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Lindsay (1740 KP) rated A Celebration of Spring (Mariana Books Rhyming #8) in Books
May 23, 2021
Are you looking for a book that explains the seasons? Well, this one describes what Spring is about in a fun and enjoyable way. Children can learn to rhyme with this book. It is a rhyming book. However, I came to the end of the book. I have also seen other potential fun things to do with children, not only what you could do or your children could do outdoors.
The book utilized young children learning to read and older children by asking what fun activities they could develop during Spring. What could the children come up with some outdoor fun with after reading this book?
Parents could use this book to enough their children to want to play outdoors or come up with a family outing and take this book along to read later on their trip. Children will learn rhyming and some excellent outdoor activities and maybe come up with their own by being inspired by A Celebration of Spring or pictures in the book. Parents might find some activities ideas to do with their child or children after reading this book. One activity I thought of was going outdoors, counting the birds that I see in my backyard. Watching the birds fly around my area or walking to get my mail. Though they are just some ideas, another might be a coloring activity or drawing activity.
I have no idea if this is what the author had in mind when he wrote the book. The activities do some to come up and think about after reading this book. This book can bring that out with just reading the book and giving children some ideas to come up with independently. Parents could ask their children what kind of outdoor activities they can do outdoors.
The book utilized young children learning to read and older children by asking what fun activities they could develop during Spring. What could the children come up with some outdoor fun with after reading this book?
Parents could use this book to enough their children to want to play outdoors or come up with a family outing and take this book along to read later on their trip. Children will learn rhyming and some excellent outdoor activities and maybe come up with their own by being inspired by A Celebration of Spring or pictures in the book. Parents might find some activities ideas to do with their child or children after reading this book. One activity I thought of was going outdoors, counting the birds that I see in my backyard. Watching the birds fly around my area or walking to get my mail. Though they are just some ideas, another might be a coloring activity or drawing activity.
I have no idea if this is what the author had in mind when he wrote the book. The activities do some to come up and think about after reading this book. This book can bring that out with just reading the book and giving children some ideas to come up with independently. Parents could ask their children what kind of outdoor activities they can do outdoors.
ClareR (5849 KP) rated The Snakes in Books
Jun 19, 2021
Firstly, I’d like to make it clear that I really enjoyed The Snakes. A lot.
Secondly, I’m sorry for being so predictable, but I pretty much hated every single character in this novel, apart from Alex and Dan. Bea had moments where I felt that I could like her, but then she just didn’t seem to help herself or anyone else.
So, short summary of the plot: Bea and Dan live in a tiny flat in London and decide to drive through Europe on a shoestring budget, financed by renting their flat out. Their first stop is at Bea’s brothers hotel in Burgundy. Alex runs the hotel, which was bought for him by their ridiculously rich parents. I think they’re hoping that the responsibility will keep him busy and off drugs.
Shortly after Bea and Daniel’s arrival, Bea’s parents turn up, and they realise that the hotel is basically a dump. This is the point at which Dan learns that his in-laws are rich enough to own a private jet, and his and Bea’s financial struggles could easily be solved if they would just take their offered money. But Bea has her reasons and principles. And they’re good ones.
Some pretty awful things happen in this book. It’s a stark example of the “haves” and “have nots”, and how those with money (and I’m talking about Griff here) have no comprehension what living in poverty or with little money is like. I could understand Dan’s wish to take Griff’s money, but at the same time, I could understand Bea’s motivation for NOT taking it.
And the ending is a real kick in the guts, let me tell you!!
This is a firm five star read from me - it’s well worth the read (or the listen, in my case!)
Secondly, I’m sorry for being so predictable, but I pretty much hated every single character in this novel, apart from Alex and Dan. Bea had moments where I felt that I could like her, but then she just didn’t seem to help herself or anyone else.
So, short summary of the plot: Bea and Dan live in a tiny flat in London and decide to drive through Europe on a shoestring budget, financed by renting their flat out. Their first stop is at Bea’s brothers hotel in Burgundy. Alex runs the hotel, which was bought for him by their ridiculously rich parents. I think they’re hoping that the responsibility will keep him busy and off drugs.
Shortly after Bea and Daniel’s arrival, Bea’s parents turn up, and they realise that the hotel is basically a dump. This is the point at which Dan learns that his in-laws are rich enough to own a private jet, and his and Bea’s financial struggles could easily be solved if they would just take their offered money. But Bea has her reasons and principles. And they’re good ones.
Some pretty awful things happen in this book. It’s a stark example of the “haves” and “have nots”, and how those with money (and I’m talking about Griff here) have no comprehension what living in poverty or with little money is like. I could understand Dan’s wish to take Griff’s money, but at the same time, I could understand Bea’s motivation for NOT taking it.
And the ending is a real kick in the guts, let me tell you!!
This is a firm five star read from me - it’s well worth the read (or the listen, in my case!)
Jonathan Higgs recommended Electro-Shock Blues by Eels in Music (curated)
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Impractical Jokers: The Movie (2020) in Movies
Sep 21, 2020
As someone who's been an "Impractical Jokers" fan since the very first episode aired way back on December 15th, 2011 (and still to this day) - I'm not sure how *this* big of a downgrade was managed going from a TruTV show to a major motion picture. The narrative framing device is un-fucking-watchable and the best bits from the pranks themselves are less convincingly faked than even some of the more middling episodes of the show. I - with the general consensus - vote this should have just been a ~90 minute episode rather than this pat material padding out a small handful of pranks. Not 100% sure if this just isn't really isn't good overall or if its chintziness in the extreme let it down; the "Drake & Josh" movies are seriously more well built than this. I think these four very original guys are hilarious, each brim with distinct personality, and have some of the best comedic timing of the 2010s decade (and there still is a lot of funny stuff in here delivered with that same knack) - so it is confusing to see them flounder so hard in just about every other thing they try besides the show. The (still staged) broken-down car bit and Paula Abdul saying she has more power than the cartel are high points, much of everything else is a depressing low for this IP. Even the admittedly awesome in theory ending punishment falls flat. A dud, honestly not awful but there's literally no point in paying to see this in a theater even despite being able to watch more high quality entertainment from these guys on YouTube or home television. Tonight's biggest loser: the audience. Sidenote: they didn't censor fuck or shit, but did so for pussy? Twice?
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2316 KP) rated Murder in the Bayou Boneyard in Books
Sep 9, 2020
Graveside Murder
In an effort to increase bookings at her family’s Louisiana bed and breakfast during October, Maggie Crozat has come up with the “Pelican’s Spooky Past” promotion. Five of the area B & B’s are teaming up and offering historical crafts, food, and other promotions to tie in to the season. Someone else has gotten into the act since guests keep siting a rougarou, a local legendary monster. One of the events during the month is a play being staged at a nearby dilapidated graveyard. The first couple of weekends, the play goes well, but then at one performance someone in a rougarou costume stumbles onto the stage and dies. As cross jurisdictional strife heats up, Maggie and her family find themselves caught in the middle as prime suspects. Can Maggie clear their names?
Reading this series always makes me want to visit Louisiana in person, and this book is no exception. I also appreciate how we learn something about local customs, legends, and food while we read. The plot is strong with plenty of twists and action to keep us engaged and guessing. I do have a couple of niggles with the climax, but they are minor overall. The characters are as wonderful as ever. I love seeing the regulars again and watching them and their relationships grow. Meanwhile, the suspects are just as strong as the series regulars. Those looking for some Cajun flavor in their life will enjoy the five recipes we get at the end of the book. Fans of the series will enjoy the latest book, and if you are new to the series, this will make you go back and read the books you’ve missed.
Reading this series always makes me want to visit Louisiana in person, and this book is no exception. I also appreciate how we learn something about local customs, legends, and food while we read. The plot is strong with plenty of twists and action to keep us engaged and guessing. I do have a couple of niggles with the climax, but they are minor overall. The characters are as wonderful as ever. I love seeing the regulars again and watching them and their relationships grow. Meanwhile, the suspects are just as strong as the series regulars. Those looking for some Cajun flavor in their life will enjoy the five recipes we get at the end of the book. Fans of the series will enjoy the latest book, and if you are new to the series, this will make you go back and read the books you’ve missed.
Wrigglezeus (511 KP) rated the Xbox One version of Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter in Video Games
Sep 15, 2020
First four detective cases (2 more)
Can skip mini games at risk of losing trophies / achievements
Graphics are great for what they had and voice work is great
Trail and error mini games and puzzles (3 more)
Poor level design
Loading times
A lot of backtracking
The great sleuth is just messing up and trying again
I love Sherlock, from the novels to the TV series and even those Robert Downey Jr Movies. I have even enjoyed previous games in this franchise. This however, was a joke.
Sometimes the mini games are unnecessary, with most out of place and just infuriatingly fiddly. Furthermore as a great sleuth a lot of the mini games seem entirely down to trail and error, results in Holmes’ death and many restarts of the puzzles. Including one during a case with moving tiles. In a world where everything is cleverly thought out, it seems these were not the case.
The storyline was somewhat decent with build up towards the end, with the four cases before hand being somewhat irrelevant towards the grand ending. As I pushed my way through this game it dawned on me that I was starting to get rare achievements, by the end of this game barely 10% of those who played it actually finished it. With around 20% only finishing the first case.
Further work needs to be put in place for this to be a true Sherlock experience, without the need to move the thumb sticks into a circle so I can eavesdrop or balance on a beam. Sometimes the quick time encounters worked amazingly well, including during an exorcism. Whilst otherwise. Awfully and out of place.
I would not recommend this game for even the truest of fans and to read up the plot online instead.
Sometimes the mini games are unnecessary, with most out of place and just infuriatingly fiddly. Furthermore as a great sleuth a lot of the mini games seem entirely down to trail and error, results in Holmes’ death and many restarts of the puzzles. Including one during a case with moving tiles. In a world where everything is cleverly thought out, it seems these were not the case.
The storyline was somewhat decent with build up towards the end, with the four cases before hand being somewhat irrelevant towards the grand ending. As I pushed my way through this game it dawned on me that I was starting to get rare achievements, by the end of this game barely 10% of those who played it actually finished it. With around 20% only finishing the first case.
Further work needs to be put in place for this to be a true Sherlock experience, without the need to move the thumb sticks into a circle so I can eavesdrop or balance on a beam. Sometimes the quick time encounters worked amazingly well, including during an exorcism. Whilst otherwise. Awfully and out of place.
I would not recommend this game for even the truest of fans and to read up the plot online instead.
Kristina (502 KP) rated Avoiding Commitment (Avoiding, #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2020
Contains spoilers, click to show
When I first heard about this book, I was extremely interested. There's nothing better than watching a man who refuses to commit be roped in. However, I most certainly did not care for this story. First of, Alexa is really annoying. I understand her infatuation at first, because well make mistakes, but it didn't take me nearly as long as it did her that Jack would never choose to be with her unless there was another person involved. The only times he slept with her were when one, or both, of them were unavailable - this tells me what a jerk Jack is. Also, in the beginning, I thought maybe Jack had called Alexa to come down because he was actually having second thoughts and wanted to see if he still had feelings for her before he got married. Then she meets Ramsey. I liked him immediately and quickly threw Jack aside, because nothing he did convinced me he would treat her better. Each past story of their reunions left me cringing and wishing she would just tell Jack to F off - no such luck. By the end of the book, I was praying that Jack would get hit by a bus and that Alexa would realize that Ramsey could be a good match for her. It was hard to keep up with the writing and, occasionally, the view would change for a sentence or two and reveal what either Jack or Ramsey were thinking; this was confusing. The ending was perfect, though. She finally tells Jack to shove it and, though I liked Ramsey, she tells him there's no room for him. I thought, "Good for you. You've been too obsessed with Jack for too long to start up a relationship this soon." I loved that it ended with Alexa being alone, it's what she needed.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2316 KP) rated Murder Comes to Call in Books
Oct 28, 2020
Thefts and Murder
When Beryl Helliwell goes to court for reckless driving, she meets Declan O’Shea, an Irish immigrant trying to start a life for himself in the English village of Walmsley Parva. However, being Irish, he is viewed with suspicion, and the string of thefts happening in the village only make things worse. When the police start to question him about the thefts, he hires Beryl and Edwina Davenport to clear his name. The stakes are only raised when a dead body turns up at the scene of the latest burglary. Couple that with another client who needs his case solved right away, and Edwina and Beryl have their work cut out of them. Can they figure out what is really happening?
While this is the fourth book in the series, you could easily jump in here. You would miss out on the growth in the characters and their relationships, which is definitely part of the charm of the series. Plus these are just great characters to spend time with. Fans will be delighted to check in with these friends and catch up with the latest going on in their lives. The plot seemed to be a bit scattered early on, but I suspected that events would tie together, and my faith was rewarded. In fact, I was impressed with just how everything came together by the end. The setting, both location and historical, come to life well. We get a great feel for the impact of World War I on this village without it ever slowing things down. I was fully absorbed in another time and place as I read, and if you are looking for a great historical mystery, you will be, too.
While this is the fourth book in the series, you could easily jump in here. You would miss out on the growth in the characters and their relationships, which is definitely part of the charm of the series. Plus these are just great characters to spend time with. Fans will be delighted to check in with these friends and catch up with the latest going on in their lives. The plot seemed to be a bit scattered early on, but I suspected that events would tie together, and my faith was rewarded. In fact, I was impressed with just how everything came together by the end. The setting, both location and historical, come to life well. We get a great feel for the impact of World War I on this village without it ever slowing things down. I was fully absorbed in another time and place as I read, and if you are looking for a great historical mystery, you will be, too.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Dear Child in Books
Oct 29, 2020
Lena Beck disappeared fourteen years ago--a carefree student who simply vanished without a trace. Since then, her father, Matthias, and her mother have waited for any news about their daughter's whereabouts. Then, they receive a call: a woman has been found after an accident. She's in the hospital and a young girl, Hannah, presumably her daughter, is with her. From Hannah, we learn that Lena and Hannah were living in a cabin, basically unknown and cutoff from the outside world.
"He creates day and night. Like God."
This book was quite the ride! I couldn't put this one down. It was eerily reminiscent of Wendy Walker's Don't Look For Me, which I just read, and of course, Room, as everyone has mentioned. It's utterly captivating; I read it over the course of about 24 hours. The story is told from the perspective of Hannah, who has her own unique voice (that's putting it mildly); the woman known as Lena; and Matthias. Together, they tell us a creepy and often heartbreaking tale, going back in time to the cabin, as well as present day in the hospital.
I won't go too in-depth, because it's best to go in to this one blind. I will say that it's easy to get caught up in the characters, particularly Lena, and Hannah, in a sort of spellbinding way. I was mesmerized by their stories and totally enjoyed that I didn't guess the outcome. I thought this was going to be a 4.5-star read, but the ending wound up being a little crazy. It came on suddenly and just seemed a bit jarring.
Still, if you're looking for an eerie and compelling read--told by some original and haunting voices--you'll enjoy DEAR CHILD. 4 stars.
"He creates day and night. Like God."
This book was quite the ride! I couldn't put this one down. It was eerily reminiscent of Wendy Walker's Don't Look For Me, which I just read, and of course, Room, as everyone has mentioned. It's utterly captivating; I read it over the course of about 24 hours. The story is told from the perspective of Hannah, who has her own unique voice (that's putting it mildly); the woman known as Lena; and Matthias. Together, they tell us a creepy and often heartbreaking tale, going back in time to the cabin, as well as present day in the hospital.
I won't go too in-depth, because it's best to go in to this one blind. I will say that it's easy to get caught up in the characters, particularly Lena, and Hannah, in a sort of spellbinding way. I was mesmerized by their stories and totally enjoyed that I didn't guess the outcome. I thought this was going to be a 4.5-star read, but the ending wound up being a little crazy. It came on suddenly and just seemed a bit jarring.
Still, if you're looking for an eerie and compelling read--told by some original and haunting voices--you'll enjoy DEAR CHILD. 4 stars.