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In the Woods (Dublin Murder Squad #1)
In the Woods (Dublin Murder Squad #1)
Tana French | 2007 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry
8.2 (10 Ratings)
Book Favorite

"I’m a big fan of police procedurals, and when it comes to bringing the steps of a labyrinthine investigation to life, Tana French is up there with the very best. However, in her Dublin Murder Squad series she does so much more than this. Her exquisitely drawn characters combine to peel back the surface of modern Ireland and give us a fascinating and vivid glimpse into the culture—both good aspects and bad—that lies beneath."

Source
  
I am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1)
I am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1)
Pittacus Lore | 2011 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
5
7.6 (31 Ratings)
Book Rating
When the planet Lorien is destroyed by invading aliens 9 refugee children who are bound by fate and will develop mystical powers come to Earth with their mentors. Each is given a number and they can only be killed in sequence. After Number Three is killed Number Four knows he is the next on the list, but he has a lot on his plate with not only his powers developing but his teenage school life becoming complicated. With the predatory aliens closing in he must rely on both friends and enemies to survive.

The basic outline is that of a good book but the detail and the execution somewhat let it down; too much of the back story is paper thin and invented for dramatic convenience. The killing in order thing is just hokey and absurd and that's just the start. The 9 aren't supposed to meet each other but that makes no sense as they would be stronger together. 'Henri', the mentor of Number Four is obseessed with secrecy yet sends him to school just when his powers are going to manifest in an obvious way. The plot itself doesn't quite hold together and the final showdown at the end of the book is over the top to the point of ridiculousness.

There are good bits, but they are generally unrelated to the whole Lorien part of it. The story of the new boy at school who gets on the wrong side of the school bully and befriends the previously friendless is good and works well with some good characters. This may have been better as a standard story of teenage life without all the science fiction trimmings.

I was disappointed with this book. I expected a lot more than it delivered. There are far far better science fiction books for young adults out there.
  
It's Only Rock 'N' Roll by The Rolling Stones
It's Only Rock 'N' Roll by The Rolling Stones
1974 | Pop
(0 Ratings)
Album Favorite

"We have to put a Stones record in there too for good measure. The times I drove down to LA in ‘84 I probably listened to that song 75 times - probably a lot more actually - on my little ghetto blaster in my car. It was kind of the soundtrack to my life that year, again it was another record that got me through a big sea change in my life. There are lots of good Rolling Stones records but that one was given to me at the right time in my life. Playing with them was a big thing of course and we were really built up way beyond what we wanted to be. I was just happy to be opening for The Rolling Stones in any way at all, but someone in the LA Times wrote it up and had a picture of us like we were going to be the next Rolling Stones. It was ‘88 or ’89, we were young guys and how do you handle that? Imagine that pressure, if you’re 24 years old you just want it to go away. And I was thinking, ""I hope none of the guys from the Stones see this article saying we’re going to be the next Rolling Stones…""

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The Testament of Gideon Mack
The Testament of Gideon Mack
James Robertson | 2007 | Fiction & Poetry
10
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Funny, weird, well written, brilliant (0 more)
Nothing (0 more)
Gideon meets the Devil and he's not quite what he expected
This was a really good read. The novel is written in the style of a memoir and is pretty convincing. There are layers and layers of myths and legends throughout the novel and truth and lies become so merged that the reader is left wondering about the clarity of the protagonist and the statements and evidence of the editor and journalist who represent the story. The novel explores the life of Gideon Mack, who, like his father become a minister of the Christian church. Gideon however, has no real faith in god until his accident leads him on a journey of discovery in which he claims he meets the devil.
I thought the description of the devil was excellent and the significance of the shoes has baffled me a little, however, it may be the old, 'What is it like to walk in my shoes', I am undecided. I thought the book was well written and kept me hooked until the end. Good plot, good narrative voice and convincing read.
  
40x40

Dean (6925 KP) rated Jumanji (1995) in Movies

Jun 29, 2017  
Jumanji (1995)
Jumanji (1995)
1995 | Action, Comedy, Family
Robin Williams (2 more)
The crazy events
Good effects
A great family friendly film
An old favourite for many and one film that will probably grow on you. An interesting idea of an ancient board game that comes to life. Robin Williams is great as the man freed from the board game and trying to finish it before something terrible happens. There is a remake later this year, it has a lot to live up to.
  
    Aho-Girl 2

    Aho-Girl 2

    Hiroyuki

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    Book

    These are just some of the impenetrable mysteries in Yoshiko Hanabatake’s life: Why is her best...

Mindfulness at the Park (Little Mouse Adventures #2)
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Looking for a series or a good children book that may help with stress or stress-related things? Well, this book takes a look at a way to help your child or children. I love the way you can use yoga to help with emotions and stress.

This one is done well. It fun and enjoyable. Your child or yourself can learn from Little mouse adventure in the park. Your child or children will learn some good life lessons as well. Parents and grandparents will enjoy the book as well.

The pictures are fun. They are also enjoyable to look at as well. I see the problem solving throughout this book. The lesson taught in the book helps children learn a skill in their real world as well. Grandparents and parents alike will enjoy having the teaching of yoga and life lesson that children learn at a young age.

We know children get excited or scared. This book teaches about breathing and how to calm the mind in a fun and learnable experience.