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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated My Sister's Bones in Books
Sep 7, 2017
Predictable, what an anti-climax!
If I ever hear that another book is the "next Gone Girl" or the "next Girl On A Train", I'm going to rate it 0.
The genre has become predictable. There are three elements to look out for in these books:
1. Neurotic women are usually right
2. Nice men are psychopaths
3. The women won't be believed by authorities until the very end
And so goes this tale of two sisters, one who became a war correspondent suffering from post-traumatic stress, and the other an alcoholic - both abused as children. One's high functioning, the other is a deadbeat mother. In between are the stories of mysterious children appearing here, there and everywhere. And the women not being believed.
The writer attempts to make a difference by bringing in stories of the horrors of the Middle East, which was a nice change - but it seemed more like a tool to follow exactly the pattern. It seemed promising but it falls short.
The genre has become predictable. There are three elements to look out for in these books:
1. Neurotic women are usually right
2. Nice men are psychopaths
3. The women won't be believed by authorities until the very end
And so goes this tale of two sisters, one who became a war correspondent suffering from post-traumatic stress, and the other an alcoholic - both abused as children. One's high functioning, the other is a deadbeat mother. In between are the stories of mysterious children appearing here, there and everywhere. And the women not being believed.
The writer attempts to make a difference by bringing in stories of the horrors of the Middle East, which was a nice change - but it seemed more like a tool to follow exactly the pattern. It seemed promising but it falls short.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Yellow Hummer in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Rating: 3.75
The Yellow Hummer is a Christmas story about a little boy named Jordan who gets a yellow Hummer with a remote control from Santa. His grandma helps him open it, but the wire gets cut and Jordan is upset that his toy won't work the way it's supposed to. He is upset for a while, but then forgives his grandma because even though it doesn't work the way it was made to work, the hummer isn't broken, and he loves his grandma more than his toy. The Yellow Hummer strives to show that people are more important than things.
The Yellow Hummer had nice illustrations, though they weren't fantastic, and was written pretty well. There are some pretty big words, like atmosphere and successfully and troublesome, as if the writer is trying to introduce some bigger words into children's literature and daily vocabulary. There isn't too much text on one page that you'd loose a kid's attention, either.
Recommendation: Ages 4-7
The Yellow Hummer is a Christmas story about a little boy named Jordan who gets a yellow Hummer with a remote control from Santa. His grandma helps him open it, but the wire gets cut and Jordan is upset that his toy won't work the way it's supposed to. He is upset for a while, but then forgives his grandma because even though it doesn't work the way it was made to work, the hummer isn't broken, and he loves his grandma more than his toy. The Yellow Hummer strives to show that people are more important than things.
The Yellow Hummer had nice illustrations, though they weren't fantastic, and was written pretty well. There are some pretty big words, like atmosphere and successfully and troublesome, as if the writer is trying to introduce some bigger words into children's literature and daily vocabulary. There isn't too much text on one page that you'd loose a kid's attention, either.
Recommendation: Ages 4-7
Jennifer Daniell (108 KP) rated A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea in Books
Apr 10, 2018
Devastating. Heartbreaking. Sickening. And POWERFUL. I wish everyone would take the time to read about Doaa, or any refugee so that they can see just what it is that is happening. Why we MUST take these people into our country, our lives, and our homes. To be able to stop seeing them only as their religion, and instead for their humanity, their souls.
I do have to say that the author did Doaa somewhat of an injustice by being the one to tell her tale. I don't know why, but there seemed to be such a disconnect from the writer to the story, it felt very...matter of fact. Perhaps because of the language barrier or maybe because the author isn't an author by trade. Whatever it is, I suppose, is of little relevance as long as Doaa's story is heard, and because in the end their meeting led to the reuniting of a deserving family; safe, if not sound.
I do have to say that the author did Doaa somewhat of an injustice by being the one to tell her tale. I don't know why, but there seemed to be such a disconnect from the writer to the story, it felt very...matter of fact. Perhaps because of the language barrier or maybe because the author isn't an author by trade. Whatever it is, I suppose, is of little relevance as long as Doaa's story is heard, and because in the end their meeting led to the reuniting of a deserving family; safe, if not sound.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Wicker Tree (2012) in Movies
Apr 30, 2019
I had the good fortune to attend a screening of this film in the presence of its writer-director Robin Hardy, back in 2012, and afterwards Hardy took us all off to the cinema bar to talk about it. 'So, what did you think?' he asked, clearly very proud. An awkward silence ensued. 'The songs aren't as good as in The Wicker Man,' was all anyone was prepared to say.
Any follow-up to The Wicker Man has a lot to live up to, and the good fortune of Wicker Tree is that it was preceded by the Nic Cage remake ('a ****-up', according to Hardy). It's better than the remake, but by any other standard this is a blunderingly crass and unsubtle semi-remake of the 1973 film, filled with painfully broad humour, gaping plot holes and a cheery anti-Americanism it's difficult to get on-side with. A huge disappointment in all kinds of ways, but Robin Hardy was a true gent.
Any follow-up to The Wicker Man has a lot to live up to, and the good fortune of Wicker Tree is that it was preceded by the Nic Cage remake ('a ****-up', according to Hardy). It's better than the remake, but by any other standard this is a blunderingly crass and unsubtle semi-remake of the 1973 film, filled with painfully broad humour, gaping plot holes and a cheery anti-Americanism it's difficult to get on-side with. A huge disappointment in all kinds of ways, but Robin Hardy was a true gent.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Asymmetry in Books
Jan 17, 2018
Asymmetrical stories
Lisa Halliday's novel of three parts charts the relationship between an eccentric older writer Ezra Blazer, his young lover Alice, and then moves quickly to the story of an American Iraqi attempting to find his roots.
Individually, each story is captivating, Halliday's ability to bring humour with subtle behaviour is remarkable. Similarly, her research into Iraq is interesting - though at one point I did get confused as she mentions the Clinton administration's foreign policy role during the second Gulf War when it should be under George Bush. I'm unsure whether this is a typo or a genuine mistake or I'm wrong altogether.
While each part is well-written, and the first story is completed in the third part when Ezra's character becomes a guest on BBC's Desert Island Discs, it all feels rather disjointed. Perhaps this is why the novel is named Asymmetry as a result? We may never know.
Individually, each story is captivating, Halliday's ability to bring humour with subtle behaviour is remarkable. Similarly, her research into Iraq is interesting - though at one point I did get confused as she mentions the Clinton administration's foreign policy role during the second Gulf War when it should be under George Bush. I'm unsure whether this is a typo or a genuine mistake or I'm wrong altogether.
While each part is well-written, and the first story is completed in the third part when Ezra's character becomes a guest on BBC's Desert Island Discs, it all feels rather disjointed. Perhaps this is why the novel is named Asymmetry as a result? We may never know.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
A smoking hot read, be prepared going in. This is erotica, so expect it to be erotic. While there is a storyline attached, the steamy scenes are the star of this novel. I say be prepared because each chapter delves into a different…kink so to say. Some may not be to your tastes while others might have you needing a cold shower. If you are uncomfortable with having your sexual boundaries pushed, you may want to pass this one up.
That being said, if you are an erotica fan, this is definitely a novel for you. I won’t ruin the ending, but can say that, while unexpected, fit the story perfectly. This is the first novel I have read from Reisz, but it won’t be the last. A talented writer as well as storyteller with original creative ideas when it comes to sex, I look forward to reading more from her.
Amazon
Barn
A smoking hot read, be prepared going in. This is erotica, so expect it to be erotic. While there is a storyline attached, the steamy scenes are the star of this novel. I say be prepared because each chapter delves into a different…kink so to say. Some may not be to your tastes while others might have you needing a cold shower. If you are uncomfortable with having your sexual boundaries pushed, you may want to pass this one up.
That being said, if you are an erotica fan, this is definitely a novel for you. I won’t ruin the ending, but can say that, while unexpected, fit the story perfectly. This is the first novel I have read from Reisz, but it won’t be the last. A talented writer as well as storyteller with original creative ideas when it comes to sex, I look forward to reading more from her.
Amazon
Barn
Erika (17788 KP) rated Gentlemen Broncos (2009) in Movies
Jan 19, 2018
This movie will definitely not be for everyone. It's along the same lines as Napoleon Dynamite (same director), so it's incredibly awkward at some points. Benjamin is an aspiring writer, whose mother tries to get him to make friends with Dusty (Mike White), and let's him go to a writing seminar. At this writing seminar, he meets his favorite author, Chevalier (Jemaine Clement), and turns in his story about Bronco to be judged to win a competition. Chevalier needs a story, so he takes Benjamin's story, changes some things (Bronco to Brutus), and publishes it as his own.
Benjamin, of course, isn't aware of this, and he let's his friend, Lonnie, make a completely awful movie based on the story. After the premiere of this awful movie, Benjamin picks up Chevalier's new book, and realizes he stole his story.
Bronco/Brutus is played by Sam Rockwell. Rockwell does an amazing job in both the roles of Bronco and Brutus.
The whole movie is hilariously awkward.
Benjamin, of course, isn't aware of this, and he let's his friend, Lonnie, make a completely awful movie based on the story. After the premiere of this awful movie, Benjamin picks up Chevalier's new book, and realizes he stole his story.
Bronco/Brutus is played by Sam Rockwell. Rockwell does an amazing job in both the roles of Bronco and Brutus.
The whole movie is hilariously awkward.
Sawyer (231 KP) rated The call of cthulhu (2005) in Movies
Feb 11, 2018
Plays great tribute to the silent era of films (1 more)
Great stop motion Cthulhu
Experienced the madness like never before
The Call of Cthulhu 2005 was developed by the HP Lovecraft Historical Society celebrating the classic short story by the famed Gothic horror writer it was created purposely to correctly portray what a movie would be like if made during the time of the stories publication which is a silent era movie because of this the movie uses practical effects such as miniature toy sets and a stop motion Cthulhu monster
The movie follows the story of a researcher who is trying to learn the secrets of an ancient cult but soon realizes he may have bitten off more than he can chew when he comes across their God
The movie follows the story of a researcher who is trying to learn the secrets of an ancient cult but soon realizes he may have bitten off more than he can chew when he comes across their God
Marqees (17 KP) rated Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017) in Movies
Jan 20, 2018
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a hilarious romp of a superhero movie. Chris Pratt and friends return as the titular Guardians a few months or so removed from the first film. This time Star-Lord and friends must figure out the mystery of Ego The living planet and Star-Lord's origins. Writer/Director James Gunn strikes gold once again in this highly anticipated sequel. The way he has portrayed this ragtag team has set them apart from other heroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. My only issues would be the retread of the whole "we are family" story. Vol. 1 already established that they became tight-knit through their trials on Xandar. The other would of course the weak villian of the film with the whole take over the universe plot point. Other than that it is a solid film.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Rogue (Shifters, #2) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I am officially annoyed. I want some kind of law, or at least an industry standard, that requires publishers to label any novel that doesn't tie up all its little plot threads in ONE volume. This is one that would definitely have that label, as we're left waiting Important Things on the very last page. Blech.
It takes a lot of talent to write good poetry, to compress meaning into those few, perfect words. Writing short stories is, again, something that requires skill, talent, and discipline. Novels give the author more leeway, and the best, in my opinion, are those that are pared down to the essentials. More and more, I see the serial novel as the mark of a very undisciplined writer. I like series, certainly—as long as each volume can stand on its own merits, enjoyable without having to read several other books. Ms. Vincent is nowhere near that level of professionalism.
It takes a lot of talent to write good poetry, to compress meaning into those few, perfect words. Writing short stories is, again, something that requires skill, talent, and discipline. Novels give the author more leeway, and the best, in my opinion, are those that are pared down to the essentials. More and more, I see the serial novel as the mark of a very undisciplined writer. I like series, certainly—as long as each volume can stand on its own merits, enjoyable without having to read several other books. Ms. Vincent is nowhere near that level of professionalism.