Search
Search results

The Poetry Lesson
Book
"Intro to Poetry Writing is always like this: a long labor, a breech birth, or, obversely, mining in...

Pang by Caroline Polachek
Album
Caroline Polachek has already lived an extraordinary life in music: her previous band Chairlift...

Maddie (37 KP) rated The Snowman (Harry Hole #7) (Oslo Sequence #5) in Books
Dec 5, 2017
Interesting Villian (1 more)
Chilling Setting
Token Crazy Chick (1 more)
Awkward Writing
Glad I read this before the film came out
I read this to get ready to see the film - which I did not end up going to due to abysmal ratings. So glad I did, because the case in this novel was incredibly compelling. It wasn't an earth-shattering tale, but stood on its own ground. The cold, Nordic settings lent itself to the isolated Harry Hole. Although predictable, I still felt for Harry and thought he was realistic enough.
The only things I would say were not in favor of the book were (1) There is a moment in the book where a female character kind of goes off the deep end...and (2) There is awkward writing where the author tries to slip in pop culture references that seem to come out of nowhere. Number 1 just didn't lend itself that greatly to the plot, and I really felt like it could have done without the incident altogether. And 2 just needed to be ignored.
Other than that, it was a very entertaining read and I'm glad I picked it up before the film ruined my perceptions!
The only things I would say were not in favor of the book were (1) There is a moment in the book where a female character kind of goes off the deep end...and (2) There is awkward writing where the author tries to slip in pop culture references that seem to come out of nowhere. Number 1 just didn't lend itself that greatly to the plot, and I really felt like it could have done without the incident altogether. And 2 just needed to be ignored.
Other than that, it was a very entertaining read and I'm glad I picked it up before the film ruined my perceptions!

Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Last to Die (Sheridan, #2) in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I enjoyed Last to Die. I remember enjoying One Scream Away more I think, but then it was last year. The plot was very well thought out and complex, and because of that and the somewhat unclear writing style, at times I just followed along and hoped it would clear up in the end. It did, and everything was explained. I wouldn't have understood what was going on if it hadn't been for alternating the viewpoints between the protagonists and the antagonists, though.
The ending with Dani and Mitch could have been a little more, I think. It almost felt a little empty, like it was lacking some physical or mental release of tension. In fact there could have been more between Dani and Mitch the whole way through… her falling for him for the second time seemed just too easy.
All in all though, the plot was great, the writing was readable though a little confusing at times, and the characters were likeable. Dani and Mitch (ok…especially Mitch) definitely hold a place on my list as top hero's.
Content/Recommendation: language, some sex. Ages 18+
The ending with Dani and Mitch could have been a little more, I think. It almost felt a little empty, like it was lacking some physical or mental release of tension. In fact there could have been more between Dani and Mitch the whole way through… her falling for him for the second time seemed just too easy.
All in all though, the plot was great, the writing was readable though a little confusing at times, and the characters were likeable. Dani and Mitch (ok…especially Mitch) definitely hold a place on my list as top hero's.
Content/Recommendation: language, some sex. Ages 18+
Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering by Lisa Engelbrecht
Genre: Calligraphy and craft
ISBN: 9781592536443
Published: September 1st 2010 by Quarry Books
Rating: 5
This book was absolutely amazing. I have loved calligraphy since I was eleven.
This book had everything: information on supplies and tools and instructions on how to build your own tools. There are chapters on different calligraphy styles, like classic calligraphy, vintage styled alphabets, raw dry-brush techniques, funky fun letters, calligraphy on fabric, urban-styled graffiti, flourishes, gothic, and mixed media pieces. Every chapter is exciting and inspiring, and each chapter will speak to a different person and hit on their personal style. I have to say the fabric section really made me want to dance and get out my sewing machine. There were example pieces, full alphabets, photographs, stroke-by-stroke instructions on certain alphabets, and ideas beyond belief. This book is enough to keep me busy for at least the next two decades…
I recommend this book to anyone interested in calligraphy, collage, mixed media, or anyone who loves hand-writing pieces of art (Yes there are still some of us who love hand-writing letters and love poems and posters. We're awesome.).
Genre: Calligraphy and craft
ISBN: 9781592536443
Published: September 1st 2010 by Quarry Books
Rating: 5
This book was absolutely amazing. I have loved calligraphy since I was eleven.
This book had everything: information on supplies and tools and instructions on how to build your own tools. There are chapters on different calligraphy styles, like classic calligraphy, vintage styled alphabets, raw dry-brush techniques, funky fun letters, calligraphy on fabric, urban-styled graffiti, flourishes, gothic, and mixed media pieces. Every chapter is exciting and inspiring, and each chapter will speak to a different person and hit on their personal style. I have to say the fabric section really made me want to dance and get out my sewing machine. There were example pieces, full alphabets, photographs, stroke-by-stroke instructions on certain alphabets, and ideas beyond belief. This book is enough to keep me busy for at least the next two decades…
I recommend this book to anyone interested in calligraphy, collage, mixed media, or anyone who loves hand-writing pieces of art (Yes there are still some of us who love hand-writing letters and love poems and posters. We're awesome.).

Mothergamer (1562 KP) rated Riverdale in TV
Mar 2, 2019
Good, But Not Great
I feel the show had a really great first season and the second season was equally good. Cole Sprouse is great as Jughead Jones. The rest of the cast is good too. There is a lot of interesting mystery and drama with the show. The show has its issues however such as the character of Archie Andrews. Whoever is writing him has made Archie incredibly thoughtless whereas in the comics Archie was fairly smart. I don't understand why they have written him as incredibly foolish for the show. It's also quite odd that there are only two good parents on the show and the rest of the parents are horrible. The current season I feel is a mix of good and bad. The current mystery and intrigue is pretty good, but there are issues again with plot holes especially with the character of Hiram Lodge. No one in their right minds would let Hiram get away with as much as he has. I like the show and it's good, but it's not great because of some of the writing issues.

Jessi Bone (48 KP) rated The Secret, Book, & Scone Society in Books
Mar 18, 2019
Mrs. Ellery Adams did it again. Her unique writing has transported us to Miracle Springs, North Carolina. In this unique little village, we get to meet a group of flawed women Nora, Hester, June and Estella, who together form a unique group Secret, Book and Scone Society. With this group, the women find companionship, trust, and friendship and solve a crime or two. In this unique group of women, you will find a little of yourself. Mrs. Adams has brought us another best-selling series. Being a fan of Mrs. Adams other series I was excited about to read her new book and I was blown away. Her writing and storyline are not to be missed. I am excited to see where the Miracle Springs Series goes from here as the ladies grow in their friendship and how they are open to being real and sharing their secrets while solving others hidden secrets to help the ladies heal and a few visitors. Well worth the time to read once, twice or a few more. Learning that is never too late to turn the page and start over... with a comfort scone or two.
A Dark and Creepy Read
I'm basing this review on a re-read of this novel. I read this book originally about 7-8 years ago and thought I would re-read it now, to see if or how my opinions changed.
The things that stick out for me with this book, are the description and writing. It's a very well crafted piece of literature, which has realistic and believable characters. This book is not exactly centred on a plot as such, but focuses more on the psychology of the teenagers in the Hole and for that, it does that very well.
The pacing of the novel is really good. The drama and suspense within this novel slowly creeps up on you, as you read through this novel.
On my second reading, I did guess the majority of the twist which happens at the end, so I don't think it had as much impact on me as it did the first time I read this. However, the ending was satisfactory regardless.
If you like a dark read with twists and turns, then I would recommend this novel.
The things that stick out for me with this book, are the description and writing. It's a very well crafted piece of literature, which has realistic and believable characters. This book is not exactly centred on a plot as such, but focuses more on the psychology of the teenagers in the Hole and for that, it does that very well.
The pacing of the novel is really good. The drama and suspense within this novel slowly creeps up on you, as you read through this novel.
On my second reading, I did guess the majority of the twist which happens at the end, so I don't think it had as much impact on me as it did the first time I read this. However, the ending was satisfactory regardless.
If you like a dark read with twists and turns, then I would recommend this novel.

Dana (24 KP) rated Ron Carlson Writes a Story in Books
Mar 23, 2018
In Ron Carlson’s very insightful book Ron Carlson Writes a Story, writers are able to glean information on how Carlson wrote his short story “The Governor’s Ball.” This helps give both readers and writers a better insight on how the process of writing a short story works for some writers. Though not all writers use this kind of format for all of their stories, the basic ideas can be transferred from story to story. There are always the important features such as detail, setting, and dialogue that are necessary to a story. While these are all very important to the story, there are other aspects that make the story even more compelling. However, there are also important features such as the characters, the inner story, and the outer story. The characters must be realistic, but can also have a few surprises in what they do. The inner story and the outer stories are connected to each other. The inner story relies on the outer story to exist. The outer story helps the inner story take flight. The vast amount of craft that goes into writing a story, especially a short story, is made evident in Ron Carlson’s book.