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Gold Medal Flapjack, Silver Medal Life: The Autobiography of an Unlikely Olympian
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"Being an Olympian was not my first choice of career, or even my second." Alison Mowbray wasn't a...
TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated The Heart of a Hero (Global Search and Rescue, #2) in Books
Feb 24, 2021
Can I just gush for a moment?
I have followed Susan May Warren since she first started writing and her books continue to amaze me with the depth and faith her characters display! This new series Global Search and Rescue is so much adventure, suspense, and faith packed into just a bit over 300 pages. IT IS AWESOME. Okay, gush over. The Heart of a Hero is book two in the series and can be read as a standalone, I do think however that by reading the first book your experience will be enhanced.
Let us start with the setting of this book, shall we?
Susan May Warren takes us from a hospital to a tropical paradise in the Florida Keys. The descriptions of the weather and the hurricane are so vivid; It was like I was the one standing in water and running for cover. I enjoyed her take on what might happen (Or probably does happen) when a hurricane comes through the Keys. Her mental picture of the hospital made me feel like I could walk into that hospital and find my way around just by the way the characters talked about it. A lot of details went into this book without making you realize they are there until you go back over the book in your mind.
The characters were some of my favorites from Susan May Warren.
I loved Aria’s spunky and sarcastic personality mixed with her shy insecurities. I think it made her even more of a believable character as we see those traits in ourselves and those around us. Aria had such passion for helping others as well, her take-charge attitude in dangerous situations is something I would hope to have in those situations. Jake. Jake. Jake. I feel like I have been rooting for him since the beginning when he was mentioned in The Way of the Brave. He has such an adventurous and protective spirit to him that is captivating. He knows what he wants in life and goes boldly after it. Basically, the definition of a SEAL. He will go down as one of my favorite characters ever; and Aria and Jake will go down as one of my favorite couples.
There are so many secondary characters that helped make this story complete, but I will let you read about them and see why I liked them just as much as the primary characters!
I have followed Susan May Warren since she first started writing and her books continue to amaze me with the depth and faith her characters display! This new series Global Search and Rescue is so much adventure, suspense, and faith packed into just a bit over 300 pages. IT IS AWESOME. Okay, gush over. The Heart of a Hero is book two in the series and can be read as a standalone, I do think however that by reading the first book your experience will be enhanced.
Let us start with the setting of this book, shall we?
Susan May Warren takes us from a hospital to a tropical paradise in the Florida Keys. The descriptions of the weather and the hurricane are so vivid; It was like I was the one standing in water and running for cover. I enjoyed her take on what might happen (Or probably does happen) when a hurricane comes through the Keys. Her mental picture of the hospital made me feel like I could walk into that hospital and find my way around just by the way the characters talked about it. A lot of details went into this book without making you realize they are there until you go back over the book in your mind.
The characters were some of my favorites from Susan May Warren.
I loved Aria’s spunky and sarcastic personality mixed with her shy insecurities. I think it made her even more of a believable character as we see those traits in ourselves and those around us. Aria had such passion for helping others as well, her take-charge attitude in dangerous situations is something I would hope to have in those situations. Jake. Jake. Jake. I feel like I have been rooting for him since the beginning when he was mentioned in The Way of the Brave. He has such an adventurous and protective spirit to him that is captivating. He knows what he wants in life and goes boldly after it. Basically, the definition of a SEAL. He will go down as one of my favorite characters ever; and Aria and Jake will go down as one of my favorite couples.
There are so many secondary characters that helped make this story complete, but I will let you read about them and see why I liked them just as much as the primary characters!
"Spatial Strategy to Success and Happiness." This is the subtitle of Harness the Power of the Invincible Mind by Alex Neumann, but do not be misled into thinking it is a self-help book. Since childhood, Neumann has been interested in studying how some people thrive during challenging times and how, with this determination, society can make the world a better place. This book contains the author's ideas based on these observations; ideas that he has applied to his thought process to develop an "Invincible Mind".
Neumann applies moral stories and real-life scenarios to illustrate the power of a determined mind. He urges readers to never give up, even in the face of adversity, but to use these hardships in alternative ways. Neumann uses examples from Buddhism and Christianity as well as history to show the potential of every individual.
Many self-help books give step-by-step guides to success and dismiss mental and neurological difficulties. Whilst these authors may encourage readers to reach their goals, Neumann acknowledges that it is not always possible. Yet, this does not result in failure. Neumann's insight into the workings of the world reveals there is far more to happiness than an end goal. There is more to life than being the best, being famous and being successful, but more often than not, these lessons are hard-fought. With this book, Neumann attempts to stop readers in their tracks, to stop their destructive power, to realise their true potential and look at the world afresh.
Neumann writes as though he is speaking in front of an audience. Whilst this adds honesty and passion, it disrupts the flow of the text. The book lacks grammar and is oftentimes repetitive. As a proofreader, it is difficult not to pick up on these errors, but it indeed makes the author sound human. Neumann does not use the complicated language of psychologists, does not pretend to have qualifications in counselling or such like but has his readers' best interests at heart.
Easy and quick to read, Harness the Power of the Invincible Mind is a book that stays with you long after completing. It contains so many analogies and examples that readers will want to highlight, share and, hopefully, apply in their day-to-day lives.
Neumann applies moral stories and real-life scenarios to illustrate the power of a determined mind. He urges readers to never give up, even in the face of adversity, but to use these hardships in alternative ways. Neumann uses examples from Buddhism and Christianity as well as history to show the potential of every individual.
Many self-help books give step-by-step guides to success and dismiss mental and neurological difficulties. Whilst these authors may encourage readers to reach their goals, Neumann acknowledges that it is not always possible. Yet, this does not result in failure. Neumann's insight into the workings of the world reveals there is far more to happiness than an end goal. There is more to life than being the best, being famous and being successful, but more often than not, these lessons are hard-fought. With this book, Neumann attempts to stop readers in their tracks, to stop their destructive power, to realise their true potential and look at the world afresh.
Neumann writes as though he is speaking in front of an audience. Whilst this adds honesty and passion, it disrupts the flow of the text. The book lacks grammar and is oftentimes repetitive. As a proofreader, it is difficult not to pick up on these errors, but it indeed makes the author sound human. Neumann does not use the complicated language of psychologists, does not pretend to have qualifications in counselling or such like but has his readers' best interests at heart.
Easy and quick to read, Harness the Power of the Invincible Mind is a book that stays with you long after completing. It contains so many analogies and examples that readers will want to highlight, share and, hopefully, apply in their day-to-day lives.
Lottie disney bookworm (1056 KP) rated Six Tudor Queens: Katharine Parr, The Sixth Wife in Books
Mar 23, 2021
I have been reading Alison Weir books since I was a teenager so imagine how much I fangirled when I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of her final book in the Tudor Queens series!
To Netgalley and Headline, thank you, thank you, thank you!
It is my opinion that Katharine Parr is often the most overlooked of Henry VIII's wives: indeed most novels focus only on her life after becoming Queen. That is why this novel from Alison Weir was simply brilliant.
Weir introduces us to Katharine Parr as a girl, constantly surrounded by family and, after losing her father at a young age, being brought up by her uncle, aunt and her mother who was an attendant to Queen Katharine of Aragon.
The reader instantly falls in love with Katharine, an intelligent, caring child who is acutely aware of her eventual duty to her family but desperately wishes to remain in her carefree days with her siblings.
As we know, Tudor girls married young and Weir explores each of Katharine's four marriages in great detail: combining historical fact and storytelling in the way that only she can.
It struck me that, in three of Katharine's four marriages, she was used as a pawn, marrying for rank, power and connections as was the norm at the time.
However, in every one of these marriages Katharine was able to find love; even when marrying an old overweight Henry, already famous for disposing of numerous wives.
The writing during each of these marriages is rarely emotional: Katharine is a very rational and practical character, only showing real passion for religion. She is even super calm when she believes she is being investigated as a heretic!
It isn't until Katharine's fourth and final marriage that she marries for herself and for love. The passionate relationship between Katharine and Tom Seymour seeps into the writing at this point: introducing jealousy and anger where there has previously been merely a stoic resolve.
The fact that this novel spans the lifespan of Henry's marriages is fitting and really allows Weir to paint a picture of Tudor society throughout the religious reforms and upheavals associated with its monarch.
No one who has read Alison Weir's books before will be surprised that this is yet another success. Together with Philippa Gregory, Weir is a Queen of historical fiction and this novel is only the latest jewel in her crown.
To Netgalley and Headline, thank you, thank you, thank you!
It is my opinion that Katharine Parr is often the most overlooked of Henry VIII's wives: indeed most novels focus only on her life after becoming Queen. That is why this novel from Alison Weir was simply brilliant.
Weir introduces us to Katharine Parr as a girl, constantly surrounded by family and, after losing her father at a young age, being brought up by her uncle, aunt and her mother who was an attendant to Queen Katharine of Aragon.
The reader instantly falls in love with Katharine, an intelligent, caring child who is acutely aware of her eventual duty to her family but desperately wishes to remain in her carefree days with her siblings.
As we know, Tudor girls married young and Weir explores each of Katharine's four marriages in great detail: combining historical fact and storytelling in the way that only she can.
It struck me that, in three of Katharine's four marriages, she was used as a pawn, marrying for rank, power and connections as was the norm at the time.
However, in every one of these marriages Katharine was able to find love; even when marrying an old overweight Henry, already famous for disposing of numerous wives.
The writing during each of these marriages is rarely emotional: Katharine is a very rational and practical character, only showing real passion for religion. She is even super calm when she believes she is being investigated as a heretic!
It isn't until Katharine's fourth and final marriage that she marries for herself and for love. The passionate relationship between Katharine and Tom Seymour seeps into the writing at this point: introducing jealousy and anger where there has previously been merely a stoic resolve.
The fact that this novel spans the lifespan of Henry's marriages is fitting and really allows Weir to paint a picture of Tudor society throughout the religious reforms and upheavals associated with its monarch.
No one who has read Alison Weir's books before will be surprised that this is yet another success. Together with Philippa Gregory, Weir is a Queen of historical fiction and this novel is only the latest jewel in her crown.
Gaspar Noe recommended The Mother and the Whore (1973) in Movies (curated)
BookInspector (124 KP) rated A Pearl for My Mistress in Books
Sep 24, 2020
I would like to begin this review by saying that I really loved the cover of this book, it looks pleasant and very sophisticated, another thing which intrigued me, was the lesbian relationship in 1930th England.
The characters in this novel are very interesting, sophisticated and at the same time very believable and down to earth. The whole book was mainly told from Lady Lucy’s, Hester’s (the maid) and Sophie’s (Hester’s sister) perspectives. I really liked that author chose multiple perspectives, it allowed me to have a better insight into characters personalities and made the whole story more indulging. My favourite persona in this book was Hester. I liked her simplicity, pureness and adventurous heart.
The narrative of the book is filled with historical knowledge and politics. It was very clearly visible that author has a passion for history and she has done a great research for this novel. For me it wasn't a very easy read, there are a lot of things happening in this novel and a lot of politics involved, because of that I had to keep my concentration going to understand what was going on. However, I really enjoyed all the details which author shared about aristocratic life, their struggles and wish of Independence. I also loved the insight into maids world in that period, as most of the books I read was mostly set in the 19th century, and it was nice to compare how it changed during the time.
The writing style of this book is very rich and elegant, it reflected that particular era very nicely, and I felt the spirit of 1930th through the pages. The chapter length was quite long to my liking, even though it was divided into smaller parts. (Well, what can I say, I love short chapters…) The ending of the book concluded the book really nicely but still left me guessing where life will take Hester. So to conclude, it is a very interesting book about aristocrats and their lifestyle between the wars in England, filled with secrets, manipulations, and fear or support of new regiment. I would strongly recommend this book to all historical fiction readers and people who like politics. Enjoy :)
Was given this book by publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.
The characters in this novel are very interesting, sophisticated and at the same time very believable and down to earth. The whole book was mainly told from Lady Lucy’s, Hester’s (the maid) and Sophie’s (Hester’s sister) perspectives. I really liked that author chose multiple perspectives, it allowed me to have a better insight into characters personalities and made the whole story more indulging. My favourite persona in this book was Hester. I liked her simplicity, pureness and adventurous heart.
The narrative of the book is filled with historical knowledge and politics. It was very clearly visible that author has a passion for history and she has done a great research for this novel. For me it wasn't a very easy read, there are a lot of things happening in this novel and a lot of politics involved, because of that I had to keep my concentration going to understand what was going on. However, I really enjoyed all the details which author shared about aristocratic life, their struggles and wish of Independence. I also loved the insight into maids world in that period, as most of the books I read was mostly set in the 19th century, and it was nice to compare how it changed during the time.
The writing style of this book is very rich and elegant, it reflected that particular era very nicely, and I felt the spirit of 1930th through the pages. The chapter length was quite long to my liking, even though it was divided into smaller parts. (Well, what can I say, I love short chapters…) The ending of the book concluded the book really nicely but still left me guessing where life will take Hester. So to conclude, it is a very interesting book about aristocrats and their lifestyle between the wars in England, filled with secrets, manipulations, and fear or support of new regiment. I would strongly recommend this book to all historical fiction readers and people who like politics. Enjoy :)
Was given this book by publisher and NetGalley for an honest review.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated The Woman with Wings in Books
Sep 24, 2020
Alison works in the international advertising company as an IT specialist, and she loves bird watching. During one of her trips, she falls off the mountain but survives. I liked Alison as a person, she is a loner, and she is doing what she loves. She is like every other female in London, only she gets wings from somewhere. Alison has a great friend Jed, who likes and supports her, and a rich executive of the company named Doxat that fancies her, so this book could’ve been a great romantic novel, and those wings ruined it for me. The story was told from multiple perspectives, but the transition between those perspectives was quite blurry, I would’ve liked if different thoughts started as a different chapter.
Alison talks a lot about birds and their migration, it is great to know about this, especially because Alison’s true passion is birds, but I was skim-reading them because I don’t like copy-paste material. I am sure, bird enthusiasts will enjoy the information, and I can see the research put into that, but those parts were not for me. Another thing that did not make sense to me were parts about Kurt Godel and his mathematical calculations regarding time traveling. There were pages and pages about the same thing, which was well researched and very philosophical, but at the same time repetitive and felt like pasted there out of Wikipedia. :/ I liked the way Alison was interacting with other characters, and there was an interesting love triangle going on in there, but that’s about it.
I was not a very big fan of the writing style of this novel, it seemed well researched, and poetic, but at the same time, it felt raw and unfinished. The setting of this book was changing between London and remote places of the UK like Skye, and I enjoyed its picturesque views. The chapters were quite long, and the narrative quite jumpy. The culmination of this novel didn’t make any sense to me and left me with million of questions instead of answers. :/
So, to conclude, this book was not for me. It has interesting characters, and I enjoyed their relationships with each other, and this book has great potential, but the plot didn’t really impress me. I think this book might interest a bird-loving community as well as people who enjoy philosophy.
Alison talks a lot about birds and their migration, it is great to know about this, especially because Alison’s true passion is birds, but I was skim-reading them because I don’t like copy-paste material. I am sure, bird enthusiasts will enjoy the information, and I can see the research put into that, but those parts were not for me. Another thing that did not make sense to me were parts about Kurt Godel and his mathematical calculations regarding time traveling. There were pages and pages about the same thing, which was well researched and very philosophical, but at the same time repetitive and felt like pasted there out of Wikipedia. :/ I liked the way Alison was interacting with other characters, and there was an interesting love triangle going on in there, but that’s about it.
I was not a very big fan of the writing style of this novel, it seemed well researched, and poetic, but at the same time, it felt raw and unfinished. The setting of this book was changing between London and remote places of the UK like Skye, and I enjoyed its picturesque views. The chapters were quite long, and the narrative quite jumpy. The culmination of this novel didn’t make any sense to me and left me with million of questions instead of answers. :/
So, to conclude, this book was not for me. It has interesting characters, and I enjoyed their relationships with each other, and this book has great potential, but the plot didn’t really impress me. I think this book might interest a bird-loving community as well as people who enjoy philosophy.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Gretel & Hansel (2020) in Movies
Sep 10, 2020
Something Wicked
Gretel and hansel is everything I hoped it would be & more, a devilsh dive into witchcraft & an utterly nightmarish visual feast for both the eyes & senses. Gretel & Hansel is a new take on the well known Grimm fairytale & for a simple comparison it's much like one of my favourite horror films of all time 2015's The witch. Now I'm guessing that's put some people off already but those who are still with me are in for a delightful treat. Think Suspira if it were boiled in a pot with the witch, hagazussa & it comes at night & you have painted a picture of what to expect here. Extremely slow pacing, constantly lingering ominous dread & a soundtrack that's likely to cause the hairs on your neck to stand up every time it drones. To say this film is absolutely gorgeous is an insult, every single frame is awash with beautifully striking & highly interesting to explore imagery & colour. It's so visually striking & breathtaking I could happily of sat & watched it with no sound & still be as entranced by its wicked ways. However the way these visuals mash with the synth & droning soundtrack honestly kept me glued to the screen seemingly bewitched & fixated in a trance like state. As you can tell these types of films are my passion when it comes to horror, I much prefer the slow lingering constant sense of dread & creepy imagery that lead up to a shocking pay off while also intertwining the kind of depth & philosophy you have to unravel yourself instead of being spoon fed the plot by the characters themselves. This film is no different & as we delve deep into such themes as female empowerment, innocence, sacrifice, responsibility, naivety, addiction & greed as a viewer the web spun for you begins to unravel about what the film is truly trying to say at its core. Sophia Lillis who you may know from IT does wonders here as Gretel & it's her character, acting & attachment that really hooks you & makes every scene with her in feel calming amongst all the oddities going on. I honestly can not praise this film enough & say if your into art house cinema do not hesitate at grabbing this on glorious 4k. A stunning, breathless wonder of a movie to that will leave you feeling body unnerved & your mind shaken.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Captive (Cautiva) (2003) in Movies
Oct 25, 2020
Great Cast
Wow. Just wow. Every now and then, a movie comes along that exceeds your expectations. Something you’re. truly not ready for. There is so much depth in Captive (Cautiva). I highly recommend it. It follows the story of a girl who finds out her family is actually not her own and that she was given to another family at birth. She now has to go and live with her biological family.
Acting: 10
While I am not familiar with many of the actors/actresses in Captive, I must say I loved Barbara Lombardo’s performance. She plays the daughter torn between two worlds. I love the passion that she captures in the role along with her ambiguity. She was stellar.
Beginning: 2
Very slow start and one of the only things keeping this movie from begin a classic. If I hadn’t committed to watching this to review it, I may have turned from it after the first ten minutes. Glad I gave it a fair shake as things definitely pick up.
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Director Gaston Biraben gives you a great look into the 90’s world of Argentina. Each scene was captivating and enlightening at the same time. You are really are thrown into two different worlds with the court system being the tie that binds.
Conflict: 10
What a daunting story! You can’t help but ask yourself how you would handle a situation like this. As I mentioned above, there is so much to unpack as the story unfolds and it creates great conflict overall.
Entertainment Value: 6
Memorability: 10
I’ve seen a number of movies since, but this movie came rushing back to me as soon as I turned it on. Great cast. Great story with depth that leaves a number of questions. Definitely leaves an impression.
Pace: 10
The story moves very consistently from beginning to end. As things start to unfold, you are left wondering what the end result will be. The conflict keeps the pace in check driving the story forward at a solid clip.
Plot: 10
Resolution: 6
Overall: 84
The main character’s persistence in finding out the truth of everything happening drives Captive for me. It’s a drama turned mystery and I appreciate how it evolves. I am so glad I didn’t judge the movie by its first ten minutes because it’s great.
Acting: 10
While I am not familiar with many of the actors/actresses in Captive, I must say I loved Barbara Lombardo’s performance. She plays the daughter torn between two worlds. I love the passion that she captures in the role along with her ambiguity. She was stellar.
Beginning: 2
Very slow start and one of the only things keeping this movie from begin a classic. If I hadn’t committed to watching this to review it, I may have turned from it after the first ten minutes. Glad I gave it a fair shake as things definitely pick up.
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Director Gaston Biraben gives you a great look into the 90’s world of Argentina. Each scene was captivating and enlightening at the same time. You are really are thrown into two different worlds with the court system being the tie that binds.
Conflict: 10
What a daunting story! You can’t help but ask yourself how you would handle a situation like this. As I mentioned above, there is so much to unpack as the story unfolds and it creates great conflict overall.
Entertainment Value: 6
Memorability: 10
I’ve seen a number of movies since, but this movie came rushing back to me as soon as I turned it on. Great cast. Great story with depth that leaves a number of questions. Definitely leaves an impression.
Pace: 10
The story moves very consistently from beginning to end. As things start to unfold, you are left wondering what the end result will be. The conflict keeps the pace in check driving the story forward at a solid clip.
Plot: 10
Resolution: 6
Overall: 84
The main character’s persistence in finding out the truth of everything happening drives Captive for me. It’s a drama turned mystery and I appreciate how it evolves. I am so glad I didn’t judge the movie by its first ten minutes because it’s great.