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BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated The World of Downton Abbey in Books

Jan 2, 2019

I admit that I have a slight obsession with Downton Abbey. It sucked me in from the start. And now my curiosity as piqued as to what life was really like in the early 1900s. Therefore, I am branching out a bit in the books that I am reading.

The World of Downton Abbey is a companion guide to the second season of the beloved BBC Masterpiece show Downton Abbey. Not only does it outline the lives of the Crawley family during the first World War, but also gives us a peek at the lives of the real aristocracy of England. Family life, style, life in service, romance and war are a few of the topics covered in Jessica Fellowes book.

I greatly enjoyed reading and learning more about British culture. It helps me to understand the characters in the show better, as well as characters in the books I read. There is a lot of history to be found in period dramas and I do love learning about it. I was happy to learn that the show has a historical advisor Alastair Bruce (known as The Oracle) that does not hide in the shadows. He makes certain that everything is proper and accurate. Any Downton enthusiast would enjoy this book, but it is also a great read for learning more about the era.

Kudos

Leigh J (71 KP) rated Kids (1995) in Movies

Nov 16, 2019

Kids (1995)

1995 | Documentary, Drama

8.2

(5 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Daddy Never Understood!!

Kids mainly follows 2 friends, Telly and Casper, whilst they hang around New York and meet up with friends. Telly is a guy who thinks he's God's gift to girls, this opinion solidified by the amount of girls he de-virginises on a daily basis. Casper is a fucked up Skate kid with a penchant for drugs and disturbing behaviour. Although this seems to be a regular day in New York for the 2 young guys, they'd better enjoy the day, as their lives are going to be turned upside down forever...

I think Kids is absolutely amazing; it really captures the New York Street vibe and each character has their own fascinating personality, even if they're only on screen for a short period. Even though the storyline might not sound like much (I've tried my best not to spoil any of it!) it's captivating and keeps you hooked until the last second as something is ALWAYS going on. It deals extremely well with controversial topics and thrusts them unfalteringly into the spotlight, but does so in a way that is respectful and tactful yet still shocking. It's a Movie that deserves more recognition than it's ever got. I love it so much that I even got the Script of it! Amazing Movie.

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Show all 4 comments.

Andy K (10823 KP) Nov 16, 2019

I certainly have films like that for sure. This one is rather intense though if I remember correctly?

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Leigh J (71 KP) Nov 16, 2019

It is, especially the ending.

Kudos

Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Swallows in Books

Jan 30, 2020 (Updated Jan 31, 2020)

The Swallows

Lisa Lutz | 2019 | Thriller

7.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

‏I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

Lisa Lutz's latest, The Swallows, introduces Alex Witt, a teacher with a past. She is hired at Stonebridge Academy and asks her creative writing students to answer innocent questions so she can get to know them. "What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?" The answers surprise Alex. They are not innocent and reveal much more about the students and the school's activities than she expects. The students reveal online bullying and a private message board. She encourages the female students to fight back and fight they do.

While I have not worked at a boarding school, I have worked at urban schools. The online bullying and message board are all too real. So is the school's attitude that "boys will be boys". Lutz uses her characters to show the dark side of technology and teenagers. This is not a young adult book. It is a book for adults which is set in a school.

The writing in The Swallows is witty while covering dark topics. Lutz's word choices and writing style keep the book from being too dark.

I added several of Lutz's books, including the Spellman Files series, to my "want to read" list.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/30/20.