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The Good GP Training Guide
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The Good GP Training Guide is a travel guide-style book for trainees in general practice. Written by...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2572 KP) rated The Plot is Murder in Books
Jul 14, 2021 (Updated Jul 14, 2021)
Interesting Idea, but Doesn’t Quite Work
Samantha Washington is pursuing not one but two lifelong dreams. She’s opening a mystery bookstore in the town of North Harbor, Michigan. But just days before the store is supposed to open, she finds the dead body of Clayton Parker behind the store. Clayton sold her the building, but he almost sabotaged the sale. Meanwhile, she starts writing a mystery of her own set in England in 1938. Will she solve the murder? How will the real-life murder influence the fictional murder?
I’ve been intrigued by this series with the story inside the story idea for a while, and I’ve heard good things about it from many others. Sadly, it didn’t completely work for me. With two stories and two sets of characters to develop, I felt like both were a bit underdeveloped. The ending of the historical mystery was weak, and it featured some abrupt character growth. Meanwhile, the modern mystery featured lots of summaries that were told to us, keeping me outside. On the other hand, I loved both sets of characters, and I did feel the modern mystery came to a good resolution. I had no trouble keeping the different sets of characters straight once I realized how close both murder victims’ names were, and there was also an obvious break between the two stories each time we switched. I can understand why others love this series as much as they do, but I wish it had focused on one story and developed that one story better.
I’ve been intrigued by this series with the story inside the story idea for a while, and I’ve heard good things about it from many others. Sadly, it didn’t completely work for me. With two stories and two sets of characters to develop, I felt like both were a bit underdeveloped. The ending of the historical mystery was weak, and it featured some abrupt character growth. Meanwhile, the modern mystery featured lots of summaries that were told to us, keeping me outside. On the other hand, I loved both sets of characters, and I did feel the modern mystery came to a good resolution. I had no trouble keeping the different sets of characters straight once I realized how close both murder victims’ names were, and there was also an obvious break between the two stories each time we switched. I can understand why others love this series as much as they do, but I wish it had focused on one story and developed that one story better.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Destined Dragons (Dragons of New York #3) in Books
Aug 7, 2020
144 of 200
Kindle
Destined Dragons ( New York dragons book 3)
By Terry Bolryder
Roxy is just a normal girl working hard to achieve her dreams. Until she saves someone's life, gets on the news, and winds up kidnapped by a group of mysterious men targeting brave-hearted women. Just when she's about to give up hope, two gorgeous men appear, rescue her and whisk her away to their castle-like mansion to keep her safe. It's all good, until the men claim to be dragon shifters who want her for their mate.
Sterling and Gentry are the powerful leaders of the New York dragons and still looking for the perfect mate. From the moment they meet the brave, independent, and curvy Roxy, they're sure she's the one for them. Now they just have to show her all the reasons she should be the mate of two sexy, capable dragon shifters who live for nothing but to please her, while keeping her safe from the men still stalking her.
But while things quickly get hot between Roxy and her sexy shifters, evil forces are also building to mount an attack. If the dragons want to protect Roxy from the most dangerous foes they've ever faced, they may have to make choices that could lose her forever.
The last of the anew stork dragons! We see the leader pair complete their triad! It was a quick read possibly could have had more depth but Overall it was ok! The series on a whole was good getting to know the dragon higheracy.
Kindle
Destined Dragons ( New York dragons book 3)
By Terry Bolryder
Roxy is just a normal girl working hard to achieve her dreams. Until she saves someone's life, gets on the news, and winds up kidnapped by a group of mysterious men targeting brave-hearted women. Just when she's about to give up hope, two gorgeous men appear, rescue her and whisk her away to their castle-like mansion to keep her safe. It's all good, until the men claim to be dragon shifters who want her for their mate.
Sterling and Gentry are the powerful leaders of the New York dragons and still looking for the perfect mate. From the moment they meet the brave, independent, and curvy Roxy, they're sure she's the one for them. Now they just have to show her all the reasons she should be the mate of two sexy, capable dragon shifters who live for nothing but to please her, while keeping her safe from the men still stalking her.
But while things quickly get hot between Roxy and her sexy shifters, evil forces are also building to mount an attack. If the dragons want to protect Roxy from the most dangerous foes they've ever faced, they may have to make choices that could lose her forever.
The last of the anew stork dragons! We see the leader pair complete their triad! It was a quick read possibly could have had more depth but Overall it was ok! The series on a whole was good getting to know the dragon higheracy.
365Flicks (235 KP) rated Pitching Tents (2017) in Movies
Nov 20, 2019
If you have ever taken the time to listen to our Podcast you will have figured out that I am a big fan of Kevin Smith, John Hughes, Cameron Crowe dialogue heavy story driven movies. Throw one of those coming of age end of summer type movies and ill eat them up like a bowl of Shreddies (Other cereals are available I just happen to be eating a bowl as I write this).
Pitching Tents is exactly this type of movie. Its 1984 its the end of the school year and Danny (Micheal Grant) has very little clue what he is going to do with his life past High School, before he has to really worry about any of that he is having one last weekend at Trout Camp with his buddies. However before his weekend can really begin he is cornered by over zealous guidance counselor Mr. Mulligan (Jim Norton) who has pretty much guaranteed Danny a place at a good college. Obviously though things are never that simple because Danny’s dad (Eric Allan Kramer) has gone to the liberty of securing him a job at the local factory.
Torn between his passion for Art and his desire to please his father, Danny has a tough life choice ahead of him. Of course that can wait because a weekend of smoking weed, contemplating life, trying to get laid lies ahead of Danny and his closest friends. You know standard Dazed and Confused territory.
You could argue that there is not really anything original here and you would right, we have seen these movies before and often done better. However I personally felt the Tug of War between Danny, his father and the Counselor is an interesting spin of the teen coming of age drama. Add to this the supporting cast of friends all hugely believable and relate-able with good turns from Disney alumni BooBoo Stewart (Descendants) as Todd and everyone’s favorite child star Jonathan Lipnicki (who is all growed up nowadays) as Scott. Then there is the final third of the movie in which Danny is to make his choice and the movie shows a level of maturity rarely seen in this type of Flick. Props to director Jacob Cooney on this count.
This is a recommend if these movies take your fancy, I know they are not for everyone but personally it ticked a lot of my boxes, and its always good to see what Lipnicki is doing these days. Oh then theres the soundtrack, typical 80s movie soundtrack, but hey who doesnt love that.
Pitching Tents is exactly this type of movie. Its 1984 its the end of the school year and Danny (Micheal Grant) has very little clue what he is going to do with his life past High School, before he has to really worry about any of that he is having one last weekend at Trout Camp with his buddies. However before his weekend can really begin he is cornered by over zealous guidance counselor Mr. Mulligan (Jim Norton) who has pretty much guaranteed Danny a place at a good college. Obviously though things are never that simple because Danny’s dad (Eric Allan Kramer) has gone to the liberty of securing him a job at the local factory.
Torn between his passion for Art and his desire to please his father, Danny has a tough life choice ahead of him. Of course that can wait because a weekend of smoking weed, contemplating life, trying to get laid lies ahead of Danny and his closest friends. You know standard Dazed and Confused territory.
You could argue that there is not really anything original here and you would right, we have seen these movies before and often done better. However I personally felt the Tug of War between Danny, his father and the Counselor is an interesting spin of the teen coming of age drama. Add to this the supporting cast of friends all hugely believable and relate-able with good turns from Disney alumni BooBoo Stewart (Descendants) as Todd and everyone’s favorite child star Jonathan Lipnicki (who is all growed up nowadays) as Scott. Then there is the final third of the movie in which Danny is to make his choice and the movie shows a level of maturity rarely seen in this type of Flick. Props to director Jacob Cooney on this count.
This is a recommend if these movies take your fancy, I know they are not for everyone but personally it ticked a lot of my boxes, and its always good to see what Lipnicki is doing these days. Oh then theres the soundtrack, typical 80s movie soundtrack, but hey who doesnt love that.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Abominable (2019) in Movies
Oct 19, 2019
You darted Dave
Abominable movie was one of my most anticipated animated films of the year and while it didn't live up to my own hype me and my nephew had an absolute blast watching it. Being such a humongous Big Hero 6 fan when I first saw the Abominable trailer I couldnt help but get extremely excited as it looked like it was heavily inspired by the baymax adventure it in every way. However while Abominable does share similarities with Big Hero I feel it fails to capture its charm, humour and heart which is a huge shame. Dont get me wrong its tremendous fun, has some truly stunning set pieces and its story always felt interesting its just let down by a pace thats a little to fast, some shortcuts in animation and no down time to let us understand and truly connect with its main characters. Visually colour wise it really is great to look at and animation is good (especially Everest his character design is simply wonderful fluffy and cheeky) its just not quite up there with How to train your dragon standards meaning sometimes I did notice some terrible textures. Messages are also strong as our main character feels alone with no purpose in life struggling with loss and feeling held back by those around her. That is until she learns to gain the confidence to take charge of her life, face her demons, realise her worth, embrace the memories/motivations of her past and become a stronger more appreciative person with drive of her own. Its inspiring stuff especially for kids and it really feels like shes taken this journey changing as a character along the way. Villains here feel refreshing too with one having a sad surprising back story of his own that shows why his heart grew cold and his motives in life become confused and muddled. My nephew loved every minute of it but said he became tired when the villain was on screen because he didn't like him.He also said it was almost as good as Big Hero 6 but not quite as good. I did really enjoy this movie I just wish a bit more time had been put into the animation and to fleshing out the characters because with a bit more heart/soul those set pieces could of really made a much bigger impact emotionally.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Medusa Touch (1978) in Movies
Feb 10, 2019 (Updated Feb 10, 2019)
Rather ropey Omen rip-off with Richard Burton, Lino Ventura and Lee Remick (told you so). A French detective seconded to the London police (zis is ze co-production, bien sur) investigates the life of a writer and noted grump who has just had his head bashed in (Burton); the victim believed he had the power to cause disasters and gradually le inspecteur comes to agree with him.
Some genuinely interesting ideas, but a peculiar narrative structure and obviously low budget are definite limiting factors. Film makes good use of its biggest asset, Richard Burton, who gives his various misanthropic rants 110% and seems to be genuinely off his head (one wonders if he spent most of the shoot wrecked). Playing spot the cameo is also somewhat entertaining. Climax is a bit disappointing though; the whole film is never quite as chilling, powerful, or convincing as it thinks it is.
Some genuinely interesting ideas, but a peculiar narrative structure and obviously low budget are definite limiting factors. Film makes good use of its biggest asset, Richard Burton, who gives his various misanthropic rants 110% and seems to be genuinely off his head (one wonders if he spent most of the shoot wrecked). Playing spot the cameo is also somewhat entertaining. Climax is a bit disappointing though; the whole film is never quite as chilling, powerful, or convincing as it thinks it is.
Michelle (114 KP) rated Supernatural in TV
Mar 15, 2018
I was late to getting to know about this series, yet with saying that it is the first TV series which I was hooked on. In the first season we are introduced to Sam and Dean whose father is away on a hunting trip and has not returned and their mother was killed by a yellow eyed demon. Sam and Dean give up a normal life of going to collage and working in a garage and became hunters. They befriend various people along the way over the rest of the seasons , even becoming friends with an angel who will do anything to save the brothers from becoming human vessals for Lucifer and Michael. Longest running CW TV program out as the show is now in it's 13th season.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Boy Meets Boy in Books
Jul 10, 2018
This was a really cute novel. I have been a fan of David Levithan for quite some time. I however was nervous to read this novel. The name of it definitely through me off and made me unsure of it. I'm definitely glad that I picked it up.
The reason I didn't want to read this novel was because I felt that I wouldn't be able to relate to the characters. I love how David Levithan can write about gay characters and make it so everyone can relate to them no matter their sexual orientation. Too many novels feel the need to make their characters unreasonably "gay" and completely unrelatable. I'm glad that this novel was not like that.
The characters were charming, the writing was spectacular, and I found myself relating to many of the characters. This wasn't a life altering novel but it definitely was a good one.
The reason I didn't want to read this novel was because I felt that I wouldn't be able to relate to the characters. I love how David Levithan can write about gay characters and make it so everyone can relate to them no matter their sexual orientation. Too many novels feel the need to make their characters unreasonably "gay" and completely unrelatable. I'm glad that this novel was not like that.
The characters were charming, the writing was spectacular, and I found myself relating to many of the characters. This wasn't a life altering novel but it definitely was a good one.
CassidyTristyn (189 KP) rated Tethered in Books
Jul 30, 2018
Longtime Favorite
Where to start? First let me say that this book is probably only going to resonate with a certain audience. The author, Amy MacKinnon, explores some dark subjects but manages to do it in a beautiful way. The book follows a main character, Clara Marsh, who works as a mortician in a funeral home and struggles with events in her past. These events are brought to light through flashback chapters that don't distract from the main plot of the story. It is a thrilling read that will have you hanging onto every word as Clara deals with past abuse and loss and the struggle to help a young girl who keeps making appearances in her life. This beaitifully haunting crime novel is definetely worth the read for anyone who enjoys the thrill of a good mystery and suspense filled novel.
The Witness
8.5
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Nora Roberts - the world's greatest storyteller. Abigail Lowery has a dark and terrifying secret....