Search
Search results
ClareR (6101 KP) rated How Beautiful We Were in Books
Jan 25, 2022
How Beautiful We Were is the story of an African village (Kosawa - it’s fictitious) and its environmental destruction and pollution by an American oil company. Their water and land is contaminated. Children die from drinking poisoned water, they can no longer grow crops as their farmland is infertile. Thinking that they can get some help from the government, some men go to appeal their leader in the capital city, but they disappear after being arrested. The country’s dictator is only out for the money and profit, and these uneducated villagers are expendable.
It’s not until American citizens see the slaughter of the villagers that action is taken. However, even after promises of reparation, the oil company doesn’t pay up, and more deaths follow.
Thule is a fascinating character. She leaves to study in the US for the sake of her village - even though she doesn’t want to leave. But she wants to learn as much as possible so that she can help her friends and family. She studies, she gets involved in similar campaigns in America, and then comes home to use that knowledge. She’s so selfless: she has the opportunity to make a life in New York and never return to a place where her life will be in danger, but she goes home.
I really liked the way that this novel was set out, and it worked so well on audiobook. The Children, The Young Men and Thule chapters were read by different people, and it really helped to put me in their situation. Listening to the reactions of the children and young men in ‘their’ voices, and Thule’s experiences in ‘her’ voice, was what made this all the more special and affecting for me.
Recommended.
It’s not until American citizens see the slaughter of the villagers that action is taken. However, even after promises of reparation, the oil company doesn’t pay up, and more deaths follow.
Thule is a fascinating character. She leaves to study in the US for the sake of her village - even though she doesn’t want to leave. But she wants to learn as much as possible so that she can help her friends and family. She studies, she gets involved in similar campaigns in America, and then comes home to use that knowledge. She’s so selfless: she has the opportunity to make a life in New York and never return to a place where her life will be in danger, but she goes home.
I really liked the way that this novel was set out, and it worked so well on audiobook. The Children, The Young Men and Thule chapters were read by different people, and it really helped to put me in their situation. Listening to the reactions of the children and young men in ‘their’ voices, and Thule’s experiences in ‘her’ voice, was what made this all the more special and affecting for me.
Recommended.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Meg (2018) in Movies
Mar 23, 2019
It's a stupid shark movie, what did you expect!?!
When a deep sea expedition unleashes a prehistoric killer mega shark, a team of divers has use their wits and skill to outwit the mega beast to survive. The animal is cunning and ferocious, so it will take all the crew has got in order to make it through.
Not sure what people were expecting. Certainly not Jaws or a classic horror movie. More like a cheesy Godzilla movie in the water. Some of it was implausible, cheesy or stupid dialogue. The CGI wasn't bad mostly, but a few parts felt very fake.
I'm sure my expectations were low based on what I heard beforehand; however, don't get me started on comparing movies to books. That is a lost cause.
Not sure what people were expecting. Certainly not Jaws or a classic horror movie. More like a cheesy Godzilla movie in the water. Some of it was implausible, cheesy or stupid dialogue. The CGI wasn't bad mostly, but a few parts felt very fake.
I'm sure my expectations were low based on what I heard beforehand; however, don't get me started on comparing movies to books. That is a lost cause.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated The Mermaid Trials in Books
Mar 5, 2018
Beautiful Aquatic Creation
Let me just say that I did not like this book at all... I LOVED IT!! Tri is definitely my type of mergal; she knows what she wants and doesn't let her circumstances get in the way. She's strong and loyal and simply an outstanding female lead in this beautiful aquatic creation. Cameron Drake's version of The Little Mermaid and Cinderella is beautifully written with stunning characters and world building that kept me completely under water until the end. I seriously did not want to come up for air. I wish this book could have gone on forever and the release of the next book in this series can't come soon enough.
{I requested a copy for review purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed herein are unbiased and my own.}
{I requested a copy for review purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed herein are unbiased and my own.}
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated The Snail and the Whale in TV
Dec 27, 2019
Another Julia Donaldson
This animation company saw great success animating the gruffalo, then the gruffalo's child and have continued the pattern until we are on Julia Donaldson's Snail and The Whale. Here we have characters true to the original illustrations gliding through incredibly animated water in this heartwarming story of a snail who lives on a rock but wants to see the world so gets a lift on the tail of a whale. It's made for small children and is full of innocence and charm and is very very watchable. What's makes Donaldson's books work is her charming simple stories but also her rhythm. The TV show keeps the rhythm but slows it right down to create a peaceful dream like film. They don't overcomplicated it, they just deliver the book and make it cute.
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) rated Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet in Podcasts
Nov 13, 2019
Dramatic readings of one-star reviews
Siblings Alex and Christine Schiefer, the latter of whom is co-host of the true crime/paranormal podcast, And That's Why We Drink, share dramatic readings of one-star reviews from Yelp, Google, and other review sites, with an occasional redemption. Listeners write in with a topic and location for them to research for the best one-star reviews and they give us their best reenactments. Their rapport is wonderful, humorous, and fun. I really enjoy listening to these two banter and share stories. They're delightful, adorable and endearing. And the reviews are entertaining.
I wanted to support the podcast so I bought some of the merch, a Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet, which is a black shirt with their color logo on it. It arrived quickly, and is soft, comfortable, and fits well.
I wanted to support the podcast so I bought some of the merch, a Beach Too Sandy, Water Too Wet, which is a black shirt with their color logo on it. It arrived quickly, and is soft, comfortable, and fits well.
Alexandra Shattock (31 KP) rated Woman in the Water (D.S. Imogen Grey, #6) in Books
Dec 21, 2019
Wow!
Contains spoilers, click to show
I have read all Ms Diamond's books and they are all phenomenal. This one as usual has good characters and great villains but what she does brilliantly is take you on a journey that emotionally challenges you on every level.
A woman is found in the water and trying to solve the mystery of why she was there and the intricacies of her life and who tried to he her take our two main detectives on a very awkward and heart wrenching journey. Something happens which is particularly shocking but the author handles it very well indeed with respect but also showing the emotional trauma involved.
I would highly recommend those who like police procedural to read this series. Start at the beginning with The Teacher, really, you'll thank me later!
A woman is found in the water and trying to solve the mystery of why she was there and the intricacies of her life and who tried to he her take our two main detectives on a very awkward and heart wrenching journey. Something happens which is particularly shocking but the author handles it very well indeed with respect but also showing the emotional trauma involved.
I would highly recommend those who like police procedural to read this series. Start at the beginning with The Teacher, really, you'll thank me later!
AJaneClark (3975 KP) rated The Girl Beneath the Sea in Books
Apr 24, 2020
Florida diver and police officer Sloan is thrown headlong into a messy case when she emerges from the water to find a the dead body of someone she knew. Alongside disgraced officer Solar, Sloan must learn who to trust, keep herself and her family safe and solve this case.
I struggled when deciding the rating as I have rather mixed views. I struggled to motivate myself to carry on reading after I had put the book down, and then when I was reading it struggled to put it down! The novel itself is well written, however I find that some of the decisions the characters made were, maybe unrealistic or definitely stupid. The main character is very likeable, but over the top. It was overall an enjoyable read, but ended abruptly after a long build up.
I struggled when deciding the rating as I have rather mixed views. I struggled to motivate myself to carry on reading after I had put the book down, and then when I was reading it struggled to put it down! The novel itself is well written, however I find that some of the decisions the characters made were, maybe unrealistic or definitely stupid. The main character is very likeable, but over the top. It was overall an enjoyable read, but ended abruptly after a long build up.
A+ Learn How To Use Survival Gears and Pack Emergency Kit Lists - Best Disaster Preparedness Guide For Advanced & Beginners
Shopping and Education
App
*** 48 Hour Sale - 50% Off - Buy Soon *** Are You Really Prepared in the Event of a catastrophe? ...
They Let Me Write a Book!: Jamie's World
Book
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Jamie, I'm 19-years-old. I make videos on the Internet, and...
The Dam Busters
Book
A special edition of The Dam Busters by Paul Brickhill reissued with a bright retro design to...