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Andrew Leatherbarrow’s Chernobyl 01:23:40: The Incredible True Story of the World’s Worst Nuclear Disaster is an excellent starting point for readers new to the history of nuclear power. When I’m at home, I am just barely outside the fallout range for Arkansas Nuclear One (ANO). While I’m at work, I’m in the reactor’s back yard. As a result, I figured there was no better time to learn a thing or two about nuclear energy. I was not disappointed.
Chernobyl 01:23:40 is the product of a spontaneous trip Leatherbarrow took to visit the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and Pripyat. In this book, he details his experience in Chernobyl, explains nuclear energy in easy to grasp terms, and discusses the incidents leading up to and after the disaster. For those that know little to nothing about nuclear energy, this book is a must-read.
Despite our close proximity to ANO, I cannot recall learning about nuclear energy. As children, our teachers explained what to do in case of an incident at the plant and nothing else. As expected, due to lack of education about reactors and their failsafes, I grew up with an unnecessary fear of ANO. For this reason, I am grateful for Leatherbarrow’s book. What happened at Chernobyl is the product of failure to follow protocol; it is also the result of improper training. Because there are so many safety precautions, the chance of incident is actually fairly small. (Also, ANO is not an RBMK-1000 reactor like Chernobyl.)
In addition to this fear, I have a vested interest in Chernobyl. It’s haunting photos, like all ghost towns, leave me in awe. There is no doubt in my mind that Leatherbarrow spent a long time conducting research. Using various sources, he has crafted a detailed narrative of what happened at Chernobyl. His book also gives voice to some of the reactor’s victims.
Nuclear energy is dangerous. I will not deny that. However, it is also our cleanest resource. While Chernobyl 01:23:40 is only a glimpse into the world of nuclear power, it is a truly eye-opening account brimming with facts.
Chernobyl 01:23:40 is the product of a spontaneous trip Leatherbarrow took to visit the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and Pripyat. In this book, he details his experience in Chernobyl, explains nuclear energy in easy to grasp terms, and discusses the incidents leading up to and after the disaster. For those that know little to nothing about nuclear energy, this book is a must-read.
Despite our close proximity to ANO, I cannot recall learning about nuclear energy. As children, our teachers explained what to do in case of an incident at the plant and nothing else. As expected, due to lack of education about reactors and their failsafes, I grew up with an unnecessary fear of ANO. For this reason, I am grateful for Leatherbarrow’s book. What happened at Chernobyl is the product of failure to follow protocol; it is also the result of improper training. Because there are so many safety precautions, the chance of incident is actually fairly small. (Also, ANO is not an RBMK-1000 reactor like Chernobyl.)
In addition to this fear, I have a vested interest in Chernobyl. It’s haunting photos, like all ghost towns, leave me in awe. There is no doubt in my mind that Leatherbarrow spent a long time conducting research. Using various sources, he has crafted a detailed narrative of what happened at Chernobyl. His book also gives voice to some of the reactor’s victims.
Nuclear energy is dangerous. I will not deny that. However, it is also our cleanest resource. While Chernobyl 01:23:40 is only a glimpse into the world of nuclear power, it is a truly eye-opening account brimming with facts.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Cruel Beautiful World in Books
Feb 13, 2018
As young girls, Lucy and Caroline come into the care of the older Iris. The girls' parents had died, and they wind up living with Iris, who becomes a sort of adopted mother to the two sisters. Both Lucy and Charlotte are extremely close until high school, when they find themselves drifting apart. Studious Charlotte is focused on getting into college, where she hopes to study to become a vet. Lucy, however, can never quite seem to live up to her sister's academic shadow. That is until she meets a vibrant teacher, William, at her high school. Lucy falls fast for her older English teacher and suddenly finds herself running away to a remote area of Pennsylvania to start over with her new love. Iris and Charlotte, however, are devastated, and cannot give up their search for Lucy. Even worse, Lucy's life of promise and happiness with William may be falling short.
This book is not what I expected, but it was a wonderful (although sometimes haunting) tale. Leavitt creates nuanced, well-developed characters who jump off the page. The book has a poignant sadness that stays with you, even after you've turned the last page. Somehow, I inadvertently read this one directly after [b:The Girls|26893819|The Girls|Emma Cline|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1464528839s/26893819.jpg|42856015], with each tale being set in a similar timeframe, with mentions and allusions to the Manson murders, free love, etc. I actually preferred this novel and its intricate plot and characters, to whom I found myself growing quite attached. The story unfolds from the point of view of Lucy, Charlotte, and Iris, which allows us to get to know each of them. Each is different and beautiful in their own way.
Overall, I loved most of this book. It slowed for me about 3/4 through, but recovered by the end. Some of the characters' actions are frustrating, but it does not take away from its almost poetic nature. Definitely recommend.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and LibraryThing (thank you!).
This book is not what I expected, but it was a wonderful (although sometimes haunting) tale. Leavitt creates nuanced, well-developed characters who jump off the page. The book has a poignant sadness that stays with you, even after you've turned the last page. Somehow, I inadvertently read this one directly after [b:The Girls|26893819|The Girls|Emma Cline|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1464528839s/26893819.jpg|42856015], with each tale being set in a similar timeframe, with mentions and allusions to the Manson murders, free love, etc. I actually preferred this novel and its intricate plot and characters, to whom I found myself growing quite attached. The story unfolds from the point of view of Lucy, Charlotte, and Iris, which allows us to get to know each of them. Each is different and beautiful in their own way.
Overall, I loved most of this book. It slowed for me about 3/4 through, but recovered by the end. Some of the characters' actions are frustrating, but it does not take away from its almost poetic nature. Definitely recommend.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and LibraryThing (thank you!).
Dana (24 KP) rated The Accident Season in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This book is truly haunting. It's creepy, but not in a gross way, that makes you feel anxious throughout the story.
It was a very quick read, but it didn't feel rushed at all. Even with the fast paced movement of the story, nothing was really left out of the story.
The characters were so strange in their own ways. I loved the interconnections between them all and how they were able to play off each other throughout. I felt really connected to them, even though I have nothing really in common with them at all. The relationships were also very complex without being too confusing.
The settings were very well described as well. I loved the Ghost House and I wish I could go and visit it.
Everything was also so subtle in the book!! There were hints about what was happening in the second plot hidden under the more obvious plot that you can pick out if you are looking for it. That being said, the means behind the ends were all earned and did not feel like they were just there to shock and surprise the audience.
I do, however, wish there was more interaction with the mom and her reasons for believing so much in the Accident Season. This could have been expanded on so much, but it wasn't. (At least not in the edition I read which was an ARC, so there could have been more in the finished copy.) I wanted to know more of a backstory with the beginnings of the Accident Season and how it only affects the family and no one else. And I wanted to see more connections and hints to the past throughout as well.
Everything had a very magical quality to it that I really enjoyed!
*****MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!*****
My favorite scene was at the party at the Ghost House when Cara gets drunk. I loved how the writing style mirrored her intoxication so everything got jumbled and distorted. I thought that was a brilliant writing device and I may use it in my own stuff if I ever write it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!!
It was a very quick read, but it didn't feel rushed at all. Even with the fast paced movement of the story, nothing was really left out of the story.
The characters were so strange in their own ways. I loved the interconnections between them all and how they were able to play off each other throughout. I felt really connected to them, even though I have nothing really in common with them at all. The relationships were also very complex without being too confusing.
The settings were very well described as well. I loved the Ghost House and I wish I could go and visit it.
Everything was also so subtle in the book!! There were hints about what was happening in the second plot hidden under the more obvious plot that you can pick out if you are looking for it. That being said, the means behind the ends were all earned and did not feel like they were just there to shock and surprise the audience.
I do, however, wish there was more interaction with the mom and her reasons for believing so much in the Accident Season. This could have been expanded on so much, but it wasn't. (At least not in the edition I read which was an ARC, so there could have been more in the finished copy.) I wanted to know more of a backstory with the beginnings of the Accident Season and how it only affects the family and no one else. And I wanted to see more connections and hints to the past throughout as well.
Everything had a very magical quality to it that I really enjoyed!
*****MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!*****
My favorite scene was at the party at the Ghost House when Cara gets drunk. I loved how the writing style mirrored her intoxication so everything got jumbled and distorted. I thought that was a brilliant writing device and I may use it in my own stuff if I ever write it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!!
Dana (24 KP) rated Beware the Wild (Beware the Wild, #1) in Books
Mar 23, 2018
Beware the Wild is a beautifully crafted novel that takes the Magical Realism realm to a new height. I loved how inhabited the world of this book is.
Not only does the swamp become a character in and of itself, it also sets the tone to the creepy and haunting vibe Parker is striving for.
I think what I like most about it is how the magic is wholly ingrained into this society by their obstinate to acknowledge that it is real. Each time it is brought up, especially to people who are able to understand the consequences of what is going on, there is such a fear about the truth that they refuse to talk about it. There's also the fact that, while they know there is something bad and probably magic about this swamp, these people do not know exactly what that magical thing is. SO instead of dealing with it, they build a fence and hope for the best.
The magic itself was something that is both beautiful and corrupting which was very intriguing and well thought out. Props to you, Ms Parker.
The characters in this book were all well drawn out. I was hoping for more of a backstory of what happened to the twins in the swamp to make them how they are. Yes, we do get a small amount of the reason, but I wished it was fleshed out a bit more.
Sterling and her brother had an odd dynamic, but it was a good one. I wish we would get more into Sterling and her motivations to why she makes certain choices, but she is still a strong character.
And Heath. Poor guy just wants to be able to live a little, right? Nope. He is my tragic hero in this book and I hope we get to see more of him in Behold the Bones because I loved him in this one.
I have been wanting to read this book for so long and I am so pleased with it! I was lucky enough to be able to meet the author at Yallwest this year and she was so incredibly sweet.
I am so excited to read the next book! I can't wait to get it!
Not only does the swamp become a character in and of itself, it also sets the tone to the creepy and haunting vibe Parker is striving for.
I think what I like most about it is how the magic is wholly ingrained into this society by their obstinate to acknowledge that it is real. Each time it is brought up, especially to people who are able to understand the consequences of what is going on, there is such a fear about the truth that they refuse to talk about it. There's also the fact that, while they know there is something bad and probably magic about this swamp, these people do not know exactly what that magical thing is. SO instead of dealing with it, they build a fence and hope for the best.
The magic itself was something that is both beautiful and corrupting which was very intriguing and well thought out. Props to you, Ms Parker.
The characters in this book were all well drawn out. I was hoping for more of a backstory of what happened to the twins in the swamp to make them how they are. Yes, we do get a small amount of the reason, but I wished it was fleshed out a bit more.
Sterling and her brother had an odd dynamic, but it was a good one. I wish we would get more into Sterling and her motivations to why she makes certain choices, but she is still a strong character.
And Heath. Poor guy just wants to be able to live a little, right? Nope. He is my tragic hero in this book and I hope we get to see more of him in Behold the Bones because I loved him in this one.
I have been wanting to read this book for so long and I am so pleased with it! I was lucky enough to be able to meet the author at Yallwest this year and she was so incredibly sweet.
I am so excited to read the next book! I can't wait to get it!
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Aquaman (2018) in Movies
Jul 16, 2019 (Updated Sep 1, 2019)
An average DC entry saved by its own absurdity
I found that Aquaman is a movie of three distinct parts.
It actually starts off pretty strongly, as we're introduced to all the players involved, and all of the important locations.
Jason Mamoa is a very likeable guy, but it takes a while to warm to his gym bro approach Arthur Curry, but he managed to win me over eventually, the charming hairy bastard.
Patrick Wilson is pretty good as Ocean Master, and it's nice to see veterans like Willem Defoe and Nicole Kidman (who gets an early and very brief action scene which I reckon trumps anything in Batman vs Superman).
The story set up is all fine and straightforward, and some of the visuals are pretty impressive, especially sweeping shots of Atlantis.
When the story heads back to land at the mid point is where the films takes a bit of a nosedive.
It all just becomes a bit...boring.
It also falls into the weird "play-a-cool-song-at-random-intervals" trap that Suicide Squad enjoyed flogging to death. (Whoever decided to put that God awful hip hop cover of Africa in the mix deserves a slap)
I also feel that Black Manta was sort of wasted here. He's sidelined to make room for other story lines, which I guess is fine if he's being set up for a bigger role in future installments, but here he just feels kind of tacked on.
The last act of the film is a CGI orgy, but it stands apart from a lot of films in the genre, as it's actually colourful! The sheer scope of the last battle is absolutely absurd, so absurd that it kind of works.
The CGI in question is pretty hit and miss throughout the film - sometimes it looks horrific (young Willem Defoe is haunting) and other times, it's pretty flawless, making for some pretty good action shots.
Overall, for me, the DCEU is still struggling to leave it's mark, but Aquaman and this years Shazam seem like a small step in the right direction.
It actually starts off pretty strongly, as we're introduced to all the players involved, and all of the important locations.
Jason Mamoa is a very likeable guy, but it takes a while to warm to his gym bro approach Arthur Curry, but he managed to win me over eventually, the charming hairy bastard.
Patrick Wilson is pretty good as Ocean Master, and it's nice to see veterans like Willem Defoe and Nicole Kidman (who gets an early and very brief action scene which I reckon trumps anything in Batman vs Superman).
The story set up is all fine and straightforward, and some of the visuals are pretty impressive, especially sweeping shots of Atlantis.
When the story heads back to land at the mid point is where the films takes a bit of a nosedive.
It all just becomes a bit...boring.
It also falls into the weird "play-a-cool-song-at-random-intervals" trap that Suicide Squad enjoyed flogging to death. (Whoever decided to put that God awful hip hop cover of Africa in the mix deserves a slap)
I also feel that Black Manta was sort of wasted here. He's sidelined to make room for other story lines, which I guess is fine if he's being set up for a bigger role in future installments, but here he just feels kind of tacked on.
The last act of the film is a CGI orgy, but it stands apart from a lot of films in the genre, as it's actually colourful! The sheer scope of the last battle is absolutely absurd, so absurd that it kind of works.
The CGI in question is pretty hit and miss throughout the film - sometimes it looks horrific (young Willem Defoe is haunting) and other times, it's pretty flawless, making for some pretty good action shots.
Overall, for me, the DCEU is still struggling to leave it's mark, but Aquaman and this years Shazam seem like a small step in the right direction.
The Gunning of America: Business and the Making of American Gun Culture
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Americans have always loved guns. This special bond was forged during the American Revolution and...
The Philosophy of Stanley Kubrick
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In the course of fifty years, director Stanley Kubrick produced some of the most haunting and...
We Have Always Lived in the Castle
8.0
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Shirley Jackson's masterpiece: the deliciously dark and funny story of Merricat, tomboy teenager,...
Andrew Kennedy (199 KP) rated The Conjuring 2 (2016) in Movies
Jun 6, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
The Conjuring 2 is based on the events of The Enfield poltergeist from 1977 the film however starts with the Warren's involvement with The Amityville incident it is during this that Lorraine has a vision of Ed dying.
In England a single mother of four is struggling to make ends meets for her family and then one of the daughters,Janet, starts to experience waking downstairs. It isn't long till it is established its a haunting. Various experts and skeptics alike decend on to the family home till during a TV interview Janet speaks as that of former home resident Bill Watkins.
This eventually brings in the church who contact the Warren's for them to assess whether its a hoax or not.
It is definitely presented as real. Lorraine is still troubled by her premonition of Eds demise but they seem to bond with the family.
Plenty of twists and scares and huge amount of atmosphere make this, dare I say it, a more enjoyable watch then the first Conjuring.
Of course this is based on a real life situation and all the players who were involved are represented in the film. However, the Warren's involvement was nowhere near as much as portrayed here (claims that no one even knew who Ed Warren was). In the end some believe its Britain's Amityville or a clever hoax by some teen girls, the film doesn't try to get into though there is a scene which eludes to the fact it could have been a hoax.
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are back as the Warren's and are both very good in there roles. It is however young Madison Wolfe as Janet who steals the show from confused, scared little girl to snarling demon. The TV interview scene she portrays the point where Janet is possessed superbly.
Special mention to Simon Mcburney for his portrayal of Maurice Grossae.
James Wan is a man who knows how to
In the end I give The Conjuring 2 top marks. A film I enjoyed immensely and actually preferred this to the original.
In England a single mother of four is struggling to make ends meets for her family and then one of the daughters,Janet, starts to experience waking downstairs. It isn't long till it is established its a haunting. Various experts and skeptics alike decend on to the family home till during a TV interview Janet speaks as that of former home resident Bill Watkins.
This eventually brings in the church who contact the Warren's for them to assess whether its a hoax or not.
It is definitely presented as real. Lorraine is still troubled by her premonition of Eds demise but they seem to bond with the family.
Plenty of twists and scares and huge amount of atmosphere make this, dare I say it, a more enjoyable watch then the first Conjuring.
Of course this is based on a real life situation and all the players who were involved are represented in the film. However, the Warren's involvement was nowhere near as much as portrayed here (claims that no one even knew who Ed Warren was). In the end some believe its Britain's Amityville or a clever hoax by some teen girls, the film doesn't try to get into though there is a scene which eludes to the fact it could have been a hoax.
Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are back as the Warren's and are both very good in there roles. It is however young Madison Wolfe as Janet who steals the show from confused, scared little girl to snarling demon. The TV interview scene she portrays the point where Janet is possessed superbly.
Special mention to Simon Mcburney for his portrayal of Maurice Grossae.
James Wan is a man who knows how to
In the end I give The Conjuring 2 top marks. A film I enjoyed immensely and actually preferred this to the original.
