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Christine A. (965 KP) rated Losing Normal in Books
Mar 15, 2019
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Losing Normal by Francis Moss is relatively short, less than 300 pages, but do not let the length fool you into thinking it does not have a lot to say. There is a lot of action in this short book.
Alex, a highly-functioning autistic boy, likes things to stay the same. He knows how many steps it is from school to home and, to him, that is normal. He knows all the answers in math. That is normal. The strange giant television screens that are being put up all over are making him forget and that is not normal. Only the "defective" kids, those that are immune to the televisions, like Alex can save the world from becoming television watching zombies. What ensues is an interesting novel that shows how quickly technology could take over.
Losing Normal is not a post-apocalyptic novel. It shows the collapse of society by our rapidly advancing technology getting out of hand and beginning to think for itself.
This novel would be appropriate for those as young as middle school to read but it is an interesting story adults would enjoy too. I found it to be a quick, easy, enjoyable, and thought provoking read.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 3/14/19.
Losing Normal by Francis Moss is relatively short, less than 300 pages, but do not let the length fool you into thinking it does not have a lot to say. There is a lot of action in this short book.
Alex, a highly-functioning autistic boy, likes things to stay the same. He knows how many steps it is from school to home and, to him, that is normal. He knows all the answers in math. That is normal. The strange giant television screens that are being put up all over are making him forget and that is not normal. Only the "defective" kids, those that are immune to the televisions, like Alex can save the world from becoming television watching zombies. What ensues is an interesting novel that shows how quickly technology could take over.
Losing Normal is not a post-apocalyptic novel. It shows the collapse of society by our rapidly advancing technology getting out of hand and beginning to think for itself.
This novel would be appropriate for those as young as middle school to read but it is an interesting story adults would enjoy too. I found it to be a quick, easy, enjoyable, and thought provoking read.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 3/14/19.
ClareR (5991 KP) rated Black Leopard, Red Wolf (The Dark Star Trilogy #1) in Books
Apr 2, 2019
Warning: this is not a book for the faint-hearted! It took concentration and commitment, and most importantly, time. It’s not a book to rush through, and the first 100 pages or so were particularly hard work. I’ll admit I struggled, I persevered, and I am SO glad that I did. It’s like nothing else I’ve read before. Fantasy set in African culture: its raw, and there’s a lot of reference to African myth and folk tales. It’s a fascinating and exciting book; exciting both in the sense of pace (there are lots of fight scenes) and in the sense of originality.
This isn’t an organised band of Merry Men (they’re not all men, and they’re not very merry, to be honest), and they really don’t seem to like one another very much.
Tracker, the main character, is something of an anti-hero. He doesn’t seem to really know why he’s on this quest at the beginning (but that soon changes), he has a low opinion of his fellow companions, and likes nothing better than a good fight and good sex (there is a lot of both). The characters of the Leopard and the children were there to show the softer side of Tracker, I think, although Tracker is as much infuriated by Leopard as he loves him (he wouldn’t admit to that though!)
I can’t wait to see where Marlon James takes this story in the second part of this series. I’ll most definitely be reading it!
This isn’t an organised band of Merry Men (they’re not all men, and they’re not very merry, to be honest), and they really don’t seem to like one another very much.
Tracker, the main character, is something of an anti-hero. He doesn’t seem to really know why he’s on this quest at the beginning (but that soon changes), he has a low opinion of his fellow companions, and likes nothing better than a good fight and good sex (there is a lot of both). The characters of the Leopard and the children were there to show the softer side of Tracker, I think, although Tracker is as much infuriated by Leopard as he loves him (he wouldn’t admit to that though!)
I can’t wait to see where Marlon James takes this story in the second part of this series. I’ll most definitely be reading it!
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated The Suburban Micro-Farm: Modern Solutions for Busy People in Books
Apr 2, 2019
This book is stuffed full of useful information! It focuses on growing food in your yard when you don't have much time to spend on the yard, so there's a lot of permaculture techniques and gardens that are largely hands-off once you get them set up, which is exactly what I want. With the chronic fatigue, I often don't have the energy to get outside and work on a garden, and Maryland summers exhaust me simply by stepping outside. I really want to garden and grow food, but I need easy ways to do that.
The Suburban Micro-Farm delved into planting hedgerows, which is something we've been thinking of, rain gardens (which we probably should do, we have a couple places in the yard that do not drain well), and tree guilds, which are plantings that go under trees to work together in little micro-environments. One of the tree guilds Stross specifically talks about is a Black Walnut tree guild, which I was excited to see because we have a huge, beautiful mature Black Walnut that I've been trying to figure out how to plant around. Black Walnuts produce juglone, a chemical that kills a lot of plants, so you have to be very mindful of what you plant near them.
This is an excellent reference book for suburban gardens, and she has lots of extra resources on her site, The Tenth Acre Farm. I will be exploring those as well!
You can read all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
The Suburban Micro-Farm delved into planting hedgerows, which is something we've been thinking of, rain gardens (which we probably should do, we have a couple places in the yard that do not drain well), and tree guilds, which are plantings that go under trees to work together in little micro-environments. One of the tree guilds Stross specifically talks about is a Black Walnut tree guild, which I was excited to see because we have a huge, beautiful mature Black Walnut that I've been trying to figure out how to plant around. Black Walnuts produce juglone, a chemical that kills a lot of plants, so you have to be very mindful of what you plant near them.
This is an excellent reference book for suburban gardens, and she has lots of extra resources on her site, The Tenth Acre Farm. I will be exploring those as well!
You can read all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
A detailed look into the world of forensic pathology.
I don’t read a lot on non-fiction and when I do it is rarely an autobiography or memoir but when I happened to see Unnatural Causes I decided to jump in and hopefully get a better understanding of a profession so often touched on in my beloved crime thriller books. I didn’t regret it for a second.
Dr Richard Shepherd, as one of the UK’s top forensic pathologists, has performed over 23,000 postmortems; that’s a lot of dead bodies! Fascinated by cracking the puzzle of what killed each one this book covers a whole host of unusual cases. Clearing up many misconceptions of the world of forensic pathology we get a great insight into a job few people could stomach.
As he covers many interesting cases we get a unique behind the curtain look into some famous murders and disasters. Shipman, Stephen Lawrence, the Hungerford massacre, the Marchioness disaster, he is even involved in Diana’s inquest. The look into the very difficult area of the death of babies shows a complicated area where everything is not as black and white as we’d like it to be.
His single minded quest for the truth and the very distressing nature of his work takes a toll on his mental health and family life. Although not as fascinating as the cases themselves it’s important to cover this, bring into sharp focus the debt society owes to those willing to surround themselves in such a grim profession.
Dr Richard Shepherd, as one of the UK’s top forensic pathologists, has performed over 23,000 postmortems; that’s a lot of dead bodies! Fascinated by cracking the puzzle of what killed each one this book covers a whole host of unusual cases. Clearing up many misconceptions of the world of forensic pathology we get a great insight into a job few people could stomach.
As he covers many interesting cases we get a unique behind the curtain look into some famous murders and disasters. Shipman, Stephen Lawrence, the Hungerford massacre, the Marchioness disaster, he is even involved in Diana’s inquest. The look into the very difficult area of the death of babies shows a complicated area where everything is not as black and white as we’d like it to be.
His single minded quest for the truth and the very distressing nature of his work takes a toll on his mental health and family life. Although not as fascinating as the cases themselves it’s important to cover this, bring into sharp focus the debt society owes to those willing to surround themselves in such a grim profession.
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit in Books
Jun 11, 2019
This is a sweet, southern f/f romance. Set in Georgia, it deals with a lot of things young lesbians might have to deal with in the south - religion, bigotry, the stress of coming out or not coming out (or being forced back in the closet by a move to a small town)! It doesn't deal with any outright violence against our lesbian protagonists, and it just barely touches on drug use, eating disorders, and abusive relationships. Joanna has a mostly supportive family, even if they do ask her to hide her sexuality for her senior year in the new town. Jo reluctantly agrees to do so, but doesn't count on falling in love with a girl at her new school.
The book deals a LOT with religion and sexuality; Jo's father is a radio preacher, and she attends a baptist church in town with her stepmother and new grandparents. At one point - one of my favorite scenes in the book - she snaps, and calls out her classmates for thinking homosexuality is a sin, while they eat shellfish and have premarital sex.
I liked the book, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it. I grew up Christian; I'm familiar with all the concepts in the book, but rather than progress to a kinder, more loving version of Christianity, I left it behind altogether. I'm glad that some people can reconcile religion with progressive values, but I can't. So it might be a good book for some, but not for me.You can find all my reviews and more at http://goddessinthestacks.com
The book deals a LOT with religion and sexuality; Jo's father is a radio preacher, and she attends a baptist church in town with her stepmother and new grandparents. At one point - one of my favorite scenes in the book - she snaps, and calls out her classmates for thinking homosexuality is a sin, while they eat shellfish and have premarital sex.
I liked the book, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it. I grew up Christian; I'm familiar with all the concepts in the book, but rather than progress to a kinder, more loving version of Christianity, I left it behind altogether. I'm glad that some people can reconcile religion with progressive values, but I can't. So it might be a good book for some, but not for me.You can find all my reviews and more at http://goddessinthestacks.com
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Wolf's Red in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I was excited for this novel because I love adult retellings of fairytales. Unfortunately, it wasnt what I wanted. The description makes it sound steampunk with some fantasy, but it was difficult to place anything because there wasnt much description. All I got out of it was there was a forest. There is really no description of the settings beyond that.
The beginning was the worst part. The writing was mess. Everything seemed all over the place and the writing wasnt consistent at all. The author would write something, realize we dont have the background to understand what she was talking about, and then described past events to bring us up to speed. However, she wouldnt write the whole scenario, she would just give us bits and pieces. The author did this multiple times so the writing came off as choppy and confusing. Once the reading makes it past that, the writing becomes more clear since we now have the whole picture (we just have to piece it together ourselves.) I felt that I was missing a lot, that there should be an prequel that explains everything. Instead, we just have to read and hope we are giving the information to understand the plot.
The story does get better if you can make it past the beginning. It had a lot of potential to be great and is an interesting idea. I just wish the writing had been better. Plus I had a hard time getting past the fact that he essentially sexually abuses her in the beginning.
The beginning was the worst part. The writing was mess. Everything seemed all over the place and the writing wasnt consistent at all. The author would write something, realize we dont have the background to understand what she was talking about, and then described past events to bring us up to speed. However, she wouldnt write the whole scenario, she would just give us bits and pieces. The author did this multiple times so the writing came off as choppy and confusing. Once the reading makes it past that, the writing becomes more clear since we now have the whole picture (we just have to piece it together ourselves.) I felt that I was missing a lot, that there should be an prequel that explains everything. Instead, we just have to read and hope we are giving the information to understand the plot.
The story does get better if you can make it past the beginning. It had a lot of potential to be great and is an interesting idea. I just wish the writing had been better. Plus I had a hard time getting past the fact that he essentially sexually abuses her in the beginning.
Hayley Neale (6 KP) rated All We Know Of Heaven, All We Need Of Hell by PVRIS in Music
Jan 25, 2018 (Updated Jan 25, 2018)
Crazily catchy tracks (2 more)
Dark and mysterious vibe
Lyrics that inspire the inner songwriter in you
An Electropop-punk masterpiece
This album is beautifully dark. The intensity of each track pulls you deeper and deeper into the disturbed, yet intriguing world that Pvris have created in their second studio album. Every track is unique in its own way, whilst still maintaining that twisted vibe that secures this album in being my go to pick whenever I'm in the mood to release some bottled-up anger. I can stomp my feet to 'Mercy' or get hypnotised by the simple yet ingenious 'Separate'.
Every song is catchy as hell and I always find myself letting go, feeling the music and falling in love all over again with every listen. The female lead vocalist, Lynn Gunn has an extremely powerful voice that has a deliciously attractive raspiness to it. Her voice gives me chills, especially when she belts it out in 'Same Soul' so perfectly and her mellifluous high notes that are present in almost every song. The only issue is she mumbles a lot of her lyrics so best to look up the lyrics as you listen, makes the songs a lot more incredible when you know what she is singing:')
Overall this is one of the best electropop-punk albums I have ever listened to. With its eccentric lyrics, mind-blowing vocals and headbanging worthy beats, I'll never go a long distance journey without it in my music library again.
Every song is catchy as hell and I always find myself letting go, feeling the music and falling in love all over again with every listen. The female lead vocalist, Lynn Gunn has an extremely powerful voice that has a deliciously attractive raspiness to it. Her voice gives me chills, especially when she belts it out in 'Same Soul' so perfectly and her mellifluous high notes that are present in almost every song. The only issue is she mumbles a lot of her lyrics so best to look up the lyrics as you listen, makes the songs a lot more incredible when you know what she is singing:')
Overall this is one of the best electropop-punk albums I have ever listened to. With its eccentric lyrics, mind-blowing vocals and headbanging worthy beats, I'll never go a long distance journey without it in my music library again.
Alex Trybus (79 KP) rated Pokémon GO in Apps
Jan 26, 2018
It is very organized (page for Pokemon, page for items, map, etc.) (2 more)
LOVE the idea of traveling and walking around in real life and having that change what happens in the app
The new feature that makes the weather of where you live change your pokemon is amazing
I won't be fully satisfied with the app until you can start "friending" people (1 more)
There are still a lot of glitches that need to be worked out
Good app with a lot of potential
I have been using this gaming app since it first came out almost two years ago. I spent the entire summer running around the neighborhood gathering up an army of Pokemon just like everyone else was doing at the time. I adored it- it was so much fun! Eventually the glitter wore off, just like any new game, and I stopped opening it every single day like I used to. But then, upon hearing of all the new changes to it this year (like raids, battles, etc.) I decided to download it again. I love the new weather feature, and how you can create a little "group" of your favorite Pokemon. I like the app now, and I think it's very enjoyable, but I think it still has MUCH more potential. I won't be fully satisfied with it until you're able to friend people, see their stats, talk to them, and maybe even begin trading Pokemon and items. That being said, should you ever see me in a gym or in a raid battle, my user tag is @alexthegloom !!!
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Loney in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Also find my review here: http://bit.ly/25IFVT7
<b><i>’”It’s funny, int it?” he said. “How you church people can have more faith in something that can’t be proved than something that's standing right in front of you? I suppose it comes down to seeing what you want to see, dunt it?”’</i></b>
<b>3.5 stars!</b>
I had really high hopes for this book, more because I’d been wanting to read it since before it came out than due to others reviews, so I really didn’t want it to let me down, and I can’t seem to make up my mind as to whether it did or not.
Let’s just put it this way, <b>there was a lot left unsaid.</b>
This book classes itself as a horror, but I don’t see it that way myself, though I’m not sure what genre I would place it in. There were parts of the book that did in fact freak me out and I had to stop reading it at 2am in the pitch black because I was just a tad scared but in the end there was not a lot to be scared of. Just things to be curious about.
I’ve actually found it quite difficult to write a review for this <i>(hence the very short review)</i> because I’m not sure what there is to talk about. I loved the writing of this book, the characters and the setting but I’m not sure how to feel about the plot.
<b><i>’”It’s funny, int it?” he said. “How you church people can have more faith in something that can’t be proved than something that's standing right in front of you? I suppose it comes down to seeing what you want to see, dunt it?”’</i></b>
<b>3.5 stars!</b>
I had really high hopes for this book, more because I’d been wanting to read it since before it came out than due to others reviews, so I really didn’t want it to let me down, and I can’t seem to make up my mind as to whether it did or not.
Let’s just put it this way, <b>there was a lot left unsaid.</b>
This book classes itself as a horror, but I don’t see it that way myself, though I’m not sure what genre I would place it in. There were parts of the book that did in fact freak me out and I had to stop reading it at 2am in the pitch black because I was just a tad scared but in the end there was not a lot to be scared of. Just things to be curious about.
I’ve actually found it quite difficult to write a review for this <i>(hence the very short review)</i> because I’m not sure what there is to talk about. I loved the writing of this book, the characters and the setting but I’m not sure how to feel about the plot.
Connie (244 KP) rated Betrayal at House on the Hill in Tabletop Games
Jun 4, 2018
High replayability (3 more)
Large number of haunts
Traitor isn't always the one who triggers the haunt
Hidden rules for each "team"
Lots of rules (1 more)
Hard to explain without actually playing
This should be a standard party staple!
This is one of my favorite games, honestly. I love playing it at parties or casually with friends, and am always game to teach a new person how to actually play it. Good luck explaining it to others, though--it's hard to encapsulate all the information a newbie might need without going overboard!
This game has high replayablity value, which I always look for in games. I haven't managed to play all the haunts yet, but there are character-specific haunts, haunts with hidden traitors, no traitors (everyone for themselves or everyone against NPC) single traitors or even traitors that switch based on certain criteria. There are 50 original haunts, while the expansion adds 50 more, which is a heck of a lot of content for a board game!
There are a LOT of rules, especially when the haunt starts, but that's not too much of an issue. If the rules don't cover it explicitly, my gaming group agrees on one as it comes up, though you could probably Google them. I still consult the rules of games like Monopoly and Life, so looking back to the rules doesn't bother me. And I LOVE that each team has different rules/conditions for winning!
I would advise having someone who knows how to play joining you at first, to smooth over any confusion, but it's not really necessary.
This game has high replayablity value, which I always look for in games. I haven't managed to play all the haunts yet, but there are character-specific haunts, haunts with hidden traitors, no traitors (everyone for themselves or everyone against NPC) single traitors or even traitors that switch based on certain criteria. There are 50 original haunts, while the expansion adds 50 more, which is a heck of a lot of content for a board game!
There are a LOT of rules, especially when the haunt starts, but that's not too much of an issue. If the rules don't cover it explicitly, my gaming group agrees on one as it comes up, though you could probably Google them. I still consult the rules of games like Monopoly and Life, so looking back to the rules doesn't bother me. And I LOVE that each team has different rules/conditions for winning!
I would advise having someone who knows how to play joining you at first, to smooth over any confusion, but it's not really necessary.