Search
Search results
tapestry100 (306 KP) rated The Great Divide in Books
Jul 26, 2017
A dark and gritty near future dystopia where a mysterious plague has fallen on mankind, where the slightest contact of bare flesh will cause immediate death for one of those being touched, but there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason as to who lives or dies. On top of that, the survivor also then carries around in their head the persona of the person they killed. This can sometimes cause madness in the survivor, but some can coexist with their new passenger. Of course, with no physical skin-to-skin contact possible, sex is off-limits but brothels survive, with watching, no touching, rules in place. Isolation becomes the means of survival, but with that isolation also comes the end of the human race. That is, until two unlikely allies possibly discover the cause of the plague, and possibly a means to undo it.
The Great Divide is definitely not for the lighthearted. This is a very grim look at humanity and what happens when all means of physical contact is stripped away. It is a violent, sexualized dystopia that Ben Fisher and Adam Markiewicz give us, but it is still a story about the resilience of the human spirit.
The Great Divide is definitely not for the lighthearted. This is a very grim look at humanity and what happens when all means of physical contact is stripped away. It is a violent, sexualized dystopia that Ben Fisher and Adam Markiewicz give us, but it is still a story about the resilience of the human spirit.
Sam (74 KP) rated It Started With A Tweet in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Phone addict Daisy will do anything for a like on social media. She shares almost everything from her life and exaggerates about all of it too. It’s a good skill to have when your job is to run the social media of a company, not so good when you accidentally send an explicit tweet through your company’s account rather than your own.
Daisy’s life is turned upside-down. She is sacked from her job after her tweet goes viral, and hopeless that she will find another place willing to take her. A digital detox is just what she needs. She goes to stay at a farm her sister Rosie has bought and helps her renovate it, meeting some interesting people along the way.
It Started With A Tweet reminded me of Cecelia Ahern and Sophie Kinsella, so it was right up my street. It’s lighthearted and laugh-out-loud funny and overall a really entertaining read. Daisy’s constant comments made me giggle and she was such a lifelike character.
It was also interesting to read someone going through a digital detox because I know for sure that I wouldn’t be able to just stop using my phone and my laptop. My life is social media, so I have a real understanding of Daisy’s character.
Daisy’s life is turned upside-down. She is sacked from her job after her tweet goes viral, and hopeless that she will find another place willing to take her. A digital detox is just what she needs. She goes to stay at a farm her sister Rosie has bought and helps her renovate it, meeting some interesting people along the way.
It Started With A Tweet reminded me of Cecelia Ahern and Sophie Kinsella, so it was right up my street. It’s lighthearted and laugh-out-loud funny and overall a really entertaining read. Daisy’s constant comments made me giggle and she was such a lifelike character.
It was also interesting to read someone going through a digital detox because I know for sure that I wouldn’t be able to just stop using my phone and my laptop. My life is social media, so I have a real understanding of Daisy’s character.
Sam (74 KP) rated Silence Is Goldfish in Books
Mar 27, 2019
Honestly, I devoured this book. It wasn’t hard to read and was a nice quick book. I did sort of enjoy it because it was a lighthearted book and a nice little YA read for a change.
However, Tess, the protagonist isn’t the most likeable. Her whole narration seems just like she’s complaining about everything and anything. She’s selfish, and to be honest she’s the typical YA protagonist that I’ve been trying to avoid by not reading YA any more.
Fair enough it was an entertaining book. It had an average plot that was slightly lacking, but as it was a YA it was all easy to follow and easy to read without getting bored.
Another reason behind my low rating is that I just didn’t find any of the characters realistic at all. They were all YA stereotypes – The Quiet One, The Fat Ones, and The Pretty Ones – and its just become overused and is now almost a satire of what true YA actually is.
I wouldn’t say I regret buying this. I’m trying to read more YA, and it was a quick read, it’s just definitely not something I’ll want to read again and I’m not sure it’s something I’d recommend unless you’re a really big fan of YA.
However, Tess, the protagonist isn’t the most likeable. Her whole narration seems just like she’s complaining about everything and anything. She’s selfish, and to be honest she’s the typical YA protagonist that I’ve been trying to avoid by not reading YA any more.
Fair enough it was an entertaining book. It had an average plot that was slightly lacking, but as it was a YA it was all easy to follow and easy to read without getting bored.
Another reason behind my low rating is that I just didn’t find any of the characters realistic at all. They were all YA stereotypes – The Quiet One, The Fat Ones, and The Pretty Ones – and its just become overused and is now almost a satire of what true YA actually is.
I wouldn’t say I regret buying this. I’m trying to read more YA, and it was a quick read, it’s just definitely not something I’ll want to read again and I’m not sure it’s something I’d recommend unless you’re a really big fan of YA.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Taskmaster in TV
Oct 9, 2018
Hilariously bonkers
My friends raved about this show and I was forced slightly against my will to watch an episode, but in the end I was very glad I did.
This show is absolutely hilarious and has such a simple premise - comedians undertaking deceivingly simple or bizarre tasks to be scored by the Taskmaster himself Greg Davies. The tasks themselves vary, and so do the results which makes for very entertaining television. Watching fairly to very intelligent people come up with the silliest, stupid or downright convoluted solutions to basic tasks is so much fun. I also love Greg Davies’ very harsh wit and criticism, and how badly some of the contestants take it. Some series are funnier than others, and series 1 has so far been my favourite, but all are very entertaining to watch. Watching this show makes me think this could be what it’s like to work behind the scenes in escape rooms or the Crystal Maze experience, people trying to solve puzzles in the strangest of ways. Fair play to Alex Horne for managing to keep a straight face most of the time!
If you’re looking for something silly and lighthearted to watch, then I’d definitely suggest giving this a go.
This show is absolutely hilarious and has such a simple premise - comedians undertaking deceivingly simple or bizarre tasks to be scored by the Taskmaster himself Greg Davies. The tasks themselves vary, and so do the results which makes for very entertaining television. Watching fairly to very intelligent people come up with the silliest, stupid or downright convoluted solutions to basic tasks is so much fun. I also love Greg Davies’ very harsh wit and criticism, and how badly some of the contestants take it. Some series are funnier than others, and series 1 has so far been my favourite, but all are very entertaining to watch. Watching this show makes me think this could be what it’s like to work behind the scenes in escape rooms or the Crystal Maze experience, people trying to solve puzzles in the strangest of ways. Fair play to Alex Horne for managing to keep a straight face most of the time!
If you’re looking for something silly and lighthearted to watch, then I’d definitely suggest giving this a go.
Chris Sawin (602 KP) rated Way of the Dragon (1972) in Movies
Jun 23, 2019
This film is a bit more lighthearted in comparison to other Bruce Lee films as there is a lot more humor and silliness than I expected during my first viewing. That's not necessarily a bad thing either. Most Bruce Lee movies have that 70s action movie cheese anyway and the weird thing is that it feels like that cheesiness is used to its maximum potential in any film Lee's a part of. Lee also doesn't actually fight in this film until about thirty minutes in, but it makes that first fight sequence and everything after so much better since you have to wait a bit for it. The payoff really doesn't get any sweeter than in this film either. Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee squaring off against each other to the death. Stop reading here if you want to avoid spoilers, but from the information gathered online Chuck Norris has only played a villain two times in his career and this is the only time his character has died. Besides where would the world be without Chuck Norris jokes? The man can blow bubbles with beef jerky, but we're getting off-topic. The Way of the Dragon is definitely worth seeing and/or owning for Bruce Lee and martial arts film fans.
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated We Just Clicked in Books
Jul 28, 2021
Such a lighthearted read that I just couldn’t put it down! It made me laugh and cry and really grabbed my attention from the first few pages.
We follow Izzy who dreams of becoming an influencer as she misguidedly “fake dates” Luke who also dreams of becoming an influencer. Everything is fine until she meets Aidan, a blast from her past who makes her start to question everything. Aidan doesn’t know anything about her fake relationship with Luke and doesn’t use social media, so he can’t find out, right?
I love the whole idea of this book, and I love that it shows that we really shouldn’t believe everything that we see online. It really brings home that the majority of the content we see on social media really is staged and the “perfect lives” that we covet aren’t always as perfect as they seem.
I felt that some of the last part of the book was rushed, and it really left me wanting more, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing! I could have read so much more about Izzy, Aidan, Marissa and Becca and their lives. They were all so lovable! I’m looking forward to picking up more of Anna Bell’s books in the future.
We follow Izzy who dreams of becoming an influencer as she misguidedly “fake dates” Luke who also dreams of becoming an influencer. Everything is fine until she meets Aidan, a blast from her past who makes her start to question everything. Aidan doesn’t know anything about her fake relationship with Luke and doesn’t use social media, so he can’t find out, right?
I love the whole idea of this book, and I love that it shows that we really shouldn’t believe everything that we see online. It really brings home that the majority of the content we see on social media really is staged and the “perfect lives” that we covet aren’t always as perfect as they seem.
I felt that some of the last part of the book was rushed, and it really left me wanting more, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing! I could have read so much more about Izzy, Aidan, Marissa and Becca and their lives. They were all so lovable! I’m looking forward to picking up more of Anna Bell’s books in the future.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Twin Peaks - Season 1 in TV
Sep 7, 2019 (Updated Sep 7, 2019)
I was only introduced to Twin Peaks a few years back, not long before the much anticipated season 3 was announced.
I wasn't overly excited to watch an early 90s show that on the surface seemed like a run of the mill murder mystery. I had heard to the odd thing or two, about how it was actually quite unsettling etc.
But I wasn't prepared for what I witnessed - a truly great series of television - as mentioned, on the surface, a murder mystery, sometimes verging into lighthearted sitcom territory, bit with some seriously disturbing undertones.
Twin Peaks made my skin crawl on more than one occasion. As I slowly fell in love with the quirky characters, and beautiful American log town setting, I found myself almost constantly on edge. Mainly because of Bob. Goddamn Bob.
The first time Bob graces the screen will stick in my mind for the rest of time.
The unsettling nature of Twin Peaks, woven so lovingly with the less serious moments, and woven again with the just straight up bizarre moments, proves that David Lynch is a master of his craft.
Angelo Badalamenti's musical score elevates the show to even greater heights.
It's hard to truly describe Twin Peaks - but it's something I'm damn glad I was made to watch.
I wasn't overly excited to watch an early 90s show that on the surface seemed like a run of the mill murder mystery. I had heard to the odd thing or two, about how it was actually quite unsettling etc.
But I wasn't prepared for what I witnessed - a truly great series of television - as mentioned, on the surface, a murder mystery, sometimes verging into lighthearted sitcom territory, bit with some seriously disturbing undertones.
Twin Peaks made my skin crawl on more than one occasion. As I slowly fell in love with the quirky characters, and beautiful American log town setting, I found myself almost constantly on edge. Mainly because of Bob. Goddamn Bob.
The first time Bob graces the screen will stick in my mind for the rest of time.
The unsettling nature of Twin Peaks, woven so lovingly with the less serious moments, and woven again with the just straight up bizarre moments, proves that David Lynch is a master of his craft.
Angelo Badalamenti's musical score elevates the show to even greater heights.
It's hard to truly describe Twin Peaks - but it's something I'm damn glad I was made to watch.
Merissa (11797 KP) rated The Ostin Rebel (Isle of Ostin #4) in Books
Aug 8, 2023
THE OSTIN REBEL is the fourth and final book in the Isle of Ostin series and we finish with Everest and Ledger. Everest longs to be free physically, whilst Ledger just wants to be free from his memories. Neither is easy.
This was a great book to finish on, and I was glad Ledger got his HEA. After being tortured for five years, he definitely deserved it. It is full of dark moments but lighthearted times are there - usually courtesy of Arbor, but also, sometimes, Everest. They are both similar although Everest isn't quite as bad!
I loved Roland getting his but I think I may have a bit of Arbor in me as I felt it was all over too quickly. Still, I'm glad the way it went down with the final blow being struck as it was. I'm also glad it wasn't Ledger! For someone with his crippling anxiety and PTSD, that really would have made it fiction!
A great series that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 8th, 2023
This was a great book to finish on, and I was glad Ledger got his HEA. After being tortured for five years, he definitely deserved it. It is full of dark moments but lighthearted times are there - usually courtesy of Arbor, but also, sometimes, Everest. They are both similar although Everest isn't quite as bad!
I loved Roland getting his but I think I may have a bit of Arbor in me as I felt it was all over too quickly. Still, I'm glad the way it went down with the final blow being struck as it was. I'm also glad it wasn't Ledger! For someone with his crippling anxiety and PTSD, that really would have made it fiction!
A great series that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 8th, 2023
Sassy Brit (97 KP) rated Girlhood in Books
Jun 5, 2019
In a bittersweet twist, Harper’s parent’s won the lottery the day after Harper’s twin sister died. With this windfall she is able to go to a very expensive boarding school of which she really doesn’t fit into. Or maybe she does? Just not in the way you expect.
When Kirsty the new girl appears, she and Harper get on very well. They have so much in common it’s unbelievable! And that’s just the point. It soon becomes clear some things she’s told Harper do not quite add up, but why would she lie to such a good friend? What could she be hiding?
I have to say this story surprised me, because I felt the pink cover portrayed a completely different theme to what I was expecting, which was a lighthearted YA/ children’s book, but the characters had much more depth and were so realistic, it was an absolute pleasure to read! I’m pretty keen to check out Cat Clarke’s back list and I know she has a lot more books out now.
In addition, Girlhood is a diverse read with characters from different ethnicities included. Yes, it is largely LGBTQ+ themed too, but it’s not the main basis of the plot, which is quite suspenseful and at times deliciously creepy. Like I said, not what I expected – in a good way!
When Kirsty the new girl appears, she and Harper get on very well. They have so much in common it’s unbelievable! And that’s just the point. It soon becomes clear some things she’s told Harper do not quite add up, but why would she lie to such a good friend? What could she be hiding?
I have to say this story surprised me, because I felt the pink cover portrayed a completely different theme to what I was expecting, which was a lighthearted YA/ children’s book, but the characters had much more depth and were so realistic, it was an absolute pleasure to read! I’m pretty keen to check out Cat Clarke’s back list and I know she has a lot more books out now.
In addition, Girlhood is a diverse read with characters from different ethnicities included. Yes, it is largely LGBTQ+ themed too, but it’s not the main basis of the plot, which is quite suspenseful and at times deliciously creepy. Like I said, not what I expected – in a good way!
Sarah (7798 KP) rated We Need to Talk About Kevin in Books
Feb 15, 2018
Haunting
This is truly a harrowing read. This isn’t surprising considering the subject matter, but what I was surprised at is how much this book sucked me in and made me carry on reading.
The plot itself is unusual but sadly in a situation that is far too common nowadays. The story mechanism itself is interesting, and Eva writing letters to her ex-husband discussing Kevin, his life and her views on him really helps drip feed us everything we need to know just to keep us hooked. It makes you keep reading to get the full picture of Kevin’s life. Slowly building up to the event itself that are mentioned, but never discussed in detail, until right at the end. A story told by just one character is potentially dangerous, but this works really well. Yes at times the letters become a bit rambling and pretentious, but to me this is how Eva’s mind and personality are meant to come across. And the ending itself, after getting through however many pages, it is not a disappointment. It’s even safe to say I was shocked at the ending, it was in part unexpected and this has really made this book for me. It stands out.
Yes it’s a haunting read and definitely not a lighthearted one, but this is one that will really stick with you.
The plot itself is unusual but sadly in a situation that is far too common nowadays. The story mechanism itself is interesting, and Eva writing letters to her ex-husband discussing Kevin, his life and her views on him really helps drip feed us everything we need to know just to keep us hooked. It makes you keep reading to get the full picture of Kevin’s life. Slowly building up to the event itself that are mentioned, but never discussed in detail, until right at the end. A story told by just one character is potentially dangerous, but this works really well. Yes at times the letters become a bit rambling and pretentious, but to me this is how Eva’s mind and personality are meant to come across. And the ending itself, after getting through however many pages, it is not a disappointment. It’s even safe to say I was shocked at the ending, it was in part unexpected and this has really made this book for me. It stands out.
Yes it’s a haunting read and definitely not a lighthearted one, but this is one that will really stick with you.