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ClareR (5721 KP) rated The Middle Years in Books
Apr 17, 2020
The Middle Years is a handbook to surviving life as the parent of teenagers. The first half of the book is funny and engaging, telling it how it really is (hormones etc) to be the parent to preteens and teens, and I really enjoyed it. It was lighthearted, and more serious where it needed to be.
However in the second half of the book, it takes a darker turn, and talks about the authors divorce, mental health issues, guilt of divorcing and the effects this hound have had on her children. To be honest, if I’d known it was going to take this turn, there’s a high possibility that I wouldn’t have read it at all. I’ve had enough personal experience of parents divorcing to last me a lifetime without reading about it. It just seemed very bitter.
I DID enjoy the first half though, which is why I’ve given it a 3/5 (or 6/10, however you want to look at it!).
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.
However in the second half of the book, it takes a darker turn, and talks about the authors divorce, mental health issues, guilt of divorcing and the effects this hound have had on her children. To be honest, if I’d known it was going to take this turn, there’s a high possibility that I wouldn’t have read it at all. I’ve had enough personal experience of parents divorcing to last me a lifetime without reading about it. It just seemed very bitter.
I DID enjoy the first half though, which is why I’ve given it a 3/5 (or 6/10, however you want to look at it!).
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.
Life Works Itself Out: (And Then You Nap)
Keiya Mizuno and Naoki Naganuma
Book
A runaway bestseller in Japan, now available in English for the first time, Life Works Itself Out is...
How to Blitz Nits and Other Nasties
Book
A witty yet practical guide to defeating the ten most common childhood 'nasties'. The all-seeing,...
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Dumped, Actually in Books
Sep 28, 2019
Fun and heartwarming
Nick Spalding’s books can always be relied on to be lighthearted and entertaining, and Dumped, Actually is no exception. To be frank, his writing style is basic and uncomplicated, and it’ll never win any awards. However that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.
I decided to read this as it rather reminded me of my doomed relationship last year, and there is a lot in this book that i could relate to about how I felt (and still do). Of course Ollie’s exploits are entirely over the top and farcical, but that’s what makes this book so enjoyable to read and it’s laugh out loud funny in parts. There’s a moment just over half way through that throws the momentum of the book a little, but it’s still very heartwarming and has a lot of feel good moments and messages. Part of the ending is a bit cliched and the writing does get a bit basic at times, but it’s still a rather fun moving book that really got me thinking (and crying).
I decided to read this as it rather reminded me of my doomed relationship last year, and there is a lot in this book that i could relate to about how I felt (and still do). Of course Ollie’s exploits are entirely over the top and farcical, but that’s what makes this book so enjoyable to read and it’s laugh out loud funny in parts. There’s a moment just over half way through that throws the momentum of the book a little, but it’s still very heartwarming and has a lot of feel good moments and messages. Part of the ending is a bit cliched and the writing does get a bit basic at times, but it’s still a rather fun moving book that really got me thinking (and crying).
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) in Movies
Apr 6, 2018
Good but completely unnecessary
We've had 3 versions of Spiderman and 6 films in the space of 15 years. That's not good. Despite the few years in between, it's beginning to feel like Spidey is rarely off our screens. And I'm getting a little Spiderman-ned out.
Which is a shame, as I actually think Tom Holland is the best Spiderman yet. A teenager in high school is by far the best portrayal and Holland does very well. There are some funny moments and it feels a little more lighthearted than some of the other recent Marvel films. My main issue is the constant need to promote and set up the other Marvel films, to the point where this film feels like entirely made for this purpose only. Did we really need another Spiderman film? No, not really and especially not one to act as a link between other films. Its far too long and really not needed.
This is the film they should've made instead of the ones with Andrew Garfield, back then it may have been more acceptable & not just a blatant Avengers plug.
Which is a shame, as I actually think Tom Holland is the best Spiderman yet. A teenager in high school is by far the best portrayal and Holland does very well. There are some funny moments and it feels a little more lighthearted than some of the other recent Marvel films. My main issue is the constant need to promote and set up the other Marvel films, to the point where this film feels like entirely made for this purpose only. Did we really need another Spiderman film? No, not really and especially not one to act as a link between other films. Its far too long and really not needed.
This is the film they should've made instead of the ones with Andrew Garfield, back then it may have been more acceptable & not just a blatant Avengers plug.
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Haka Ever After (The Sin Bin #7) in Books
Jul 27, 2018
Haka Ever After (The Sin Bin #7) by Dahlia Donovan
Haka Ever After is the final book in the Sin Bin series, and it goes out on a high. Taine wants to marry Freddie more than anything. He is even prepared to brave Freddie's fathers, which trust me, is a big thing. Read their full story. You'll see what I mean.
Now, as the synopsis is the invite, you can guess that Freddie's fathers don't eat him alive, but it is touch and go for a while. Not only that, but Taine and Freddie want to celebrate their different cultures, as well as deal with their many friends who want to help.
This is a lighthearted story that wraps up this series nicely. You get a few words from most of them, plus some nice parts that will have you smiling like a loon. A perfect ending to a great series. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Now, as the synopsis is the invite, you can guess that Freddie's fathers don't eat him alive, but it is touch and go for a while. Not only that, but Taine and Freddie want to celebrate their different cultures, as well as deal with their many friends who want to help.
This is a lighthearted story that wraps up this series nicely. You get a few words from most of them, plus some nice parts that will have you smiling like a loon. A perfect ending to a great series. Absolutely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Love...Under Different Skies in Books
Aug 22, 2018
Another fun instalment
As ive said before, Nick Spalding will never win any literary prizes for this series of books, he really does well to sum up real life situations and emotions. The writing is good but what really makes this story entertaining is the characters. Laura and Jamie are a very relatable couple and their diary/blog entries are so down to earth and realistic. I doubt anyone could read this book (or any others in the series) and not find a handful of comments, thoughts or situations that they’ve experienced in their own life. This story is also pretty funny and I found myself laughing out loud on many occasions.
It may not be the most thought provoking or insightful of reads, but this is a great fun and lighthearted story that is refreshingly short. There are parts in this book that are a little far fetched and scepticism does sink in at times, but I that’s really what you expect from a work of fiction. This kept me highly entertained when I had to get public transport into work this week, although I did have to restrain my laughter at times!
It may not be the most thought provoking or insightful of reads, but this is a great fun and lighthearted story that is refreshingly short. There are parts in this book that are a little far fetched and scepticism does sink in at times, but I that’s really what you expect from a work of fiction. This kept me highly entertained when I had to get public transport into work this week, although I did have to restrain my laughter at times!
Merissa (12051 KP) rated Photographic Heart (Itayu Lake #8) in Books
Oct 16, 2018
Photographic Heart (Itayu Lake #8) by A.M. Halford
Photographic Heart is the eighth book in the Itáyu Lake series, and we have Brannon's story. He is the nephew of the two angelic aunts who have featured in previous books. He has had his vision and knows he will meet his mate soon, and a rough idea of where, hence why he is back at Itáyu Lake. Kyle has been sent to the Lake by a friend, who knows his friend will love the scenery there.
This was a well told story, making it an excellent addition to the series. This Lake is so well known by now, the author is able to concentrate on the connections between the mates, and everyone else who lives there. With lighthearted moments as well as heartbreaking ones, this book has something for everyone.
I would recommend reading this series from the start, just so you know who is with who! A great read, and recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a well told story, making it an excellent addition to the series. This Lake is so well known by now, the author is able to concentrate on the connections between the mates, and everyone else who lives there. With lighthearted moments as well as heartbreaking ones, this book has something for everyone.
I would recommend reading this series from the start, just so you know who is with who! A great read, and recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Sweet Temptation in Books
Jan 1, 2019
A very sweet read
I’d been looking for something lighthearted and easy to read, and found this stored away on my kindle and figured it was just the read I was looking for. I could not have been more right.
This is a heartwarming and absolutely lovely read about 3 women wanting to lose weight. It’s very well written and so engaging. All 3 of the main characters are well developed and down to earth, and I’d dare any woman reading this not to connect with all of them in some way or another. I spotted a bit of me in all of them which made it such a delight to read. The plot may be slightly predictable, but this is one of those books where it doesn’t matter. In fact, when I reached the end I actually wanted to carry on, it was that entertaining. It’s funny, emotional and an all round engaging read. I also found it very inspirational and based around a subject very close to home (my New Years Resolution), and despite being fictional it really has motivated me to sort out my own life.
This is a heartwarming and absolutely lovely read about 3 women wanting to lose weight. It’s very well written and so engaging. All 3 of the main characters are well developed and down to earth, and I’d dare any woman reading this not to connect with all of them in some way or another. I spotted a bit of me in all of them which made it such a delight to read. The plot may be slightly predictable, but this is one of those books where it doesn’t matter. In fact, when I reached the end I actually wanted to carry on, it was that entertaining. It’s funny, emotional and an all round engaging read. I also found it very inspirational and based around a subject very close to home (my New Years Resolution), and despite being fictional it really has motivated me to sort out my own life.
HN
How Not to Get Hit: The Art of Fighting Without Fighting
Robert Twigger and Nathaniel Cooke
Book
The average person isn't looking to be in a situation where fists are going to fly, but many of us...