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Kristy H (1252 KP) rated My Sunshine Away in Books
Feb 13, 2018
One evening, on a quiet suburban street in Baton Rouge, fifteen-year-old Lindy Simpson is raped. Her rape changes the fabric of her neighborhood, as narrated by her fourteen-year-old male neighbor, who had a huge crush on the lovely Lindy, a popular track star. He takes the readers through the various suspects--all members of the neighborhood--and one of whom is himself. We meet the many members of this quiet block, where not everything is as perfect as it seems. What really happened to Lindy that night? And is our narrator truly to blame?
I really wanted to like this book, as I'd heard such good things, and was really excited to finally to read it. But honestly, I found it disappointing, tedious, and slow. It was a real let down after all the rave reviews. Our narrator does a good job, I suppose, of highlighting the self-centeredness of teenage boys, but oh my goodness. He talks and talks and talks - endless diatribes about this and that. Pontificates about everything while trying to tell us the meaning of life. I found my eyes glazing over as I skimmed paragraphs, just wanting to find out what happened to poor Lindy, who is basically forgotten in his story -- she's just an object of lust -- not a real person.
This book had the potential of being a love story in many ways -- that of the love between a son and his mother, between teenagers, etc., but it just seemed to flounder. Moments of brilliance poked through, but most of the time, I found myself frustrated and wondering what the point was. Instead, it seemed to be a treatise on how boys and men should *not* treat girls and women. It is at it's best when looked at as a story of neighborhood - the sad side story of a neighborhood family will hurt your heart in many ways - but it gets lost in the narrator's endless rants and discussions. At one point, we get a whole chapter on the effects of Hurricane Katrina on Baton Rouge. All well and good, I suppose, except the majority of this book takes place in the late 80s/early 90s. Why are we hearing about something take place decades later?
Overall, I wanted to like this one, and I spotted moments of good peeking out, but I was mostly just frustrated and waiting for it to end. Definitely a disappointment.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley (thank you!); it is available for purchase everywhere. You can read this review and many more at my <a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">blog</a>;.
I really wanted to like this book, as I'd heard such good things, and was really excited to finally to read it. But honestly, I found it disappointing, tedious, and slow. It was a real let down after all the rave reviews. Our narrator does a good job, I suppose, of highlighting the self-centeredness of teenage boys, but oh my goodness. He talks and talks and talks - endless diatribes about this and that. Pontificates about everything while trying to tell us the meaning of life. I found my eyes glazing over as I skimmed paragraphs, just wanting to find out what happened to poor Lindy, who is basically forgotten in his story -- she's just an object of lust -- not a real person.
This book had the potential of being a love story in many ways -- that of the love between a son and his mother, between teenagers, etc., but it just seemed to flounder. Moments of brilliance poked through, but most of the time, I found myself frustrated and wondering what the point was. Instead, it seemed to be a treatise on how boys and men should *not* treat girls and women. It is at it's best when looked at as a story of neighborhood - the sad side story of a neighborhood family will hurt your heart in many ways - but it gets lost in the narrator's endless rants and discussions. At one point, we get a whole chapter on the effects of Hurricane Katrina on Baton Rouge. All well and good, I suppose, except the majority of this book takes place in the late 80s/early 90s. Why are we hearing about something take place decades later?
Overall, I wanted to like this one, and I spotted moments of good peeking out, but I was mostly just frustrated and waiting for it to end. Definitely a disappointment.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley (thank you!); it is available for purchase everywhere. You can read this review and many more at my <a href="http://justacatandabookatherside.blogspot.com/">blog</a>;.
ClareR (6067 KP) rated A Spark Of Light in Books
Feb 21, 2019
A thought-provoking, emotional novel
My first Jodi Picoult book, and what a way to start. This has had some extreme reviews - people who really enjoyed it, and others who hated it and considered it to be too 'preachy'. I didn't feel that way about it. I felt that it gave a measured representation to all sides of abortion: pro-choice and anti-abortion/ pro-life.
It showed that those who have abortions don't see it as a lifestyle choice, but as a last resort. That those who are pro-life believe that they are fighting for what they strongly believe in. And both of those views are valid. There will always be people who will not have abortions for religious reasons, and there will be those who have abortions because they believe it's the only option open to them - and this is well described in this book.
We also see the desperation of fathers who will do anything to protect their daughters - whether it's taking hostages in an abortion clinic, or trying to talk that same man down.
This book hasn't changed my stance on the subject, but I can see that both sides of the story have people who believe that they are right in what they do (even if that means killing people to save a life not yet begun) and Picoult represents them both well. The Authors Note at the end of the book is really interesting as well, and I would urge the reader to read this part. It goes in to her research, the people she talked to: she spoke to a lot of people, watched abortions and made sure that she spoke to those who represented all sides of the story.
I can see why Jodi Picoult has so many fans, her writing is so good - this is well worth reading and is very thought provoking.
Many thanks to Smashbomb for providing me with a copy of this book in their giveaway competition. It was a prize well worth winning!!
It showed that those who have abortions don't see it as a lifestyle choice, but as a last resort. That those who are pro-life believe that they are fighting for what they strongly believe in. And both of those views are valid. There will always be people who will not have abortions for religious reasons, and there will be those who have abortions because they believe it's the only option open to them - and this is well described in this book.
We also see the desperation of fathers who will do anything to protect their daughters - whether it's taking hostages in an abortion clinic, or trying to talk that same man down.
This book hasn't changed my stance on the subject, but I can see that both sides of the story have people who believe that they are right in what they do (even if that means killing people to save a life not yet begun) and Picoult represents them both well. The Authors Note at the end of the book is really interesting as well, and I would urge the reader to read this part. It goes in to her research, the people she talked to: she spoke to a lot of people, watched abortions and made sure that she spoke to those who represented all sides of the story.
I can see why Jodi Picoult has so many fans, her writing is so good - this is well worth reading and is very thought provoking.
Many thanks to Smashbomb for providing me with a copy of this book in their giveaway competition. It was a prize well worth winning!!
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated The Movie Crypt in Podcasts
Jan 8, 2018
Adam Green and Joe Lynch (3 more)
Different guest each week
Heartfelt stories
It's pretty damned funny
Awesome Pod for anyone who wants to make movies
Adam and Joe are two of the best "indie" film makers out there. Adam brought one of the horror genres newest icons to life in the form of Victor Crowley and Joe has been responsible for a pair of my favorite independent films with the births of Mayhem and Everly. But did you ever wonder how they got their starts in the film industry? Or what it takes to make a horror film? Or how some of your favorite actors writers directors and people involved in the industry got to be where they are today?
This pod brings it all to light. They hold nothing back and tell all things. Both good and bad.
With awesome guests such as horror icons Kane Hodder, Sid Haig, Bill Moseley and Ray Wise as well as fellow filmmakers the likes of Darren Lynn Boussman, Adam Wingard and Ti West. The boys leave no stone unturned as they bring everything to the table.
The pod is also welcome to subscription through Patreon with some cool little gifts to those who want to donate. Including Film commentaries once a month, first come basis viewer mail questions and Hollywood tell all answers to industry questions in a segment called Ask Dr. Arwen, named after Green's Yorkie and fellow show host.
I would recommend this Podcast to anyone who wants to learn the ins and outs of the film world told from a perspective that is understandable to anyone. And it's good for a few laughs as well. I've been a devoted listener since 2013. And the vast library of webisodes is available to anyone via iTunes and other podcast generators.
Listen and enjoy folks. You won't be disappointed.
This pod brings it all to light. They hold nothing back and tell all things. Both good and bad.
With awesome guests such as horror icons Kane Hodder, Sid Haig, Bill Moseley and Ray Wise as well as fellow filmmakers the likes of Darren Lynn Boussman, Adam Wingard and Ti West. The boys leave no stone unturned as they bring everything to the table.
The pod is also welcome to subscription through Patreon with some cool little gifts to those who want to donate. Including Film commentaries once a month, first come basis viewer mail questions and Hollywood tell all answers to industry questions in a segment called Ask Dr. Arwen, named after Green's Yorkie and fellow show host.
I would recommend this Podcast to anyone who wants to learn the ins and outs of the film world told from a perspective that is understandable to anyone. And it's good for a few laughs as well. I've been a devoted listener since 2013. And the vast library of webisodes is available to anyone via iTunes and other podcast generators.
Listen and enjoy folks. You won't be disappointed.
Janeeny (200 KP) rated May Day Murder (A Wiccan Wheel Mystery #5) in Books
May 9, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Keli is an attorney building her own practice, shes also a semi closeted Wiccan. When an ill-fated favour for a friend lands her not only in the middle of a murder investigation, but also a person of interest in the investigation, Keli attempts to clear her name, find the real killer, and save her reputation. Whilst also struggling with her now public identity as a practising Wiccan.
I loved this book!! It was a nice quick read, no complicated texts, although some things, I felt, were a little bit over explained. Saying that it was a good engaging story, the characters were well developed, and I love it when I feel Ive learnt something from a book too. As there was also a nice touch where Hesse gives a few little insights into the life of a practicing Wiccans. As a pagan myself, it was actually quite a joy to read these aspects openly described in the book. I hope that this could also help any non-esoteric types gain a better insight into what Wicca is really all about.
This is the fifth book in a series. I havent actually read any of the other books in the series, so was a little worried that there would be a lot of references that wouldnt make sense, or characters with pre-existing back story. Surprisingly had a good standalone storyline, I thoroughly enjoyed it without needing any prior knowledge of the series. All the characters were well introduced and any references to past events were relevant to the story and had a brief explanation with it.
In fact, I enjoyed this so much, Ive now purchased Midsummer nights mischief (book one in the Wiccan wheel mystery series)
Keli is an attorney building her own practice, shes also a semi closeted Wiccan. When an ill-fated favour for a friend lands her not only in the middle of a murder investigation, but also a person of interest in the investigation, Keli attempts to clear her name, find the real killer, and save her reputation. Whilst also struggling with her now public identity as a practising Wiccan.
I loved this book!! It was a nice quick read, no complicated texts, although some things, I felt, were a little bit over explained. Saying that it was a good engaging story, the characters were well developed, and I love it when I feel Ive learnt something from a book too. As there was also a nice touch where Hesse gives a few little insights into the life of a practicing Wiccans. As a pagan myself, it was actually quite a joy to read these aspects openly described in the book. I hope that this could also help any non-esoteric types gain a better insight into what Wicca is really all about.
This is the fifth book in a series. I havent actually read any of the other books in the series, so was a little worried that there would be a lot of references that wouldnt make sense, or characters with pre-existing back story. Surprisingly had a good standalone storyline, I thoroughly enjoyed it without needing any prior knowledge of the series. All the characters were well introduced and any references to past events were relevant to the story and had a brief explanation with it.
In fact, I enjoyed this so much, Ive now purchased Midsummer nights mischief (book one in the Wiccan wheel mystery series)
Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Sometimes I Lie in Books
Mar 15, 2018
<b><i>Nothing happens by accident.</b></i>
After being in a bit of a reading slump for a week or so, this is exactly the kind of book I needed to read to get my life back in order. This book is fast-paced, twisty & turny and overall fun to read. Thank you, Feeney, for getting me out of my slump with this terrific mystery thriller!
This is most definitely, one of the <i>best</i> thrillers I’ve read in such a long time. The writing style is superb, the characters are so well developed and complex (in a good way!!) and the twists in the plot come out of nowhere (again, in a good way)!
I loved each and every character in this. No one is originally as they seem and as the plot builds and builds around them, each person grows more and more complex. We suspect all of them for different things, so sure we’re right, and then all of a sudden, a new revelation appears and we’re shocked back into not knowing what the hell is going on. That's what’s so great about this novel, you think you’ve got it, you think you know what will happen next, but don’t be so naive! Just you wait and see what Feeney pulls out of the bag next.
As for the plot, I thought this was wonderfully unique. Having the perspective of Amber in a coma, telling us her story, was an incredible way to keep us “in the know” without actually knowing anything!
This is a seriously dark, but superbly written and executed novel. Any psychological thriller lovers out there? Well, you <i>must</i> pick this up in 2017!
<i>Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.</i>
After being in a bit of a reading slump for a week or so, this is exactly the kind of book I needed to read to get my life back in order. This book is fast-paced, twisty & turny and overall fun to read. Thank you, Feeney, for getting me out of my slump with this terrific mystery thriller!
This is most definitely, one of the <i>best</i> thrillers I’ve read in such a long time. The writing style is superb, the characters are so well developed and complex (in a good way!!) and the twists in the plot come out of nowhere (again, in a good way)!
I loved each and every character in this. No one is originally as they seem and as the plot builds and builds around them, each person grows more and more complex. We suspect all of them for different things, so sure we’re right, and then all of a sudden, a new revelation appears and we’re shocked back into not knowing what the hell is going on. That's what’s so great about this novel, you think you’ve got it, you think you know what will happen next, but don’t be so naive! Just you wait and see what Feeney pulls out of the bag next.
As for the plot, I thought this was wonderfully unique. Having the perspective of Amber in a coma, telling us her story, was an incredible way to keep us “in the know” without actually knowing anything!
This is a seriously dark, but superbly written and executed novel. Any psychological thriller lovers out there? Well, you <i>must</i> pick this up in 2017!
<i>Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.</i>
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Nobody (2021) in Movies
Jun 8, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
Nobody is what you get when you cross 'John Wick', 'Falling Down' and throw in a pinch of the British T.V. show 'The Prisoner'.
Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk) is a seemingly normal family man who would let robbers take his money to make sure his son doesn't get shot, However, Hutch has a secret past which he has to turn to when events spiral out of control.
Bob Odenkirk plays Hutch well and manages an interesting take on the 'Past warrior/now family man' trope, most of the time the characters past is acknowledged/known by other characters and the viewer but Hutch comes across as a normal boring man whilst most of the other male characters seem to all be stronger than he is and the film slowly builds up to show us just how 'bad ass' he really is. And this leads to one of the problems with 'Nobody', it is obvious that Hutch's children know nothing of his past life but I was never sure of how much his wife, Becca, knew. From the beginning you assume she knows nothing, however as the film goes on Hutch and Becca refer to how things were before and some times it seems like she knew and even worked with Hutch whilst other times they could just be referring to earlier in there relationship and Becca's behaviour both seems to indicate that she does and doesn't know about Hutches past .
The action scenes are good with Hutch being a 'John Wick light' or a 'MacGyver', using guns and traps more than improvised weapons but still being able to make the fights entertaining.
Over all 'Nobody' is a good, entertaining film and well worth a watch and, lets face it, anything with Christopher Lloyd in it can't be all bad.
Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk) is a seemingly normal family man who would let robbers take his money to make sure his son doesn't get shot, However, Hutch has a secret past which he has to turn to when events spiral out of control.
Bob Odenkirk plays Hutch well and manages an interesting take on the 'Past warrior/now family man' trope, most of the time the characters past is acknowledged/known by other characters and the viewer but Hutch comes across as a normal boring man whilst most of the other male characters seem to all be stronger than he is and the film slowly builds up to show us just how 'bad ass' he really is. And this leads to one of the problems with 'Nobody', it is obvious that Hutch's children know nothing of his past life but I was never sure of how much his wife, Becca, knew. From the beginning you assume she knows nothing, however as the film goes on Hutch and Becca refer to how things were before and some times it seems like she knew and even worked with Hutch whilst other times they could just be referring to earlier in there relationship and Becca's behaviour both seems to indicate that she does and doesn't know about Hutches past .
The action scenes are good with Hutch being a 'John Wick light' or a 'MacGyver', using guns and traps more than improvised weapons but still being able to make the fights entertaining.
Over all 'Nobody' is a good, entertaining film and well worth a watch and, lets face it, anything with Christopher Lloyd in it can't be all bad.
Carma (21 KP) rated Untamed Cowboy (Gold Valley, #2) in Books
Jun 17, 2019
4.5 stars of out 5 for Untamed Cowboy by Maisey Yates
Kaylee Capshaw has loved Bennett Dodge for 17 years. Ever since he took pity on the new shy girl and became her friend. She spends her days saying WWBD (What would Bennett do) and really has no idea how to act otherwise. She needs to get him out of her head once and for all. But with his recent breakup with Olivia, could this finally be her time?
Bennett Dodge likes lists and plans. He had his life planned out, wife, kids, ranch all with Olivia. Then one day she falls in love with his friend Luke and his plan goes to hell. He was never in love with Olivia though, just the idea of her and the life he thought he wanted. His best friend Kaylee is there for him as always but something about her is making him look at her differently now. A surprise on his doorstep helps knock any other plans hed made right out the window.
Kaylee needs to go all in. Going all in with Bennett or all in with someone to take his place. She cant continue on this roller coaster of emotions where he is concerned. She doesnt want to lose their decades old friendship above anything though. When he calls in a panic she rushes to him ready to help him through whatever obstacle lies ahead.
As usual, Ms Yates blends the perfect tale of 2 people and their HEA. Throw in the obligatory family meddling, a 15-year-old Say What moment, and a casual offer for sex and you have the perfect mix of fun, love and family, Dodge Style.
Gold Valley continues on where Copper Ridge left off. A good, homegrown, family centered town, with Hot Cowboys of course. I cant wait to read the next chapter in Gold Valley, Good Time Cowboy!!
Kaylee Capshaw has loved Bennett Dodge for 17 years. Ever since he took pity on the new shy girl and became her friend. She spends her days saying WWBD (What would Bennett do) and really has no idea how to act otherwise. She needs to get him out of her head once and for all. But with his recent breakup with Olivia, could this finally be her time?
Bennett Dodge likes lists and plans. He had his life planned out, wife, kids, ranch all with Olivia. Then one day she falls in love with his friend Luke and his plan goes to hell. He was never in love with Olivia though, just the idea of her and the life he thought he wanted. His best friend Kaylee is there for him as always but something about her is making him look at her differently now. A surprise on his doorstep helps knock any other plans hed made right out the window.
Kaylee needs to go all in. Going all in with Bennett or all in with someone to take his place. She cant continue on this roller coaster of emotions where he is concerned. She doesnt want to lose their decades old friendship above anything though. When he calls in a panic she rushes to him ready to help him through whatever obstacle lies ahead.
As usual, Ms Yates blends the perfect tale of 2 people and their HEA. Throw in the obligatory family meddling, a 15-year-old Say What moment, and a casual offer for sex and you have the perfect mix of fun, love and family, Dodge Style.
Gold Valley continues on where Copper Ridge left off. A good, homegrown, family centered town, with Hot Cowboys of course. I cant wait to read the next chapter in Gold Valley, Good Time Cowboy!!
Sound Sleeper - white noise machine for baby sleep
Lifestyle and Health & Fitness
App
As seen on BBC Business News! Help your baby relax and drift gently off to sleep with real sounds...
Sound Sleeper: White Noise
Health & Fitness and Lifestyle
App
Help your baby relax and drift gently off to sleep with real sounds of nature and the city - also...
Figuring
Book
Figuring explores the complexities of love and the human search for truth and meaning through the...