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LucyB (47 KP) rated Three Daughters of Eve in Books
Jul 23, 2017
Powerful, thought-provoking story
I was really happy to receive Three Daughters of Eve on Netgalley, as I'd recently read an interview with the author and thought the book sounded fascinating.
It certainly lived up to expectations. The book is set both in the past and the present, focusing on Peri as a student in Oxford, and as a wealthy wife (14 years later) in Istanbul. It starts with something of a red herring, focusing on Peri's attack (and almost rape) by a beggar, then develops into an exploration of her past, as a Turkish Muslim at Oxford University.
She's flanked by Shirin, a non-believer, and Mona, a devout Muslim - making them 'the sinner, the believer and the confused'. They're united by a man called Professor Azur, who has a major influence in their lives, both positive and negative.
The book is an intriguing exploration into religion, belief and culture-clash - and in particular, the scenes detailing Peri's past, with a non-believing father and a devout mother, worked particularly well. A few moments jarred slightly - for example, the sudden revelation about the twin brother towards the end, and the abrupt shift in perspective from Peri to Professor Azur (again, towards the end), but for the most part, this book was masterfully executed and beautifully sustained throughout.
I think Shafak has a strong, resonant style, combined with a philosophical approach - which works really well. I'd definitely like to read more of her books
It certainly lived up to expectations. The book is set both in the past and the present, focusing on Peri as a student in Oxford, and as a wealthy wife (14 years later) in Istanbul. It starts with something of a red herring, focusing on Peri's attack (and almost rape) by a beggar, then develops into an exploration of her past, as a Turkish Muslim at Oxford University.
She's flanked by Shirin, a non-believer, and Mona, a devout Muslim - making them 'the sinner, the believer and the confused'. They're united by a man called Professor Azur, who has a major influence in their lives, both positive and negative.
The book is an intriguing exploration into religion, belief and culture-clash - and in particular, the scenes detailing Peri's past, with a non-believing father and a devout mother, worked particularly well. A few moments jarred slightly - for example, the sudden revelation about the twin brother towards the end, and the abrupt shift in perspective from Peri to Professor Azur (again, towards the end), but for the most part, this book was masterfully executed and beautifully sustained throughout.
I think Shafak has a strong, resonant style, combined with a philosophical approach - which works really well. I'd definitely like to read more of her books
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Cloudland in Books
Jan 15, 2018
So I'm still not quite sure what to make of this book. The language used in it's writing was very poetic & descriptive. I enjoyed that aspect of it a great deal. My real issue with it was the plot. For being a murder/suspense/crime novel, it sure didn't move very quickly. I wasn't kept on the edge of my seat as I usually expect from novels that fall into this category. The "edge of my seat-ness" didn't happen for me until about the last 40 pages or so. :(
This book tells the story of a former New York Times writer & teacher who loses her adjunct professorship because she becomes romanitcally involved with a student. She is asked to leave the university & eventually settles in upstate Vermont in a rural area called Cloudland. While walking home from a neighboor's house, she comes upon the body of a woman who has been missing for months. From there you a sprung into the middle of an investigation of a group of murders taking place in the area & the manhunt for the killer...
...except you aren't really thrown into the middle of it. The writing is good, but I always felt like a bit of an outsider looking in, instead of being put in the middle of the action. The minor twists & turns that came up in the plot felt forced & insignificant to the work as a whole. Was it a bad book, no not at all. I just wasn't swept away with it by any means.
This book tells the story of a former New York Times writer & teacher who loses her adjunct professorship because she becomes romanitcally involved with a student. She is asked to leave the university & eventually settles in upstate Vermont in a rural area called Cloudland. While walking home from a neighboor's house, she comes upon the body of a woman who has been missing for months. From there you a sprung into the middle of an investigation of a group of murders taking place in the area & the manhunt for the killer...
...except you aren't really thrown into the middle of it. The writing is good, but I always felt like a bit of an outsider looking in, instead of being put in the middle of the action. The minor twists & turns that came up in the plot felt forced & insignificant to the work as a whole. Was it a bad book, no not at all. I just wasn't swept away with it by any means.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Hit the Ground Running in Books
May 10, 2018
Eric Bakker has just received a cryptic message from his brother, Michael, about the disappearance of their parents. Now Michael is also missing, but who can Eric trust to help him with all of this. Michael says to trust no one. Eric is away at boarding school and hasn't made too many friends. What is he going to do to find his family?
Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Moon Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Hit the Ground Running had me hooked from the start. I read almost 1/2 the book on the first day. This is a faced paced novel that leaves you wanting more. Imagine your parents dumping you in a boarding school in Canada for no good reason and uprooting you from the home you've always known. Eric isn't sure why his family made the move to Canada or why he has to go to this school. He tries to stick to himself as much as possible. But when he needs help to find his family, who can he trust to help him. While contemplating his situation, he runs into Tess another student from the school, and she thinks she may have a way to help him. Can he trust her? Will he be able to find his brother and his parents before it's too late?
This is the first book in a trilogy. The end leaves you hanging so you will want to read the next book. I can't wait for it to be released.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Moon Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Hit the Ground Running had me hooked from the start. I read almost 1/2 the book on the first day. This is a faced paced novel that leaves you wanting more. Imagine your parents dumping you in a boarding school in Canada for no good reason and uprooting you from the home you've always known. Eric isn't sure why his family made the move to Canada or why he has to go to this school. He tries to stick to himself as much as possible. But when he needs help to find his family, who can he trust to help him. While contemplating his situation, he runs into Tess another student from the school, and she thinks she may have a way to help him. Can he trust her? Will he be able to find his brother and his parents before it's too late?
This is the first book in a trilogy. The end leaves you hanging so you will want to read the next book. I can't wait for it to be released.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2322 KP) rated The Scent of Murder in Books
May 8, 2019
This Debut Smells Like a Winner
Jazz Ramsey is working on training Luther, a cadaver dog, in a construction site in her native Cleveland. She has already planted something for him to find, but Luther indicates a find in a completely different room. Sure enough, he’s found a body. Even worse, it is the body of a former student at the all-girls school where Jazz works. Jazz’s former boyfriend Nick has been assigned the case, and Jazz knows it is in good hands. But she still can’t help but wonder what it was that lead the girl to her death. As she begins poking around, she begins to uncover secrets. Can she find out what got the young woman killed?
I’ve enjoyed several other books by Kylie Logan in the past, so I am not surprised I enjoyed this one. But I am surprised by just how much I enjoyed it. This is a little more serious than some of her other books, but that is no reason not to pick up the book. The characters are compelling; even those we don’t spend much time with come across as real. Jazz herself is fully formed and a wonderful main character. The plot is strong with a steady helping of twists and clues to guide us to the logical conclusion. The writing makes Cleveland come alive without distracting from the characters or the plot in any way. This is a solid debut that already has me anxious for more.
I’ve enjoyed several other books by Kylie Logan in the past, so I am not surprised I enjoyed this one. But I am surprised by just how much I enjoyed it. This is a little more serious than some of her other books, but that is no reason not to pick up the book. The characters are compelling; even those we don’t spend much time with come across as real. Jazz herself is fully formed and a wonderful main character. The plot is strong with a steady helping of twists and clues to guide us to the logical conclusion. The writing makes Cleveland come alive without distracting from the characters or the plot in any way. This is a solid debut that already has me anxious for more.
Kyera (8 KP) rated Batgirl, Volume 2: Son of Penguin in Books
Feb 1, 2018
I fell in love with Babs again when her story was reintroduced in DC's New 52 and she got a costume redesign. As much as I enjoyed Gail Simone's run, it was the collaboration of Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher and Babs Tarr that pulled me back in. I became obsessed with the new costume and loved Babs Tarr's art style. I adored issues 35-52, but then there was another change with DC Rebirth and Batgirl left Burnside. I was not quite as invested in the first few issues (plus I didn't enjoy the art), but that was soon remedied with the introduction of Penguin's son.
The story arc contained in Volume 2: Son of Penguin felt more like the New 52 Batgirl I fell in love with, again. Although the plot was predictable at times, it will still enjoyable. Both Hope Larson's writing and the talents of the artists gave me hope that Batgirl's run will continue to improve. As she is my favourite female superhero (other than Wonder Woman, I truly couldn't choose) I cannot wait to see where this team takes her story.
I would definitely recommend her Batgirl of Burnside arc from the New 52 and her new story in Rebirth to fans of comics and interesting female characters. I may also be biased because in this iteration she is a grad school student who is currently studying to become a librarian, which is exactly what I am doing - so I feel like we are kindred spirits, or twins. Whatever.
The story arc contained in Volume 2: Son of Penguin felt more like the New 52 Batgirl I fell in love with, again. Although the plot was predictable at times, it will still enjoyable. Both Hope Larson's writing and the talents of the artists gave me hope that Batgirl's run will continue to improve. As she is my favourite female superhero (other than Wonder Woman, I truly couldn't choose) I cannot wait to see where this team takes her story.
I would definitely recommend her Batgirl of Burnside arc from the New 52 and her new story in Rebirth to fans of comics and interesting female characters. I may also be biased because in this iteration she is a grad school student who is currently studying to become a librarian, which is exactly what I am doing - so I feel like we are kindred spirits, or twins. Whatever.
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated The Student in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Wow, well this really wasnt what I was expecting. I thought this was going to be a little mysterious but it wasnt in the slightest. It was just hardcore, gritty Australian crime.
This one is seriously dark and graphic. Im not really into the gritty sex, gritty crime kind of books, so a lot of this one wasnt really my cup of tea. We follow around a student drug dealer whose friend, and supplier, has gone missing. What ensues is a long journey of some seriously gruesome discoveries. While, of course, this book has a plot, its one of those books that also feels like it has no plot. It concludes itself, but it doesnt really finish.
I enjoyed the way it was written. The snappy sentences and the minimal descriptions, it felt right for this book. It definitely wasnt the best written book in the world, but it did what it needed to do and it did it quite well.
As for characters, theres no one to like in this book and I think thats intentional. I mean, dont me wrong, I did empathise with Nate in some parts but he wasnt a likeable guy.
In the end, this one just kind of depressed me and was reminiscent of Sarah by JT LeRoy in its brutal darkness. I think maybe the synopsis needs to be changed because it definitely sounds like a completely different novel to the one I just finished.
This one is seriously dark and graphic. Im not really into the gritty sex, gritty crime kind of books, so a lot of this one wasnt really my cup of tea. We follow around a student drug dealer whose friend, and supplier, has gone missing. What ensues is a long journey of some seriously gruesome discoveries. While, of course, this book has a plot, its one of those books that also feels like it has no plot. It concludes itself, but it doesnt really finish.
I enjoyed the way it was written. The snappy sentences and the minimal descriptions, it felt right for this book. It definitely wasnt the best written book in the world, but it did what it needed to do and it did it quite well.
As for characters, theres no one to like in this book and I think thats intentional. I mean, dont me wrong, I did empathise with Nate in some parts but he wasnt a likeable guy.
In the end, this one just kind of depressed me and was reminiscent of Sarah by JT LeRoy in its brutal darkness. I think maybe the synopsis needs to be changed because it definitely sounds like a completely different novel to the one I just finished.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Animal Planet Farm Animals (Animal Bites Series) in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
Animal Planet Farm Animals by Animal Planet is a book that the whole family can read and enjoy. It is informative but the pictures are what really draws the child in to the book. Through reading this book the reader will learn about all sorts of farm animals from around the world.
The information is just perfect of a child to enjoy the facts without being overwhelmed. In fact, the facts draw any reader, even reluctant readers into the information. The pictures are high quality with bright and vibrant colors. Both the information and the pictures have a wonderful balance that make the book interesting and enjoyable.
The book describes many aspects of Farm Life in an enjoyable and interesting way. This isa great addition to a school library or home library for kids to learn about farm animals, life on the farm, and showing animals at the fair (the list could go on). Through reading, the reader learns about habitats, adaptation, and family life for animals.
I really like the special sections that included unique animal facts, kids-friendly infographics and the illustrated map of the earth to teach where the animals lives in the world. This book will allow for further discussion and research since it gets the student excited about animals where they want to know more.
I would love to have this book in my classroom library.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Animal Planet Farm Animals by Animal Planet is a book that the whole family can read and enjoy. It is informative but the pictures are what really draws the child in to the book. Through reading this book the reader will learn about all sorts of farm animals from around the world.
The information is just perfect of a child to enjoy the facts without being overwhelmed. In fact, the facts draw any reader, even reluctant readers into the information. The pictures are high quality with bright and vibrant colors. Both the information and the pictures have a wonderful balance that make the book interesting and enjoyable.
The book describes many aspects of Farm Life in an enjoyable and interesting way. This isa great addition to a school library or home library for kids to learn about farm animals, life on the farm, and showing animals at the fair (the list could go on). Through reading, the reader learns about habitats, adaptation, and family life for animals.
I really like the special sections that included unique animal facts, kids-friendly infographics and the illustrated map of the earth to teach where the animals lives in the world. This book will allow for further discussion and research since it gets the student excited about animals where they want to know more.
I would love to have this book in my classroom library.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Becs (244 KP) rated Final Draft in Books
Oct 29, 2019
MC overshadowed plot (2 more)
secondary characters were dry
self-hatred pushed onto others
Not my favorite read
You can also find this review on my blog: bookingwayreads.wordpress.com
I listened to the audiobook of Final Draft and it was honestly not my favorite. The whole thing was out of order and there were a variety of things that made me extremely uncomfortable with the plot.
Firstly, the relationship between Laila and Mr. Madison was a massive cringe-fest. It crossed a lot of lines, not sexual in any way, but it went from a professional student-teacher relationship to something more personal. Laila would email Mr. Madison things that just shouldn’t have been said to a teacher. It made the rest of the book awfully weird.
It was also difficult to relate to Laila as she seemed to overshadow the plot of the story more than was needed. Many of her actions were selfish and she projected self-hatred onto others. The secondary characters weren’t even fleshed out and the relationships between each of the characters were poorly written. The plot didn’t even stick with the whole creative writing aspect and was mainly more drama than anything else.
The ending was rushed and too much happened within the last few pages. Although Laila does explore her sexuality, she never officially comes out. There was a lot of female body positivity which is really nice to see in a book! But I feel that was about the only thing going for this story.
I listened to the audiobook of Final Draft and it was honestly not my favorite. The whole thing was out of order and there were a variety of things that made me extremely uncomfortable with the plot.
Firstly, the relationship between Laila and Mr. Madison was a massive cringe-fest. It crossed a lot of lines, not sexual in any way, but it went from a professional student-teacher relationship to something more personal. Laila would email Mr. Madison things that just shouldn’t have been said to a teacher. It made the rest of the book awfully weird.
It was also difficult to relate to Laila as she seemed to overshadow the plot of the story more than was needed. Many of her actions were selfish and she projected self-hatred onto others. The secondary characters weren’t even fleshed out and the relationships between each of the characters were poorly written. The plot didn’t even stick with the whole creative writing aspect and was mainly more drama than anything else.
The ending was rushed and too much happened within the last few pages. Although Laila does explore her sexuality, she never officially comes out. There was a lot of female body positivity which is really nice to see in a book! But I feel that was about the only thing going for this story.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Book of Monsters (2018) in Movies
Jan 21, 2020
At its best, Book of Monsters is really silly, and it knows it. It's not trying to be anymore than it is, and it has a sort of low budget charm to it.
At its worst, it feels like a tiny step up from a run of the mill student film, cringey acting and all.
It's not fair to shit on BoM too much. It's important to remember that it started life as a Kickstarter project, from Stewart Sparke, the director of the similarly low rent The Creature Below.
It was made on a micro-budget, and as such has a cheap look to it. But the movies tongue-in-cheek approach and semi-inspired creature designs make it more enjoyable than expected! Everyone involved seems to be having a great time, the (intentionally?) awful script still managed to make me laugh here and there, and there's enough silly gore to satisfy fans of the genre.
That being said, the acting isn't great from anybody, even if it is a bit of fun. The pacing is questionable, and there are several awkward silences littered throughout which are quite cringey. There's nothing wrong with going for silly campy horror-schlock, but its been done before and much better (although admittedly, on higher budgets!)
I won't be watching it again anytime soon, but I'd say it's worth checking out the once just to experience the sheer silliness of it all. It would be nice to see what this team could do with proper funding.
At its worst, it feels like a tiny step up from a run of the mill student film, cringey acting and all.
It's not fair to shit on BoM too much. It's important to remember that it started life as a Kickstarter project, from Stewart Sparke, the director of the similarly low rent The Creature Below.
It was made on a micro-budget, and as such has a cheap look to it. But the movies tongue-in-cheek approach and semi-inspired creature designs make it more enjoyable than expected! Everyone involved seems to be having a great time, the (intentionally?) awful script still managed to make me laugh here and there, and there's enough silly gore to satisfy fans of the genre.
That being said, the acting isn't great from anybody, even if it is a bit of fun. The pacing is questionable, and there are several awkward silences littered throughout which are quite cringey. There's nothing wrong with going for silly campy horror-schlock, but its been done before and much better (although admittedly, on higher budgets!)
I won't be watching it again anytime soon, but I'd say it's worth checking out the once just to experience the sheer silliness of it all. It would be nice to see what this team could do with proper funding.
Handwriting Without Tears: Wet-Dry-Try for Capitals, Numbers & Lowercase
Education and Games
8.0
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Make handwriting practice fun! With Wet-Dry-Try, children learn and practice correct formation...