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ClareR (5911 KP) rated How To Save a Life in Books
Apr 16, 2024
This was a moving story about three school friends - one of whom goes into cardiac arrest on New Year’s Eve. Kerry begins CPR immediately, Tim freezes and finds himself unable to help, which is inconvenient as they both want to go to medical school. But when the paramedics arrive, Tim has at last started to help (even though Kerry has worked alone for about 15 minutes) and takes the praise as well as Kerry.
It’s here Tim starts to realise that being a doctor may not be what he thought it would be.
Kerry’s life takes a turn when she fails her A Levels, and Joel finds it hard to accept his heart condition and the changes he has to make in his life.
I liked that each of the characters had the chance to tell their story in alternating chapters. These characters experienced addiction, depression and other health conditions, and the main theme of the story, Joel’s heart condition, is revisited often. As are the mechanics of CPR, and it’s pointed out by the author that a persons life is more likely to be saved if you at least try.
This is a lovely, and often moving story. I really enjoyed it.
It’s here Tim starts to realise that being a doctor may not be what he thought it would be.
Kerry’s life takes a turn when she fails her A Levels, and Joel finds it hard to accept his heart condition and the changes he has to make in his life.
I liked that each of the characters had the chance to tell their story in alternating chapters. These characters experienced addiction, depression and other health conditions, and the main theme of the story, Joel’s heart condition, is revisited often. As are the mechanics of CPR, and it’s pointed out by the author that a persons life is more likely to be saved if you at least try.
This is a lovely, and often moving story. I really enjoyed it.
The mobile app that accompanies the hardware is beautiful to use (5 more)
Sleep monitor - pretty accurate and very informative (not always for the good!)
The friend and challenges system - it really is motivational to beat your friend's step count ('Workweek Hustle' is a personal fave)
Well supported - regular updates and feature improvements
Excellent customer service
Many integrations with other apps like IFTT
Synching can be problematic (2 more)
The charger lead input into the watch falls out if you're not very careful
Steps should be called 'actions' - moving your arms triggers step counts
Smart, intuitive, but not without issues

Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated A Horse Walks into a Bar in Books
Jul 24, 2017
Comedian's nervous breakdown is like watching a train wreck
An intriguing look into bereavement and trauma in the guise of an unravelling comic. Set on a stage, the comedian performs an intimate act in the presence of a former student and colleague. It is a gritty, disturbing and excruciating read to see how he undoes himself in the space of one night. It is also revealing how little sympathy and empathy he receives. It is a well structured piece of literary fiction, moving back and forth through past and present narratives. Well deserved of a Man Booker Prize nomination.

Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated Zenith (Books of Ascension, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[Zenith: The First Book of Ascension] by [Dirk Strasser] has some interesting characters that keeps the story moving. It seems to introduce the idea of light(good) versus dark(evil) along with the quest for enlightenment.
Twin brothers have to go on a journey to the summit of the mountain for enlightenment. The story focuses on one of the brothers journey. I would have liked to read a little about the other brothers struggles. It seemed that the idea of twins went by the wayside.
Overall it was a good fantasy novel that picked up pace as it went on.
Twin brothers have to go on a journey to the summit of the mountain for enlightenment. The story focuses on one of the brothers journey. I would have liked to read a little about the other brothers struggles. It seemed that the idea of twins went by the wayside.
Overall it was a good fantasy novel that picked up pace as it went on.

Jessica Cashen (1 KP) rated The Girl and the Grove in Books
May 16, 2018
I think this book has a little bit for everyone. The main character Leila has a whole lot going on. She has grown up moving from foster home to foster home. She has just been adopted, which she is struggling with. She has one of the more common forms of depression, seasonal affective disorder. She hears voices in her head calling out for help. Mixed in with her troubles is her love for the environment. Overall it is a well written book, and I enjoyed reading it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley.

Awix (3310 KP) rated After Life (Wandafaru Raifu) (1998) in Movies
May 14, 2019 (Updated May 15, 2019)
Curious, gentle comedy-drama fantasy. Newly-dead entrants to the next world must choose their most important memory, as this is all they will take with them into eternity. Those who cannot make the choice remain in limbo, helping those who can (it's a bit like the civil service).
Big themes, obviously, but handled with a very light, naturalistic touch; the machinery of the afterlife has a charmingly shambolic feel to it. Initially seems like a series of quiet character studies, before an understatedly moving story develops between two of the staff. Thought-provoking and rather beautiful.
Big themes, obviously, but handled with a very light, naturalistic touch; the machinery of the afterlife has a charmingly shambolic feel to it. Initially seems like a series of quiet character studies, before an understatedly moving story develops between two of the staff. Thought-provoking and rather beautiful.

Sonofdel (6291 KP) rated the Xbox One version of RiME in Video Games
Jun 1, 2019
good graphics (2 more)
compelling story
ingenious puzzle solving
Contains spoilers, click to show
i used to love the old style adventure games like Myst, Riven and Schizm and this definitely reminds me of these. Its a clever concept where a young boy get washed up on an island and sets out to find out what mysteries the island holds. A lot of puzzle solving that involves moving objects, lining them up, jumping, climbing and also collecting items and artifacts. Its a beautifully designed game with haunting music and a wonderful and colourful setting. I love it and i would recommend it to those that like puzzle/adventure games

Parfs (178 KP) rated Good Omens in TV
Jun 4, 2019
Cast are superb (2 more)
Tennant outstanding
Sheen outstanding
Funky fresh show
This show packs a lot in and keeps it moving forward well. Had never read the book so didn't know what to expect. The concept of the story if brilliant and the cast deliver a solid performance. As much as I love David Tennant I kept getting a little frustrated at him doing his best Bill Nighy impression and started the think that maybe Bill Nighy would have been a good choice for Crowley. The show was very satisfying to watch and is definitely one to put on your playlist.

Peter G. (247 KP) rated Blade Runner 2049 (2017) in Movies
Jun 5, 2019
Having waited 30+ years for this film I fell asleep upon first viewing as I was bored rigid.
I am a huge fan of the original, however this was a gigantic disappointment, Gosling is as charismatic as a broken rubiks cube and Jared Leto was useless as a Tyrell wannabe who dials in a William Shatner style performance as he attempts to steal every scene he is in.
The cinematography and sound design are outstanding and that's where the good stuff ends.
Let me make this quite clear, I do not like this overly long moving picture!
I am a huge fan of the original, however this was a gigantic disappointment, Gosling is as charismatic as a broken rubiks cube and Jared Leto was useless as a Tyrell wannabe who dials in a William Shatner style performance as he attempts to steal every scene he is in.
The cinematography and sound design are outstanding and that's where the good stuff ends.
Let me make this quite clear, I do not like this overly long moving picture!