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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Touch in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Touch was crazy. It threw you in at the first sentence. It hung on tight the whole story through. I was amazed at the beauty and ugliness of the thing that was the main character—whatever her…his…it’s name was. I was amazed at all of it. Up until the end when I thought I would cry.
I didn’t want it to end, and when I finally figured out how it would, end I was furious. But I also knew there was literally no other way it could work; and yet it was still so hard to accept.
The mystery, the suspense, the back-story that fed into the current events, it was all enchanting and amazing and well written, and I will 100% read it again, and 100% recommend it to anybody. Claire North, you’re on my Author Watch.
As well as being well written, it was also well performed. I loved the voice chosen for the reader, it was read at a good speed, and it was read well.
Content/Recommendation: Some language. ages 15+
I didn’t want it to end, and when I finally figured out how it would, end I was furious. But I also knew there was literally no other way it could work; and yet it was still so hard to accept.
The mystery, the suspense, the back-story that fed into the current events, it was all enchanting and amazing and well written, and I will 100% read it again, and 100% recommend it to anybody. Claire North, you’re on my Author Watch.
As well as being well written, it was also well performed. I loved the voice chosen for the reader, it was read at a good speed, and it was read well.
Content/Recommendation: Some language. ages 15+
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Forgotten Girls in Books
Apr 27, 2018
The Forgotten Girls was a pretty good book. I can’t say it was amazing, but it definitely wasn’t bad. It is a book in a series. It’s designed so you don't have to read the others to enjoy this one and even though I didn’t need the other books in the series to know what was going on, I did feel a little lost at times, and I felt like I was thrown into the middle of a movie (like I skipped the first scene) and it was disconcerting.
That being said, the story itself was okay. It was a good execution of a concept that just wasn't that high. The climax didn’t feel that phenomenal and I felt like it ended just as it got going.
All in all, it was a fine read, I wasn’t annoyed by it, I certainly enjoyed the process, but it didn’t force me to keep reading like some books, and I wasn’t that impressed with the overall experience.
Content/Recommendation: Some language, violence, rape scene (not overly-grotesque). Ages 18+
That being said, the story itself was okay. It was a good execution of a concept that just wasn't that high. The climax didn’t feel that phenomenal and I felt like it ended just as it got going.
All in all, it was a fine read, I wasn’t annoyed by it, I certainly enjoyed the process, but it didn’t force me to keep reading like some books, and I wasn’t that impressed with the overall experience.
Content/Recommendation: Some language, violence, rape scene (not overly-grotesque). Ages 18+
Saffy Alexandra (89 KP) rated The Reptile Room (A Series of Unfortunate Events #2) in Books
May 31, 2019
The Characters (1 more)
The Plot
Ssssomething Ssspecial
Now, this is probably my favourite book out of all the series, one because of my love of reptiles and two it just has that sort of charm that steals you in and doesn’t let you leave!
Usually reptiles (snakes, etc) are the bad guys and are always portrayed in not the best light. Snicket has a fantastic way of turning this on its head (no spoilers, get reading the books). His wit, charm and eclectic use of the English language is fantastical, managing to just keep you turning those pages over and over again until you realise you’ve finished the book … then you just want to carry on reading the next book in the series.
The poor Orphans do suffer a lot at Snickets hand, and we are so intrigued as to how these three will cope and handle that rogue Count Olaf that you can’t help but follow their misadventures and misfortunes.
If you are a fan of misery, mystery and a lot of humour and wit these books are for you!
Usually reptiles (snakes, etc) are the bad guys and are always portrayed in not the best light. Snicket has a fantastic way of turning this on its head (no spoilers, get reading the books). His wit, charm and eclectic use of the English language is fantastical, managing to just keep you turning those pages over and over again until you realise you’ve finished the book … then you just want to carry on reading the next book in the series.
The poor Orphans do suffer a lot at Snickets hand, and we are so intrigued as to how these three will cope and handle that rogue Count Olaf that you can’t help but follow their misadventures and misfortunes.
If you are a fan of misery, mystery and a lot of humour and wit these books are for you!
Awix (3310 KP) rated Raw (2017) in Movies
Feb 10, 2018 (Updated Feb 10, 2018)
A Rare Treat
French language horror-drama with a you've-got-to-be-kidding-me premise that turned out to be one of the smartest and subtlest films of the year. It's the same old story we've seen a thousand times before - lifelong vegetarian goes off to vet school, is force-fed rabbit kidney, discovers an insatiable hunger for human flesh.
Ah yes, but as well as a degree of gore (weirdly, the most disturbing part of the film for me was watching someone receive a rather inept bikini wax), the film also has interesting and thoughtful things to say about peer pressure and the social demands placed on young women by the modern world - whether they don't even try to fit in or just try too hard, the results are often harsh.
The ending almost seems to be trying to reposition the film as a black comedy, but most of the way through this is ferociously intelligent and self-assured film helped a lot by Garance Marillier's remarkable performance. If you only watch one feminist cannibal allegory this year...
Ah yes, but as well as a degree of gore (weirdly, the most disturbing part of the film for me was watching someone receive a rather inept bikini wax), the film also has interesting and thoughtful things to say about peer pressure and the social demands placed on young women by the modern world - whether they don't even try to fit in or just try too hard, the results are often harsh.
The ending almost seems to be trying to reposition the film as a black comedy, but most of the way through this is ferociously intelligent and self-assured film helped a lot by Garance Marillier's remarkable performance. If you only watch one feminist cannibal allegory this year...
Contains spoilers, click to show
The Shakespeare Stories: Henry V, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Merchant of Venice, Hamlet by Andrew Matthews presents four of William Shakespeare’s famous plays in an easy-to-digest format for kids. Accompanied by Tony Ross’ illustrations, Matthews re-imagines these Shakespearean plays as short stories more akin to classic fairy tales.
Matthews manages to take some of the most plot-heavy and confusing Shakespeare plays and break them down to their most basic elements. The language is easy to follow without lacking intellect or wit, and he stays true to Shakespeare’s concepts and characters. Illustrated short stories for kids are a no-brainer for getting children interested in William Shakespeare, and Matthews was smart to dive into the genre. He isn’t reinventing the wheel, but he is making the wheel accessible to a wide range of audiences.
I like how it has pictures, gives the cast and a quote from the original play. Then it tells the story and finishes up with an explanation of what just happened and some history of Shakespeare and the play.
Matthews manages to take some of the most plot-heavy and confusing Shakespeare plays and break them down to their most basic elements. The language is easy to follow without lacking intellect or wit, and he stays true to Shakespeare’s concepts and characters. Illustrated short stories for kids are a no-brainer for getting children interested in William Shakespeare, and Matthews was smart to dive into the genre. He isn’t reinventing the wheel, but he is making the wheel accessible to a wide range of audiences.
I like how it has pictures, gives the cast and a quote from the original play. Then it tells the story and finishes up with an explanation of what just happened and some history of Shakespeare and the play.
FilmIntuition (33 KP) rated Virgil Wander in Books
Nov 21, 2018
Like a warm quilt on a cold day, in "Virgil Wander," Leif Enger wraps up his reader in evocative language that makes them want to pull the book closer and hold tight for this imaginative tale.
Narrated by the well-liked eponymous film projectionist who finds himself still getting his bearings and memory back after his car soars into Lake Superior during a snowfall, as Virgil navigates his small town with new perspective, we get acquainted with the equally affable, unique characters who inhabit the “cursed” town of Greenstone, Minnesota.
A seemingly straightforward journey made all the more enchanting by the author's magnetic prose, “Virgil Wander” is stunning not only in its simplicity but by how masterfully Enger builds a strong foundation of characters you can relate to before seasoning his story with elements of Norwegian myth and fisherman's tall tales, which in his hands become Minnesota magic.
A highly recommended chronicle of small town life with much more on its mind, this gorgeously penned sleeper is one of my favorite novels of 2018.
Narrated by the well-liked eponymous film projectionist who finds himself still getting his bearings and memory back after his car soars into Lake Superior during a snowfall, as Virgil navigates his small town with new perspective, we get acquainted with the equally affable, unique characters who inhabit the “cursed” town of Greenstone, Minnesota.
A seemingly straightforward journey made all the more enchanting by the author's magnetic prose, “Virgil Wander” is stunning not only in its simplicity but by how masterfully Enger builds a strong foundation of characters you can relate to before seasoning his story with elements of Norwegian myth and fisherman's tall tales, which in his hands become Minnesota magic.
A highly recommended chronicle of small town life with much more on its mind, this gorgeously penned sleeper is one of my favorite novels of 2018.
Rambling and nonsensical
I’m always sceptical when it comes to anything that has won awards or prizes, usually because they tend to never appeal to the masses the way the appeal to the critics. And this is definitely the case for the Milkman.
To start off with, the writing style is very unusual. Written from the point of view of the protagonist ‘middle sister’, who has an unusual take on the written word and language. To being this style comes across as awkward and a little hard to read, but you soon get used to it. The major problem with this book is that it is completely bonkers, rambling and makes barely any sense. Whilst there are vague notions of an interesting plot, it’s lost entirely in the confused ramblings of middle sister. This book could have been cut down by half and still would’ve rambled on for a little too long. I really tried with this, I persevered and kept on reading but by the end I skim read the last 10% as I just couldn’t face the nonsense anymore.
To start off with, the writing style is very unusual. Written from the point of view of the protagonist ‘middle sister’, who has an unusual take on the written word and language. To being this style comes across as awkward and a little hard to read, but you soon get used to it. The major problem with this book is that it is completely bonkers, rambling and makes barely any sense. Whilst there are vague notions of an interesting plot, it’s lost entirely in the confused ramblings of middle sister. This book could have been cut down by half and still would’ve rambled on for a little too long. I really tried with this, I persevered and kept on reading but by the end I skim read the last 10% as I just couldn’t face the nonsense anymore.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated Obsidio: Illuminae Files Book 3 in Books
Dec 13, 2018 (Updated Dec 13, 2018)
Epic endings
“LATIN IS THE LANGUAGE OF MANY OF HUMANITY’S GREATEST TALES.
TALES THAT HAVE ENDURED” ~ AIDAN
This is not going to be an epic review, I’m emotionally drained and I haven’t got it in me, but know this, I have epic feelings about this book, this series. It is a stand out experience in all my reading over the last few years, made all the better by buddy reading the last two with Hollis.
Obsidio introduces two new characters in Asha and Rhys but even better than this newness is that they are brought alongside Kady, Ezra, Nik, Hanna and AIDAN. The bringing together of their minds, their snark, their humour and their sharp emotions was a ride of hope and despair.
I laughed but boy did I leak from the eye area. Why did I cry? Often over a metal chip (if you’ve read this book you’ll understand). I’m all done in, I’m completely satisfied and I will return to this series to read and devour it again.
TALES THAT HAVE ENDURED” ~ AIDAN
This is not going to be an epic review, I’m emotionally drained and I haven’t got it in me, but know this, I have epic feelings about this book, this series. It is a stand out experience in all my reading over the last few years, made all the better by buddy reading the last two with Hollis.
Obsidio introduces two new characters in Asha and Rhys but even better than this newness is that they are brought alongside Kady, Ezra, Nik, Hanna and AIDAN. The bringing together of their minds, their snark, their humour and their sharp emotions was a ride of hope and despair.
I laughed but boy did I leak from the eye area. Why did I cry? Often over a metal chip (if you’ve read this book you’ll understand). I’m all done in, I’m completely satisfied and I will return to this series to read and devour it again.
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated The Wise Man's Fear in Books
Aug 8, 2019
every time I stopped reading a just breathed the words "I love this book" (4 more)
Great characters
interesting things happen
I love the descriptions of the cultures and the customs of exotic locations
the world building
Best book I've read in 5 years.... most fun I've had reading since Ready Player One
If I were to write a full review it would be full of flowery language, and you would probably smile and think I'm over indulging in praise. Only those who haven't read it can ever have the privilege of reading it for the first time ever again.... it is only a matter of time before this is a move in the fashion of lord of the rings or harry potter, and damn I hope it's just as good. I will definately re-read this series, and it's not something I do. I'm the always on to the next one type reader...
Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated The Boy in the Dress in Books
Jul 2, 2019
This is a good well rounded book for young folks
I really enjoyed this book. I was sceptical due to the author already being established and thought perhaps his celebrity status helped him sell book but I'll take my hat of to Walliams. This is an enjoyable little read. The language is simple and I enjoyed how current the book is. The book really demonstrates the difference between black and white and colour (colour being different and standing out from the norm).
Uniform is also a main theme in the book and very obviously gender and social acceptance. Walliams does a good job at showing that sexual preference is not linked to dress and that discrimination is wrong. In this book the child is able to experience how ludicrous gender representation by dress is by dressing the full football team up in ladies clothing, this normalises it.
The intrusive narrator who may be Walliams himself, also gives hints throughout the book about his own desire to cross dress.
Good book.
Uniform is also a main theme in the book and very obviously gender and social acceptance. Walliams does a good job at showing that sexual preference is not linked to dress and that discrimination is wrong. In this book the child is able to experience how ludicrous gender representation by dress is by dressing the full football team up in ladies clothing, this normalises it.
The intrusive narrator who may be Walliams himself, also gives hints throughout the book about his own desire to cross dress.
Good book.