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Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated Building Stories in Books
Mar 15, 2018
The unique presentation had me more than a little curious to get into this one, and I found it worked wonderfully for the material. Very well drawn, and with recurring themes and symbolism that are alternately beautiful and sad. This is decidedly not an uplifting work, with the harshness of life and the world around us seeming to be an even more universal theme throughout than the building around which the stories revolve. Luckily for me I suppose, the piece I randomly read last, while possibly being the saddest of all, also contained a really solid prospect of hope and one of the few truly uplifting portions found inside, thus making giving it the best ending I could have hoped for (for my tastes anyway). This is a truly incredible work of art that I cannot recommend highly enough.
As a side note, this could make a really interesting movie, especially in the hands of the right director. P.T. Anderson springs to mind for me. They could even allow you to watch segments in random order on the DVD, thus somewhat recreating the sensation of the "book". Could be interesting.
As a side note, this could make a really interesting movie, especially in the hands of the right director. P.T. Anderson springs to mind for me. They could even allow you to watch segments in random order on the DVD, thus somewhat recreating the sensation of the "book". Could be interesting.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Okja (2017) in Movies
Apr 2, 2018
Didn't quite get its message across
I'm a little disappointed with this film. I was hoping it'd be a strong powerful message against the meat industry, but sadly it fell a little short of the mark.
Okja herself is very well done and the effects are quite good, I just wish they'd concentrated more on the animal rather than Mija. Cast wise, most do okay although Tilda Swinton is her usual barmy self and Jake Gyllenhaal is completely over the top and out of place. The plot itself is slightly interesting but it differs from being very predictable, and it also drags at times. The problem with this film is its trying to get across a serious message about the meat industry, but I feel like it doesn't go far enough. It seems to chicken out of portraying the really disturbing aspects when it really shouldn't. If you want to get people to think twice about this subject, then you really need to push it as far as you can, even if it makes for uncomfortable viewing. Instead, they opt for the Hollywood soft version which is such a shame.
Okja herself is very well done and the effects are quite good, I just wish they'd concentrated more on the animal rather than Mija. Cast wise, most do okay although Tilda Swinton is her usual barmy self and Jake Gyllenhaal is completely over the top and out of place. The plot itself is slightly interesting but it differs from being very predictable, and it also drags at times. The problem with this film is its trying to get across a serious message about the meat industry, but I feel like it doesn't go far enough. It seems to chicken out of portraying the really disturbing aspects when it really shouldn't. If you want to get people to think twice about this subject, then you really need to push it as far as you can, even if it makes for uncomfortable viewing. Instead, they opt for the Hollywood soft version which is such a shame.
Merissa (12934 KP) rated No Filter (no shame series book 1) in Books
Feb 27, 2018
No Filter (No Shame #1) by Nora Phoenix
No Filter is the first book in the No Shames series, and we meet Indy, who is disguised as a woman. The reasons for this become clear, so don't worry about that. He meets Josh in a shop, and has to help him in an unusual way to stop him from being hurt. This in turn leads him to meeting Noah.
I won't say any more about the story, but I will say that this is one of the best written, original, storylines I've had the pleasure of reading. Nothing is plain and simple, but you are kept within the story as you learn more about situations and circumstances.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a delight to read. It had a smooth pacing to it, and the writing style was very easy to read. It does contain parts about abuse and PTSD, but I thought it was written very well indeed, telling of the horror without glamorising the events.
Looking forward to the rest of the series, and highly recommended by me.
I won't say any more about the story, but I will say that this is one of the best written, original, storylines I've had the pleasure of reading. Nothing is plain and simple, but you are kept within the story as you learn more about situations and circumstances.
With no editing or grammatical errors, this book was a delight to read. It had a smooth pacing to it, and the writing style was very easy to read. It does contain parts about abuse and PTSD, but I thought it was written very well indeed, telling of the horror without glamorising the events.
Looking forward to the rest of the series, and highly recommended by me.
Kimmic (814 KP) rated The Tattooist of Auschwitz in Books
Feb 21, 2018
Well written (3 more)
Likeable characters
Good story line
I like the fact that its a true story
Not sure how accurate some parts are (1 more)
At some points it seems to downplay the severity of the camp and the treatment of the prisoners
A Novel based on a true story
This book has received a massive hype about being amazing. So much so that I went over my usual budget on the purchase of a book to get a new hardback copy.
Although I read this book in a day, and did enjoy it, I hoped for a better insight into the life at the camp, and often found myself questioning whether certain things claimed in the book were true.
This was a good book, and I understand that some adaptations were made when converting it into a novel, but I think this has either been slightly overdone to play up the romance in the novel, or the lead character genuinely had a huge advantage over the other prisoners due to his role?
All in all, I am giving this a 7 because it was good, but doesn't quite reach the huge hype that it seems to have been given.
Although I read this book in a day, and did enjoy it, I hoped for a better insight into the life at the camp, and often found myself questioning whether certain things claimed in the book were true.
This was a good book, and I understand that some adaptations were made when converting it into a novel, but I think this has either been slightly overdone to play up the romance in the novel, or the lead character genuinely had a huge advantage over the other prisoners due to his role?
All in all, I am giving this a 7 because it was good, but doesn't quite reach the huge hype that it seems to have been given.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2355 KP) rated The Last Dinosaur (Mirage Mysteries #3) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Melissa Baugh was the victim of a dinosaur – at least the one being used to film a movie outside of Phoenix. Someone used the full size dinosaur to trample her. Phoenix cops Joe and Tommy are called into help with the investigation, but as it leads in some unexpected directions, will they be able to find her killer?
This mystery doesn’t wrap up as neatly as I normally enjoy since a couple of the hows are left for us to figure out. We can, but it would be nice if we didn’t have to guess. However, the who and the why are perfectly logical, and it is a fun ride getting to the end. Joe and Tommy are fun main characters, and I like watching them and the supporting cast in action. We get to see more of Rico, Joe’s son, and I enjoyed that as well. A sub-plot involving a traveling preacher adds to the fun, and the Christian elements adds to the book overall without becoming preachy.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-last-dinosaur-by-sandy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This mystery doesn’t wrap up as neatly as I normally enjoy since a couple of the hows are left for us to figure out. We can, but it would be nice if we didn’t have to guess. However, the who and the why are perfectly logical, and it is a fun ride getting to the end. Joe and Tommy are fun main characters, and I like watching them and the supporting cast in action. We get to see more of Rico, Joe’s son, and I enjoyed that as well. A sub-plot involving a traveling preacher adds to the fun, and the Christian elements adds to the book overall without becoming preachy.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2017/06/book-review-last-dinosaur-by-sandy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Anatomy of a Scandal in Books
Mar 11, 2018
A well-timed book about abuse of power
An Anatomy of a Scandal is a book about privilege and power, a timely novel given the recent spate of high profile sexual harassment cases. In this instance, James is a privileged, charismatic, successful member of Parliment and is accused of raping his mistress in a lift on the grounds of Westminster, while his doting wife Sophie, is torn between believing him and staying with him.
A trial then ensues, in which the accuser, Olivia is forced to face her worst nightmares, all the while fighting against a system in which he is king. Her lawyer Kate on the other hand, knows he is guilty, and we watch her back story unfold.
The book is told from alternating viewpoints with alternating timelines. As more of the past is revealed it is even more clear, that James is hiding more than expected.
An Anatomy of A Scandal exposes sexual assault for being more than just a moment in isolation. It is a culmination of behaviours and attitudes leading up to that moment and involves more than just the victim and the assaulter. An interesting read, and worth a trigger warning.
A trial then ensues, in which the accuser, Olivia is forced to face her worst nightmares, all the while fighting against a system in which he is king. Her lawyer Kate on the other hand, knows he is guilty, and we watch her back story unfold.
The book is told from alternating viewpoints with alternating timelines. As more of the past is revealed it is even more clear, that James is hiding more than expected.
An Anatomy of A Scandal exposes sexual assault for being more than just a moment in isolation. It is a culmination of behaviours and attitudes leading up to that moment and involves more than just the victim and the assaulter. An interesting read, and worth a trigger warning.
Anna Steele (111 KP) rated One of us is Lying in Books
Jun 1, 2018
Impossible to review without spoilers so ...
Contains spoilers, click to show
This book has so much going on I applaud for the complexity of the storyline and the intricacy of the conspiritorial heart of the novel. In the beginning the characters seem really flat, but they develope and change as the action unfolds.
It felt like Cooper being gay was more of a plot point than representation, but the inclusion of Kris and the slight focus on the family dealing with the revelation and his friend standing with him saved it for me.
Addy seemed like someone that let a relationship take over her whole life, and I thought that was a boring character choice, but when explained that her mom was he same was and she fought against it and became her own person, her character was redeemed for me.
Nate and Bronwyn’s Love conquers all in this book and is the primary fire with which my heart is stoked.
I love a well written mystery, but this one was hard for me to get into until I was barreling through the last hundred pages, needing answers to all the questions that came too late.
It felt like Cooper being gay was more of a plot point than representation, but the inclusion of Kris and the slight focus on the family dealing with the revelation and his friend standing with him saved it for me.
Addy seemed like someone that let a relationship take over her whole life, and I thought that was a boring character choice, but when explained that her mom was he same was and she fought against it and became her own person, her character was redeemed for me.
Nate and Bronwyn’s Love conquers all in this book and is the primary fire with which my heart is stoked.
I love a well written mystery, but this one was hard for me to get into until I was barreling through the last hundred pages, needing answers to all the questions that came too late.
T.N. Nova (30 KP) rated Jace's Trial in Books
Jun 24, 2018
Jace's Trial by JM Wolf is a M/M Contemporary Romance with a May / December Romance element. JM is a new to me author as this is the first of his books that I've read. What I will say is that I was not disappointed in the least. Normally, I'm a bit more leery of first person point of views because I have a harder time being drawn into the book as opposed to third person. Jace's Trial was one of those books that I absolutely loved. Not only did it draw me in completely but it pulled at all my 'feels'. It had me crying more than once. Not just sniffling but 'ugly crying'. When you read this definitely make sure you have the tissues ready.
The story was fast paced and a roller coaster ride that I didn't want to get off of. The character development was amazing. The world development was perfect as well. The Happily Ever After at the end was sweet and perfect. Jace's trial had it all. Love, hurt, angst and loss. I definitely will be reading more from this author.
Pick up this book today and give it a try.
The story was fast paced and a roller coaster ride that I didn't want to get off of. The character development was amazing. The world development was perfect as well. The Happily Ever After at the end was sweet and perfect. Jace's trial had it all. Love, hurt, angst and loss. I definitely will be reading more from this author.
Pick up this book today and give it a try.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Triangle (2009) in Movies
Jun 21, 2018
Intriguing, disturbing & original
I watched this entirely based on the review from @Lee and I'm pretty glad I did.
I probably wouldn't class this as a horror as it's not nearly gory or scary enough, but its a very thought provoking and disturbing thriller. It's one of those films that has you wondering "WTF" right from the start - may not appeal to everyone but I love films like this. I love the confusion and the intrigue, but there is a lot of pressure on films like this to get the ending and explanation just right otherwise you wind up unsatisfied and confused. Triangle does very well as the twist ending wraps up a lot of the earlier queries, but it does still leave a slightly ambiguous ending.
If I'm being honest, maybe slightly too ambiguous an ending as I had to look up fan theories online afterwards. And my only disappointment is that halfway through the film i said "this is going to turn out like Lost isn't it?" and on reading the online theories, I wasn't far off!
Slightly dodgy cgi aside, this is a pretty good film and definitely worth the watch. Thanks for the recommendation @Lee
I probably wouldn't class this as a horror as it's not nearly gory or scary enough, but its a very thought provoking and disturbing thriller. It's one of those films that has you wondering "WTF" right from the start - may not appeal to everyone but I love films like this. I love the confusion and the intrigue, but there is a lot of pressure on films like this to get the ending and explanation just right otherwise you wind up unsatisfied and confused. Triangle does very well as the twist ending wraps up a lot of the earlier queries, but it does still leave a slightly ambiguous ending.
If I'm being honest, maybe slightly too ambiguous an ending as I had to look up fan theories online afterwards. And my only disappointment is that halfway through the film i said "this is going to turn out like Lost isn't it?" and on reading the online theories, I wasn't far off!
Slightly dodgy cgi aside, this is a pretty good film and definitely worth the watch. Thanks for the recommendation @Lee
Merissa (12934 KP) rated The Elevator (Close Proximity #1) in Books
Jul 19, 2018
The Elevator (Close Proximity #1) by Erin M. Leaf
The Elevator is the first in the Close Proximity series, which from the looks of this book, is going to be short and steamy reads!
Adrian is a self-proclaimed geek, and works hard for a company that doesn't really appear to deserve him. Greyson is the owner of the building, definitely a millionaire but probably a multi-billionaire, and has his sights set on Adrian.
This is a short story, so expect a fast pace. The whole story takes place from Friday through Monday, so don't expect too much detail. The details you do get though, are brilliant and really help to see all the characters. It is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I would recommend this read as perfect for a coffee break book, so long as you don't mind being hot under the collar!
More in this series? Bring it on!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Adrian is a self-proclaimed geek, and works hard for a company that doesn't really appear to deserve him. Greyson is the owner of the building, definitely a millionaire but probably a multi-billionaire, and has his sights set on Adrian.
This is a short story, so expect a fast pace. The whole story takes place from Friday through Monday, so don't expect too much detail. The details you do get though, are brilliant and really help to see all the characters. It is well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. I would recommend this read as perfect for a coffee break book, so long as you don't mind being hot under the collar!
More in this series? Bring it on!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!