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Sarah (7799 KP) rated How to Walk Away in Books

Jan 26, 2019

How to Walk Away

Katherine Center | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry

8.6

(9 Ratings)

Book Rating

A heartwarming read

Whilst this is definitely a very well written and heartening read, I'm surprised at some of the reviews mentioning the unpredictability of the twists and turns. For me the downside to this book was that it was very predictable. This isn't unsurprising as it is a drama/romance, and I've read a lot of books so nothing surprises me anymore. But this didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book too much. It was still a heart warming tale with a well developed and relatable main character, with a truly sad and interesting story. There's a lot of important and poignant messages this book raises, and it makes for a very thought provoking read.

Kudos

David McK (3496 KP) rated The Philip K. Dick Megapack (R): 15 Classic Science Fiction Stories in Books

Jan 30, 2019

While the name may not be all that well-known, Philip K Dick was (IMO) actually one of the most influential of 20th century sci-fi authors, responsible for the stories that led to movies the likes of 'Total Recall', 'Blade Runner', 'Minority Report', 'The Adjustment Bureau' and 'Screamers'.

In fact, the idea for that last one ('Screamers') itself is one of the short stories in this anthology in 'Second Variety': I think it's about #6 in the anthology.

If you read that story, and if you've seen the film, you'll definitely make the connection!

Of the rest of the stories, some are better than others, but all are entertaining and even (occasionally) thought provoking.

Kudos

Deborah (162 KP) rated The Last Queen in Books

Dec 21, 2018

The start was a bit shaky - a few Americanisms thrown in there (Why 'visit with'??! It's a daft, redundant sort of expression!) but when I got in to it I found it to be a really rather compelling novel! This is the story of Juana 'The Mad', Quuen of Castile, daughter of Ferdinand & Isabella, the catholic kings. Gortner has an interesting take on Juana's 'madness' which he develops in the novel.

It's not altogether a comfortable read though! so many times I felt myself to be frustrated for Juana and the situation she found herself in - manipulated by others.

An interesting and thought-provoking read about a queen perhaps not much known outside of Spain.