Search

Search only in certain items:

Ready Player One
Ready Player One
Ernest Cline | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry
9
8.9 (161 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ernest Cline has written something, alright.

If you are not into geeky things, just turn back now. I enjoyed this book for all the references, but the storyline itself was meh.

The writing was excellent as well, but, set in a dystopian not-so-distant future where everyone turns to OASIS, a simulation, to escape the reality of the world… Not a fan. Why don’t they try to fix it?

The main character, Wade, is on a quest (along with everyone else) to find the Easter egg that the creator of OASIS left in game after he died. The winner? Gets his fortune and the company that made the game.

Yeah, there is a prize for you! If you enjoyed Monty Python, read this book. If you are into all the geeky things, read this book. It is an interesting journey and one that I did enjoy.
  
Marella (Wraidd Elfennol 1)
Marella (Wraidd Elfennol 1)
Morgan Sheppard | 2016 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
8.8 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Great Read
Whether you are a young adult, or just young at heart, you are bound to love "Marella." I'm still not sure what I enjoyed most about this novel. In the beginning, I was impressed with the author's detailed and flavorful world building as she draws us into a world of wonder with delightful characters who care about each other and the world they live in. It's a world full of animals who bond with people and the hint of magic bound in realism. I soon found myself as protective of the main character as her family while I watched her begin her journey into adulthood. An explanatory and intriguing ending are sending me off to the next book in this series with the sincere hope that Morgan Sheppard will be writing many more in this series because I just found my new book addiction.
  
The Inheritance of Loss
The Inheritance of Loss
Kiran Desai | 2006 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The tragic consequences of colonialism and class
Kiran Desai's vivid writing of the northern mountainous regions of Kalimpong was well captured in this desperate novel of the aftermath of British colonialism and the caste system in India.

The events are quite accurate as my own family who resided there during this time can substantiate. The violence that ensued the nation following independence was one of many tragic consequences of a country attempting to repair itself after massive divisions were sown.

At the same time, the experiences of an immigrant abroad is a good reflection of how imperialism allowed people to make the journey while still being treated as a second class citizen.

The story itself surrounding a small community of elites in the northern regions is interesting as many of them attempt to face their own demons and find an identity. Poignant, quite long, and well written.
  
40x40

Lindsay (1760 KP) rated A Heart's Betrayal (A Journey of the Heart #4) in Books

Feb 15, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)  
Colleen Coble takes us on another journey. We are lead to another action filled story. We learn about Ben's Oldest sister Emma. What a way to be introduced her. She does not know what happen to her brothers except that they traveled west.

Emma is dealing with the death of her husband. A woman comes in with her son and claims that she is the wife of Emma's late husband. Her home is taken from her. Emma decides to leave her home and go to help Sarah.

She arrives at the fort where Sarah and Rand are stationed. What will happen to them? Rand and Sarah and Emma are then transferred to a new station in the army and where Sarah friend and Rand brother, Jacob are stationed.

Thre are surprises and turns the story continues. What will happen with Emma? Will faith and trust prevail?
  
40x40

Ross (3284 KP) rated Get Out (2017) in Movies

Feb 12, 2018  
Get Out (2017)
Get Out (2017)
2017 | Horror, Thriller
Like "Black Mirror" does "Cocoon"
This film sees Chris visiting his girlfriend's parents for the first time, on what turns out to be their annual get-together with friends and neighbours. Chris is somewhat taken aback by everyone's positive, curious reaction to his African-American heritage and becomes increasingly unnerved by the odd behaviour of the family's black servants.
I have to admit, I saw the twist coming from very early on but this didn't ruin the journey for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the creepy atmosphere building throughout the film and Chris' increasingly awkward interactions with his few fellow people of colour at the party.
This is not a normal horror film, except for the final half hour, instead it is an intense psychological thriller with the added social awkwardness around people's inherent racism and need to talk/not talk about it.
An excellent film with a brilliant cast.
  
The Godfather (1972)
The Godfather (1972)
1972 | Crime, Drama
Time for you to rewatch it!
Recently rewatching the original "The Godfather" with my son really supported again all the fame, longevity and praise the film has gotten over the years.

The movie does take its time telling its story of the daily life of the Corleone family and how the lives of the family interact with themselves and with stark contrast to the outside word, but the journey is worth the ride.

The characters are all so brilliantly, deeply written and acted, they are just a joy to watch. The cinematography is also a character in the film as it has such a unique look and feel, it transports you into their realm almost immediately.

If it has been awhile, time to give the film another viewing. If you haven't seen, shame on you and watch it now!!

  
40x40

Sarah (8 KP) rated Girls' Night Out in Books

Sep 4, 2018  
Girls' Night Out
Girls' Night Out
Liz Fenton | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.5 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
Gripping (3 more)
Perfect description of girl friendship
Page turner
Easy read
Love this book
Estranged friends Ashley, Natalie and Lauren take a vacation to Mexico to try to repair their lost friendships. The night before they are to return home Ashley disappears, leaving Natalie and Lauren to figure what happened to their 'friend'.

This book was gripping...from page one for me. We all have those friendships that become distant or strained through time. And this story takes you on the journey of hidden secrets and possibilities of when the truth comes out...can relationships survive nthe truth?!? Again, loved this booked, it was gripping, engaging and transported me to the beautiful location of Tulum, Mexico as Natalie and Lauren scramble to find out what happened to their missing friend.

Great work Liz and Lisa, you did it again and knocked it out of the park!
  
Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life
Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life
Terry Brooks | 2003 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Real Life Stories (1 more)
Brooks' Experiences as a Writer
Preachy (0 more)
If you are planning an epic like LOTR or Shannara, you need to read this
I always wanted to be a writer when I grew up, I loved reading. I don't write much now, but when I was, I read lots of 'How to Write' books. Most are crap. This is one that is worthy of a read.
You can not deny that Terry Brooks has nailed the epic fantasy journey, better than Tolkein, it's still going strong. I love his writing and his stories. Although I didn't take as much from this as King's On Writing, I did enjoy reading it and seeing a little into the man behiind the books. This book is not just for wannabe writers, it's for his fans as well, you learn a little more about how Shannara and Landover came about.
  
40x40

Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated Tin Man in Books

Jun 21, 2019  
Tin Man
Tin Man
Sarah Winman | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.2 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Plot, language, characters (0 more)
Didnt like the ending. Point of view confusing (0 more)
Beautifully written
This is a beautifully written novel from multiple point of views. There's Ellis, a broody young man and Michael, a fun, quirky, lovable chap. There's the most perfect love affair that lasts a brief moment. Then there's Annie, with a bit of Ellis's nature and a bit of Michael's. She should have come between Ellis and Michael but she just fits, and the two become three. I won't give too much away, but I cried, laughed, and was taken on an epic journey. I loved this book. If I had to pick a little niggling fault, it was the ending. I found the POV a little confusing. I wasn't sure who was taking and had to read it a couple of times. Otherwise, amazing. I'll be buying more books from this author.