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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Silent Patient in Books
Sep 2, 2019
Alicia Berenson is a well-known painter married to a famous photographer, Gabriel. They have a picture-perfect life, so-to-speak. But all that changes when Gabriel returns home from work one evening and Alicia shoots him five times. Then she goes silent, refusing to speak. Her silence makes her case even more famous, causing intense public speculation. Her paintings become coveted objects. Alicia, meanwhile, is sent to the Grove, a secluded psychiatric forensic unit, for treatment. There, Theo Faber, a psychotherapist, gains a job primarily just to work with Alicia, determined to be the one to help her speak again. But he becomes consumed with her case--something that may put his own health and safety into jeopardy.
This is a book that I read solely based on the recommendations of Goodreads and #bookstagram friends. It was quite hyped, and sometimes I shy away from all the hype, ha. I really did enjoy it, though I probably always feel a little let down by the crazily hyped books. It's just my nature. That being said, I do think this is a really good read and extremely captivating.
It's incredibly bizarre and puzzling--told via excerpts from Alicia's journal (pre-murder) and then Theo's viewpoints. We are left to wonder if, indeed, Alicia is truly crazy. The fact that she shot her husband, Gabriel, isn't really up for debate. But why? What led this talented artist to kill, and so violently? Reading her journal, we ponder, is she mentally ill? Is what she's telling us even really happening? Some of the narratives may or may not contradict each other, and the result is a fast-paced, twisty tale that keeps you guessing the entire time. I was sucked into both Alicia and Theo's minds. One of the best things about this book is that you may not always like Theo or Alicia, but you'll want to know about them. You'll find yourself completely engaged in their story--a sign of a good read, if you ask me.
"There's so much pain everywhere, and we just close our eyes to it. The truth is we're all scared. We're terrified of each other. I'm terrified of myself--and of my mother in me. Is her madness in my blood? Is it?"
I stayed up late to finish this one, as I absolutely had to know what happened. There are several twists and turns, and, as I mentioned, it keeps you guessing. The perspective in this book is unique, and I really welcomed how different it felt. It's a consuming, shocking read that basically absorbs you and as different parts of the story are revealed, it grows more and more intense.
Overall, this is a really excellent psychological thriller. It's nearly impossible to put down. It is different, with damaged characters that will draw you in from the start. 4+ stars!
This is a book that I read solely based on the recommendations of Goodreads and #bookstagram friends. It was quite hyped, and sometimes I shy away from all the hype, ha. I really did enjoy it, though I probably always feel a little let down by the crazily hyped books. It's just my nature. That being said, I do think this is a really good read and extremely captivating.
It's incredibly bizarre and puzzling--told via excerpts from Alicia's journal (pre-murder) and then Theo's viewpoints. We are left to wonder if, indeed, Alicia is truly crazy. The fact that she shot her husband, Gabriel, isn't really up for debate. But why? What led this talented artist to kill, and so violently? Reading her journal, we ponder, is she mentally ill? Is what she's telling us even really happening? Some of the narratives may or may not contradict each other, and the result is a fast-paced, twisty tale that keeps you guessing the entire time. I was sucked into both Alicia and Theo's minds. One of the best things about this book is that you may not always like Theo or Alicia, but you'll want to know about them. You'll find yourself completely engaged in their story--a sign of a good read, if you ask me.
"There's so much pain everywhere, and we just close our eyes to it. The truth is we're all scared. We're terrified of each other. I'm terrified of myself--and of my mother in me. Is her madness in my blood? Is it?"
I stayed up late to finish this one, as I absolutely had to know what happened. There are several twists and turns, and, as I mentioned, it keeps you guessing. The perspective in this book is unique, and I really welcomed how different it felt. It's a consuming, shocking read that basically absorbs you and as different parts of the story are revealed, it grows more and more intense.
Overall, this is a really excellent psychological thriller. It's nearly impossible to put down. It is different, with damaged characters that will draw you in from the start. 4+ stars!
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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Darkest Edge of Dawn (Charlie Madigan, #2) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I’ve been anxiously awaiting the sequel to my new favorite five-star series for about a year now, and it was well worth the wait. The Darkest Edge of Dawn lived up to my expectations and continued the story left in The Better Part of Darkness.
Charlie is still probably my favorite literary heroine. She’s sarcastic and just a little obnoxious, she’s a tough as nails, kick @$$ kind of girl. She loves her daughter—I especially liked the part with her and her daughter at the end! That was sweet—and she would do anything for the people she loves. That of course includes her Siren partner, Hank, who she is definitely in love with (like me) but won't admit it (unlike me). crazy girl.
I like the writing style of Gay's series: the sarcasm mixed with the seriousness of the situations keeps the story easy to read and not too stressful, though it is intense at times.
With action, mystery, love, and betrayal, The Darkest Edge of Dawn is a great sequel, and I will continue to be a faithful reader of Charlie Madigan's adventures.
Content/recommendation: Just as the last book, I wouldn't recommend this one to anyone who can't stomach some violence, is easily offended by language and some sex or sensuality. Ages 18+
Click here to enter a contest at goodreads for a copy of The Darkest Edge of Dawn.
Charlie is still probably my favorite literary heroine. She’s sarcastic and just a little obnoxious, she’s a tough as nails, kick @$$ kind of girl. She loves her daughter—I especially liked the part with her and her daughter at the end! That was sweet—and she would do anything for the people she loves. That of course includes her Siren partner, Hank, who she is definitely in love with (like me) but won't admit it (unlike me). crazy girl.
I like the writing style of Gay's series: the sarcasm mixed with the seriousness of the situations keeps the story easy to read and not too stressful, though it is intense at times.
With action, mystery, love, and betrayal, The Darkest Edge of Dawn is a great sequel, and I will continue to be a faithful reader of Charlie Madigan's adventures.
Content/recommendation: Just as the last book, I wouldn't recommend this one to anyone who can't stomach some violence, is easily offended by language and some sex or sensuality. Ages 18+
Click here to enter a contest at goodreads for a copy of The Darkest Edge of Dawn.
RəX Regent (349 KP) rated United 93 (2006) in Movies
Feb 18, 2019
A gripping and moving historical document...
This is simply an incredible movie. Certainly one of the most moving and intense that I have seen in many years.
Now, seventeen years on, this film’s poignancy is still as relevant today as it ever was. Casting relative unknowns was the key to this frightening realistic portrayal of the world shattering events of September 11. Though, due to the casting real people in many of the their actual roles, the dialogue’s delivery does suffer from time to time, but it is also those faults that make this so credible.
The sense of shock at the second plane hitting the South Tower was so well portrayed, edited and directed that it still sends shivers down my spine. Though in many ways because I saw this day unfold live myself as millions around shared this inexplicable experience. This is a gripping drama, which has the courage of its convictions, staying the path of its internal truths and never drifting into theatricalities often attributed to movie of this type. Simply put; The story is dramatic enough in its own right and needs little if any real embellishment.
This is truly one of the greats, dealing with a historical event in such a mature way that it should stand as a historical document for decades to come.
Now, seventeen years on, this film’s poignancy is still as relevant today as it ever was. Casting relative unknowns was the key to this frightening realistic portrayal of the world shattering events of September 11. Though, due to the casting real people in many of the their actual roles, the dialogue’s delivery does suffer from time to time, but it is also those faults that make this so credible.
The sense of shock at the second plane hitting the South Tower was so well portrayed, edited and directed that it still sends shivers down my spine. Though in many ways because I saw this day unfold live myself as millions around shared this inexplicable experience. This is a gripping drama, which has the courage of its convictions, staying the path of its internal truths and never drifting into theatricalities often attributed to movie of this type. Simply put; The story is dramatic enough in its own right and needs little if any real embellishment.
This is truly one of the greats, dealing with a historical event in such a mature way that it should stand as a historical document for decades to come.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Cowboy Christmas Guardian (Gold Country Cowboys #1) in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I have read other books by Ms. Mentink and I have loved them. So, I was excited to read my second book centered around Christmas and that it was hers. Her books instantly grab you, and keep you hooked until the very last page.
Being married to my own cowboy, I tend to fall hard for the books with cowboys in them. Barrett's character was no exception. I loved every bit of his widowed self and found myself wishing I was in Shelby's shoes on more than one instant! Watching him be so protective of Shelby, even after he found the truth out, was absolutely heartwarming.
The circumstances in the book, the intense, breathtaking suspense that Ms. Mentink weaves through out this story really round out this romance novel. Ms. Mentink threads inspirational messages through out the story, showing her characters relying on God and leaving the reader thinking about the story long after the final page is read.
Ms. Mentink is well deserving of 4 stars and hats off. This book is not that long and easily read in one sitting. I definitely recommend it to all who love a twisting, turning, edge of your seat suspense novel. Well done, Ms. Mentink! Can't wait til the next one!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours and the author and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Being married to my own cowboy, I tend to fall hard for the books with cowboys in them. Barrett's character was no exception. I loved every bit of his widowed self and found myself wishing I was in Shelby's shoes on more than one instant! Watching him be so protective of Shelby, even after he found the truth out, was absolutely heartwarming.
The circumstances in the book, the intense, breathtaking suspense that Ms. Mentink weaves through out this story really round out this romance novel. Ms. Mentink threads inspirational messages through out the story, showing her characters relying on God and leaving the reader thinking about the story long after the final page is read.
Ms. Mentink is well deserving of 4 stars and hats off. This book is not that long and easily read in one sitting. I definitely recommend it to all who love a twisting, turning, edge of your seat suspense novel. Well done, Ms. Mentink! Can't wait til the next one!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours and the author and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Promise in Books
Feb 28, 2019 (Updated Mar 1, 2019)
More of a slow building suspense novel then a psychological thriller.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I was intrigued as soon as I read the opening of The Promise by Teresa Driscoll. The story has a few twists and turns but, based on the book's description and opening, I expected it to be much darker than it is. However, although I enjoyed the novel, I would not consider it to be dark. It is more of a slow building suspense novel then a psychological thriller.
Three girls, Beth, Sally, and Carol, were best friends at a boarding school and as close as sisters. Something happens and they make a promise to never tell the secret of what happened.
Years later, all of them have been affected by the secret in different ways. Beth and Sally are still close friends but Carol has become estranged. When they find out the boarding school is to be sold and demolished, fearing their secret will be revealed, Beth and Sally attempt to find Carol..
Driscoll wanted to establish a intense connection between the girls but did not want to make them sisters. The setting helps you to understand why the girls would keep the secret.
I have added Teresa Driscoll's I Am Watching You to my want to read list.
Published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/28/19.
I was intrigued as soon as I read the opening of The Promise by Teresa Driscoll. The story has a few twists and turns but, based on the book's description and opening, I expected it to be much darker than it is. However, although I enjoyed the novel, I would not consider it to be dark. It is more of a slow building suspense novel then a psychological thriller.
Three girls, Beth, Sally, and Carol, were best friends at a boarding school and as close as sisters. Something happens and they make a promise to never tell the secret of what happened.
Years later, all of them have been affected by the secret in different ways. Beth and Sally are still close friends but Carol has become estranged. When they find out the boarding school is to be sold and demolished, fearing their secret will be revealed, Beth and Sally attempt to find Carol..
Driscoll wanted to establish a intense connection between the girls but did not want to make them sisters. The setting helps you to understand why the girls would keep the secret.
I have added Teresa Driscoll's I Am Watching You to my want to read list.
Published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/28/19.
Jo (37 KP) rated Honestly Ben in Books
Oct 6, 2018
I really liked Ben in Openly Straight, but being inside his head, here, kinda ruined him for me. He was just all over the damn place - whiny and tightly wound and infuriatingly obsessed with what other people think of him - and, like, what the hell happened to the quietly confident guy that Rafe and I grew attached to the previous semester? The dude who had not one flying fuck to give about labels or peer opinion??? I couldn't align these two sides of him up at all.
Also, Rafe didn't get nearly enough page space, and because of that, my belief in their intense connection took something of a nosedive.
Way too much attention was given to Ben's dipshit teammates and to Hannah...
Now, I actually quite liked Hannah. But I did not like the fact her only purpose to the plot was as an obstacle between Ben and Rafe. She opened herself up to Ben, let him in at a particularly vulnerable and difficult point of her life, and the way he used and hurt her (however unintentionally it may have been) for the sake of sorting his own head out totally peed me off!
There's a lot of D-Rep here, which was great (although, I didn't feel like much of it was particularly well handled).
In all honesty, it was entirely Toby and Albie who saved this book for me. Love those oddballs!
Also, Rafe didn't get nearly enough page space, and because of that, my belief in their intense connection took something of a nosedive.
Way too much attention was given to Ben's dipshit teammates and to Hannah...
Now, I actually quite liked Hannah. But I did not like the fact her only purpose to the plot was as an obstacle between Ben and Rafe. She opened herself up to Ben, let him in at a particularly vulnerable and difficult point of her life, and the way he used and hurt her (however unintentionally it may have been) for the sake of sorting his own head out totally peed me off!
There's a lot of D-Rep here, which was great (although, I didn't feel like much of it was particularly well handled).
In all honesty, it was entirely Toby and Albie who saved this book for me. Love those oddballs!
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Hereditary (2018) in Movies
Oct 10, 2018
Oscar worthy performances from the cast (2 more)
A genuinely complex approach to character based horror
Grounded horror, exploring reality and supernatural settings
It may be a little too slow for some (1 more)
This is not an easy viewing, and not a popcorn flick, you will need to pay full attention!
We Are family...
This movie is....intense.
It is painful.
It is uncomfortable.
It has moments of genuine scares too, but mostly it has slow dread.
The performance of this movie are outstanding and very much worthy of Oscar consideration, especially for Toni Collette who is just beyond amazing as a mother watching her family fall apart, but whose mental fragility is questioned over the course of the movie.
They keep the viewer guessing at all times as to whether the actions of this movie are due to insanity or something else, and honestly, either way, it is nightmarish.
The actions and conversations of the main characters all seem natural, or at least plausible, and this grounds the otherwise surreal situations in a way that is rare on movies of this type.
The sound design in this movie is fantastic, using really dynamic sound effects and periods of silence to create tension and keep the viewer focused, since there are very few musical cues on offer.
It is a classic, beautifully performed, lovingly crafted, and haunting in its brutality, realism and despair.
Watch it!
It is painful.
It is uncomfortable.
It has moments of genuine scares too, but mostly it has slow dread.
The performance of this movie are outstanding and very much worthy of Oscar consideration, especially for Toni Collette who is just beyond amazing as a mother watching her family fall apart, but whose mental fragility is questioned over the course of the movie.
They keep the viewer guessing at all times as to whether the actions of this movie are due to insanity or something else, and honestly, either way, it is nightmarish.
The actions and conversations of the main characters all seem natural, or at least plausible, and this grounds the otherwise surreal situations in a way that is rare on movies of this type.
The sound design in this movie is fantastic, using really dynamic sound effects and periods of silence to create tension and keep the viewer focused, since there are very few musical cues on offer.
It is a classic, beautifully performed, lovingly crafted, and haunting in its brutality, realism and despair.
Watch it!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Overlord (2018) in Movies
Jul 20, 2019
Good but needs more horror
I didnt have high hopes for this film but actually as a war/horror mash up, it's not half bad.
It starts off as a full on almost standard war film, with some intense opening scenes especially when they get out of the plane. And the effects on this especially are pretty impressive. It does move fairly slowly and this is just about bearable, as it has a decent cast especially when Pilou Asbaek pops up. Even if the script is fairly dodgy at times. We dont get into the horror part of the film until nearly an hour into the 2 hour run time, and for me it was just in time to stop me from getting bored. I love the horror side of this, Nazis experimenting on people isnt surprising and it works really well for this film. The problem for me is that I wish this film had more horror in it, more gore, more scares. It has a bit, but for me this is more war than horror and I really wish it had been the other way around. Also, I remember seeing the trailer and thinking this may have been a bit funny in parts, but it isnt which was a bit of a let down too. Some laughs wouldve been welcome!
Overall this is a decent war horror film and definitely worth a watch, just dont expect a full on horror film.
It starts off as a full on almost standard war film, with some intense opening scenes especially when they get out of the plane. And the effects on this especially are pretty impressive. It does move fairly slowly and this is just about bearable, as it has a decent cast especially when Pilou Asbaek pops up. Even if the script is fairly dodgy at times. We dont get into the horror part of the film until nearly an hour into the 2 hour run time, and for me it was just in time to stop me from getting bored. I love the horror side of this, Nazis experimenting on people isnt surprising and it works really well for this film. The problem for me is that I wish this film had more horror in it, more gore, more scares. It has a bit, but for me this is more war than horror and I really wish it had been the other way around. Also, I remember seeing the trailer and thinking this may have been a bit funny in parts, but it isnt which was a bit of a let down too. Some laughs wouldve been welcome!
Overall this is a decent war horror film and definitely worth a watch, just dont expect a full on horror film.
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Out of the Dark (The Grey Wolves, #4) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
The best thing for me is the fact that you get taken straight back where the old book finished when the new book starts. And when you're reading them back to back as I am, this is great! There's no wondering who's done what and when. You just dive straight back into the pack and carry on.
You learn more in this book about the gypsy healers but that in no way detracts from Jen and Decebel's story. When a wicked witch (stay with me here, it's worth it) tries to place a curse on Fane, Decebel is somehow able to sense it and manages to take the hit, literally, for Fane. This is a horrible curse though because it means that he loses his memories of his mate when he has only just found her and they haven't completed the Blood Rites yet. The struggle between the two of them is so painful and intense, I felt like a voyeur! So well written, you just can't remain separate from the story. Just when you think that things are slowing down and you're going to get your HEA, something else will happen that will throw everything on its head. There is just so much action and thrills in this book. Once again, we are treated to a Blood Rites which manages to match that of Jacque and Fane. But is that the end of the story? I'll leave you to read it and find out.
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED
You learn more in this book about the gypsy healers but that in no way detracts from Jen and Decebel's story. When a wicked witch (stay with me here, it's worth it) tries to place a curse on Fane, Decebel is somehow able to sense it and manages to take the hit, literally, for Fane. This is a horrible curse though because it means that he loses his memories of his mate when he has only just found her and they haven't completed the Blood Rites yet. The struggle between the two of them is so painful and intense, I felt like a voyeur! So well written, you just can't remain separate from the story. Just when you think that things are slowing down and you're going to get your HEA, something else will happen that will throw everything on its head. There is just so much action and thrills in this book. Once again, we are treated to a Blood Rites which manages to match that of Jacque and Fane. But is that the end of the story? I'll leave you to read it and find out.
DEFINITELY RECOMMENDED