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Franjpan (10 KP) rated Periodic tales in Books
Nov 26, 2018
The curious lives of elements
Periodic takes is a very interesting book about one man's take on the periodic table of elements. 'The great rift Valley, the field of the cloth of gold, Newton's prism, the Mona Lisa; all impossible without the elements'. This book contains many different stories about the different elements, grounding them into everyday life. It requires little to no scientific knowledge and also includes lots of historical, geographical and cultural context. Personally, I found this book a great read as someone who is about to go to university to study chemistry but I also know of others who have read it and enjoyed it just as much as me.
Barry Newman (204 KP) rated Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) in Movies
Apr 19, 2020
My favourite avenger returns in a highly enjoyable superior sequel. Marvel has got the formula just right here with a perfect blend of humour and action. The plot isn’t overly complex or requiring you to have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the timeline to enjoy but for those up on everything it does fill in some gaps of events between Infinity War and Endgame. The best thing about the film is of course Paul Rudd and I can’t think of anyone better suited for the role than him, this sequel improves on the original by having bigger roles for both Evangeline Lilly and Michael Douglas . The dynamic they have with Rudd makes for a very entertaining ride.
Jack Reynor recommended Hour of the Wolf (Vargtimmen) (1968) in Movies (curated)
Ross (3284 KP) rated Disintegration by The Cure in Music
May 18, 2020
Rolling Stone's 326th greatest album of all time
One of my biggest regrets in life is how long it took me to get in to The Cure. A couple of years ago, my only knowledge of them was Boys Don't Cry, Love Cats and Friday I'm In Love. This album is poles apart from that material and is absolutely superb. From start to finish it is an absolute joy, Pictures of You, Fascination Street and Prayers for Rain are all excellent but for me it is the title track that steals the show - such a slow build up to an epic powerful finish, I always have to go back and listen again.
David McK (3562 KP) rated The Marvels (2022) in Movies
Feb 25, 2024
I think most people would agree that the MCU has been on a decline ever since Endgame.
(Despite one or two good entries since).
If so, IMO they've just hit a new low.
It probably doesn't help that you're almost required to do a lot of 'homework' (movies and TV series that introduce the key characters) prior to watching this (I have), with that knowledge all but assumed by Marvel and with no real fill-in given for those who haven't.
It's not all bad, though, Iman Vellani is infectious as Kamala Khan fan-girling out over Captain Marvel, while the mid credit tease is probably one of the best since the original from 2008s Iron Man.
(Despite one or two good entries since).
If so, IMO they've just hit a new low.
It probably doesn't help that you're almost required to do a lot of 'homework' (movies and TV series that introduce the key characters) prior to watching this (I have), with that knowledge all but assumed by Marvel and with no real fill-in given for those who haven't.
It's not all bad, though, Iman Vellani is infectious as Kamala Khan fan-girling out over Captain Marvel, while the mid credit tease is probably one of the best since the original from 2008s Iron Man.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated House of Thieves in Books
Feb 21, 2018
How far would you go to save the life of a loved one? Thats the question that architect John Cross is forced to ask himself after being confronted with evidence of his sons gambling problem and subsequent debt. The amount is more than his son, or he himself, could ever hope to repay. To keep his son from being killed by the gang holding the debt, John uses his specialized knowledge of local buildings to help the gang plan burglaries, with the understanding that with each job, some of the debt will be forgiven.
I admit that I was expecting a little more of a mystery element after reading the blurb, but even without the mystery this book takes you on an enjoyable trip to the past. The story takes place in New York, 1886, and is rich with descriptions of society life, rat baiting, etiquette, gambling dens, and almost anything else you might want to know about the time period. I did like the way that almost every member of Johns family, without his knowledge, flaunted tradition and expectations to pursue happiness in their own way, even though to be found out would have meant their ruin and social outcast. It was hard not to root for them even when you knew they were doing wrong.
If you are a fan of historical fiction (or if you enjoyed the movie Gangs of New York), then I highly recommend this one.
Note: I was provided with a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I admit that I was expecting a little more of a mystery element after reading the blurb, but even without the mystery this book takes you on an enjoyable trip to the past. The story takes place in New York, 1886, and is rich with descriptions of society life, rat baiting, etiquette, gambling dens, and almost anything else you might want to know about the time period. I did like the way that almost every member of Johns family, without his knowledge, flaunted tradition and expectations to pursue happiness in their own way, even though to be found out would have meant their ruin and social outcast. It was hard not to root for them even when you knew they were doing wrong.
If you are a fan of historical fiction (or if you enjoyed the movie Gangs of New York), then I highly recommend this one.
Note: I was provided with a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ALilLacey (2 KP) rated Frankie Dupont And The High Seas Heist in Books
Mar 4, 2019
Such a fun read for young readers. The age range of 8-12 is perfect for this book, boy or girl. Frankie Dupont is just like a young modern day Sherlock Holmes trying to solve a mystery along with his dad, a few friends and his trusty sidekick dog. This was a fun mystery as it involved two mysteries that end up being surprisingly related. The book is a simple but a fun engaging read. I was trying to figure out the clues and who-dun-it as i read along. I love how Frankie's mind works and his fun gadgets and scientific knowledge he uses to solve the mystery. Sure made me want some chocolate too. A recommended read!
Interesting, but nothing much happens
Don't expect this to be a true crime series. The blurb leads you to believe this may be a murder investigation. It is not.
What S-Town is, is an in-depth look at a troubled man in rural Alabama, who desperately wants some attention and for someone to care about the same things as him. He sees things happening locally that he is not happy with and is struggling to do anything about it.
The documentary series is a well structured analysis of a man with a head full of knowledge and a heart of gold, but with so many internal issues that hold him back.
Interesting, for sure, but not what you might be led to expect.
What S-Town is, is an in-depth look at a troubled man in rural Alabama, who desperately wants some attention and for someone to care about the same things as him. He sees things happening locally that he is not happy with and is struggling to do anything about it.
The documentary series is a well structured analysis of a man with a head full of knowledge and a heart of gold, but with so many internal issues that hold him back.
Interesting, for sure, but not what you might be led to expect.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Attack the Geek (Ree Reyes, #2.5) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
Excuse me, but SQUEE! More Ree Reyes! More Drake! More Eastwood and Grognard! Yes, more Geekomancy!
Michael Underwood is back with a delightful novella and if I have ANY complaints, it's that this is a novella instead of a novel. That's just because I am a greedy fangirl reader. The story itself is fully developed, and the novella is exactly the right format for it.
Attack the Geek definitely isn't the place to start in the series, as it relies on previous knowledge of the characters and the universe, but if you've read the previous novels, you will NOT want to miss this installment when it is released on April 9.
Now I'm left hungry for Ree Reyes #3, though!
Michael Underwood is back with a delightful novella and if I have ANY complaints, it's that this is a novella instead of a novel. That's just because I am a greedy fangirl reader. The story itself is fully developed, and the novella is exactly the right format for it.
Attack the Geek definitely isn't the place to start in the series, as it relies on previous knowledge of the characters and the universe, but if you've read the previous novels, you will NOT want to miss this installment when it is released on April 9.
Now I'm left hungry for Ree Reyes #3, though!
LilyLovesIndie (123 KP) rated Little House in the Big Woods in Books
Nov 5, 2018
I honestly don't have much to say about this book. It is simplistic and written very basically, yet it has a certain something that endears me to read it again and continue with the series. The plight of the Westward Pioneers is something I have a great personal interest and considerable knowledge so it is nice to know that Ingalls Wilder has not elaborated and 'tweaked' too much of her life to make this more exciting. It is a true representation of the daily life of those first brave Americans who went west to find space, fame and fortune; something that was iconic of the era and this book captures that beautifully. Very much looking forward to reading the next in the series!