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Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Alchemist in Books
Jul 3, 2018
Overrated
I had high hopes for this book based on general hype and reviews, and sadly it didn’t quite live up to it.
It isn’t a bad book, not at all, it’s just very short and simple. It’s trying to be something very profound and inspirational, but for me it wasn’t. It has a nice message around following your dreams, but it comes across as a little cheesy and unbelievable. There was an odd quote in here that I actually really liked, but nothing much else to make me feel inspired. The characters too didn’t seem particularly well developed or interesting. The one bonus is that it is very short, so you can get through it fairly quickly without it starting to drag.
It’s an alright read, but not one I’d ever recommend as a “must read”.
It isn’t a bad book, not at all, it’s just very short and simple. It’s trying to be something very profound and inspirational, but for me it wasn’t. It has a nice message around following your dreams, but it comes across as a little cheesy and unbelievable. There was an odd quote in here that I actually really liked, but nothing much else to make me feel inspired. The characters too didn’t seem particularly well developed or interesting. The one bonus is that it is very short, so you can get through it fairly quickly without it starting to drag.
It’s an alright read, but not one I’d ever recommend as a “must read”.
Alicia S (193 KP) rated The Campout: Recipes to Enjoy by the Fire in Books
Sep 28, 2018
Highly recommended for both new and longtime campers!
This book was so much fun! So much more than just a cookbook, it had everything from healthy, delicious looking recipes to tips on virtually every aspect of camping! As an avid longtime (& sometimes full-time) camper myself it was great to see so many little helpful tidbits for those just heading out into the woods as well as some awesome ideas for our next trip out.
So much more informative than any camping cookbook I've seen - Humourous and inspirational stories and tidbits like 12 different ways to make a s'more and a huge list of delicious sounding pancake toppers. Helpful tips about foraging, pets, wildlife, fun illustrations, even car games & fun for the kids!
Fabulous book and beautiful cover - Highly recommended for both new and longtime campers!
So much more informative than any camping cookbook I've seen - Humourous and inspirational stories and tidbits like 12 different ways to make a s'more and a huge list of delicious sounding pancake toppers. Helpful tips about foraging, pets, wildlife, fun illustrations, even car games & fun for the kids!
Fabulous book and beautiful cover - Highly recommended for both new and longtime campers!
Reggie Watts recommended Playtime (1967) in Movies (curated)
Hazel (1853 KP) rated The Good Luck of Right Now in Books
May 28, 2017
Inspirational
This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Silver Linings Play Book comes an inspirational tale about a thirty nine year old man who has lived with his mother his whole life. The Good Luck of Right Now is about how Bartholomew Neil copes with life after the death of his mother. Bartholomew is a very awkward man who has no idea how to cope on his own and so is assigned a grief counselor, Wendy, to help him come to terms with his new situation. Due to his mother’s movie obsessions, this story is told through pretend letters written to famous Hollywood actor, Richard Gere, who is also someone Bartholomew admires greatly.
Matthew Quick’s novel entertains the reader through the mishmash of characters from a cat-obsessed man who is convinced aliens exist, to Bartholomew’s obscure friendship with a bipolar priest. As well as being entertaining this novel explores the rhythm of the universe leaving the reader questioning the credibility of fate and wondering about religion and philosophy.
The way in which Bartholomew views the world and his reasons for writing unsent letters to Richard Gere during this difficult period of his life suggest that he his somewhere on the autism scale. Quick explores mental health issues as well as this beginning with the priest with bipolar and again later in the book when Bartholomew becomes friends with a pair of siblings, Max and Elizabeth.
At times humorous and at others thoughtful, The Good Luck of Right Now is a really interesting novel to read. It is easy to understand Bartholomew’s thought processes and he is a very lovable character. One part of the story I personally did not like, however, was the amount of swearing the character Max does. Although this emphasizes Max’s mental state and is not intended to be an insult, it did get a bit tiresome reading a swear word within every sentence he spoke.
Overall this book is definitely worth the read, especially if you enjoyed The Silver Linings Play Book. In fact, The Good Luck of Right Now may even be the better book!
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Silver Linings Play Book comes an inspirational tale about a thirty nine year old man who has lived with his mother his whole life. The Good Luck of Right Now is about how Bartholomew Neil copes with life after the death of his mother. Bartholomew is a very awkward man who has no idea how to cope on his own and so is assigned a grief counselor, Wendy, to help him come to terms with his new situation. Due to his mother’s movie obsessions, this story is told through pretend letters written to famous Hollywood actor, Richard Gere, who is also someone Bartholomew admires greatly.
Matthew Quick’s novel entertains the reader through the mishmash of characters from a cat-obsessed man who is convinced aliens exist, to Bartholomew’s obscure friendship with a bipolar priest. As well as being entertaining this novel explores the rhythm of the universe leaving the reader questioning the credibility of fate and wondering about religion and philosophy.
The way in which Bartholomew views the world and his reasons for writing unsent letters to Richard Gere during this difficult period of his life suggest that he his somewhere on the autism scale. Quick explores mental health issues as well as this beginning with the priest with bipolar and again later in the book when Bartholomew becomes friends with a pair of siblings, Max and Elizabeth.
At times humorous and at others thoughtful, The Good Luck of Right Now is a really interesting novel to read. It is easy to understand Bartholomew’s thought processes and he is a very lovable character. One part of the story I personally did not like, however, was the amount of swearing the character Max does. Although this emphasizes Max’s mental state and is not intended to be an insult, it did get a bit tiresome reading a swear word within every sentence he spoke.
Overall this book is definitely worth the read, especially if you enjoyed The Silver Linings Play Book. In fact, The Good Luck of Right Now may even be the better book!
Andy K (10821 KP) rated Schindler's List (1993) in Movies
May 16, 2018
Should be able to give this a 15
I remember reading and hearing about this film in 1993 before its release thinking "Wow, Spielberg made another movie this year besides Jurassic Park" and not having much confidence. It didn't open wide for me until January of 1994, so I had to wait.
The film ended up being unbelievable, breathtaking, emotional, inspirational, epic and a must watch for everyone. I know a lot of people watch in school these days. While I'm glad they are seeing, watching among other teenagers while broken up into 40 minute segments is not the way to go.
I always see different details when I have gone back and rewatched which makes the film even greater. I remember seeing a documentary a few years ago where they talked to relatives of German Nazi officers and they had talked to a descendant of Amon Goeth who wouldn't stop crying. I can't even even imagine having that type of ancestry within your family.
Needless to say, you must watch Schindler's List. Please say you will.
The film ended up being unbelievable, breathtaking, emotional, inspirational, epic and a must watch for everyone. I know a lot of people watch in school these days. While I'm glad they are seeing, watching among other teenagers while broken up into 40 minute segments is not the way to go.
I always see different details when I have gone back and rewatched which makes the film even greater. I remember seeing a documentary a few years ago where they talked to relatives of German Nazi officers and they had talked to a descendant of Amon Goeth who wouldn't stop crying. I can't even even imagine having that type of ancestry within your family.
Needless to say, you must watch Schindler's List. Please say you will.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Damsel Distressed in Books
Jan 8, 2021
4.5 stars.
This book turned out quite nice. It's almost inspirational for the bigger girl (which I am). How Gen overcame all the struggles she'd faced in her life. I've been feeling all of her highs and lows with her because I think she's going through something we all face but hers has been harder with her finding it hard to deal with the death of her mother.
I could tell that there were feelings of more than friendship between Grant and Gen, and he was a really great friend to her, as were the rest of the group, even Andrew when we finally got to know him.
I also liked Evelyn, she tried her best to make Gen feel like part of the family after Gen's dad married her and she grew on me a lot throughout the story.
Admittedly I was only going to give it four stars but I think the amount of times I cried or nearly did means it got to me, so I bumped it up half a star.
A nice big-girl romance.
This book turned out quite nice. It's almost inspirational for the bigger girl (which I am). How Gen overcame all the struggles she'd faced in her life. I've been feeling all of her highs and lows with her because I think she's going through something we all face but hers has been harder with her finding it hard to deal with the death of her mother.
I could tell that there were feelings of more than friendship between Grant and Gen, and he was a really great friend to her, as were the rest of the group, even Andrew when we finally got to know him.
I also liked Evelyn, she tried her best to make Gen feel like part of the family after Gen's dad married her and she grew on me a lot throughout the story.
Admittedly I was only going to give it four stars but I think the amount of times I cried or nearly did means it got to me, so I bumped it up half a star.
A nice big-girl romance.
Michael Apted recommended Night and Fog in Japan (1960) in Movies (curated)
Kathleen Hanna recommended One, Two by Sister Nancy in Music (curated)
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated A Cowboy for the Twins in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Carolyne Aarsen always has a way of instantly hooking me into her stories and making me feel right at home. She did no less with this LI story, and I'm so pleased I had the chance to read this one. She filled this book with amazing characters, a fun plot line, and an ending that leaves you wanting more of her work!
I loved the twins. They really tugged at the mama in me! Watching them work their magic with Noah and Shauntelle had me smiling more often then not. Seeing Shauntelle and Noah together, watching them work through their issues, their heartache, and learn to rely on each other, and the twins, really rounded out this story.
This is a 4 star read worth picking up. If you are looking for a swoon-worthy cowboy, a page turning story line, and inspirational messages from Above, then this book is one you want on your shelf. Once again, Carolyne Aarsen's awesometastic talent shines through!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
I loved the twins. They really tugged at the mama in me! Watching them work their magic with Noah and Shauntelle had me smiling more often then not. Seeing Shauntelle and Noah together, watching them work through their issues, their heartache, and learn to rely on each other, and the twins, really rounded out this story.
This is a 4 star read worth picking up. If you are looking for a swoon-worthy cowboy, a page turning story line, and inspirational messages from Above, then this book is one you want on your shelf. Once again, Carolyne Aarsen's awesometastic talent shines through!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Sweet Temptation in Books
Jan 1, 2019
A very sweet read
I’d been looking for something lighthearted and easy to read, and found this stored away on my kindle and figured it was just the read I was looking for. I could not have been more right.
This is a heartwarming and absolutely lovely read about 3 women wanting to lose weight. It’s very well written and so engaging. All 3 of the main characters are well developed and down to earth, and I’d dare any woman reading this not to connect with all of them in some way or another. I spotted a bit of me in all of them which made it such a delight to read. The plot may be slightly predictable, but this is one of those books where it doesn’t matter. In fact, when I reached the end I actually wanted to carry on, it was that entertaining. It’s funny, emotional and an all round engaging read. I also found it very inspirational and based around a subject very close to home (my New Years Resolution), and despite being fictional it really has motivated me to sort out my own life.
This is a heartwarming and absolutely lovely read about 3 women wanting to lose weight. It’s very well written and so engaging. All 3 of the main characters are well developed and down to earth, and I’d dare any woman reading this not to connect with all of them in some way or another. I spotted a bit of me in all of them which made it such a delight to read. The plot may be slightly predictable, but this is one of those books where it doesn’t matter. In fact, when I reached the end I actually wanted to carry on, it was that entertaining. It’s funny, emotional and an all round engaging read. I also found it very inspirational and based around a subject very close to home (my New Years Resolution), and despite being fictional it really has motivated me to sort out my own life.