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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Skye Falling in Books
Jul 1, 2021
Unique look at the complexities of family and race
Skye travels for a living--nearly a nomad at forty--touching down in her hometown of Philadelphia only occasionally and staying at her friend's bed and breakfast. It's on one of those visits home that a twelve-year-old girl approaches Skye and tells her that she's her "egg." Years ago, Skye donated eggs to a friend for money, and now Vicky is here as a result. Skye soon realizes that Vicky's aunt Faye is the woman she tried to pick up in a record store the other day. And, she's starting to come to the understanding that being responsible, even tangentially, for another human means she might have to finally grow up herself.
This book was lovely and took me by surprise: in all the good ways. I loved Skye--her anti-social ways, her awkwardness, and her cynicism. She's a true mess, with a mom and dad who left her hurting and afraid to love or trust--but McKenzie captures Skye's voice so perfectly that it's hard to resist her. This is an honest and emotional book, written in a way of addressing the reader directly. It's different at times and might take some getting used to, but I loved the whole thing.
The story here is so interesting and might sound off-putting: Vicky discovers Faye, who donated her eggs years ago to Vicky's mom. Skye has a crush on Vicky's aunt. In the background, Skye is floundering--she's a great businesswoman but she has a terrible relationship with her brother and her mother, who is ill. She also has tumultuous and dramatic friendships.
The city of Philly is a character in itself here too--it stands vibrant and buoyant in McKenzie's hands, as she pens an ode to the city and its black community. There are excellent and timely discussions of race, including a strong side plot featuring Vicky and Faye's neighbor. But best of all is the existence of Skye, Faye, and Vicky themselves--strong black women finding their way in the world. They completely grow on you as you read this outstanding book.
Overall, this is an excellent read. It's funny, heartfelt, and completely engaging. This authentic cast of characters will steal your heart.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group in return for an unbiased review. 4.5 stars.
This book was lovely and took me by surprise: in all the good ways. I loved Skye--her anti-social ways, her awkwardness, and her cynicism. She's a true mess, with a mom and dad who left her hurting and afraid to love or trust--but McKenzie captures Skye's voice so perfectly that it's hard to resist her. This is an honest and emotional book, written in a way of addressing the reader directly. It's different at times and might take some getting used to, but I loved the whole thing.
The story here is so interesting and might sound off-putting: Vicky discovers Faye, who donated her eggs years ago to Vicky's mom. Skye has a crush on Vicky's aunt. In the background, Skye is floundering--she's a great businesswoman but she has a terrible relationship with her brother and her mother, who is ill. She also has tumultuous and dramatic friendships.
The city of Philly is a character in itself here too--it stands vibrant and buoyant in McKenzie's hands, as she pens an ode to the city and its black community. There are excellent and timely discussions of race, including a strong side plot featuring Vicky and Faye's neighbor. But best of all is the existence of Skye, Faye, and Vicky themselves--strong black women finding their way in the world. They completely grow on you as you read this outstanding book.
Overall, this is an excellent read. It's funny, heartfelt, and completely engaging. This authentic cast of characters will steal your heart.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group in return for an unbiased review. 4.5 stars.
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Ross (3284 KP) rated Dead Man's Steel in Books
Oct 4, 2017
Outstanding conclusion to this trilogy. I was worried about the number of story threads and loose ends at the end of the Sword of the North and how these could satisfactorily be resolved in 400 pages. I was not disappointed.
The story not only starts to close off loose ends but new threads start up.
The one-time residents of the continent decide to return and Reckon the human race.
Meanwhile a horde of demons has started to break through a rift in the highlands and need to be stopped while they still can.
And there is a dragon.
There are a lot of sad endings for characters I had come to love/loathe and love reading about. Some of these are a long time coming (it seems almost every chapter involving Brodar Kayne has him on the verge of death at the end).
Quite simply an awesome ending to one of the best fantasy series I have read in a long time.
I am tempted to end with the words "better than Abercrombie" but I am not sure I can. Oh I have.
The story not only starts to close off loose ends but new threads start up.
The one-time residents of the continent decide to return and Reckon the human race.
Meanwhile a horde of demons has started to break through a rift in the highlands and need to be stopped while they still can.
And there is a dragon.
There are a lot of sad endings for characters I had come to love/loathe and love reading about. Some of these are a long time coming (it seems almost every chapter involving Brodar Kayne has him on the verge of death at the end).
Quite simply an awesome ending to one of the best fantasy series I have read in a long time.
I am tempted to end with the words "better than Abercrombie" but I am not sure I can. Oh I have.
Connor Sheffield (293 KP) created a post
May 24, 2017
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated Rings (2017) in Movies
Aug 3, 2017
Why?!??!
This review is being written mid film... Because I don't know if I can finish it.
So far it's been horrible...
If some of you can remember, Johnny Galecki was in I Know What You Did Last Summer, playing a semi bad character who was battling for Jennifer Love Hewitt's affection... And he sucked at it.
Fast forward ten years and he's been playing The Big Bang Theory's Leonard Hoffsteader, a super intelligent physicist with a witty sense of humor... Now stick another ten years on it and he's playing a professor who watches the dreaded tape of Samara Morgan's and is cursed with death... But it seems allot does is make him an asshole... The man is not made to play these types of roles... He's just too nice...
So I'm not sure if I can find his portrayal genuine.
.I haven't jumped, screamed or had my heart race once during this film. It is a waste of time and space...
If I could rewind my life and take back the time, I would've picked something else... Hell I would've rather watched the emoji movie than this. Probably would've been more entertaining.
So far it's been horrible...
If some of you can remember, Johnny Galecki was in I Know What You Did Last Summer, playing a semi bad character who was battling for Jennifer Love Hewitt's affection... And he sucked at it.
Fast forward ten years and he's been playing The Big Bang Theory's Leonard Hoffsteader, a super intelligent physicist with a witty sense of humor... Now stick another ten years on it and he's playing a professor who watches the dreaded tape of Samara Morgan's and is cursed with death... But it seems allot does is make him an asshole... The man is not made to play these types of roles... He's just too nice...
So I'm not sure if I can find his portrayal genuine.
.I haven't jumped, screamed or had my heart race once during this film. It is a waste of time and space...
If I could rewind my life and take back the time, I would've picked something else... Hell I would've rather watched the emoji movie than this. Probably would've been more entertaining.
ClareR (5996 KP) rated Ordinary People in Books
Apr 6, 2018
This isn't necessarily a book about race, even though it's set just as Obama becomes US President, and the main protagonists of the book are black. It's primarily, in my opinion, a story of relationships, and specifically the relationships of two couples: Melissa and Michael, and Stephanie and Damien. I was really looking forward to a book set in London (my home town) in the relative present day, but i have to admit that i felt very little joy when reading this book. I get that it's not necessarily a happy story; but it made life in a relationship and life with children seem so utterly depressing. No one seemed to be happy, and they all seemed to be completely incapable of speaking to one another. Small things become big things, big things become insurmountable. I felt like shaking them, to try and knock some sense into them - on many occasions!
Don't get me wrong - I liked it (a Goodreads 3 stars, which is a 'like'), but I didn't LOVE it. And I felt it could have been so much more.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book.
Don't get me wrong - I liked it (a Goodreads 3 stars, which is a 'like'), but I didn't LOVE it. And I felt it could have been so much more.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Racing to the Finish: My Story in Books
Feb 27, 2019
I've never been a fan of racing, but my teenage son is an absolute fan. Dale Jr. is one of his top racers and he loves every thing to do with him and his racing. So, when the chance to review this book came up, I jumped on it just for him.
The upside about the book? I actually liked it, considering I'm not into non-fiction. This book takes some of the why's behind his career and tells his fans about his life. It was beautifully and tenderly written with Ryan McGee.
My son read it after I did, and he's the main one that would know if this is quality reading about his race car driver, and, he loved it. He's adding it to his keeper collection. He says it's definitely worthy of the 4 stars I want to give it. So, if you're a fan of Earnhardt Jr. and racing, grab this book. You'll learn so much about the man behind the racing.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins (Thomas Nelson) and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
The upside about the book? I actually liked it, considering I'm not into non-fiction. This book takes some of the why's behind his career and tells his fans about his life. It was beautifully and tenderly written with Ryan McGee.
My son read it after I did, and he's the main one that would know if this is quality reading about his race car driver, and, he loved it. He's adding it to his keeper collection. He says it's definitely worthy of the 4 stars I want to give it. So, if you're a fan of Earnhardt Jr. and racing, grab this book. You'll learn so much about the man behind the racing.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harper Collins (Thomas Nelson) and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*