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Reflections on Progress: Essays on the Global Political Economy

Kemal Dervis

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Now, more than ever, the world needs growth oriented and socially inclusive policymaking Is the...

TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Collision of Lies (Amara Alvarez #1) in Books

Feb 24, 2021

I loved this book!
This was my first time reading a book by Tom Threadgill and I don’t understand how I have missed reading his books before now! Collision of Lies was such a well-crafted story, laid out in a way that kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what Detective Alvarez and her friends would do next. The plot was an interesting mix of intrigue, suspense, mystery, and a little romance (if you could call it that as it was a very minor detail). Detective Alvarez was a very vividly described character that I enjoyed getting to know; I think I would love to meet her in person. Tom Threadgill described Detective Alvarez’s thoughts and expressions in a way that was easy to follow and really pulled me in, the creative ideas she came up with about solving part of the mystery were thought-provoking. The side characters were also interesting people and I hope I get to know them better in the next book. Collision of Lies does have an actual ending and does not end on a cliff hanger. From the excerpt in the back of the book, we will get to see more of Detective Alverez and her colleagues in the next book as well.
I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend reading it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars for the wonderful way in which Tom Threadgill pulls you into the story, the vivid character descriptions, and the great mystery. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

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Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated No Expectations - Single by Jillian Steele in Music

Jun 26, 2019

Jillian Steele is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter from New York. Not too long ago, she released a lovely pop tune, entitled, “No Expectations”.

“Maybe I’m talking myself out of love. But I don’t believe that the stars just line up. When you know then you know but I don’t think I’ll ever know. When it’s right, is it right second guessing every time. Yeah, making sure I won’t ever let myself down.” – lyrics

‘No Expectations’ tells an interesting tale of a young woman who decides to let nature take its course instead of always trying to control things.

Apparently, she concludes that everything happens for a reason, and if she allows things to flow naturally, everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.

Later, she admits that it would be best if she became less controlling, stayed out of her own way, and let the pieces fall where they may.

‘No Expectations’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and warm acoustic guitar-driven instrumentation flavored with a modern-pop fragrance.

The likable tune was co-written by Michel Heyaca and James Shelley (American Authors) during a period of uncertainty and confusion.

“Life was happening around me and I was just in it without any control and through this song I gained insight that I do deserve things and I should have expectations of what I want.” – Julia Steele

Jillian Steele’s musical influences include Maggie Rogers, Sasha Sloan, Julia Michaels, and other strong female musicians.

She uses her music to emphasize the importance of self-love and empowerment. A running theme throughout her music is reflection and she hopes her use of thought-provoking lyrics will help others gain insight in times of need.

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Lottie disney bookworm (1056 KP) rated Trying to Live Happily Ever After in Books

Oct 8, 2019

Trying to Live Happily Ever After

Clive Lilwall | 2019 | Fiction & Poetry, Humor & Comedy, Science Fiction/Fantasy

6.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Booksirens and Clive Lilwall for this opportunity.

I was very intrigued by the concept of Trying to Live Happily Ever After: bringing fairytales into the modern age is right up my street and, on the whole, Clive Lilwall did not disappoint.

With 17 short stories in total I must admit I did not enjoy every tale.

Cinderella, in my opinion, was just as vapid as her stepsisters and it felt like her owning an old model of a mobile phone justified her to get "the prince". Granted, this may have been Lilwall's aim to show how we associate technology with social standing. However, I would have appreciated a stronger role model as opposed to the slightly kinder but still materialistic Cindy we received.

Unfortunately some of the fables were also lost on me but that may be because I am not familiar with the originals.

Nevertheless, some of Lilwall's tales will possibly stay with me forever. Red's granny getting saucy under a wolf skin; Hansel and Gretal getting fat and baked in a whole new way and, of course, the blunt, shameless, no-holds-barred adaptation of The Emperor's New Clothes, starring a certain "president".

The writing is overly simplistic at times but this only highlights the roots of these tales as stories and fables.

The writing does not need to be complex when human actions and consequences are under the spotlight in such a humorous, satirical and thought provoking manner.

These are not the fairy tales you remember, they're not even revolting-rhymes-sort-of-for-kids. Not in the slightest. You have been warned.