Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2171 KP) rated Spy School Secret Service (Spy School, #5) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
This premise sets us off on another wonderful wild ride into the world of espionage. Oh, the fact that Ben is only twelve-years-old might be unrealistic, but it is so much fun and author Stuart Gibbs makes it work here. There are lots of twists leading up to the wonderful climax. The characters are good, although they could be a little stronger. That’s probably just the adult in me talking, however because it certainly wasn’t on my mind when I was busy turning pages. The book also packs a fair number of laughs that caught me off guard and truly made me laugh out loud. Kids of all ages will love this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/11/book-review-spy-school-secret-service.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Caitlin Ann Cherniak (85 KP) rated Go Set A Watchman in Books
Oct 22, 2018
This book doesn't even sound like a sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird. The cozy atmosphere is not there. The town drama is not there. Atticus Finch is now a washed up body in the book. The old characters are not there, or at least, not mentioned that often. Even Scout, or her real name Jean Louise, became hateable (I know that's not word), and that upsets me because Scout was a really awesome character from the original book. How do you turn a curious child into a twat? I would love to know!
I'm so angry because how does someone set up an American classic for failure like this? I'm sorry, Harper Lee. I still love you for the original known as To Kill a Mockingbird, but Go Set a Watchman did not do justice, not by a long shot.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Turtles All The Way Down in Books
Jan 23, 2019
Of course there is romance, but it is not the focus of the story. It is more than just a typical YA romance novel. It deals with handling mental illness, going to counseling, thinking you are crazy, and knowing your uncontrollable behaviors are not normal. It is about trying to manage the pressures of being a teenager - family, school, friends, and a boy.
John Green's novels have probably touched as many people today as had John Hughes's movies in the 80s. He focuses on real teenage problems and allows a glimpse inside their thoughts and feelings. He allows young adults to realize they are not alone, that others feel the same way, and “Your now is not your forever.”
Merissa (11956 KP) rated One Wish Away in Books
Dec 17, 2018
This book has a unique (as far as I know) concept in that scientists have figured out the way to harness the energy from stars into actually making wishes come true. The name for this project is the Cricket Project ie Jiminy Cricket from Pinocchio.
It is a slow burner that builds up and tries to incorporate a lot of different elements into it - high school, romance, sci-fi, government plots, time alteration to name just some. Because of this, it can be quite jumpy as it flits from one aspect to another. There were also some aspects of it that just seemed completely unbelievable - and that's if you turn a blind eye to the actual star part of it. For example, a 16-year-old that thinks it is perfectly acceptable to go sneaking into a government building by stealing her dad's pass-card. And then nothing happens once she is caught except that she is offered a job!
An interesting concept with a twist but just not right for me. I liked it but I won't be going any further with the series.
The Warm Up: The Story Behind the Lycra with Television's Mr Motivator
Book
Derrick Errol Evans was born in Jamaica to a single mum, given away at just three months and raised...
Bend it Like Bullard
Book
Jimmy Bullard may not have had the perfect hair-do, his Granada Ghia may not have been the flashiest...
I am Because You are: How the Spirit of Ubuntu Inspired an Unlikely Friendship and Transformed a Community
Jacob Lief and Andrea Thompson
Book
In 1998, Jacob Lief, a 21-year-old American university student, met school teacher Malizole "Banks"...
The Hunt - Global Cities
JoAnna Kang, Lauren Ladoceour, David Leppan and Haleigh Walsworth
Book
Rather than list the tourist traps and city cliches, The HUNT team has donned their...
Battle Chef Brigade
Video Game Watch
In the fantasy realm of Victusia, the members of the elite Battle Chef Brigade are revered for their...
action adventure role-playing
League of American Traitors
Book
Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it. . . . When seventeen year-old Jasper is...