Search
Search results
Amy Christmas (170 KP) rated The Subtle Knife in Books
Jan 18, 2019 (Updated Jan 19, 2019)
Well paced (2 more)
Information is introduced quickly and effectively
Lyra having no idea how to function in our world
Lee scoresby (if you've read it you know why) (1 more)
A lack of Iorek Byrnison
Short so sweet and informative
Contains spoilers, click to show
For a conventional middle filler book this is beautiful, just as good as the first and possibly better?
It was extremely well paced for being only 15 chapters the shortest of all three books while still managing to introduce a myriad of new concepts and information without it being overwhelming for the reader.
At the start of the book we are introduced to will (AKA Roger 2.0 in my opinion) I loved will, his character and his back story. Will is a boy coming into his own being thrust into duties he doesn't want but duties he accepts and carries the burden of. We learn that will's father went missing on an exploration when he was a baby and it becomes clear that he didn't just die and no body was recovered, but something else.
Pullman beautifully builds on the religious background of Lyras world into the wider context of the universe with the introduction of angels and The Authority as he is primarily called.
Lyra's character doesn't unfortunately do much growing in this book as Will takes the focus, which I think was a good decision as it allows for each character to have their moment per sé.
But Lee scoresby, I loved Lee, our favourite drunken aeronaut, and we had to say farewell.
Going onto the third and final installment however, promises some more Iorek after his absence for all but one part of this book, more witches, angels and Mrs Coulter and her dreaded monkey.
I can't wait to see Will grow further as well as Lyra, nor can I wait for that crescendo that is a final battle.
It was extremely well paced for being only 15 chapters the shortest of all three books while still managing to introduce a myriad of new concepts and information without it being overwhelming for the reader.
At the start of the book we are introduced to will (AKA Roger 2.0 in my opinion) I loved will, his character and his back story. Will is a boy coming into his own being thrust into duties he doesn't want but duties he accepts and carries the burden of. We learn that will's father went missing on an exploration when he was a baby and it becomes clear that he didn't just die and no body was recovered, but something else.
Pullman beautifully builds on the religious background of Lyras world into the wider context of the universe with the introduction of angels and The Authority as he is primarily called.
Lyra's character doesn't unfortunately do much growing in this book as Will takes the focus, which I think was a good decision as it allows for each character to have their moment per sé.
But Lee scoresby, I loved Lee, our favourite drunken aeronaut, and we had to say farewell.
Going onto the third and final installment however, promises some more Iorek after his absence for all but one part of this book, more witches, angels and Mrs Coulter and her dreaded monkey.
I can't wait to see Will grow further as well as Lyra, nor can I wait for that crescendo that is a final battle.
TR
The Routledge International Handbook of Walking
C. Michael Hall, Yael Ram and Noam Shoval
Book
Walking is an essentially human activity. From a basic means of transport and opportunity for...
Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated Cooties (2015) in Movies
Jul 7, 2020 (Updated Oct 26, 2020)
An Irreverent Off Color Zombie-Comedy
Contains spoilers, click to show
I thought this movie was very underrated by the critic community. I really enjoyed it and felt it had exactly what I look for in a zombie movie. The premise fits well with it's genre because in real life this would be terrible and frightening. Kids being zombies, yikes. But since it's a comedy it was easy for them to set up some pretty funny scenes of them having to fight off kids that are trying to eat them. Critics saying it not being funny enough are hard for me to agree with because it had plenty of laughs for me, although some of them fell flat or were kind of lame. And that it was too ugly and violent for younger viewers, well hello, it's rated R. I do have to say that away from the premise the story or plot wasn't all too creative but it plays out well over the 94 minute film. Some critics also commented about "uninspired plot mechanics" which to me was more about some of it being predictable or cliché with zombie tropes common to the genre but I thought they fit into the plot in a good way that kept the direction of the movie going. One thing that I did agree with was that the ending was disappointing or unsatisfactory but I've learned that in zombie movies that's something you have to expect sometimes. There's not going to always be a happy ending or any kind of ending sometimes but there was a funny after credits scene where the janitor is shown for a couple of seconds. I give this movie a 7/10.
Classical Music for Babies
Music and Education
App
Discover the transformational power of music for health, education and well-being with Classical...
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated Follow the Dog Home: How a Simple Walk Unleashed an Incredible Family Journey in Books
Jan 15, 2018
If you are a dog lover (like me) this is a book you will enjoy reading! So many of the stories & family experiences that are written about in this book were things that mirrored my own life & that with the few dogs I've been blessed enough to have share my experiences. I laughed & cried at the tales & truly found myself drawn into the adventures & mishaps throughout.
Of course with that being said this is also a book that will help people who aren't dog lovers better understand those of us who are...not an easy thing to do by any means. It allows you a glimpse into the passion, love, & heartache that a dog brings into your life. The emotions & stories are well told.
Being a 4th grade teacher, I loved the fact that Samantha Walsh (Kevin's 10 year old daughter) was involved in bringing this book to life. She has such a great storytelling voice. I plan to read a few pieces to my class to show them that writing (& reading for that matter) are real & important things to them.
Well done Walsh family!!!
Of course with that being said this is also a book that will help people who aren't dog lovers better understand those of us who are...not an easy thing to do by any means. It allows you a glimpse into the passion, love, & heartache that a dog brings into your life. The emotions & stories are well told.
Being a 4th grade teacher, I loved the fact that Samantha Walsh (Kevin's 10 year old daughter) was involved in bringing this book to life. She has such a great storytelling voice. I plan to read a few pieces to my class to show them that writing (& reading for that matter) are real & important things to them.
Well done Walsh family!!!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Hasty for the Dark in Books
Aug 9, 2019
Must read for horror fans
This is a book with selected short stories from Adam Nevill. All dark and twisted in their own right.
<strong>Brilliant</strong>
Wow my anxiety levels reading these stories were through the roof! From the very first to the very last, each story had a new way of making me want to close the book and find something fluffy and happy to read.
Adam Nevill has such an amazing way of bringing you right into the world he's created. Being from Birmingham reading Always in our hearts really struck home as I read about familiar roads I travel daily I was able to feel the anxiety he built up travelling those roads too. The character creation is next to none I just can't believe it's taken this long to read these brilliant stories!!
I had a few sleepless nights also throw a few nightmares in too. They are so dark and twisted playing on emotional and mental well-being of the characters, which are done so well.
Definitely a must read for any Horror fan!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

<strong>Brilliant</strong>
Wow my anxiety levels reading these stories were through the roof! From the very first to the very last, each story had a new way of making me want to close the book and find something fluffy and happy to read.
Adam Nevill has such an amazing way of bringing you right into the world he's created. Being from Birmingham reading Always in our hearts really struck home as I read about familiar roads I travel daily I was able to feel the anxiety he built up travelling those roads too. The character creation is next to none I just can't believe it's taken this long to read these brilliant stories!!
I had a few sleepless nights also throw a few nightmares in too. They are so dark and twisted playing on emotional and mental well-being of the characters, which are done so well.
Definitely a must read for any Horror fan!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Eleanor (1463 KP) rated American Crime Story Season 1: The People v. O.J. Simpson in TV
Nov 10, 2019
A well-polished based on true events mini-series.
Not being American and also being a pre-teen at the time of the actual event the whole O.J. Simpson thing was a small blip on my consciousness at the time, so I probably knew less than most going into watching this. It focuses mainly around the courtroom drama of the trial of O.J. Simpson with a heavy focus on the lawyers (and there are a lot of them) involved.
For someone unfamiliar with all the facts of the case I could have done with more detail especially the prosecutions whole case, much was made of their been a load of evidence but we didn’t get to see how much of it was presented. Instead, we did get a lot of insight into the personalities around the case with some strong performances, in particular, Sarah Paulson as prosecutor Marcia Clark alongside some less convincing showings. I’m not that familiar with Simpson, but Cuba Gooding Jr didn’t really invoke him to me.
All in all interesting and well put together insight into arguably the biggest TV trial in history.
For someone unfamiliar with all the facts of the case I could have done with more detail especially the prosecutions whole case, much was made of their been a load of evidence but we didn’t get to see how much of it was presented. Instead, we did get a lot of insight into the personalities around the case with some strong performances, in particular, Sarah Paulson as prosecutor Marcia Clark alongside some less convincing showings. I’m not that familiar with Simpson, but Cuba Gooding Jr didn’t really invoke him to me.
All in all interesting and well put together insight into arguably the biggest TV trial in history.
Being Berlusconi
Book
People from all walks of life are appalled and fascinated in equal measure by the stratospheric...
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Weekend Escape in Books
Sep 20, 2021
This is another book that takes the "locked-room" mystery and develops it so rather than being in a room, the 6 friends are on a small island just off the coast of the north west of the UK accessed only by boat, no phone to the outside world and dodgy weather approaching. What could possibly go wrong?
Things start to go awry from the beginning and gradually get worse. The sense of claustrophobia and of being within touching distance of the mainland when you might as well be on the moon was excellently portrayed.
The characters were well developed - I don't think any of them are particularly likeable or memorable but it works for the story. The pacing is steady and the build up of tension palpable. The reveal was, for me, not much of a surprise as I had already guessed it but getting there was quite good fun.
Although not the most unique story, it was enjoyable nevertheless and my thanks must go to HarperCollinsUK / One More Chapter via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Things start to go awry from the beginning and gradually get worse. The sense of claustrophobia and of being within touching distance of the mainland when you might as well be on the moon was excellently portrayed.
The characters were well developed - I don't think any of them are particularly likeable or memorable but it works for the story. The pacing is steady and the build up of tension palpable. The reveal was, for me, not much of a surprise as I had already guessed it but getting there was quite good fun.
Although not the most unique story, it was enjoyable nevertheless and my thanks must go to HarperCollinsUK / One More Chapter via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Parks and Recreation - Season 1 in TV
Sep 25, 2017
Chris Pratt's dorkiness (2 more)
Amy Poehler is hilarious
Aziz Ansari is a D-bag but plays it well
A brilliant, comedic ensemble
There are plenty of well known faces in Parks and Recreation including Hollywood A-Lister Chris Pratt, who plays a lazy slob, and looks surprisingly different from his current heartthrob self.
But Amy Poehler steals the show in this, playing the deputy director of Parks and Recreation for local government in this small town called Pawnee. She's rather sweet and hugely optimistic in the face of everyone saying no to her as she tries to fill in a giant pit and turn it into a park.
It is a hilarious take on local government and all the pitfalls of being a representative.
But Amy Poehler steals the show in this, playing the deputy director of Parks and Recreation for local government in this small town called Pawnee. She's rather sweet and hugely optimistic in the face of everyone saying no to her as she tries to fill in a giant pit and turn it into a park.
It is a hilarious take on local government and all the pitfalls of being a representative.