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The Vanishing of Katharina Linden
10
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
One word to describe <b><i>The Vanishing of Katharina Linden</i></b>: Engrossing.

My interest in this book was <i>piqued</i> when I saw it described as a "charming horror novel," and while that isn't totally accurate, charming it is, horror it isn't, I very much enjoyed the book. Helen Grant has such an ease about her writing that I find it hard to believe this is her first novel. Her descriptions of Bad Münstereifel and its inhabitants are key to the book and provided most of the atmosphere; I could quite easily visualize everything and everyone in this little town. Pia was a realistic and relatable narrator who kept the story going at a fairly brisk pace. Sometimes she used words that I don't think an eleven-year-old would, but since the book is told by adult Pia reminiscing back, I'm willing to let that pass. The legends of this small town are wonderfully interwoven through the story and add an extra element of childhood innocence to the book. Some may find the mystery obvious or weak, but I don't think the mystery is reason for this book, it's Pia at a major point in her life, with major events happening that affect her and in turn, how she deals with them. Parts of the book are chilling, light, quiet, humorous, thoughtful, predictable, surprising, absorbing, and more, but altogether it is a book that impressed me.
4.5 stars

Received for review through the Amazon Vine program.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_M%C3%BCnstereifel
  
Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness
Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness
2020 | Crime, Documentary
And so, this is the one you are probably most familiar with, even if you have never watched a True Crime Doc before. Essentially a 7 part mini series with a making of extra program tagged on at the end that definitely does not need to be watched. Does any of it? It certainly showcases the nuttier side of America and some of the more eccentric characters that exist, not Least the compelling car crash human that is Joe Exotic – at times likeable, often very unlikable and almost certainly criminally insane. But it isn’t really about murder. The title is misleading in that sense. Mayhem and madness, oh for sure, but the murder part is an almost incidental detail of the show, as if to give it more gravitas.

It focuses on rivalries that existed between exotic animal parks that seem to take pride in mistreating tigers and other wild animals that have no place being there at all. The “fun” of it is watching “crazy” people, mostly Joe rolling around as if they were tiny kittens, and holding your breathe waiting for the inevitable moment they rip him to shreds. As it turns out, there is so much filler and false promise in this show that I would have to put it at the bottom of the list. It may not even have got on there at all if it wasn’t for the fact Lockdown viewing made it a shared experience that became ubiquitous. Otherwise, it is a poor circus freak show, badly presented and entirely cheap.
  
R
Redhead
Ian Cook | 2012
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received this book for free through the Goodreads First Reads program.

Oh wow, where do I start? I loved, loved, loved this book! When I first read about it, I was a bit skeptical as it's not normally something I would read, but it's about redheads and my son is a redhead. Plus, I have a lot of family members with red hair, so I thought I'd give it a go.

I am so happy that I decided to read it. It is fast paced and has a very interesting story line. In fact, I would say it's one of the most original story lines I have ever read. There is a lot of mythology in the book about redheads which I also found very interesting.

I loved Rebecca's character and hated Neferatu which shows how good the characters are written. I did find the characters of Jim and Syreeta a bit annoying though.

However, this is definitely a book that deserves 5 out of 5 stars. If there were to be a sequel, I'd definitely buy it and read it as soon as.

A really fantastic read =D