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LucyB (47 KP) rated Frankenstein in Books
Jul 23, 2017
Best classic horror story - by a mile
MY ALL TIME FAVOURITE! If it wasn't awesome enough that this was written by a woman in the 1800s (let's face it - a bit of an achievement in itself), this is one of the most genuinely unsettling books ever written.
The true magic of this book lies in its underlying theme- the notion of 'reaching too far' and trying to beat nature. Throughout, there are men trying to achieve unnatural things, and the book illustrates beautifully the dire consequences of doing so. As for Frankenstein's creature - every time I read this book, he completely breaks my heart; and he serves to highlight the shallowness of the humans around him. Yes, admittedly, he's a murderer... but it's testament to Shelley's skill that she makes us understand what drove him to it.
I love the origins of the book too - Shelley's writing competition at Lake Geneva (is that the right lake?) where she pitted her talents against Lord Byron, John Polidori and her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley... you can just imagine that dark night, and all those amazing writers trying to outdo each other with their horror stories!
Love every aspect of this book. Yes, Dracula and Dr Jekyll / Mr Hyde are also fabulous, but for me, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is the pinnacle of gothic horror.
The true magic of this book lies in its underlying theme- the notion of 'reaching too far' and trying to beat nature. Throughout, there are men trying to achieve unnatural things, and the book illustrates beautifully the dire consequences of doing so. As for Frankenstein's creature - every time I read this book, he completely breaks my heart; and he serves to highlight the shallowness of the humans around him. Yes, admittedly, he's a murderer... but it's testament to Shelley's skill that she makes us understand what drove him to it.
I love the origins of the book too - Shelley's writing competition at Lake Geneva (is that the right lake?) where she pitted her talents against Lord Byron, John Polidori and her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley... you can just imagine that dark night, and all those amazing writers trying to outdo each other with their horror stories!
Love every aspect of this book. Yes, Dracula and Dr Jekyll / Mr Hyde are also fabulous, but for me, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is the pinnacle of gothic horror.
LucyB (47 KP) rated Big Little Lies in Books
Jul 23, 2017
Magnificently clever, darkly humorous, thought-provoking read.
Sigh. I do so love it when I finish a book and wish it wasn't finished! Big Little Lies is absolutely one of the best books I've read for a while, and absolutely had me hooked from start to finish.
The story focuses on three main characters: bolshy Madeleine, mousy Jane and beautiful Celeste - who share a common bond; they have children starting the same kindergarten class. However, things go swiftly wrong when Jane's child Ziggy is accused of trying to strangle another child - a situation that soon escalates with alarming consequences.
The book captures playground politics to perfection (I'm wagering the author MUST have kids of her own), but goes far beyond exploring the behaviour of over-zealous school mums. It also examines the insanity of bullying, how quickly situations can spiral out of control, and the horror of domestic abuse. In spite of handling some weighty issues, it also manages to be quite darkly amusing and highly wry.
The characters are likeable, engaging and relateable (I'd guess most mothers reading this book would instinctively 'gravitate' towards one of the three protagonists). And the ending? I won't spoil it - but put it like this, I certainly didn't see it coming.
Love love love this book. Definitely one to read, folks!
The story focuses on three main characters: bolshy Madeleine, mousy Jane and beautiful Celeste - who share a common bond; they have children starting the same kindergarten class. However, things go swiftly wrong when Jane's child Ziggy is accused of trying to strangle another child - a situation that soon escalates with alarming consequences.
The book captures playground politics to perfection (I'm wagering the author MUST have kids of her own), but goes far beyond exploring the behaviour of over-zealous school mums. It also examines the insanity of bullying, how quickly situations can spiral out of control, and the horror of domestic abuse. In spite of handling some weighty issues, it also manages to be quite darkly amusing and highly wry.
The characters are likeable, engaging and relateable (I'd guess most mothers reading this book would instinctively 'gravitate' towards one of the three protagonists). And the ending? I won't spoil it - but put it like this, I certainly didn't see it coming.
Love love love this book. Definitely one to read, folks!
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated The Ethics of Ambiguity in Books
Aug 30, 2017
Complex themes, slightly obvious
Simone De Beauvoir is one of the foremost feminist philiosophers there are. However, unlike in The Second Sex, The Ethics of Ambiguity explores the nature of freedom and basically deconstructs arguments made by pioneering philosophers Marx and Kant. She poses the question how can humans be both subject and object yet still be free? She says if humans are born free why are they also treated like objects to control? And there lies the ambiguity.
As free, we have the ability to take note of ourselves and choose what to do. As factic, we are constrained by physical limits, social barriers and the expectations and political power of others. She has quite a Hobbesian approach saying human beings are responsible for their own actions and therefore have to work at creating concrete ideals rather than following an abstract notion of freedom.
She also criticises approaches that require grasping for freedom at the expense of others - adding that inadvertently reduces gaining freedom down to another form of slavery ie. Communism, Capitalism and Democracies.
She concludes that the only way you can will yourself free is to will others free in the process.
While the sentiment is there, her writing style was very repetitive in this book, and at times a little tangential. Not her best work, but still very relevant for current times.
As free, we have the ability to take note of ourselves and choose what to do. As factic, we are constrained by physical limits, social barriers and the expectations and political power of others. She has quite a Hobbesian approach saying human beings are responsible for their own actions and therefore have to work at creating concrete ideals rather than following an abstract notion of freedom.
She also criticises approaches that require grasping for freedom at the expense of others - adding that inadvertently reduces gaining freedom down to another form of slavery ie. Communism, Capitalism and Democracies.
She concludes that the only way you can will yourself free is to will others free in the process.
While the sentiment is there, her writing style was very repetitive in this book, and at times a little tangential. Not her best work, but still very relevant for current times.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2357 KP) rated Chocolate Cream Pie Murder in Books
Mar 13, 2019
Chocolate Pies and Lies
Valentine’s Day is coming, and The Cookie Jar is getting ready to cater various Valentine’s Parties with new treats. Hannah Swensen is throwing herself into this baking in order to not think about the news she’s gotten that Ross was already married, so their wedding was all a lie. She has told the town of Lake Eden in an effort to curb gossip, and all of her friends are with her. Which is why Ross sneaks back into town in the early hours of the morning demanding something from Hannah – something she might not be able to give him. What will happen if she can’t?
As a longtime fan of the series, I’ve been expecting this book for several books now. The murder itself takes place late in the book and is wrapped up quickly. There were some other plot elements I was enjoying, so I wasn’t bored, however, I wish things hadn’t been left dangling quite so much until the next book in the series. We get plenty of talk about food as always, with twenty-eight new recipes by my count. It is always nice to catch up with these characters, at least for this fan of the series. If you have been a fan, you’ll want the next chapter in Hannah’s saga, but if you are new, don’t jump in here.
As a longtime fan of the series, I’ve been expecting this book for several books now. The murder itself takes place late in the book and is wrapped up quickly. There were some other plot elements I was enjoying, so I wasn’t bored, however, I wish things hadn’t been left dangling quite so much until the next book in the series. We get plenty of talk about food as always, with twenty-eight new recipes by my count. It is always nice to catch up with these characters, at least for this fan of the series. If you have been a fan, you’ll want the next chapter in Hannah’s saga, but if you are new, don’t jump in here.
Louise (64 KP) rated Sometimes I Lie in Books
Jul 2, 2018
*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review*
This book must have one of the shortest blurbs but one of the most intriguing, When I saw this book I instantly knew that I wanted to read it, there so much mystery in that blurb – I wanted to know why she was in a coma, why her husband didn’t love and what she lied about and if these lies were the reasons she was in a coma.
For a debut novel this absolutely fantastic, very absorbing, gripping and has you on the edge of your seat the whole way through, I truly am excited to see what this very talented writer is going to come up with next.
I am not going to write anything about the story as i think it will take some of the allure away. All you need to know is that you will be trying to second guess what is going and trying to reveal the truth. There are so many twists and turns in this book,if you are anything like me when I got to the plot twist I had to read it a few times to get my head round it.
This novel was dark,gritty and a great mystery/thriller novel.
This book must have one of the shortest blurbs but one of the most intriguing, When I saw this book I instantly knew that I wanted to read it, there so much mystery in that blurb – I wanted to know why she was in a coma, why her husband didn’t love and what she lied about and if these lies were the reasons she was in a coma.
For a debut novel this absolutely fantastic, very absorbing, gripping and has you on the edge of your seat the whole way through, I truly am excited to see what this very talented writer is going to come up with next.
I am not going to write anything about the story as i think it will take some of the allure away. All you need to know is that you will be trying to second guess what is going and trying to reveal the truth. There are so many twists and turns in this book,if you are anything like me when I got to the plot twist I had to read it a few times to get my head round it.
This novel was dark,gritty and a great mystery/thriller novel.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Our Little Lies in Books
Nov 14, 2018
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. First, let me say, ÒOur Little LiesÓ was very well written. That being said, it took me forever to read it. I had to read more than half of the book because I realized why. Susan Watson was able to capture how it feels to be Marianne, the wife of a completely controlling man, who slowly, methodically, makes her doubt herself and wears her down without her realizing it. This story hit so close to home and was the first book I read that was able to show how a seemingly confident, capable woman could become completely dependent on her husband.
The story was well written and moved quickly. The characters were real and made you want to help everyone in the family. The book also questions how far would you go to protect your family? What would you be willing to do? It is a psychological thriller is an honest roller coaster of lies and questions which shows even the Òperfect familyÓ has something to hide.
I am glad I found Susan Watson and, even though she does not usually write thrillers, I look forward to reading another of her books. I give this 5 out of 5 stars.
The story was well written and moved quickly. The characters were real and made you want to help everyone in the family. The book also questions how far would you go to protect your family? What would you be willing to do? It is a psychological thriller is an honest roller coaster of lies and questions which shows even the Òperfect familyÓ has something to hide.
I am glad I found Susan Watson and, even though she does not usually write thrillers, I look forward to reading another of her books. I give this 5 out of 5 stars.
Merissa (13000 KP) rated The Goddess's Curse (Heartmates, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from Reading Alley in return for a fair and honest review.
The basic crux of this story is a battle between men and women living apart and only coming together when pheromones and nature mix together.
The Sharona (women) live in luxury and don't have any fears about anything. Anything, that is, apart from when the heat comes on them and their crystal changes colour, which lets them know that they will soon be in the mating season. This isn't a mate at first sight season, it's more like a rutting season with the Sharona mating with various men until the urge leaves her.
The Lahon (men) live in more 'rustic' accommodations and yet seem to be the happier of the two. Or at least they would be if they weren't worried about the lack of water.
The plot line of this story is fairly simple and it is obvious from the start just who the 'bad guy' is. The story lies in the detail of the hows and whys and, of course, getting the innocent party to believe ill of someone else.
Although this story does have a sort of happy ending, it is also left wide open for further stories which I will be happy to read when they come out.
The basic crux of this story is a battle between men and women living apart and only coming together when pheromones and nature mix together.
The Sharona (women) live in luxury and don't have any fears about anything. Anything, that is, apart from when the heat comes on them and their crystal changes colour, which lets them know that they will soon be in the mating season. This isn't a mate at first sight season, it's more like a rutting season with the Sharona mating with various men until the urge leaves her.
The Lahon (men) live in more 'rustic' accommodations and yet seem to be the happier of the two. Or at least they would be if they weren't worried about the lack of water.
The plot line of this story is fairly simple and it is obvious from the start just who the 'bad guy' is. The story lies in the detail of the hows and whys and, of course, getting the innocent party to believe ill of someone else.
Although this story does have a sort of happy ending, it is also left wide open for further stories which I will be happy to read when they come out.
Otway93 (580 KP) rated BIO HAZARD: The True Story Behind BIO HAZARD in Books
Oct 22, 2019
Story (2 more)
Background Information
Interview with Shinji Mikami (Resident Evil Designer)
A fascinating book from a horror and gaming perspective.
A fun, fascinating book that gives a great deal of information regarding what happened in the Resident Evil/Biohazard series before the first game.
The "Trevor's Letters" section of the book provides a haunting, yet not overly revealing backstory about the notorious mansion's design, but it succeeds in preserving the mystery of what lies ahead, while providing gamers with some subtle game hints.
The main section of the book, "Resident Evil: The Beginning", is a light novel by Hiroyuki Ariga, providing a brief prequel to the game that leads straight into the game itself. Well written and thoroughly enjoyable!
The final section is an interview with Shinji Mikami, the designer of the game, where he talks about his inspirations and previous games. A superb insight into how the game was made, mainly providing details on game design and the games soundtrack (or lack thereof). A smart and funny interview with a man that gamers have a lot to thank for!
The main problem with the book is that it was only released to the Japanese market, but thanks to the wonder of the internet, there is a translation available so we can all enjoy it!
The "Trevor's Letters" section of the book provides a haunting, yet not overly revealing backstory about the notorious mansion's design, but it succeeds in preserving the mystery of what lies ahead, while providing gamers with some subtle game hints.
The main section of the book, "Resident Evil: The Beginning", is a light novel by Hiroyuki Ariga, providing a brief prequel to the game that leads straight into the game itself. Well written and thoroughly enjoyable!
The final section is an interview with Shinji Mikami, the designer of the game, where he talks about his inspirations and previous games. A superb insight into how the game was made, mainly providing details on game design and the games soundtrack (or lack thereof). A smart and funny interview with a man that gamers have a lot to thank for!
The main problem with the book is that it was only released to the Japanese market, but thanks to the wonder of the internet, there is a translation available so we can all enjoy it!
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Big Lies in a Small Town in Books
Jan 16, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Diane Chamberlain is a prolific writer who has been on my "want to read" list for years. When given the opportunity to review her latest book, Big Lies in a Small Town, I jumped at the chance. Having finished it, I am glad I did.
Morgan Christopher and Anna Dale are both strong, artistic women whose stories are told in alternating chapters. In 2018, Morgan is hired to restore a mural Anna painted in 1940. Beyond the mural, they both must deal with issues that are daunting and will test their character and resolve.
The story flowed well and the writing style made it hard to put it down. I ended up reading it in 2 sittings. There is one "surprise" that seems extremely obvious but the story is definitely worth reading.
It is marketed as women's fiction. To me, it seems to be a mystery too. Morgan makes it her mission to figure out secrets hidden in the mural. I do not want to say more than that and give anything away.
Many of her books are labeled as women's fiction. Some as mystery. I frequently skip books labeled women's fiction. After reading this, I probably will read more.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/15/20.
Diane Chamberlain is a prolific writer who has been on my "want to read" list for years. When given the opportunity to review her latest book, Big Lies in a Small Town, I jumped at the chance. Having finished it, I am glad I did.
Morgan Christopher and Anna Dale are both strong, artistic women whose stories are told in alternating chapters. In 2018, Morgan is hired to restore a mural Anna painted in 1940. Beyond the mural, they both must deal with issues that are daunting and will test their character and resolve.
The story flowed well and the writing style made it hard to put it down. I ended up reading it in 2 sittings. There is one "surprise" that seems extremely obvious but the story is definitely worth reading.
It is marketed as women's fiction. To me, it seems to be a mystery too. Morgan makes it her mission to figure out secrets hidden in the mural. I do not want to say more than that and give anything away.
Many of her books are labeled as women's fiction. Some as mystery. I frequently skip books labeled women's fiction. After reading this, I probably will read more.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/15/20.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Good Girls Lie in Books
Jan 10, 2020
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
J.T. Ellison's latest work, Good Girls Lie, is set in an elite boarding school which is set atop a hill in the small town of Marchburg, Virginia. The students are only the best girls who are hand-picked each year by the dean. However, it is not a young adult book. It is a thriller full of secrets, secret societies, lies, and a strict honor code that is not always followed.
In the beginning, I found it difficult to get into the book but I am glad I kept reading. Several reviewers described it as fast-paced but I disagree. It is a slow burn but it does definitely burn. The twists were both expected and unexpected but worked well.
It opens with a body being found then flashes back to learn the events that lead up to the death. It is not a new tactic but, with the story, it works well.
J.T. Ellison is best known for her Lt. Taylor Jackson series. The 8th book, "Field of Graves" was published in 2015. She has teamed up with Catherine Coulter to write "A Brit in the FBI" series. The 6th book in the series, The Last Second, was published in 2019.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/10/2020.
J.T. Ellison's latest work, Good Girls Lie, is set in an elite boarding school which is set atop a hill in the small town of Marchburg, Virginia. The students are only the best girls who are hand-picked each year by the dean. However, it is not a young adult book. It is a thriller full of secrets, secret societies, lies, and a strict honor code that is not always followed.
In the beginning, I found it difficult to get into the book but I am glad I kept reading. Several reviewers described it as fast-paced but I disagree. It is a slow burn but it does definitely burn. The twists were both expected and unexpected but worked well.
It opens with a body being found then flashes back to learn the events that lead up to the death. It is not a new tactic but, with the story, it works well.
J.T. Ellison is best known for her Lt. Taylor Jackson series. The 8th book, "Field of Graves" was published in 2015. She has teamed up with Catherine Coulter to write "A Brit in the FBI" series. The 6th book in the series, The Last Second, was published in 2019.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/10/2020.