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Don't Try This at Home
1.0
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A girl repeatedly chops her boyfriend in half but, while her 'other half' multiplies, she is still...
David McK (3369 KP) rated Just William (Just William #1) in Books
May 15, 2021
The first in Richmal Compton's classic 1920s comedy series, about a young child who causes chaos wherever he goes, all the time whilst thinking that he is helping.
Yes, it's very much a product of its time - complete with clear distinction between the Upper, Middle and Lower classes and, yes, this particular entry (the very first) is really more a collection of short(ish) stories rather than having an over-arching plot but, for all that - and once you get into the right frame of mind - there is a reason these are enduring stories!
(Oh, and if you want to see the impact William has had on English literature? Try Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch and tell me you don't spot the similarities ...)
Yes, it's very much a product of its time - complete with clear distinction between the Upper, Middle and Lower classes and, yes, this particular entry (the very first) is really more a collection of short(ish) stories rather than having an over-arching plot but, for all that - and once you get into the right frame of mind - there is a reason these are enduring stories!
(Oh, and if you want to see the impact William has had on English literature? Try Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch and tell me you don't spot the similarities ...)
Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd
8.0
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Acclaimed authors Holly Black (Ironside) and Cecil Castellucci (Boy Proof) have united in geekdom to...
The Adventures of Ruby Pi and the Geometry Girls (Ruby Pi Adventures #1)
Book
A collection of five historical fiction adventure stories. Young heroines find themselves at turning...
Young Adult Science Girls Mystery Adventure
Fourteen Days
Margaret Atwood and Douglas Preston
7.0
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The tenants of a Manhattan apartment building have begun to gather on the rooftop each evening and...
Covid 19 Short stories
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Dont Look Now in Books
Mar 15, 2018
I think this book is very deserving of 4 stars rather than the 3 a lot of people have decided to give it. While I agree the last two books of the collection (The Way of The Cross and The Breakthrough) were disappointing in relation to the first three (Don't Look Now, Not After Midnight and A Border-Line Case) I don't think that knocked the book of a star as each story was well written and unique.
My favourite was, by far, A Border-Line Case. Du Maurier does a great job of building tension throughout and while people are complaining that it's twist ending is nothing new, you have to remember that this was originally published in the 70's and so the twist probably was something new and from that time since there have been repeats of the shock ending - meaning Du Maurier's story is unique and the others thereafter are not (though a lot of them are in other ways).
I haven't read any of Du Maurier's other stories and I'm glad of that because it seems like these short stories are being compared to her other works. So for me, having nothing to compare these stories with, it seems I found this a lot more enjoyable than other people seemed to!
Even though the last two stories weren't as fun and spooky they were still good stories and I would recommend this book to many of my friends and family.
My favourite was, by far, A Border-Line Case. Du Maurier does a great job of building tension throughout and while people are complaining that it's twist ending is nothing new, you have to remember that this was originally published in the 70's and so the twist probably was something new and from that time since there have been repeats of the shock ending - meaning Du Maurier's story is unique and the others thereafter are not (though a lot of them are in other ways).
I haven't read any of Du Maurier's other stories and I'm glad of that because it seems like these short stories are being compared to her other works. So for me, having nothing to compare these stories with, it seems I found this a lot more enjoyable than other people seemed to!
Even though the last two stories weren't as fun and spooky they were still good stories and I would recommend this book to many of my friends and family.
The Call of Cthulhu: And Other Weird Stories
Book
Collecting uniquely uncanny tales from the master of American horror, H.P. Lovecraft's The Call of...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2163 KP) rated Malice Domestic 14: Mystery Most Edible in Books
Jun 11, 2019
Delicious Short Story Collection
This is a collection of 36 short stories originally available at the Malice Domestic conference in 2019. As the title suggests, each story revolves around food in some way. Whether it’s a poisoned tea party or death by airline food, you’ll find plenty of murder and mayhem here. Some of the authors use this to tell a story with their series sleuths. That’s the case with Parnell Hall, who opens the collection with his puzzle lady, Cora Felton. Some authors take you back in time, like Victoria Thompson. Others weave a great tale with characters created for their story here, like Nancy Cole Silverman.
As if often the case with short story collections, a few weren’t to my taste, particularly those stories where the villain managed to get out of the hot water he or she should have been in. Most, however, are purely delectable, with a fun twist or two along the way to the climax and characters that draw you in. Whether the author included their series characters or not, each story can be read on its own. There might be a wink and a nod that series fans will get, but nothing that will distract you as you sample that author’s world. There aren’t any recipes, but with a book that is almost 400 pages long, it’s hard to imagine how large it would have been if they had included some.
As if often the case with short story collections, a few weren’t to my taste, particularly those stories where the villain managed to get out of the hot water he or she should have been in. Most, however, are purely delectable, with a fun twist or two along the way to the climax and characters that draw you in. Whether the author included their series characters or not, each story can be read on its own. There might be a wink and a nod that series fans will get, but nothing that will distract you as you sample that author’s world. There aren’t any recipes, but with a book that is almost 400 pages long, it’s hard to imagine how large it would have been if they had included some.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Sorority in Books
Jul 12, 2018
If you're looking for a novel that has a true beginning, middle and end, this is not the book for you. Sorority by Genevieve Sly Crane tells the story of various sorority sisters in bite sized short stories. The story unwraps to reveal the story of Margot.
I went into this book expecting a full story and not various short stories. That in itself took me a bit to get used to. Though it wasn't a format I was expecting, I still enjoyed it. The characters were interesting and I liked that each person had their story to tell. I liked that I could relate to multiple characters and see their lives. I have to say, I'm glad I never had the urge to join a sorority. Though I did like the book I have one issue. My one main issue is that the book feels a little incomplete simply because there was no true end. I like having an ending so this book just doesn't sit right. It did work with the story though.
All in all, I enjoyed it.
**I received this book from NetGalley**
I went into this book expecting a full story and not various short stories. That in itself took me a bit to get used to. Though it wasn't a format I was expecting, I still enjoyed it. The characters were interesting and I liked that each person had their story to tell. I liked that I could relate to multiple characters and see their lives. I have to say, I'm glad I never had the urge to join a sorority. Though I did like the book I have one issue. My one main issue is that the book feels a little incomplete simply because there was no true end. I like having an ending so this book just doesn't sit right. It did work with the story though.
All in all, I enjoyed it.
**I received this book from NetGalley**
Debbiereadsbook (1166 KP) rated The Arts of Love: Stories of Sensual Creativity in Books
Dec 10, 2018
a fabulous little collection!
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
16 short stories, written by the same author, based around love and the Arts. Music, acting, writing and everything inbetween.
A 16 book collection was never going to get 16 individual reviews, so here's what I thought about them all, as a whole.
I rather enjoyed it!
It's a great collection of shorts, average about 15 pages each, some a little shorter or longer, but that gives you just enough for each story, I thought, to give you a brief connection, a glimpse into these people's lives.
Some stories are a bit more explicit, some almost clean, in my opinion. Mostly written from one person's view, in the third person.
Each short is well written, and well delivered. I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading experience.
This is the first I've read of this author, and I'd like to read more. Something much longer than these shorts, just to see what they can do with more pages!
A thoroughly enjoyable Sunday afternoon spent reading, thank you.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
16 short stories, written by the same author, based around love and the Arts. Music, acting, writing and everything inbetween.
A 16 book collection was never going to get 16 individual reviews, so here's what I thought about them all, as a whole.
I rather enjoyed it!
It's a great collection of shorts, average about 15 pages each, some a little shorter or longer, but that gives you just enough for each story, I thought, to give you a brief connection, a glimpse into these people's lives.
Some stories are a bit more explicit, some almost clean, in my opinion. Mostly written from one person's view, in the third person.
Each short is well written, and well delivered. I saw no spelling or editing errors to spoil my reading experience.
This is the first I've read of this author, and I'd like to read more. Something much longer than these shorts, just to see what they can do with more pages!
A thoroughly enjoyable Sunday afternoon spent reading, thank you.
4 solid stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**