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Kyera (8 KP) rated The Best Possible Answer in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Viviana is under an immense amount of stress. It's the end of junior year and her future is in the balance. The goal was always to get perfect grades, rock her exams and attend Stanford. Then a distraction, and by distraction I mean boy, sets her off balance. They break up and he does something that sends her world spinning off its axis. Vivi starts having panic attacks and feels that she's not doing anything right in her life. To make it worse, her dad goes on a business trip to Singapore and doesn't come back. She puts every blame and burden on her overworked shoulders.
The characters in the book are very believable and relatable, even if you haven't experienced the same life events that they have. You can feel the friendship between Sammie and Vivi, with all of its ups and down. How much they love each other and do their best to protect one another.
The novel is about believing in yourself, learning to trust and rely on others even when you think you can do it all by yourself, and doing your best. Vivi must learn about herself and realizes that not everything in her life is as it seems.
Highly recommended to teens and young adults who enjoy contemporary ya fiction books about life, loves and high school. (With maybe a little family drama thrown into the mix.) Great, quick, enjoyable read!
The characters in the book are very believable and relatable, even if you haven't experienced the same life events that they have. You can feel the friendship between Sammie and Vivi, with all of its ups and down. How much they love each other and do their best to protect one another.
The novel is about believing in yourself, learning to trust and rely on others even when you think you can do it all by yourself, and doing your best. Vivi must learn about herself and realizes that not everything in her life is as it seems.
Highly recommended to teens and young adults who enjoy contemporary ya fiction books about life, loves and high school. (With maybe a little family drama thrown into the mix.) Great, quick, enjoyable read!
Dana (24 KP) rated All I Know Now: Wonderings and Reflections on Growing Up Gracefully in Books
Mar 23, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. If you have ever struggled with the words on how to explain the advice you want to give or would have liked to have had as a younger person, give this book a read.
Carrie does a marvelous job getting across her message of hope and kindness, while keeping her advice genuine. It does not come across as a complete guidebook on how to live your life, but it can act as a helping hand when you are struggling.
There were so many sections in this book that I would have loved to have read as a younger teen. Not only does she make things relatable by having anecdotes of her own life, she also keeps the reader engaged by reminding them that they are not alone. No matter how alone you feel, there is someone who cares about you.
I loved how Carrie takes on the role of the honorary big sister. She keeps a line of communication open to those who need it, no matter the circumstances. It is refreshing to see someone who genuinely cares about helping others.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just teenage girls. I was able to relate much of this stuff to my life right now and I am no longer a teen!
It was an excellent read and I will be coming back to it whenever I need some reassurance.
Carrie does a marvelous job getting across her message of hope and kindness, while keeping her advice genuine. It does not come across as a complete guidebook on how to live your life, but it can act as a helping hand when you are struggling.
There were so many sections in this book that I would have loved to have read as a younger teen. Not only does she make things relatable by having anecdotes of her own life, she also keeps the reader engaged by reminding them that they are not alone. No matter how alone you feel, there is someone who cares about you.
I loved how Carrie takes on the role of the honorary big sister. She keeps a line of communication open to those who need it, no matter the circumstances. It is refreshing to see someone who genuinely cares about helping others.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, not just teenage girls. I was able to relate much of this stuff to my life right now and I am no longer a teen!
It was an excellent read and I will be coming back to it whenever I need some reassurance.
Leah (: (569 KP) rated Stalk me (Keatyn Chronicles book 1) in Books
Jul 8, 2018
Could not stop reading and have even read a second time.
The first book in the Keatyn Chronicles is excellent.
To be honest it took me a little while to get into the book as at the beginning Keatyn came across as shallow and superficial, flitting from one guy to the next and only caring about being popular. However Jillian Dodd made sure to balance this with other scenes so that we were able to get to know Keatyn and realise she is just like and teen girl, trying to fit and and find her identity. And I was hooked!!
Although predominantly a romance Stalk Me also has action and suspense. As Keatyn is stalked by someone and we wait to find out who and what they will do next.
The characters are all very relatable as each person has their own clear personality and flaws. This makes it easy to get to know them, however you will go from loving to hating a character in a few pages as they do something stupid.
The book is written as a diary. This works really well as it gives an unfiltered view into Keatyn’s thoughts and life. I became very invested in the story and could not stop reading.
I would absolutely recommend this book if you enjoy teen/ young adult books. It is one of the very few books/ series that I have ever re read.
To be honest it took me a little while to get into the book as at the beginning Keatyn came across as shallow and superficial, flitting from one guy to the next and only caring about being popular. However Jillian Dodd made sure to balance this with other scenes so that we were able to get to know Keatyn and realise she is just like and teen girl, trying to fit and and find her identity. And I was hooked!!
Although predominantly a romance Stalk Me also has action and suspense. As Keatyn is stalked by someone and we wait to find out who and what they will do next.
The characters are all very relatable as each person has their own clear personality and flaws. This makes it easy to get to know them, however you will go from loving to hating a character in a few pages as they do something stupid.
The book is written as a diary. This works really well as it gives an unfiltered view into Keatyn’s thoughts and life. I became very invested in the story and could not stop reading.
I would absolutely recommend this book if you enjoy teen/ young adult books. It is one of the very few books/ series that I have ever re read.
FilmIntuition (33 KP) rated The Byline Bible in Books
Aug 20, 2018
In this wholly entertaining guide for freelance writers looking to climb the publication ladder, professor and scribe Susan Shapiro transfers her highly successful, results oriented course to print in a lively new release.
Serving up various writing assignments that might result in you finding out where your strengths lie, from mining your life for irresistible personal essay fodder to locating someone to pitch it to (as well as how to respond to a critique and the most common reactions to expect), Shapiro guides old and new freelancers throughout the entire process from submit to print.
Reminding writers that the fastest way to burn a bridge is to respond to an email in anger, she offers another practical reason to bite one's tongue as charming someone on the staff of a publication with your sincerity, reliability, and professionalism might make an editor far more willing to work with you to get your piece publication ready than a total stranger would be.
With decades of proven experience to back her up both personally as a writer and professionally as a teacher, Shapiro includes countless columns and articles penned by her students over the years as examples throughout.
Giving it to you straight while maintaining a healthy sense of relatable optimism and dry wit that keeps you flipping pages, Susan Shapiro's compellingly readable Byline Bible makes a worthwhile addition to your nonfiction shelf.
Note: I received this title from Bookish First in exchange for an honest review.
Serving up various writing assignments that might result in you finding out where your strengths lie, from mining your life for irresistible personal essay fodder to locating someone to pitch it to (as well as how to respond to a critique and the most common reactions to expect), Shapiro guides old and new freelancers throughout the entire process from submit to print.
Reminding writers that the fastest way to burn a bridge is to respond to an email in anger, she offers another practical reason to bite one's tongue as charming someone on the staff of a publication with your sincerity, reliability, and professionalism might make an editor far more willing to work with you to get your piece publication ready than a total stranger would be.
With decades of proven experience to back her up both personally as a writer and professionally as a teacher, Shapiro includes countless columns and articles penned by her students over the years as examples throughout.
Giving it to you straight while maintaining a healthy sense of relatable optimism and dry wit that keeps you flipping pages, Susan Shapiro's compellingly readable Byline Bible makes a worthwhile addition to your nonfiction shelf.
Note: I received this title from Bookish First in exchange for an honest review.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated The Suitable Woman - Single by Layla Kardan in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Layla Kardan is an Iranian-rooted pop star living in the United Arab Emirates. Arwa Al Banawi is one of Saudi Arabia’s most exciting and upcoming fashion designers. Not too long ago, they collaborated on a music video for Kardan’s “The Suitable Woman” single.
“‘The Suitable Woman’ is the slogan of my label and celebrates the woman on the go. Also, a woman who fights for her beliefs and proactively chases her dreams to realize her fullest potential.” – Arwa Al Banawi
Layla Kardan is focused on changing the perception of a woman’s role in society and pushing for gender equality. Also, her aim is to educate both Middle Eastern and Western audiences.
Collaborating with production company D Journal, the pair have produced a fashion-forward, edgy video. The audiovisual features some of the region’s biggest fashion influencers such as Rania Fawaz, Zeynab El Helw, Jory Al Maiman, and Tamara Al Gabbani.
“Arwa’s brand is all about being a bold and expressive woman who is not hindered by fear or limitations. These are women who pursue the things they are passionate about despite the challenges and persevere to see their dreams become a reality. Also, they are not deterred by the social expectations from them.”
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and smoky soul vocals. Also, the song possesses mellow instrumentation scented with a contemporary R&B fragrance.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/layla-kardan-the-suitable-woman/
“‘The Suitable Woman’ is the slogan of my label and celebrates the woman on the go. Also, a woman who fights for her beliefs and proactively chases her dreams to realize her fullest potential.” – Arwa Al Banawi
Layla Kardan is focused on changing the perception of a woman’s role in society and pushing for gender equality. Also, her aim is to educate both Middle Eastern and Western audiences.
Collaborating with production company D Journal, the pair have produced a fashion-forward, edgy video. The audiovisual features some of the region’s biggest fashion influencers such as Rania Fawaz, Zeynab El Helw, Jory Al Maiman, and Tamara Al Gabbani.
“Arwa’s brand is all about being a bold and expressive woman who is not hindered by fear or limitations. These are women who pursue the things they are passionate about despite the challenges and persevere to see their dreams become a reality. Also, they are not deterred by the social expectations from them.”
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and smoky soul vocals. Also, the song possesses mellow instrumentation scented with a contemporary R&B fragrance.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/layla-kardan-the-suitable-woman/
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Feel It - Single by Gia Woods in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Gia Woods is a 22-year-old Persian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Not too long ago, she released a sweltering pop tune, entitled, “Feel It”, produced by Jordan Palmer.
“I got it so bad but I guess I got it so damn good. Your eyes are bloodshot red. Keep lookin’ at me look at you. Got your body on my mind. No, no, not logic, it’s emotional. So put your body right on mine. No, no, don’t make sense, it’s irrational.” – lyrics
‘Feel It’ tells a sensual tale of a young woman who intimately explores the feeling of infatuation for her girl crush.
Eventually, she undergoes that blissful experience when her lover’s lips and body are pressed against hers. That electric connection sends shivers down her spine.
‘Feel It’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lovely instrumentation scented with a commercial pop fragrance.
“To me, this is one of those perfect moments where the sound of the song sounds like the feeling in the lyrics. It’s slinky and seductive. It sort of creeps up on you. You can dance to it, but it’s not aggressive. It’s sensual and fun—just like the beginning of a heavy crush.” – Gia Woods
Gia Woods possesses an exotic presence and her sex appeal translates beyond music. So far, her songs have amassed over 37M streams via Spotify.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/gia-woods-feel-it/
“I got it so bad but I guess I got it so damn good. Your eyes are bloodshot red. Keep lookin’ at me look at you. Got your body on my mind. No, no, not logic, it’s emotional. So put your body right on mine. No, no, don’t make sense, it’s irrational.” – lyrics
‘Feel It’ tells a sensual tale of a young woman who intimately explores the feeling of infatuation for her girl crush.
Eventually, she undergoes that blissful experience when her lover’s lips and body are pressed against hers. That electric connection sends shivers down her spine.
‘Feel It’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lovely instrumentation scented with a commercial pop fragrance.
“To me, this is one of those perfect moments where the sound of the song sounds like the feeling in the lyrics. It’s slinky and seductive. It sort of creeps up on you. You can dance to it, but it’s not aggressive. It’s sensual and fun—just like the beginning of a heavy crush.” – Gia Woods
Gia Woods possesses an exotic presence and her sex appeal translates beyond music. So far, her songs have amassed over 37M streams via Spotify.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/gia-woods-feel-it/
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Even If It Hurts - Single by Clover the Girl in Music
Jun 17, 2019
Clover the Girl (Brianna Conrado) is a singer-songwriter from a small town in Dallas, Texas. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Even If It Hurts” single.
“‘Even If It Hurts’ is a song about self-inflicted pain and suffering. Being addicted to it, dressing it up, and rationalizing it. I’m no stranger to toxic relationships with others and with myself. Sticking around for them is something I’d like to do less of, and this song is that first step of calling myself out.” – Clover the Girl
The Jenni Johnson-directed audiovisual reflects the song’s theme: Giving your all to something even when it’s never going to be enough.
The music video takes place in a Barbie Box and accentuates the insecurities our culture feeds off of.
Also, it showcases different beauty treatments and women physically and mentally pushing themselves to the limit, even if it hurts.
‘Even If It Hurts’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with an alternative-pop aroma.
Also, the likable tune is the title track from Clover the Girl’s upcoming EP, available on July 5, 2019.
Clover the Girl dropped out of Texas A&M University at the age of 17 to pursue a music career.
Since then, she has toured the country, accumulated over 1.5M streams online via Spotify, and petted many dogs.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/clover-the-girl-even-if-it-hurts/
“‘Even If It Hurts’ is a song about self-inflicted pain and suffering. Being addicted to it, dressing it up, and rationalizing it. I’m no stranger to toxic relationships with others and with myself. Sticking around for them is something I’d like to do less of, and this song is that first step of calling myself out.” – Clover the Girl
The Jenni Johnson-directed audiovisual reflects the song’s theme: Giving your all to something even when it’s never going to be enough.
The music video takes place in a Barbie Box and accentuates the insecurities our culture feeds off of.
Also, it showcases different beauty treatments and women physically and mentally pushing themselves to the limit, even if it hurts.
‘Even If It Hurts’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with an alternative-pop aroma.
Also, the likable tune is the title track from Clover the Girl’s upcoming EP, available on July 5, 2019.
Clover the Girl dropped out of Texas A&M University at the age of 17 to pursue a music career.
Since then, she has toured the country, accumulated over 1.5M streams online via Spotify, and petted many dogs.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/clover-the-girl-even-if-it-hurts/
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Cherry Chapstick - Single by Olivia Nelson in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Olivia Nelson is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter based in East London. Not too long ago, she released an attractive contemporary R&B tune, entitled, “Cherry Chapstick”, produced by Jayjay.
“Interaction, we all need that attraction. That holiday feeling, that wine in the evening like smooth R&B. Maybe, love’s what you need. Twenty-somethings, house party, conversations flowing. She’s finally noticed you. You gotta see this through, boy. ‘Cause when you look at her, you know he gets butterflies and all that. She could be the one. Better kiss her before she goes home.” – lyrics
‘Cherry Chapstick’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
Also, the likable tune will be featured on Olivia Nelson’s upcoming EP, entitled, “Back To You”.
“‘Cherry Chapstick’ is a story about two people finding love at a party. It’s that exciting moment when they meet and the connection starts blossoming. It’s a feel-good story that people root for.” – Olivia Nelson
Olivia Nelson was raised on an eclectic diet of contemporary soul and Motown classics.
Her appreciation for vocal proficiency lead her to pursue singing from a young age. Now, she seeks collaborations with boundary-pushing writers and producers.
Also, her music has amassed over 17M streams online via Spotify, and her captivating live show solidifies her status as one of British R&B’s most exciting new talents.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/olivia-nelson-cherry-chapstick/
“Interaction, we all need that attraction. That holiday feeling, that wine in the evening like smooth R&B. Maybe, love’s what you need. Twenty-somethings, house party, conversations flowing. She’s finally noticed you. You gotta see this through, boy. ‘Cause when you look at her, you know he gets butterflies and all that. She could be the one. Better kiss her before she goes home.” – lyrics
‘Cherry Chapstick’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and neo-soul elements.
Also, the likable tune will be featured on Olivia Nelson’s upcoming EP, entitled, “Back To You”.
“‘Cherry Chapstick’ is a story about two people finding love at a party. It’s that exciting moment when they meet and the connection starts blossoming. It’s a feel-good story that people root for.” – Olivia Nelson
Olivia Nelson was raised on an eclectic diet of contemporary soul and Motown classics.
Her appreciation for vocal proficiency lead her to pursue singing from a young age. Now, she seeks collaborations with boundary-pushing writers and producers.
Also, her music has amassed over 17M streams online via Spotify, and her captivating live show solidifies her status as one of British R&B’s most exciting new talents.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/olivia-nelson-cherry-chapstick/
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee - Single by Letters from the Earth in Music
Jun 18, 2019
Letters from the Earth is an alternative outfit. Not too long ago, they released a music video for their “Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee” single.
“‘Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee’ illuminates the life of a typical employee. Also, it examines the true value of work in the west. The song’s surrealist music video finds a somber employee attending her own absurd retirement party. Where, Foster, portraying the titular Frank Ghilardi, presents his melancholic address.” – Letters from the Earth
‘Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee’ tells an interesting tale in the form of a farewell speech. Also, the speech is delivered from a fictional company head to an unnamed subordinate.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, it possesses charming instrumentation which was produced and mixed by Ben Hirschfield (Against Me!, The Story So Far, and Elder Brother).
“It’s okay to cry. You’ve made it alive through forty years here at Ghilardi. Don’t be afraid of your life turning gray. There’ll be no more files to be sorted. No people to wave you on at the gate. No phone calls to take, no lunches to make, no more coming home to dinners alone.” – lyrics
Letters from the Earth consists of Matt Foster (vocals, guitar), Ben Hirschfield (guitar, keys, synth), Cameron MacBain (drums), and Morgan Foster (bass).
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/letters-from-the-earth-frank-ghilardi/
“‘Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee’ illuminates the life of a typical employee. Also, it examines the true value of work in the west. The song’s surrealist music video finds a somber employee attending her own absurd retirement party. Where, Foster, portraying the titular Frank Ghilardi, presents his melancholic address.” – Letters from the Earth
‘Frank Ghilardi Sends Off a Long-Tenured Employee’ tells an interesting tale in the form of a farewell speech. Also, the speech is delivered from a fictional company head to an unnamed subordinate.
The likable tune contains a relatable storyline and ear-welcoming vocals. Also, it possesses charming instrumentation which was produced and mixed by Ben Hirschfield (Against Me!, The Story So Far, and Elder Brother).
“It’s okay to cry. You’ve made it alive through forty years here at Ghilardi. Don’t be afraid of your life turning gray. There’ll be no more files to be sorted. No people to wave you on at the gate. No phone calls to take, no lunches to make, no more coming home to dinners alone.” – lyrics
Letters from the Earth consists of Matt Foster (vocals, guitar), Ben Hirschfield (guitar, keys, synth), Cameron MacBain (drums), and Morgan Foster (bass).
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/letters-from-the-earth-frank-ghilardi/
Natalia (73 KP) rated Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) in Books
Jan 26, 2019
So I've taken the past week to read the whole trilogy, which I now see as a mistake since the books seem to blend together for me now. I can happily say, however, that Leigh Bardugo's writing lives up to the praise people give her - and this series is certainly going to stay with me for a long time, not including when it'll be refreshed as I re-read it.
As cliched as it sounds, I couldn't put the book down, and the moment I finished one I had to move on to the next. Bardugo has a way with her writing that keeps you hooked, and I would be lying if I didn't admit that I had to put the book down on multiple occasions to sit in what I just read. The action is well-written, characters are relatable and engaging, and tension is built well with the occasional piece of humour to lift us from our stump.
I like to keep my reviews spoiler-free, so I'm struggling to find a way to explain how much I appreciate this book and entire trilogy without going in depth on the plot and character development. If you're reading this to see if you want to read the series, I would say you should jump on it. I went in almost entirely blind, simply hearing good things about Bardugo, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish.
As cliched as it sounds, I couldn't put the book down, and the moment I finished one I had to move on to the next. Bardugo has a way with her writing that keeps you hooked, and I would be lying if I didn't admit that I had to put the book down on multiple occasions to sit in what I just read. The action is well-written, characters are relatable and engaging, and tension is built well with the occasional piece of humour to lift us from our stump.
I like to keep my reviews spoiler-free, so I'm struggling to find a way to explain how much I appreciate this book and entire trilogy without going in depth on the plot and character development. If you're reading this to see if you want to read the series, I would say you should jump on it. I went in almost entirely blind, simply hearing good things about Bardugo, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish.