Search
Search results
ClareR (5615 KP) rated A Traveller at the Gates of Wisdom in Books
Sep 3, 2022
Once I’d recognised the trick to this book, I found it fascinating - it took a couple of chapters though, so I would encourage anyone contemplating reading this to keep going for at least three chapters. Or, you know, read this, have some idea of what’s going on, and then get the book, sit back and enjoy!
I’ve often thought that life must have some universal stories: things that happen in our lives that have happened untold times before throughout history, and will probably happen countless times in the future.
That is the premise that ‘A Traveller’ works from. And it’s done so cleverly.
We begin in the Roman world in 1AD, and swap between different continents and cultures. The story remains the same, of love, loss, betrayal, revenge and death. There’s a lot of births and deaths. It really puts in to perspective humanity’s inability to learn from its mistakes - and we just keep on making them in to the future.
This is such a thought provoking, imaginative read. John Boyne just never seems to let me down.
I’ve often thought that life must have some universal stories: things that happen in our lives that have happened untold times before throughout history, and will probably happen countless times in the future.
That is the premise that ‘A Traveller’ works from. And it’s done so cleverly.
We begin in the Roman world in 1AD, and swap between different continents and cultures. The story remains the same, of love, loss, betrayal, revenge and death. There’s a lot of births and deaths. It really puts in to perspective humanity’s inability to learn from its mistakes - and we just keep on making them in to the future.
This is such a thought provoking, imaginative read. John Boyne just never seems to let me down.
David McK (3264 KP) rated Bird Box (2018) in Movies
Aug 23, 2020 (Updated Jan 17, 2023)
2018 post apocalyptic horror film, that proved to be a big hit for Netflix when it was released on that streaming platform.
Starring Sandra Bullock, this was sold on the (strong) imagery of a blindfolded woman leading two equally blindfolded children through a river journey - the film, later, makes it clear that this is because a mysterious entity has decimated the population, driving whoever sees it (we don't) mad and causing them to commit suicide.
The film is actually told in both the 'now' of the journey and '5 year previously' (when this first started happening), with Sandra Bullock's character of Malorie heavily pregnant and trapped in a house with other survivors - we know, of course (they're not in the 'now'!) that they're all going to be bumped off one by one, but the suspense is in the how and when.
The ending also, apparently, is a lot less dark that the book on which it is based, and I still have little idea why the film is even called Bird Box!
Starring Sandra Bullock, this was sold on the (strong) imagery of a blindfolded woman leading two equally blindfolded children through a river journey - the film, later, makes it clear that this is because a mysterious entity has decimated the population, driving whoever sees it (we don't) mad and causing them to commit suicide.
The film is actually told in both the 'now' of the journey and '5 year previously' (when this first started happening), with Sandra Bullock's character of Malorie heavily pregnant and trapped in a house with other survivors - we know, of course (they're not in the 'now'!) that they're all going to be bumped off one by one, but the suspense is in the how and when.
The ending also, apparently, is a lot less dark that the book on which it is based, and I still have little idea why the film is even called Bird Box!
ClareR (5615 KP) rated The Cruise in Books
Mar 17, 2023
Well. That’s another holiday off the list.
That’s the problem when an author writes an attention-grabbing book, with a nice setting and not-so-nice events.
Lola, one of the dancers on a cruise ship, falls to her death over the side of the ship, and her brother Antonio is devastated. But then more things are revealed - and I don’t want to give any of them away!
This book has a dual timeline: we go back in time to find out more about the characters, and it gives the reader some idea of why they’ve behaved the way they have. I do like a dual timeline.
No-one’s blameless or particularly nice in this, and I did wonder if Antonio was actually in possession of all/ any of his faculties.
I’m not going to say anything else about the story. I will say that it was a gripping read with a lot of forehead-slapping moments, and a few “Oh my God”s! (It’s not just me that does this, is it?).
Very enjoyable!
That’s the problem when an author writes an attention-grabbing book, with a nice setting and not-so-nice events.
Lola, one of the dancers on a cruise ship, falls to her death over the side of the ship, and her brother Antonio is devastated. But then more things are revealed - and I don’t want to give any of them away!
This book has a dual timeline: we go back in time to find out more about the characters, and it gives the reader some idea of why they’ve behaved the way they have. I do like a dual timeline.
No-one’s blameless or particularly nice in this, and I did wonder if Antonio was actually in possession of all/ any of his faculties.
I’m not going to say anything else about the story. I will say that it was a gripping read with a lot of forehead-slapping moments, and a few “Oh my God”s! (It’s not just me that does this, is it?).
Very enjoyable!
Mothergamer (1521 KP) rated Death on the Nile (2022) in Movies
Apr 22, 2022
I really wanted to like this because I grew up on Agatha Christie books and watching the PBS Poirot series with my grandmother. I love Poirot and I like this book, but the screen adaptation is odd. There were strange decisions like including the character Bouc when he's not even in this book and having something happen to him that is not part of the story at all. The pacing felt off with the movie feeling boring and slow in some spots and then a few moments of interesting sprinkled here and there. There didn't seem to be a lot of chemistry among the cast and the actress with four credits to her career so far did a better job emoting and acting than longtime veterans. Branagh did great as Poirot, he was great in the first movie too, but the movie took so long to get going and then when it got to the big reveal it got better. It felt so uneven and I was disappointed. It's not a complete disaster, but it's not stellar either.
Bethr1986 (305 KP) rated Lucifer's Triangle (The Trove Chronicles, #1) in Books
Oct 10, 2022
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Cassie is part of an organisation that investigates the history of people, places and things; deep history that can't always be seen by the human eye. Cassie herself is a psychic and she feels and is placed in the historical event whenever she reads an artefact.
This is a fast-paced story once it gets going. It seems to be a tiny bit slow when it first starts. When it does though it's a really enjoyable experience. There is a lot of detail given which sometimes scrambled my brain a little as it seemed slightly overwhelming at certain points, the book does however straighten itself out and all of the little details make sense.
I don't know if it would make more sense if I were to read the other series that N.S Wakarski has written but I'm certainly up for the challenge. Despite my concerns, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will be reading the others.
I recommend you give it a try.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
Cassie is part of an organisation that investigates the history of people, places and things; deep history that can't always be seen by the human eye. Cassie herself is a psychic and she feels and is placed in the historical event whenever she reads an artefact.
This is a fast-paced story once it gets going. It seems to be a tiny bit slow when it first starts. When it does though it's a really enjoyable experience. There is a lot of detail given which sometimes scrambled my brain a little as it seemed slightly overwhelming at certain points, the book does however straighten itself out and all of the little details make sense.
I don't know if it would make more sense if I were to read the other series that N.S Wakarski has written but I'm certainly up for the challenge. Despite my concerns, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and will be reading the others.
I recommend you give it a try.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
Karla Dee (6 KP) rated Twice As Perfect in Books
Oct 14, 2022
From high school debate team to a super star character I feel like this story has it all. Adanna Nkwachi is living up to her parents dreams by choosing one of their approved professions. She is top tier debater on her way to going to law school, but things begin to change as she learns more about why her brother left and living his dreams as a poet.
All while this is going on her cousin Genny is getting married to Afrobeats superstar Skeleboy. This story has a lot going on and def has range from hs debate to wedding preparations. TBH I was sucked in by the wedding aspect of it all since I just finished the book Destination Wedding by Diksha Basu. I love the excitement of love birds and the drama that goes into making the wedding happen. There is always some tea and I am here for it. The cherry on top was the groom is a famous singer which was something different that gives off JLOs Let's get married vibez <3 <3 <3
All while this is going on her cousin Genny is getting married to Afrobeats superstar Skeleboy. This story has a lot going on and def has range from hs debate to wedding preparations. TBH I was sucked in by the wedding aspect of it all since I just finished the book Destination Wedding by Diksha Basu. I love the excitement of love birds and the drama that goes into making the wedding happen. There is always some tea and I am here for it. The cherry on top was the groom is a famous singer which was something different that gives off JLOs Let's get married vibez <3 <3 <3
Merissa (11822 KP) rated Cloud Dragon (Dragon Prophecy #2) in Books
Jul 27, 2023
CLOUD DRAGON is the second book in the Dragon Prophecy series and, although it says you can read it as a standalone, I would definitely recommend you read it as part of the series. I haven't read book one and felt the loss of it.
Although I enjoyed the story, with the gnomes, the babies, and the mountain, I did struggle to fully comprehend it sometimes when it wasn't always clear who was speaking telepathically to whom. The timeline is also fast-paced and leaps ahead in places.
This is so much more than a paranormal romance. I would put it in the family saga category too. There is a lot going on with different dragons and wolves mentioned in different locations. I enjoyed this story but felt a little disconnected from it.
** 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!
Jul 27, 2023
Although I enjoyed the story, with the gnomes, the babies, and the mountain, I did struggle to fully comprehend it sometimes when it wasn't always clear who was speaking telepathically to whom. The timeline is also fast-paced and leaps ahead in places.
This is so much more than a paranormal romance. I would put it in the family saga category too. There is a lot going on with different dragons and wolves mentioned in different locations. I enjoyed this story but felt a little disconnected from it.
** 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!
Jul 27, 2023
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Last Mrs. Parrish in Books
Jan 1, 2022
216 of 250
Kindle
The Last Mrs Parish ( Last Mrs Parish book 1)
By Liv Constantine
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
How far would you go to make all your dreams come true?
Amber Patterson is tired of being a nobody: an invisible woman who melts into the background. She deserves more. She deserves a life of wealth, luxury and leisure.
Daphne Parrish is the golden girl of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut. With her model looks, her picture-perfect mansion and her millionaire husband, Jackson, she has everything Amber wants.
Amber’s envy could eat her alive—if she didn’t have a plan. Before long, she has become Daphne’s closest friend, and is catching the eye of Jackson. But a skeleton from her past could destroy everything, and if discovered, Amber’s well-laid plan may end in disaster…
Bloody brilliant! Had me gripped from start to finish so many little twists and such a brilliant outcome. I’ve never read liv Constantine but will be reading a lot more of her!
Highly recommend!
Kindle
The Last Mrs Parish ( Last Mrs Parish book 1)
By Liv Constantine
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
How far would you go to make all your dreams come true?
Amber Patterson is tired of being a nobody: an invisible woman who melts into the background. She deserves more. She deserves a life of wealth, luxury and leisure.
Daphne Parrish is the golden girl of Bishops Harbor, Connecticut. With her model looks, her picture-perfect mansion and her millionaire husband, Jackson, she has everything Amber wants.
Amber’s envy could eat her alive—if she didn’t have a plan. Before long, she has become Daphne’s closest friend, and is catching the eye of Jackson. But a skeleton from her past could destroy everything, and if discovered, Amber’s well-laid plan may end in disaster…
Bloody brilliant! Had me gripped from start to finish so many little twists and such a brilliant outcome. I’ve never read liv Constantine but will be reading a lot more of her!
Highly recommend!
Otway93 (567 KP) rated Asteroid City (2023) in Movies
Jun 24, 2023
Cast (3 more)
Story
Cinematography
Soundtrack
Flow (1 more)
Pointlessly random
Only the second time I've walked out of the cinema.
I had very high hopes for this film, with an outstanding cast, and cast, and the usually brilliant Wes Anderson behind the wheel.
But it doesn't matter how good a cast is, it needs to be a good film.
Asteroid City is a play within a film, but unfortunately it tells the story of the play, and of the lead up to its opening night. Unfortunately the dynamic of switching between the two different stories really disrupts the flow of what would likely be a an enjoyable story.
Secondly, I know his films can be quite random at points, but a lot of scenes seem to be random for the sake of being random, adding nothing to the film or the story.
Also, only a nitpicky thing, but some of the songs featured during the 1955 scenes (Last Train to San Fernando, Freight Train) were songs that weren't released until 1957.
Overall, a great idea but poorly executed.
But it doesn't matter how good a cast is, it needs to be a good film.
Asteroid City is a play within a film, but unfortunately it tells the story of the play, and of the lead up to its opening night. Unfortunately the dynamic of switching between the two different stories really disrupts the flow of what would likely be a an enjoyable story.
Secondly, I know his films can be quite random at points, but a lot of scenes seem to be random for the sake of being random, adding nothing to the film or the story.
Also, only a nitpicky thing, but some of the songs featured during the 1955 scenes (Last Train to San Fernando, Freight Train) were songs that weren't released until 1957.
Overall, a great idea but poorly executed.
ClareR (5615 KP) rated Wild Things in Books
Jun 25, 2023
I enjoyed this a lot!
The main character, Eleanor, is stuck in a rut, so she decides to do one wild thing every month for a year. Something that pushes her out of her comfort zone. When one of her best friends splits up with his girlfriend, El and two other of their friends decide to buy their house together - a kind of ‘Queer Commune’. A commune because there’s four of them living there as equal partners in the ownership. And it’s a decent commute time outside of London.
Only El has a huge crush on one of her housemates, Ray. And she’s had an unrequited crush on her for quite a while.
I love Laura Kay’s writing. Yes, it’s a romance, but it’s not teeth-clenchingly sweet, and El’s personal growth is as central to the story as the romance itself.
Jamie is fabulous, Will is the sensible one - all great characters and people you’d love to know and be friends with.
I’m definitely becoming a firm Laura Kay fan!
The main character, Eleanor, is stuck in a rut, so she decides to do one wild thing every month for a year. Something that pushes her out of her comfort zone. When one of her best friends splits up with his girlfriend, El and two other of their friends decide to buy their house together - a kind of ‘Queer Commune’. A commune because there’s four of them living there as equal partners in the ownership. And it’s a decent commute time outside of London.
Only El has a huge crush on one of her housemates, Ray. And she’s had an unrequited crush on her for quite a while.
I love Laura Kay’s writing. Yes, it’s a romance, but it’s not teeth-clenchingly sweet, and El’s personal growth is as central to the story as the romance itself.
Jamie is fabulous, Will is the sensible one - all great characters and people you’d love to know and be friends with.
I’m definitely becoming a firm Laura Kay fan!