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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Four Days of You and Me in Books
May 7, 2020
I hate writing less-than-positive reviews, especially for authors I typically enjoy, but this book was not a favorite of mine. It's told across Lulu and Alex's four class trips (one per year) with flashbacks to other times. I simply could not warm up to Lulu or Alex. Honestly, of the two, I probably liked him better, but we don't hear his side. It took nearly half the book for the story to engage me even a little bit, and I thought about giving up, but for some reason, I have a tough time just stopping a book.
Now, I read YA a ton, so it's not that I don't enjoy YA novels. I read one right after this and *loved* it. But I found this story way too simplistic, and I feel like teens would too. There is so much better YA out there--for all of us. The book just felt simplistic in its writing and the "will they / won't they" storyline was boring. I did not care if they did or not. Honestly, there was a side plot about Lulu's gay best friend Max that was much more interesting--I would have rather read about him!
Supposedly Lulu is an artist/writer and that's her thing, but that felt forced. Mostly, the book felt about a girl (and her friends) all trying to find boys to like (and like them back). That's what they cared about and talked about. I felt no huge connection between Alex and Lulu and hence no reason to root for them to choose each other. They didn't feel destined for one other, as most couples do in a good romance. The story does pick up a bit near the end, but by then, I just felt burned out.
So maybe this story would resonate a bit more with a teen set (and it should be an older teen set, due to language and themes), but there are a lot of other better books out there. Now, others seem to enjoy this more than me, so maybe I just got caught in a bad mood. 2.5 stars for me, though.
Now, I read YA a ton, so it's not that I don't enjoy YA novels. I read one right after this and *loved* it. But I found this story way too simplistic, and I feel like teens would too. There is so much better YA out there--for all of us. The book just felt simplistic in its writing and the "will they / won't they" storyline was boring. I did not care if they did or not. Honestly, there was a side plot about Lulu's gay best friend Max that was much more interesting--I would have rather read about him!
Supposedly Lulu is an artist/writer and that's her thing, but that felt forced. Mostly, the book felt about a girl (and her friends) all trying to find boys to like (and like them back). That's what they cared about and talked about. I felt no huge connection between Alex and Lulu and hence no reason to root for them to choose each other. They didn't feel destined for one other, as most couples do in a good romance. The story does pick up a bit near the end, but by then, I just felt burned out.
So maybe this story would resonate a bit more with a teen set (and it should be an older teen set, due to language and themes), but there are a lot of other better books out there. Now, others seem to enjoy this more than me, so maybe I just got caught in a bad mood. 2.5 stars for me, though.
BeRad89 (48 KP) rated Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in Books
Apr 11, 2018
Simon is a gay, still in the closet boy attending Creekwood High School. He is e-mailing the mysterious Blue, identity unknown, more frequently with increasing flirtation. A fellow classmate stumbles upon these exchanges and starts blackmailing Simon. Things get interesting.
I will begin by saying I read this book in one day. I could not put it down, other than the times I had to run squealing around the room from the cuteness of the e-mail exchanges between these two boys. It is adorable. The e-mails are by far the best part of this book. They are what kept me reading. I wanted to know who Blue was so bad I couldn't stand it!
I have one main critique for this book. All the characters are pretty much horrible people except Blue and the theater teacher. Everyone is so selfish, shallow, and idiotic. It made me so glad to never have to step foot in a high school again. That was disappointing. Even Simon is self centered and clueless. Are teens really like this now?
With that said, I still give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is utterly adorable and, for some books, maybe that's all they need or are meant to be. I would recommend this book to any teen, YA, and/or LGBT readers.
I will begin by saying I read this book in one day. I could not put it down, other than the times I had to run squealing around the room from the cuteness of the e-mail exchanges between these two boys. It is adorable. The e-mails are by far the best part of this book. They are what kept me reading. I wanted to know who Blue was so bad I couldn't stand it!
I have one main critique for this book. All the characters are pretty much horrible people except Blue and the theater teacher. Everyone is so selfish, shallow, and idiotic. It made me so glad to never have to step foot in a high school again. That was disappointing. Even Simon is self centered and clueless. Are teens really like this now?
With that said, I still give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is utterly adorable and, for some books, maybe that's all they need or are meant to be. I would recommend this book to any teen, YA, and/or LGBT readers.
Leila (5 KP) rated Gwendy's Button Box in Books
Feb 3, 2019 (Updated Feb 3, 2019)
I'll admit, I checked this book out of the library and let it sit for a few months (I'm terrible, I know), but not for lack of interest, I just didn't have the time to sit down and read. Once I finally got around to it, I had completely forgotten why I had grabbed it up! The cover did not immediately scream "Stephen King" so I was a bit apprehensive starting out, willing myself to push through the first couple of pages.
To my surprise, I needn't have given myself such a talking to, as the book drew me in from first word. The main character has relatable relationships with the people around her, portrayed as the kid we all knew (or were) growing up, the one that just wanted to fit in and was always just on the outskirts. Things change of course, with the help of a special box, and we get a very real glimpse into how humanity deals with great power and responsibility.
My only criticism is that for once, I wasn't satisfied at the end of a King book, wishing there was a bit more, especially concerning the box itself. But then, if we always got all the answers, it wouldn't be a King book, now would it?
To my surprise, I needn't have given myself such a talking to, as the book drew me in from first word. The main character has relatable relationships with the people around her, portrayed as the kid we all knew (or were) growing up, the one that just wanted to fit in and was always just on the outskirts. Things change of course, with the help of a special box, and we get a very real glimpse into how humanity deals with great power and responsibility.
My only criticism is that for once, I wasn't satisfied at the end of a King book, wishing there was a bit more, especially concerning the box itself. But then, if we always got all the answers, it wouldn't be a King book, now would it?
Lindsay (1774 KP) rated Beyond Love (Beyond, #2) in Books
Aug 30, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
Beyond Forever is done nicely. It more of the conclusion of the series. Though it leaves with guessing Finn best bud Mac and his wife Jules lives are like. It more to do with Finn and Olivia life is like a little before and after having their little one.
We get this feeling and how all their plans start to change. There are twists and turns throughout the book. Olivia sister Jane states they are moving to Austin, Texas. All family starts thinking about that and pondering their moves.
Finn has a surprise plan for Olivia and his little girl. He seems to be traveling a lot and his business and they want to expand their business. Finn and Tex decide to create a surprise plan for their wives.
Jules brother mentions a few time throughout the book and his ASL fundraisers. Do you realize the family is more important or not? Will Olivia get her own home that sees dreams of? Part of it that her friends are a bit important to her as well.
DD Max does a sweet job of finishing off Olivia and Finn story. I now wish to read about Mac and Jules and find out what they have. It so was like seeing how their little girl and learning more about the guardian angels are about.
We get this feeling and how all their plans start to change. There are twists and turns throughout the book. Olivia sister Jane states they are moving to Austin, Texas. All family starts thinking about that and pondering their moves.
Finn has a surprise plan for Olivia and his little girl. He seems to be traveling a lot and his business and they want to expand their business. Finn and Tex decide to create a surprise plan for their wives.
Jules brother mentions a few time throughout the book and his ASL fundraisers. Do you realize the family is more important or not? Will Olivia get her own home that sees dreams of? Part of it that her friends are a bit important to her as well.
DD Max does a sweet job of finishing off Olivia and Finn story. I now wish to read about Mac and Jules and find out what they have. It so was like seeing how their little girl and learning more about the guardian angels are about.
Lindsay (1774 KP) rated Beyond Forever (Beyond, #3) in Books
Aug 30, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)
Beyond Forever is done nicely. It more of the conclusion of the series. Though it leaves with guessing Finn best bud Mac and his wife Jules lives are like. It more to do with Finn and Olivia life is like a little before and after having their little one.
We get this feeling and how all their plans start to change. There are twists and turns throughout the book. Olivia sister Jane states they are moving to Austin, Texas. All family starts thinking about that and pondering their moves.
Finn has a surprise plan for Olivia and his little girl. He seems to be traveling a lot and his business and they want to expand their business. Finn and Tex decide to create a surprise plan for their wives.
Jules brother mentions a few time throughout the book and his ASL fundraisers. Do you realize the family is more important or not? Will Olivia get her own home that sees dreams of? Part of it that her friends are a bit important to her as well.
DD Max does a sweet job of finishing off Olivia and Finn story. I now wish to read about Mac and Jules and find out what they have. It so was like seeing how their little girl and learning more about the guardian angels are about.
We get this feeling and how all their plans start to change. There are twists and turns throughout the book. Olivia sister Jane states they are moving to Austin, Texas. All family starts thinking about that and pondering their moves.
Finn has a surprise plan for Olivia and his little girl. He seems to be traveling a lot and his business and they want to expand their business. Finn and Tex decide to create a surprise plan for their wives.
Jules brother mentions a few time throughout the book and his ASL fundraisers. Do you realize the family is more important or not? Will Olivia get her own home that sees dreams of? Part of it that her friends are a bit important to her as well.
DD Max does a sweet job of finishing off Olivia and Finn story. I now wish to read about Mac and Jules and find out what they have. It so was like seeing how their little girl and learning more about the guardian angels are about.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Diary in Books
Dec 12, 2018
Contains spoilers, click to show
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Lauren left home as soon as she could after Hannah died, She never visited. It's been ten years since Hannah's death and Lauren returns home for Hannah's memorial service. Upon returning, she begins to receive text messages. After learning all of Hannah's friends have been getting them, they try to figure out who wants their childhood secrets known.
We all make mistakes, do things we regret, and hope no one ever finds out. Returning home, Lauren is faced with the possibility of her greatest regret coming to light. Just thinking of that possibility is terrifying. Your life, as you know it, could be over.
By switching between two timelines, now and then, Vikki Patis shows Lauren and her friends were not perfect children nor perfect adults. They grew up and apart. Suspicion and doubt forms. Who can anyone trust?
SPOILER ALERT The title is misleading. I expected the diary to have a major impact to the story, but it didn't. If all references of it were removed it could have been called "Homecoming" or "The Memorial" and it would have not lessened the story.
The story is worth reading and I added Vikki Patis to my "want to read" list.
Lauren left home as soon as she could after Hannah died, She never visited. It's been ten years since Hannah's death and Lauren returns home for Hannah's memorial service. Upon returning, she begins to receive text messages. After learning all of Hannah's friends have been getting them, they try to figure out who wants their childhood secrets known.
We all make mistakes, do things we regret, and hope no one ever finds out. Returning home, Lauren is faced with the possibility of her greatest regret coming to light. Just thinking of that possibility is terrifying. Your life, as you know it, could be over.
By switching between two timelines, now and then, Vikki Patis shows Lauren and her friends were not perfect children nor perfect adults. They grew up and apart. Suspicion and doubt forms. Who can anyone trust?
SPOILER ALERT The title is misleading. I expected the diary to have a major impact to the story, but it didn't. If all references of it were removed it could have been called "Homecoming" or "The Memorial" and it would have not lessened the story.
The story is worth reading and I added Vikki Patis to my "want to read" list.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Doctor Sleep (2019) in Movies
Oct 31, 2019
Shine on
So I recently watched The Shining again to prepare for this. I've not read the book so can't compare it to that. It's mainly set some 30 years after the events of The Shining with Danny now a grown man and struggling in life. He finally finds a calling and seems to settle in a small town where he can use his Shine in a positive way. He discovers a new child with a great power and also of a group who want to hunt her down exploit her power.
For a long film it did whizz by as the story was very interesting. It's a different type of horror film to the original. Although it's still dark and disturbing in its content. We learn more about those with this power and the evil group who hunt down those with the power. It's good to see the overlook hotel again but in some ways this film didn't really need visit the old location. I guess it does give it more of a connection to the original. Although a couple of scenes there really would have been better cut out.
Overall it's a very interesting, entertaining film that might not be scary as such. It is very dark and menacing. A great expansion on the Shining universe.
For a long film it did whizz by as the story was very interesting. It's a different type of horror film to the original. Although it's still dark and disturbing in its content. We learn more about those with this power and the evil group who hunt down those with the power. It's good to see the overlook hotel again but in some ways this film didn't really need visit the old location. I guess it does give it more of a connection to the original. Although a couple of scenes there really would have been better cut out.
Overall it's a very interesting, entertaining film that might not be scary as such. It is very dark and menacing. A great expansion on the Shining universe.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Remnants of Ash (Reign of Fae #1) in Books
Dec 4, 2019
Mere mortal. Fae hunter. Oh, and the apocalypse? Yeah, that happened!
She’s an unstoppable human. He’s an immovable beast. But the Fae have scorched the earth, thrusting it into unending darkness, and humans are next...
Through her research, University of Washington student Chloe Etain stumbled into an ancient war between the Light and Dark Fae that has culminated in her world being thrown into pre-industrial chaos. Dark Fae scum now roam free, feeding on unsuspecting humans. Chloe knows the truth though and, possibly, how to stop it. But as a mere mortal, what can she do?
That’s when the fates step in. Bram Tice, a fae hunting his own kind, vows to help Chloe. But he won’t say which Court demands his allegiance. Together, they set out to right the imbalance plaguing her world and save humanity before they turn into nothing more than remnants of ash.
This has been in my tbr pile for a while so I was looking forward to getting stuck in.
I can't really say I enjoyed it it wasn't a bad read but something was missing for me.
The storyline seemed to have a few holes and it was quite jumpy in parts (not the scary jumpy either 🤣 )
I will continue with book 2 as I don't like to give up on any series.
⭐⭐⭐
She’s an unstoppable human. He’s an immovable beast. But the Fae have scorched the earth, thrusting it into unending darkness, and humans are next...
Through her research, University of Washington student Chloe Etain stumbled into an ancient war between the Light and Dark Fae that has culminated in her world being thrown into pre-industrial chaos. Dark Fae scum now roam free, feeding on unsuspecting humans. Chloe knows the truth though and, possibly, how to stop it. But as a mere mortal, what can she do?
That’s when the fates step in. Bram Tice, a fae hunting his own kind, vows to help Chloe. But he won’t say which Court demands his allegiance. Together, they set out to right the imbalance plaguing her world and save humanity before they turn into nothing more than remnants of ash.
This has been in my tbr pile for a while so I was looking forward to getting stuck in.
I can't really say I enjoyed it it wasn't a bad read but something was missing for me.
The storyline seemed to have a few holes and it was quite jumpy in parts (not the scary jumpy either 🤣 )
I will continue with book 2 as I don't like to give up on any series.
⭐⭐⭐
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Tormented in Books
Apr 7, 2021
49 of 250
Kindle
Tormented
By Lee Mountford
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Insidious experiments are being carried out at Arlington Asylum, and the only way the inmates ever leave is inside a body bag.
Adrian is a prisoner here. And he is next on the list to receive the strange medicine that is being administered. Medicine that causes certain... changes... to those who take it.
If he is to survive, Adrian must find his self-worth and start fighting for his life while chaos erupts in the asylum around him.
Because these experiments open up a gateway to a place worse than hell. And the nightmarish inhabitants of that place break through and intend to tear our world apart.
Can Adrian stand against impossible odds and end this threat before it's too late?
Buy Tormented now, because you will love this violent and gruesome tale filled with horror, monsters, and buckets of gore. Not for the faint of heart.
I bloody loved it! This was some crazy bloody violent creature feature!! It would make a really good gory film! The monsters are so vividly written you can actually visualise them clearly! It isn’t normally my type of horror I usually get a little bored but this left no prisoners and gave no happy ending which is why I loved it!
Kindle
Tormented
By Lee Mountford
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Insidious experiments are being carried out at Arlington Asylum, and the only way the inmates ever leave is inside a body bag.
Adrian is a prisoner here. And he is next on the list to receive the strange medicine that is being administered. Medicine that causes certain... changes... to those who take it.
If he is to survive, Adrian must find his self-worth and start fighting for his life while chaos erupts in the asylum around him.
Because these experiments open up a gateway to a place worse than hell. And the nightmarish inhabitants of that place break through and intend to tear our world apart.
Can Adrian stand against impossible odds and end this threat before it's too late?
Buy Tormented now, because you will love this violent and gruesome tale filled with horror, monsters, and buckets of gore. Not for the faint of heart.
I bloody loved it! This was some crazy bloody violent creature feature!! It would make a really good gory film! The monsters are so vividly written you can actually visualise them clearly! It isn’t normally my type of horror I usually get a little bored but this left no prisoners and gave no happy ending which is why I loved it!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2400 KP) rated Much Ado About Nauticaling in Books
Jul 30, 2021 (Updated Jul 30, 2021)
I Really Was Hoping to Like This Debut
Whitney “Whit” Dagner and her brother Nick have relocated to Catalina Island. They visited their grandparents out there every summer, and now they are taking over their grandparents’ glass bottom boat business. Additionally, Whit is opening a souvenir shop in the harbor. She is enjoying her new life until she finds the body of Jules Tisdale, the recently named Person of the Year on Catalina. When the police decide that Nick is the killer, Whit jumps in to prove her brother’s innocence. Can she do it?
As soon as I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. I always love Southern California settings, although it’s been years since I visited Catalina. I certainly did enjoy the setting. Overall, the book was too frenetic, however. It was trying to be funny, but much of the humor didn’t work for me. I did laugh a few times, but overall, it was too much. This effected some of the characters, too, although I did enjoy others. Despite finding the body early on, the pace was uneven, getting better the further we got into the book. While I followed the killer and motive, the ending was rushed and left some questions about earlier twists in the book. I was hoping to love this debut, but it turned out to be average.
As soon as I heard about this book, I knew I had to read it. I always love Southern California settings, although it’s been years since I visited Catalina. I certainly did enjoy the setting. Overall, the book was too frenetic, however. It was trying to be funny, but much of the humor didn’t work for me. I did laugh a few times, but overall, it was too much. This effected some of the characters, too, although I did enjoy others. Despite finding the body early on, the pace was uneven, getting better the further we got into the book. While I followed the killer and motive, the ending was rushed and left some questions about earlier twists in the book. I was hoping to love this debut, but it turned out to be average.
