Search
Jake (52 KP) rated Sky Raiders (Five Kingdoms, #1) in Books
Jul 25, 2019
Really fun kids adventure book. I had a hard time explaining it to my wife but ultimately I realized it reminded me a lot of Harry Potter in that:
1. The main character is basically a kid (although a mature one so that he can be relatable to more age groups)
2. There is magic
3. A lot of the story focuses on Friendship during some kind of trial
4. Set in a fantastical, sometimes quirky world with fun, interesting, and sometimes spooky characters
5. Interesting story and fun premise
I really enjoy the aspects of friendship and worldbuilding: Brandon Mull did a great job of interweaving different characters and their personalities into a complex world with an interesting plotline.
Rarely does the book get boring or slow and rarely could I put it down. Sure, maybe the book was in the 12-year old section of the library but to be honest I haven't had this much fun in a series for a long time. If you're into those 5 bullet points I mentioned above and you enjoyed Harry Potter, I would strongly recommend this series. Still waiting for the 5th book to come out in late 2017 so that will definitely be a book I pick up! Enjoy!
1. The main character is basically a kid (although a mature one so that he can be relatable to more age groups)
2. There is magic
3. A lot of the story focuses on Friendship during some kind of trial
4. Set in a fantastical, sometimes quirky world with fun, interesting, and sometimes spooky characters
5. Interesting story and fun premise
I really enjoy the aspects of friendship and worldbuilding: Brandon Mull did a great job of interweaving different characters and their personalities into a complex world with an interesting plotline.
Rarely does the book get boring or slow and rarely could I put it down. Sure, maybe the book was in the 12-year old section of the library but to be honest I haven't had this much fun in a series for a long time. If you're into those 5 bullet points I mentioned above and you enjoyed Harry Potter, I would strongly recommend this series. Still waiting for the 5th book to come out in late 2017 so that will definitely be a book I pick up! Enjoy!
Ross (3284 KP) rated Joker (2019) in Movies
Nov 19, 2019
Phenomenal
Finally a film that does justice to one of the most twisted, yet relatable, villains out there. With the focus on his character, rather than that caped guy, we could really start to appreciate how such a villain could emerge.
In a Gotham very similar to today (government budget cuts, strain on mental health services, increasing divide between the rich and poor, and figures of power and responsibility showing no empathy for the downtrodden), Arthur Fleck is a man struggling to juggle (accidental circus pun) work, caring for his mother and his stand-up career. With a supposed tourettes-like condition where he spontaneously bursts out laughing at the most inappropriate times, Arthur is also finding it hard to find a place in society, and longs to be accepted, if not loved.
The film is an excellent example of how events can conspire to make someone vulnerable and repeatedly abandoned by society suddenly snap. And also how the downtrodden masses will take inspiration from an unlikely hero to rise up and take a stand for their own rights.
The film itself mirrors Arthur's moods, at times serene, at others whimsical with sudden moments of utter mad violence.
A very stylish and dark film, but with a quality story and cast to match.
In a Gotham very similar to today (government budget cuts, strain on mental health services, increasing divide between the rich and poor, and figures of power and responsibility showing no empathy for the downtrodden), Arthur Fleck is a man struggling to juggle (accidental circus pun) work, caring for his mother and his stand-up career. With a supposed tourettes-like condition where he spontaneously bursts out laughing at the most inappropriate times, Arthur is also finding it hard to find a place in society, and longs to be accepted, if not loved.
The film is an excellent example of how events can conspire to make someone vulnerable and repeatedly abandoned by society suddenly snap. And also how the downtrodden masses will take inspiration from an unlikely hero to rise up and take a stand for their own rights.
The film itself mirrors Arthur's moods, at times serene, at others whimsical with sudden moments of utter mad violence.
A very stylish and dark film, but with a quality story and cast to match.
AT (1676 KP) rated My Dark Vanessa in Books
Mar 31, 2020
Obviously, this is a difficult subject to read about. However, it was told in the girl's point of view, and it really brought to light how she comprehended the situation, even when she was being abused. I liked the fact that there were opposing sides in this situation represented in the story, without dragging either side through the mud. I also really appreciated the fact that the author didn't do a sudden turn ending, like saying it was a dream or something. I can't stand that. She held true to the actual story all the way through the novel. It's a story about a young woman that had a sexual affair with her teacher when she was 15, however, the things that happened, emotionally, are relatable to many other types of poisonous relationships. Not just a man with a minor. I appreciated all of that, because it was much easier to be inside the story that way. As difficult as the subject matter was, it is a smooth read, and if you've ever been in any sort of toxic relationship like this, you might be able to relate to a lot of the feelings. Even if you haven't, it's worth reading! It's a well-crafted story about a taboo subject.
The Doctor's Kitchen: Supercharge your Health with 100 Delicious Everyday Recipes
Book
`I'm just a straight-talking NHS doctor lending my unbiased opinion on healthy eating and showing...
Young House Love: 251 Ways to Paint, Craft, Update, Organize, and Show Your Home Some Love
Sherry Petersik and John Petersik
Book
This debut book by bloggers Sherry and John Petersik is filled with hundreds of fun, deceptively...
Arcade Fire's the Suburbs
Book
The Suburbs is an incredibly sentimental and nostalgic album, which to some critics made its...
TN
The New Alpha: Join the Rising Movement of Influencers and Changemakers Who are Redefining Leadership
Book
The modern leader's guide to building a unique and powerful leadership identity designed for...
Kristina (502 KP) rated Bared to You (Crossfire, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2020
I loved Bared to You. It’s a seductive story about two completely broken people who come together; I love these particular kinds of books because it’s inspiring to watch the characters slowly begin to heal, through each other. Eva is so completely relatable to me, it’s almost scary. Gideon, despite being rich and hot, seems more obtainable because of the simple mistakes we watch him make. This is probably my favorite part about the whole book, that both characters seem real. Unfortunately, I couldn’t help but make several connections to Fifty Shades of Grey. This kind of set me off, because most of the stories that follow this trilogy involve almost the exact same contents, but I soon realized that Sylvia has her own twists. These differences are what spurred me on and convinced me to keep reading. I immediately fell in love with Cary and, once I realized he wouldn’t be an obstacle, I quickly decided I liked Mark (despite the goatee). Eva’s and Gideon’s adventure is full of scorching heat, broken hearts, and a healing of sorts. As soon as I finished Bared to You, I was scrambling around to get the sequel, Reflected in You. I’m excited to see what Sylvia has in store for these two!
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Buddies, Bullies, and Baseball in Books
Jan 26, 2021
The protagonist of this book is Jack, and the story is told from his perspective. Jack is a fifth-grade student, who has great friends and loves baseball. I liked Jack, he is a cute and very intelligent young boy. Jack shares his tricks in avoiding the bullies, and his general daily routine. This book is very simplistic and the whole plot can be quite relatable to any schoolboy out there. It discusses home works, friendships, and baseball. I didn’t see many adventures or twits and turns in this book, it is written in simple and easy to understand language, suitable for children. The chapters are pretty short, and the ending rounded up this story pretty nicely.
To conclude, it is an important book, and I do recommend it for children to read. As an adult, I found this book not very entertaining and quite boring. I think children would enjoy it more because they would see themselves in Jack and could relate on some level. I do see the marketing and pricing issues with this book and I highlighted that to the publisher. For now, it is free on Kindle Unlimited, so please offer it to your kids, it is quite educational and might help someone.
To conclude, it is an important book, and I do recommend it for children to read. As an adult, I found this book not very entertaining and quite boring. I think children would enjoy it more because they would see themselves in Jack and could relate on some level. I do see the marketing and pricing issues with this book and I highlighted that to the publisher. For now, it is free on Kindle Unlimited, so please offer it to your kids, it is quite educational and might help someone.
Kristina (502 KP) rated Where the Crawdads Sing in Books
Dec 7, 2020
The imagery in this book is phenomenal. I can't begin to describe the beauty in Owens' words, the scenery she implants straight into your head - it's incredible.
Kya, also known as the Marsh Girl by the local town residents, is an unbearably shy and skittish young lady who grows up within the deep recesses of the marsh (hence her name), abandoned - one by one - by her entire family and left to fend for herself. For over 10 years, she lives off the land, exploring and learning by watching life in the wild. Through different circumstances, she encounters a few acquaintances along the way, most of whom disappoint her enough that she's permanently convinced life is better alone, despite the yearning to be with someone who will never leave her.
I feel as if Kya can be understood and empathized with by just about anyone. She's relatable in so many ways, especially as she navigates the discoveries of new emotions, of life and love in general. You can't help but hurt for her, root for her, cheer her on and wish to physically defend her honor against the prejudices she endures. I loved this book so very much, and I think I loved Kya even more.
Kya, also known as the Marsh Girl by the local town residents, is an unbearably shy and skittish young lady who grows up within the deep recesses of the marsh (hence her name), abandoned - one by one - by her entire family and left to fend for herself. For over 10 years, she lives off the land, exploring and learning by watching life in the wild. Through different circumstances, she encounters a few acquaintances along the way, most of whom disappoint her enough that she's permanently convinced life is better alone, despite the yearning to be with someone who will never leave her.
I feel as if Kya can be understood and empathized with by just about anyone. She's relatable in so many ways, especially as she navigates the discoveries of new emotions, of life and love in general. You can't help but hurt for her, root for her, cheer her on and wish to physically defend her honor against the prejudices she endures. I loved this book so very much, and I think I loved Kya even more.