Lonely Planet Bolivia
Lonely Planet, Paul Smith, Michael Grosberg and Brian Kluepfel
8.0
Rate It
Book
Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Bolivia is your passport to...
Her Own Hero: The Origins of the Women's Self Defense Movement
Book
The surprising roots of the self-defense movement and the history of women's empowerment. At the...
A Rift in the Earth: Art, Memory, and the Fight for a Vietnam War Memorial
Book
A Distinguished and Bestselling Historian and Vietnam Vet Revisits the Culture War that Raged around...
History Art Architecture
India - A Portrait
Book
One of this century's greatest surprises has been the economic and social revolution in India. A...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Kushiel in Books
May 25, 2022
Kindle
Kushiels Dart ( phedre’s Trilogybook 1)
By Jacqueline Carey
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
A massive fantasy tale about the violent death of an old age and the birth of a new one. Here is a novel of grandeur, luxuriance, sacrifice, betrayal, and deeply laid conspiracies. Born with a scarlet mote in her left eye, Phedre no Delaunay is sold into indentured servitude as a child. When her bond is purchased by an enigmatic nobleman, she is trained in history, theology, politics, foreign languages, and the arts of pleasure. Above all, she learns the ability to observe, remember, and analyze. Exquisite courtesan, yet talented spy, she may seem an unlikely heroine... but when Phedre stumbles upon a plot threatening her homeland, Terre d'Ange, she has no choice but to act. Betrayed into captivity in the barbarous northland of Skaldia, and accompanied only by disdainful young warrior-priest, Phedre makes a harrowing escape and an even more harrowing journey, to return to her people and deliver them a warning of the impending invasion. And that proves only the first step in a quest that will take her to the edge of despair and beyond.
Well that was a much longer book than I was expecting. I loved it! The world building and characters were so good I did struggle at first there was a lot of information thrown at you but once it was ingrained it was just so enjoyable to read. I enjoy these epic journey books with female characters that are strong and capable instead of whinny and annoying. I think to get the most out of these long massive world building books you have to have some patience and not force yourself to enjoy them. Definitely looking forward to more.
Gareth von Kallenbach (977 KP) rated Rock the Kasbah (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
After meeting a myriad of characters (Bruce Willis, Kate Hudson. Danny McBride) in Kabul, he is presented with a new opportunity to introduce the world to a true talent. He discovers a young Pashtun girl with an amazing voice who dreams of being able to compete on “Afghan Star,” a musical competition show similar to “American Idol.” Cultural norms forbid her from singing and participating in the competition which demonstrate the complexity of Afghan culture, history, and politics. Understanding the threat to himself and Salima (Leem Lubany), Richie arranges for her to appear on the show, defying traditions and customs.
The film itself is a decent adaptation of the real story captured in the documentary Afghan Star which examines the life of Setara who must go into hiding because of her appearance in the competition. Rock the Kasbah has moments of genuine humor which fully utilizes Bill Murray’s true talents. Unfortunately, there are points where the plot and the storyline does not seem to fit together seamlessly. One great aspect of the film is its use of music to demonstrate the reach that it has across cultural lines. The love of music and artistic expression which had been severely restricted during the years of Taliban rule and Mujahedeen influence survived and is emblematic of how the people and the culture is much more complex and relatable than many would assume. This film goes beyond a story of a young singer trying to express herself and a manager trying to reclaim the glory of years ago. It is about the culture, history, and political framework of Afghanistan and the Afghan people.
It promotes them in a more positive light without relegating them to being a monolithic culture and people. It provides more insight into the circumstances that many of the people both in the cities and the tribal regions deal with. Audiences will be satisfied Rock the Kasbah as it is a musical and comedic showcase. They may even find themselves singing “Wild World” long after the credits roll.
Persuadable: How Great Leaders Change Their Minds to Change the World
Book
As a leader, changing your mind has always been perceived as a weakness. Not anymore. In a world...
Lonely Planet Goa & Mumbai
Lonely Planet, Paul Harding, Abigail Blasi and Trent Holden
Book
Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Goa & Mumbai is your...
A Promised Land
Book
A riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making-from the president who inspired us to...
RSPB Spotlight: Badgers
Book
Badgers are elusive wanderers of the night and few mammals are as mysterious. Their nocturnal...