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Ali A (82 KP) rated We Deserve Monuments in Books
Dec 8, 2022
Trigger Warnings: Generational trauma, racism, mentions of alcoholism and verbal abuse, homophobia, character death
Avery Anderson’s life is uprooted when her family moves from Washington DC to Bardell, Georgia her senior year of high school to look after her maternal grandmother, Mama Letty, who’s in her final stages of cancer. Avery only remembers one visit with her grandmother, cut short by an argument, when she was very young. Bardell is a small town with only two high schools - one public, and one private, the latter being founded by one of the town’s many racist forefathers. Avery quickly gets adopted into the friendship of two girls: Simone Cole, Mama Letty’s next door neighbor, and Jade Oliver, a descendent of one of Bardell’s oldest families.
Avery’s relationship with her grandmother is far from easy. Mama Letty isn’t easy to get to know, especially when she only answers questions in grunts and gruffs. It also doesn’t help that the tension between her mother and grandmother is so thick you can cut it with a knife, but both of them are refusing to address it.
Avery sets out on trying to mend the broken and split relationship but there are events many are refusing to talk about. It isn’t until Mama Letty begins to open up to Avery about her past, that Avery is able to piece together her family history that was shaped by the town’s racist history. As more events come out of the shadows, Avery must decide if finding out the truth is worth damaging the relationships she’s built in Bardell, or if some things are better left buried.
I absolutely loved and adored this book very much. Jas Hammonds masterfully tells this layered story of a young woman finding out about her family’s past within a novel that’s about generational trauma and racism. The amount of trauma the three generations of women must peel back is constantly met with tension. The story is hard to read at times, especially when you’re reading about Mama Letty’s past and the town’s racism, but this book wrapped its arms around me and refused to let go until the Harding family’s story is told.
Alongside Avery finding out about her family’s past, the relationship between Simone and Avery grows deeper and the way the two of them find their footing to their sexuality was well written. I wish I had grown up with a place like The Renaissance where you were accepted no matter what.
Overall, this novel is going to be one I’m going to talk about for months to come. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, hopeful, and captivating. Any readers who love reading about family and their dynamics, relationships, and hope will really enjoy this book.
*Thank you Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for an electronic version of this book in exchange for an honest review
Avery Anderson’s life is uprooted when her family moves from Washington DC to Bardell, Georgia her senior year of high school to look after her maternal grandmother, Mama Letty, who’s in her final stages of cancer. Avery only remembers one visit with her grandmother, cut short by an argument, when she was very young. Bardell is a small town with only two high schools - one public, and one private, the latter being founded by one of the town’s many racist forefathers. Avery quickly gets adopted into the friendship of two girls: Simone Cole, Mama Letty’s next door neighbor, and Jade Oliver, a descendent of one of Bardell’s oldest families.
Avery’s relationship with her grandmother is far from easy. Mama Letty isn’t easy to get to know, especially when she only answers questions in grunts and gruffs. It also doesn’t help that the tension between her mother and grandmother is so thick you can cut it with a knife, but both of them are refusing to address it.
Avery sets out on trying to mend the broken and split relationship but there are events many are refusing to talk about. It isn’t until Mama Letty begins to open up to Avery about her past, that Avery is able to piece together her family history that was shaped by the town’s racist history. As more events come out of the shadows, Avery must decide if finding out the truth is worth damaging the relationships she’s built in Bardell, or if some things are better left buried.
I absolutely loved and adored this book very much. Jas Hammonds masterfully tells this layered story of a young woman finding out about her family’s past within a novel that’s about generational trauma and racism. The amount of trauma the three generations of women must peel back is constantly met with tension. The story is hard to read at times, especially when you’re reading about Mama Letty’s past and the town’s racism, but this book wrapped its arms around me and refused to let go until the Harding family’s story is told.
Alongside Avery finding out about her family’s past, the relationship between Simone and Avery grows deeper and the way the two of them find their footing to their sexuality was well written. I wish I had grown up with a place like The Renaissance where you were accepted no matter what.
Overall, this novel is going to be one I’m going to talk about for months to come. It was beautiful, heartbreaking, hopeful, and captivating. Any readers who love reading about family and their dynamics, relationships, and hope will really enjoy this book.
*Thank you Roaring Brook Press and NetGalley for an electronic version of this book in exchange for an honest review
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Loving (2016) in Movies
Nov 8, 2017 (Updated Nov 8, 2017)
Rather stunning, poignant film
What makes this beautiful story so wonderful is the fact that it crosses boundaries in an unpretentious way. Based on a true story, there were ample chances to go over the top. However, there is no civil rights action, or major protestations, as portrayed in some other Hollywood films, keeping court scenes to a minimum.
The plot follows the real case Loving Vs. Virginia, in which a white man marries a black woman in the 1950's. At that time, interracial marriages were deemed illegal under segregation laws, and even the constitution. And in 1958, the couple were arrested after they secretly wed in Washington. They pleaded guilty and were forced to leave the state, banished for 25 years. But five years later, they return vowing to fight for their right to stay with each other, and now their three young children in the place which they call home.
The entire movie is quiet, and it is all conveyed through quite fantastic acting, subtle facial expressions, sounds, cinematography and minimal dialogue. The director makes the portrayal as accurate as possible - even posing scenes from real photographs posted in Life magazine at the time. And the tension from constantly keeping an eye out for authorities is palpable in Joel Edgerton's (Richard Loving) demeanour. It is a rare mainstream film that provokes frustration and rage without resorting to monologues or melodrama.
The plot follows the real case Loving Vs. Virginia, in which a white man marries a black woman in the 1950's. At that time, interracial marriages were deemed illegal under segregation laws, and even the constitution. And in 1958, the couple were arrested after they secretly wed in Washington. They pleaded guilty and were forced to leave the state, banished for 25 years. But five years later, they return vowing to fight for their right to stay with each other, and now their three young children in the place which they call home.
The entire movie is quiet, and it is all conveyed through quite fantastic acting, subtle facial expressions, sounds, cinematography and minimal dialogue. The director makes the portrayal as accurate as possible - even posing scenes from real photographs posted in Life magazine at the time. And the tension from constantly keeping an eye out for authorities is palpable in Joel Edgerton's (Richard Loving) demeanour. It is a rare mainstream film that provokes frustration and rage without resorting to monologues or melodrama.
stacey (81 KP) rated Don't Breathe (2016) in Movies
May 18, 2017
the twists (5 more)
gripping
lethal game of cat and mouse
terrifying heart pounding moments
engrossing character
tension snapping scenes
I just need you for 9 months than you can leave
OHHHH Roseys back with the terrible spelling .. just bare with me LOL
So two people told me to watch this movie, Oh my god am i happy that i listened. So i love horror let just get that out there but i don't like the new horror, for me it's boring and i'm not scared, it's all about the paranormal; i want something more realistic, i definitely got it with Don't Breathe.
One thing i really enjoyed about this movie was it was so eerie calm at some moments than it was like a massive explosion went off, it was terrifying and i loved every second of it
I also had headphones on so that could be why as well!
This movie had so many twists and turns i had a idea on how the movie was going to go but than it did a 360 and i had no idea and i was so intrigued, one thing that kinda odd to me was how the hell did that man move that fast in his house. hes blind.. or maybe that just made the rest of his senses like super in a way? could have also been because its "his" house and he knows it well enough.
Photo creds to google!
So two people told me to watch this movie, Oh my god am i happy that i listened. So i love horror let just get that out there but i don't like the new horror, for me it's boring and i'm not scared, it's all about the paranormal; i want something more realistic, i definitely got it with Don't Breathe.
One thing i really enjoyed about this movie was it was so eerie calm at some moments than it was like a massive explosion went off, it was terrifying and i loved every second of it
I also had headphones on so that could be why as well!
This movie had so many twists and turns i had a idea on how the movie was going to go but than it did a 360 and i had no idea and i was so intrigued, one thing that kinda odd to me was how the hell did that man move that fast in his house. hes blind.. or maybe that just made the rest of his senses like super in a way? could have also been because its "his" house and he knows it well enough.
Photo creds to google!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2478 KP) rated True Fiction in Books
Apr 20, 2018
I Truly Enjoyed This Book, and that’s Not Fiction
When terrorists take control of a plane leaving Hawaii and crash it into the island, the entire country is horrified. But none more so than thriller writer Ian Ludlow. You see, he had suggested just the twist on 9/11 that happened here to the CIA a few years back during a brainstorming session to help them come up with worst case scenarios. Within a few hours, Ian is certain that the CIA is out to kill him to silence him. Using every trick in the book – tricks he knows thanks to the books he’s written, Ian flees from his book tour in Seattle with his author escort, Margo French. Will the two be able to survive?
This book doesn’t waste a minute throwing us into this thrill ride and never lets up until we reach the climax. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next, and the book manages to wink at a few clinches of the genre along the way. Ian and Margo were good characters, and another we meet along the way walks the fine line of being a caricature without being unbelievable. Since this is a thriller, there is a bit more language, violence, and sex than in the books I normally read. There is plenty of humor here to help ease the tension. I already can’t wait for the sequel.
This book doesn’t waste a minute throwing us into this thrill ride and never lets up until we reach the climax. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next, and the book manages to wink at a few clinches of the genre along the way. Ian and Margo were good characters, and another we meet along the way walks the fine line of being a caricature without being unbelievable. Since this is a thriller, there is a bit more language, violence, and sex than in the books I normally read. There is plenty of humor here to help ease the tension. I already can’t wait for the sequel.
Merissa (13760 KP) rated Jewel Cave (Circles #3) in Books
Mar 5, 2019
Jewel Cave (Circles #3) by Elizabeth Noble
Jewel Cave is the third book in the Circles series, but you can quite easily read it as a standalone as I did. The story focuses Clint and Griff. They have been together for ten years, and are happy with each other. Griff is a US Marshall and Clint is a writer. They have their own issues to deal with, but the main story is about a writer friend of Clint's who goes waaaaay too far.
This was a great story I was really able to enjoy. With plenty of snippets into a writer's life, plus the procedural side of things, there was always something happening for me to get to grips with. I loved how Clint was so strong all the way through, and yet proved himself to be human too. I thought how it was written for both him and Griff afterwards was completely believable, and certainly kept the tension going.
A fantastic read, full of intrigue and danger, with no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed. The pacing was smooth, and the transition from one scene to another was seamless. Thoroughly enjoyed every word, and definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
This was a great story I was really able to enjoy. With plenty of snippets into a writer's life, plus the procedural side of things, there was always something happening for me to get to grips with. I loved how Clint was so strong all the way through, and yet proved himself to be human too. I thought how it was written for both him and Griff afterwards was completely believable, and certainly kept the tension going.
A fantastic read, full of intrigue and danger, with no editing or grammatical errors that I noticed. The pacing was smooth, and the transition from one scene to another was seamless. Thoroughly enjoyed every word, and definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Retreat House in Books
Mar 15, 2019
THERES SOMEONE IN THE WOODS.
Holly leads her church's youth group, but many in the congregation believe she's too young to supervise the kids. When she finds out that shes pregnant, the pressure is on, and her secret love affair will start to show.
But thats the least of her troubles.
She organizes an overnight fellowship retreat on Pine Cliff Island off the coast of Maine, and six teenagers show up for a night of good clean fun. When the power abruptly goes out, no one notices until one of the teenagers returns with a knife wound.
Most of the resident island snowbirds have flown south, phone service is nonexistent, and a madman stalks the night. Holly is the only one who stands between terrified teens and a lurking maniac.
The race to survive long enough to escape may depend solely on teamwork and knowing who to trust.
This was an enjoyable read even though it had a few inconsistencies about it. The plot is a good premise and the characters are good.
I feel the tension in the plot but not sure the christian element was right for this or maybe a bit of fine tuning would have made this a fantastic read. All in all it is a good story and will look for more from the author.
I received this free from AXP books and this is my honest voluntary review.
Holly leads her church's youth group, but many in the congregation believe she's too young to supervise the kids. When she finds out that shes pregnant, the pressure is on, and her secret love affair will start to show.
But thats the least of her troubles.
She organizes an overnight fellowship retreat on Pine Cliff Island off the coast of Maine, and six teenagers show up for a night of good clean fun. When the power abruptly goes out, no one notices until one of the teenagers returns with a knife wound.
Most of the resident island snowbirds have flown south, phone service is nonexistent, and a madman stalks the night. Holly is the only one who stands between terrified teens and a lurking maniac.
The race to survive long enough to escape may depend solely on teamwork and knowing who to trust.
This was an enjoyable read even though it had a few inconsistencies about it. The plot is a good premise and the characters are good.
I feel the tension in the plot but not sure the christian element was right for this or maybe a bit of fine tuning would have made this a fantastic read. All in all it is a good story and will look for more from the author.
I received this free from AXP books and this is my honest voluntary review.
A journal in which you are given different activities to improve your happiness.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
The setup of Press Here! Acupressure for Beginners: How to Release and Balance Energy Flow by Bob Doto reminded me of the setup of Press Here! Massage for Beginners: A Simple Route to Relaxation and Releasing Tension by Rachel Beider. They both have colorful illustrations to highlight different parts of the body. They show different techniques for specific issues or different parts of the body. Both also show how to work on others and on yourself. Both are written for beginners but include beneficial information for those who are familiar with the activities.
I have always been interested in Acupuncture but have not experienced it. When I heard about Acupressure I was intrigued. I suffer from Sinusitis and other issues which this book focuses on. I am attempting to relieve some on the pain and, hopefully, to save money on doctor's visit.
I had difficulty reading the ebook. The print was small and, when zoomed in, the page would go blank. I eventually took a screenshots so I could zoom in to make the print large enough to read comfortably. Some of the fonts were blurry even when not zoomed it. However, the information I learned was worth the hassle.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/18/19.
The setup of Press Here! Acupressure for Beginners: How to Release and Balance Energy Flow by Bob Doto reminded me of the setup of Press Here! Massage for Beginners: A Simple Route to Relaxation and Releasing Tension by Rachel Beider. They both have colorful illustrations to highlight different parts of the body. They show different techniques for specific issues or different parts of the body. Both also show how to work on others and on yourself. Both are written for beginners but include beneficial information for those who are familiar with the activities.
I have always been interested in Acupuncture but have not experienced it. When I heard about Acupressure I was intrigued. I suffer from Sinusitis and other issues which this book focuses on. I am attempting to relieve some on the pain and, hopefully, to save money on doctor's visit.
I had difficulty reading the ebook. The print was small and, when zoomed in, the page would go blank. I eventually took a screenshots so I could zoom in to make the print large enough to read comfortably. Some of the fonts were blurry even when not zoomed it. However, the information I learned was worth the hassle.
Review published on Philomathinphila.com on 3/18/19.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Myths and Mortals in Books
Apr 8, 2019
*** Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
The follow-up to Smoke and Summons continues straight on. Sandis is no longer connected to her demon of choice, but is safe and free from the (presumed dead) Kazen. Rone is still separated from his mother and running out of time to cross the border and escape the troubled country.
The story focuses more on the characters' feelings than before (where the first book was largely aimless wandering and fighting), with Sandis torn between staying with the only family she has (her estranged uncle) and knowing that he is using her for her powers, as her former master had done. Rone is desperate to escape the country but cannot bear to be parted from Sandis, and there is unspoken tension between them.
The book sees more of the underworld of the city explored as the main characters team up with some undesirables to try and overcome their main enemy.
There are some typical twists and turns along the way, most of which are fairly predictable. The action sequences are good, but I found myself speed-reading the final quarter just to get finished.
A decent story and even though short feels like it could have been edited a bit more. I think I will read the concluding part when it is released, as the ending of this book teased what could be some excited conflicts.
The follow-up to Smoke and Summons continues straight on. Sandis is no longer connected to her demon of choice, but is safe and free from the (presumed dead) Kazen. Rone is still separated from his mother and running out of time to cross the border and escape the troubled country.
The story focuses more on the characters' feelings than before (where the first book was largely aimless wandering and fighting), with Sandis torn between staying with the only family she has (her estranged uncle) and knowing that he is using her for her powers, as her former master had done. Rone is desperate to escape the country but cannot bear to be parted from Sandis, and there is unspoken tension between them.
The book sees more of the underworld of the city explored as the main characters team up with some undesirables to try and overcome their main enemy.
There are some typical twists and turns along the way, most of which are fairly predictable. The action sequences are good, but I found myself speed-reading the final quarter just to get finished.
A decent story and even though short feels like it could have been edited a bit more. I think I will read the concluding part when it is released, as the ending of this book teased what could be some excited conflicts.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Tag (2018) in Movies
May 14, 2019
Lag
#tag is a drag of a movie that takes a cool concept & does nothing exciting with it at all. #tagmovie from the #trailer looked quite a #fun & #original #film so it was to my surprise when I found myself 40 minutes in without #laughing or with a desire to continue watching. My biggest problem with this movie was I found experiencing it boring/bland & ultimately I was confused as to why a film about such a fun & exciting game was failing to hold my attention so much. Maybe it was the unlikable characters, the non believable relationships, the childish repetitive humour & over used weed #jokes, the silly thoughtless set pieces, the constant plot holes & the lack of any omph/urgency or tension (thus not allowing us to feel the excitement we did when playing this game as a kids). They even have a character around that follows the main ones about that just constantly spurts out exposition & gives a reason to explain the games rules which is exhaustingly monotonous. All in all Tag felt like they made it all up as they went along, not much happens & when it does its #dumb/pointless & just a really uninteresting watch & a big missed opportunity. Overall I can't recommend Tag at all & would of rather took my chances with #patrick instead. #odeonlimitless #odeon #sundayfunday #weekend #cinifile #moviecritic #hot #funny #silly #jeremyrenner #edhelms #islafisher #comedy #moviereview #truestory #game #school #review #playground #stupid
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Finding Grace in Books
May 22, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
Finding Grace is an emotional thriller with twists along the way to keep you engaged and a fairly fast pace makes this almost unputdownable.
Lucie and Blake are a happy couple with two children, Grace is having her ninth birthday when we strat this journey and she is pushing the boundaries wanting to be able to walk home from her friends house just down the road by herself. After much persuasion she is allowed but even though safety measures have been put in place Grace disappears in thin air.
WOW!! I don't know where to start doing this one... I was utterly blown away with this. I went into this one thinking it was going to be a straight forward missing child story-line but this one was so much more than that. This has some wonderful twists and turns with this plot. I won't give any spoilers away on this.
This author is just amazing and her characters are so developed you just feel you are right there with them. The tension and plot just keeps building from the very beginning. This will definitely keep you wondering and guessing to the very end!
This is a superb psychological read that you won't want to miss!! I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Finding Grace is an emotional thriller with twists along the way to keep you engaged and a fairly fast pace makes this almost unputdownable.
Lucie and Blake are a happy couple with two children, Grace is having her ninth birthday when we strat this journey and she is pushing the boundaries wanting to be able to walk home from her friends house just down the road by herself. After much persuasion she is allowed but even though safety measures have been put in place Grace disappears in thin air.
WOW!! I don't know where to start doing this one... I was utterly blown away with this. I went into this one thinking it was going to be a straight forward missing child story-line but this one was so much more than that. This has some wonderful twists and turns with this plot. I won't give any spoilers away on this.
This author is just amazing and her characters are so developed you just feel you are right there with them. The tension and plot just keeps building from the very beginning. This will definitely keep you wondering and guessing to the very end!
This is a superb psychological read that you won't want to miss!! I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.