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Times of Change (Times #1)
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It wasn’t right that Tatum Roloff had two different colored eyes, the strength and height of a...
paranormal romance
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The People at Number 9 in Books
Mar 15, 2018
From this synopsis of this book, you imagine this is going to be a bit dark and a bit twisty, but its not. Its simply a domestic thriller about people with a lot of money and connections in high up places flirting, changing life paths and having resentments. I understand that this was a novel about middle-class suburban life, which can be dull, but why did nothing happen? <i>But those changes will come at a price."</i> Im sorry, but I must have missed something
What changes? What price?
I didnt like the way this was set out, and maybe thats because it was an ARC copy, but this was really choppy and changey, with no indication that a longish time period (a few hours to a whole afternoon) had passed. The writing was fine, I have no faults with that, but it wasnt anything special.
There are four main characters in this book. Sara and Neil and Lou and Gavin. While each of the characters were well developed and in depth, it didnt stop them from being lacklustre and 2D. I couldnt connect with any of them on a personal level. Even though I would get annoyed at certain things Lou said or did, I wasnt getting annoyed on Saras behalf, because I thought Sara was whiny and she got on my nerves too.
One of my issues with this book, other than it being boring as heck, was the pretentious conversations going on, all the time. I know this book was a satire piece on the middle class, I get it, but dont bore us to death with long conversations that are eye rollingly posh and uninteresting. You can create a satire piece without making your readers fall asleep. There is very little description in this book, youll find that 80% of all the writing is speech, so it really did my head in after a while.
Now, this point is completely down to personal preference, but another reason I couldnt get on with this book was because of all the out-of-marriage flirting. It makes me really uncomfortable and squirmy reading that kind of stuff, so, since it was heavily featured in this, I disliked the book even more.
This is going to be a controversial book in terms of opinions, most definitely, and it would probably be a great book to read for a discussion, because youd have lots of differing opinions on the characters, but, heres my two-cents:
Ultimately, this novel is a story about over indulged middle class suburban families doing things a little bit risky like sex in a tent or smoking weed, and worrying about things only unrealistic well-off people could worry about, like home-schooling and arts and crafts. Not worth the time it takes to read.
<i>Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.</i>
I didnt like the way this was set out, and maybe thats because it was an ARC copy, but this was really choppy and changey, with no indication that a longish time period (a few hours to a whole afternoon) had passed. The writing was fine, I have no faults with that, but it wasnt anything special.
There are four main characters in this book. Sara and Neil and Lou and Gavin. While each of the characters were well developed and in depth, it didnt stop them from being lacklustre and 2D. I couldnt connect with any of them on a personal level. Even though I would get annoyed at certain things Lou said or did, I wasnt getting annoyed on Saras behalf, because I thought Sara was whiny and she got on my nerves too.
One of my issues with this book, other than it being boring as heck, was the pretentious conversations going on, all the time. I know this book was a satire piece on the middle class, I get it, but dont bore us to death with long conversations that are eye rollingly posh and uninteresting. You can create a satire piece without making your readers fall asleep. There is very little description in this book, youll find that 80% of all the writing is speech, so it really did my head in after a while.
Now, this point is completely down to personal preference, but another reason I couldnt get on with this book was because of all the out-of-marriage flirting. It makes me really uncomfortable and squirmy reading that kind of stuff, so, since it was heavily featured in this, I disliked the book even more.
This is going to be a controversial book in terms of opinions, most definitely, and it would probably be a great book to read for a discussion, because youd have lots of differing opinions on the characters, but, heres my two-cents:
Ultimately, this novel is a story about over indulged middle class suburban families doing things a little bit risky like sex in a tent or smoking weed, and worrying about things only unrealistic well-off people could worry about, like home-schooling and arts and crafts. Not worth the time it takes to read.
<i>Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.</i>
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind in Books
Nov 20, 2017 (Updated Nov 20, 2017)
A good effort to tackle this mammoth subject but ends a little disappointingly
I am slightly on the fence about this book. No doubt, it's no mean feat to attempt to describe the beginning of civilisation, but I feel the author Yuval Noah Harari may have overstretched himself.
What begins as a scientific exploration in to the separation or perhaps merging of the distinct human genuses ie. Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals, quickly becomes a political and social study. As a result, the book begins well but deteriorates as he moves away from a more analytical approach.
As the story moves towards times that we are more familiar with, it's not enough for the writer to tell us what happened, and perhaps share some of his pet theories on the sweep of history. Instead, we get increasingly speculative interpretations of what the author thinks are the big ideas in history. He takes no care to qualify these grand statements of opinion, but instead presents them as facts.
While I agree with his anthropological assertions surrounding religion as a method of homogenising populations and allowing flow of information, many reviews seem to be quite antagonistic towards this point of view and as a result there are definitely two camps of thoughts in regards to this book.
However, his whitewashing of colonialism and imperial rule is disparaging, literally explaining the benefits reaped by colonised countries from such destructive regimes, glossing over partition and genocide. Overall, I think that it is written well, but there are too many opinions and not enough evidence-based arguments.
What begins as a scientific exploration in to the separation or perhaps merging of the distinct human genuses ie. Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals, quickly becomes a political and social study. As a result, the book begins well but deteriorates as he moves away from a more analytical approach.
As the story moves towards times that we are more familiar with, it's not enough for the writer to tell us what happened, and perhaps share some of his pet theories on the sweep of history. Instead, we get increasingly speculative interpretations of what the author thinks are the big ideas in history. He takes no care to qualify these grand statements of opinion, but instead presents them as facts.
While I agree with his anthropological assertions surrounding religion as a method of homogenising populations and allowing flow of information, many reviews seem to be quite antagonistic towards this point of view and as a result there are definitely two camps of thoughts in regards to this book.
However, his whitewashing of colonialism and imperial rule is disparaging, literally explaining the benefits reaped by colonised countries from such destructive regimes, glossing over partition and genocide. Overall, I think that it is written well, but there are too many opinions and not enough evidence-based arguments.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Prada & Prejudice in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this book for how much fun it was to simply get inside the head of such a unique and quirky teenager as she is thrown into circumstances that many fans of Jane Austen could only dream of. Her lack of knowledge of the time period seems a bit over the top at times, but I quickly adjusted to Callie's strong emotions and opinions. I found it strange that all of the people around Callie, once she travels to 1815, seem to take everything she does and says in stride, barely taking notice of how much she clashes with the customs and traditions of the time period. Plus, it's just sheer dumb luck that she got to be a "guest" of a Duke, rather than a servant. But I often found myself laughing out loud at her awkwardness, as well as the effect she has on the people around her, such as teaching the "robot" dance to two young men. Her spontaneity and passionate responses are both her charm and her weakness, but her sincerity in wanting to do the right thing make everything come together in the end. Callie is a girl that I would love to meet and hang out with, just to see what she would do or say next. I was able to predict the ending way ahead of time, even though I was not crazy about it ending the way it did. I would have much prefered Callie to remain in 1815, since I can't do it myself!
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Trust Me: A Novel in Books
Feb 27, 2019
Have you ever read a book that left you in a complete and utter mind frozen state? On that you just sit and stare into space, wondering how could an author be that brilliant? Yea, that's me after reading TRUST ME. I mean, my God. I hadn't even heard of this author before but I sure am adding her to my ever growing list of autobuy authors, for sure.
Mercer's character was completely realistic. Her thoughts, pain of her own tragedy, confusion and passion to uncover the truth for her book about "Baby Boston", all became my own. I felt myself becoming her, wanting to write down my own thoughts on Ashlyn, the mother on trial and accused of murdering her own baby. I mean, seriously? I was like Ashlyn should have been named Casey Anthony. What mother could harm their precious child? Trust me (no pun intended!), when I tell you I wouldn't!
Reading this novel left me feeling like I just got off the most intense, most twisted, most emotional rollercoaster ride ever (and that is saying something because I've NEVER been on a coaster before!). I felt like I would just begin to piece it all together and Ryan, with masterful skill, would throw something else into the mix. Magnificent! This novel is my top read of 2019 so far. It's brilliantly chiseled into a 5 star read that I will not soon forget. Psychological mind blowing thrills at it's finest, that's a fact!
*I purchased this for my own collection. All opinions, negative or positive, are my own.*
Mercer's character was completely realistic. Her thoughts, pain of her own tragedy, confusion and passion to uncover the truth for her book about "Baby Boston", all became my own. I felt myself becoming her, wanting to write down my own thoughts on Ashlyn, the mother on trial and accused of murdering her own baby. I mean, seriously? I was like Ashlyn should have been named Casey Anthony. What mother could harm their precious child? Trust me (no pun intended!), when I tell you I wouldn't!
Reading this novel left me feeling like I just got off the most intense, most twisted, most emotional rollercoaster ride ever (and that is saying something because I've NEVER been on a coaster before!). I felt like I would just begin to piece it all together and Ryan, with masterful skill, would throw something else into the mix. Magnificent! This novel is my top read of 2019 so far. It's brilliantly chiseled into a 5 star read that I will not soon forget. Psychological mind blowing thrills at it's finest, that's a fact!
*I purchased this for my own collection. All opinions, negative or positive, are my own.*
Do you wonder where life is going sometimes? We focus on the things we see around us, the laundry, the bills, the housework, we over commit ourselves to church, our jobs. All this can weigh on our shoulders.
Written especially for women, author Jessie Clemence has written a book about combating stress, examining the Bible for answers. With 27 small chapters, dealing with h situations that we can see ourselves nodding our heads, thinking, yes I've been there done that! With her wit and a great sense of humor. She knows the day to day stresses that we face and she discusses what the bible tells us about how we should react to the daily frustrations that come into our daily lives.
Every chapter closes with three focuses; make it personal, a scripture\passage that ties it all together, and a prayer for today.
The themes are tough, the author doesn't hold back. They are important and sometimes can be challenging and convicting.
I absolutely enjoyed this book. Not only was it fun to read, but I learned that I am not alone in my stresses and that we need to lean on God more and less of ourselves.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Written especially for women, author Jessie Clemence has written a book about combating stress, examining the Bible for answers. With 27 small chapters, dealing with h situations that we can see ourselves nodding our heads, thinking, yes I've been there done that! With her wit and a great sense of humor. She knows the day to day stresses that we face and she discusses what the bible tells us about how we should react to the daily frustrations that come into our daily lives.
Every chapter closes with three focuses; make it personal, a scripture\passage that ties it all together, and a prayer for today.
The themes are tough, the author doesn't hold back. They are important and sometimes can be challenging and convicting.
I absolutely enjoyed this book. Not only was it fun to read, but I learned that I am not alone in my stresses and that we need to lean on God more and less of ourselves.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Hagar: Rediscovering the God Who Sees Me in Books
Mar 5, 2019
What do you think of when you hear the name Hagar? Who was Hagar? When I was invited to do a book launch on the Bible study of Hagar, I was intrigued. This is one that I really wanted to do.
We all know that Hagar was a servant given to Sarah, the famous one that gave birth to Abraham’s first son Ishmael.
This study aptly named “The God Who Sees You”, is exactly what the study is about, God sees who we are and what we need. As you go through this study you will feel that God loves you for who you are, exactly where you are at this moment. You will see that He is with you, just as He was with Hagar during her flight into the desert.
This is a study that truly gets you into the word, one that makes you think.
Shadia Hrichi really gets into the scriptures and helps us as readers get into the scripture with her. After reading this, you will see Hagar from a deeper, different viewpoint, and discover that our God is the God Who Sees You, as well.
I did this study alone, but it would make a great study for a women’s group, one that I highly recommend.
received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
We all know that Hagar was a servant given to Sarah, the famous one that gave birth to Abraham’s first son Ishmael.
This study aptly named “The God Who Sees You”, is exactly what the study is about, God sees who we are and what we need. As you go through this study you will feel that God loves you for who you are, exactly where you are at this moment. You will see that He is with you, just as He was with Hagar during her flight into the desert.
This is a study that truly gets you into the word, one that makes you think.
Shadia Hrichi really gets into the scriptures and helps us as readers get into the scripture with her. After reading this, you will see Hagar from a deeper, different viewpoint, and discover that our God is the God Who Sees You, as well.
I did this study alone, but it would make a great study for a women’s group, one that I highly recommend.
received this book free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated Bring Me Back in Books
Jul 18, 2018 (Updated Jul 18, 2018)
Quick Thriller
First of all I will not look at Russian Dolls the same again. They’ve greatly increased in the creep factor thanks to this book. (It’s a good thing!)
I enjoyed reading this one as throughout the novel you’re always second guessing yourself and just when you think you got it right, something else happens and you’re guessing again. Loved the twists and endless possibilities with this plot! I thought it enhanced quite a few things once Layla’s point of view is introduced because this is where it gets more complex and things start going a bit darker and uglier.
Ellen’s behavior was frustrating. You felt right up there with Finn sometimes because of her bouncing back and forth in opinions and it added more to Finn’s stress (although, it now makes sense as you head towards the ending) It’s definitely felt as it takes its’ toll on Finn. It’s hard to sympathize with him. He does have a temper and his personality and reasoning makes it hard to like him. He rather treats Ellen as a means to an end and his obsession with Layla reaches a disturbing factor.
The book is a quick read and engages the reader. I enjoyed the last bit in the end of the book, it’s well thought out and brings everything to a nice close. I liked how it kept me guessing and the thriller elements are well placed to keep the reading going.
Definitely recommended for a good thriller read!
I enjoyed reading this one as throughout the novel you’re always second guessing yourself and just when you think you got it right, something else happens and you’re guessing again. Loved the twists and endless possibilities with this plot! I thought it enhanced quite a few things once Layla’s point of view is introduced because this is where it gets more complex and things start going a bit darker and uglier.
Ellen’s behavior was frustrating. You felt right up there with Finn sometimes because of her bouncing back and forth in opinions and it added more to Finn’s stress (although, it now makes sense as you head towards the ending) It’s definitely felt as it takes its’ toll on Finn. It’s hard to sympathize with him. He does have a temper and his personality and reasoning makes it hard to like him. He rather treats Ellen as a means to an end and his obsession with Layla reaches a disturbing factor.
The book is a quick read and engages the reader. I enjoyed the last bit in the end of the book, it’s well thought out and brings everything to a nice close. I liked how it kept me guessing and the thriller elements are well placed to keep the reading going.
Definitely recommended for a good thriller read!
ClareR (5879 KP) rated The Silence of the Girls in Books
Nov 14, 2018
A retelling from a different direction.
This isn't just a straightforward retelling of the Iliad. In fact it's not that at all. This is the story of Briseis (I even googled how to pronounce her name), the queen of one of Troy's neighbouring kingdoms. When her kingdom is sacked by Achilles, she is taken as a slave along with the women and girls who survive, whilst the remaining men and boys are killed. Briseis becomes Achilles concubine - a prize of a battle won.
The violence of war is so graphically described in this novel. Briseis, along with the other slave women, are supposed to care for these mens wounds and fulfil their every (sexual) wish - the very men who had murdered their husbands, fathers and sons.
I've never read a Greek myth from the point of view of the women - they were supposed to be silent. Their stories are forgotten, but Pat Barker brings them to life in this book. We hear their sadness, their worries, their opinions of their masters. I could almost smell the filth, smoke, food and sweat of the Greek camp (in reality, I would imagine that I'd walk in the other direction!).
I've always loved the Greek Myths: I read them as a child and a teenager, and I'm really enjoying the resurgence of these stories at the moment. This novel adds another dimension to these stories, which I really loved. I'd highly recommend this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hamish Hamilton for my copy of this book.
The violence of war is so graphically described in this novel. Briseis, along with the other slave women, are supposed to care for these mens wounds and fulfil their every (sexual) wish - the very men who had murdered their husbands, fathers and sons.
I've never read a Greek myth from the point of view of the women - they were supposed to be silent. Their stories are forgotten, but Pat Barker brings them to life in this book. We hear their sadness, their worries, their opinions of their masters. I could almost smell the filth, smoke, food and sweat of the Greek camp (in reality, I would imagine that I'd walk in the other direction!).
I've always loved the Greek Myths: I read them as a child and a teenager, and I'm really enjoying the resurgence of these stories at the moment. This novel adds another dimension to these stories, which I really loved. I'd highly recommend this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hamish Hamilton for my copy of this book.
Carma (21 KP) rated Forbidden Lovers in Books
Jun 17, 2019
My rating is 3.5 stars for Forbidden Lovers by Kimberly Troutte. Ms. Troutte is a new to me author and while I felt this book had some good bones, it failed to grab my attention completely.
Matt Harper is returning home to Plunder Cove after leaving, without a choice, 10 years ago to join the Air Force. He left behind his fiancée, who rapidly remarried (supposedly) 3 months after he left, estranged parents and a home comparable to a compound.
Julia Espinoza lost the love of her life when her fiancé was killed when his plane was shot down in Afghanistan 10 years ago. She doesnt know her mother and has lived with extended family since she was small. She isnt wealthy like Matt was but he never seemed to care. She never got to say goodbye when he left, but he left her the most precious gift of all before he enlisted.
Matt returns home after being summoned by his father, along with his siblings, to some big announcement. Reconnecting with Julia, who at first doesnt recognize him believing he was dead, was an added bonus. Will they be able to pick up right where they left off?
While this story was interesting there was just too much I didnt like about it. Mostly, the flow and sentence structures. For me, it was too jumbled and while it was short it was very unnecessarily wordy. I voluntarily downloaded a copy from Netgalley without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
Matt Harper is returning home to Plunder Cove after leaving, without a choice, 10 years ago to join the Air Force. He left behind his fiancée, who rapidly remarried (supposedly) 3 months after he left, estranged parents and a home comparable to a compound.
Julia Espinoza lost the love of her life when her fiancé was killed when his plane was shot down in Afghanistan 10 years ago. She doesnt know her mother and has lived with extended family since she was small. She isnt wealthy like Matt was but he never seemed to care. She never got to say goodbye when he left, but he left her the most precious gift of all before he enlisted.
Matt returns home after being summoned by his father, along with his siblings, to some big announcement. Reconnecting with Julia, who at first doesnt recognize him believing he was dead, was an added bonus. Will they be able to pick up right where they left off?
While this story was interesting there was just too much I didnt like about it. Mostly, the flow and sentence structures. For me, it was too jumbled and while it was short it was very unnecessarily wordy. I voluntarily downloaded a copy from Netgalley without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.