intense acts of violence. Do not take this warning lightly.
The only word I keep repeating is ""wow".
Review published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/18/19.
The blurb on the cover of Broken by Betsy Reavley says "the most disturbing book you will read this year". I tend to be sceptical when a book has a claim that it is the best book ever or something similar printed on its cover. However, "the most disturbing book you will read this year" is probably an understatement. It is probably the most disturbing book I have read this decade.
In chapter 19, one of the characters says, "I felt like the driver who stops to look at a fatal accident on the motorway". That is a great description on how I felt reading this book. It was like an accident that I just could not look away from.
The author grabs your attention and makes you feel the story. You can hear what Annabel hears. You can feel what Annabel feels. It is a well written story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
It is NOT for the weak of heart and is recommended for people over the age of 18. It contains graphic scenes and intense acts of violence. Do not take this warning lightly.
The only word I keep repeating is ""wow".
Review published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/18/19.
easy recipes using normal, every-day ingredients you would have in your house
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Since I am hypoglycemic, I am always looking for new low-carb recipes. The New 500 Low-Carb Recipes: 500 Updated Recipes for Doing Low-Carb Better and More Deliciously by Dana Carpender was just the book I was looking for. There were several recipes that I wanted to try immediately. Some of them include: Skillet Chicken Florentine, Lo-Carl Clam Chowder, Polynesian Pork, Country Sausage Skillet Supper, Teriyaki Steak, Green Bean Spaghetti, Skillet Stroganoff, Ellen's Noodleless Lasagne, Parmesan Shrimp, Cheese Grits, and Shrimp Alfredo. I tried to narrow it down to my favorite 5 recipes but I struggled narrowing down to just 10.
My favorite is "Joe". It is a one-dish skillet supper with ground chuck, frozen spinach, onions, garlic, and eggs.
I do not enjoy cooking but I do it. I prefer someone else to cook for me or to go out to eat. However, these recipes were easy enough for me to make and do not use a lot of ingredients. They also often use normal, every-day ingredients you would have in your house. I found that to be extremely helpful because I really do not like when I have to buy an ingredient that I would probably not use again.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/23/19.
Since I am hypoglycemic, I am always looking for new low-carb recipes. The New 500 Low-Carb Recipes: 500 Updated Recipes for Doing Low-Carb Better and More Deliciously by Dana Carpender was just the book I was looking for. There were several recipes that I wanted to try immediately. Some of them include: Skillet Chicken Florentine, Lo-Carl Clam Chowder, Polynesian Pork, Country Sausage Skillet Supper, Teriyaki Steak, Green Bean Spaghetti, Skillet Stroganoff, Ellen's Noodleless Lasagne, Parmesan Shrimp, Cheese Grits, and Shrimp Alfredo. I tried to narrow it down to my favorite 5 recipes but I struggled narrowing down to just 10.
My favorite is "Joe". It is a one-dish skillet supper with ground chuck, frozen spinach, onions, garlic, and eggs.
I do not enjoy cooking but I do it. I prefer someone else to cook for me or to go out to eat. However, these recipes were easy enough for me to make and do not use a lot of ingredients. They also often use normal, every-day ingredients you would have in your house. I found that to be extremely helpful because I really do not like when I have to buy an ingredient that I would probably not use again.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/23/19.