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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Talking with Psychopaths and Savages: A Journey into the Evil Mind in Books
Oct 16, 2017
There is no journey into an evil mind, just the author's ego
God, if ever there is a narcissist, is the author writing this book. There are zero citations because he feels he's a good enough source by himself. This entire book is just pure self-promotion, with him speaking about one book or TV series he's been involved with in every single chapter, and his letters and interviews to serial killers are just a form of bragging rights disturbingly.
Ironically, there is little sincere empathy with the victims killed by these psychopaths, but just a titillation factor in this book, with the author essentially being a fanboy of these men and one woman. The book also inadvertently reveals how corrupt the American judicial system is, allowing white men to murder and defraud with impunity, while avoiding life sentences and even being granted parole after murdering three people in cold blood.
And with shockingly little psychology in this book, the author even "runs out" of his word count, so it ends abruptly. It is poorly written, as he repeats the phrase "elephants fly" etc. In every other paragraph, and I can now see why it has received low ratings on review sites. Not worth it.
Ironically, there is little sincere empathy with the victims killed by these psychopaths, but just a titillation factor in this book, with the author essentially being a fanboy of these men and one woman. The book also inadvertently reveals how corrupt the American judicial system is, allowing white men to murder and defraud with impunity, while avoiding life sentences and even being granted parole after murdering three people in cold blood.
And with shockingly little psychology in this book, the author even "runs out" of his word count, so it ends abruptly. It is poorly written, as he repeats the phrase "elephants fly" etc. In every other paragraph, and I can now see why it has received low ratings on review sites. Not worth it.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated My Scientology Movie (2015) in Movies
Nov 5, 2017 (Updated Nov 5, 2017)
Hilarious and mostly frightening
Louis Theroux returns in this feature documentary film about probably one of the most controversial subjects out there - Scientology - mostly because of its secretive and yet obtrusive nature in to those who try and question it. It's about 25 per cent hysterically funny and 75 per cent just plain terrifying.
After the Church of Scientology refuses to cooperate in making a documentary, Theroux teams up with former senior church official Mark Rathbun to create dramatic reconstructions of incidents within the church witnessed by Rathbun and other ex-Scientologists. They focus in particular on alleged violent behaviour by the church's leader David Miscavige at its secretive Gold Base facility in California, which Theroux visits.
From being followed almost immediately at the start of filming, to being issued letters from lawyers of the Church of Scientology - their reputation precedes them. There is a sense of unease throughout, and even paranoia / claustrophobia. Theroux also raises questions about Rathbun's own former complicity in the church's "terroristic" activities, leading to tensions between the two. While it doesn't reveal as much as some documentaries, it's entertaining and reiterates everything Scientology seeks to distance itself from - being seen as a cult. Great watch.
After the Church of Scientology refuses to cooperate in making a documentary, Theroux teams up with former senior church official Mark Rathbun to create dramatic reconstructions of incidents within the church witnessed by Rathbun and other ex-Scientologists. They focus in particular on alleged violent behaviour by the church's leader David Miscavige at its secretive Gold Base facility in California, which Theroux visits.
From being followed almost immediately at the start of filming, to being issued letters from lawyers of the Church of Scientology - their reputation precedes them. There is a sense of unease throughout, and even paranoia / claustrophobia. Theroux also raises questions about Rathbun's own former complicity in the church's "terroristic" activities, leading to tensions between the two. While it doesn't reveal as much as some documentaries, it's entertaining and reiterates everything Scientology seeks to distance itself from - being seen as a cult. Great watch.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Lewis on the Christian Life: Becoming Truly Human in the Presence of God in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Synopsis: C.S. Lewis excelled at plumbing the depths of the human heart, both the good and the bad, the beautiful and the corrupt. From science fiction and fantasy to essays, letters, and works of apologetics, Lewis has offered a wealth of insight into how to live the Christian life.
In this book, Rigney explores the center of Lewis’s vision for the Christian life—the personal encounter between the human self and the living God. In prayer, in the church, in the imagination, in our natural loves, in our pleasures and our sorrows, God brings us into his presence so that we can become fully human: alive, free, and whole, transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.
My Thoughts: This is a book that takes a look into the life of C.S. Lewis; author of many books that readers have come to love. This is a wonderful book for those who enjoy reading C.S. Lewis' books as it gives an idea to the reader the thoughts and insights in his writings.
This is a good book for those who want to become acquainted with Mr. Lewis and will certainly want to go back and read his books again.
Iam certain that readers will enjoy this book.
In this book, Rigney explores the center of Lewis’s vision for the Christian life—the personal encounter between the human self and the living God. In prayer, in the church, in the imagination, in our natural loves, in our pleasures and our sorrows, God brings us into his presence so that we can become fully human: alive, free, and whole, transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.
My Thoughts: This is a book that takes a look into the life of C.S. Lewis; author of many books that readers have come to love. This is a wonderful book for those who enjoy reading C.S. Lewis' books as it gives an idea to the reader the thoughts and insights in his writings.
This is a good book for those who want to become acquainted with Mr. Lewis and will certainly want to go back and read his books again.
Iam certain that readers will enjoy this book.
Fred (860 KP) rated The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in Books
Mar 7, 2018
Let's just get it out of the way. This is my favorite book of all time. I've read it 8 times & will probably read it many more times, before my time is due. The book is smart, witty & genius. The characters are funny, quirky & silly. The story follows Arthur Dent, a human from Earth, which was just destroyed to make way for an intergalactic highway. He & his friend Ford, who unknown to Arthur, up to this point, is an alien. They hitch-hike aboard a Vogon ship at the last second before the Earth is destroyed. They are then kicked off the ship & wind up on the Heart of Gold, another ship which has an improbability drive. With this drive, the possibilities are endless. And from there, it just gets better. My favorite character is Marvin, the depressed robot. His negativity of everything & unenthusiastic way mirrors my own views on many things. But some of the best parts in the book are of the book within the book, The Hitch-hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, which is sort of a Galactic Encyclopedia. Except it says DON'T PANIC in large letters on the cover. Entries on poetry & even the creation of the universe are hilarious. And Earth's entry "Mostly Harmless". Anyway, highly recommended. READ IT!
Lindsay (1706 KP) rated A Sound Among the Trees in Books
Feb 15, 2018
The young bride that moves into her husband's first wife home is first scared that there a ghost in the house. She not understand what it was doing to the people inside the home or what the people inside the house was doing to the family.
A mystery unfolds itself though Marielle. Caroline come home to help explain what was going on and what was happening Carson and her mother. Her mother does not know what going but think the house is stuck. Things start to clear up about Susannah Page in letters when Caroline less her in on what the truth is and what is happening.
I do not want to give away how it ends or any of the secret the books has to offer. Though I will tell you it tell you about the part of the Civil War and the Battle of Fredericksburg. It tell about romance and in love. But I will let you decide If you want to pick it up and want to read. Just because I like to read about Civil War a bit does not mean you would not to so you may decide that you want so I will let you decide for yourself. Now if I were asked I recommend this book for sure.
A mystery unfolds itself though Marielle. Caroline come home to help explain what was going on and what was happening Carson and her mother. Her mother does not know what going but think the house is stuck. Things start to clear up about Susannah Page in letters when Caroline less her in on what the truth is and what is happening.
I do not want to give away how it ends or any of the secret the books has to offer. Though I will tell you it tell you about the part of the Civil War and the Battle of Fredericksburg. It tell about romance and in love. But I will let you decide If you want to pick it up and want to read. Just because I like to read about Civil War a bit does not mean you would not to so you may decide that you want so I will let you decide for yourself. Now if I were asked I recommend this book for sure.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Something Old, Something New in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Love, loss, betrayal -- all in the time of Nazis
Elodie and Monique are rummaging through their family attic one day when they come across an old trunk full of letters and memorabilia. They find it all extremely interesting, so they start to peruse the trinkets. Little do they know this will set them on a whirlwind adventure through their family history, bringing to light that which has been hidden for decades.
I absolutely loved this story. It has so much information regarding World War II, and it really gets to the heart of what it was like for families during that time, especially those living in occupied France, such as the one featured. There are many issues expressed during the course of the novel, and not just those stemming for the occupation. It made for a very interesting read that I couldn't put down, and I love the format in which it's written: the story being told to an author in order to help Elodie write the book on her family.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good romp through history, especially the WWII era, as well as those who like intrigue, love stories, and just great stories.
5 stars
Love, loss, betrayal -- all in the time of Nazis
Elodie and Monique are rummaging through their family attic one day when they come across an old trunk full of letters and memorabilia. They find it all extremely interesting, so they start to peruse the trinkets. Little do they know this will set them on a whirlwind adventure through their family history, bringing to light that which has been hidden for decades.
I absolutely loved this story. It has so much information regarding World War II, and it really gets to the heart of what it was like for families during that time, especially those living in occupied France, such as the one featured. There are many issues expressed during the course of the novel, and not just those stemming for the occupation. It made for a very interesting read that I couldn't put down, and I love the format in which it's written: the story being told to an author in order to help Elodie write the book on her family.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good romp through history, especially the WWII era, as well as those who like intrigue, love stories, and just great stories.
5 stars
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Why Mummy Drinks in Books
Jan 21, 2020
Swear heavy rantings
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Gabrielle Glaister. My expectation picking up this book was that it was going to be a humorous commentary on the daily trials of motherhood but for me, it didn’t hit the funny spot I was hoping for.
Written from the point of view of a 39-year-old mother of two young children we have a view of her life as she hopes it is going to go and then how things actually happen.
The beginning of this book came across as some sort of constant swearing rant by a rather stuck up woman who I was struggling to feel any sympathy for. I nearly gave up on it but it did improve.
I just couldn't muster any love for this mum. I don't think the narration helped for me but overall the tone just wasn't enjoyable. There were moments, in particular, the Christmas period that brought a smile to my face but I had wanted more of a laugh.
I generally don’t mind a lot of swearing but it was done in such a repetitive way it didn’t help the story, oh and having FML read out as letters frequently grated.
Written from the point of view of a 39-year-old mother of two young children we have a view of her life as she hopes it is going to go and then how things actually happen.
The beginning of this book came across as some sort of constant swearing rant by a rather stuck up woman who I was struggling to feel any sympathy for. I nearly gave up on it but it did improve.
I just couldn't muster any love for this mum. I don't think the narration helped for me but overall the tone just wasn't enjoyable. There were moments, in particular, the Christmas period that brought a smile to my face but I had wanted more of a laugh.
I generally don’t mind a lot of swearing but it was done in such a repetitive way it didn’t help the story, oh and having FML read out as letters frequently grated.
Sammeh Lowry (15 KP) rated Love Letters to the Dead in Books
Jul 13, 2019
The last 100 pages saved this book from a 3 star! Laurel is given an assignment in school which is to write a letter to someone who is dead. She chooses Kurt Cobain, who she feels as a lot in common with her sister May who died young just like she did. Soon she begins writing to lots of other famous people who have died too, through her letters to get to know about her life and her thoughts and feelings. I found Laurel to be very dislikeable at the start, she lives in her sisters shadow but it so caught up in trying to be her she becomes completely wrapped up in it. After finishing this book I can understand why she was portrayed this way to begin with, as the story developed I gained more of an understanding into who she is away from her sister. I loved her relationship with Sky and I love the friendships she also gained (I wasn't too sure of them at first) I felt at times it dragged but the last 100 pages really did it for me and I ended up loving how it all came together. Its definitely worth a read stick with it you won't be disappointed.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2103 KP) rated Of Manners and Murder in Books
Feb 8, 2023
Dear Miss Hermione, Can You Solve My Murder?
Violet Manville is shocked when her aunt tells her she writes the popular Miss Hermione advice column and then tells Violet that she is in charge of the column while she goes off to the continent. Among the first letters Violet receives is one from a young woman who thinks someone is trying to kill her. When Violet goes to try to help, she interrupts the woman’s funeral. Can Violet figure out what is happening?
I thought the first in this new series, set in Victoria England, sounded like fun. I am glad I picked it up because I was right. The characters are good, although Violet’s half-sister can be a bit shallow. I suspect that is on purpose, however. We do get a few scenes from her point of view, but the switch is always obvious. The plot is lots of fun and plenty to keep us engaged. I did feel Violet made a leap at the end, but the solution was logical. If you are looking for a fun premise for a new series, this is one to check out. I look forward to seeing where it goes from here.
I thought the first in this new series, set in Victoria England, sounded like fun. I am glad I picked it up because I was right. The characters are good, although Violet’s half-sister can be a bit shallow. I suspect that is on purpose, however. We do get a few scenes from her point of view, but the switch is always obvious. The plot is lots of fun and plenty to keep us engaged. I did feel Violet made a leap at the end, but the solution was logical. If you are looking for a fun premise for a new series, this is one to check out. I look forward to seeing where it goes from here.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2103 KP) rated The Chalice of the Gods in Books
Jan 15, 2024 (Updated Jan 15, 2024)
Percy Has an Extra College Entrance Requirement
Percy Jackson is now a senior in high school, but in order to get into college, he has a special requirement – letters of recommendation from three gods. And to get them, he has to go on quests, of course. The first comes from Ganymede who is missing the special goblet he uses to serve the gods. Can Percy find it before the next big feast?
It’s been years since I read any of the Percy Jackson books, so I wasn’t sure how easily I’d slip back into his world. I needn’t have worried. The book focuses on a smaller cast of characters, which made it easy, and I enjoyed spending time with them again. The story is episodic at times, but I was always engaged, dying to know what would happen next even if the stakes were a little smaller than in other books. I’d forgotten just how funny the books could be, and I was smiling and laughing throughout. Yet we also got some wonderful character moments that were very emotionally satisfying. I’m so glad I picked up this book, and other fans of Percy will be glad they picked it up, too.
It’s been years since I read any of the Percy Jackson books, so I wasn’t sure how easily I’d slip back into his world. I needn’t have worried. The book focuses on a smaller cast of characters, which made it easy, and I enjoyed spending time with them again. The story is episodic at times, but I was always engaged, dying to know what would happen next even if the stakes were a little smaller than in other books. I’d forgotten just how funny the books could be, and I was smiling and laughing throughout. Yet we also got some wonderful character moments that were very emotionally satisfying. I’m so glad I picked up this book, and other fans of Percy will be glad they picked it up, too.
