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Inspired by the 25th anniversary of The Princess Bride, Cary Elwes, better known as Westley, sat down to share his memories of making the film. He goes from being cast at the age of 23 to meeting his cast mates and stories from filming on sound stages and on location. Helping him out, we get sidebars from his co-stars, the director, and the writer.
And any fan of the movie will love the stories told here. It is obvious that everyone has fond memories of their time on set, are proud of the results, and thrilled that so many people love the movie as much as they do. Even the stories that aren’t completely positive are amusing. I know I’ll watch a couple scenes differently as a result of the stories shared here.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-as-you-wish-by-cary-elwes.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
And any fan of the movie will love the stories told here. It is obvious that everyone has fond memories of their time on set, are proud of the results, and thrilled that so many people love the movie as much as they do. Even the stories that aren’t completely positive are amusing. I know I’ll watch a couple scenes differently as a result of the stories shared here.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/02/book-review-as-you-wish-by-cary-elwes.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated Claws for Concern (Cat in the Stacks, #9) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Charlie’s grandson has been born, and he’s delighted to be spending time with this addition to the family. But he soon begins to get drawn into another mystery. First a true crime writer wants to write about some of Charlie’s past cases. Then there’s the mysterious man in the library asking questions.
This is definitely a slower book in the series as it took a while for us to figure out exactly where the mystery might be. There is one in the book, and I enjoyed it once Charlie started investigating. As always, the characters, both new and old, shine. I loved getting to spend more time with the usual gang, and most of them get at least an appearance. We also get to see some characters from the author’s other series, which was a lot of fun.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/03/book-review-claws-for-concern-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is definitely a slower book in the series as it took a while for us to figure out exactly where the mystery might be. There is one in the book, and I enjoyed it once Charlie started investigating. As always, the characters, both new and old, shine. I loved getting to spend more time with the usual gang, and most of them get at least an appearance. We also get to see some characters from the author’s other series, which was a lot of fun.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/03/book-review-claws-for-concern-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mothergamer (1536 KP) rated Sleeping Beauties in Books
Feb 25, 2018
Interesting Read
I have enjoyed Stephen King's books for a long time now so I was eager to read this book that he wrote with his son Owen who is also a talented writer. The premise for the book is quite interesting and the story being told from the perspective of the different characters in the book is well done. There are a lot of familiar Stephen King themes, but there is a lot of Owen King in here too.
I liked the book, but I felt the story ran a little longer than it should and the ending itself is rather disappointing. There are a few places where it didn't really feel like a Stephen King book, but I still liked the story. It is an interesting read which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is not as strong as previous King novels.
I liked the book, but I felt the story ran a little longer than it should and the ending itself is rather disappointing. There are a few places where it didn't really feel like a Stephen King book, but I still liked the story. It is an interesting read which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is not as strong as previous King novels.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated Driving Heat (Nikki Heat, #7) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Nikki’s first day as captain doesn’t go as planned when she gets a call about a murder before she even makes it into the office. The victim turns out to be Nikki’s therapist, but the bigger surprise is when video from his office finds Rook, Nikki’s fiancée, going in. What secret is the writer hiding?
Whether a fan of the TV show Castle or not, you’ll find this is another great mystery. The start is a little slow, but once it gets going, the mystery contains plenty of twists and surprises. Nikki and Rook are great characters, but the rest are a bit under served. Of course, the in jokes and references to the show, while certainly not overdone, are an added bonus for fans of the show, but nothing that would ruin the book if you don’t get them.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-driving-heat-by-richard.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Whether a fan of the TV show Castle or not, you’ll find this is another great mystery. The start is a little slow, but once it gets going, the mystery contains plenty of twists and surprises. Nikki and Rook are great characters, but the rest are a bit under served. Of course, the in jokes and references to the show, while certainly not overdone, are an added bonus for fans of the show, but nothing that would ruin the book if you don’t get them.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/10/book-review-driving-heat-by-richard.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated The Ghosts of Misty Hollow in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Emma and Phil are in Massachusetts at the invitation of mystery writer Gino Costello. He plans to include ghosts in his next book, and plans to use Emma’s expertise to get that part right. However, tension between Gino and Vanessa and the presence of many ghosts looking for Emma’s help will keep this trip for being restful.
While I don’t read many paranormal cozies, I enjoy this series because the characters are so much fun. We only really see Emma, Phil, and Granny here, but they are fantastic, and the new characters more than make up for any characters you might miss. The pacing is a little uneven, but the plot is good and the further I got into the book, the harder it was to put down.
Note: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-ghosts-of-misty-hollow-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
While I don’t read many paranormal cozies, I enjoy this series because the characters are so much fun. We only really see Emma, Phil, and Granny here, but they are fantastic, and the new characters more than make up for any characters you might miss. The pacing is a little uneven, but the plot is good and the further I got into the book, the harder it was to put down.
Note: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/12/book-review-ghosts-of-misty-hollow-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Ant-Man (2015) in Movies
Jun 9, 2018 (Updated Jun 9, 2018)
Long-in-the-works Marvel movie gets around lack of big names and (if we're totally honest) significance to the ongoing MCU meta-plot through sheer good humour, inventiveness, and charm. Loveable rogue gets recruited by curmudgeonly ex-superhero to take on his mantle as very tiny special operative Ant-Man. Possibly most famous for the fact that original writer-director Edgar Wright was fired from the movie, allegedly for refusing to stick with the Marvel house style - his influence over the movie is still very noticeable to the discerning, though.
Absolute originality probably isn't the movie's strong point (it is sort of vaguely reminiscent of various other movies in the series), but the caper-heist plot structure is at least a little bit different, as is the 'people get really tiny' schtick. Also, compared to the movies on either side of this one it's a relief to see something not in danger of buckling under its own weight. Doesn't take itself too seriously; piles of fun.
Absolute originality probably isn't the movie's strong point (it is sort of vaguely reminiscent of various other movies in the series), but the caper-heist plot structure is at least a little bit different, as is the 'people get really tiny' schtick. Also, compared to the movies on either side of this one it's a relief to see something not in danger of buckling under its own weight. Doesn't take itself too seriously; piles of fun.
ClareR (5686 KP) rated The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah: The Autobiography in Books
May 26, 2018
Lyricist. Writer. Activist.
What a life this man has had! He had a hard start, living in one of the least affluent areas of Birmingham (UK), and running away with his mother to escape a violent father. The 1980s saw race riots, miners strikes and demonstrations against police brutality. Zephaniah and his dub poetry were at the forefront. By the 1990s he was a household name, and not just at home in the UK - he travelled and performed around the world.
I really admire this man. He hasn't had an easy life: he was in borstal as a teen, lived a life of crime for a while and decided for himself that he didn't want to live his life as a criminal where he would most certainly end up dead. HE turned his life around. He stands by his beliefs as well. A brilliant, self taught man, who sets a sterling example for all.
I really admire this man. He hasn't had an easy life: he was in borstal as a teen, lived a life of crime for a while and decided for himself that he didn't want to live his life as a criminal where he would most certainly end up dead. HE turned his life around. He stands by his beliefs as well. A brilliant, self taught man, who sets a sterling example for all.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated The Wolf Gift (The Wolf Gift Chronicles, #1) in Books
Jul 12, 2018
This book was beautifully written. Anne Rice really does have a way of describing scenes and characters. I think that this was beautiful.
I enjoyed the different take on Werewolves and I loved the descriptions. I do wish that the book had more of a climatic story line. I felt as if this novel was not an emotional novel. I felt no pull towards the characters. I loved the struggle that the characters had with God and I enjoyed being able to relate to the characters. I loved the characters but I was not in love with them.
All in all I enjoyed this book. I will say that it was anti-climatic and left me wanting a more intense read.
Anne Rice is a spectacular writer who has a great imagination and an ability to make you feel like you are watching a movie while reading.
I would recommend this book to family and friends.
I enjoyed the different take on Werewolves and I loved the descriptions. I do wish that the book had more of a climatic story line. I felt as if this novel was not an emotional novel. I felt no pull towards the characters. I loved the struggle that the characters had with God and I enjoyed being able to relate to the characters. I loved the characters but I was not in love with them.
All in all I enjoyed this book. I will say that it was anti-climatic and left me wanting a more intense read.
Anne Rice is a spectacular writer who has a great imagination and an ability to make you feel like you are watching a movie while reading.
I would recommend this book to family and friends.
Vegas (725 KP) rated Murder, She Wrote in TV
Sep 10, 2018
Easy going (1 more)
Fun
Formulaic (1 more)
Occasional fetched plots
A TV classic
America's answer to Miss Marple...
In the little village of Cabot Cove, Maine lives retired school teacher, writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher, who uses her skills and annoying persistence to get to the bottom of the murders that follow her around - from Cabot Cove to the big cities she travels to and resides in from time to time.
She appears to know or get in the confidence of police chiefs, detectives and other high ranking officials worldwide who for some reason let her get involved in their investigations..
The easy going 'cozy' mysteries are a nice casual watch, that isn't too taxing on the brain, but they do follow a very set formula most of the time which can make them a little predictable.
Created by the duo of Levinson and Link who created classic television detective series such as Columbo, Ellery Queen and Scene of the Crime along with Peter S. Fischer...
In the little village of Cabot Cove, Maine lives retired school teacher, writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher, who uses her skills and annoying persistence to get to the bottom of the murders that follow her around - from Cabot Cove to the big cities she travels to and resides in from time to time.
She appears to know or get in the confidence of police chiefs, detectives and other high ranking officials worldwide who for some reason let her get involved in their investigations..
The easy going 'cozy' mysteries are a nice casual watch, that isn't too taxing on the brain, but they do follow a very set formula most of the time which can make them a little predictable.
Created by the duo of Levinson and Link who created classic television detective series such as Columbo, Ellery Queen and Scene of the Crime along with Peter S. Fischer...
Cumberland (1142 KP) rated The Wanderer in Books
Oct 7, 2018
Not A Lot Going On
This book is intended for middle grade readers, so I was expecting a simple story. It ended up being to simple. The author underestimates what the reader will follow and comprehen, and the story greatly suffers because of this. The characters were interesting, but I would have liked the writer to spend more time explaining the characters past and showing them develop new relationships. Cody and his dad particularly had a relationship that I would have liked to know more about.
I did enjoy the story style of change back and forth between Cody's and Sophie's journals. They both had unique views on the events happening around them, and Cody's point of view gave the reader some much needed insight on Sophie.
Overall this was a quick read, and it did have some strong points; however the story feels as if its missing something that keeps it from being anything special.
I did enjoy the story style of change back and forth between Cody's and Sophie's journals. They both had unique views on the events happening around them, and Cody's point of view gave the reader some much needed insight on Sophie.
Overall this was a quick read, and it did have some strong points; however the story feels as if its missing something that keeps it from being anything special.