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The Heatwave
The Heatwave
Katerina Diamond | 2020 | Mystery, Thriller
8
7.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The protagonists in this book were Jasmine and Felicity, and the story was told from their perspectives. Felicity is telling the story at the present day, she has to go back to her home-town where she grew up, to find a girl that has been kidnapped. Because “only she knows how to find her”. Felicity is a very troubled character, she has a drinking problem, and suffers from quite a few mental health problems. Jasmine and Felicity were best friends at school, and Jasmine is a person who tells the story from the past. I really liked Jasmine’s story, it is more intriguing and gripping compared to Felicity’s.

The narrative was very well balanced, in my opinion. Felicity keeps kindling the suspense with “her big secret” and “what have I done?” moments, making me restless to find out what this huge secret is. And Jasmine is telling a really absorbing story, leading very cleverly to all these huge discoveries. The topics discussed in this book were alcoholism, teenagers and their behaviour, mental health issues, forbidden romance and many more.

I really enjoyed the author’s clever writing style. The book feels quite calm and smooth, there is no police involved and it is only alone, an ordinary woman trying to uncover what actually happened. But at the same time, this book is carrying a shroud of mystery, that my curious side could not wait to unravel. The chapters felt quite short, and the dual perspective made this book very entertaining. The culmination of this novel did not disappoint me, I was not expecting the “Big Secret” to be this awesome.
  
An Inspector Calls
An Inspector Calls
J.B. Priestley | 1993 | Children
10
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
My GCSEs are coming up soon, and I was told that this play may be included. I remember a few people saying how much they loved this book and my school had a spare copy so I thought I may as well give it a read.

Wow. I didn't really look into the synopsis of this before I read it, and I'm kind of glad I didn't. The story unfolded so beautifully, and the Inspector's questions kept me gripped throughout the whole play. I was just desperate to know what had happened!

This is a pretty unique book in the way that they all talk about what happened in the past. Basically, a police inspector arrives and begins asking the group about a girl who has apparently committed suicide. None of them know her at first, until the inspector reminds them of the nasty things that they had each done to her. Slowly, we learn of the girl's life and put together all the pieces from each person's story.

This really is a great book! Honestly, I'm not much interested in plays and scripts, but this was just such a great read. It really makes you think about how your actions and words may affect someone in the long-run, and how much of an impact you can have on a stranger's life.

I sped through most of this in one evening. It is a short book, but the main reason I read it so fast is just because it was so very gripping and interesting. This is definitely a new favourite of mine; 5 stars!

BookMarked
  
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Andy K (10823 KP) rated Diagnosis in TV

Sep 2, 2019  
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
2019 | Documentary
Fascinating and emotional TV
I never scroll through Netflix since I hate it so very much (I digress), but I did today so they got me.

I found this new very interesting and emotional docuseries about Dr. Lisa Sanders who writes a column called "Diagnosis" in the New York Times that she decided to take online to try and find a global "diagnosis" or answer for people with very rare and unusual medical conditions who are desperate and at the end of their rope to try and find answers.

Once published hundreds of responses pour in from both average people who maybe have been effected by a similar condition or their family has as well as various medical professionals spanning the globe with various replies. The results are then tabulated and discussed with the patient as far as possible treatment options.

The description sounds exploitative, but I don't believe it is. There is a disclaimer on the front of each episode saying everyone should consult their own medical professional before starting any treatment. The show is certainly made for entertainment, but also to inform and enlighten.

The result is gripping and emotional seeing those who have long suffered rare conditions and have been through the medical system only to be frustrated with a lack of treatments or even knowing what their condition is.

I cry during emotional commercials on television, so it doesn't take much for me to start balling. I was swept up in this show almost immediately even though I am only a few episodes in.

OK fine Netflix has one good show! 😜

  
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Erika (17789 KP) Sep 3, 2019

I've been debating watching this, now I'll probably try it. I'm glad I'm not the only one who can't really stand Netflix. But hey, at least they have the Great British Bake Off avail every Friday now.

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Andy K (10823 KP) Sep 3, 2019

For sure I watched the first episode yesterday!

Lost (Werewolf Academy #5)
Lost (Werewolf Academy #5)
Cheree Alsop | 2014 | Paranormal, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Lost is the fifth book in the Werewolf Academy series and, as the title says, Alex is lost. Kalia is dead. He feels responsible. Boris wants to kill him. Torin wants to kill him. With all that, Alex can't face the Academy so when a friend comes to him for help, he is more than happy to disappear to Greyton for a while. He couldn't help Kalia but he is able to help some of the kidnapped women and girls.

Oh, the guilt in this book. It is quite simply dripping in it. Alex becomes the Demon of Greyton but can't defeat his guilt over Kalia or over leaving Siale behind. He is quite self-involved in this book but I don't think it would be right any other way. He is still a young adult after all, in situations no one should be in, and trying to deal with it any way he can. Just when things look like they're back on track, Alex is betrayed.

Another gripping, exciting, fantastic instalment in this series. It really does just get better and better. I love how different characters are growing and changing as the books progress. It doesn't just remain about Alex although he is the main character. Every book is emotional in different ways and I love that I never know what's coming next.

Do I recommend it? Erm, YES!

* 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!