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Erika (17789 KP) rated At the Table of Wolves (Dark Talents #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I've had this book on my nook e-reader since it was released, but I just never had the itch to read it.
I'm glad I finally did. This is the first of a trilogy that's an alt-history in the 1930s. After the Great War, there's an event called 'the bloom' and individuals begin to have 'talents' or powers manifest. It's definitely a riff off of the X-Men, but it really worked for me in this novel. The lead character, Kim, is a 30-something who has the talent of 'spill', which is essentially compelling people to spill various secrets, though she can't exactly control it. I liked Kim because she was completely relatable and made mistakes.
I wish that the book had been longer, but now I'm anxiously awaiting for the 2nd book from the library. Luckily, the final book in the trilogy is coming out in March, so I won't have long to wait for book 3.
I'm glad I finally did. This is the first of a trilogy that's an alt-history in the 1930s. After the Great War, there's an event called 'the bloom' and individuals begin to have 'talents' or powers manifest. It's definitely a riff off of the X-Men, but it really worked for me in this novel. The lead character, Kim, is a 30-something who has the talent of 'spill', which is essentially compelling people to spill various secrets, though she can't exactly control it. I liked Kim because she was completely relatable and made mistakes.
I wish that the book had been longer, but now I'm anxiously awaiting for the 2nd book from the library. Luckily, the final book in the trilogy is coming out in March, so I won't have long to wait for book 3.
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air, #2) in Books
Feb 14, 2019 (Updated Feb 14, 2019)
Twisty stuff
Holy plots twists on a stick, I am agog. I thought I knew what was what and then Holly Black pulled the rug well and truly from under my feet and I cannot wait but will somehow have to wait until book three.
Jude Duarte remains a flawed relatable heroine. She's fierce, she overestimates her abilities and she has some hidden weaknesses - her family and that darn King. Carden was both weak and wiley in this book and frankly a little shocking. He continued to appeal to me but I felt a bit like Jude, I shouldn't like him. I am sick once again about Jude's family and where it all ends up.
I felt gripped to this story and enjoyed it more than THE CRUEL PRINCE, the storyline was totally gripping, from the undersea to Elfhame. This is shaping up to be a fantastic cresendo in book three. Sign me up.
Jude Duarte remains a flawed relatable heroine. She's fierce, she overestimates her abilities and she has some hidden weaknesses - her family and that darn King. Carden was both weak and wiley in this book and frankly a little shocking. He continued to appeal to me but I felt a bit like Jude, I shouldn't like him. I am sick once again about Jude's family and where it all ends up.
I felt gripped to this story and enjoyed it more than THE CRUEL PRINCE, the storyline was totally gripping, from the undersea to Elfhame. This is shaping up to be a fantastic cresendo in book three. Sign me up.
Sam (74 KP) rated Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops in Books
Mar 27, 2019
This was way too funny.
A lot of it was painfully relatable, especially the one where the customer asks if it’s okay to let their kids climb on the bookshelves. I’ve had way too many customers like that and it starts to become hard to keep my customer service smile plastered on my face!
It was so entertaining to read a book that I could completely relate to. I’ve never found a book before that points out exactly what it’s like to work in retail like this book does.
I loved that it didn’t just focus on one single bookshop. It shows a true mixture of customers by focusing on multiple different bookshops and it made me laugh seeing one near the end that was local to me!
All I need now is a book called Weird Things Customers Say in Retail! (If anyone feels like writing that, I’ve got some gems for it!)
A lot of it was painfully relatable, especially the one where the customer asks if it’s okay to let their kids climb on the bookshelves. I’ve had way too many customers like that and it starts to become hard to keep my customer service smile plastered on my face!
It was so entertaining to read a book that I could completely relate to. I’ve never found a book before that points out exactly what it’s like to work in retail like this book does.
I loved that it didn’t just focus on one single bookshop. It shows a true mixture of customers by focusing on multiple different bookshops and it made me laugh seeing one near the end that was local to me!
All I need now is a book called Weird Things Customers Say in Retail! (If anyone feels like writing that, I’ve got some gems for it!)
Awix (3310 KP) rated Eighth Grade (2018) in Movies
Apr 30, 2019 (Updated Apr 30, 2019)
There's something a little bit ironic, don'cha think, about someone who got his start as a first-wave YouTuber making a film basically criticising the effects of social media on young people's lives, but hey, so it goes. Bo Burnham's feature debut as director is a forensically well-observed and excruciatingly difficult-to-watch comedy-drama about a teenage girl struggling to cope with the demands of modern life.
Very, very impressive performance from Elsie Fisher, who's in virtually every scene, and a witty and thoughtful script (Burnham again). May be of interest to future anthropologists in its detailing of the way that social media exacerbate generation gaps and generally prevent people from communicating with each other; one of several ironies the film points out. Manages to be bleak to the point of depressing for most of its duration but still turns it around for a credibly warm and quite moving conclusion. Very relatable no matter what year you were born in.
Very, very impressive performance from Elsie Fisher, who's in virtually every scene, and a witty and thoughtful script (Burnham again). May be of interest to future anthropologists in its detailing of the way that social media exacerbate generation gaps and generally prevent people from communicating with each other; one of several ironies the film points out. Manages to be bleak to the point of depressing for most of its duration but still turns it around for a credibly warm and quite moving conclusion. Very relatable no matter what year you were born in.
Rickey A. Mossow Jr. (689 KP) rated Fighting with My Family (2019) in Movies
May 26, 2019
Characters are full and detailed. (1 more)
Story is heartfelt and relatable.
Great wrestling movie.
Been looking forward to this one and I wasn't disappointed. Granted, I have to say I'm a bit biased as a wrestling diehard. But, this movie is great. Paige and her family are full, detailed characters. You can relate from the onset. Sure, the story is a bit corny and many details and events are glossed over, but it's a story about family and the dream of being a professional wrestler. It fits perfectly with the subject matter. Like wrestling, we don't need all the deep details. You just tell a great story and get the audience to feel something. Which is what this movie does. Is it the next Best Picture Oscar winner? No. But it truly is a glorious tale of the importance of family and never giving up on your dreams.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated D.T.M. - Single by Hope Tala in Music
Jun 6, 2019 (Updated Jun 6, 2019)
Hope Tala is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter from West London, England. Not too long ago, she released a bittersweet contemporary R&B tune, entitled, “D.T.M.”.
‘D.T.M.’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who expresses to her ex-beau that she’s also hurting inside after their emotional breakup.
Apparently, not too long ago, the former lovebirds lost their loving way to prosperity. During their problematic journey, their bliss was destroyed and agony replaced their joy.
Even though their relationship ended on a bad note, the woman suggests that they can still remain friends.
‘D.T.M.’ contains a relatable storyline and dreamy vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses summery instrumentation flavored with acoustic guitar chords and a tropical R&B rhythm, almost like a Brazilian bossa nova shuffle.
‘D.T.M.’ is the second single released from Hope Tala’s upcoming sophomore EP.
Also, the first single from the anticipated project, “Lovestained”, has amassed over 600,000 streams online.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/hope-tala-d-t-m/
‘D.T.M.’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who expresses to her ex-beau that she’s also hurting inside after their emotional breakup.
Apparently, not too long ago, the former lovebirds lost their loving way to prosperity. During their problematic journey, their bliss was destroyed and agony replaced their joy.
Even though their relationship ended on a bad note, the woman suggests that they can still remain friends.
‘D.T.M.’ contains a relatable storyline and dreamy vocals. Also, the likable tune possesses summery instrumentation flavored with acoustic guitar chords and a tropical R&B rhythm, almost like a Brazilian bossa nova shuffle.
‘D.T.M.’ is the second single released from Hope Tala’s upcoming sophomore EP.
Also, the first single from the anticipated project, “Lovestained”, has amassed over 600,000 streams online.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/hope-tala-d-t-m/
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Potions (ft. JT Roach) - Single by Slander in Music
Jun 6, 2019
SLANDER (Derek & Scott) is a duo based in Los Angeles and Said the Sky is a native of Colorado. Not too long ago, they released a music video for their emo-dance tune, entitled, “Potions”, featuring indie-folk singer-songwriter JT Roach.
‘Potion’ tells a heartbreaking story of love and loss about a young guy who encounters a female who he desires to be with.
Apparently, he never met anyone quite like her before, and never felt the way that he’s feeling right now. Later, he admits that he would take potions and cross oceans for her love.
‘Potion’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with electro-pop and modern dance elements.
SLANDER built a mint name for themselves through jaw-dropping original productions and massive collaborations.
Not too long ago, they added “label heads” to their resume, and turned their popular Gud Vibrations brand into an official record label with NGHTMRE.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/slander-said-the-sky-potions-jt-roach/
‘Potion’ tells a heartbreaking story of love and loss about a young guy who encounters a female who he desires to be with.
Apparently, he never met anyone quite like her before, and never felt the way that he’s feeling right now. Later, he admits that he would take potions and cross oceans for her love.
‘Potion’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with electro-pop and modern dance elements.
SLANDER built a mint name for themselves through jaw-dropping original productions and massive collaborations.
Not too long ago, they added “label heads” to their resume, and turned their popular Gud Vibrations brand into an official record label with NGHTMRE.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/slander-said-the-sky-potions-jt-roach/
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Chocolat (Chocolat #1) in Books
Jun 16, 2019
Sweet and satisfying
I need to be honest; I’ve never seen the film that is based on this book and never really been particularly interested in watching it either. However having now read the book, I could be tempted as the book is rather wonderful.
This is a rather strange novel - a character based drama set in a mysterious small French village with some very small magical undertones. It sounds weird, but it actually really works. All of the characters, from Vianne herself to the rest of the villagers are likeable or at the very least relatable with all of their various personalities. The fact that this is based around a chocolate shop makes it a charming and rather tempting setting and the story has a fair number of outcomes that you wouldn’t expect although there are still some that are rather predictable. Overall this is just a rather charming and sweet character driven story.
This is a rather strange novel - a character based drama set in a mysterious small French village with some very small magical undertones. It sounds weird, but it actually really works. All of the characters, from Vianne herself to the rest of the villagers are likeable or at the very least relatable with all of their various personalities. The fact that this is based around a chocolate shop makes it a charming and rather tempting setting and the story has a fair number of outcomes that you wouldn’t expect although there are still some that are rather predictable. Overall this is just a rather charming and sweet character driven story.
Kyera (8 KP) rated Zodiac (Zodiac, #1) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Every time you think you have something figured out in this book, the author throws you a curveball. I never knew what to expect when reading this book but enjoyed it overall. The world building was good, but I hope it is developed more in subsequent books. It could be so rich and immersive if that happens. Some of the scenes were weak and made the pacing drag. The main character is relatable despite her unexpected change in station and dramatic odyssey. As seems typical in recent YA fiction there is an element of a love triangle. I don't find it entirely believable, so it pulls me out of the narrative at times. Some of the scenes were weak and made the pacing drag. Overall, it's an enjoyable read and I will be reading the subsequent books in the series. Definitely recommend reading this book if you like YA fiction about space, technology, bad guys, adventure or romance.
Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Artifice in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I had been meaning to read this graphic novel for a while, having heard good things about how it used a sci-fi / action story to talk about homophobia, racism, free will, first love, and self-acceptance; and in light of recent current events, it seemed like the perfect time. The artwork is absolutely wonderful, and perfectly captures all the nuances of the story, which is pretty great in itself. While it can occasionally feel a little predictable, the tale of Deacon and Jeff was sweetly romantic and contained many moments that I found very relatable, in spite of the science fiction setting and sporadic bursts of violence. In a way, this story is similar to recent British hit anthology show "Black Mirror", in that it uses its sci-fi setting to tell a deeply human story to great effect. While it may fall a little short of being a masterpiece, it is a great comic, and one I would love to see continued.