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ClareR (5841 KP) rated The End of the Ocean in Books
Nov 6, 2019
The End of the Ocean by Maja Lunde is Climate Fiction (Cli-Fi) at its best and most stark. At its best, because everything that happens feels as though they are the reasonable consequences of what we are predicted now; most stark, because this is truly a terrible version of the future.
In the present day(2019), 69 year old environmental activist Signe discovers that her home town, and in particular her ex-boyfriend, is responsible for cutting up and shipping off ice from their glacier to sell to the rich, so that they can have glacial ice in their expensive cocktails. She decides to sabotage the shipment, and steals some of it - or what she can carry in her boat. She sails her ship through a terrible storm with the intention of taking it to the person responsible.
In 2041, David and his daughter Lou, arrive at a refugee camp after escaping from war and fire in their French home. There is little water and food, but David is hopeful that his wife and infant son (who they’ve been separated from) will be there or arrive soon.
The two stories are linked when David and Lou find Signe’s boat in the garden of one of the abandoned houses.
This is such a powerful book. It takes current scientific research and arrives at the extreme end of its prediction: drought, famine and war. I had to read it in short chunks, because I found the story so moving and intensely depressing, to be honest. It doesn’t feel exaggerated: I didn’t read it thinking “Well that would NEVER happen”. It’s all too plausible, in fact. I really liked how the two stories ran parallel to one another and joined up in the latter half of the book, with the boat as some sort of symbol of hope.
It’s not all depressing though. There is an element of hope, and we see the enduring strength of the human spirit. I have The History of Bees on my bookshelf, which I will read now - and I’ll definitely look out for the third in this quartet of books.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK for my copy of this book.
In the present day(2019), 69 year old environmental activist Signe discovers that her home town, and in particular her ex-boyfriend, is responsible for cutting up and shipping off ice from their glacier to sell to the rich, so that they can have glacial ice in their expensive cocktails. She decides to sabotage the shipment, and steals some of it - or what she can carry in her boat. She sails her ship through a terrible storm with the intention of taking it to the person responsible.
In 2041, David and his daughter Lou, arrive at a refugee camp after escaping from war and fire in their French home. There is little water and food, but David is hopeful that his wife and infant son (who they’ve been separated from) will be there or arrive soon.
The two stories are linked when David and Lou find Signe’s boat in the garden of one of the abandoned houses.
This is such a powerful book. It takes current scientific research and arrives at the extreme end of its prediction: drought, famine and war. I had to read it in short chunks, because I found the story so moving and intensely depressing, to be honest. It doesn’t feel exaggerated: I didn’t read it thinking “Well that would NEVER happen”. It’s all too plausible, in fact. I really liked how the two stories ran parallel to one another and joined up in the latter half of the book, with the boat as some sort of symbol of hope.
It’s not all depressing though. There is an element of hope, and we see the enduring strength of the human spirit. I have The History of Bees on my bookshelf, which I will read now - and I’ll definitely look out for the third in this quartet of books.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK for my copy of this book.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Florence Foster Jenkins (2016) in Movies
Aug 15, 2017
Lighthearted at times, quite sad actually, but all a ball of fluff in the end
The story of Florence Foster Jenkins is ambivalent. On the one hand, it shows how money can buy anything, and the upper class privileges that allow anyone to get away with anything. At the same time, you feel sorry for FFJ because she's extremely ill, alone, and she sings terribly, because why the hell not? From being a piano prodigy to contracting syphilis on her wedding night by her ex-husband that destroyed her ability to play let alone hear the pitch of her own voice - so in the end you feel sympathy for her. After that, you witness the brilliant performance of Meryl Streep, who is actually a good singer in reality, having to sing in the most terrible tones possible. Hugh Grant, as per usual, is a sap because that's the only role he knows how to play. Overall, a bit of lighthearted fluff.
Sarah (7799 KP) rated The Blue Nowhere in Books
Feb 2, 2019
An interesting take on hacking, with disappointing twists
I don’t think I’ve ever read such a detailed book about hacking before, so for me at least this part of the book was very interesting, even if I’m not entirely sure how possible it all is. Main character Wyatt is a decent main character for the most part, although him and the entire book in general did rather remind me of the Jack Reacher books - and not in a good way.
The plot was good and there were a lot of twists, but my issue was they were all fairly predictable or just downright disappointing. Around halfway through there is a ‘twist’ that was so shocking & unpredictable I loved it. Only to find out a few pages later that it wasn’t as it appeared, which is such a huge shame and I never really recovered throughout the rest of the book. It’s not a terrible book, it’s entertaining mostly but I think i was just expecting a lot more.
The plot was good and there were a lot of twists, but my issue was they were all fairly predictable or just downright disappointing. Around halfway through there is a ‘twist’ that was so shocking & unpredictable I loved it. Only to find out a few pages later that it wasn’t as it appeared, which is such a huge shame and I never really recovered throughout the rest of the book. It’s not a terrible book, it’s entertaining mostly but I think i was just expecting a lot more.
Fred (860 KP) rated I Spit on Your Grave (1978) in Movies
Mar 30, 2019
Expected more
Finally, after hearing about this movie from many websites & many online lists & such, I was able to see it for the first time, tonight. I was expecting a lot of blood & gore & a great revenge move. There was some gore, but not much & the revenge was just meh. It did not live up to the hype. A girl gets brutally raped by 4 men & then gets revenge on them. Yes, we've seen it before & better in films like "The Last House on the Left" & such. The rapists in this movie are very stupid & are easily fooled by the woman and they get there's. But I never felt they got it bad enough for their crime. The movie is very low budget looking, yet cost $650,000 somehow. The make-up effects were terrible. The supposed bruises on the actor's faces look like some rubbed some charcoal on them. The acting is not bad & may be better than "Last House", but it doesn't make up for the lackluster plot. I'm glad I finally saw this, knowing I won't have to see it again.
Mothergamer (1562 KP) rated Crazy Rich Asians (2018) in Movies
Jun 13, 2019
I did enjoy the movie for the characters and the story. The jokes were funny and I did find myself entertained. I also giggled at the aspects of the nosy aunties because my Filipino family is very much like that, always knowing your business or wanting to know. While I did like Nick, I found at times that he was rather a terrible boyfriend. For example, it seemed bad form to not tell Jessica that his family party would absolutely be a black tie affair or expecting her to be able to somehow get a ride to his house without really knowing where his family house was in another country. I know it's typical romantic comedy fare, but honestly if someone I was dating did that to me I would be pretty irritated with them. That being said, I did appreciate the movie for the engaging cast and the moments that had me smiling or laughing. It's a good, entertaining popcorn movie and has a lovely and cheerful optimism to it.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Duke Meets His Match in Books
Jan 18, 2018
I had a love hate relationship with the novel. The hate comes from my annoyance with the certain character traits. I dont enjoy the tortured heroes/heroines who push people away because they feel they dont deserve love or have done terrible things in the past. However, I loved the strong female lead and her willingness to take things into her own hands to get things done and the sassy male lead who didnt know what hit him. The hero actually ended up being one of my favorites to date particularly for his ability to realize he is not infallible and must correct his own wrongdoings/misconceptions.
Overall, it was an enjoyable novel. The pity parties got old, but I enjoyed watching the main couple fall in love. It was an easy kind of love that happened over time rather than forced. Not to mention the female lead had a brain on her shoulders. Always a plus in my book!
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Overall, it was an enjoyable novel. The pity parties got old, but I enjoyed watching the main couple fall in love. It was an easy kind of love that happened over time rather than forced. Not to mention the female lead had a brain on her shoulders. Always a plus in my book!
I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Rickstrong23 (216 KP) rated X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) in Movies
Mar 3, 2018
I love the xmen as a small kid i used to read the comics over and over .ive seen all the xmen movies this one is not that great not terrible but not awesome apocalypse is one of there most powerful characters .the last few movies with the new cast i really liked .first class and the one where they go back n forth in time.i really liked psylocke storm and death angel .but honestly they could have done better.the special effects were good.idk it needs something new .dark phoenix should be good .i dont rember seeing wolverine rouge (who is my fav)ice man .but just like the comics they constantly come and go.if u like xmen you will like this movie.i wish i could write a xmen movie team up with say spiderman and a crazy villian like mestphito (spelt wrong sorry)and throw in a love story gambit and rouge collousis and kitty pryde.some thing to give the movie character and feeling.cant wait for the next one
Lindsay (1735 KP) rated A Promise of Hope (Kauffman Amish Bakery, #2) in Books
Feb 15, 2018
Sarah was married to Peter Troyer and was expecting a child. Her husband worked at the Kauffman and Yodler Furniture store. There as an terrible fire at the furniture store and Peter died in it. Sarah is grieving for her husband and moves back in to her parents home. Her parents are trying to love and support their grieving daughter.She find out later that she is expecting twins and she is still sad for they will not know their dad.
Luke Troyer is shocked to find out that his family member is dead, and that he was still Amish, and that he had a family. Even more dismaying to Luke is the jealousy he feels because Peter had this wonderful family. He finds himself very attracted to Peter's widow, and is sure that is not a good thing, but he just cannot deny that attraction.
A wonderful story of how good can come from the ashes of sorrow and pain. Each book in this series just has you longing for the next one.
Luke Troyer is shocked to find out that his family member is dead, and that he was still Amish, and that he had a family. Even more dismaying to Luke is the jealousy he feels because Peter had this wonderful family. He finds himself very attracted to Peter's widow, and is sure that is not a good thing, but he just cannot deny that attraction.
A wonderful story of how good can come from the ashes of sorrow and pain. Each book in this series just has you longing for the next one.
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Animals (2019) in Movies
Jul 23, 2019
As sponsored by Jacob’s Creek.
Laura (Holliday Grainger) and Tyler (Alia Shawkat) are two late twenty-somethings partying their way to an early death through drink, drugs and lack of sleep in Dublin. They are co-habiting best friends, with Laura a hugely unsuccessful part-time novelist and Tyler a barista. But these “professions” are just to fill the day and provide cash (SURELY not enought!?) to fuel their nights. They are swimming against the current of convention, but when Laura falls for concert pianist Jim (Fra Fee), and ‘settling down’ starts to look like an option, then this begins to put a terrible strain on their friendship.
A well made film, but I just found all the characters hateful and unrelatable to. Didn't enjoy it.
For the full review, please visit One Mann's Movies on https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2019/07/18/one-manns-movies-film-review-animals-2019/.
A well made film, but I just found all the characters hateful and unrelatable to. Didn't enjoy it.
For the full review, please visit One Mann's Movies on https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2019/07/18/one-manns-movies-film-review-animals-2019/.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Let Me In (2010) in Movies
Jul 3, 2019
Let Her in
Contains spoilers, click to show
Let me in- is a remake of the 2008 swedish film called - let the right one in.
The story is about- Bullied at school, neglected at home and incredibly lonely, 12-year-old Owen spends his days plotting revenge on his tormentors and spends his nights spying on other residents of the apartment complex. His sole friend is Abby, a strange girl who comes out only at nighttime. Both outcasts, the two form a strong bond. When Abby's caretaker disappears amid a series of gruesome murders, Owen begins to suspect that she is hiding a terrible secret.
The cast was really good, chloe grace mortz, kodi smit-mcphee, richard jenkins and dylan minnette were all really great.
Matt reeves who directed "cloverfield", 2 years before directed this film. He went on to direct "dawn and war of the planet of the apes" and hes going to direct the upcoming "the batman" film in 2021.
Overall "let me in", is scary, haunted, sad, romantic and overall very good.
The story is about- Bullied at school, neglected at home and incredibly lonely, 12-year-old Owen spends his days plotting revenge on his tormentors and spends his nights spying on other residents of the apartment complex. His sole friend is Abby, a strange girl who comes out only at nighttime. Both outcasts, the two form a strong bond. When Abby's caretaker disappears amid a series of gruesome murders, Owen begins to suspect that she is hiding a terrible secret.
The cast was really good, chloe grace mortz, kodi smit-mcphee, richard jenkins and dylan minnette were all really great.
Matt reeves who directed "cloverfield", 2 years before directed this film. He went on to direct "dawn and war of the planet of the apes" and hes going to direct the upcoming "the batman" film in 2021.
Overall "let me in", is scary, haunted, sad, romantic and overall very good.