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I think this has probably made it to the top of my favourite books of the year. How can this possibly be topped by anything else?
Hamnet is an imagining of what could have happened to Shakespeare’s son - even in the parish records it doesn’t say what his cause of death was. Maggie O’Farrell makes this version completely plausible though: plague should have been a real threat at this time. It killed indiscriminately: young and old, rich and poor, weak and strong. They were all vulnerable to illnesses with no cures. I’m something of an emotional reader at the best of times, but as Agnes, Hamnet’s mother, was preparing her son for burial, I was crying in to my breakfast. My 16 year old son looked at me over the top of his bacon butty and said:”Another sad bookthen, Mum?”, and shook his head. To read of a mother and her dead son, and see my 13 and 16 year old sons merrily tucking in to their bacon sandwiches, may not have been the ideal time to be reading this.
This is the kind of book that makes you really look at how precarious life was in those times, and how lucky we are today to have so few worries on this scale (Covid-19 aside!).
The writing is so beautiful, so descriptive and emotive: it picks you up and sets you down squarely in Elizabethan Stratford, making you feel exactly how Agnes must have felt. Honestly, it broke my heart to read of her pain.
If you haven’t read this yet, you’re in for a treat. This deserves ALL the awards.
Hamnet is an imagining of what could have happened to Shakespeare’s son - even in the parish records it doesn’t say what his cause of death was. Maggie O’Farrell makes this version completely plausible though: plague should have been a real threat at this time. It killed indiscriminately: young and old, rich and poor, weak and strong. They were all vulnerable to illnesses with no cures. I’m something of an emotional reader at the best of times, but as Agnes, Hamnet’s mother, was preparing her son for burial, I was crying in to my breakfast. My 16 year old son looked at me over the top of his bacon butty and said:”Another sad bookthen, Mum?”, and shook his head. To read of a mother and her dead son, and see my 13 and 16 year old sons merrily tucking in to their bacon sandwiches, may not have been the ideal time to be reading this.
This is the kind of book that makes you really look at how precarious life was in those times, and how lucky we are today to have so few worries on this scale (Covid-19 aside!).
The writing is so beautiful, so descriptive and emotive: it picks you up and sets you down squarely in Elizabethan Stratford, making you feel exactly how Agnes must have felt. Honestly, it broke my heart to read of her pain.
If you haven’t read this yet, you’re in for a treat. This deserves ALL the awards.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated The Big Sick (2017) in Movies
Sep 19, 2020
One of those products that feels fresh and generic in about an equal ratio, but this just *soars* off of the chemistry of its cast. Zoe Kazan and Kumail Nanjiani are wonderful, simply wonderful together here; Ray Romano and Holly Hunter are faultless; and Kumail's family + stand-up partners are as well cast as can be even if the latter add nothing more than mostly tired jokes that don't land to the story. I admit this is still pretty scattershot, but for me that's part of what makes it so interesting? If anything is subversive here it's two things: 1. the way this flips the typical romcom on its head by taking on multiple different styles of execution as it goes along (the mostly unfunny but charming as hell opening romance, the anxious but amiable [and more funny] first meetings with the parents, the harrowing confrontation of grief, and the confusing [for the characters] but unfortunately rather rushed through ending resolutions) and 2. Kumail playing himself during a real life tumultuous period in his life. Even though dozens of liberties were taken to make this more palatable for a studio romance, the broad side of things remains rooted in truth even down to supporting scenes - and seeing Kumail as himself act out those real life events and formulate them into a positive story add a whole new level of emotional heft. Plus he's just a rock-solid comedic force in general and he handles the sad scenes nearly just as well. Even if there are still some tropes in this, the base story still feels rather nuanced. Very flawed but so nice, so wholesome.
Kristina (502 KP) rated Escaping From Houdini in Books
Dec 7, 2020
Have I mentioned how much I love Kerri?? I don't remember how I stumbled across her, but I do remember the reading "James Patterson Presents" caught my attention and gave me enough reason to give her a try - I'm so glad I did! From beginning to end I have loved this series. I'm a bit sad to see it finished, but I'm quite satisfied at the same time. Kerri includes both fact, ficion, and stretched truths in each of her books, which usually makes me curious as to how much is true, so I'm almost always conducting research afterward; I love a book that makes me eager to learn. Escaping From Houdini, while conducting the same mysterious murder-solving theme as the previous two books, focuses a bit more on the blossoming relationship between Audrey Rose and Thomas, which was a delight. While watching Audrey Rose struggle with illusion and truth, I found myself both irritated at her and understanding, for Mephistopheles cast a very convincing spell. Each encounter had me questioning how exactly things would end, in a romantic perspective. Throughout the book, while I filtered through suspects and had my own suspicions, the title made me the most curious - Houdini's name is in the title, but the main magician is Mephistopheles, so it had me questioning what Houdini's true role could be. Honestly, I'm not usually good at guessing correctly unless the author is horribly obvious about it, which Kerri most certainly is not, so I was surprised at who the killer was and the motive behind the murders. I very much look forward to more works by Kerri!
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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Alita: Battle Angel (2019) in Movies
May 15, 2020
Beautiful to look at
I never got to see this film on the big screen, which I'm rather sad about now considering how visually stunning it is. The effects in this are beautiful and simply amazing, and I really think this film is worth watching purely for these alone. It's just a shame the story is a little weak.
You can't fault a film that has Christoph Waltz in it, who is wonderful as always. The rest of the cast too are good although I think some of their characters are let down by the story. And this is the big problem - the story is rather weak. It makes sense to a point, but it seems rather lacklustre and is full of silly character actions and blink and you'll miss it deaths. The romance side too is very OTT and cheesy.
The story is also majorly letdown by the anticlimactic ending and this is my biggest issue. The film seems to build up to wait promises to be an exciting ending and instead just falters and winds down unnecessarily, where they've obviously decided to do a sequel baiting ending rather than giving us all the ending we probably wanted to see. Personally I was rather enjoying this film and would've happily watched another half an hour of them wrapping the story up satisfactorily rather than cut short with disappointment. Even the star name cameo couldn't make the ending better.
This is undoubtedly an amazing looking film and rather entertaining, it's just a huge shame about the ending. If it had been different I would've scored this higher.
You can't fault a film that has Christoph Waltz in it, who is wonderful as always. The rest of the cast too are good although I think some of their characters are let down by the story. And this is the big problem - the story is rather weak. It makes sense to a point, but it seems rather lacklustre and is full of silly character actions and blink and you'll miss it deaths. The romance side too is very OTT and cheesy.
The story is also majorly letdown by the anticlimactic ending and this is my biggest issue. The film seems to build up to wait promises to be an exciting ending and instead just falters and winds down unnecessarily, where they've obviously decided to do a sequel baiting ending rather than giving us all the ending we probably wanted to see. Personally I was rather enjoying this film and would've happily watched another half an hour of them wrapping the story up satisfactorily rather than cut short with disappointment. Even the star name cameo couldn't make the ending better.
This is undoubtedly an amazing looking film and rather entertaining, it's just a huge shame about the ending. If it had been different I would've scored this higher.
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Her Druid Fantasy (The Amber Druid Series #2) in Books
Mar 31, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
If you haven't read any of the Amber Druid series yet then you are sure as heck missing out. These books take you on a sensual and romantic journey, peppered with arguments, 'real' life and passion.
This particular book tells the story of Ramsey and Vivienne. You know that they are just perfect for each other but with their own stubbornness and outside circumstances get in the way? I won't say for sure but I will say that I was gripped by their story, in turn, I was sad, happy, and concerned - you name it, I think the emotion will be in this book.
I love how the druids can tell if another one of them is nearby, even without seeing them. And I also loved how they knew that something was going to happen even before Vivi's symptoms became known. It almost reminded me of the Jedi Knights - "there's a disturbance in the Force!"
This series just keeps getting better and better. We greet old friends and get to know new ones. Personally, I love the time spent on drawing away each layer of the characters so that you get a deeper, more intimate knowledge of them. I know Brenan's book is out next which should be good but I really can't wait for Kale's story! He intrigues me ;)
Highly recommended for all Paranormal fans out there.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 25, 2016
This particular book tells the story of Ramsey and Vivienne. You know that they are just perfect for each other but with their own stubbornness and outside circumstances get in the way? I won't say for sure but I will say that I was gripped by their story, in turn, I was sad, happy, and concerned - you name it, I think the emotion will be in this book.
I love how the druids can tell if another one of them is nearby, even without seeing them. And I also loved how they knew that something was going to happen even before Vivi's symptoms became known. It almost reminded me of the Jedi Knights - "there's a disturbance in the Force!"
This series just keeps getting better and better. We greet old friends and get to know new ones. Personally, I love the time spent on drawing away each layer of the characters so that you get a deeper, more intimate knowledge of them. I know Brenan's book is out next which should be good but I really can't wait for Kale's story! He intrigues me ;)
Highly recommended for all Paranormal fans out there.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 25, 2016
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Girl Upstairs [Audiobook] in Books
Dec 19, 2021
![The Girl Upstairs [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/761/ce80efbf-8c94-4858-87df-e1d1c7d65761.jpg?m=1639925089)
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook and whilst I personally wouldn't call it a psychological thriller, it's more of a mystery, it kept my attention and wanting to go back to listen to just one more chapter.
The two main characters of Emily and Suzie have quite sad stories to tell but for very different reasons. The start of the book is told from Suzie's perspective and whilst it does start a little slow and you are wondering where this is going, once Emily's perspective comes in and it begins to switch between perspectives, it starts to get interesting and intriguing. I admit that I didn't particularly warm to Suzie at first but she grew on me as the story developed and I got to know her better.
There is minimal violence, no blood or gore just a constant uneasiness and sense of menace sitting there waiting to creep up on you and whilst the reveal was a surprise, I did have a bit of an inkling so not the shock that I was expecting.
What I thought made this audiobook was the narrator; she kept my attention with her dulcet tones and whilst she used the same voice for all characters, there wasn't a second where I didn't know who was speaking.
Would I have enjoyed this book more if it was a physical one? Well after reading other reviews, it looks like possibly not so I would definitely recommend the audio version if you enjoy character-driven, mysteries told by an excellent narrator.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited copy.
The two main characters of Emily and Suzie have quite sad stories to tell but for very different reasons. The start of the book is told from Suzie's perspective and whilst it does start a little slow and you are wondering where this is going, once Emily's perspective comes in and it begins to switch between perspectives, it starts to get interesting and intriguing. I admit that I didn't particularly warm to Suzie at first but she grew on me as the story developed and I got to know her better.
There is minimal violence, no blood or gore just a constant uneasiness and sense of menace sitting there waiting to creep up on you and whilst the reveal was a surprise, I did have a bit of an inkling so not the shock that I was expecting.
What I thought made this audiobook was the narrator; she kept my attention with her dulcet tones and whilst she used the same voice for all characters, there wasn't a second where I didn't know who was speaking.
Would I have enjoyed this book more if it was a physical one? Well after reading other reviews, it looks like possibly not so I would definitely recommend the audio version if you enjoy character-driven, mysteries told by an excellent narrator.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited copy.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Honor Among Thieves: The Honors Book 1 in Books
Aug 25, 2022
153 of 230
Book
Honor Among Thieves ( The Honors book 1)
By Rachel Caine and Ann Aguirre
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Petty criminal Zara Cole has a painful past that’s made her stronger than most, which is why she chose life in New Detroit instead moving with her family to Mars. In her eyes, living inside a dome isn’t much better than a prison cell.
Still, when Zara commits a crime that has her running scared, jail might be exactly where she’s headed. Instead Zara is recruited into the Honors, an elite team of humans selected by the Leviathan—a race of sentient alien ships—to explore the outer reaches of the universe as their passengers.
Zara seizes the chance to flee Earth’s dangers, but when she meets Nadim, the alien ship she’s assigned, Zara starts to feel at home for the first time. But nothing could have prepared her for the dark, ominous truths that lurk behind the alluring glitter of starlight.
This was a unique story and I really enjoyed it. I liked the concept especially with our current climate I really hope we get some mystery aliens save us from ourselves. I was hooked from the beginning the only thing that knocked me a little of track was I just seemed to lose myself in the middle not sure if that was me or the book seemed a little rushed in the middle. I absolutely love Rachel Caine and with every book I read or reread I feel sad that We will never get a new book and story from her.
Book
Honor Among Thieves ( The Honors book 1)
By Rachel Caine and Ann Aguirre
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Petty criminal Zara Cole has a painful past that’s made her stronger than most, which is why she chose life in New Detroit instead moving with her family to Mars. In her eyes, living inside a dome isn’t much better than a prison cell.
Still, when Zara commits a crime that has her running scared, jail might be exactly where she’s headed. Instead Zara is recruited into the Honors, an elite team of humans selected by the Leviathan—a race of sentient alien ships—to explore the outer reaches of the universe as their passengers.
Zara seizes the chance to flee Earth’s dangers, but when she meets Nadim, the alien ship she’s assigned, Zara starts to feel at home for the first time. But nothing could have prepared her for the dark, ominous truths that lurk behind the alluring glitter of starlight.
This was a unique story and I really enjoyed it. I liked the concept especially with our current climate I really hope we get some mystery aliens save us from ourselves. I was hooked from the beginning the only thing that knocked me a little of track was I just seemed to lose myself in the middle not sure if that was me or the book seemed a little rushed in the middle. I absolutely love Rachel Caine and with every book I read or reread I feel sad that We will never get a new book and story from her.
Merissa (12934 KP) rated A Little Christmas: Jacob in Books
Dec 14, 2022
A LITTLE CHRISTMAS: JACOB tells the sad story of Jacob being passed from pillar to post from birth. Sent off to Boarding School at a young age, he never saw his father again. Things went as well as can be expected for him at school until his father got arrested. Then the Headmistress really comes into her own and Jacob ends up being kicked to the curb on Christmas Day when he turns eighteen. Luckily for him, after a rocky time, Richard finds him and saves his life. Under Richard's care and guidance, Jacob realises just who and what he is.
I did enjoy this story and found it to be a great addition to the Little Christmas series but it just didn't work as well for me as some of the others. Jacob was definitely broken and Richard was the one to mend him, with plenty of loving care. There was something about Jacob that didn't sit right with me whereas I found Richard to be a sweetie.
The pacing is smooth with some tender and hot scenes. I think this is the first book by this author I have read and I will definitely read some more. I don't know what it was about Jacob that didn't work, but it certainly hasn't put me off this author or Daddy/littles. Recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I did enjoy this story and found it to be a great addition to the Little Christmas series but it just didn't work as well for me as some of the others. Jacob was definitely broken and Richard was the one to mend him, with plenty of loving care. There was something about Jacob that didn't sit right with me whereas I found Richard to be a sweetie.
The pacing is smooth with some tender and hot scenes. I think this is the first book by this author I have read and I will definitely read some more. I don't know what it was about Jacob that didn't work, but it certainly hasn't put me off this author or Daddy/littles. Recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
ClareR (5885 KP) rated The Unravelling in Books
Feb 23, 2022
I absolutely adored this thoughtful, beautiful story of a young woman, Tartelin, going to live on the island of Dohhalund as an assistant to Marianne Stourbridge, and elderly lepidopterist.
Marianne is a difficult woman to get to know: she’s short tempered, doesn’t really want to share any of herself with Tartelin - and she has a lot of secrets to share.
Tartelin is mourning the death of her mother. She’s a young woman, alone in the world. She probably chooses the job with Marianne because it’s somewhere so different from her childhood home and her mother’s art studio.
I do think that Dohhalund goes some way to helping Tartelin begin the grieving process. It sounds like a stark, beautiful place. At one end is a military base, and at the other is Marianne’s house and land. Her family had lived on Dohhalund for generations, until the military had ordered them to leave. After her return, it’s evident that many of the buildings have started to fall into the sea. This reflects to some extent, Marianne’s physical and Tartelin’s mental states. Both women are deeply affected by what has happened in their pasts.
This is such an emotive, beautifully descriptive book. It’s a slow burner, a story of friendship and love, where secrets are revealed, people are reunited and new friendships forged.
This gorgeous book had me in tears by the end, with characters I really cared for. As the Pearl Women in the book often said: “The sea is made up of unspeakable sadness”, and whilst this novel was sad, there was also hope.
Highly recommended (as is Polly Crosby’s first book “The Illustrated Child”).
Marianne is a difficult woman to get to know: she’s short tempered, doesn’t really want to share any of herself with Tartelin - and she has a lot of secrets to share.
Tartelin is mourning the death of her mother. She’s a young woman, alone in the world. She probably chooses the job with Marianne because it’s somewhere so different from her childhood home and her mother’s art studio.
I do think that Dohhalund goes some way to helping Tartelin begin the grieving process. It sounds like a stark, beautiful place. At one end is a military base, and at the other is Marianne’s house and land. Her family had lived on Dohhalund for generations, until the military had ordered them to leave. After her return, it’s evident that many of the buildings have started to fall into the sea. This reflects to some extent, Marianne’s physical and Tartelin’s mental states. Both women are deeply affected by what has happened in their pasts.
This is such an emotive, beautifully descriptive book. It’s a slow burner, a story of friendship and love, where secrets are revealed, people are reunited and new friendships forged.
This gorgeous book had me in tears by the end, with characters I really cared for. As the Pearl Women in the book often said: “The sea is made up of unspeakable sadness”, and whilst this novel was sad, there was also hope.
Highly recommended (as is Polly Crosby’s first book “The Illustrated Child”).