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BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children in Books
Jul 22, 2017
The characters (2 more)
The pictures
The setting
Peculiar and Wonderful
Before I even finished the first chapter I got a very 'Big Fish'(a movie which I love) feeling from this and I became even more excited to read it. The plot is wonderful as well as all the characters they all just come to life, I do feel like the detail of the Miss Peregrine and the children kind of overshadow the plot because they are just so interesting and I wouldn't have minded the book being about them and just all their lives.
I have no idea why but I kept picturing Jacob as being in his early twenties for some reason so when he would act like the typical annoying no one understands me teenager I just started disliking him I really do hope that in the second book you see him grow more and mature as a character.
The only reason I couldn't give it a full five star was the pacing of the book was just odd for me like each section was just leading up to the next set of photos instead of the photos being an exciting extra to the plot. Also the ending just felt so rushed I almost got whiplash at how fast it came at me.
I did really enjoy the ending though and that it left it open for more books.
I have no idea why but I kept picturing Jacob as being in his early twenties for some reason so when he would act like the typical annoying no one understands me teenager I just started disliking him I really do hope that in the second book you see him grow more and mature as a character.
The only reason I couldn't give it a full five star was the pacing of the book was just odd for me like each section was just leading up to the next set of photos instead of the photos being an exciting extra to the plot. Also the ending just felt so rushed I almost got whiplash at how fast it came at me.
I did really enjoy the ending though and that it left it open for more books.
Merissa (13382 KP) rated The Truth in Love: Virgo (Zodiac Shifters #14) in Books
Aug 29, 2017
The Truth in Love: Virgo (Zodiac Shifters #14) by K.C. Stewart
The Truth in Love: Virgo is the latest instalment in the Zodiac Shifters series. Emilie is the Virgo of the story, going through the motions of being happy with her (human) fiance. Things get interesting for her when he finds her shifting and, not realising that it is her, shoots her. He then declares Emilie is dead. She, being completely alive, makes her way to where her brother lives. She has managed to call him before she arrives, so he knows the story of what has happened to her, and makes it as easy as possible for her to start again. Things get a bit more complicated when Carter, her next door neighbour and landlord, is added to the picture.
This is a well paced story that features characters I am already acquainted with. It was a nice touch to see them again, to see how they are faring, whilst actually being vested in someone else. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the only hiccups were actually part of the story! This was a thoroughly enjoyable book, and I can't wait to read the next Zodiac Shifters book! Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
This is a well paced story that features characters I am already acquainted with. It was a nice touch to see them again, to see how they are faring, whilst actually being vested in someone else. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and the only hiccups were actually part of the story! This was a thoroughly enjoyable book, and I can't wait to read the next Zodiac Shifters book! Highly recommended by me.
* 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!
Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated Full Cicada Moon in Books
Jun 4, 2018
I absolutely loved this book! I suppose I’m a bit partial to stories told in poetry, as I’ve really enjoyed all of the YA novels I’ve read that are written this way, but I’m just so impressed at how these authors use this medium to tell incredibly powerful stories about difficult topics.
This particular book addresses issues of racism as well as tackling issues involved with being bi-racial in America, something that hits particularly close to home for me as I’m raising bi-racial children. While the story is set in 1969, I think so many of Mimi’s experiences still resonate today–everything from being followed around a store by a suspicious salesperson to being a wallflower at your first middle school dance.
Of course, the other aspect that I’ve fallen in love with in Marilyn Hilton’s writing is her ability to capture images so beautifully in her poetry. This section, towards the end of the novel, is particularly touching:
I used to think the people of Vermont
were like the snow–
crusty,
chilly,
and slow to thaw
But now I think
they’re what’s underneath.
Like the crocus bulbs making flowers all winter
in the dark earth–
invisible until they push through the snow–
and like the cicadas growing
underground for years–
until they burst from the ground–
the people of Vermont
do their hardest thinking
and their richest feeling
deep inside,
so no one can see.
This particular book addresses issues of racism as well as tackling issues involved with being bi-racial in America, something that hits particularly close to home for me as I’m raising bi-racial children. While the story is set in 1969, I think so many of Mimi’s experiences still resonate today–everything from being followed around a store by a suspicious salesperson to being a wallflower at your first middle school dance.
Of course, the other aspect that I’ve fallen in love with in Marilyn Hilton’s writing is her ability to capture images so beautifully in her poetry. This section, towards the end of the novel, is particularly touching:
I used to think the people of Vermont
were like the snow–
crusty,
chilly,
and slow to thaw
But now I think
they’re what’s underneath.
Like the crocus bulbs making flowers all winter
in the dark earth–
invisible until they push through the snow–
and like the cicadas growing
underground for years–
until they burst from the ground–
the people of Vermont
do their hardest thinking
and their richest feeling
deep inside,
so no one can see.
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated The Cancer Ladies' Running Club in Books
Jul 1, 2021
I just couldn’t put this book down! It was such an easy read, but also one that made me laugh, cry and think about my own mortality all at the same time.
We follow Keira as she is getting a diagnosis of breast cancer, after always believing that she doesn’t get ill. We go with her as she battles her cancer as well as battling through the trials of every day life: being a mum, being a wife and owning a business. I really felt for her when things started to go wrong in different aspects of her life and felt her frustration when she felt that people weren’t being supportive or had started treating her differently.
Keira ends up speaking to a woman outside the hospital, who becomes one of her rocks throughout her treatment. Tamsin just happened to come along at exactly the right time for Keira, and together, along with two other women they meet along the way (Amma and Sian) they create the Cancer Ladies’ Running Club. The women go through so much together, all either going through treatment at the same time or having just finished treatment. They talk about how people have changed towards them and have their own personal rants about what is going on in their lives whilst all supporting each other.
I honestly didn’t want to put this book down and have loved every word of it. A definite 5 star from me!
We follow Keira as she is getting a diagnosis of breast cancer, after always believing that she doesn’t get ill. We go with her as she battles her cancer as well as battling through the trials of every day life: being a mum, being a wife and owning a business. I really felt for her when things started to go wrong in different aspects of her life and felt her frustration when she felt that people weren’t being supportive or had started treating her differently.
Keira ends up speaking to a woman outside the hospital, who becomes one of her rocks throughout her treatment. Tamsin just happened to come along at exactly the right time for Keira, and together, along with two other women they meet along the way (Amma and Sian) they create the Cancer Ladies’ Running Club. The women go through so much together, all either going through treatment at the same time or having just finished treatment. They talk about how people have changed towards them and have their own personal rants about what is going on in their lives whilst all supporting each other.
I honestly didn’t want to put this book down and have loved every word of it. A definite 5 star from me!
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated A Work in Progress: The Untold Story of the Crawley Writers’ Group in Books
Jul 11, 2021
Hilarious (2 more)
Mad characters
Unbelievable situations
Such an easy read, and one that had me giggling throughout.
We follow a group of writers through emails, both to the group and some privately between members. This eclectic group would in both way be friends outside of the group, and it shows with just how different they all are. A couple do meet up outside of the group, with hilarious results (the night in the hotel before comic con being the one that sticks in my mind the most!) that mean you can’t help but wonder just how these people get through day to day life.
It was great to follow this group through the trials of trying to write their own work, as well as the trials of being thrust together with people they didn’t particularly like, and to also see that they either didn’t understand or didn’t want to see some of the sarcastic comments that were pointed towards them.
Reading this book was so easy, and such a different type of book with it all being written in email form. Although it sounds like it won’t work, in this case it absolutely does. I loved every minute of this, and could have read so many more pages of it!
Thank you to Dan Brotzel, Martin Jenkins, Alex Woolf and Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this beautifully written and extremely mad book, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
We follow a group of writers through emails, both to the group and some privately between members. This eclectic group would in both way be friends outside of the group, and it shows with just how different they all are. A couple do meet up outside of the group, with hilarious results (the night in the hotel before comic con being the one that sticks in my mind the most!) that mean you can’t help but wonder just how these people get through day to day life.
It was great to follow this group through the trials of trying to write their own work, as well as the trials of being thrust together with people they didn’t particularly like, and to also see that they either didn’t understand or didn’t want to see some of the sarcastic comments that were pointed towards them.
Reading this book was so easy, and such a different type of book with it all being written in email form. Although it sounds like it won’t work, in this case it absolutely does. I loved every minute of this, and could have read so many more pages of it!
Thank you to Dan Brotzel, Martin Jenkins, Alex Woolf and Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this beautifully written and extremely mad book, I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Merissa (13382 KP) rated Beyond the Black Mist (The Familiar Curse #2) in Books
Mar 19, 2021 (Updated Aug 2, 2023)
BEYOND THE BLACK MIST is the second book in The Familiar's Curse series, and we continue with Dante and Juliet's story. Both of them are separated, and in places where they don't want to be. With all the fear and mistrust, how will they ever be together?
You really do need to read book one as this is a series, not a bunch of standalones. We are introduced to new characters, and well as being reunited with old ones. And, I'm afraid to say, Nicholas doesn't get any nicer in this one! Pops, though. Aww, I want one of my own.
Anyway, moving on. For most of the book, Juliet and Dante are working towards being together, and when they do, it's lovely, but not over the top. There is a twist at the end that you may have seen coming. It certainly crossed my mind but then I thought 'no'. LOL Guess I was wrong!
A brilliant continuation of the story, with some major changes in one particular character. I know who I want to end up with her, but I will wait to see. I love being surprised.
Absolutely fantastic, a great addition to the series, and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 19, 2021
You really do need to read book one as this is a series, not a bunch of standalones. We are introduced to new characters, and well as being reunited with old ones. And, I'm afraid to say, Nicholas doesn't get any nicer in this one! Pops, though. Aww, I want one of my own.
Anyway, moving on. For most of the book, Juliet and Dante are working towards being together, and when they do, it's lovely, but not over the top. There is a twist at the end that you may have seen coming. It certainly crossed my mind but then I thought 'no'. LOL Guess I was wrong!
A brilliant continuation of the story, with some major changes in one particular character. I know who I want to end up with her, but I will wait to see. I love being surprised.
Absolutely fantastic, a great addition to the series, and definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 19, 2021
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018) in Movies
May 14, 2019
Next level
#missionimpossiblefallout is an insane #summer #blockbuster thats an extremely well made & a breathtakingly #fun adrenaline shot to the #heart. #Fallout proudly takes its place as the best #Mi film with its #darker tone, higher stakes, well fleshed out characters & bigger set pieces. #mi6 is shot so beautiful & #smooth with everything feeling so polished & well crafted. We are frequently treated to #gorgeous establishing shots, slick tracking shots & extremely tight #action camerawork throughout. Sets, locations & real stunt work also constantly impress scale wise & visually too. #Fight choreography is very impressive & every fight scene feels fast, weighty, exhausting & brutal & its refreshing to be able to follow the action smoothly in a blockbuster for a change without the need for constant jump cuts. #Comedy is still here but its greatly toned down in favour for a much more bleaker tone here. Story wise there's a lot more at stake this time & the films darker tone & constant twists established not only great tension but ensure your frequently left breathless & on edge. There's an underlining theme of #religion being used as a tool of power here & how one mans vision of to start again is reminiscent of a god first destroying everything to recreate better. Sacrifice is also a recurring theme too & we learn so much more about Ethan's character & #Mi6 because of this, are the choices he/they make all for good? or are they actually making things worse & creating more deaths/problems for the world. #Villains are all intimidating, have an unnerving presence & great motives. Solomon & Ethans #relationship is very interesting with great depth as it seems #Ethan fears #Solomon be it him being scared of becoming like him or knowing that he's the only person capable of taking away everything he cares about without giving him a choice. Acting is flawless #henrycavill, #seanharris, #vingrhames all shine but its #tomcruise & the sheer commitment/dedication to his work on show here thats truly breath taking. Please see this film, we need more blockbusters this well made/with this much depth. Simply #fantastic. #odeon #filmbuff #filmcritic #missionimpossible #wednesdaywisdom
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BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Hudsucker Proxy (1994) in Movies
Sep 25, 2020
Terrific, under-rated gem
Coen Brother's films fall into 3 categories for me:
Terrific, well-known films: FARGO, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, THE BIG LEBOWSKI
Terrible, overly-indulgent films: HAIL CAESAR, A SERIOUS MAN, BURN AFTER READING
Under-rated gems: BARTON FINK, MILLER'S CROSSING, THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS
And this film, the 1994 homage to 1940's fast-talking comedies THE HUDSUCKER PROXY.
Set in the business world, THE HUDSUCKER PROXY tells the tale of a young, ambitious corporate ladder climber who is taken under the thumb of a conniving business exec who wants to use the young man as a patsy for the business.
Tim Robbins stars as the young, ambitious Norville Barnes who's "gee shucks" demeanor and the faithful belief in those around him anchors this film in a common decency that Robbins exudes in spades. Countering Robbins is a crafty film veteran - Paul Newman as evil, corrupt Corporate Executive Sidney J. Mussburger. Newman was winding down his career at this point, so must have seen something in the script that caught his eye, for Newman has a spark and a spring in his step that shows that the old man "still has it". He plays off of Robbins well and it is a joy to watch this veteran actor work. Equally interesting in this film is Jennifer Jason Leigh who channels her inner Rosalind Russell as fast-talking, hard-pushing reporter (and erstwhile girlfriend of Barnes), Amy Archer.
But this being a Coen Brothers film, this movie is just as strongly about the atmosphere and the dialogue as it is the characters - and what an atmosphere they create. Delivering a strong "1940's Art Deco meets Techno-Punk" theme, the Coens deliver a visually interesting world that is incorporated with intriguing characters.
In other words - it's a Coen Brothers comedy - and one that is well done.
To tell more about the story is to spoil the picture, but realize that this film is well made, well scripted and well acted (if a little slight on story). It is a very entertaining way to spend a few hours.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Terrific, well-known films: FARGO, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, THE BIG LEBOWSKI
Terrible, overly-indulgent films: HAIL CAESAR, A SERIOUS MAN, BURN AFTER READING
Under-rated gems: BARTON FINK, MILLER'S CROSSING, THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS
And this film, the 1994 homage to 1940's fast-talking comedies THE HUDSUCKER PROXY.
Set in the business world, THE HUDSUCKER PROXY tells the tale of a young, ambitious corporate ladder climber who is taken under the thumb of a conniving business exec who wants to use the young man as a patsy for the business.
Tim Robbins stars as the young, ambitious Norville Barnes who's "gee shucks" demeanor and the faithful belief in those around him anchors this film in a common decency that Robbins exudes in spades. Countering Robbins is a crafty film veteran - Paul Newman as evil, corrupt Corporate Executive Sidney J. Mussburger. Newman was winding down his career at this point, so must have seen something in the script that caught his eye, for Newman has a spark and a spring in his step that shows that the old man "still has it". He plays off of Robbins well and it is a joy to watch this veteran actor work. Equally interesting in this film is Jennifer Jason Leigh who channels her inner Rosalind Russell as fast-talking, hard-pushing reporter (and erstwhile girlfriend of Barnes), Amy Archer.
But this being a Coen Brothers film, this movie is just as strongly about the atmosphere and the dialogue as it is the characters - and what an atmosphere they create. Delivering a strong "1940's Art Deco meets Techno-Punk" theme, the Coens deliver a visually interesting world that is incorporated with intriguing characters.
In other words - it's a Coen Brothers comedy - and one that is well done.
To tell more about the story is to spoil the picture, but realize that this film is well made, well scripted and well acted (if a little slight on story). It is a very entertaining way to spend a few hours.
Letter Grade: A-
8 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)