Who Gets What - and Why: Understand the Choices You Have, Improve the Choices You Make
Book
This book shows how our lives are shaped not only by the choices we make, but by the choices we...
Merissa (14013 KP) rated Slow Motion (Pet Play by the Lake) in Books
May 1, 2023
To be honest, it didn't work as well for me as some of the others. I get that 'real life' can get in the way of a relationship, but the time our two MCs spent apart was more than together, or so it felt. I also didn't get how Dale suddenly became a sloth and a boy. All it took was one comment and he's there. The whole relationship between Dale and Troy just felt a bit off, and that's not even taking into account how it ended with Leif!
The best part of this story were the Misfits. I loved each and every one of the characters and how they all came together.
I thought the premise of this story was a good one, with some brilliant characters, but I found the two main characters to be quite disappointing with their actions and behaviour.
And I still have absolutely no idea what a sloth does apart from hug people!
** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 1, 2023
How to Get a Grip: (Forget Namby-Pamby, Wishy-Washy, Self-Help Drivel. This is the Book You Need)
Book
You know the key to having more energy has nothing to do with crystals and chakras and everything to...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Shadow Study (The Chronicles of Ixia #7) in Books
Jun 11, 2020
Book
Shadow Study (Chronicles of Ixia book 4)
By Maria Snyder
Once, only her own life hung in the balance…
When Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. She survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia.
Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands—and protect her relationship with Valek.
Suddenly, though, dissent is rising. And Valek’s job—and his life—are in danger.
As Yelena tries to uncover her enemies, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked.And now she must find a way to keep not only herself but all that she holds dear alive.
This is the first one in this series I’ve struggled with! Usually I devour her books in one or two days this took 4 days not like me at all!! I knew from that first chapter the whole reason she lost her magic and it drove me crazy. Not sure some of Valek’s chapters were needed but I loved janco and Ari’s I did miss those two!! Nice to catch up with Opal and clan and it was still a very good read think It’s more a personal opinion on how I wanted this book to go. I’m not surprised about the commander and I worry about Valek confronting him! I enjoyed the last 10 chapters a lot more than the first 23!
James P. Sumner (65 KP) rated Gemini Man (2019) in Movies
Oct 11, 2019
When he finds out his last job wasn't all it seemed, he starts asking questions, which quickly prompts the agency to try and retire him themselves. We know from the trailers that a younger clone of himself is sent to kill him, and so begins a typical cat-and-mouse gunfight across the globe.
*sigh*
I was really disappointed with this film. It had so much potential - a strong lead with great support from Clive Owen (in fine antagonistic form), Benedict Wong (playing another Wong-esque character) and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (in a commanding, if at times a little bland, outing). But even a good turn from Mr. Smith can't stop it from ultimately becoming a victim of its own ambition.
The plot isn't especially original, but has a nice twist to it that sets it apart. However, it loses itself halfway through, becoming convoluted and indecipherable, seemingly even for the cast. Nothing feels like it has any meaning, and the promising start was soon forgotten in favour of one set piece after another.
And speaking of the set pieces, whilst the action and choreography is really good, the scenes with Will Smith vs. Will Smith (both fighting and talking) are ruined by poor CGI. It's too obviously computer-generated. To me, good CGI looks integrated into the real life scenes, but this stands out like a video game. The action scenes in particular are way too fast and unrealistic. It's like they're trying to recreate the gritty, hard-hitting pace and tone of the Bourne films, but end up with The Matrix being playing on fast forward.
Ang Lee is the kind of director who either wins big (see "Life Of Pi (2012)") or loses big (see "Hulk (2003)"). I don't know where the blame lies here. The script wasn't particularly bad. The direction was... okay. But nothing seemed to gel. It had all the right ingredients and should've been great, yet it fails in every aspect.
This could've been one of the year's best blockbusters... sadly, it's a forgettable tale that Will Smith will likely want wiping from his IMDB profile.
Perfect on Paper
Book
A bisexual girl who gives anonymous love advice to her school friends is hired by the hot new kid to...
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated To All the Boys I've Loved Before in Books
Dec 20, 2018
I loved almost every character in this book - even Lara's troublemaking best friend has a good heart. I definitely need to watch the Netflix show now, because I really want to see how Chris - aforementioned best friend - is represented!
The family scenes around Christmas really tugged at my heart - Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, and the author absolutely NAILED the nostalgic, slightly dreamy, loving holiday atmosphere.
To All The Boys I've Loved Before was a cute, sweet read, and really my only negative thing to say about it is the ending left me hanging! Which is part of why I really need to read the other two books, so I suppose it was a good strategy. But man I hate cliffhangers!
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.com
The Stranger In The Woods:The Extraordinary Story Of The Last True Hermit
Book
In 1986, a shy and intelligent twenty-year-old named Christopher Knight left his home in...
A Dog's Purpose
Book
This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog's search for his purpose over the course of...
The One Plus One
Book
Number one bestseller The One Plus One is the beautiful, poignant and utterly compelling new novel...



