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This book is not for the faint hearted and made me cry for the nine women and the others who they met along their way so many times.
We follow nine women as they escape from a death march and their journey to try and get to safety. Throughout the recount of the escape, their own stories of who they were before and how they came to be at the concentration camp were told.
The resilience of these nine women throughout everything they enjoyed was inspiring and that they retained their hope and kindness after the disgusting treatment that they endured is nothing short of a miracle.
The story is harrowing, but also one that I feel everyone must know. I thought I knew enough about what happened in those concentration camps in World War II but after reading this I have found that I only knew the tiniest amount of what they endured.
Although I know this is a true story, sometimes I had to remind myself that it was not fiction as some of the passages were so horrific in their descriptions that it is almost unbelievable that a human being can treat another human being like that.
This book will stay with me for a long time, which I am glad of. Thank you to Gwen Strauss and Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this incredible book.
We follow nine women as they escape from a death march and their journey to try and get to safety. Throughout the recount of the escape, their own stories of who they were before and how they came to be at the concentration camp were told.
The resilience of these nine women throughout everything they enjoyed was inspiring and that they retained their hope and kindness after the disgusting treatment that they endured is nothing short of a miracle.
The story is harrowing, but also one that I feel everyone must know. I thought I knew enough about what happened in those concentration camps in World War II but after reading this I have found that I only knew the tiniest amount of what they endured.
Although I know this is a true story, sometimes I had to remind myself that it was not fiction as some of the passages were so horrific in their descriptions that it is almost unbelievable that a human being can treat another human being like that.
This book will stay with me for a long time, which I am glad of. Thank you to Gwen Strauss and Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this incredible book.
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Titan A.E. (2000) in Movies
Sep 20, 2020
Design-wise nothing short of extraordinary, the blend of astounding nu-age CGI and trademark Bluth animation should by no means work but it ends up looking like heaven. Definitely also helps that this has exactly 0% fat to it and rides on one fun, kinetic wave from start to finish that's full of rapturous action sequences and endlessly creative visuals. That being said, outside of a couple nice turns the story is total copy-and-paste sci-fi template - but I digress, I guess it's still serviceable for this type of thing but this is just *begging* to have some depth injected into its potentially thought-provoking story. What kills this from greatness for me is how chained it is to the era it was made in; granted it still could have turned out much worse but the fakey-sounding, faux-edgy soundtrack sucks so much shit (sans a couple okay song choices [thx Powerman 5000]) that it single-handedly knocks the whole rating down a half star, and the totally repellent "tude" that was required in all of these mid-late 90s/early 2000s kids' films makes me want to rip my hair out. I suppose you can write this in with ππͺπ―π’π ππ’π―π΅π’π΄πΊ: ππ©π¦ ππ±πͺπ³πͺπ΅π΄ ππͺπ΅π©πͺπ― for flawed early-aughts orgasmically animated sci-fi bombs that I'm still a total softie for. Gets pretty gnarly sometimes, too.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Christmas Cupcake Murder in Books
Dec 12, 2020
A Fine Short Story Stretched
There is a stranger in Lake Eden, and no one knows who he is β including the man himself. Hannah and her mother find him one day mostly starved, and get him to the hospital. When he is revived, he doesnβt remember his name, but asks to be called Joe Smith instead of John Doe. Hannah makes it her mission to find out who he really is. Can she help him recover his memory?
This book takes us back in time to the early days of the series, and it is fun to see some of those relationships knowing what has happened to the characters since then. The plot is definitely different for a cozy, but I liked it for the variety. Unfortunately, the plot is drowned out by talk of food. I skimmed parts of the book, and I didnβt miss any part of the plot. The plot does get stronger as the book goes along, and I liked the way the story finished. This series always has an abundance of recipes, and this book is no exception with twenty new treats to try, including seven cupcakes. If you are a fan of the series and set your expectations accordingly, youβll be fine. But otherwise, there is no need to read this book.
This book takes us back in time to the early days of the series, and it is fun to see some of those relationships knowing what has happened to the characters since then. The plot is definitely different for a cozy, but I liked it for the variety. Unfortunately, the plot is drowned out by talk of food. I skimmed parts of the book, and I didnβt miss any part of the plot. The plot does get stronger as the book goes along, and I liked the way the story finished. This series always has an abundance of recipes, and this book is no exception with twenty new treats to try, including seven cupcakes. If you are a fan of the series and set your expectations accordingly, youβll be fine. But otherwise, there is no need to read this book.
Six Months, Three Days, Five Others
Book
"A master absurdist...Highly recommended." βThe New York Times Before the success of her debut...
Science fiction
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated A Good Girlβs Guide To Murder in Books
Apr 29, 2022
I had only read the short prequel, Kill Joy, to this book which I sat and read in one go and this one didnβt disappoint me.
Following Pip trying to prove that Sal Singh didnβt murder his girlfriend Andie Bell five years earlier was thrilling and had me guessing the whole way through. Every time I settled on a suspect, Pip did the same and then I was somehow talked back out of it with fresh evidence and clues that Pip had found. It definitely had my brain working!
I loved the way that it wasnβt just Pipβs story that had all of the focus, I loved that mingled in with the story, we had Pipβs logs, diagrams, messages and emails that gave more and more evidence and also made it exactly like we were having a sneak peek into her project for school.
Holly Jacksonβs writing was so easy to read and I love that she didnβt make it obvious who the real killer was and that even towards the end of the book there were a couple of twists that shocked and surprised me. It was a very entertaining book and it didnβt seem like it was a debut novel at all.
I will definitely be continuing on with the series as I canβt wait to find out what happens to Pip!
Following Pip trying to prove that Sal Singh didnβt murder his girlfriend Andie Bell five years earlier was thrilling and had me guessing the whole way through. Every time I settled on a suspect, Pip did the same and then I was somehow talked back out of it with fresh evidence and clues that Pip had found. It definitely had my brain working!
I loved the way that it wasnβt just Pipβs story that had all of the focus, I loved that mingled in with the story, we had Pipβs logs, diagrams, messages and emails that gave more and more evidence and also made it exactly like we were having a sneak peek into her project for school.
Holly Jacksonβs writing was so easy to read and I love that she didnβt make it obvious who the real killer was and that even towards the end of the book there were a couple of twists that shocked and surprised me. It was a very entertaining book and it didnβt seem like it was a debut novel at all.
I will definitely be continuing on with the series as I canβt wait to find out what happens to Pip!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2340 KP) rated Murder at Sea in Books
May 31, 2023 (Updated Jun 21, 2023)
Set Sail for Eight Fun β and Deadly β Cruises
For this entry in the Destination Murders short story anthologies, the writers are sending their sleuths on cruises. Of course, no vacation in this series is without a hiccup and dead body or two. From Norway to Italy and Seattle, and from budget cruise lines to luxury yachts, the sleuths must deal with the unexpected when a killer decides that the sea is the perfect time to strike.
While there are a couple of stories that really stood out, every single one of these eight stories is enjoyable. I canβt think of one I didnβt like. Many of the authors included their series characters here, although you donβt have to know the characters to enjoy what happens. In fact, this reminded me that I really do need to read some of these authorβs novels. These stories are long enough that, by the time youβve read all eight, youβve read the equivalent of a full-length novel, so there is plenty here to keep you entertained. Each story features a fun twist or two, and the solutions always satisfied. Whether you are looking for a great read for a summer vacation or want something to make you feel like you are on vacation, youβll be glad you boarded this anthology.
While there are a couple of stories that really stood out, every single one of these eight stories is enjoyable. I canβt think of one I didnβt like. Many of the authors included their series characters here, although you donβt have to know the characters to enjoy what happens. In fact, this reminded me that I really do need to read some of these authorβs novels. These stories are long enough that, by the time youβve read all eight, youβve read the equivalent of a full-length novel, so there is plenty here to keep you entertained. Each story features a fun twist or two, and the solutions always satisfied. Whether you are looking for a great read for a summer vacation or want something to make you feel like you are on vacation, youβll be glad you boarded this anthology.
Merissa (12854 KP) rated Escape the Choice (The Choice Series #1) in Books
Mar 2, 2022 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)
ESCAPE THE CHOICE is the first book in The Choice series and we meet Ali, Oliver, Noah, and friends in this coming-of-age short story.
Ali is friends with bad boy Oliver and sees a side of him no one else seems to. He doesn't like it when she speaks with her other male friend, Noah. The feeling is mutual, and Ali feels stuck in the middle. When her other friends give her food for thought, it helps bring matters to a head.
This was a well-written story that I thoroughly enjoyed but wanted more from. When I say I wanted more, I simply mean I would have been happy to sit reading a full-length novel. I was invested to see whether Oliver was misunderstood or playing with Ali, and I won't say which it is! Regardless, his behaviour, Noah's, Ali's, feelings all around - it's all here.
Thoroughly enjoyable and absolutely recommended by me, this is a fantastic debut by this author, and I look forward to reading more.
** 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!
Mar 2, 2022
Ali is friends with bad boy Oliver and sees a side of him no one else seems to. He doesn't like it when she speaks with her other male friend, Noah. The feeling is mutual, and Ali feels stuck in the middle. When her other friends give her food for thought, it helps bring matters to a head.
This was a well-written story that I thoroughly enjoyed but wanted more from. When I say I wanted more, I simply mean I would have been happy to sit reading a full-length novel. I was invested to see whether Oliver was misunderstood or playing with Ali, and I won't say which it is! Regardless, his behaviour, Noah's, Ali's, feelings all around - it's all here.
Thoroughly enjoyable and absolutely recommended by me, this is a fantastic debut by this author, and I look forward to reading more.
** 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!
Mar 2, 2022
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Losing Normal in Books
Mar 15, 2019
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Losing Normal by Francis Moss is relatively short, less than 300 pages, but do not let the length fool you into thinking it does not have a lot to say. There is a lot of action in this short book.
Alex, a highly-functioning autistic boy, likes things to stay the same. He knows how many steps it is from school to home and, to him, that is normal. He knows all the answers in math. That is normal. The strange giant television screens that are being put up all over are making him forget and that is not normal. Only the "defective" kids, those that are immune to the televisions, like Alex can save the world from becoming television watching zombies. What ensues is an interesting novel that shows how quickly technology could take over.
Losing Normal is not a post-apocalyptic novel. It shows the collapse of society by our rapidly advancing technology getting out of hand and beginning to think for itself.
This novel would be appropriate for those as young as middle school to read but it is an interesting story adults would enjoy too. I found it to be a quick, easy, enjoyable, and thought provoking read.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 3/14/19.
Losing Normal by Francis Moss is relatively short, less than 300 pages, but do not let the length fool you into thinking it does not have a lot to say. There is a lot of action in this short book.
Alex, a highly-functioning autistic boy, likes things to stay the same. He knows how many steps it is from school to home and, to him, that is normal. He knows all the answers in math. That is normal. The strange giant television screens that are being put up all over are making him forget and that is not normal. Only the "defective" kids, those that are immune to the televisions, like Alex can save the world from becoming television watching zombies. What ensues is an interesting novel that shows how quickly technology could take over.
Losing Normal is not a post-apocalyptic novel. It shows the collapse of society by our rapidly advancing technology getting out of hand and beginning to think for itself.
This novel would be appropriate for those as young as middle school to read but it is an interesting story adults would enjoy too. I found it to be a quick, easy, enjoyable, and thought provoking read.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 3/14/19.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Adrift (2018) in Movies
May 14, 2019
Sinking ship
#adriftmovie is an uninspiring & disjointed film that fails to stay afloat during its short run time. Have you ever seen the film #Allislost with #robertredford ? if the answer is no waste no time with Adrift & rush out & buy that instead right now, its a #masterpiece & #Adrift is the opposite. So why am I comparing the 2? well 'All Is Lost' not only has a similar story but it does everything Adrift fails at & does it exceptionally well. 'All is lost' manages to tell its tragic tail not only with actual #heart & #soul but fantastically without much dialog too, the cinematography is also stunning & the #bond it successfully helps us build with its main character is tremendous & emotionally powerful. Adrift manages none of this - its told out of chronological order which kills suspense & mystery as well as making the film feel messy, the acting isn't great but that could be down to the atrocious/laughably basic dialog, the #soundtrack makes the tone feel unbalanced & the green screen at times is appalling. Its an ok watch but at a short 1h 30m it drags & by the time we finally get to see the accident I'd lost interest completely. Its a shame because I like #SamClaflin as an actor & there was some nice camera work & some #lovely establishing shots. All in all is a big missed opportunity to give this #heartbreaking #truestory the film it deserves & in the end its a film that just ends up being below average at best. #odeon #odeonlimitless #mondaymotivation #ShaileneWoodley #boobs #movie #filmcritic #cinifile #sad #tragic #filmreview #love #beautiful
Eleanor (1463 KP) rated Three Hours in Books
Jan 1, 2020
This was an intense book dealing with some deep issues.
Covering a three-hour time span where a siege of a school in England occurs I fell short of getting as emotionally invested as I think I should have been.
The book jumps between multiple POVs with students, staff, police, and parents all focused on the unimaginably terrifying scenario of a school on lockdown and under attack. For a book that jumps straight into the action and only covers a short time period I really struggled to get into this one, itβs never good when I keep finding myself updating the shopping list mid-chapterβ¦... Although the jumps in POVs were clear and well written I just failed to become invested (or particularly interested in the characters.) I liked the mother of one of the students and her internal dialogue with her teenage son, it felt very genuine; but most others fell flat for me.
Iβm glad I persevered though as the second half picked up for me with more on the police and their investigation. The set up of such an attack in England that just happens to be when a snowstorm hits never quite jelled as a setting for me despite attempts to explain it all.
I feel this book tried to deal with too many hard-hitting topics, without managing to pull me in with the story leaving a feeling of having a slightly preachy tone.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGallry for the ARC.
Covering a three-hour time span where a siege of a school in England occurs I fell short of getting as emotionally invested as I think I should have been.
The book jumps between multiple POVs with students, staff, police, and parents all focused on the unimaginably terrifying scenario of a school on lockdown and under attack. For a book that jumps straight into the action and only covers a short time period I really struggled to get into this one, itβs never good when I keep finding myself updating the shopping list mid-chapterβ¦... Although the jumps in POVs were clear and well written I just failed to become invested (or particularly interested in the characters.) I liked the mother of one of the students and her internal dialogue with her teenage son, it felt very genuine; but most others fell flat for me.
Iβm glad I persevered though as the second half picked up for me with more on the police and their investigation. The set up of such an attack in England that just happens to be when a snowstorm hits never quite jelled as a setting for me despite attempts to explain it all.
I feel this book tried to deal with too many hard-hitting topics, without managing to pull me in with the story leaving a feeling of having a slightly preachy tone.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGallry for the ARC.