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Cumberland (1142 KP) rated Deaf Child Crossing in Books
Jan 26, 2019
Awful MC
Deaf Child Crossing is a middle grade read that tells the story of two nine year old girls. Megan is deaf, and Cindy is the new girl that just moved in to her neighborhood.
I liked Cindy she was a realistic, and tried her best to be a good friend. Unfortunately Megan was the main focus of the book, and she was awful. I will say she was technically realistic just now very likeable. She treats Cindy horribly through most of the book, but it gets played off because Megan is working through stuff. I know this happens in real life but I hate seeing it in literature. It is not okay to treat people like crap just because you are going through something!
I know this book gets a lot of applause for having a deaf character, but I really feel like there has to be better books available.
I liked Cindy she was a realistic, and tried her best to be a good friend. Unfortunately Megan was the main focus of the book, and she was awful. I will say she was technically realistic just now very likeable. She treats Cindy horribly through most of the book, but it gets played off because Megan is working through stuff. I know this happens in real life but I hate seeing it in literature. It is not okay to treat people like crap just because you are going through something!
I know this book gets a lot of applause for having a deaf character, but I really feel like there has to be better books available.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie (2016) in Movies
Nov 18, 2019
The Gang is all here
I love this movie, i have seen it about five times. The animation is fantasic, the story is excellent, the charcters look great. Everything about this movie is excellent.
The Plot: Life always seems complicated for good ol' Charlie Brown (Noah Schnapp), the boy who always tries his best against seemingly impossible odds. When the Little Red-Haired Girl moves into his neighborhood, Charlie Brown develops a crush on her. Meanwhile, his best friend Snoopy embarks on an epic adventure in a fantasy world. As a World War I flying ace, the lovable beagle pursues his nemesis, the Red Baron, while also trying to win the heart of a beautiful poodle named Fifi (Kristin Chenoweth.
Good old Charlie Brown and Snoopy vs. The Red Baron.
It made me cry, which doesnt happen often when i watch movies. So that is a plus.
Its funny, adventurious, has a message, phemomemal and a classic.
A must watch film.
The Plot: Life always seems complicated for good ol' Charlie Brown (Noah Schnapp), the boy who always tries his best against seemingly impossible odds. When the Little Red-Haired Girl moves into his neighborhood, Charlie Brown develops a crush on her. Meanwhile, his best friend Snoopy embarks on an epic adventure in a fantasy world. As a World War I flying ace, the lovable beagle pursues his nemesis, the Red Baron, while also trying to win the heart of a beautiful poodle named Fifi (Kristin Chenoweth.
Good old Charlie Brown and Snoopy vs. The Red Baron.
It made me cry, which doesnt happen often when i watch movies. So that is a plus.
Its funny, adventurious, has a message, phemomemal and a classic.
A must watch film.
John David Washington recommended Raging Bull (1980) in Movies (curated)
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) in Movies
Nov 30, 2020
Beautiful Day
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood- is more about the person interviewing Mr. Rodgers than Mr. Rodgers himself and to that i say "their was a documentary that came out in 2018, called "Won't You Be My Neighbor?", that focus on Mr. Rogers more". This film is still a good movie, i just wish it was more about Mr. Rogers than the person interviewing him. Tom Hanks does a excellent job playing Mr. Rodgers, he reminded me alot of Mr. Rogers, brings back memories.
The plot: Lloyd Vogel is an investigative journalist who receives an assignment to profile Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers. He approaches the interview with skepticism, as he finds it hard to believe that anyone can have such a good nature. But Roger's empathy, kindness and decency soon chips away at Vogel's jaded outlook on life, forcing the reporter to reconcile with his own painful past.
Like i said before its a good movie.
The plot: Lloyd Vogel is an investigative journalist who receives an assignment to profile Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers. He approaches the interview with skepticism, as he finds it hard to believe that anyone can have such a good nature. But Roger's empathy, kindness and decency soon chips away at Vogel's jaded outlook on life, forcing the reporter to reconcile with his own painful past.
Like i said before its a good movie.
Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated Kicks (2016) in Movies
Aug 3, 2020
I grew up in a time and place where it was very real to have concern about a pair of kicks being stolen from you by force, or even death. Surely my thoughts on this movie are reflective of that.
Brandon is a boy who is struggling to completely fit in anywhere in his world. He has a couple of loyal friends, but struggles to understand his place in society. He believes that the ultimate pair of Air Jordan 1's will help solve all the issues he carries internally.
After copping a pair out of the back of a van, he is promptly beaten at gunpoint and they are stolen by a known heavy in his urban neighborhood. The rest of the movie essentially involves his efforts to return the shoes to his feet and the lengths that he is willing to go (and the sacrifices he's willing to make) to make that a reality.
Brandon is a boy who is struggling to completely fit in anywhere in his world. He has a couple of loyal friends, but struggles to understand his place in society. He believes that the ultimate pair of Air Jordan 1's will help solve all the issues he carries internally.
After copping a pair out of the back of a van, he is promptly beaten at gunpoint and they are stolen by a known heavy in his urban neighborhood. The rest of the movie essentially involves his efforts to return the shoes to his feet and the lengths that he is willing to go (and the sacrifices he's willing to make) to make that a reality.
Russ Troutt (291 KP) rated A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) in Movies
Dec 4, 2019
It was a beautiful night in the theater, a beautiful night in the theater, would ya go see, could ya go see, won't you go see A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. No shame in saying I cried throughout this whole movie. Tom Hanks is amazing as always, but the entire cast is great. I wrote a poem after watching the documentary last year and felt like it would be fitting on this review as well.
It's always a beautiful day in the neighborhood,
For in the worst of times you always made me see the good.
You would walk in with a smile on your face,
I knew that I was welcome at your place.
And no matter the weather,
You would put on your sweater.
Then you would sit down to put on more comfortable shoes,
Making me comfortable knowing I had a neighbor like you.
Together we would feed the fish,
Sometimes go to the kitchen and make a dish.
It was always my brain and heart that you were feeding,
As a kid you knew exactly what I was needing.
Messages would come from Mr. McFeely,
Who would show up with a speedy delivery.
When I'd hear the bell of the trolley,
I'd get excited and feel jolly.
For I knew we were off to visit our puppetry friends,
On the other side of the tunnel in make believe land.
You taught me what to do with my mad,
And that it was okay to be sad.
You helped in dealing with the bad and serious issues of the world,
But at the end of everyday in me the good you had restored.
In our daily meetings on television with me there is so much that you left,
I am special, amazing the way I am, and in the scary to be the one that helps.
It was in your words that I did find,
The key to success is being kind.
In many ways you were a savior whose love will always be savored,
Mister Rogers I will be forever grateful that you were my neighbor.
It's always a beautiful day in the neighborhood,
For in the worst of times you always made me see the good.
You would walk in with a smile on your face,
I knew that I was welcome at your place.
And no matter the weather,
You would put on your sweater.
Then you would sit down to put on more comfortable shoes,
Making me comfortable knowing I had a neighbor like you.
Together we would feed the fish,
Sometimes go to the kitchen and make a dish.
It was always my brain and heart that you were feeding,
As a kid you knew exactly what I was needing.
Messages would come from Mr. McFeely,
Who would show up with a speedy delivery.
When I'd hear the bell of the trolley,
I'd get excited and feel jolly.
For I knew we were off to visit our puppetry friends,
On the other side of the tunnel in make believe land.
You taught me what to do with my mad,
And that it was okay to be sad.
You helped in dealing with the bad and serious issues of the world,
But at the end of everyday in me the good you had restored.
In our daily meetings on television with me there is so much that you left,
I am special, amazing the way I am, and in the scary to be the one that helps.
It was in your words that I did find,
The key to success is being kind.
In many ways you were a savior whose love will always be savored,
Mister Rogers I will be forever grateful that you were my neighbor.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2165 KP) rated Deadly Valentine in Books
Oct 24, 2022
Murder Among the New Neighbors
Annie and Max Darling have finally moved into their new house and are meeting their neighbors. Annie is less than delighted to find out that Sydney Cahill lives next door, mainly because Sydney made a pass at Max in front of Annie. Still, they can’t get out of attending the Cahill’s Valentine’s Day party. Then, that night, someone kills Sydney. Since their new neighborhood is gated, it quickly becomes obvious one of their neighbors is the killer. Can they figure out who did it?
This book has a few of the staples of the series, including the mass introduction of suspects, but that’s mainly worth noting in passing. Overall, it is fun. While the characters could be stronger, we do care, thanks mainly to Annie and Max. Max’s mother, Laurel, is visiting again, and she provides some great laughs along the way. The mystery is complex enough with enough twists and suspects to keep me guessing. It’s easy to see why this series is so beloved.
This book has a few of the staples of the series, including the mass introduction of suspects, but that’s mainly worth noting in passing. Overall, it is fun. While the characters could be stronger, we do care, thanks mainly to Annie and Max. Max’s mother, Laurel, is visiting again, and she provides some great laughs along the way. The mystery is complex enough with enough twists and suspects to keep me guessing. It’s easy to see why this series is so beloved.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Watching You in Books
Mar 20, 2019
Enjoyable, easy read with a puzzling plot
There are twenty-seven painted houses in the lovely neighborhood of Melville Heights. Joey Mullen resides in one with her husband, Alfie; they live with Joey's brother Jack and his pregnant wife, Rebecca. Joey is struggling to get her life together after coasting for a while. This attempt isn't helped by the fact that she seems to have developed a crush on her neighbor, Tom Fitzwilliam, who lives two houses down. Tom is a well-known and beloved headmaster, credited for helping several schools improve their outcomes. He lives with his wife and son, Freddie, who closely monitors the neighborhood with his camera and Internet connection. And then there's teenage Jenna Tripp, who attends Tom's school. She's wary of Mr. Fitzwilliam, who seems awfully attached to her friend Bess. It doesn't help that Jenna's mom, who has mental health issues, is convinced Mr. Fitzwilliam is stalking her. This group of individuals is tied together by Tom Fitzwilliam--and soon by a gruesome murder that will change everyone's lives.
I really enjoy Lisa Jewell's novels and this was another very readable book from her. The chapters are short and quick, with the information flying at us, making you wonder what on earth is going on in Melville and who we can trust. There are a lot of stories going on simultaneously--Jenna, Joey, Freddie, and more--and we can see that they are all loosely related to Tom. So, can we trust him? Is there more to this adored headmaster than meets to the eye? Jewell is highly adept at making you wonder, unable to trust anyone and at keeping you guessing as things slowly unfurl.
The characters in this one were interesting; there are enough of them that you don't get too attached, though I did feel sympathy for poor Jenna, who has a lot to deal with regarding her mother. Mostly, we hurtle along with our group toward their own doom. I worked things out fairly early, but it didn't prevent my enjoyment of this one, as it's very readable and well-done.
Overall, this is an enjoyable, easy read with a puzzling plot and a story that will draw you in from the beginning.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
I really enjoy Lisa Jewell's novels and this was another very readable book from her. The chapters are short and quick, with the information flying at us, making you wonder what on earth is going on in Melville and who we can trust. There are a lot of stories going on simultaneously--Jenna, Joey, Freddie, and more--and we can see that they are all loosely related to Tom. So, can we trust him? Is there more to this adored headmaster than meets to the eye? Jewell is highly adept at making you wonder, unable to trust anyone and at keeping you guessing as things slowly unfurl.
The characters in this one were interesting; there are enough of them that you don't get too attached, though I did feel sympathy for poor Jenna, who has a lot to deal with regarding her mother. Mostly, we hurtle along with our group toward their own doom. I worked things out fairly early, but it didn't prevent my enjoyment of this one, as it's very readable and well-done.
Overall, this is an enjoyable, easy read with a puzzling plot and a story that will draw you in from the beginning.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated The Survivor's Guide to Family Happiness in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Nina Popkin's mother has recently passed away and she's also freshly divorced. Adopted as a child, her mother's death rekindles Nina's desire to search for her birth mother. She's always felt as she's never belonged anywhere, searching strangers' faces and eyes for her potential birth mother. Amazingly, Nina manages to find her biological sister, Lindy, whom she actually knew as a kid from her neighborhood. But Lindy, who is obsessed with creating a perfect house and life, isn't too thrilled about her wayward sister bursting into her life. Lindy has three kids, a busy salon to run, and a lot of (hidden) anxiety to deal with. But Nina is force to be reckoned with and she's determined to bring Lindy on her journey to find their mother. But will this journey finally bring Nina the sense of peace and belonging she's always desired?
Dawson's novel is told from the varying points of view of its main women: Nina, Lindy, and their biological mother. It's a humorous--and sometimes heartbreaking--look at family and the different forms it can take. Dawson has created a cast of characters who seem incredibly real. She captures the little details just right, from family life with kids, to Nina's romantic woes. Nina is a trip: you can't help but love her and her relentless optimism. Even when the novel drags a bit in the middle, when you feel like Nina and the plot need a bit of a push, it recovers through its humor and Nina's personality. Perhaps the only part I found slightly weird was that Nina and Lindy's childhood neighborhood was so full of adopted children that they grew up knowing each other (though not knowing they were sisters), but perhaps that was truly par for the course for the era... who knows.
In the end, I really enjoyed this novel. It combines several other supporting characters, including the children of Nina's boyfriend, into a great read. At times it's truly laugh out loud funny, even if it gets a bit preposterous. But it's also heartfelt and touching and a lovely look at the bonds of family.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!); it is available everywhere as of 10/25/2016.
Dawson's novel is told from the varying points of view of its main women: Nina, Lindy, and their biological mother. It's a humorous--and sometimes heartbreaking--look at family and the different forms it can take. Dawson has created a cast of characters who seem incredibly real. She captures the little details just right, from family life with kids, to Nina's romantic woes. Nina is a trip: you can't help but love her and her relentless optimism. Even when the novel drags a bit in the middle, when you feel like Nina and the plot need a bit of a push, it recovers through its humor and Nina's personality. Perhaps the only part I found slightly weird was that Nina and Lindy's childhood neighborhood was so full of adopted children that they grew up knowing each other (though not knowing they were sisters), but perhaps that was truly par for the course for the era... who knows.
In the end, I really enjoyed this novel. It combines several other supporting characters, including the children of Nina's boyfriend, into a great read. At times it's truly laugh out loud funny, even if it gets a bit preposterous. But it's also heartfelt and touching and a lovely look at the bonds of family.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!); it is available everywhere as of 10/25/2016.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Trouble with J. J. in Books
May 10, 2018
Genna Hastings, had returned home early from her vacation since she had sprained her ankle. Shortly after getting out of the car, she is hit in the head by the kids in the neighborhood who were playing football. They had been using her yard while she was gone and playing with J.J. Hennessey, the Hawks quarterback. Genna, had no idea who he was, but was definitely taken aback when she saw his yard full of pink flamingos. As if that wasn't bad enough, his whole bad boy exterior was enough to scare anyone away.
When J.J. Hennessey first meets Genna, he is taken aback. Most women swoon over him, she was having none of that.
After losing her job for the summer(Genna's a teacher), J.J. presents her with an opportunity she really can't turn down. Throughout the summer, Genna and J.J. will learn things about each other that will surprise them both.
Will this summer job lead to a summer romance? What will happen when the summer is over?
This was a cute, romantic comedy by Tami Hoag. This is the first book that I have read by her, and I'm interested to read more.
When J.J. Hennessey first meets Genna, he is taken aback. Most women swoon over him, she was having none of that.
After losing her job for the summer(Genna's a teacher), J.J. presents her with an opportunity she really can't turn down. Throughout the summer, Genna and J.J. will learn things about each other that will surprise them both.
Will this summer job lead to a summer romance? What will happen when the summer is over?
This was a cute, romantic comedy by Tami Hoag. This is the first book that I have read by her, and I'm interested to read more.