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the rest of the story beautifully in motion | question: How is the storyline?, context: I really struggled with the first two books. They were very hard for me to get into, just because they were so confusing. I felt like if I understood everything that was happening along with all of the terminology being used, then I would be enjoying it. I could tell it was interesting, but I honestly wanted to quit out of pure frustration. Thankfully, this book had been recommended to me by a friend whose opinion I trust implicitly, so I decided to keep going. And whoa! Was I in for a treat! By the middle of the third and definitely by the end, I could NOT put this book down! I was so desperate to find out what happened with every character and to figure out all the mysteries within the story. I was not disappointed. At the end of the fifth book I understood the significance and importance of the first two books. They laid a very solid foundation that set the rest of the story beautifully in motion. And one plus, I don't feel like anything was left unanswered. I have a new favorite author. Thank you Mr. Howey for such a great story! | How is the storyline? | They laid a very solid foundation that set the rest of the story beautifully in motion . | I really struggled with the first two books. They were very hard for me to get into, just because they were so confusing. I felt like if I understood everything that was happening along with all of the terminology being used, then I would be enjoying it. I could tell it was interesting, but I honestly wanted to quit out of pure frustration. Thankfully, this book had been recommended to me by a friend whose opinion I trust implicitly, so I decided to keep going. And whoa! Was I in for a treat! By the middle of the third and definitely by the end, I could NOT put this book down! I was so desperate to find out what happened with every character and to figure out all the mysteries within the story. I was not disappointed. At the end of the fifth book I understood the significance and importance of the first two books. They laid a very solid foundation that set the rest of the story beautifully in motion. And one plus, I don't feel like anything was left unanswered. I have a new favorite author. Thank you Mr. Howey for such a great story! | They laid a very solid foundation that set <hl> the rest of the story beautifully in motion <hl> . | I really struggled with the first two books. They were very hard for me to get into, just because they were so confusing. I felt like if I understood everything that was happening along with all of the terminology being used, then I would be enjoying it. I could tell it was interesting, but I honestly wanted to quit out of pure frustration. Thankfully, this book had been recommended to me by a friend whose opinion I trust implicitly, so I decided to keep going. And whoa! Was I in for a treat! By the middle of the third and definitely by the end, I could NOT put this book down! I was so desperate to find out what happened with every character and to figure out all the mysteries within the story. I was not disappointed. At the end of the fifth book I understood the significance and importance of the first two books. They laid a very solid foundation that set <hl> the rest of the story beautifully in motion <hl>. And one plus, I don't feel like anything was left unanswered. I have a new favorite author. Thank you Mr. Howey for such a great story! | I really struggled with the first two books. They were very hard for me to get into, just because they were so confusing. I felt like if I understood everything that was happening along with all of the terminology being used, then I would be enjoying it. I could tell it was interesting, but I honestly wanted to quit out of pure frustration. Thankfully, this book had been recommended to me by a friend whose opinion I trust implicitly, so I decided to keep going. And whoa! Was I in for a treat! By the middle of the third and definitely by the end, I could NOT put this book down! I was so desperate to find out what happened with every character and to figure out all the mysteries within the story. I was not disappointed. At the end of the fifth book I understood the significance and importance of the first two books. <hl> They laid a very solid foundation that set the rest of the story beautifully in motion . <hl> And one plus, I don't feel like anything was left unanswered. I have a new favorite author. Thank you Mr. Howey for such a great story! | 16515b8cf336095d0e8ccb44c16676c4 | 2 | 2 | books |
book and was completely disgusted | question: How would you rate the quality of the book?, context: I usually choose my yearly 100th book to read based on it meaning something to me, but this year I couldn't come up with anything, but then I remembered this book. I have a few friends, one in particular (hi, <a href="[...]">Lisa</a>!), who have been hounding me to read these for a while. Honestly, it's YA, it's somewhat SciFi and the description just didn't seem to grab me. But I decided that my 100th book would be a nod to my friends and family that are always telling me "Oh, you HAVE to read this book". So, then...I got about 5% into the book and was completely disgusted. I think I may have called Lisa a very bad name. You see, I could NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN. It was darn well nearly physically attached to my hand. I lost sleep, I gasped in certain places, I yelled "no!" a few times, I was, in short, insane for the day it took me to read this one.The author completely sucks you into this world of the future. Of kids dying as sacrifices to the capital. Of a love triangle. Of family bonds. Of humanity. There is so much going on in the book that it seems like it would be confusing, but in reality, you are so caught up in the entire story that it doesn't matter. It's all-encompassing. It's all-consuming. It's, as Lisa told me, un-put-down-able.There are scenes that rip your heart out in this book. I had to remind myself when I was done that it was YA (Young Adult) because I enjoyed it immensely. Most YA material I can take or leave but this had me hitting the "buy" button for the next in the series within 2 minutes of finishing it.This one makes my must-read list for 2010. I also do not know how to recommend this for, I simply cannot come up with anyone that might not enjoy it. I am not sure I would let my 7-year-old read it, but my 10-year-old would probably enjoy it just as much as my mother or my 70-year-old grandmother would. Read it. Seriously. | How would you rate the quality of the book? | So, then...I got about 5% into the book and was completely disgusted . | I usually choose my yearly 100th book to read based on it meaning something to me, but this year I couldn't come up with anything, but then I remembered this book. I have a few friends, one in particular (hi, <a href="[...]">Lisa</a>!), who have been hounding me to read these for a while. Honestly, it's YA, it's somewhat SciFi and the description just didn't seem to grab me. But I decided that my 100th book would be a nod to my friends and family that are always telling me "Oh, you HAVE to read this book". So, then...I got about 5% into the book and was completely disgusted. I think I may have called Lisa a very bad name. You see, I could NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN. It was darn well nearly physically attached to my hand. I lost sleep, I gasped in certain places, I yelled "no!" a few times, I was, in short, insane for the day it took me to read this one.The author completely sucks you into this world of the future. Of kids dying as sacrifices to the capital. Of a love triangle. Of family bonds. Of humanity. There is so much going on in the book that it seems like it would be confusing, but in reality, you are so caught up in the entire story that it doesn't matter. It's all-encompassing. It's all-consuming. It's, as Lisa told me, un-put-down-able.There are scenes that rip your heart out in this book. I had to remind myself when I was done that it was YA (Young Adult) because I enjoyed it immensely. Most YA material I can take or leave but this had me hitting the "buy" button for the next in the series within 2 minutes of finishing it.This one makes my must-read list for 2010. I also do not know how to recommend this for, I simply cannot come up with anyone that might not enjoy it. I am not sure I would let my 7-year-old read it, but my 10-year-old would probably enjoy it just as much as my mother or my 70-year-old grandmother would. Read it. Seriously. | So, then...I got about 5% into the <hl> book and was completely disgusted <hl> . | I usually choose my yearly 100th book to read based on it meaning something to me, but this year I couldn't come up with anything, but then I remembered this book. I have a few friends, one in particular (hi, <a href="[...]">Lisa</a>!), who have been hounding me to read these for a while. Honestly, it's YA, it's somewhat SciFi and the description just didn't seem to grab me. But I decided that my 100th book would be a nod to my friends and family that are always telling me "Oh, you HAVE to read this book". So, then...I got about 5% into the <hl> book and was completely disgusted <hl>. I think I may have called Lisa a very bad name. You see, I could NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN. It was darn well nearly physically attached to my hand. I lost sleep, I gasped in certain places, I yelled "no!" a few times, I was, in short, insane for the day it took me to read this one.The author completely sucks you into this world of the future. Of kids dying as sacrifices to the capital. Of a love triangle. Of family bonds. Of humanity. There is so much going on in the book that it seems like it would be confusing, but in reality, you are so caught up in the entire story that it doesn't matter. It's all-encompassing. It's all-consuming. It's, as Lisa told me, un-put-down-able.There are scenes that rip your heart out in this book. I had to remind myself when I was done that it was YA (Young Adult) because I enjoyed it immensely. Most YA material I can take or leave but this had me hitting the "buy" button for the next in the series within 2 minutes of finishing it.This one makes my must-read list for 2010. I also do not know how to recommend this for, I simply cannot come up with anyone that might not enjoy it. I am not sure I would let my 7-year-old read it, but my 10-year-old would probably enjoy it just as much as my mother or my 70-year-old grandmother would. Read it. Seriously. | I usually choose my yearly 100th book to read based on it meaning something to me, but this year I couldn't come up with anything, but then I remembered this book. I have a few friends, one in particular (hi, <a href="[...]">Lisa</a>!), who have been hounding me to read these for a while. Honestly, it's YA, it's somewhat SciFi and the description just didn't seem to grab me. But I decided that my 100th book would be a nod to my friends and family that are always telling me "Oh, you HAVE to read this book". <hl> So, then...I got about 5% into the book and was completely disgusted . <hl> I think I may have called Lisa a very bad name. You see, I could NOT PUT THE BOOK DOWN. It was darn well nearly physically attached to my hand. I lost sleep, I gasped in certain places, I yelled "no!" a few times, I was, in short, insane for the day it took me to read this one. The author completely sucks you into this world of the future. Of kids dying as sacrifices to the capital. Of a love triangle. Of family bonds. Of humanity. There is so much going on in the book that it seems like it would be confusing, but in reality, you are so caught up in the entire story that it doesn't matter. It's all-encompassing. It's all-consuming. It's, as Lisa told me, un-put-down-able. There are scenes that rip your heart out in this book. I had to remind myself when I was done that it was YA (Young Adult) because I enjoyed it immensely. Most YA material I can take or leave but this had me hitting the "buy" button for the next in the series within 2 minutes of finishing it. This one makes my must-read list for 2010. I also do not know how to recommend this for, I simply cannot come up with anyone that might not enjoy it. I am not sure I would let my 7-year-old read it, but my 10-year-old would probably enjoy it just as much as my mother or my 70-year-old grandmother would. Read it. Seriously. | 8b4afa1df8b6257d929826cb0c4322b6 | 1 | 1 | books |
I thought the book started out good and interesting but it definately slowed down in the middle to the end | question: Does the book have a good start?, context: I was anxious to read The Host because i wanted to try a Stephanie Meyer book that wasn't Twilight related. I thought the book started out good and interesting but it definately slowed down in the middle to the end. I was worried i wasn't going to finish it but i did and i am glad. First off it did not feel like a romance novel i'm pretty sure she didn't try to write it that way. I like Wander side alot more then melanie to. The characters did get confusing at times. This book wasn't terrible but i didn't fall in love with it. | Does the book have a good start? | I thought the book started out good and interesting but it definately slowed down in the middle to the end . | I was anxious to read The Host because i wanted to try a Stephanie Meyer book that wasn't Twilight related. I thought the book started out good and interesting but it definately slowed down in the middle to the end. I was worried i wasn't going to finish it but i did and i am glad. First off it did not feel like a romance novel i'm pretty sure she didn't try to write it that way. I like Wander side alot more then melanie to. The characters did get confusing at times. This book wasn't terrible but i didn't fall in love with it. | <hl> I thought the book started out good and interesting but it definately slowed down in the middle to the end <hl> . | I was anxious to read The Host because i wanted to try a Stephanie Meyer book that wasn't Twilight related. <hl> I thought the book started out good and interesting but it definately slowed down in the middle to the end <hl>. I was worried i wasn't going to finish it but i did and i am glad. First off it did not feel like a romance novel i'm pretty sure she didn't try to write it that way. I like Wander side alot more then melanie to. The characters did get confusing at times. This book wasn't terrible but i didn't fall in love with it. | I was anxious to read The Host because i wanted to try a Stephanie Meyer book that wasn't Twilight related. <hl> I thought the book started out good and interesting but it definately slowed down in the middle to the end . <hl> I was worried i wasn't going to finish it but i did and i am glad. First off it did not feel like a romance novel i'm pretty sure she didn't try to write it that way. I like Wander side alot more then melanie to. The characters did get confusing at times. This book wasn't terrible but i didn't fall in love with it. | 1d56e04e55343eb271977080e53a25f3 | 1 | 1 | books |
book | question: How is the book?, context: I must admit that I take issue with some of the messages that are sent out by this series (other reviewers have already discussed Edward's stalker behavior and how Bella's a bad role model for girls, so I won't repeat their points). Also, the writing isn't the best, but honestly, I've read way worse. Parts of this book were slow and boring to me, but parts were interesting and made me want to keep reading. If you look at this book for sociological messages sent to today's youth, you'll be enraged. If you just look at it as a teenager romance novel that's not to be taken too seriously, it's not that bad. It just depends on how you look at it. | How is the book? | Parts of this book were slow and boring to me, but parts were interesting and made me want to keep reading. | I must admit that I take issue with some of the messages that are sent out by this series (other reviewers have already discussed Edward's stalker behavior and how Bella's a bad role model for girls, so I won't repeat their points). Also, the writing isn't the best, but honestly, I've read way worse. Parts of this book were slow and boring to me, but parts were interesting and made me want to keep reading. If you look at this book for sociological messages sent to today's youth, you'll be enraged. If you just look at it as a teenager romance novel that's not to be taken too seriously, it's not that bad. It just depends on how you look at it. | Parts of this <hl> book <hl> were slow and boring to me, but parts were interesting and made me want to keep reading. | I must admit that I take issue with some of the messages that are sent out by this series (other reviewers have already discussed Edward's stalker behavior and how Bella's a bad role model for girls, so I won't repeat their points). Also, the writing isn't the best, but honestly, I've read way worse. Parts of this <hl> book <hl> were slow and boring to me, but parts were interesting and made me want to keep reading. If you look at this book for sociological messages sent to today's youth, you'll be enraged. If you just look at it as a teenager romance novel that's not to be taken too seriously, it's not that bad. It just depends on how you look at it. | I must admit that I take issue with some of the messages that are sent out by this series (other reviewers have already discussed Edward's stalker behavior and how Bella's a bad role model for girls, so I won't repeat their points). Also, the writing isn't the best, but honestly, I've read way worse. <hl> Parts of this book were slow and boring to me, but parts were interesting and made me want to keep reading. <hl> If you look at this book for sociological messages sent to today's youth, you'll be enraged. If you just look at it as a teenager romance novel that's not to be taken too seriously, it's not that bad. It just depends on how you look at it. | 177b5fa02e45f06b617f7af6b0ebbd2d | 2 | 2 | books |
Very entertaining | question: How is the thing with the plot?, context: These two people are totally crazy! I enjoyed the the book just to see what would happen next. Very entertaining. | How is the thing with the plot? | Very entertaining . | These two people are totally crazy! I enjoyed the the book just to see what would happen next. Very entertaining. | <hl> Very entertaining <hl> . | These two people are totally crazy! I enjoyed the the book just to see what would happen next. <hl> Very entertaining <hl>. | These two people are totally crazy! I enjoyed the the book just to see what would happen next. <hl> Very entertaining . <hl> | 9ce49723e56981ed0ab32991bed632ea | 2 | 2 | books |
This book is relevant, but very depressing | question: How is it point?, context: This book is relevant, but very depressing. Some of the situations are similar to current events and concerns - both national and world-wide. But life in the Orwellian future is lonely, depressing and frightening. | How is it point? | This book is relevant, but very depressing . | This book is relevant, but very depressing. Some of the situations are similar to current events and concerns - both national and world-wide. But life in the Orwellian future is lonely, depressing and frightening. | <hl> This book is relevant, but very depressing <hl> . | <hl> This book is relevant, but very depressing <hl>. Some of the situations are similar to current events and concerns - both national and world-wide. But life in the Orwellian future is lonely, depressing and frightening. | <hl> This book is relevant, but very depressing . <hl> Some of the situations are similar to current events and concerns - both national and world-wide. But life in the Orwellian future is lonely, depressing and frightening. | ee2e1ef75485bcb2094761f47dc53e36 | 2 | 2 | books |
The protagonist may be appealing to tween girls | question: Why do I have a bad story?, context: It's okay. The protagonist may be appealing to tween girls, but many of the rest of us will find her (and the other paper-thin characters) to be somewhat annoying. The plot is vaguely interesting.All in all I expect the movie may be better than the book, since 2 hours will compress this fluff down into a possibly-entertaining visual experience. | Why do I have a bad story? | The protagonist may be appealing to tween girls , but many of the rest of us will find her (and the other paper-thin characters) to be somewhat annoying. | It's okay. The protagonist may be appealing to tween girls, but many of the rest of us will find her (and the other paper-thin characters) to be somewhat annoying. The plot is vaguely interesting.All in all I expect the movie may be better than the book, since 2 hours will compress this fluff down into a possibly-entertaining visual experience. | <hl> The protagonist may be appealing to tween girls <hl> , but many of the rest of us will find her (and the other paper-thin characters) to be somewhat annoying. | It's okay. <hl> The protagonist may be appealing to tween girls <hl>, but many of the rest of us will find her (and the other paper-thin characters) to be somewhat annoying. The plot is vaguely interesting.All in all I expect the movie may be better than the book, since 2 hours will compress this fluff down into a possibly-entertaining visual experience. | It's okay. <hl> The protagonist may be appealing to tween girls , but many of the rest of us will find her (and the other paper-thin characters) to be somewhat annoying. <hl> The plot is vaguely interesting. All in all I expect the movie may be better than the book, since 2 hours will compress this fluff down into a possibly-entertaining visual experience. | 7a37c635c5a54caf743c829c95db8518 | 1 | 1 | books |
The ending was disappointing | question: How was the end?, context: Grisham writes books that have wooden characters. It sets up situations where there is a battle between good and evil. Also he draws pictures of large law firms that are charactures. The ending was disappointing.Having said all the above I have to admit that I had a hard time putting this book down. I enjoyed the story and it was fun to read. | How was the end? | The ending was disappointing .Having said all the above I have to admit that I had a hard time putting this book down. | Grisham writes books that have wooden characters. It sets up situations where there is a battle between good and evil. Also he draws pictures of large law firms that are charactures. The ending was disappointing.Having said all the above I have to admit that I had a hard time putting this book down. I enjoyed the story and it was fun to read. | <hl> The ending was disappointing <hl> .Having said all the above I have to admit that I had a hard time putting this book down. | Grisham writes books that have wooden characters. It sets up situations where there is a battle between good and evil. Also he draws pictures of large law firms that are charactures. <hl> The ending was disappointing <hl>.Having said all the above I have to admit that I had a hard time putting this book down. I enjoyed the story and it was fun to read. | Grisham writes books that have wooden characters. It sets up situations where there is a battle between good and evil. Also he draws pictures of large law firms that are charactures. <hl> The ending was disappointing .Having said all the above I have to admit that I had a hard time putting this book down. <hl> I enjoyed the story and it was fun to read. | edf63019a2e4eda0cd70ea0ec255e63d | 1 | 1 | books |
calmer person | question: How is the effect?, context: Since receiving the book, my attitude and life is so much better. Daily I read something from this book. I have become a calmer person. Things that would easily anger me seem unimportant now. Life is to be enjoyed, that is a choice we can make, it is ours for the asking. Thank you Rhonda Byrne. The video is awesome also! | How is the effect? | I have become a calmer person . | Since receiving the book, my attitude and life is so much better. Daily I read something from this book. I have become a calmer person. Things that would easily anger me seem unimportant now. Life is to be enjoyed, that is a choice we can make, it is ours for the asking. Thank you Rhonda Byrne. The video is awesome also! | I have become a <hl> calmer person <hl> . | Since receiving the book, my attitude and life is so much better. Daily I read something from this book. I have become a <hl> calmer person <hl>. Things that would easily anger me seem unimportant now. Life is to be enjoyed, that is a choice we can make, it is ours for the asking. Thank you Rhonda Byrne. The video is awesome also! | Since receiving the book, my attitude and life is so much better. Daily I read something from this book. <hl> I have become a calmer person . <hl> Things that would easily anger me seem unimportant now. Life is to be enjoyed, that is a choice we can make, it is ours for the asking. Thank you Rhonda Byrne. The video is awesome also! | fa9c6f9e776593cbd6d4a834ee078486 | 1 | 1 | books |
This story is haunting and heartwarming | question: How is the quality of the story?, context: This story is haunting and heartwarming. It takes you into Afghanistan before, during and after the Taliban. It will make you laugh, cry and more as it moves you with the lyrics of this masterpiece. The author is a nice guy too and glad to see this become so successful for him. I wrote him when it first came out and after i read it, he emailed me back. All the best to him and his great book | How is the quality of the story? | This story is haunting and heartwarming . | This story is haunting and heartwarming. It takes you into Afghanistan before, during and after the Taliban. It will make you laugh, cry and more as it moves you with the lyrics of this masterpiece. The author is a nice guy too and glad to see this become so successful for him. I wrote him when it first came out and after i read it, he emailed me back. All the best to him and his great book | <hl> This story is haunting and heartwarming <hl> . | <hl> This story is haunting and heartwarming <hl>. It takes you into Afghanistan before, during and after the Taliban. It will make you laugh, cry and more as it moves you with the lyrics of this masterpiece. The author is a nice guy too and glad to see this become so successful for him. I wrote him when it first came out and after i read it, he emailed me back. All the best to him and his great book | <hl> This story is haunting and heartwarming . <hl> It takes you into Afghanistan before, during and after the Taliban. It will make you laugh, cry and more as it moves you with the lyrics of this masterpiece. The author is a nice guy too and glad to see this become so successful for him. I wrote him when it first came out and after i read it, he emailed me back. All the best to him and his great book | 260ac4ebaf7a8eda630ceeb9873f8f14 | 1 | 1 | books |
After falling in love with Will and Lake in Slammed | question: How to know if it is love?, context: After falling in love with Will and Lake in Slammed, I was happy to get more of them, but not so happy knowing they were going to face all sorts of trials as a couple. One of my favorite things about this book was the point of view. While Slammed was from Lake's point of view, Point of Retreat is from Will's. As much as I loved being in Lake's head, I loved being in Will's ever more. I got to see some of my favorite Slammed moments through his eyes, which was huge.The biggest plus about seeing everything from Will's eyes was learning first hand how sincere and deep his love for Lake was. While Lake might have been the one pursuing Will in Slammed, in Point of Retreat it was Will holding them together. He did everything and anything in his power to be there for Lake in her time of need. I really felt that changed the whole tone of the book. Lake spent most of the book withdrawn and angry. She never really left the relationship, but there was a strain on it, and Lake wasn't emotionally able to deal with it. Will really stepped up and I adore him for it.I loved seeing Kel and Caulder again. Those two boys are just as mischievous and adorable as they were in Slammed, maybe more. I still wanted to give them big hugs and tell them to never change. Of course I didn't get my wish 'cause the guys started to notice girls, but one of the swoon/laugh moments I had was finding out why they were suspended from school. I think it spoke highly of how Will and Lake were adapting to their new roles and raising their brothers. There were also new people introduced in this book. I don't think the book would've been the same without Sherry and Kiersten. Both brought a gravitas to the book that elevated it to a totally different level.Of course poetry is an important part of this book, but it wasn't as big a focus as the first one. Of course one of my favorite lines from this series come from a poem used at the end. Once again Colleen's poetry is moving and flawless, just like this book. I honestly thought I was going to have a problem writing a review for this book, but it just basically wrote itself. For me, Point of Retreat will forever be a book that evoked so many emotions, touched my soul, and made Colleen Hoover one of my must buy & must read authors. Honestly, you'll feel the same after reading any one of her books. | How to know if it is love? | After falling in love with Will and Lake in Slammed , I was happy to get more of them, but not so happy knowing they were going to face all sorts of trials as a couple. | After falling in love with Will and Lake in Slammed, I was happy to get more of them, but not so happy knowing they were going to face all sorts of trials as a couple. One of my favorite things about this book was the point of view. While Slammed was from Lake's point of view, Point of Retreat is from Will's. As much as I loved being in Lake's head, I loved being in Will's ever more. I got to see some of my favorite Slammed moments through his eyes, which was huge.The biggest plus about seeing everything from Will's eyes was learning first hand how sincere and deep his love for Lake was. While Lake might have been the one pursuing Will in Slammed, in Point of Retreat it was Will holding them together. He did everything and anything in his power to be there for Lake in her time of need. I really felt that changed the whole tone of the book. Lake spent most of the book withdrawn and angry. She never really left the relationship, but there was a strain on it, and Lake wasn't emotionally able to deal with it. Will really stepped up and I adore him for it.I loved seeing Kel and Caulder again. Those two boys are just as mischievous and adorable as they were in Slammed, maybe more. I still wanted to give them big hugs and tell them to never change. Of course I didn't get my wish 'cause the guys started to notice girls, but one of the swoon/laugh moments I had was finding out why they were suspended from school. I think it spoke highly of how Will and Lake were adapting to their new roles and raising their brothers. There were also new people introduced in this book. I don't think the book would've been the same without Sherry and Kiersten. Both brought a gravitas to the book that elevated it to a totally different level.Of course poetry is an important part of this book, but it wasn't as big a focus as the first one. Of course one of my favorite lines from this series come from a poem used at the end. Once again Colleen's poetry is moving and flawless, just like this book. I honestly thought I was going to have a problem writing a review for this book, but it just basically wrote itself. For me, Point of Retreat will forever be a book that evoked so many emotions, touched my soul, and made Colleen Hoover one of my must buy & must read authors. Honestly, you'll feel the same after reading any one of her books. | <hl> After falling in love with Will and Lake in Slammed <hl> , I was happy to get more of them, but not so happy knowing they were going to face all sorts of trials as a couple. | <hl> After falling in love with Will and Lake in Slammed <hl>, I was happy to get more of them, but not so happy knowing they were going to face all sorts of trials as a couple. One of my favorite things about this book was the point of view. While Slammed was from Lake's point of view, Point of Retreat is from Will's. As much as I loved being in Lake's head, I loved being in Will's ever more. I got to see some of my favorite Slammed moments through his eyes, which was huge.The biggest plus about seeing everything from Will's eyes was learning first hand how sincere and deep his love for Lake was. While Lake might have been the one pursuing Will in Slammed, in Point of Retreat it was Will holding them together. He did everything and anything in his power to be there for Lake in her time of need. I really felt that changed the whole tone of the book. Lake spent most of the book withdrawn and angry. She never really left the relationship, but there was a strain on it, and Lake wasn't emotionally able to deal with it. Will really stepped up and I adore him for it.I loved seeing Kel and Caulder again. Those two boys are just as mischievous and adorable as they were in Slammed, maybe more. I still wanted to give them big hugs and tell them to never change. Of course I didn't get my wish 'cause the guys started to notice girls, but one of the swoon/laugh moments I had was finding out why they were suspended from school. I think it spoke highly of how Will and Lake were adapting to their new roles and raising their brothers. There were also new people introduced in this book. I don't think the book would've been the same without Sherry and Kiersten. Both brought a gravitas to the book that elevated it to a totally different level.Of course poetry is an important part of this book, but it wasn't as big a focus as the first one. Of course one of my favorite lines from this series come from a poem used at the end. Once again Colleen's poetry is moving and flawless, just like this book. I honestly thought I was going to have a problem writing a review for this book, but it just basically wrote itself. For me, Point of Retreat will forever be a book that evoked so many emotions, touched my soul, and made Colleen Hoover one of my must buy & must read authors. Honestly, you'll feel the same after reading any one of her books. | <hl> After falling in love with Will and Lake in Slammed , I was happy to get more of them, but not so happy knowing they were going to face all sorts of trials as a couple. <hl> One of my favorite things about this book was the point of view. While Slammed was from Lake's point of view, Point of Retreat is from Will's. As much as I loved being in Lake's head, I loved being in Will's ever more. I got to see some of my favorite Slammed moments through his eyes, which was huge. The biggest plus about seeing everything from Will's eyes was learning first hand how sincere and deep his love for Lake was. While Lake might have been the one pursuing Will in Slammed, in Point of Retreat it was Will holding them together. He did everything and anything in his power to be there for Lake in her time of need. I really felt that changed the whole tone of the book. Lake spent most of the book withdrawn and angry. She never really left the relationship, but there was a strain on it, and Lake wasn't emotionally able to deal with it. Will really stepped up and I adore him for it. I loved seeing Kel and Caulder again. Those two boys are just as mischievous and adorable as they were in Slammed, maybe more. I still wanted to give them big hugs and tell them to never change. Of course I didn't get my wish 'cause the guys started to notice girls, but one of the swoon/laugh moments I had was finding out why they were suspended from school. I think it spoke highly of how Will and Lake were adapting to their new roles and raising their brothers. There were also new people introduced in this book. I don't think the book would've been the same without Sherry and Kiersten. Both brought a gravitas to the book that elevated it to a totally different level. Of course poetry is an important part of this book, but it wasn't as big a focus as the first one. Of course one of my favorite lines from this series come from a poem used at the end. Once again Colleen's poetry is moving and flawless, just like this book. I honestly thought I was going to have a problem writing a review for this book, but it just basically wrote itself. For me, Point of Retreat will forever be a book that evoked so many emotions, touched my soul, and made Colleen Hoover one of my must buy & must read authors. Honestly, you'll feel the same after reading any one of her books. | e80141b681361f826bc51bd8caabe4fe | 1 | 1 | books |
important | question: How is the appreciation?, context: In "Lone Survivor" author Marcus Luttrell (with Patrick Robinson) relates in 390 pages the heroic stand at "Murphy's Ridge", near the hamlet of Sabray, Afghanistan in 2005. Out-gunned at approximately 30-1, Luttrell's SEAL team, commanded by Michael Murphy, battled Taliban and al Qaeda terrorist fighters to a standstill 4 times until all of the SEAL team members were dead except Luttrell. Badly wounded, his escape and evasion tactics to avoid capture or death were clear thinking and noteworthy.Mechanically, the narrative was a disaster. Cliché-ridden and clumsy, the early chapters relate Luttrell's childhood in East Texas and his SEAL training which civilians might find interesting, but veterans can skip on through it. As the reader approaches mid-way, Mr. Luttrell opines on several issues including the Left leaning Main Stream Media, the ridiculous Rules of Engagement for our fighters in the region and other geopolitical issues for which he is grossly under qualified. The fact that he is correct is not the subject at hand.Continuing, Luttrell related the incredible bravery of team leader Michael Murphy as he purposely exposed himself to get cell phone reception to call for assistance. A support and extraction team was swiftly sent to the area but the chopper was hit by rockets with the loss of all hands.Befriended by local Afghans, Luttrell was finally rescued by Green Beret and Ranger search teams.For his uncommon valor, Murphy was posthumously awarded the War On Terror's first Metal of Honor. Three others, including Luttrell, received the Navy Cross, the nation's second highest combat award for Navy and Marine Corps personnel.Mechanics aside, this story and this book are important. It is unlikely the heroic sacrifices of these war-fighters would have ever been fully told without it. I'd rate it 4 and 1/2 stars and well worth the readers's time. | How is the appreciation? | Mechanics aside, this story and this book are important . | In "Lone Survivor" author Marcus Luttrell (with Patrick Robinson) relates in 390 pages the heroic stand at "Murphy's Ridge", near the hamlet of Sabray, Afghanistan in 2005. Out-gunned at approximately 30-1, Luttrell's SEAL team, commanded by Michael Murphy, battled Taliban and al Qaeda terrorist fighters to a standstill 4 times until all of the SEAL team members were dead except Luttrell. Badly wounded, his escape and evasion tactics to avoid capture or death were clear thinking and noteworthy.Mechanically, the narrative was a disaster. Cliché-ridden and clumsy, the early chapters relate Luttrell's childhood in East Texas and his SEAL training which civilians might find interesting, but veterans can skip on through it. As the reader approaches mid-way, Mr. Luttrell opines on several issues including the Left leaning Main Stream Media, the ridiculous Rules of Engagement for our fighters in the region and other geopolitical issues for which he is grossly under qualified. The fact that he is correct is not the subject at hand.Continuing, Luttrell related the incredible bravery of team leader Michael Murphy as he purposely exposed himself to get cell phone reception to call for assistance. A support and extraction team was swiftly sent to the area but the chopper was hit by rockets with the loss of all hands.Befriended by local Afghans, Luttrell was finally rescued by Green Beret and Ranger search teams.For his uncommon valor, Murphy was posthumously awarded the War On Terror's first Metal of Honor. Three others, including Luttrell, received the Navy Cross, the nation's second highest combat award for Navy and Marine Corps personnel.Mechanics aside, this story and this book are important. It is unlikely the heroic sacrifices of these war-fighters would have ever been fully told without it. I'd rate it 4 and 1/2 stars and well worth the readers's time. | Mechanics aside, this story and this book are <hl> important <hl> . | In "Lone Survivor" author Marcus Luttrell (with Patrick Robinson) relates in 390 pages the heroic stand at "Murphy's Ridge", near the hamlet of Sabray, Afghanistan in 2005. Out-gunned at approximately 30-1, Luttrell's SEAL team, commanded by Michael Murphy, battled Taliban and al Qaeda terrorist fighters to a standstill 4 times until all of the SEAL team members were dead except Luttrell. Badly wounded, his escape and evasion tactics to avoid capture or death were clear thinking and noteworthy.Mechanically, the narrative was a disaster. Cliché-ridden and clumsy, the early chapters relate Luttrell's childhood in East Texas and his SEAL training which civilians might find interesting, but veterans can skip on through it. As the reader approaches mid-way, Mr. Luttrell opines on several issues including the Left leaning Main Stream Media, the ridiculous Rules of Engagement for our fighters in the region and other geopolitical issues for which he is grossly under qualified. The fact that he is correct is not the subject at hand.Continuing, Luttrell related the incredible bravery of team leader Michael Murphy as he purposely exposed himself to get cell phone reception to call for assistance. A support and extraction team was swiftly sent to the area but the chopper was hit by rockets with the loss of all hands.Befriended by local Afghans, Luttrell was finally rescued by Green Beret and Ranger search teams.For his uncommon valor, Murphy was posthumously awarded the War On Terror's first Metal of Honor. Three others, including Luttrell, received the Navy Cross, the nation's second highest combat award for Navy and Marine Corps personnel.Mechanics aside, this story and this book are <hl> important <hl>. It is unlikely the heroic sacrifices of these war-fighters would have ever been fully told without it. I'd rate it 4 and 1/2 stars and well worth the readers's time. | In "Lone Survivor" author Marcus Luttrell (with Patrick Robinson) relates in 390 pages the heroic stand at "Murphy's Ridge", near the hamlet of Sabray, Afghanistan in 2005. Out-gunned at approximately 30-1, Luttrell's SEAL team, commanded by Michael Murphy, battled Taliban and al Qaeda terrorist fighters to a standstill 4 times until all of the SEAL team members were dead except Luttrell. Badly wounded, his escape and evasion tactics to avoid capture or death were clear thinking and noteworthy. Mechanically, the narrative was a disaster. Cliché-ridden and clumsy, the early chapters relate Luttrell's childhood in East Texas and his SEAL training which civilians might find interesting, but veterans can skip on through it. As the reader approaches mid-way, Mr. Luttrell opines on several issues including the Left leaning Main Stream Media, the ridiculous Rules of Engagement for our fighters in the region and other geopolitical issues for which he is grossly under qualified. The fact that he is correct is not the subject at hand. Continuing, Luttrell related the incredible bravery of team leader Michael Murphy as he purposely exposed himself to get cell phone reception to call for assistance. A support and extraction team was swiftly sent to the area but the chopper was hit by rockets with the loss of all hands. Befriended by local Afghans, Luttrell was finally rescued by Green Beret and Ranger search teams. For his uncommon valor, Murphy was posthumously awarded the War On Terror's first Metal of Honor. Three others, including Luttrell, received the Navy Cross, the nation's second highest combat award for Navy and Marine Corps personnel. <hl> Mechanics aside, this story and this book are important . <hl> It is unlikely the heroic sacrifices of these war-fighters would have ever been fully told without it. I'd rate it 4 and 1/2 stars and well worth the readers's time. | ea9a5f4caccf4988fe40c17c8947a314 | 1 | 1 | books |
Each novel starts a little slow but by the end leaves you ready for the next | question: Is it easy to get this book?, context: i like this series and am in the process of rereading it. Each novel starts a little slow but by the end leaves you ready for the next. All in all it is worth reading, but I wouldn't rank it amoung my favorites. | Is it easy to get this book? | Each novel starts a little slow but by the end leaves you ready for the next . | i like this series and am in the process of rereading it. Each novel starts a little slow but by the end leaves you ready for the next. All in all it is worth reading, but I wouldn't rank it amoung my favorites. | <hl> Each novel starts a little slow but by the end leaves you ready for the next <hl> . | i like this series and am in the process of rereading it. <hl> Each novel starts a little slow but by the end leaves you ready for the next <hl>. All in all it is worth reading, but I wouldn't rank it amoung my favorites. | i like this series and am in the process of rereading it. <hl> Each novel starts a little slow but by the end leaves you ready for the next . <hl> All in all it is worth reading, but I wouldn't rank it amoung my favorites. | 89b7450dcda847738a794adfd04346ec | 1 | 1 | books |
one | question: How many books do you have?, context: I love to read, but I'm not really a romance novel kind of girl. I guess this would be considered more erotica than romance, but that's not really my genre either. I gave into the hype for this one, though.The writing is pretty sad. The story is ridiculous. The sex is pretty good, but not realistic at all. I mean, someone who can orgasm as quickly and easily as this chick doesn't need Christian Grey! She could probably drive over a speed bump and get off.It basically comes down to housewife porn. After being in control, taking care of everyone, and making decisions all day, a woman just wants a man to take control in the bedroom. Christian Grey does that....although on a completely different level.If you're curious, read it. But don't expect to be overly impressed. The hype is just that. There's nothing earth shattering here, just sexual fantasy on paper. | How many books do you have? | I gave into the hype for this one , though. | I love to read, but I'm not really a romance novel kind of girl. I guess this would be considered more erotica than romance, but that's not really my genre either. I gave into the hype for this one, though.The writing is pretty sad. The story is ridiculous. The sex is pretty good, but not realistic at all. I mean, someone who can orgasm as quickly and easily as this chick doesn't need Christian Grey! She could probably drive over a speed bump and get off.It basically comes down to housewife porn. After being in control, taking care of everyone, and making decisions all day, a woman just wants a man to take control in the bedroom. Christian Grey does that....although on a completely different level.If you're curious, read it. But don't expect to be overly impressed. The hype is just that. There's nothing earth shattering here, just sexual fantasy on paper. | I gave into the hype for this <hl> one <hl> , though. | I love to read, but I'm not really a romance novel kind of girl. I guess this would be considered more erotica than romance, but that's not really my genre either. I gave into the hype for this <hl> one <hl>, though.The writing is pretty sad. The story is ridiculous. The sex is pretty good, but not realistic at all. I mean, someone who can orgasm as quickly and easily as this chick doesn't need Christian Grey! She could probably drive over a speed bump and get off.It basically comes down to housewife porn. After being in control, taking care of everyone, and making decisions all day, a woman just wants a man to take control in the bedroom. Christian Grey does that....although on a completely different level.If you're curious, read it. But don't expect to be overly impressed. The hype is just that. There's nothing earth shattering here, just sexual fantasy on paper. | I love to read, but I'm not really a romance novel kind of girl. I guess this would be considered more erotica than romance, but that's not really my genre either. <hl> I gave into the hype for this one , though. <hl> The writing is pretty sad. The story is ridiculous. The sex is pretty good, but not realistic at all. I mean, someone who can orgasm as quickly and easily as this chick doesn't need Christian Grey! She could probably drive over a speed bump and get off. It basically comes down to housewife porn. After being in control, taking care of everyone, and making decisions all day, a woman just wants a man to take control in the bedroom. Christian Grey does that....although on a completely different level. If you're curious, read it. But don't expect to be overly impressed. The hype is just that. There's nothing earth shattering here, just sexual fantasy on paper. | 8958a5704a6f82eb33919949fb9e9315 | 2 | 2 | books |
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo | question: How is the attention span?, context: More of a story about a crime drama than a crime drama itself, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" follows a journalist sucked into a strange proposition to discover the secrets behind a decades-old suspected murder that took place in the middle of a highly dysfunctional family gathering.The book is set in Sweden and for an American reader, the Swedish proper nouns (towns/people) were a bit tough to follow, particularly in the context of trying to keep details straight for what I thought was a crime drama. It turns out those details aren't terribly necessary to the story (whose over-detailed nature seems to be a subject of some criticism), so just reading through casually was a better idea.For my taste, the book was a bit long and tedious in the first half, although it definitely picked up towards the middle and was quite exciting through the conclusion.Be warned that the subject matter contains some violence, including rape, incest, and battery of women. It isn't overly graphic, but the subject matter could definitely be disturbing for some.All in all it was an interesting read. I'd recommend reading it as a story rather than a crime drama, in as much as tracking all of the details and trying to solve the crime as a reader was a detriment to the first bit of the book for me. But reading it casually provided an interesting story with plenty of excitement towards the end. | How is the attention span? | More of a story about a crime drama than a crime drama itself, " The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo " follows a journalist sucked into a strange proposition to discover the secrets behind a decades-old suspected murder that took place in the middle of a highly dysfunctional family gathering. | More of a story about a crime drama than a crime drama itself, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" follows a journalist sucked into a strange proposition to discover the secrets behind a decades-old suspected murder that took place in the middle of a highly dysfunctional family gathering.The book is set in Sweden and for an American reader, the Swedish proper nouns (towns/people) were a bit tough to follow, particularly in the context of trying to keep details straight for what I thought was a crime drama. It turns out those details aren't terribly necessary to the story (whose over-detailed nature seems to be a subject of some criticism), so just reading through casually was a better idea.For my taste, the book was a bit long and tedious in the first half, although it definitely picked up towards the middle and was quite exciting through the conclusion.Be warned that the subject matter contains some violence, including rape, incest, and battery of women. It isn't overly graphic, but the subject matter could definitely be disturbing for some.All in all it was an interesting read. I'd recommend reading it as a story rather than a crime drama, in as much as tracking all of the details and trying to solve the crime as a reader was a detriment to the first bit of the book for me. But reading it casually provided an interesting story with plenty of excitement towards the end. | More of a story about a crime drama than a crime drama itself, " <hl> The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo <hl> " follows a journalist sucked into a strange proposition to discover the secrets behind a decades-old suspected murder that took place in the middle of a highly dysfunctional family gathering. | More of a story about a crime drama than a crime drama itself, "<hl> The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo <hl>" follows a journalist sucked into a strange proposition to discover the secrets behind a decades-old suspected murder that took place in the middle of a highly dysfunctional family gathering.The book is set in Sweden and for an American reader, the Swedish proper nouns (towns/people) were a bit tough to follow, particularly in the context of trying to keep details straight for what I thought was a crime drama. It turns out those details aren't terribly necessary to the story (whose over-detailed nature seems to be a subject of some criticism), so just reading through casually was a better idea.For my taste, the book was a bit long and tedious in the first half, although it definitely picked up towards the middle and was quite exciting through the conclusion.Be warned that the subject matter contains some violence, including rape, incest, and battery of women. It isn't overly graphic, but the subject matter could definitely be disturbing for some.All in all it was an interesting read. I'd recommend reading it as a story rather than a crime drama, in as much as tracking all of the details and trying to solve the crime as a reader was a detriment to the first bit of the book for me. But reading it casually provided an interesting story with plenty of excitement towards the end. | <hl> More of a story about a crime drama than a crime drama itself, " The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo " follows a journalist sucked into a strange proposition to discover the secrets behind a decades-old suspected murder that took place in the middle of a highly dysfunctional family gathering. <hl> The book is set in Sweden and for an American reader, the Swedish proper nouns (towns/people) were a bit tough to follow, particularly in the context of trying to keep details straight for what I thought was a crime drama. It turns out those details aren't terribly necessary to the story (whose over-detailed nature seems to be a subject of some criticism), so just reading through casually was a better idea. For my taste, the book was a bit long and tedious in the first half, although it definitely picked up towards the middle and was quite exciting through the conclusion. Be warned that the subject matter contains some violence, including rape, incest, and battery of women. It isn't overly graphic, but the subject matter could definitely be disturbing for some. All in all it was an interesting read. I'd recommend reading it as a story rather than a crime drama, in as much as tracking all of the details and trying to solve the crime as a reader was a detriment to the first bit of the book for me. But reading it casually provided an interesting story with plenty of excitement towards the end. | 7d6d599b8bf4e3cf7bb51c5752d781f3 | 1 | 1 | books |
truly beautiful | question: Is this love book beautiful?, context: Since the first time I read Naked, Ethan and his American girl Brynne's story, stole my heart.And with each next book it took a little bit more of my heart. I became instantly addicted, consumed and captivated by it.These two have come a long way since the first book. Watching their relationship develop was truly consuming.The growth of their love that become stronger and stronger with each next book. It became unconditional and deeper.The banter between them that was powerful since the beginning only just grew in strength.This book just adds up.Their journey was emotional on so many levels. You fell it, you absorb it, you get owned by it, you treasure it, you adore it and just love it. But the thing that is the most important is that underneath everything that they have been through, their love stood strong and high.The love the have for each other, was all and everything they needed and did not know that they needed it. True love really has healing and freeing powers.I do not know if Raine's writing style can be described properly. She writes… flawlessly, lyrical. Unique. Exceptional. Easy to get attached to. Full of magic. Her descriptions are rich, picturesque. Her storylines are attaching, moving.Enthralling and truly beautiful, Ethan and Brynne's story is unique and once in a lifetime.Rare and Precious Things is beyond breathtaking and heartwarming beautiful. It is truly a delight.It is hard that it is the end of their story, but they will always have a place in my heart.≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<< | Is this love book beautiful? | Enthralling and truly beautiful , Ethan and Brynne's story is unique and once in a lifetime. | Since the first time I read Naked, Ethan and his American girl Brynne's story, stole my heart.And with each next book it took a little bit more of my heart. I became instantly addicted, consumed and captivated by it.These two have come a long way since the first book. Watching their relationship develop was truly consuming.The growth of their love that become stronger and stronger with each next book. It became unconditional and deeper.The banter between them that was powerful since the beginning only just grew in strength.This book just adds up.Their journey was emotional on so many levels. You fell it, you absorb it, you get owned by it, you treasure it, you adore it and just love it. But the thing that is the most important is that underneath everything that they have been through, their love stood strong and high.The love the have for each other, was all and everything they needed and did not know that they needed it. True love really has healing and freeing powers.I do not know if Raine's writing style can be described properly. She writes… flawlessly, lyrical. Unique. Exceptional. Easy to get attached to. Full of magic. Her descriptions are rich, picturesque. Her storylines are attaching, moving.Enthralling and truly beautiful, Ethan and Brynne's story is unique and once in a lifetime.Rare and Precious Things is beyond breathtaking and heartwarming beautiful. It is truly a delight.It is hard that it is the end of their story, but they will always have a place in my heart.≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<< | Enthralling and <hl> truly beautiful <hl> , Ethan and Brynne's story is unique and once in a lifetime. | Since the first time I read Naked, Ethan and his American girl Brynne's story, stole my heart.And with each next book it took a little bit more of my heart. I became instantly addicted, consumed and captivated by it.These two have come a long way since the first book. Watching their relationship develop was truly consuming.The growth of their love that become stronger and stronger with each next book. It became unconditional and deeper.The banter between them that was powerful since the beginning only just grew in strength.This book just adds up.Their journey was emotional on so many levels. You fell it, you absorb it, you get owned by it, you treasure it, you adore it and just love it. But the thing that is the most important is that underneath everything that they have been through, their love stood strong and high.The love the have for each other, was all and everything they needed and did not know that they needed it. True love really has healing and freeing powers.I do not know if Raine's writing style can be described properly. She writes… flawlessly, lyrical. Unique. Exceptional. Easy to get attached to. Full of magic. Her descriptions are rich, picturesque. Her storylines are attaching, moving.Enthralling and <hl> truly beautiful <hl>, Ethan and Brynne's story is unique and once in a lifetime.Rare and Precious Things is beyond breathtaking and heartwarming beautiful. It is truly a delight.It is hard that it is the end of their story, but they will always have a place in my heart.≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<< | Since the first time I read Naked, Ethan and his American girl Brynne's story, stole my heart. And with each next book it took a little bit more of my heart. I became instantly addicted, consumed and captivated by it. These two have come a long way since the first book. Watching their relationship develop was truly consuming. The growth of their love that become stronger and stronger with each next book. It became unconditional and deeper. The banter between them that was powerful since the beginning only just grew in strength. This book just adds up. Their journey was emotional on so many levels. You fell it, you absorb it, you get owned by it, you treasure it, you adore it and just love it. But the thing that is the most important is that underneath everything that they have been through, their love stood strong and high. The love the have for each other, was all and everything they needed and did not know that they needed it. True love really has healing and freeing powers. I do not know if Raine's writing style can be described properly. She writes… flawlessly, lyrical. Unique. Exceptional. Easy to get attached to. Full of magic. Her descriptions are rich, picturesque. Her storylines are attaching, moving. <hl> Enthralling and truly beautiful , Ethan and Brynne's story is unique and once in a lifetime. <hl> Rare and Precious Things is beyond breathtaking and heartwarming beautiful. It is truly a delight. It is hard that it is the end of their story, but they will always have a place in my heart.≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<< | 42795e11dcd83423fca6412bb30989c4 | 1 | 1 | books |
this story is simply fantastic | question: How pleasant is the storyline?, context: Wow, this story is simply fantastic from the beginning. You will cry, laugh and simply fall in love with the characters and the poetry in this wonder YA book. Great job Colleen Hoover and I guess I need to listen to The Avett Brothers. I'll start book two Point of Retreat tonight. | How pleasant is the storyline? | Wow, this story is simply fantastic from the beginning. | Wow, this story is simply fantastic from the beginning. You will cry, laugh and simply fall in love with the characters and the poetry in this wonder YA book. Great job Colleen Hoover and I guess I need to listen to The Avett Brothers. I'll start book two Point of Retreat tonight. | Wow, <hl> this story is simply fantastic <hl> from the beginning. | Wow, <hl> this story is simply fantastic <hl> from the beginning. You will cry, laugh and simply fall in love with the characters and the poetry in this wonder YA book. Great job Colleen Hoover and I guess I need to listen to The Avett Brothers. I'll start book two Point of Retreat tonight. | <hl> Wow, this story is simply fantastic from the beginning. <hl> You will cry, laugh and simply fall in love with the characters and the poetry in this wonder YA book. Great job Colleen Hoover and I guess I need to listen to The Avett Brothers. I'll start book two Point of Retreat tonight. | 8c14b4af021418448684c7f20019196e | 1 | 1 | books |
The characters are so similar and so lacking in backstory and identifiable characteristics | question: How is it problem?, context: This seems to me to be one of those rare instances where the movie will probably be better than the book. As many others have mentioned, this book starts very strongly. The first several chapters focus on modern-day (or near-future) characters, and the writing is so strong that I actually recommended the book to several friends before I got to the next section, which takes place about 100 years in the future, after the vampires have been released on the world. Once that shift has taken place, the book drags. The characters are so similar and so lacking in backstory and identifiable characteristics that I had trouble keeping some of them straight. On top of that is the fact that there is no resolution--the book just ends, in a way that makes it clear the story will be continued in a sequel. I hate when books can't stand on their own. Nothing on the jacket made this book seem like the first of a trilogy, so the lack of an ending to a quite long book was very disappointing. And one thing that kept bothering me throughout the book that made absolutely no sense (and that I hoped would be explained) is the scene where one of the main characters, Amy (a young girl who becomes the "zero"--the first success in the viral testing that inadvertently unleashes the virals--or vampires--on the world), is taken to a zoo. This is well before she is subjected to experimentation. At this point in the book, she's just a normal little girl who has been abandoned by her mother. But for some reason, every animal in the zoo goes crazy when she walks in, attacking each other and creating so much havoc that some of them have to be shot and the zoo has to be evacuated. Like EVERYTHING in this book, this scene was described in very cinematic terms, so you can see exactly what the author thinks the movie version should look like (the movie rights have already been snapped up by director Ridley Scott's production company). But, regarding that scene: it makes no sense at all. Amy tells someone that the animals are reacting to her that way because, "They know...what I am." I have no idea if this will be explained in the subsequent books, but it bothers me still. This was really 2 1/2 stars, but I'm rounding up because of the strength of the early chapters. | How is it problem? | The characters are so similar and so lacking in backstory and identifiable characteristics that I had trouble keeping some of them straight. | This seems to me to be one of those rare instances where the movie will probably be better than the book. As many others have mentioned, this book starts very strongly. The first several chapters focus on modern-day (or near-future) characters, and the writing is so strong that I actually recommended the book to several friends before I got to the next section, which takes place about 100 years in the future, after the vampires have been released on the world. Once that shift has taken place, the book drags. The characters are so similar and so lacking in backstory and identifiable characteristics that I had trouble keeping some of them straight. On top of that is the fact that there is no resolution--the book just ends, in a way that makes it clear the story will be continued in a sequel. I hate when books can't stand on their own. Nothing on the jacket made this book seem like the first of a trilogy, so the lack of an ending to a quite long book was very disappointing. And one thing that kept bothering me throughout the book that made absolutely no sense (and that I hoped would be explained) is the scene where one of the main characters, Amy (a young girl who becomes the "zero"--the first success in the viral testing that inadvertently unleashes the virals--or vampires--on the world), is taken to a zoo. This is well before she is subjected to experimentation. At this point in the book, she's just a normal little girl who has been abandoned by her mother. But for some reason, every animal in the zoo goes crazy when she walks in, attacking each other and creating so much havoc that some of them have to be shot and the zoo has to be evacuated. Like EVERYTHING in this book, this scene was described in very cinematic terms, so you can see exactly what the author thinks the movie version should look like (the movie rights have already been snapped up by director Ridley Scott's production company). But, regarding that scene: it makes no sense at all. Amy tells someone that the animals are reacting to her that way because, "They know...what I am." I have no idea if this will be explained in the subsequent books, but it bothers me still. This was really 2 1/2 stars, but I'm rounding up because of the strength of the early chapters. | <hl> The characters are so similar and so lacking in backstory and identifiable characteristics <hl> that I had trouble keeping some of them straight. | This seems to me to be one of those rare instances where the movie will probably be better than the book. As many others have mentioned, this book starts very strongly. The first several chapters focus on modern-day (or near-future) characters, and the writing is so strong that I actually recommended the book to several friends before I got to the next section, which takes place about 100 years in the future, after the vampires have been released on the world. Once that shift has taken place, the book drags. <hl> The characters are so similar and so lacking in backstory and identifiable characteristics <hl> that I had trouble keeping some of them straight. On top of that is the fact that there is no resolution--the book just ends, in a way that makes it clear the story will be continued in a sequel. I hate when books can't stand on their own. Nothing on the jacket made this book seem like the first of a trilogy, so the lack of an ending to a quite long book was very disappointing. And one thing that kept bothering me throughout the book that made absolutely no sense (and that I hoped would be explained) is the scene where one of the main characters, Amy (a young girl who becomes the "zero"--the first success in the viral testing that inadvertently unleashes the virals--or vampires--on the world), is taken to a zoo. This is well before she is subjected to experimentation. At this point in the book, she's just a normal little girl who has been abandoned by her mother. But for some reason, every animal in the zoo goes crazy when she walks in, attacking each other and creating so much havoc that some of them have to be shot and the zoo has to be evacuated. Like EVERYTHING in this book, this scene was described in very cinematic terms, so you can see exactly what the author thinks the movie version should look like (the movie rights have already been snapped up by director Ridley Scott's production company). But, regarding that scene: it makes no sense at all. Amy tells someone that the animals are reacting to her that way because, "They know...what I am." I have no idea if this will be explained in the subsequent books, but it bothers me still. This was really 2 1/2 stars, but I'm rounding up because of the strength of the early chapters. | This seems to me to be one of those rare instances where the movie will probably be better than the book. As many others have mentioned, this book starts very strongly. The first several chapters focus on modern-day (or near-future) characters, and the writing is so strong that I actually recommended the book to several friends before I got to the next section, which takes place about 100 years in the future, after the vampires have been released on the world. Once that shift has taken place, the book drags. <hl> The characters are so similar and so lacking in backstory and identifiable characteristics that I had trouble keeping some of them straight. <hl> On top of that is the fact that there is no resolution--the book just ends, in a way that makes it clear the story will be continued in a sequel. I hate when books can't stand on their own. Nothing on the jacket made this book seem like the first of a trilogy, so the lack of an ending to a quite long book was very disappointing. And one thing that kept bothering me throughout the book that made absolutely no sense (and that I hoped would be explained) is the scene where one of the main characters, Amy (a young girl who becomes the "zero"--the first success in the viral testing that inadvertently unleashes the virals--or vampires--on the world), is taken to a zoo. This is well before she is subjected to experimentation. At this point in the book, she's just a normal little girl who has been abandoned by her mother. But for some reason, every animal in the zoo goes crazy when she walks in, attacking each other and creating so much havoc that some of them have to be shot and the zoo has to be evacuated. Like EVERYTHING in this book, this scene was described in very cinematic terms, so you can see exactly what the author thinks the movie version should look like (the movie rights have already been snapped up by director Ridley Scott's production company). But, regarding that scene: it makes no sense at all. Amy tells someone that the animals are reacting to her that way because, "They know...what I am." I have no idea if this will be explained in the subsequent books, but it bothers me still. This was really 2 1/2 stars, but I'm rounding up because of the strength of the early chapters. | 601ea489eb0726d27b4399235d807a17 | 1 | 1 | books |
I am very blessed to have amazing friends that lead me to amazing books | question: How is the friend?, context: I am very blessed to have amazing friends that lead me to amazing books. For the past week I have listened to them talk about this book called Wallbanger. To be completely honest, I thought the name was intriguing. I mean really wall sex is the shiz. However, my TBR list is exploding and I didn't need to add to it. After days passed and they wouldn't stop talking about it, I started to feel a bit left out. Needless to say when this came available for review I grabbed it fast. I devoured it in one day and I'm happy to report that it is all they claimed it to be and more.The humor and snark has a style all of its own. It's really like nothing I have experienced before and she did an outstanding job hooking you in and keeping you turning pages. It's not full of drama and overcoming obstacles, it's more about finding and claiming love.It's loaded with sexual tension, witty comebacks and snappy banter. This couple has the longest foreplay session in the entire universe. Let me tell you though, you're missing out on nothing in the steamy department. I mean its definite talent if an author can turn making apple pie into erotic flirting. I give props for that.This book delivers it all. Simon and Caroline are magic together. The secondary cast is incredible. The funny and flirty text messages back and forth are comical. The journey we follow Caroline on as she tries to find her "missing O" (yes, it's that O I'm talking about) is simply hilarious. Clive the wonder cat, is one hell of a pussy that plays a huge role in the story. I had tears rolling down my face from laughing so hard while reading his POV at the end. I can't recommend this story enough. This book is the perfect combination of everything I crave in a story. It's steamy, sexy, sweet, romantic, heartwarming, snarky, witty all rolled into one hell of a banging experience. Read it, you will love it. I promise! | How is the friend? | I am very blessed to have amazing friends that lead me to amazing books . | I am very blessed to have amazing friends that lead me to amazing books. For the past week I have listened to them talk about this book called Wallbanger. To be completely honest, I thought the name was intriguing. I mean really wall sex is the shiz. However, my TBR list is exploding and I didn't need to add to it. After days passed and they wouldn't stop talking about it, I started to feel a bit left out. Needless to say when this came available for review I grabbed it fast. I devoured it in one day and I'm happy to report that it is all they claimed it to be and more.The humor and snark has a style all of its own. It's really like nothing I have experienced before and she did an outstanding job hooking you in and keeping you turning pages. It's not full of drama and overcoming obstacles, it's more about finding and claiming love.It's loaded with sexual tension, witty comebacks and snappy banter. This couple has the longest foreplay session in the entire universe. Let me tell you though, you're missing out on nothing in the steamy department. I mean its definite talent if an author can turn making apple pie into erotic flirting. I give props for that.This book delivers it all. Simon and Caroline are magic together. The secondary cast is incredible. The funny and flirty text messages back and forth are comical. The journey we follow Caroline on as she tries to find her "missing O" (yes, it's that O I'm talking about) is simply hilarious. Clive the wonder cat, is one hell of a pussy that plays a huge role in the story. I had tears rolling down my face from laughing so hard while reading his POV at the end. I can't recommend this story enough. This book is the perfect combination of everything I crave in a story. It's steamy, sexy, sweet, romantic, heartwarming, snarky, witty all rolled into one hell of a banging experience. Read it, you will love it. I promise! | <hl> I am very blessed to have amazing friends that lead me to amazing books <hl> . | <hl> I am very blessed to have amazing friends that lead me to amazing books <hl>. For the past week I have listened to them talk about this book called Wallbanger. To be completely honest, I thought the name was intriguing. I mean really wall sex is the shiz. However, my TBR list is exploding and I didn't need to add to it. After days passed and they wouldn't stop talking about it, I started to feel a bit left out. Needless to say when this came available for review I grabbed it fast. I devoured it in one day and I'm happy to report that it is all they claimed it to be and more.The humor and snark has a style all of its own. It's really like nothing I have experienced before and she did an outstanding job hooking you in and keeping you turning pages. It's not full of drama and overcoming obstacles, it's more about finding and claiming love.It's loaded with sexual tension, witty comebacks and snappy banter. This couple has the longest foreplay session in the entire universe. Let me tell you though, you're missing out on nothing in the steamy department. I mean its definite talent if an author can turn making apple pie into erotic flirting. I give props for that.This book delivers it all. Simon and Caroline are magic together. The secondary cast is incredible. The funny and flirty text messages back and forth are comical. The journey we follow Caroline on as she tries to find her "missing O" (yes, it's that O I'm talking about) is simply hilarious. Clive the wonder cat, is one hell of a pussy that plays a huge role in the story. I had tears rolling down my face from laughing so hard while reading his POV at the end. I can't recommend this story enough. This book is the perfect combination of everything I crave in a story. It's steamy, sexy, sweet, romantic, heartwarming, snarky, witty all rolled into one hell of a banging experience. Read it, you will love it. I promise! | <hl> I am very blessed to have amazing friends that lead me to amazing books . <hl> For the past week I have listened to them talk about this book called Wallbanger. To be completely honest, I thought the name was intriguing. I mean really wall sex is the shiz. However, my TBR list is exploding and I didn't need to add to it. After days passed and they wouldn't stop talking about it, I started to feel a bit left out. Needless to say when this came available for review I grabbed it fast. I devoured it in one day and I'm happy to report that it is all they claimed it to be and more. The humor and snark has a style all of its own. It's really like nothing I have experienced before and she did an outstanding job hooking you in and keeping you turning pages. It's not full of drama and overcoming obstacles, it's more about finding and claiming love. It's loaded with sexual tension, witty comebacks and snappy banter. This couple has the longest foreplay session in the entire universe. Let me tell you though, you're missing out on nothing in the steamy department. I mean its definite talent if an author can turn making apple pie into erotic flirting. I give props for that. This book delivers it all. Simon and Caroline are magic together. The secondary cast is incredible. The funny and flirty text messages back and forth are comical. The journey we follow Caroline on as she tries to find her "missing O" (yes, it's that O I'm talking about) is simply hilarious. Clive the wonder cat, is one hell of a pussy that plays a huge role in the story. I had tears rolling down my face from laughing so hard while reading his POV at the end. I can't recommend this story enough. This book is the perfect combination of everything I crave in a story. It's steamy, sexy, sweet, romantic, heartwarming, snarky, witty all rolled into one hell of a banging experience. Read it, you will love it. I promise! | e26e09858882028b16d5481911d274b0 | 1 | 2 | books |
I didn't think the age difference was that big a deal | question: How is the relationship?, context: I didn't think it was possible, but Stephanie Perkins managed to make me love Lola and the Boy Next Door even more than Anna and the French Kiss. Another home run for the Queen of Contemporary Young Adult Romances.Lola was not your average girl. She saw every day as a chance to reinvent herself, with wigs and costumes; she marched to her own drummer and if you didn't like it, tough noogies. She lived with her too-good-to-be-true dads and dated an older "bad boy." Everything was going pretty dandy for Lola until her old neighbors moved back into the house next door.I loved Lola's dads - they let her just be herself and were there when she needed them. They were kind (to each other and to her) and thoughtful and just quirky enough. Her boyfriend, Max, was a few years older, and this was mentioned several times, in an effort to make their relationship almost... naughty. I didn't think the age difference was that big a deal.The neighbors, the Bells, included twins Calliope and Cricket. Calliope was a talented figure skater whose family had moved back to town to advance her career. She was spoiled and selfish, and not a likable character at all. Cricket, well he's one of my favorite book boyfriends ever. He was sweet and nerdy and made of pure awesome.Most of the novel was spent building up the horrible thing that Cricket did to Lola before the Bells moved away, and once we found out what he did, it was a huge letdown. Honestly, it was no big deal at all, and I thought she overreacted quite a bit. The dialogue was fun and real; Lola really had a tendency to say what she was thinking, which led to some amusing situations.The setting of the novel was so well described, I felt like I was right there in San Francisco with the characters. Everything was so lush and descriptive, I loved it. For fans of Anna and the French Kiss, we are treated to a few scenes with Anna and Etienne in Lola. They are just as in love, and Anna provides a sounding board when Lola needs someone to talk out her issues.There were a few clichés, and some predictable bits, but they were few and far between. The quirky and fun nature of the book more than made up for those few drawbacks. | How is the relationship? | I didn't think the age difference was that big a deal .The | I didn't think it was possible, but Stephanie Perkins managed to make me love Lola and the Boy Next Door even more than Anna and the French Kiss. Another home run for the Queen of Contemporary Young Adult Romances.Lola was not your average girl. She saw every day as a chance to reinvent herself, with wigs and costumes; she marched to her own drummer and if you didn't like it, tough noogies. She lived with her too-good-to-be-true dads and dated an older "bad boy." Everything was going pretty dandy for Lola until her old neighbors moved back into the house next door.I loved Lola's dads - they let her just be herself and were there when she needed them. They were kind (to each other and to her) and thoughtful and just quirky enough. Her boyfriend, Max, was a few years older, and this was mentioned several times, in an effort to make their relationship almost... naughty. I didn't think the age difference was that big a deal.The neighbors, the Bells, included twins Calliope and Cricket. Calliope was a talented figure skater whose family had moved back to town to advance her career. She was spoiled and selfish, and not a likable character at all. Cricket, well he's one of my favorite book boyfriends ever. He was sweet and nerdy and made of pure awesome.Most of the novel was spent building up the horrible thing that Cricket did to Lola before the Bells moved away, and once we found out what he did, it was a huge letdown. Honestly, it was no big deal at all, and I thought she overreacted quite a bit. The dialogue was fun and real; Lola really had a tendency to say what she was thinking, which led to some amusing situations.The setting of the novel was so well described, I felt like I was right there in San Francisco with the characters. Everything was so lush and descriptive, I loved it. For fans of Anna and the French Kiss, we are treated to a few scenes with Anna and Etienne in Lola. They are just as in love, and Anna provides a sounding board when Lola needs someone to talk out her issues.There were a few clichés, and some predictable bits, but they were few and far between. The quirky and fun nature of the book more than made up for those few drawbacks. | <hl> I didn't think the age difference was that big a deal <hl> .The | I didn't think it was possible, but Stephanie Perkins managed to make me love Lola and the Boy Next Door even more than Anna and the French Kiss. Another home run for the Queen of Contemporary Young Adult Romances.Lola was not your average girl. She saw every day as a chance to reinvent herself, with wigs and costumes; she marched to her own drummer and if you didn't like it, tough noogies. She lived with her too-good-to-be-true dads and dated an older "bad boy." Everything was going pretty dandy for Lola until her old neighbors moved back into the house next door.I loved Lola's dads - they let her just be herself and were there when she needed them. They were kind (to each other and to her) and thoughtful and just quirky enough. Her boyfriend, Max, was a few years older, and this was mentioned several times, in an effort to make their relationship almost... naughty. <hl> I didn't think the age difference was that big a deal <hl>.The neighbors, the Bells, included twins Calliope and Cricket. Calliope was a talented figure skater whose family had moved back to town to advance her career. She was spoiled and selfish, and not a likable character at all. Cricket, well he's one of my favorite book boyfriends ever. He was sweet and nerdy and made of pure awesome.Most of the novel was spent building up the horrible thing that Cricket did to Lola before the Bells moved away, and once we found out what he did, it was a huge letdown. Honestly, it was no big deal at all, and I thought she overreacted quite a bit. The dialogue was fun and real; Lola really had a tendency to say what she was thinking, which led to some amusing situations.The setting of the novel was so well described, I felt like I was right there in San Francisco with the characters. Everything was so lush and descriptive, I loved it. For fans of Anna and the French Kiss, we are treated to a few scenes with Anna and Etienne in Lola. They are just as in love, and Anna provides a sounding board when Lola needs someone to talk out her issues.There were a few clichés, and some predictable bits, but they were few and far between. The quirky and fun nature of the book more than made up for those few drawbacks. | I didn't think it was possible, but Stephanie Perkins managed to make me love Lola and the Boy Next Door even more than Anna and the French Kiss. Another home run for the Queen of Contemporary Young Adult Romances. Lola was not your average girl. She saw every day as a chance to reinvent herself, with wigs and costumes; she marched to her own drummer and if you didn't like it, tough noogies. She lived with her too-good-to-be-true dads and dated an older "bad boy." Everything was going pretty dandy for Lola until her old neighbors moved back into the house next door. I loved Lola's dads - they let her just be herself and were there when she needed them. They were kind (to each other and to her) and thoughtful and just quirky enough. Her boyfriend, Max, was a few years older, and this was mentioned several times, in an effort to make their relationship almost... naughty. <hl> I didn't think the age difference was that big a deal .The <hl> neighbors, the Bells, included twins Calliope and Cricket. Calliope was a talented figure skater whose family had moved back to town to advance her career. She was spoiled and selfish, and not a likable character at all. Cricket, well he's one of my favorite book boyfriends ever. He was sweet and nerdy and made of pure awesome. Most of the novel was spent building up the horrible thing that Cricket did to Lola before the Bells moved away, and once we found out what he did, it was a huge letdown. Honestly, it was no big deal at all, and I thought she overreacted quite a bit. The dialogue was fun and real; Lola really had a tendency to say what she was thinking, which led to some amusing situations. The setting of the novel was so well described, I felt like I was right there in San Francisco with the characters. Everything was so lush and descriptive, I loved it. For fans of Anna and the French Kiss, we are treated to a few scenes with Anna and Etienne in Lola. They are just as in love, and Anna provides a sounding board when Lola needs someone to talk out her issues. There were a few clichés, and some predictable bits, but they were few and far between. The quirky and fun nature of the book more than made up for those few drawbacks. | 203234dba25d22beb2dc29abc905be87 | 2 | 2 | books |
this book has been unfairly advertised | question: How unusual is this book?, context: I think this book has been unfairly advertised in order to hopefully grab people who enjoyed the Harry Potter books. when I was given this behemoth of a novel to read, I was told I'd like it because "its a mix of Harry Potter and Jane Austen." Its an entirely different kind of novel than Harry Potter; and the only connection to a Jane Austen novel would be that its set in old England and uses old English ("chuses" for example). That said, the writing style is more in line with Jane Austen than some of the modern authors. But, I wouldn't call this book Harry Potter done by Jane Austen. Its also a fairly hard book to get into which is highly different from the pickup and readability of Harry Potter.I don't even want to talk about what the book is about and my recommendation is to not read the book jacket because it basically tells you the entire story. Strange and Norrell tells the story of a magician, Norrell, who wants to bring magic back to England under his own terms. But it doesn't start out like that. It starts out with totally different characters who consider themselves magicians but don't practice. Then it becomes a different novel about Norrell and his personal idealogies...then it involves Strange and tells his whole life history up to this moment before showing his ideologies.Part of the problem with the novel in its early pages is that it has a ton of beginnings. It feels like the story will be about one thing but then introducing someone else gives another beginning to the story. Its filled with too many false starts. It also spends a large portion of the book setting up what will unfold in the last two hundred pages; in fact the majority of the story dictated in the book flap happens in the last half of the novel. Fans of very pickup and read novels will probably be turned off early on. Its a shame because this novel is very rich.It has a lot of subtext involving the time period (1800s) that fans/history buffs of the time period will enjoy. I hate to call it a historical fiction, but it closely resembles this but with a fantastical twist (namely magic). Susanna Clarke spends a good deal of time describing the time period, the setting, the characters, their motivations, etc that you really do get a good feeling for the characters. She does a good job developing characters that will definitely have an idealogical and moral confrontation. Clarke does tend to lean on cliches every now and then, what with the yes-men surrounding Norell and their tireless bickering on who's better. Its handled deftly, but its still cliched at parts.My recommendation is that if you enjoy a quick read (and I don't mean page length) then I would just check this novel out. If you are interested in devoting a good portion of your time to a novel that is thick with description, characterization and a plot that involves a ton of setup and involves a ton of characters that need to be introduced, then this is a good novel for you. | How unusual is this book? | I think this book has been unfairly advertised in order to hopefully grab people who enjoyed the Harry Potter books. | I think this book has been unfairly advertised in order to hopefully grab people who enjoyed the Harry Potter books. when I was given this behemoth of a novel to read, I was told I'd like it because "its a mix of Harry Potter and Jane Austen." Its an entirely different kind of novel than Harry Potter; and the only connection to a Jane Austen novel would be that its set in old England and uses old English ("chuses" for example). That said, the writing style is more in line with Jane Austen than some of the modern authors. But, I wouldn't call this book Harry Potter done by Jane Austen. Its also a fairly hard book to get into which is highly different from the pickup and readability of Harry Potter.I don't even want to talk about what the book is about and my recommendation is to not read the book jacket because it basically tells you the entire story. Strange and Norrell tells the story of a magician, Norrell, who wants to bring magic back to England under his own terms. But it doesn't start out like that. It starts out with totally different characters who consider themselves magicians but don't practice. Then it becomes a different novel about Norrell and his personal idealogies...then it involves Strange and tells his whole life history up to this moment before showing his ideologies.Part of the problem with the novel in its early pages is that it has a ton of beginnings. It feels like the story will be about one thing but then introducing someone else gives another beginning to the story. Its filled with too many false starts. It also spends a large portion of the book setting up what will unfold in the last two hundred pages; in fact the majority of the story dictated in the book flap happens in the last half of the novel. Fans of very pickup and read novels will probably be turned off early on. Its a shame because this novel is very rich.It has a lot of subtext involving the time period (1800s) that fans/history buffs of the time period will enjoy. I hate to call it a historical fiction, but it closely resembles this but with a fantastical twist (namely magic). Susanna Clarke spends a good deal of time describing the time period, the setting, the characters, their motivations, etc that you really do get a good feeling for the characters. She does a good job developing characters that will definitely have an idealogical and moral confrontation. Clarke does tend to lean on cliches every now and then, what with the yes-men surrounding Norell and their tireless bickering on who's better. Its handled deftly, but its still cliched at parts.My recommendation is that if you enjoy a quick read (and I don't mean page length) then I would just check this novel out. If you are interested in devoting a good portion of your time to a novel that is thick with description, characterization and a plot that involves a ton of setup and involves a ton of characters that need to be introduced, then this is a good novel for you. | I think <hl> this book has been unfairly advertised <hl> in order to hopefully grab people who enjoyed the Harry Potter books. | I think <hl> this book has been unfairly advertised <hl> in order to hopefully grab people who enjoyed the Harry Potter books. when I was given this behemoth of a novel to read, I was told I'd like it because "its a mix of Harry Potter and Jane Austen." Its an entirely different kind of novel than Harry Potter; and the only connection to a Jane Austen novel would be that its set in old England and uses old English ("chuses" for example). That said, the writing style is more in line with Jane Austen than some of the modern authors. But, I wouldn't call this book Harry Potter done by Jane Austen. Its also a fairly hard book to get into which is highly different from the pickup and readability of Harry Potter.I don't even want to talk about what the book is about and my recommendation is to not read the book jacket because it basically tells you the entire story. Strange and Norrell tells the story of a magician, Norrell, who wants to bring magic back to England under his own terms. But it doesn't start out like that. It starts out with totally different characters who consider themselves magicians but don't practice. Then it becomes a different novel about Norrell and his personal idealogies...then it involves Strange and tells his whole life history up to this moment before showing his ideologies.Part of the problem with the novel in its early pages is that it has a ton of beginnings. It feels like the story will be about one thing but then introducing someone else gives another beginning to the story. Its filled with too many false starts. It also spends a large portion of the book setting up what will unfold in the last two hundred pages; in fact the majority of the story dictated in the book flap happens in the last half of the novel. Fans of very pickup and read novels will probably be turned off early on. Its a shame because this novel is very rich.It has a lot of subtext involving the time period (1800s) that fans/history buffs of the time period will enjoy. I hate to call it a historical fiction, but it closely resembles this but with a fantastical twist (namely magic). Susanna Clarke spends a good deal of time describing the time period, the setting, the characters, their motivations, etc that you really do get a good feeling for the characters. She does a good job developing characters that will definitely have an idealogical and moral confrontation. Clarke does tend to lean on cliches every now and then, what with the yes-men surrounding Norell and their tireless bickering on who's better. Its handled deftly, but its still cliched at parts.My recommendation is that if you enjoy a quick read (and I don't mean page length) then I would just check this novel out. If you are interested in devoting a good portion of your time to a novel that is thick with description, characterization and a plot that involves a ton of setup and involves a ton of characters that need to be introduced, then this is a good novel for you. | <hl> I think this book has been unfairly advertised in order to hopefully grab people who enjoyed the Harry Potter books. <hl> when I was given this behemoth of a novel to read, I was told I'd like it because "its a mix of Harry Potter and Jane Austen." Its an entirely different kind of novel than Harry Potter; and the only connection to a Jane Austen novel would be that its set in old England and uses old English ("chuses" for example). That said, the writing style is more in line with Jane Austen than some of the modern authors. But, I wouldn't call this book Harry Potter done by Jane Austen. Its also a fairly hard book to get into which is highly different from the pickup and readability of Harry Potter. I don't even want to talk about what the book is about and my recommendation is to not read the book jacket because it basically tells you the entire story. Strange and Norrell tells the story of a magician, Norrell, who wants to bring magic back to England under his own terms. But it doesn't start out like that. It starts out with totally different characters who consider themselves magicians but don't practice. Then it becomes a different novel about Norrell and his personal idealogies...then it involves Strange and tells his whole life history up to this moment before showing his ideologies. Part of the problem with the novel in its early pages is that it has a ton of beginnings. It feels like the story will be about one thing but then introducing someone else gives another beginning to the story. Its filled with too many false starts. It also spends a large portion of the book setting up what will unfold in the last two hundred pages; in fact the majority of the story dictated in the book flap happens in the last half of the novel. Fans of very pickup and read novels will probably be turned off early on. Its a shame because this novel is very rich. It has a lot of subtext involving the time period (1800s) that fans/history buffs of the time period will enjoy. I hate to call it a historical fiction, but it closely resembles this but with a fantastical twist (namely magic). Susanna Clarke spends a good deal of time describing the time period, the setting, the characters, their motivations, etc that you really do get a good feeling for the characters. She does a good job developing characters that will definitely have an idealogical and moral confrontation. Clarke does tend to lean on cliches every now and then, what with the yes-men surrounding Norell and their tireless bickering on who's better. Its handled deftly, but its still cliched at parts. My recommendation is that if you enjoy a quick read (and I don't mean page length) then I would just check this novel out. If you are interested in devoting a good portion of your time to a novel that is thick with description, characterization and a plot that involves a ton of setup and involves a ton of characters that need to be introduced, then this is a good novel for you. | ea729e9e29b20c95c18ac455ee777c78 | 1 | 1 | books |
After a long stretch of semi-interesting to really bad books, | question: Are evil people on story line of this book?, context: After a long stretch of semi-interesting to really bad books, I opened up this book and just loved it. I don't want to write a long review, because the book has to be experienced, be loved, and be enjoyed on its own terms, because this is what it deserves. The Help by Kathryn Stockett is about the black maids in southern US in the 1960s, their lives, loves, and despair, and about the white women that hire them, use them, depend on them, and sometimes, respect them. I insisted on reading it before I watched the newly made movie based on it, so now I am ready. If you have read the book, the movie is never better than the book, I think. But this book gets a 9 out of a 10, so I am not worried about the movie being really bad. I heard some had complained that a white woman shouldn't write a book about black women, but come on, that is the stupidiest thing I have heard. If that is so, then women can't write about men, Swedes can't write about Norwegians, and black men can't write about white men. We are foremost people, humans, and not our color, citizenship, or gender. Compassion and understanding is deeper than skin color or culture, at least it ought to be. So, if you want a great read, a good story, and deep thought mixed with fun stories, this is the book. It is just like life is. Just read it. A++Read more: [...]Under Creative Commons License: Attribution | Are evil people on story line of this book? | After a long stretch of semi-interesting to really bad books, I opened up this book and just loved it. | After a long stretch of semi-interesting to really bad books, I opened up this book and just loved it. I don't want to write a long review, because the book has to be experienced, be loved, and be enjoyed on its own terms, because this is what it deserves. The Help by Kathryn Stockett is about the black maids in southern US in the 1960s, their lives, loves, and despair, and about the white women that hire them, use them, depend on them, and sometimes, respect them. I insisted on reading it before I watched the newly made movie based on it, so now I am ready. If you have read the book, the movie is never better than the book, I think. But this book gets a 9 out of a 10, so I am not worried about the movie being really bad. I heard some had complained that a white woman shouldn't write a book about black women, but come on, that is the stupidiest thing I have heard. If that is so, then women can't write about men, Swedes can't write about Norwegians, and black men can't write about white men. We are foremost people, humans, and not our color, citizenship, or gender. Compassion and understanding is deeper than skin color or culture, at least it ought to be. So, if you want a great read, a good story, and deep thought mixed with fun stories, this is the book. It is just like life is. Just read it. A++Read more: [...]Under Creative Commons License: Attribution | <hl> After a long stretch of semi-interesting to really bad books, <hl> I opened up this book and just loved it. | <hl> After a long stretch of semi-interesting to really bad books, <hl> I opened up this book and just loved it. I don't want to write a long review, because the book has to be experienced, be loved, and be enjoyed on its own terms, because this is what it deserves. The Help by Kathryn Stockett is about the black maids in southern US in the 1960s, their lives, loves, and despair, and about the white women that hire them, use them, depend on them, and sometimes, respect them. I insisted on reading it before I watched the newly made movie based on it, so now I am ready. If you have read the book, the movie is never better than the book, I think. But this book gets a 9 out of a 10, so I am not worried about the movie being really bad. I heard some had complained that a white woman shouldn't write a book about black women, but come on, that is the stupidiest thing I have heard. If that is so, then women can't write about men, Swedes can't write about Norwegians, and black men can't write about white men. We are foremost people, humans, and not our color, citizenship, or gender. Compassion and understanding is deeper than skin color or culture, at least it ought to be. So, if you want a great read, a good story, and deep thought mixed with fun stories, this is the book. It is just like life is. Just read it. A++Read more: [...]Under Creative Commons License: Attribution | <hl> After a long stretch of semi-interesting to really bad books, I opened up this book and just loved it. <hl> I don't want to write a long review, because the book has to be experienced, be loved, and be enjoyed on its own terms, because this is what it deserves. The Help by Kathryn Stockett is about the black maids in southern US in the 1960s, their lives, loves, and despair, and about the white women that hire them, use them, depend on them, and sometimes, respect them. I insisted on reading it before I watched the newly made movie based on it, so now I am ready. If you have read the book, the movie is never better than the book, I think. But this book gets a 9 out of a 10, so I am not worried about the movie being really bad. I heard some had complained that a white woman shouldn't write a book about black women, but come on, that is the stupidiest thing I have heard. If that is so, then women can't write about men, Swedes can't write about Norwegians, and black men can't write about white men. We are foremost people, humans, and not our color, citizenship, or gender. Compassion and understanding is deeper than skin color or culture, at least it ought to be. So, if you want a great read, a good story, and deep thought mixed with fun stories, this is the book. It is just like life is. Just read it. A++Read more: [...]Under Creative Commons License: Attribution | 9d67d702a2c6d209e353dba4e6ec9235 | 1 | 1 | books |
the characters were so complex | question: How was the character development?, context: This book is so hard to review because no words I can use to describe the book will do justice to this absolutely beautiful book. The world created by the author is so unique and detailed that after I finished the book, I missed it like I had physically been there and enjoyed the circus. It is as if the circus really exists and the stories became part of my memories. I think the best word to describe the book is enchanting.Needless to say, I loved this book. I loved the magic and every one of the characters. The story and the characters were so complex and carefully thought out and described. It was so easy to get lost in the book, have no idea how many pages I had just read, and feel like I had been magically transported to another place. This book instantly made it into my top five favorite books of all time.If you are looking for a beautiful and magical book, look no further. I cannot wait to read it again and again, so that I may live in a dream like the rveurs. | How was the character development? | The story and the characters were so complex and carefully thought out and described. | This book is so hard to review because no words I can use to describe the book will do justice to this absolutely beautiful book. The world created by the author is so unique and detailed that after I finished the book, I missed it like I had physically been there and enjoyed the circus. It is as if the circus really exists and the stories became part of my memories. I think the best word to describe the book is enchanting.Needless to say, I loved this book. I loved the magic and every one of the characters. The story and the characters were so complex and carefully thought out and described. It was so easy to get lost in the book, have no idea how many pages I had just read, and feel like I had been magically transported to another place. This book instantly made it into my top five favorite books of all time.If you are looking for a beautiful and magical book, look no further. I cannot wait to read it again and again, so that I may live in a dream like the rveurs. | The story and <hl> the characters were so complex <hl> and carefully thought out and described. | This book is so hard to review because no words I can use to describe the book will do justice to this absolutely beautiful book. The world created by the author is so unique and detailed that after I finished the book, I missed it like I had physically been there and enjoyed the circus. It is as if the circus really exists and the stories became part of my memories. I think the best word to describe the book is enchanting.Needless to say, I loved this book. I loved the magic and every one of the characters. The story and <hl> the characters were so complex <hl> and carefully thought out and described. It was so easy to get lost in the book, have no idea how many pages I had just read, and feel like I had been magically transported to another place. This book instantly made it into my top five favorite books of all time.If you are looking for a beautiful and magical book, look no further. I cannot wait to read it again and again, so that I may live in a dream like the rveurs. | This book is so hard to review because no words I can use to describe the book will do justice to this absolutely beautiful book. The world created by the author is so unique and detailed that after I finished the book, I missed it like I had physically been there and enjoyed the circus. It is as if the circus really exists and the stories became part of my memories. I think the best word to describe the book is enchanting. Needless to say, I loved this book. I loved the magic and every one of the characters. <hl> The story and the characters were so complex and carefully thought out and described. <hl> It was so easy to get lost in the book, have no idea how many pages I had just read, and feel like I had been magically transported to another place. This book instantly made it into my top five favorite books of all time. If you are looking for a beautiful and magical book, look no further. I cannot wait to read it again and again, so that I may live in a dream like the rveurs. | 3f8ec9bc17f2e0df84ae59ebb79c522a | 1 | 1 | books |
I thought the main character acted "out of character" at times (not referring to the twist) | question: Which is the good premise principal?, context: I thought the structure, plot, and characters were original and interesting. I thought the main character acted "out of character" at times (not referring to the twist), which made the story a little unbelievable, but in all I liked it. I didn't find the ending unsatisfying, as some others did. I think it set up a sequel and I'm eager to read it when it comes out. | Which is the good premise principal? | I thought the main character acted "out of character" at times (not referring to the twist) , which made the story a little unbelievable, but in all I liked it. | I thought the structure, plot, and characters were original and interesting. I thought the main character acted "out of character" at times (not referring to the twist), which made the story a little unbelievable, but in all I liked it. I didn't find the ending unsatisfying, as some others did. I think it set up a sequel and I'm eager to read it when it comes out. | <hl> I thought the main character acted "out of character" at times (not referring to the twist) <hl> , which made the story a little unbelievable, but in all I liked it. | I thought the structure, plot, and characters were original and interesting. <hl> I thought the main character acted "out of character" at times (not referring to the twist) <hl>, which made the story a little unbelievable, but in all I liked it. I didn't find the ending unsatisfying, as some others did. I think it set up a sequel and I'm eager to read it when it comes out. | I thought the structure, plot, and characters were original and interesting. <hl> I thought the main character acted "out of character" at times (not referring to the twist) , which made the story a little unbelievable, but in all I liked it. <hl> I didn't find the ending unsatisfying, as some others did. I think it set up a sequel and I'm eager to read it when it comes out. | 17165d846c572cd933fcbc58a07543f5 | 2 | 2 | books |
In this book Bosch seemed not as knowable | question: How many twist does the book have?, context: The storyline is good but the characters did not seem as rounded as they usually are. Every Bosch book up until The Black Box had a really approachable main character. In this book Bosch seemed not as knowable. It seemed to me that his personality was glossed over. | How many twist does the book have? | In this book Bosch seemed not as knowable . | The storyline is good but the characters did not seem as rounded as they usually are. Every Bosch book up until The Black Box had a really approachable main character. In this book Bosch seemed not as knowable. It seemed to me that his personality was glossed over. | <hl> In this book Bosch seemed not as knowable <hl> . | The storyline is good but the characters did not seem as rounded as they usually are. Every Bosch book up until The Black Box had a really approachable main character. <hl> In this book Bosch seemed not as knowable <hl>. It seemed to me that his personality was glossed over. | The storyline is good but the characters did not seem as rounded as they usually are. Every Bosch book up until The Black Box had a really approachable main character. <hl> In this book Bosch seemed not as knowable . <hl> It seemed to me that his personality was glossed over. | 542726aea2c242e021be454549a033f5 | 1 | 1 | books |
I loved them all | question: What is the emotion you feel?, context: holy hell!!! 5 stars are most definitely NOT enough!!!! this book was absolutely amazing! !! Kristy you out did yourself!!! if you haven't read this series then you have no idea what your missing! !!! I loved them all!!! thank you kristy for allowing us to read, love, and enjoy your books!!!! This book left me speechless!!! Loved it to the mother F***ing checkered flag!!!! | What is the emotion you feel? | if you haven't read this series then you have no idea what your missing! !!! I loved them all !!! | holy hell!!! 5 stars are most definitely NOT enough!!!! this book was absolutely amazing! !! Kristy you out did yourself!!! if you haven't read this series then you have no idea what your missing! !!! I loved them all!!! thank you kristy for allowing us to read, love, and enjoy your books!!!! This book left me speechless!!! Loved it to the mother F***ing checkered flag!!!! | if you haven't read this series then you have no idea what your missing! !!! <hl> I loved them all <hl> !!! | holy hell!!! 5 stars are most definitely NOT enough!!!! this book was absolutely amazing! !! Kristy you out did yourself!!! if you haven't read this series then you have no idea what your missing! !!! <hl> I loved them all <hl>!!! thank you kristy for allowing us to read, love, and enjoy your books!!!! This book left me speechless!!! Loved it to the mother F***ing checkered flag!!!! | holy hell!!! 5 stars are most definitely NOT enough!!!! this book was absolutely amazing! !! Kristy you out did yourself!!! <hl> if you haven't read this series then you have no idea what your missing! !!! I loved them all !!! <hl> thank you kristy for allowing us to read, love, and enjoy your books!!!! This book left me speechless!!! Loved it to the mother F***ing checkered flag!!!! | 8f6c382683784a1d7e667a0df9a4e4d5 | 2 | 2 | books |
The story itself is rather dull in retrospect | question: Is the story of the book interesting?, context: Twilight is oddly compelling. It's one of those novels that will force you to keep reading even when you can't fathom why you keep doing so. The story itself is rather dull in retrospect: Bella Swan moves from a friendless Phoenix, Arizona to Forks -- a green place that experiences plentiful rain during most days of the year -- to live with her police chief father in order to allow her flighty mother a chance to move with her new husband as he plays baseball. (There's one positive female roll model removed from the list.)As we move toward Bella's first days toward experiencing her new school we find that she's a good cook and rather passive aggressive. She complains to herself about most things, and has no outward hopes about her new school or possible new friends. Unfortunately, the story does not react in kind to Bella's actions. Instead of having all other characters respond unfavorably to Bella's sour temper we find everyone drawn to her like a magnet; especially the boys. An odd turn of the plot, granted, but then we're just getting started.Naturally the Forks high school is a little less than normal. Vampires attend class there, seemingly because they have nothing else better to do in their immortality. Meet the abnormally beautiful Cullens. They are the kids no one else knows what to make of, who shun all, and...oh, wait. Bella naturally attracts the most beautiful vampire of the bunch -- Edward Cullen, who suffers repetitive gorgeous adjectives to account for his appearance in each chapter ad nauseam.So, boy meets girl, boy saves girl from an accidental death (which will be happening repeatedly, so hold on to your seats), and Bella's obsession blossoms. The two fall in love faster you can strike a match, and from there it's a lot of batting eyelashes and swooning before a mediocre plot twist turns this little love story into an action adventure within the very last pages.The problems with Twilight aren't so much the dragging plot, as the book still manages to capture your attention completely to the point where you don't exactly notice the lack of plot. The problem is in the characters. Edward is pushy and controlling, Bella is characterless (no, "clumsiness" is not a character trait) and defined by Edward's inability to "read" her, and the rest of the (human) ensemble is treated like unwanted nitwits as they grasp for any bit of attention they can from the main pair. The main characters obviously smack as mary sues, and as it's written in the first person and given Bella's lacking characterization it would be easy to write her off completely and allow the reader to replace her as the object of Edward's affections.Overall, Twilight is a compelling story with a not-so-likable main character while her significant other steals the show. How it's so compelling is still a mystery, but people will devour it quickly and yearn for more. | Is the story of the book interesting? | The story itself is rather dull in retrospect : Bella Swan moves from a friendless Phoenix, Arizona to Forks -- a green place that experiences plentiful rain during most days of the year -- to live with her police chief father in order to allow her flighty mother a chance to move with her new husband as he plays baseball. | Twilight is oddly compelling. It's one of those novels that will force you to keep reading even when you can't fathom why you keep doing so. The story itself is rather dull in retrospect: Bella Swan moves from a friendless Phoenix, Arizona to Forks -- a green place that experiences plentiful rain during most days of the year -- to live with her police chief father in order to allow her flighty mother a chance to move with her new husband as he plays baseball. (There's one positive female roll model removed from the list.)As we move toward Bella's first days toward experiencing her new school we find that she's a good cook and rather passive aggressive. She complains to herself about most things, and has no outward hopes about her new school or possible new friends. Unfortunately, the story does not react in kind to Bella's actions. Instead of having all other characters respond unfavorably to Bella's sour temper we find everyone drawn to her like a magnet; especially the boys. An odd turn of the plot, granted, but then we're just getting started.Naturally the Forks high school is a little less than normal. Vampires attend class there, seemingly because they have nothing else better to do in their immortality. Meet the abnormally beautiful Cullens. They are the kids no one else knows what to make of, who shun all, and...oh, wait. Bella naturally attracts the most beautiful vampire of the bunch -- Edward Cullen, who suffers repetitive gorgeous adjectives to account for his appearance in each chapter ad nauseam.So, boy meets girl, boy saves girl from an accidental death (which will be happening repeatedly, so hold on to your seats), and Bella's obsession blossoms. The two fall in love faster you can strike a match, and from there it's a lot of batting eyelashes and swooning before a mediocre plot twist turns this little love story into an action adventure within the very last pages.The problems with Twilight aren't so much the dragging plot, as the book still manages to capture your attention completely to the point where you don't exactly notice the lack of plot. The problem is in the characters. Edward is pushy and controlling, Bella is characterless (no, "clumsiness" is not a character trait) and defined by Edward's inability to "read" her, and the rest of the (human) ensemble is treated like unwanted nitwits as they grasp for any bit of attention they can from the main pair. The main characters obviously smack as mary sues, and as it's written in the first person and given Bella's lacking characterization it would be easy to write her off completely and allow the reader to replace her as the object of Edward's affections.Overall, Twilight is a compelling story with a not-so-likable main character while her significant other steals the show. How it's so compelling is still a mystery, but people will devour it quickly and yearn for more. | <hl> The story itself is rather dull in retrospect <hl> : Bella Swan moves from a friendless Phoenix, Arizona to Forks -- a green place that experiences plentiful rain during most days of the year -- to live with her police chief father in order to allow her flighty mother a chance to move with her new husband as he plays baseball. | Twilight is oddly compelling. It's one of those novels that will force you to keep reading even when you can't fathom why you keep doing so. <hl> The story itself is rather dull in retrospect <hl>: Bella Swan moves from a friendless Phoenix, Arizona to Forks -- a green place that experiences plentiful rain during most days of the year -- to live with her police chief father in order to allow her flighty mother a chance to move with her new husband as he plays baseball. (There's one positive female roll model removed from the list.)As we move toward Bella's first days toward experiencing her new school we find that she's a good cook and rather passive aggressive. She complains to herself about most things, and has no outward hopes about her new school or possible new friends. Unfortunately, the story does not react in kind to Bella's actions. Instead of having all other characters respond unfavorably to Bella's sour temper we find everyone drawn to her like a magnet; especially the boys. An odd turn of the plot, granted, but then we're just getting started.Naturally the Forks high school is a little less than normal. Vampires attend class there, seemingly because they have nothing else better to do in their immortality. Meet the abnormally beautiful Cullens. They are the kids no one else knows what to make of, who shun all, and...oh, wait. Bella naturally attracts the most beautiful vampire of the bunch -- Edward Cullen, who suffers repetitive gorgeous adjectives to account for his appearance in each chapter ad nauseam.So, boy meets girl, boy saves girl from an accidental death (which will be happening repeatedly, so hold on to your seats), and Bella's obsession blossoms. The two fall in love faster you can strike a match, and from there it's a lot of batting eyelashes and swooning before a mediocre plot twist turns this little love story into an action adventure within the very last pages.The problems with Twilight aren't so much the dragging plot, as the book still manages to capture your attention completely to the point where you don't exactly notice the lack of plot. The problem is in the characters. Edward is pushy and controlling, Bella is characterless (no, "clumsiness" is not a character trait) and defined by Edward's inability to "read" her, and the rest of the (human) ensemble is treated like unwanted nitwits as they grasp for any bit of attention they can from the main pair. The main characters obviously smack as mary sues, and as it's written in the first person and given Bella's lacking characterization it would be easy to write her off completely and allow the reader to replace her as the object of Edward's affections.Overall, Twilight is a compelling story with a not-so-likable main character while her significant other steals the show. How it's so compelling is still a mystery, but people will devour it quickly and yearn for more. | Twilight is oddly compelling. It's one of those novels that will force you to keep reading even when you can't fathom why you keep doing so. <hl> The story itself is rather dull in retrospect : Bella Swan moves from a friendless Phoenix, Arizona to Forks -- a green place that experiences plentiful rain during most days of the year -- to live with her police chief father in order to allow her flighty mother a chance to move with her new husband as he plays baseball. <hl> (There's one positive female roll model removed from the list.)As we move toward Bella's first days toward experiencing her new school we find that she's a good cook and rather passive aggressive. She complains to herself about most things, and has no outward hopes about her new school or possible new friends. Unfortunately, the story does not react in kind to Bella's actions. Instead of having all other characters respond unfavorably to Bella's sour temper we find everyone drawn to her like a magnet; especially the boys. An odd turn of the plot, granted, but then we're just getting started. Naturally the Forks high school is a little less than normal. Vampires attend class there, seemingly because they have nothing else better to do in their immortality. Meet the abnormally beautiful Cullens. They are the kids no one else knows what to make of, who shun all, and...oh, wait. Bella naturally attracts the most beautiful vampire of the bunch -- Edward Cullen, who suffers repetitive gorgeous adjectives to account for his appearance in each chapter ad nauseam. So, boy meets girl, boy saves girl from an accidental death (which will be happening repeatedly, so hold on to your seats), and Bella's obsession blossoms. The two fall in love faster you can strike a match, and from there it's a lot of batting eyelashes and swooning before a mediocre plot twist turns this little love story into an action adventure within the very last pages. The problems with Twilight aren't so much the dragging plot, as the book still manages to capture your attention completely to the point where you don't exactly notice the lack of plot. The problem is in the characters. Edward is pushy and controlling, Bella is characterless (no, "clumsiness" is not a character trait) and defined by Edward's inability to "read" her, and the rest of the (human) ensemble is treated like unwanted nitwits as they grasp for any bit of attention they can from the main pair. The main characters obviously smack as mary sues, and as it's written in the first person and given Bella's lacking characterization it would be easy to write her off completely and allow the reader to replace her as the object of Edward's affections. Overall, Twilight is a compelling story with a not-so-likable main character while her significant other steals the show. How it's so compelling is still a mystery, but people will devour it quickly and yearn for more. | ebb142969f126b1c077f4d15d75a5017 | 1 | 1 | books |
The author dealt with far more than she should ever have had to in her life, and it was hard to read but also extremely eye-opening | question: What about understanding?, context: Girl at the End of the World's synopsis caught my eye, and I was intrigued. However, I wasn't expecting to become as enthralled by the book as I did. Girl at the End of the World is the story of the author's experiences growing up in a Fundamentalist Christian cult. I'm not going to lie, the cult part was what caught my eye. I don't have personal experiences with cults, but the cult mentality is something that I find both fascinating and horrifying.Fascinating and horrifying is a good way to describe Esther Earl's story. Her memoir connected with me emotionally, and even though I've never had any of her experiences, I felt myself sympathizing with her. The author dealt with far more than she should ever have had to in her life, and it was hard to read but also extremely eye-opening. I was rooting for Esther the whole time, and even though I knew before beginning that she did eventually escape the cult, I still found myself on the edge of my seat throughout the book.I highly recommend this book to everyone. The book is written very engagingly, and it would have held my attention easily, even if the subject matter weren't so gripping. I think everyone could get something out of this book. It's a hard story to read at times, but I don't regret reading it a bit. It's hard to put into words how this book made me feel, but I can say that it is one of the best books I've read in a while. It's one of those books that I want to share with everyone I know. Elizabeth Esther's story is one that I am incredibly glad was told.I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. | What about understanding? | The author dealt with far more than she should ever have had to in her life, and it was hard to read but also extremely eye-opening . | Girl at the End of the World's synopsis caught my eye, and I was intrigued. However, I wasn't expecting to become as enthralled by the book as I did. Girl at the End of the World is the story of the author's experiences growing up in a Fundamentalist Christian cult. I'm not going to lie, the cult part was what caught my eye. I don't have personal experiences with cults, but the cult mentality is something that I find both fascinating and horrifying.Fascinating and horrifying is a good way to describe Esther Earl's story. Her memoir connected with me emotionally, and even though I've never had any of her experiences, I felt myself sympathizing with her. The author dealt with far more than she should ever have had to in her life, and it was hard to read but also extremely eye-opening. I was rooting for Esther the whole time, and even though I knew before beginning that she did eventually escape the cult, I still found myself on the edge of my seat throughout the book.I highly recommend this book to everyone. The book is written very engagingly, and it would have held my attention easily, even if the subject matter weren't so gripping. I think everyone could get something out of this book. It's a hard story to read at times, but I don't regret reading it a bit. It's hard to put into words how this book made me feel, but I can say that it is one of the best books I've read in a while. It's one of those books that I want to share with everyone I know. Elizabeth Esther's story is one that I am incredibly glad was told.I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. | <hl> The author dealt with far more than she should ever have had to in her life, and it was hard to read but also extremely eye-opening <hl> . | Girl at the End of the World's synopsis caught my eye, and I was intrigued. However, I wasn't expecting to become as enthralled by the book as I did. Girl at the End of the World is the story of the author's experiences growing up in a Fundamentalist Christian cult. I'm not going to lie, the cult part was what caught my eye. I don't have personal experiences with cults, but the cult mentality is something that I find both fascinating and horrifying.Fascinating and horrifying is a good way to describe Esther Earl's story. Her memoir connected with me emotionally, and even though I've never had any of her experiences, I felt myself sympathizing with her. <hl> The author dealt with far more than she should ever have had to in her life, and it was hard to read but also extremely eye-opening <hl>. I was rooting for Esther the whole time, and even though I knew before beginning that she did eventually escape the cult, I still found myself on the edge of my seat throughout the book.I highly recommend this book to everyone. The book is written very engagingly, and it would have held my attention easily, even if the subject matter weren't so gripping. I think everyone could get something out of this book. It's a hard story to read at times, but I don't regret reading it a bit. It's hard to put into words how this book made me feel, but I can say that it is one of the best books I've read in a while. It's one of those books that I want to share with everyone I know. Elizabeth Esther's story is one that I am incredibly glad was told.I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. | Girl at the End of the World's synopsis caught my eye, and I was intrigued. However, I wasn't expecting to become as enthralled by the book as I did. Girl at the End of the World is the story of the author's experiences growing up in a Fundamentalist Christian cult. I'm not going to lie, the cult part was what caught my eye. I don't have personal experiences with cults, but the cult mentality is something that I find both fascinating and horrifying. Fascinating and horrifying is a good way to describe Esther Earl's story. Her memoir connected with me emotionally, and even though I've never had any of her experiences, I felt myself sympathizing with her. <hl> The author dealt with far more than she should ever have had to in her life, and it was hard to read but also extremely eye-opening . <hl> I was rooting for Esther the whole time, and even though I knew before beginning that she did eventually escape the cult, I still found myself on the edge of my seat throughout the book. I highly recommend this book to everyone. The book is written very engagingly, and it would have held my attention easily, even if the subject matter weren't so gripping. I think everyone could get something out of this book. It's a hard story to read at times, but I don't regret reading it a bit. It's hard to put into words how this book made me feel, but I can say that it is one of the best books I've read in a while. It's one of those books that I want to share with everyone I know. Elizabeth Esther's story is one that I am incredibly glad was told. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. | 079a298031659571edd88b42d34a59a4 | 5 | 5 | books |
I'm all for happy endings | question: What concern did the reader have about the end of the book?, context: I don't understand the negative reviews of this book. This book is entertaining. It has a happy ending. What more could anyone want? It's almost as if people wanted Bella or someone else to die. I hate when people I love in books die. I'm all for happy endings. I also think some of the people who didn't like this book are not a fan of the series and are getting a kick out of bashing this book. I think other people who dislike this book might be concerned Moms who think the book is a little too mature for their teens to read. I'm so glad my parents never banned books for me. I think that's ridiculous. The only parts of this book I disliked was Jacob imprinting with Renesmee. Can I get a big eww? I'm not thrilled with the idea of grown men imprinting with baby girls. It's nasty. I don't get how anyone can think that is ok. It's just wrong. I also though Jacob's "book" within the book was way too long. The book dragged towards the end when the vamps were all gathering together and preparing to fight the Volteri vamps. I hated the name, Renesmee. I thought it was a joke at first. It's awful. I loved that Bella and Edward had a baby. Renesmee was adorable. I loved her. Her "talent" was pretty cool. My favorite part of this book was definitely the begining when Bella and Edward got married. I was shocked when I realized she was pregnant. I loved how the book took a dark turn when the pregnancy was difficult and how she born etc. I loved that this book was a little more adult than the previous books. I hope Stephenie Meyer realizes she has many adult fans and writes more books in the future for us. I enjoyed reading Bella as a vampire. I loved how she wasn't a typical newborn vamp. All in all, it was a good book. I'm satisfied. It's not a 5 star book, but most books aren't. | What concern did the reader have about the end of the book? | I'm all for happy endings . | I don't understand the negative reviews of this book. This book is entertaining. It has a happy ending. What more could anyone want? It's almost as if people wanted Bella or someone else to die. I hate when people I love in books die. I'm all for happy endings. I also think some of the people who didn't like this book are not a fan of the series and are getting a kick out of bashing this book. I think other people who dislike this book might be concerned Moms who think the book is a little too mature for their teens to read. I'm so glad my parents never banned books for me. I think that's ridiculous. The only parts of this book I disliked was Jacob imprinting with Renesmee. Can I get a big eww? I'm not thrilled with the idea of grown men imprinting with baby girls. It's nasty. I don't get how anyone can think that is ok. It's just wrong. I also though Jacob's "book" within the book was way too long. The book dragged towards the end when the vamps were all gathering together and preparing to fight the Volteri vamps. I hated the name, Renesmee. I thought it was a joke at first. It's awful. I loved that Bella and Edward had a baby. Renesmee was adorable. I loved her. Her "talent" was pretty cool. My favorite part of this book was definitely the begining when Bella and Edward got married. I was shocked when I realized she was pregnant. I loved how the book took a dark turn when the pregnancy was difficult and how she born etc. I loved that this book was a little more adult than the previous books. I hope Stephenie Meyer realizes she has many adult fans and writes more books in the future for us. I enjoyed reading Bella as a vampire. I loved how she wasn't a typical newborn vamp. All in all, it was a good book. I'm satisfied. It's not a 5 star book, but most books aren't. | <hl> I'm all for happy endings <hl> . | I don't understand the negative reviews of this book. This book is entertaining. It has a happy ending. What more could anyone want? It's almost as if people wanted Bella or someone else to die. I hate when people I love in books die. <hl> I'm all for happy endings <hl>. I also think some of the people who didn't like this book are not a fan of the series and are getting a kick out of bashing this book. I think other people who dislike this book might be concerned Moms who think the book is a little too mature for their teens to read. I'm so glad my parents never banned books for me. I think that's ridiculous. The only parts of this book I disliked was Jacob imprinting with Renesmee. Can I get a big eww? I'm not thrilled with the idea of grown men imprinting with baby girls. It's nasty. I don't get how anyone can think that is ok. It's just wrong. I also though Jacob's "book" within the book was way too long. The book dragged towards the end when the vamps were all gathering together and preparing to fight the Volteri vamps. I hated the name, Renesmee. I thought it was a joke at first. It's awful. I loved that Bella and Edward had a baby. Renesmee was adorable. I loved her. Her "talent" was pretty cool. My favorite part of this book was definitely the begining when Bella and Edward got married. I was shocked when I realized she was pregnant. I loved how the book took a dark turn when the pregnancy was difficult and how she born etc. I loved that this book was a little more adult than the previous books. I hope Stephenie Meyer realizes she has many adult fans and writes more books in the future for us. I enjoyed reading Bella as a vampire. I loved how she wasn't a typical newborn vamp. All in all, it was a good book. I'm satisfied. It's not a 5 star book, but most books aren't. | I don't understand the negative reviews of this book. This book is entertaining. It has a happy ending. What more could anyone want? It's almost as if people wanted Bella or someone else to die. I hate when people I love in books die. <hl> I'm all for happy endings . <hl> I also think some of the people who didn't like this book are not a fan of the series and are getting a kick out of bashing this book. I think other people who dislike this book might be concerned Moms who think the book is a little too mature for their teens to read. I'm so glad my parents never banned books for me. I think that's ridiculous. The only parts of this book I disliked was Jacob imprinting with Renesmee. Can I get a big eww? I'm not thrilled with the idea of grown men imprinting with baby girls. It's nasty. I don't get how anyone can think that is ok. It's just wrong. I also though Jacob's "book" within the book was way too long. The book dragged towards the end when the vamps were all gathering together and preparing to fight the Volteri vamps. I hated the name, Renesmee. I thought it was a joke at first. It's awful. I loved that Bella and Edward had a baby. Renesmee was adorable. I loved her. Her "talent" was pretty cool. My favorite part of this book was definitely the begining when Bella and Edward got married. I was shocked when I realized she was pregnant. I loved how the book took a dark turn when the pregnancy was difficult and how she born etc. I loved that this book was a little more adult than the previous books. I hope Stephenie Meyer realizes she has many adult fans and writes more books in the future for us. I enjoyed reading Bella as a vampire. I loved how she wasn't a typical newborn vamp. All in all, it was a good book. I'm satisfied. It's not a 5 star book, but most books aren't. | bc580e8bcbb913a5237b7cc459da4b0a | 1 | 1 | books |
Anderson movie | question: What is story?, context: I am really unsure how to start this. This book was quirky and dramatic like a Wes Anderson movie. That is the best that I can describe it. I was frustrated through most of the book, thanks to the gnats and her husband. The saving grace for this book was her daughter. To be fair, I was told by many people that this was a comedy, so I went into it with that mindset. While there were some comedic moments, I found it more a drama than anything. | What is story? | This book was quirky and dramatic like a Wes Anderson movie . | I am really unsure how to start this. This book was quirky and dramatic like a Wes Anderson movie. That is the best that I can describe it. I was frustrated through most of the book, thanks to the gnats and her husband. The saving grace for this book was her daughter. To be fair, I was told by many people that this was a comedy, so I went into it with that mindset. While there were some comedic moments, I found it more a drama than anything. | This book was quirky and dramatic like a Wes <hl> Anderson movie <hl> . | I am really unsure how to start this. This book was quirky and dramatic like a Wes <hl> Anderson movie <hl>. That is the best that I can describe it. I was frustrated through most of the book, thanks to the gnats and her husband. The saving grace for this book was her daughter. To be fair, I was told by many people that this was a comedy, so I went into it with that mindset. While there were some comedic moments, I found it more a drama than anything. | I am really unsure how to start this. <hl> This book was quirky and dramatic like a Wes Anderson movie . <hl> That is the best that I can describe it. I was frustrated through most of the book, thanks to the gnats and her husband. The saving grace for this book was her daughter. To be fair, I was told by many people that this was a comedy, so I went into it with that mindset. While there were some comedic moments, I found it more a drama than anything. | 11aea5afd3943e8f12a50f8d2f435cec | 1 | 1 | books |
I had no clue what to expect when it came to this book. | question: What about the story?, context: I had no clue what to expect when it came to this book. I had seen it on one of the big romance blogs, and so I assumed it was a romance. Right? I mean, there's a beautiful woman on the cover. But I was so surprised, so confused, and so completely sucked in. I got absolutely nothing done while I was reading this book, because I kept needing, not wanting, but needing to know what was happening in this book, and get to the end. I don't want to give any spoilers, but it was beautiful, and haunting, and sad, and left me feeling very bereft when it was done. It's not really a sad ending, but it's certainly not the happy ending that I typically read. And in spite of that, I felt completely satisfied. I begged some of my friends to start reading it, because I felt like I would die if I didn't have somebody to discuss this book with. I think that the author is insanely talented, and even though this book defies being stuck in any one category, and I typically stick with romance, I would absolutely read her again. Just not when I have a large to do list, because that will inevitably be ignored. | What about the story? | I had no clue what to expect when it came to this book. I had seen it on one of the big romance blogs, and so I assumed it was a romance. | I had no clue what to expect when it came to this book. I had seen it on one of the big romance blogs, and so I assumed it was a romance. Right? I mean, there's a beautiful woman on the cover. But I was so surprised, so confused, and so completely sucked in. I got absolutely nothing done while I was reading this book, because I kept needing, not wanting, but needing to know what was happening in this book, and get to the end. I don't want to give any spoilers, but it was beautiful, and haunting, and sad, and left me feeling very bereft when it was done. It's not really a sad ending, but it's certainly not the happy ending that I typically read. And in spite of that, I felt completely satisfied. I begged some of my friends to start reading it, because I felt like I would die if I didn't have somebody to discuss this book with. I think that the author is insanely talented, and even though this book defies being stuck in any one category, and I typically stick with romance, I would absolutely read her again. Just not when I have a large to do list, because that will inevitably be ignored. | <hl> I had no clue what to expect when it came to this book. <hl> I had seen it on one of the big romance blogs, and so I assumed it was a romance. | <hl> I had no clue what to expect when it came to this book. <hl> I had seen it on one of the big romance blogs, and so I assumed it was a romance. Right? I mean, there's a beautiful woman on the cover. But I was so surprised, so confused, and so completely sucked in. I got absolutely nothing done while I was reading this book, because I kept needing, not wanting, but needing to know what was happening in this book, and get to the end. I don't want to give any spoilers, but it was beautiful, and haunting, and sad, and left me feeling very bereft when it was done. It's not really a sad ending, but it's certainly not the happy ending that I typically read. And in spite of that, I felt completely satisfied. I begged some of my friends to start reading it, because I felt like I would die if I didn't have somebody to discuss this book with. I think that the author is insanely talented, and even though this book defies being stuck in any one category, and I typically stick with romance, I would absolutely read her again. Just not when I have a large to do list, because that will inevitably be ignored. | <hl> I had no clue what to expect when it came to this book. I had seen it on one of the big romance blogs, and so I assumed it was a romance. <hl> Right? I mean, there's a beautiful woman on the cover. But I was so surprised, so confused, and so completely sucked in. I got absolutely nothing done while I was reading this book, because I kept needing, not wanting, but needing to know what was happening in this book, and get to the end. I don't want to give any spoilers, but it was beautiful, and haunting, and sad, and left me feeling very bereft when it was done. It's not really a sad ending, but it's certainly not the happy ending that I typically read. And in spite of that, I felt completely satisfied. I begged some of my friends to start reading it, because I felt like I would die if I didn't have somebody to discuss this book with. I think that the author is insanely talented, and even though this book defies being stuck in any one category, and I typically stick with romance, I would absolutely read her again. Just not when I have a large to do list, because that will inevitably be ignored. | 33a818681b548bd7b07ca025439ff7e8 | 2 | 2 | books |
loved this book | question: How is book?, context: I grew up in the 60s and 70s. We would all like to believe that stereotypes and racism is so much better now, and, yes, things are better. But, some of the nuances and subtleties of racism still pervade the United States. Also, it does shine a light on injustice and is a reminder to learn from our past; it is still relevant. Today, when surveyed and questioned to indicate my race, I check "other" since I refuse to be classified by my skin. So, loved this book and its message. | How is book? | So, loved this book and its message. | I grew up in the 60s and 70s. We would all like to believe that stereotypes and racism is so much better now, and, yes, things are better. But, some of the nuances and subtleties of racism still pervade the United States. Also, it does shine a light on injustice and is a reminder to learn from our past; it is still relevant. Today, when surveyed and questioned to indicate my race, I check "other" since I refuse to be classified by my skin. So, loved this book and its message. | So, <hl> loved this book <hl> and its message. | I grew up in the 60s and 70s. We would all like to believe that stereotypes and racism is so much better now, and, yes, things are better. But, some of the nuances and subtleties of racism still pervade the United States. Also, it does shine a light on injustice and is a reminder to learn from our past; it is still relevant. Today, when surveyed and questioned to indicate my race, I check "other" since I refuse to be classified by my skin. So, <hl> loved this book <hl> and its message. | I grew up in the 60s and 70s. We would all like to believe that stereotypes and racism is so much better now, and, yes, things are better. But, some of the nuances and subtleties of racism still pervade the United States. Also, it does shine a light on injustice and is a reminder to learn from our past; it is still relevant. Today, when surveyed and questioned to indicate my race, I check "other" since I refuse to be classified by my skin. <hl> So, loved this book and its message. <hl> | 6aaa78e102ceb251732181f886f7ffc8 | 1 | 1 | books |
What a fantastic beginning to the new series | question: How is your evaluation for the book?, context: Move over Christian and Anna, Gideon and Eva - - Ethan and Brynne have arrived - - with a BANG! What a fantastic beginning to the new series, "The Blackstone Affair", by Raine Miller.Following a life-altering experience Brynne Bennett moves to London to attend University and escape her past. To help pay her bills she does some modeling, which she is quite good at. Her photographer, Ben, has a gallery showing and is exhibiting a large wall hanging of Brynne, in all her glory. Ethan Blackstone, millionaire owner of Blackstone Security, attends the showing and is drawn to Brynne's photo and ultimately buys it for his home. While at the showing he spots Brynne chatting with Ben and follows her out when she leaves. He offers her a ride home and, strangely drawn to him, Brynne accepts. So it begins.We are guided through the fragile beginnings of Ethan and Brynne's relationship and begin to hope for their success. While there are similarities to 50 Shades and Bared to You, the characters of Ethan and Brynne are very strong in their own right and you are compelled to learn their individual stories. The last chapters of this book absolutely blew me away! I love Raine Miller's writing style and this book did not disappoint in that area.I finished this book in a day and I am anxiously awaiting the release of the 2nd installment, All In. | How is your evaluation for the book? | What a fantastic beginning to the new series , "The Blackstone Affair", by Raine Miller. | Move over Christian and Anna, Gideon and Eva - - Ethan and Brynne have arrived - - with a BANG! What a fantastic beginning to the new series, "The Blackstone Affair", by Raine Miller.Following a life-altering experience Brynne Bennett moves to London to attend University and escape her past. To help pay her bills she does some modeling, which she is quite good at. Her photographer, Ben, has a gallery showing and is exhibiting a large wall hanging of Brynne, in all her glory. Ethan Blackstone, millionaire owner of Blackstone Security, attends the showing and is drawn to Brynne's photo and ultimately buys it for his home. While at the showing he spots Brynne chatting with Ben and follows her out when she leaves. He offers her a ride home and, strangely drawn to him, Brynne accepts. So it begins.We are guided through the fragile beginnings of Ethan and Brynne's relationship and begin to hope for their success. While there are similarities to 50 Shades and Bared to You, the characters of Ethan and Brynne are very strong in their own right and you are compelled to learn their individual stories. The last chapters of this book absolutely blew me away! I love Raine Miller's writing style and this book did not disappoint in that area.I finished this book in a day and I am anxiously awaiting the release of the 2nd installment, All In. | <hl> What a fantastic beginning to the new series <hl> , "The Blackstone Affair", by Raine Miller. | Move over Christian and Anna, Gideon and Eva - - Ethan and Brynne have arrived - - with a BANG! <hl> What a fantastic beginning to the new series <hl>, "The Blackstone Affair", by Raine Miller.Following a life-altering experience Brynne Bennett moves to London to attend University and escape her past. To help pay her bills she does some modeling, which she is quite good at. Her photographer, Ben, has a gallery showing and is exhibiting a large wall hanging of Brynne, in all her glory. Ethan Blackstone, millionaire owner of Blackstone Security, attends the showing and is drawn to Brynne's photo and ultimately buys it for his home. While at the showing he spots Brynne chatting with Ben and follows her out when she leaves. He offers her a ride home and, strangely drawn to him, Brynne accepts. So it begins.We are guided through the fragile beginnings of Ethan and Brynne's relationship and begin to hope for their success. While there are similarities to 50 Shades and Bared to You, the characters of Ethan and Brynne are very strong in their own right and you are compelled to learn their individual stories. The last chapters of this book absolutely blew me away! I love Raine Miller's writing style and this book did not disappoint in that area.I finished this book in a day and I am anxiously awaiting the release of the 2nd installment, All In. | Move over Christian and Anna, Gideon and Eva - - Ethan and Brynne have arrived - - with a BANG! <hl> What a fantastic beginning to the new series , "The Blackstone Affair", by Raine Miller. <hl> Following a life-altering experience Brynne Bennett moves to London to attend University and escape her past. To help pay her bills she does some modeling, which she is quite good at. Her photographer, Ben, has a gallery showing and is exhibiting a large wall hanging of Brynne, in all her glory. Ethan Blackstone, millionaire owner of Blackstone Security, attends the showing and is drawn to Brynne's photo and ultimately buys it for his home. While at the showing he spots Brynne chatting with Ben and follows her out when she leaves. He offers her a ride home and, strangely drawn to him, Brynne accepts. So it begins. We are guided through the fragile beginnings of Ethan and Brynne's relationship and begin to hope for their success. While there are similarities to 50 Shades and Bared to You, the characters of Ethan and Brynne are very strong in their own right and you are compelled to learn their individual stories. The last chapters of this book absolutely blew me away! I love Raine Miller's writing style and this book did not disappoint in that area. I finished this book in a day and I am anxiously awaiting the release of the 2nd installment, All In. | 477a65019869209ef866e763d202b281 | 1 | 1 | books |
Storyline is wonderful | question: What do you think about the story?, context: My faith was made even stronger by reading this. The adult in me kept wanting to be skeptical but the author kept backing everything up with scripture. If you trust in the Lord and His word then you will notice exact references to what we expect heaven to look like. I enjoyed the fact that the author did not ask his son leading questions and just let him tell what everything was like. Thankfully, you do not have to be a well educated theologian to enjoy this book about a young child's short trip to heaven. God's word even tells us that we must have child-like faith. When will we ever learn to just take the Lord by what He says. Storyline is wonderful. Make sure you keep a tissue handy. | What do you think about the story? | Storyline is wonderful . | My faith was made even stronger by reading this. The adult in me kept wanting to be skeptical but the author kept backing everything up with scripture. If you trust in the Lord and His word then you will notice exact references to what we expect heaven to look like. I enjoyed the fact that the author did not ask his son leading questions and just let him tell what everything was like. Thankfully, you do not have to be a well educated theologian to enjoy this book about a young child's short trip to heaven. God's word even tells us that we must have child-like faith. When will we ever learn to just take the Lord by what He says. Storyline is wonderful. Make sure you keep a tissue handy. | <hl> Storyline is wonderful <hl> . | My faith was made even stronger by reading this. The adult in me kept wanting to be skeptical but the author kept backing everything up with scripture. If you trust in the Lord and His word then you will notice exact references to what we expect heaven to look like. I enjoyed the fact that the author did not ask his son leading questions and just let him tell what everything was like. Thankfully, you do not have to be a well educated theologian to enjoy this book about a young child's short trip to heaven. God's word even tells us that we must have child-like faith. When will we ever learn to just take the Lord by what He says. <hl> Storyline is wonderful <hl>. Make sure you keep a tissue handy. | My faith was made even stronger by reading this. The adult in me kept wanting to be skeptical but the author kept backing everything up with scripture. If you trust in the Lord and His word then you will notice exact references to what we expect heaven to look like. I enjoyed the fact that the author did not ask his son leading questions and just let him tell what everything was like. Thankfully, you do not have to be a well educated theologian to enjoy this book about a young child's short trip to heaven. God's word even tells us that we must have child-like faith. When will we ever learn to just take the Lord by what He says. <hl> Storyline is wonderful . <hl> Make sure you keep a tissue handy. | d8f0e3542e8bf7df8d6871a4ec349c74 | 2 | 2 | books |
this one is just as good | question: Was the series perfect?, context: I just love all of Cassandra Clares books. When her first series came out i just ate it up and this one is just as good. If you have not real all her books yet... start ordering. | Was the series perfect? | When her first series came out i just ate it up and this one is just as good . | I just love all of Cassandra Clares books. When her first series came out i just ate it up and this one is just as good. If you have not real all her books yet... start ordering. | When her first series came out i just ate it up and <hl> this one is just as good <hl> . | I just love all of Cassandra Clares books. When her first series came out i just ate it up and <hl> this one is just as good <hl>. If you have not real all her books yet... start ordering. | I just love all of Cassandra Clares books. <hl> When her first series came out i just ate it up and this one is just as good . <hl> If you have not real all her books yet... start ordering. | 8dfe505ac7f80ca4dc6edc156b2384b4 | 1 | 1 | books |
Certainly the best work of fiction I read this year. | question: What is the quality?, context: This book was great. I am sad that the author doesn't have more novels out there. I devoured this book. The ending was so perfect that it didn't have you hanging for more...except another story as good. Certainly the best work of fiction I read this year. | What is the quality? | Certainly the best work of fiction I read this year. | This book was great. I am sad that the author doesn't have more novels out there. I devoured this book. The ending was so perfect that it didn't have you hanging for more...except another story as good. Certainly the best work of fiction I read this year. | <hl> Certainly the best work of fiction I read this year. <hl> | This book was great. I am sad that the author doesn't have more novels out there. I devoured this book. The ending was so perfect that it didn't have you hanging for more...except another story as good. <hl> Certainly the best work of fiction I read this year. <hl> | This book was great. I am sad that the author doesn't have more novels out there. I devoured this book. The ending was so perfect that it didn't have you hanging for more...except another story as good. <hl> Certainly the best work of fiction I read this year. <hl> | 7e6e1b05b9ec9ac2eb5631f478d9b168 | 2 | 2 | books |
I picked | question: Do you like to write?, context: I picked up this second book the day I finished Book 1. I had this book done in 2 days. Something about these books just draw you in.This book picks up days after Book 1 which I really like. And while the physical chemistry/bedroom action continues, this time around the story isn't solely about them/sex but includes a subplot. And while book 1 was about Ana experiencing new things, this time Christian is the one experiencing a new way of life and many firsts.While in Book 1 I didn't really feel the writing was bad, now I have to agree with some of the reviewers that have complained about the repetition in the writing. In Book 1 she had my complete attention the entire time, where in this one after countless rounds of sex, I found myself thinking, "here we go again, sex time" and not really into what was going on. I was more interested in the plot and what was going to happen that involved what was outside of their relationship. This time it was another scene, another panty drop. One of my friends that is reading the same book said she's getting tired of reading "I'm going to take you now" which I found hilarious. While some things changed, it was pretty much written as "sexual trigger, kiss, pant, pant, tease, foil packet and bliss in unison". Nobody has that kind of moment EVERY time. And much of the general dialogue is repetitive. But not so much that I couldn't enjoy the story.The emails are in this and continue to be enjoyable.For repetitive writing, I'd give this a 3 star. But since the plot was about more than just their sex life and it was engaging, I gave this book 4 stars, because I really did like the overall storyline, which is the main point of reading a book.I look forward to reading the final book.NOTE:I also agree with the readers that have complained about the Kindle book costing more than the paperback. What a joke! We pay more for digital format than those that buy books that use actual materials and printing costs?? Cmon publisher!I read that Ian Somerhalder from Vampire Diaries said he would be interested in playing Christian in the movie. He would be PERFECT in my book. | Do you like to write? | I picked up this second book the day I finished Book 1. | I picked up this second book the day I finished Book 1. I had this book done in 2 days. Something about these books just draw you in.This book picks up days after Book 1 which I really like. And while the physical chemistry/bedroom action continues, this time around the story isn't solely about them/sex but includes a subplot. And while book 1 was about Ana experiencing new things, this time Christian is the one experiencing a new way of life and many firsts.While in Book 1 I didn't really feel the writing was bad, now I have to agree with some of the reviewers that have complained about the repetition in the writing. In Book 1 she had my complete attention the entire time, where in this one after countless rounds of sex, I found myself thinking, "here we go again, sex time" and not really into what was going on. I was more interested in the plot and what was going to happen that involved what was outside of their relationship. This time it was another scene, another panty drop. One of my friends that is reading the same book said she's getting tired of reading "I'm going to take you now" which I found hilarious. While some things changed, it was pretty much written as "sexual trigger, kiss, pant, pant, tease, foil packet and bliss in unison". Nobody has that kind of moment EVERY time. And much of the general dialogue is repetitive. But not so much that I couldn't enjoy the story.The emails are in this and continue to be enjoyable.For repetitive writing, I'd give this a 3 star. But since the plot was about more than just their sex life and it was engaging, I gave this book 4 stars, because I really did like the overall storyline, which is the main point of reading a book.I look forward to reading the final book.NOTE:I also agree with the readers that have complained about the Kindle book costing more than the paperback. What a joke! We pay more for digital format than those that buy books that use actual materials and printing costs?? Cmon publisher!I read that Ian Somerhalder from Vampire Diaries said he would be interested in playing Christian in the movie. He would be PERFECT in my book. | <hl> I picked <hl> up this second book the day I finished Book 1. | <hl> I picked <hl> up this second book the day I finished Book 1. I had this book done in 2 days. Something about these books just draw you in.This book picks up days after Book 1 which I really like. And while the physical chemistry/bedroom action continues, this time around the story isn't solely about them/sex but includes a subplot. And while book 1 was about Ana experiencing new things, this time Christian is the one experiencing a new way of life and many firsts.While in Book 1 I didn't really feel the writing was bad, now I have to agree with some of the reviewers that have complained about the repetition in the writing. In Book 1 she had my complete attention the entire time, where in this one after countless rounds of sex, I found myself thinking, "here we go again, sex time" and not really into what was going on. I was more interested in the plot and what was going to happen that involved what was outside of their relationship. This time it was another scene, another panty drop. One of my friends that is reading the same book said she's getting tired of reading "I'm going to take you now" which I found hilarious. While some things changed, it was pretty much written as "sexual trigger, kiss, pant, pant, tease, foil packet and bliss in unison". Nobody has that kind of moment EVERY time. And much of the general dialogue is repetitive. But not so much that I couldn't enjoy the story.The emails are in this and continue to be enjoyable.For repetitive writing, I'd give this a 3 star. But since the plot was about more than just their sex life and it was engaging, I gave this book 4 stars, because I really did like the overall storyline, which is the main point of reading a book.I look forward to reading the final book.NOTE:I also agree with the readers that have complained about the Kindle book costing more than the paperback. What a joke! We pay more for digital format than those that buy books that use actual materials and printing costs?? Cmon publisher!I read that Ian Somerhalder from Vampire Diaries said he would be interested in playing Christian in the movie. He would be PERFECT in my book. | <hl> I picked up this second book the day I finished Book 1. <hl> I had this book done in 2 days. Something about these books just draw you in. This book picks up days after Book 1 which I really like. And while the physical chemistry/bedroom action continues, this time around the story isn't solely about them/sex but includes a subplot. And while book 1 was about Ana experiencing new things, this time Christian is the one experiencing a new way of life and many firsts. While in Book 1 I didn't really feel the writing was bad, now I have to agree with some of the reviewers that have complained about the repetition in the writing. In Book 1 she had my complete attention the entire time, where in this one after countless rounds of sex, I found myself thinking, "here we go again, sex time" and not really into what was going on. I was more interested in the plot and what was going to happen that involved what was outside of their relationship. This time it was another scene, another panty drop. One of my friends that is reading the same book said she's getting tired of reading "I'm going to take you now" which I found hilarious. While some things changed, it was pretty much written as "sexual trigger, kiss, pant, pant, tease, foil packet and bliss in unison". Nobody has that kind of moment EVERY time. And much of the general dialogue is repetitive. But not so much that I couldn't enjoy the story. The emails are in this and continue to be enjoyable. For repetitive writing, I'd give this a 3 star. But since the plot was about more than just their sex life and it was engaging, I gave this book 4 stars, because I really did like the overall storyline, which is the main point of reading a book. I look forward to reading the final book. NOTE: I also agree with the readers that have complained about the Kindle book costing more than the paperback. What a joke! We pay more for digital format than those that buy books that use actual materials and printing costs?? Cmon publisher!I read that Ian Somerhalder from Vampire Diaries said he would be interested in playing Christian in the movie. He would be PERFECT in my book. | f0635bf1fd86c3caea816971f264aef4 | 1 | 1 | books |
is enchanting, magical, thought provoking and a must read if | question: How does the story feel?, context: This book is enchanting, magical, thought provoking and a must read if you enjoying being taken to places of wonderment and beauty | How does the story feel? | This book is enchanting, magical, thought provoking and a must read if you enjoying being taken to places of wonderment and beauty | This book is enchanting, magical, thought provoking and a must read if you enjoying being taken to places of wonderment and beauty | This book <hl> is enchanting, magical, thought provoking and a must read if <hl> you enjoying being taken to places of wonderment and beauty | This book <hl> is enchanting, magical, thought provoking and a must read if <hl> you enjoying being taken to places of wonderment and beauty | <hl> This book is enchanting, magical, thought provoking and a must read if you enjoying being taken to places of wonderment and beauty <hl> | 7416f72235a06a4959a08e3eef61f1cc | 1 | 1 | books |
and the book had several surprising turns | question: Was the writing style of the book conversational?, context: We read this in our book club. It was one we especially enjoyed and one that lead many of our group to seek out more of this author’s books. The episode in the mall in St. Louis was especially fun for me. The style was different, fun, and the book had several surprising turns. | Was the writing style of the book conversational? | The style was different, fun, and the book had several surprising turns . | We read this in our book club. It was one we especially enjoyed and one that lead many of our group to seek out more of this author’s books. The episode in the mall in St. Louis was especially fun for me. The style was different, fun, and the book had several surprising turns. | The style was different, fun, <hl> and the book had several surprising turns <hl> . | We read this in our book club. It was one we especially enjoyed and one that lead many of our group to seek out more of this author’s books. The episode in the mall in St. Louis was especially fun for me. The style was different, fun, <hl> and the book had several surprising turns <hl>. | We read this in our book club. It was one we especially enjoyed and one that lead many of our group to seek out more of this author’s books. The episode in the mall in St. Louis was especially fun for me. <hl> The style was different, fun, and the book had several surprising turns . <hl> | 4a854d70479282ee1ee78e5d943e857f | 1 | 1 | books |
the action is good | question: How was the action in the book that you completed reading?, context: Hello allwell i just got through reading the latest Robert Langdon novel and lety me say it was a good book but it also has its probl;ems. First off lets get to what is good about the book.1. Robert langdon is in uncharted territory. One of Robert Langdons greatest gifts is not just for symbolism but also his ability of having a photographic memory. In this book at the very begining it was taken away from him, this leaves him in very uncharted territory and Dan brown really brings this through2. the action is good. Throughout the book the action is swift and the characters reaction to things is very real and you can feel the emotion of the moment come through.3. the characters are not cookie cutter bad guys or good guys. This is one book were the landscape of who is bad and who is good is always changing from the first page you think you got things figured out but by the end only person you really have faith in as far as where he stands is Robert langdon and there were more than a few OMG moments where the tides sift and suddenly good is bad and bad is good.However there is some bad things too1. Book requires you to do some research. IF you have never been to venice or florence this book requires you to look up some stuff online to get what it looks like. Now while this aint necessary a bad thing if you are just looking for a good afternoon yarn or something for you to read during flights this may not be the book for you.2.There are times when you get confused Throughout the book there was times were i got confused with much of the jargon and while this is eventually made up for later it did pull me out of what was going on a little.Overall this is a good book for some late night reading but if you are looking for a time killer then you might want to go somewhere else, still though i cant wait for the next robert langdon book | How was the action in the book that you completed reading? | the action is good . | Hello allwell i just got through reading the latest Robert Langdon novel and lety me say it was a good book but it also has its probl;ems. First off lets get to what is good about the book.1. Robert langdon is in uncharted territory. One of Robert Langdons greatest gifts is not just for symbolism but also his ability of having a photographic memory. In this book at the very begining it was taken away from him, this leaves him in very uncharted territory and Dan brown really brings this through2. the action is good. Throughout the book the action is swift and the characters reaction to things is very real and you can feel the emotion of the moment come through.3. the characters are not cookie cutter bad guys or good guys. This is one book were the landscape of who is bad and who is good is always changing from the first page you think you got things figured out but by the end only person you really have faith in as far as where he stands is Robert langdon and there were more than a few OMG moments where the tides sift and suddenly good is bad and bad is good.However there is some bad things too1. Book requires you to do some research. IF you have never been to venice or florence this book requires you to look up some stuff online to get what it looks like. Now while this aint necessary a bad thing if you are just looking for a good afternoon yarn or something for you to read during flights this may not be the book for you.2.There are times when you get confused Throughout the book there was times were i got confused with much of the jargon and while this is eventually made up for later it did pull me out of what was going on a little.Overall this is a good book for some late night reading but if you are looking for a time killer then you might want to go somewhere else, still though i cant wait for the next robert langdon book | <hl> the action is good <hl> . | Hello allwell i just got through reading the latest Robert Langdon novel and lety me say it was a good book but it also has its probl;ems. First off lets get to what is good about the book.1. Robert langdon is in uncharted territory. One of Robert Langdons greatest gifts is not just for symbolism but also his ability of having a photographic memory. In this book at the very begining it was taken away from him, this leaves him in very uncharted territory and Dan brown really brings this through2. <hl> the action is good <hl>. Throughout the book the action is swift and the characters reaction to things is very real and you can feel the emotion of the moment come through.3. the characters are not cookie cutter bad guys or good guys. This is one book were the landscape of who is bad and who is good is always changing from the first page you think you got things figured out but by the end only person you really have faith in as far as where he stands is Robert langdon and there were more than a few OMG moments where the tides sift and suddenly good is bad and bad is good.However there is some bad things too1. Book requires you to do some research. IF you have never been to venice or florence this book requires you to look up some stuff online to get what it looks like. Now while this aint necessary a bad thing if you are just looking for a good afternoon yarn or something for you to read during flights this may not be the book for you.2.There are times when you get confused Throughout the book there was times were i got confused with much of the jargon and while this is eventually made up for later it did pull me out of what was going on a little.Overall this is a good book for some late night reading but if you are looking for a time killer then you might want to go somewhere else, still though i cant wait for the next robert langdon book | Hello allwell i just got through reading the latest Robert Langdon novel and lety me say it was a good book but it also has its probl;ems. First off lets get to what is good about the book.1. Robert langdon is in uncharted territory. One of Robert Langdons greatest gifts is not just for symbolism but also his ability of having a photographic memory. In this book at the very begining it was taken away from him, this leaves him in very uncharted territory and Dan brown really brings this through2. <hl> the action is good . <hl> Throughout the book the action is swift and the characters reaction to things is very real and you can feel the emotion of the moment come through.3. the characters are not cookie cutter bad guys or good guys. This is one book were the landscape of who is bad and who is good is always changing from the first page you think you got things figured out but by the end only person you really have faith in as far as where he stands is Robert langdon and there were more than a few OMG moments where the tides sift and suddenly good is bad and bad is good. However there is some bad things too1. Book requires you to do some research. IF you have never been to venice or florence this book requires you to look up some stuff online to get what it looks like. Now while this aint necessary a bad thing if you are just looking for a good afternoon yarn or something for you to read during flights this may not be the book for you.2.There are times when you get confused Throughout the book there was times were i got confused with much of the jargon and while this is eventually made up for later it did pull me out of what was going on a little. Overall this is a good book for some late night reading but if you are looking for a time killer then you might want to go somewhere else, still though i cant wait for the next robert langdon book | 5cb84a6b20d0268aa62a2e9e3a039e33 | 1 | 1 | books |
Some find fault | question: How was the writing style?, context: First person narration is a favorite of mine, so a friend gifted me a copy of this e-book for Christmas (it was a book she loved and she knew I'd love it, too). Not all authors can pull off first-person narration, but this author did it splendidly -- handling the viewpoint of two different characters. Both characters have their own definite personalities and ways of expressing themselves.Some find fault with the ending of this tricky tale, but for me it was satisfying and fitting. Your mileage may differ, but even if it does, it's still worth your while to read what comes before the final pages.This is an author to watch. | How was the writing style? | Some find fault with the ending of this tricky tale, but for me it was satisfying and fitting. | First person narration is a favorite of mine, so a friend gifted me a copy of this e-book for Christmas (it was a book she loved and she knew I'd love it, too). Not all authors can pull off first-person narration, but this author did it splendidly -- handling the viewpoint of two different characters. Both characters have their own definite personalities and ways of expressing themselves.Some find fault with the ending of this tricky tale, but for me it was satisfying and fitting. Your mileage may differ, but even if it does, it's still worth your while to read what comes before the final pages.This is an author to watch. | <hl> Some find fault <hl> with the ending of this tricky tale, but for me it was satisfying and fitting. | First person narration is a favorite of mine, so a friend gifted me a copy of this e-book for Christmas (it was a book she loved and she knew I'd love it, too). Not all authors can pull off first-person narration, but this author did it splendidly -- handling the viewpoint of two different characters. Both characters have their own definite personalities and ways of expressing themselves.<hl> Some find fault <hl> with the ending of this tricky tale, but for me it was satisfying and fitting. Your mileage may differ, but even if it does, it's still worth your while to read what comes before the final pages.This is an author to watch. | First person narration is a favorite of mine, so a friend gifted me a copy of this e-book for Christmas (it was a book she loved and she knew I'd love it, too). Not all authors can pull off first-person narration, but this author did it splendidly -- handling the viewpoint of two different characters. Both characters have their own definite personalities and ways of expressing themselves. <hl> Some find fault with the ending of this tricky tale, but for me it was satisfying and fitting. <hl> Your mileage may differ, but even if it does, it's still worth your while to read what comes before the final pages. This is an author to watch. | cbc05d6394f36da151b6622add11e2e0 | 1 | 1 | books |
the story feels formulaic | question: What do you think about story?, context: ...to continue reading this book. I'm one-fourth of the way through. Yes this is definitely a page turner. Yes, his work is well-researched. Yes, the reader will learn a lot about Florence, Italy and Dante's Inferno. Thus three stars instead of two.But the story feels formulaic. After reading his other Langdon books, the reader knows Langdon will chase and be chased and that there will be situations that seem improbable to get out of and/or survive.I also find that that this story uses too many elipses (...) and too many (?!) in dialogue. It's intrusive. | What do you think about story? | But the story feels formulaic . | ...to continue reading this book. I'm one-fourth of the way through. Yes this is definitely a page turner. Yes, his work is well-researched. Yes, the reader will learn a lot about Florence, Italy and Dante's Inferno. Thus three stars instead of two.But the story feels formulaic. After reading his other Langdon books, the reader knows Langdon will chase and be chased and that there will be situations that seem improbable to get out of and/or survive.I also find that that this story uses too many elipses (...) and too many (?!) in dialogue. It's intrusive. | But <hl> the story feels formulaic <hl> . | ...to continue reading this book. I'm one-fourth of the way through. Yes this is definitely a page turner. Yes, his work is well-researched. Yes, the reader will learn a lot about Florence, Italy and Dante's Inferno. Thus three stars instead of two.But <hl> the story feels formulaic <hl>. After reading his other Langdon books, the reader knows Langdon will chase and be chased and that there will be situations that seem improbable to get out of and/or survive.I also find that that this story uses too many elipses (...) and too many (?!) in dialogue. It's intrusive. | ...to continue reading this book. I'm one-fourth of the way through. Yes this is definitely a page turner. Yes, his work is well-researched. Yes, the reader will learn a lot about Florence, Italy and Dante's Inferno. Thus three stars instead of two. <hl> But the story feels formulaic . <hl> After reading his other Langdon books, the reader knows Langdon will chase and be chased and that there will be situations that seem improbable to get out of and/or survive. I also find that that this story uses too many elipses (...) and too many (?!) in dialogue. It's intrusive. | d6400d490aa30143ab890af996179561 | 1 | 1 | books |
I am a veteran of about 15 or so different King novels | question: How long is this book?, context: I am a veteran of about 15 or so different King novels and I have to say that Under the Dome really was on the low end of the quality spectrum. The premise to me sounded really interesting and I was pleased to receive the book as a gift this Christmas. Much like favorites like the Stand and Needful Things, UTD starts of with a lot of intrigue but really fails to deliver any payoff.To sum up the plot I would liken this novel to a combination of Storm of the Century and Needful Things. It relies heavily on the Stephen King theme of entrapment and the moral and social conflicts that can arise. King loves to trap his characters in various ways whether it be in bondage, a storm, mist, vagabond trucks, a crazy dog, or in this case, an invisible dome. The basic premise of the story is very similar to that of The Mist or Needful Things with how the town dynamics change after the Dome falls and the rise of the villain(s). Its the standard "everyone has some dark secrets under their normal demeanor" story. But unfortunately like other King novels, nothing really happens in Dome.In the afterword King responds that in this book he was really trying to keep the pedal to the metal and that his editor pushed that sentiment. My questions are what pedal and where was the metal??? He also admits that the book was a dinosaur and his editor was responsible for the 1075 page "more manageable" tome we see now. Makes me wonder how long and boring it was originally?The Good:The concept was kind of interesting. In typical King fashion you have no idea why the Dome exists or what it is so you get kind of drawn in pretty quick.Some characters are fairly interesting in the classic King way.It's not a terribly challenging read.The Bad:Too many of the characters are rigid and devoid of any depth or intrigue. Most characters are just introduced only to be slaughtered so the reader quickly loses interest in most of them.The main villain is quite weak and very unbelievable at times.You don't really care about the main characters at all.Lots of filler content. Probably 300+ pages of needless story.The Ugly:It's way too long. I am not adverse to a 1000+ page book but so little happens it's unnecessary. The book takes place in a about a week and the payoff ending occupies about 30 of those pages. Quite ridiculous. Needful Things had a lot more going on in fewer pages. Because of the size of this story and lack of substance it is easy to get bored. The filler gets annoying too. Usually just a lot of meaningless characters doing nothing of any value to the story just being paraded in front of you. They may add some human quality to the story but are ultimately un-needed.Worse, the book is ridiculously heavy. Boring and heavy, not a good combo.Lastly, the ending, like many King novels to me, is incredibly weak. The standard I find for King, and what I love, is that he creates amazing life like characters I feel like I know and care for, and then builds a thrilling tale over 2 acts. Almost universally I find that King struggles with the 3rd act and the ending. He has let me down quite a few times in several stories with seemingly simple solutions to what he presented as a complex thrilling problem. UTD is exactly that just minus the thrilling buildup. I never felt like any tension was building in this novel. In fact it worked opposite to that. The first several hundred pages were very tension fueled as no one seemed to know what was going on but once you were introduced to the cardboard characters and got used tot he Dome the story really calms down and just doesn't move much for about 500 or so pages. Worse the main villain is entirely predictable and boring. His plots unfold too neatly and the reader will not believe he is as convincing as King tries to make him. Probably King's worst Antagonist ever. Plus the ultimate ending left a lot of questions unanswered and was so overly simplistic it didn't reward the reader for those 1000 pages in any way. It was typical to King in some ways but there was virtually no lead up to it. It just pretty much happened and any foreshadowing of these events were buried in 100s of pages of meaningless text.I just felt the ending was a cheap cop out and in an ironic way made much of the story unnecessary because it seems the residents could have resolved the problem far quicker and with less chaos than they ended up facing. In other words most of those who die died unnecessarily. Worse, the ending doesn't really resolve the biggest question the reader will have.My final verdict is that if the book had been shorter, I am thinking maybe 700 pages, then it would have been paced better and could have been more rewarding. But as it is the book is just too long, too slow, and too simple to be a rewarding read for hardcore King fans.If you are new to King I would not recommend this read. It would turn you off completely. GO to the Stand, Needful Things, Hearts in Atlantis, etc... For existing fans, well, just be warned that it's one of his longest train wrecks to date. King admits he tried to write this story back in the 70's and gave up on it. Maybe even today the project was just too ambitious even for him. Any experienced King reader will recognize all of the themes in this book whether they be political, moral, religious, emotional, supernatural, etc. You have met all these characters before just in more vivid detail elsewhere.King was capable of much better. My rating would be a 2.5 star because I found about half the book to be enjoyable to some degree. Despite the weak characters there were some elements of King's voice in there. His characters were merely shallow vehicles for his obvious emotional opinions of the world in which we live. The conflicts he tried (and mostly failed in my opinion) to achieve represent King's own personal struggles with the world.He commentates (usually indirectly) on Political corruption, religious fundamentalism, censorship, human dominance or submissiveness, addiction, etc. While I was not crazy about the story, and in most ways felt it failed to entertain, I did find some enjoyment of exploring these themes in King's mind. The final scenes of the ending represent a strong King theme (and obvious opinion) buried in an abrupt and out of the blue ending. At least King left the reader with a chance to salvage something from the stroy despite it's obvious shortcomings. | How long is this book? | I am a veteran of about 15 or so different King novels and I have to say that Under the Dome really was on the low end of the quality spectrum. | I am a veteran of about 15 or so different King novels and I have to say that Under the Dome really was on the low end of the quality spectrum. The premise to me sounded really interesting and I was pleased to receive the book as a gift this Christmas. Much like favorites like the Stand and Needful Things, UTD starts of with a lot of intrigue but really fails to deliver any payoff.To sum up the plot I would liken this novel to a combination of Storm of the Century and Needful Things. It relies heavily on the Stephen King theme of entrapment and the moral and social conflicts that can arise. King loves to trap his characters in various ways whether it be in bondage, a storm, mist, vagabond trucks, a crazy dog, or in this case, an invisible dome. The basic premise of the story is very similar to that of The Mist or Needful Things with how the town dynamics change after the Dome falls and the rise of the villain(s). Its the standard "everyone has some dark secrets under their normal demeanor" story. But unfortunately like other King novels, nothing really happens in Dome.In the afterword King responds that in this book he was really trying to keep the pedal to the metal and that his editor pushed that sentiment. My questions are what pedal and where was the metal??? He also admits that the book was a dinosaur and his editor was responsible for the 1075 page "more manageable" tome we see now. Makes me wonder how long and boring it was originally?The Good:The concept was kind of interesting. In typical King fashion you have no idea why the Dome exists or what it is so you get kind of drawn in pretty quick.Some characters are fairly interesting in the classic King way.It's not a terribly challenging read.The Bad:Too many of the characters are rigid and devoid of any depth or intrigue. Most characters are just introduced only to be slaughtered so the reader quickly loses interest in most of them.The main villain is quite weak and very unbelievable at times.You don't really care about the main characters at all.Lots of filler content. Probably 300+ pages of needless story.The Ugly:It's way too long. I am not adverse to a 1000+ page book but so little happens it's unnecessary. The book takes place in a about a week and the payoff ending occupies about 30 of those pages. Quite ridiculous. Needful Things had a lot more going on in fewer pages. Because of the size of this story and lack of substance it is easy to get bored. The filler gets annoying too. Usually just a lot of meaningless characters doing nothing of any value to the story just being paraded in front of you. They may add some human quality to the story but are ultimately un-needed.Worse, the book is ridiculously heavy. Boring and heavy, not a good combo.Lastly, the ending, like many King novels to me, is incredibly weak. The standard I find for King, and what I love, is that he creates amazing life like characters I feel like I know and care for, and then builds a thrilling tale over 2 acts. Almost universally I find that King struggles with the 3rd act and the ending. He has let me down quite a few times in several stories with seemingly simple solutions to what he presented as a complex thrilling problem. UTD is exactly that just minus the thrilling buildup. I never felt like any tension was building in this novel. In fact it worked opposite to that. The first several hundred pages were very tension fueled as no one seemed to know what was going on but once you were introduced to the cardboard characters and got used tot he Dome the story really calms down and just doesn't move much for about 500 or so pages. Worse the main villain is entirely predictable and boring. His plots unfold too neatly and the reader will not believe he is as convincing as King tries to make him. Probably King's worst Antagonist ever. Plus the ultimate ending left a lot of questions unanswered and was so overly simplistic it didn't reward the reader for those 1000 pages in any way. It was typical to King in some ways but there was virtually no lead up to it. It just pretty much happened and any foreshadowing of these events were buried in 100s of pages of meaningless text.I just felt the ending was a cheap cop out and in an ironic way made much of the story unnecessary because it seems the residents could have resolved the problem far quicker and with less chaos than they ended up facing. In other words most of those who die died unnecessarily. Worse, the ending doesn't really resolve the biggest question the reader will have.My final verdict is that if the book had been shorter, I am thinking maybe 700 pages, then it would have been paced better and could have been more rewarding. But as it is the book is just too long, too slow, and too simple to be a rewarding read for hardcore King fans.If you are new to King I would not recommend this read. It would turn you off completely. GO to the Stand, Needful Things, Hearts in Atlantis, etc... For existing fans, well, just be warned that it's one of his longest train wrecks to date. King admits he tried to write this story back in the 70's and gave up on it. Maybe even today the project was just too ambitious even for him. Any experienced King reader will recognize all of the themes in this book whether they be political, moral, religious, emotional, supernatural, etc. You have met all these characters before just in more vivid detail elsewhere.King was capable of much better. My rating would be a 2.5 star because I found about half the book to be enjoyable to some degree. Despite the weak characters there were some elements of King's voice in there. His characters were merely shallow vehicles for his obvious emotional opinions of the world in which we live. The conflicts he tried (and mostly failed in my opinion) to achieve represent King's own personal struggles with the world.He commentates (usually indirectly) on Political corruption, religious fundamentalism, censorship, human dominance or submissiveness, addiction, etc. While I was not crazy about the story, and in most ways felt it failed to entertain, I did find some enjoyment of exploring these themes in King's mind. The final scenes of the ending represent a strong King theme (and obvious opinion) buried in an abrupt and out of the blue ending. At least King left the reader with a chance to salvage something from the stroy despite it's obvious shortcomings. | <hl> I am a veteran of about 15 or so different King novels <hl> and I have to say that Under the Dome really was on the low end of the quality spectrum. | <hl> I am a veteran of about 15 or so different King novels <hl> and I have to say that Under the Dome really was on the low end of the quality spectrum. The premise to me sounded really interesting and I was pleased to receive the book as a gift this Christmas. Much like favorites like the Stand and Needful Things, UTD starts of with a lot of intrigue but really fails to deliver any payoff.To sum up the plot I would liken this novel to a combination of Storm of the Century and Needful Things. It relies heavily on the Stephen King theme of entrapment and the moral and social conflicts that can arise. King loves to trap his characters in various ways whether it be in bondage, a storm, mist, vagabond trucks, a crazy dog, or in this case, an invisible dome. The basic premise of the story is very similar to that of The Mist or Needful Things with how the town dynamics change after the Dome falls and the rise of the villain(s). Its the standard "everyone has some dark secrets under their normal demeanor" story. But unfortunately like other King novels, nothing really happens in Dome.In the afterword King responds that in this book he was really trying to keep the pedal to the metal and that his editor pushed that sentiment. My questions are what pedal and where was the metal??? He also admits that the book was a dinosaur and his editor was responsible for the 1075 page "more manageable" tome we see now. Makes me wonder how long and boring it was originally?The Good:The concept was kind of interesting. In typical King fashion you have no idea why the Dome exists or what it is so you get kind of drawn in pretty quick.Some characters are fairly interesting in the classic King way.It's not a terribly challenging read.The Bad:Too many of the characters are rigid and devoid of any depth or intrigue. Most characters are just introduced only to be slaughtered so the reader quickly loses interest in most of them.The main villain is quite weak and very unbelievable at times.You don't really care about the main characters at all.Lots of filler content. Probably 300+ pages of needless story.The Ugly:It's way too long. I am not adverse to a 1000+ page book but so little happens it's unnecessary. The book takes place in a about a week and the payoff ending occupies about 30 of those pages. Quite ridiculous. Needful Things had a lot more going on in fewer pages. Because of the size of this story and lack of substance it is easy to get bored. The filler gets annoying too. Usually just a lot of meaningless characters doing nothing of any value to the story just being paraded in front of you. They may add some human quality to the story but are ultimately un-needed.Worse, the book is ridiculously heavy. Boring and heavy, not a good combo.Lastly, the ending, like many King novels to me, is incredibly weak. The standard I find for King, and what I love, is that he creates amazing life like characters I feel like I know and care for, and then builds a thrilling tale over 2 acts. Almost universally I find that King struggles with the 3rd act and the ending. He has let me down quite a few times in several stories with seemingly simple solutions to what he presented as a complex thrilling problem. UTD is exactly that just minus the thrilling buildup. I never felt like any tension was building in this novel. In fact it worked opposite to that. The first several hundred pages were very tension fueled as no one seemed to know what was going on but once you were introduced to the cardboard characters and got used tot he Dome the story really calms down and just doesn't move much for about 500 or so pages. Worse the main villain is entirely predictable and boring. His plots unfold too neatly and the reader will not believe he is as convincing as King tries to make him. Probably King's worst Antagonist ever. Plus the ultimate ending left a lot of questions unanswered and was so overly simplistic it didn't reward the reader for those 1000 pages in any way. It was typical to King in some ways but there was virtually no lead up to it. It just pretty much happened and any foreshadowing of these events were buried in 100s of pages of meaningless text.I just felt the ending was a cheap cop out and in an ironic way made much of the story unnecessary because it seems the residents could have resolved the problem far quicker and with less chaos than they ended up facing. In other words most of those who die died unnecessarily. Worse, the ending doesn't really resolve the biggest question the reader will have.My final verdict is that if the book had been shorter, I am thinking maybe 700 pages, then it would have been paced better and could have been more rewarding. But as it is the book is just too long, too slow, and too simple to be a rewarding read for hardcore King fans.If you are new to King I would not recommend this read. It would turn you off completely. GO to the Stand, Needful Things, Hearts in Atlantis, etc... For existing fans, well, just be warned that it's one of his longest train wrecks to date. King admits he tried to write this story back in the 70's and gave up on it. Maybe even today the project was just too ambitious even for him. Any experienced King reader will recognize all of the themes in this book whether they be political, moral, religious, emotional, supernatural, etc. You have met all these characters before just in more vivid detail elsewhere.King was capable of much better. My rating would be a 2.5 star because I found about half the book to be enjoyable to some degree. Despite the weak characters there were some elements of King's voice in there. His characters were merely shallow vehicles for his obvious emotional opinions of the world in which we live. The conflicts he tried (and mostly failed in my opinion) to achieve represent King's own personal struggles with the world.He commentates (usually indirectly) on Political corruption, religious fundamentalism, censorship, human dominance or submissiveness, addiction, etc. While I was not crazy about the story, and in most ways felt it failed to entertain, I did find some enjoyment of exploring these themes in King's mind. The final scenes of the ending represent a strong King theme (and obvious opinion) buried in an abrupt and out of the blue ending. At least King left the reader with a chance to salvage something from the stroy despite it's obvious shortcomings. | <hl> I am a veteran of about 15 or so different King novels and I have to say that Under the Dome really was on the low end of the quality spectrum. <hl> The premise to me sounded really interesting and I was pleased to receive the book as a gift this Christmas. Much like favorites like the Stand and Needful Things, UTD starts of with a lot of intrigue but really fails to deliver any payoff. To sum up the plot I would liken this novel to a combination of Storm of the Century and Needful Things. It relies heavily on the Stephen King theme of entrapment and the moral and social conflicts that can arise. King loves to trap his characters in various ways whether it be in bondage, a storm, mist, vagabond trucks, a crazy dog, or in this case, an invisible dome. The basic premise of the story is very similar to that of The Mist or Needful Things with how the town dynamics change after the Dome falls and the rise of the villain(s). Its the standard "everyone has some dark secrets under their normal demeanor" story. But unfortunately like other King novels, nothing really happens in Dome. In the afterword King responds that in this book he was really trying to keep the pedal to the metal and that his editor pushed that sentiment. My questions are what pedal and where was the metal??? He also admits that the book was a dinosaur and his editor was responsible for the 1075 page "more manageable" tome we see now. Makes me wonder how long and boring it was originally?The Good:The concept was kind of interesting. In typical King fashion you have no idea why the Dome exists or what it is so you get kind of drawn in pretty quick. Some characters are fairly interesting in the classic King way. It's not a terribly challenging read. The Bad:Too many of the characters are rigid and devoid of any depth or intrigue. Most characters are just introduced only to be slaughtered so the reader quickly loses interest in most of them. The main villain is quite weak and very unbelievable at times. You don't really care about the main characters at all. Lots of filler content. Probably 300+ pages of needless story. The Ugly:It's way too long. I am not adverse to a 1000+ page book but so little happens it's unnecessary. The book takes place in a about a week and the payoff ending occupies about 30 of those pages. Quite ridiculous. Needful Things had a lot more going on in fewer pages. Because of the size of this story and lack of substance it is easy to get bored. The filler gets annoying too. Usually just a lot of meaningless characters doing nothing of any value to the story just being paraded in front of you. They may add some human quality to the story but are ultimately un-needed. Worse, the book is ridiculously heavy. Boring and heavy, not a good combo. Lastly, the ending, like many King novels to me, is incredibly weak. The standard I find for King, and what I love, is that he creates amazing life like characters I feel like I know and care for, and then builds a thrilling tale over 2 acts. Almost universally I find that King struggles with the 3rd act and the ending. He has let me down quite a few times in several stories with seemingly simple solutions to what he presented as a complex thrilling problem. UTD is exactly that just minus the thrilling buildup. I never felt like any tension was building in this novel. In fact it worked opposite to that. The first several hundred pages were very tension fueled as no one seemed to know what was going on but once you were introduced to the cardboard characters and got used tot he Dome the story really calms down and just doesn't move much for about 500 or so pages. Worse the main villain is entirely predictable and boring. His plots unfold too neatly and the reader will not believe he is as convincing as King tries to make him. Probably King's worst Antagonist ever. Plus the ultimate ending left a lot of questions unanswered and was so overly simplistic it didn't reward the reader for those 1000 pages in any way. It was typical to King in some ways but there was virtually no lead up to it. It just pretty much happened and any foreshadowing of these events were buried in 100s of pages of meaningless text. I just felt the ending was a cheap cop out and in an ironic way made much of the story unnecessary because it seems the residents could have resolved the problem far quicker and with less chaos than they ended up facing. In other words most of those who die died unnecessarily. Worse, the ending doesn't really resolve the biggest question the reader will have. My final verdict is that if the book had been shorter, I am thinking maybe 700 pages, then it would have been paced better and could have been more rewarding. But as it is the book is just too long, too slow, and too simple to be a rewarding read for hardcore King fans. If you are new to King I would not recommend this read. It would turn you off completely. GO to the Stand, Needful Things, Hearts in Atlantis, etc... For existing fans, well, just be warned that it's one of his longest train wrecks to date. King admits he tried to write this story back in the 70's and gave up on it. Maybe even today the project was just too ambitious even for him. Any experienced King reader will recognize all of the themes in this book whether they be political, moral, religious, emotional, supernatural, etc. You have met all these characters before just in more vivid detail elsewhere. King was capable of much better. My rating would be a 2.5 star because I found about half the book to be enjoyable to some degree. Despite the weak characters there were some elements of King's voice in there. His characters were merely shallow vehicles for his obvious emotional opinions of the world in which we live. The conflicts he tried (and mostly failed in my opinion) to achieve represent King's own personal struggles with the world. He commentates (usually indirectly) on Political corruption, religious fundamentalism, censorship, human dominance or submissiveness, addiction, etc. While I was not crazy about the story, and in most ways felt it failed to entertain, I did find some enjoyment of exploring these themes in King's mind. The final scenes of the ending represent a strong King theme (and obvious opinion) buried in an abrupt and out of the blue ending. At least King left the reader with a chance to salvage something from the stroy despite it's obvious shortcomings. | 366f2725959c4f4c3acc6f7d8d23bb8c | 1 | 1 | books |
Love this book,series | question: How is the quality of the series?, context: This series has made me cry, laugh out loud, sigh, and get angry enough to throw my brand new iPhone. Through all those emotions though the major emotion was the pleasure and enjoyment if a series fantastically done. I could not wait for this book and I am sooo sad that this series is complete. I can say that this will remain on my reread list for a long time to come. Thanks for the fantastic story and I hope to see more with Becks and Haddie. I think their story will be hilarious. Love this book,series and author. | How is the quality of the series? | Love this book,series and author. | This series has made me cry, laugh out loud, sigh, and get angry enough to throw my brand new iPhone. Through all those emotions though the major emotion was the pleasure and enjoyment if a series fantastically done. I could not wait for this book and I am sooo sad that this series is complete. I can say that this will remain on my reread list for a long time to come. Thanks for the fantastic story and I hope to see more with Becks and Haddie. I think their story will be hilarious. Love this book,series and author. | <hl> Love this book,series <hl> and author. | This series has made me cry, laugh out loud, sigh, and get angry enough to throw my brand new iPhone. Through all those emotions though the major emotion was the pleasure and enjoyment if a series fantastically done. I could not wait for this book and I am sooo sad that this series is complete. I can say that this will remain on my reread list for a long time to come. Thanks for the fantastic story and I hope to see more with Becks and Haddie. I think their story will be hilarious. <hl> Love this book,series <hl> and author. | This series has made me cry, laugh out loud, sigh, and get angry enough to throw my brand new iPhone. Through all those emotions though the major emotion was the pleasure and enjoyment if a series fantastically done. I could not wait for this book and I am sooo sad that this series is complete. I can say that this will remain on my reread list for a long time to come. Thanks for the fantastic story and I hope to see more with Becks and Haddie. I think their story will be hilarious. <hl> Love this book,series and author. <hl> | 20688590d6369cd2cb19d47a7d100ce9 | 1 | 1 | books |
The art is truly amazing -detailed | question: How did you like the art?, context: This is the most in-depth Batman comic I have ever read, and has become my favourite Batman story of all time. The story deals with Joker escaping, paralyzing Barbara Gordon, kidnapping Commissoner Gordon, and trying to prove that any man can go crazy in a single, bad day. As Batman hunts the Joker, the reader is treated to the Joker's origin story, and sees how thin the line is that seperates Batman from the Joker.I won't try to get into the psychological aspects of this story -suffice it to say that other reviews have covered it throughly and any attempt on my part would only make me look foolish. However, I will say that the most chilling part about this book is how, if you replace Batman and the Joker with two everyday people, the events still feel horribly real. This is not escapist reading as all comic books have been labeled, in fact, this is the book to show people who don't believe that powerful stories can be told in this medium. Both Batman and the Joker had a single bad day - so why didn't Batman go insane like the Joker did? The reader wants to know the fine line that seperates these two characters, partly so they can realize how close to crossing that line they are in their own lives. The art is truly amazing -detailed, moody, and brilliantly inked - the scenes in the Joker's funhouse scare the reader as much as they scare Gordon. The flashbacks are also impressively tied into the present, with similiar situations bookending each scene. The story begins and ends on the same note, like a vicious, never-ending cycle. Plus, you know you have something special when, after all the vicious, sadistic things the Joker has done, you still feel sorry for him."The Killing Joke" is a true masterpiece, and earns its place as one of the best comics of all time, and a true work of fiction. | How did you like the art? | The art is truly amazing -detailed , moody, and brilliantly inked - the scenes in the Joker's funhouse scare the reader as much as they scare Gordon. | This is the most in-depth Batman comic I have ever read, and has become my favourite Batman story of all time. The story deals with Joker escaping, paralyzing Barbara Gordon, kidnapping Commissoner Gordon, and trying to prove that any man can go crazy in a single, bad day. As Batman hunts the Joker, the reader is treated to the Joker's origin story, and sees how thin the line is that seperates Batman from the Joker.I won't try to get into the psychological aspects of this story -suffice it to say that other reviews have covered it throughly and any attempt on my part would only make me look foolish. However, I will say that the most chilling part about this book is how, if you replace Batman and the Joker with two everyday people, the events still feel horribly real. This is not escapist reading as all comic books have been labeled, in fact, this is the book to show people who don't believe that powerful stories can be told in this medium. Both Batman and the Joker had a single bad day - so why didn't Batman go insane like the Joker did? The reader wants to know the fine line that seperates these two characters, partly so they can realize how close to crossing that line they are in their own lives. The art is truly amazing -detailed, moody, and brilliantly inked - the scenes in the Joker's funhouse scare the reader as much as they scare Gordon. The flashbacks are also impressively tied into the present, with similiar situations bookending each scene. The story begins and ends on the same note, like a vicious, never-ending cycle. Plus, you know you have something special when, after all the vicious, sadistic things the Joker has done, you still feel sorry for him."The Killing Joke" is a true masterpiece, and earns its place as one of the best comics of all time, and a true work of fiction. | <hl> The art is truly amazing -detailed <hl> , moody, and brilliantly inked - the scenes in the Joker's funhouse scare the reader as much as they scare Gordon. | This is the most in-depth Batman comic I have ever read, and has become my favourite Batman story of all time. The story deals with Joker escaping, paralyzing Barbara Gordon, kidnapping Commissoner Gordon, and trying to prove that any man can go crazy in a single, bad day. As Batman hunts the Joker, the reader is treated to the Joker's origin story, and sees how thin the line is that seperates Batman from the Joker.I won't try to get into the psychological aspects of this story -suffice it to say that other reviews have covered it throughly and any attempt on my part would only make me look foolish. However, I will say that the most chilling part about this book is how, if you replace Batman and the Joker with two everyday people, the events still feel horribly real. This is not escapist reading as all comic books have been labeled, in fact, this is the book to show people who don't believe that powerful stories can be told in this medium. Both Batman and the Joker had a single bad day - so why didn't Batman go insane like the Joker did? The reader wants to know the fine line that seperates these two characters, partly so they can realize how close to crossing that line they are in their own lives. <hl> The art is truly amazing -detailed <hl>, moody, and brilliantly inked - the scenes in the Joker's funhouse scare the reader as much as they scare Gordon. The flashbacks are also impressively tied into the present, with similiar situations bookending each scene. The story begins and ends on the same note, like a vicious, never-ending cycle. Plus, you know you have something special when, after all the vicious, sadistic things the Joker has done, you still feel sorry for him."The Killing Joke" is a true masterpiece, and earns its place as one of the best comics of all time, and a true work of fiction. | This is the most in-depth Batman comic I have ever read, and has become my favourite Batman story of all time. The story deals with Joker escaping, paralyzing Barbara Gordon, kidnapping Commissoner Gordon, and trying to prove that any man can go crazy in a single, bad day. As Batman hunts the Joker, the reader is treated to the Joker's origin story, and sees how thin the line is that seperates Batman from the Joker. I won't try to get into the psychological aspects of this story -suffice it to say that other reviews have covered it throughly and any attempt on my part would only make me look foolish. However, I will say that the most chilling part about this book is how, if you replace Batman and the Joker with two everyday people, the events still feel horribly real. This is not escapist reading as all comic books have been labeled, in fact, this is the book to show people who don't believe that powerful stories can be told in this medium. Both Batman and the Joker had a single bad day - so why didn't Batman go insane like the Joker did? The reader wants to know the fine line that seperates these two characters, partly so they can realize how close to crossing that line they are in their own lives. <hl> The art is truly amazing -detailed , moody, and brilliantly inked - the scenes in the Joker's funhouse scare the reader as much as they scare Gordon. <hl> The flashbacks are also impressively tied into the present, with similiar situations bookending each scene. The story begins and ends on the same note, like a vicious, never-ending cycle. Plus, you know you have something special when, after all the vicious, sadistic things the Joker has done, you still feel sorry for him."The Killing Joke" is a true masterpiece, and earns its place as one of the best comics of all time, and a true work of fiction. | bc2d3cc6ec6c16fa13e2ea0f337d09e0 | 1 | 1 | books |
Great book I loved it | question: How do you like the book?, context: Great book I loved it can't wait to see the movie I loved the humanities how people have different types of personally but can change. | How do you like the book? | Great book I loved it can't wait to see the movie I loved the humanities how people have different types of personally but can change. | Great book I loved it can't wait to see the movie I loved the humanities how people have different types of personally but can change. | <hl> Great book I loved it <hl> can't wait to see the movie I loved the humanities how people have different types of personally but can change. | <hl> Great book I loved it <hl> can't wait to see the movie I loved the humanities how people have different types of personally but can change. | <hl> Great book I loved it can't wait to see the movie I loved the humanities how people have different types of personally but can change. <hl> | 71ca3d00bbf5f6734cfb11101c89dc00 | 1 | 1 | books |
This novel is not only a gem among | question: What do you think about this movie including the dialogue?, context: I'm struggling to recall a time other than this where I wished--to the fullest extent--that a relationship was real instead of part of a book. And the inner romantic in me was wishing that I could clone Lucas for myself and lock him away in my room forever. This novel is not only a gem among contemporary romance novels under the mature young adult genre, but it is a sparkling diamond among indie writing. This is a book that any romance lover cannot afford to miss. It'll be twelve dollars well spent because the story hidden in its pages is worth even more.Jacqueline was dating the golden-boy, future politician at her old school. She gave up her dreams of going to a prestigious music school to follow him to college, only to have Kennedy eventually dump her with one of the stupidest excuses in the history of the world. Days later, his friend and enemy attempts to rape her after a party to get even. Lucky for her, a mysterious and tortured stranger shows up and saves her. She finds herself falling for him, just as she becomes flirty with a class tutor that's trying to help her save her grade that she let drop due to the initial devastation of her break-up. With the creepy stalker occasionally turning up at the worst times, Jacqueline begins a journey of self-discovery and strength while finding what it truly means to be in love. This novel will undoubtedly pull at your heart-strings and keep you flipping the pages like there's no tomorrow. I had no problem finishing it in a single day.This novel left me with a huge sense of power when I finished reading. It's as if I found my inner strength right along Jacqueline. It stresses that everyone has freedom of choice and it also shows that we cannot dwell on the past, but look forward to the future and always keep ourselves open to possibilities. I feel as if these lessons are strong ones to learn in life, and they're one of the countless reasons that I loved this book.But the main reason that I loved this book was the amazing plot that slowly put Jacqueline and Lucas together. Everything about their relationship and the progress of them getting to know each other was not easy, even if the simple act of being together was. They had secrets, worries, and their pasts holding them back. They took this journey together and learned so much more about themselves, making all the obstacles that they put in their own way disappear. Lives that they unintentionally made so hard and burdensome became easy with the other by their side. Jacqueline--musical, intelligent, strong and driven. Lucas--quiet, brooding, artistic, and hard to figure out. Together, they will go on a journey that will tug at your heartstrings and make it skip a beat, only to have it explode with joy or a multitude of other strong emotions seconds later.5 stars to this novel because it will not disappoint. My only disappointment is that this book is indie published. While it is a huge gem, the bookish nerd in me prefers hard-covers, and I so badly want to see this baby in a hard-cover. It deserves it. This story will stick with you for a while and will give you so much hope for your future.Be aware, that this book tackles huge subjects such as rape, intimidation, and forceful attempts to silence victims. Don't worry, none of it is detailed, but it is certainly mentioned and you can tell what is happening. It is a prevalent undercurrent throughout the novel. Despite it tackling such heavy topics, the book is overall light-hearted. I don't like any of the aforementioned topics, and even then I understood their importance to the book and found it quite easy to handle them. All Jacqueline needed was a little girl power to get her by. | What do you think about this movie including the dialogue? | This novel is not only a gem among contemporary romance novels under the mature young adult genre, but it is a sparkling diamond among indie writing. | I'm struggling to recall a time other than this where I wished--to the fullest extent--that a relationship was real instead of part of a book. And the inner romantic in me was wishing that I could clone Lucas for myself and lock him away in my room forever. This novel is not only a gem among contemporary romance novels under the mature young adult genre, but it is a sparkling diamond among indie writing. This is a book that any romance lover cannot afford to miss. It'll be twelve dollars well spent because the story hidden in its pages is worth even more.Jacqueline was dating the golden-boy, future politician at her old school. She gave up her dreams of going to a prestigious music school to follow him to college, only to have Kennedy eventually dump her with one of the stupidest excuses in the history of the world. Days later, his friend and enemy attempts to rape her after a party to get even. Lucky for her, a mysterious and tortured stranger shows up and saves her. She finds herself falling for him, just as she becomes flirty with a class tutor that's trying to help her save her grade that she let drop due to the initial devastation of her break-up. With the creepy stalker occasionally turning up at the worst times, Jacqueline begins a journey of self-discovery and strength while finding what it truly means to be in love. This novel will undoubtedly pull at your heart-strings and keep you flipping the pages like there's no tomorrow. I had no problem finishing it in a single day.This novel left me with a huge sense of power when I finished reading. It's as if I found my inner strength right along Jacqueline. It stresses that everyone has freedom of choice and it also shows that we cannot dwell on the past, but look forward to the future and always keep ourselves open to possibilities. I feel as if these lessons are strong ones to learn in life, and they're one of the countless reasons that I loved this book.But the main reason that I loved this book was the amazing plot that slowly put Jacqueline and Lucas together. Everything about their relationship and the progress of them getting to know each other was not easy, even if the simple act of being together was. They had secrets, worries, and their pasts holding them back. They took this journey together and learned so much more about themselves, making all the obstacles that they put in their own way disappear. Lives that they unintentionally made so hard and burdensome became easy with the other by their side. Jacqueline--musical, intelligent, strong and driven. Lucas--quiet, brooding, artistic, and hard to figure out. Together, they will go on a journey that will tug at your heartstrings and make it skip a beat, only to have it explode with joy or a multitude of other strong emotions seconds later.5 stars to this novel because it will not disappoint. My only disappointment is that this book is indie published. While it is a huge gem, the bookish nerd in me prefers hard-covers, and I so badly want to see this baby in a hard-cover. It deserves it. This story will stick with you for a while and will give you so much hope for your future.Be aware, that this book tackles huge subjects such as rape, intimidation, and forceful attempts to silence victims. Don't worry, none of it is detailed, but it is certainly mentioned and you can tell what is happening. It is a prevalent undercurrent throughout the novel. Despite it tackling such heavy topics, the book is overall light-hearted. I don't like any of the aforementioned topics, and even then I understood their importance to the book and found it quite easy to handle them. All Jacqueline needed was a little girl power to get her by. | <hl> This novel is not only a gem among <hl> contemporary romance novels under the mature young adult genre, but it is a sparkling diamond among indie writing. | I'm struggling to recall a time other than this where I wished--to the fullest extent--that a relationship was real instead of part of a book. And the inner romantic in me was wishing that I could clone Lucas for myself and lock him away in my room forever. <hl> This novel is not only a gem among <hl> contemporary romance novels under the mature young adult genre, but it is a sparkling diamond among indie writing. This is a book that any romance lover cannot afford to miss. It'll be twelve dollars well spent because the story hidden in its pages is worth even more.Jacqueline was dating the golden-boy, future politician at her old school. She gave up her dreams of going to a prestigious music school to follow him to college, only to have Kennedy eventually dump her with one of the stupidest excuses in the history of the world. Days later, his friend and enemy attempts to rape her after a party to get even. Lucky for her, a mysterious and tortured stranger shows up and saves her. She finds herself falling for him, just as she becomes flirty with a class tutor that's trying to help her save her grade that she let drop due to the initial devastation of her break-up. With the creepy stalker occasionally turning up at the worst times, Jacqueline begins a journey of self-discovery and strength while finding what it truly means to be in love. This novel will undoubtedly pull at your heart-strings and keep you flipping the pages like there's no tomorrow. I had no problem finishing it in a single day.This novel left me with a huge sense of power when I finished reading. It's as if I found my inner strength right along Jacqueline. It stresses that everyone has freedom of choice and it also shows that we cannot dwell on the past, but look forward to the future and always keep ourselves open to possibilities. I feel as if these lessons are strong ones to learn in life, and they're one of the countless reasons that I loved this book.But the main reason that I loved this book was the amazing plot that slowly put Jacqueline and Lucas together. Everything about their relationship and the progress of them getting to know each other was not easy, even if the simple act of being together was. They had secrets, worries, and their pasts holding them back. They took this journey together and learned so much more about themselves, making all the obstacles that they put in their own way disappear. Lives that they unintentionally made so hard and burdensome became easy with the other by their side. Jacqueline--musical, intelligent, strong and driven. Lucas--quiet, brooding, artistic, and hard to figure out. Together, they will go on a journey that will tug at your heartstrings and make it skip a beat, only to have it explode with joy or a multitude of other strong emotions seconds later.5 stars to this novel because it will not disappoint. My only disappointment is that this book is indie published. While it is a huge gem, the bookish nerd in me prefers hard-covers, and I so badly want to see this baby in a hard-cover. It deserves it. This story will stick with you for a while and will give you so much hope for your future.Be aware, that this book tackles huge subjects such as rape, intimidation, and forceful attempts to silence victims. Don't worry, none of it is detailed, but it is certainly mentioned and you can tell what is happening. It is a prevalent undercurrent throughout the novel. Despite it tackling such heavy topics, the book is overall light-hearted. I don't like any of the aforementioned topics, and even then I understood their importance to the book and found it quite easy to handle them. All Jacqueline needed was a little girl power to get her by. | I'm struggling to recall a time other than this where I wished--to the fullest extent--that a relationship was real instead of part of a book. And the inner romantic in me was wishing that I could clone Lucas for myself and lock him away in my room forever. <hl> This novel is not only a gem among contemporary romance novels under the mature young adult genre, but it is a sparkling diamond among indie writing. <hl> This is a book that any romance lover cannot afford to miss. It'll be twelve dollars well spent because the story hidden in its pages is worth even more. Jacqueline was dating the golden-boy, future politician at her old school. She gave up her dreams of going to a prestigious music school to follow him to college, only to have Kennedy eventually dump her with one of the stupidest excuses in the history of the world. Days later, his friend and enemy attempts to rape her after a party to get even. Lucky for her, a mysterious and tortured stranger shows up and saves her. She finds herself falling for him, just as she becomes flirty with a class tutor that's trying to help her save her grade that she let drop due to the initial devastation of her break-up. With the creepy stalker occasionally turning up at the worst times, Jacqueline begins a journey of self-discovery and strength while finding what it truly means to be in love. This novel will undoubtedly pull at your heart-strings and keep you flipping the pages like there's no tomorrow. I had no problem finishing it in a single day. This novel left me with a huge sense of power when I finished reading. It's as if I found my inner strength right along Jacqueline. It stresses that everyone has freedom of choice and it also shows that we cannot dwell on the past, but look forward to the future and always keep ourselves open to possibilities. I feel as if these lessons are strong ones to learn in life, and they're one of the countless reasons that I loved this book. But the main reason that I loved this book was the amazing plot that slowly put Jacqueline and Lucas together. Everything about their relationship and the progress of them getting to know each other was not easy, even if the simple act of being together was. They had secrets, worries, and their pasts holding them back. They took this journey together and learned so much more about themselves, making all the obstacles that they put in their own way disappear. Lives that they unintentionally made so hard and burdensome became easy with the other by their side. Jacqueline--musical, intelligent, strong and driven. Lucas--quiet, brooding, artistic, and hard to figure out. Together, they will go on a journey that will tug at your heartstrings and make it skip a beat, only to have it explode with joy or a multitude of other strong emotions seconds later.5 stars to this novel because it will not disappoint. My only disappointment is that this book is indie published. While it is a huge gem, the bookish nerd in me prefers hard-covers, and I so badly want to see this baby in a hard-cover. It deserves it. This story will stick with you for a while and will give you so much hope for your future. Be aware, that this book tackles huge subjects such as rape, intimidation, and forceful attempts to silence victims. Don't worry, none of it is detailed, but it is certainly mentioned and you can tell what is happening. It is a prevalent undercurrent throughout the novel. Despite it tackling such heavy topics, the book is overall light-hearted. I don't like any of the aforementioned topics, and even then I understood their importance to the book and found it quite easy to handle them. All Jacqueline needed was a little girl power to get her by. | 2b8fc9d00e26dcecd2851923f65ac433 | 1 | 1 | books |
There is no doubt that the story captured in the book is truly | question: How fascinating is the book?, context: There is no doubt that the story captured in the book is truly incredible, and the facts are worth learning. But there is a difference between a 5 star story and a 5 star book. The writing was blessedly straightforward, but it often felt like there was room for more nuance. | How fascinating is the book? | There is no doubt that the story captured in the book is truly incredible, and the facts are worth learning. | There is no doubt that the story captured in the book is truly incredible, and the facts are worth learning. But there is a difference between a 5 star story and a 5 star book. The writing was blessedly straightforward, but it often felt like there was room for more nuance. | <hl> There is no doubt that the story captured in the book is truly <hl> incredible, and the facts are worth learning. | <hl> There is no doubt that the story captured in the book is truly <hl> incredible, and the facts are worth learning. But there is a difference between a 5 star story and a 5 star book. The writing was blessedly straightforward, but it often felt like there was room for more nuance. | <hl> There is no doubt that the story captured in the book is truly incredible, and the facts are worth learning. <hl> But there is a difference between a 5 star story and a 5 star book. The writing was blessedly straightforward, but it often felt like there was room for more nuance. | ce1d48ce324778b98ec40a4335c6b87c | 1 | 1 | books |
it is highly boring and repetitive | question: How was the characterization of actors?, context: This is Book is awful. It's not exactly terrible as much as it is highly boring and repetitive. Please see the other critical reviews, as they pretty much sum up my thoughts. Perhaps a slightly intriguing, if cliche, storyline-- but with the most juvenile, basic writing I have read. Phrases are repeated over and over again dozens of times. If I had to read about "those pants that hung so deliciously from his hips" again, I would have croaked. This goes with the "# shades of grey" phrase, as in 7 shades of <expletive> up, fifty shades of mysterious, shades of grey, shades of whatever..... Someone just finished their high school literature devices cla ss ;-) And the characters are just so flat and ridiculous. Finally, the ending is quick, unresolved, and ridiculous. Perhaps a clever way for the author to extract more cash from you by offering sequels? Terrible!The biggest problem with Kindle and iBooks is that you can neither give the book back nor give it away! Hard to believe this is a best seller. Do yourself a favor and skip this one! | How was the characterization of actors? | It's not exactly terrible as much as it is highly boring and repetitive . | This is Book is awful. It's not exactly terrible as much as it is highly boring and repetitive. Please see the other critical reviews, as they pretty much sum up my thoughts. Perhaps a slightly intriguing, if cliche, storyline-- but with the most juvenile, basic writing I have read. Phrases are repeated over and over again dozens of times. If I had to read about "those pants that hung so deliciously from his hips" again, I would have croaked. This goes with the "# shades of grey" phrase, as in 7 shades of <expletive> up, fifty shades of mysterious, shades of grey, shades of whatever..... Someone just finished their high school literature devices cla ss ;-) And the characters are just so flat and ridiculous. Finally, the ending is quick, unresolved, and ridiculous. Perhaps a clever way for the author to extract more cash from you by offering sequels? Terrible!The biggest problem with Kindle and iBooks is that you can neither give the book back nor give it away! Hard to believe this is a best seller. Do yourself a favor and skip this one! | It's not exactly terrible as much as <hl> it is highly boring and repetitive <hl> . | This is Book is awful. It's not exactly terrible as much as <hl> it is highly boring and repetitive <hl>. Please see the other critical reviews, as they pretty much sum up my thoughts. Perhaps a slightly intriguing, if cliche, storyline-- but with the most juvenile, basic writing I have read. Phrases are repeated over and over again dozens of times. If I had to read about "those pants that hung so deliciously from his hips" again, I would have croaked. This goes with the "# shades of grey" phrase, as in 7 shades of <expletive> up, fifty shades of mysterious, shades of grey, shades of whatever..... Someone just finished their high school literature devices cla ss ;-) And the characters are just so flat and ridiculous. Finally, the ending is quick, unresolved, and ridiculous. Perhaps a clever way for the author to extract more cash from you by offering sequels? Terrible!The biggest problem with Kindle and iBooks is that you can neither give the book back nor give it away! Hard to believe this is a best seller. Do yourself a favor and skip this one! | This is Book is awful. <hl> It's not exactly terrible as much as it is highly boring and repetitive . <hl> Please see the other critical reviews, as they pretty much sum up my thoughts. Perhaps a slightly intriguing, if cliche, storyline-- but with the most juvenile, basic writing I have read. Phrases are repeated over and over again dozens of times. If I had to read about "those pants that hung so deliciously from his hips" again, I would have croaked. This goes with the "# shades of grey" phrase, as in 7 shades of <expletive> up, fifty shades of mysterious, shades of grey, shades of whatever..... Someone just finished their high school literature devices cla ss ;-) And the characters are just so flat and ridiculous. Finally, the ending is quick, unresolved, and ridiculous. Perhaps a clever way for the author to extract more cash from you by offering sequels? Terrible!The biggest problem with Kindle and iBooks is that you can neither give the book back nor give it away! Hard to believe this is a best seller. Do yourself a favor and skip this one! | 7b7a8297b2be0e43c33d45eb8c25c1ab | 1 | 1 | books |
happily ever after | question: Which story is relatable?, context: Easy read and great happily ever after. The characters are honest & refreshing. A lovely road trip and happy story. Everyone would live to find someone like these two did. | Which story is relatable? | Easy read and great happily ever after . | Easy read and great happily ever after. The characters are honest & refreshing. A lovely road trip and happy story. Everyone would live to find someone like these two did. | Easy read and great <hl> happily ever after <hl> . | Easy read and great <hl> happily ever after <hl>. The characters are honest & refreshing. A lovely road trip and happy story. Everyone would live to find someone like these two did. | <hl> Easy read and great happily ever after . <hl> The characters are honest & refreshing. A lovely road trip and happy story. Everyone would live to find someone like these two did. | d8cc05af7392c3a1e241fe5730fbad73 | 1 | 1 | books |
There's no reason to get into a | question: What were they based on to write this book?, context: Okay, okay, so I tend to be one of those people who doesn't read the hot, bestselling "must-read" books until everyone else on the planet has, but sometimes there's a good reason for that--and this book is a prime example of that. After finishing this book, I can only shake my head in amazement at its popularity.There's no reason to get into a "loved it/hated it" war with fans of the book. Instead, I'd like to give an honest blow-by-blow description for those who haven't read the book yet but are considering it. The book begins with about 100 pages devoted to intrigue in the world of Swedish financial publications...zzz...huh? What? Oh, I'm sorry. I fell asleep just typing that sentence, so imagine how bored I was while slogging through those dreary chapters. The book does begin to get interesting afterward, when an old man hires our intrepid main character to investigate the disappearance of his beloved relative, who vanished from an island years before in a sort of a "locked room" type mystery.During the investigation, our intrepid main character comes across a series of old murders that could be linked to the disappearance of the old man's relative. Was she the victim of a serial killer? Did she vanish because she knew too much? These plot twists make the book much more exciting--for a while. Unfortunately, though, the mystery behind the disappearance of the girl is laughably un-mysterious, and the story of the serial killer is trite, worn-out, and needed far more explanation in order to be really interesting. For instance--and I don't feel a spoiler alert is necessary here--the killer performs some strange rituals during the killings, but the reasons behind these are never explained. Once the killer is revealed, the only explanation seems to be that the killer was a nut job who did crazy things.So, in conclusion--tired plot, poorly-executed mystery, too many boring chapters about Swedish financial publications, and about 300 pages too many in general (I'm starting to think there's a dire shortage of editors in Sweden). My advice? Read at your own risk--but keep plenty of strong coffee at hand. You'll need it. | What were they based on to write this book? | There's no reason to get into a "loved it/hated it" war with fans of the book. | Okay, okay, so I tend to be one of those people who doesn't read the hot, bestselling "must-read" books until everyone else on the planet has, but sometimes there's a good reason for that--and this book is a prime example of that. After finishing this book, I can only shake my head in amazement at its popularity.There's no reason to get into a "loved it/hated it" war with fans of the book. Instead, I'd like to give an honest blow-by-blow description for those who haven't read the book yet but are considering it. The book begins with about 100 pages devoted to intrigue in the world of Swedish financial publications...zzz...huh? What? Oh, I'm sorry. I fell asleep just typing that sentence, so imagine how bored I was while slogging through those dreary chapters. The book does begin to get interesting afterward, when an old man hires our intrepid main character to investigate the disappearance of his beloved relative, who vanished from an island years before in a sort of a "locked room" type mystery.During the investigation, our intrepid main character comes across a series of old murders that could be linked to the disappearance of the old man's relative. Was she the victim of a serial killer? Did she vanish because she knew too much? These plot twists make the book much more exciting--for a while. Unfortunately, though, the mystery behind the disappearance of the girl is laughably un-mysterious, and the story of the serial killer is trite, worn-out, and needed far more explanation in order to be really interesting. For instance--and I don't feel a spoiler alert is necessary here--the killer performs some strange rituals during the killings, but the reasons behind these are never explained. Once the killer is revealed, the only explanation seems to be that the killer was a nut job who did crazy things.So, in conclusion--tired plot, poorly-executed mystery, too many boring chapters about Swedish financial publications, and about 300 pages too many in general (I'm starting to think there's a dire shortage of editors in Sweden). My advice? Read at your own risk--but keep plenty of strong coffee at hand. You'll need it. | <hl> There's no reason to get into a <hl> "loved it/hated it" war with fans of the book. | Okay, okay, so I tend to be one of those people who doesn't read the hot, bestselling "must-read" books until everyone else on the planet has, but sometimes there's a good reason for that--and this book is a prime example of that. After finishing this book, I can only shake my head in amazement at its popularity.<hl> There's no reason to get into a <hl> "loved it/hated it" war with fans of the book. Instead, I'd like to give an honest blow-by-blow description for those who haven't read the book yet but are considering it. The book begins with about 100 pages devoted to intrigue in the world of Swedish financial publications...zzz...huh? What? Oh, I'm sorry. I fell asleep just typing that sentence, so imagine how bored I was while slogging through those dreary chapters. The book does begin to get interesting afterward, when an old man hires our intrepid main character to investigate the disappearance of his beloved relative, who vanished from an island years before in a sort of a "locked room" type mystery.During the investigation, our intrepid main character comes across a series of old murders that could be linked to the disappearance of the old man's relative. Was she the victim of a serial killer? Did she vanish because she knew too much? These plot twists make the book much more exciting--for a while. Unfortunately, though, the mystery behind the disappearance of the girl is laughably un-mysterious, and the story of the serial killer is trite, worn-out, and needed far more explanation in order to be really interesting. For instance--and I don't feel a spoiler alert is necessary here--the killer performs some strange rituals during the killings, but the reasons behind these are never explained. Once the killer is revealed, the only explanation seems to be that the killer was a nut job who did crazy things.So, in conclusion--tired plot, poorly-executed mystery, too many boring chapters about Swedish financial publications, and about 300 pages too many in general (I'm starting to think there's a dire shortage of editors in Sweden). My advice? Read at your own risk--but keep plenty of strong coffee at hand. You'll need it. | Okay, okay, so I tend to be one of those people who doesn't read the hot, bestselling "must-read" books until everyone else on the planet has, but sometimes there's a good reason for that--and this book is a prime example of that. After finishing this book, I can only shake my head in amazement at its popularity. <hl> There's no reason to get into a "loved it/hated it" war with fans of the book. <hl> Instead, I'd like to give an honest blow-by-blow description for those who haven't read the book yet but are considering it. The book begins with about 100 pages devoted to intrigue in the world of Swedish financial publications...zzz...huh? What? Oh, I'm sorry. I fell asleep just typing that sentence, so imagine how bored I was while slogging through those dreary chapters. The book does begin to get interesting afterward, when an old man hires our intrepid main character to investigate the disappearance of his beloved relative, who vanished from an island years before in a sort of a "locked room" type mystery. During the investigation, our intrepid main character comes across a series of old murders that could be linked to the disappearance of the old man's relative. Was she the victim of a serial killer? Did she vanish because she knew too much? These plot twists make the book much more exciting--for a while. Unfortunately, though, the mystery behind the disappearance of the girl is laughably un-mysterious, and the story of the serial killer is trite, worn-out, and needed far more explanation in order to be really interesting. For instance--and I don't feel a spoiler alert is necessary here--the killer performs some strange rituals during the killings, but the reasons behind these are never explained. Once the killer is revealed, the only explanation seems to be that the killer was a nut job who did crazy things. So, in conclusion--tired plot, poorly-executed mystery, too many boring chapters about Swedish financial publications, and about 300 pages too many in general (I'm starting to think there's a dire shortage of editors in Sweden). My advice? Read at your own risk--but keep plenty of strong coffee at hand. You'll need it. | be891193bc349449cc07f7fc75e06f4a | 1 | 1 | books |
I like a book this smart and good to be a bit longer | question: What do you think about odd thomas book one?, context: I liked this so much on Tuesday that I read it a second time on Wednesday (today). In general, I like a book this smart and good to be a bit longer. A scene in Coeur d'Alene would have been so great. Mal's sisters are probably fun and how darling is he with little blond nieces and nephews? I am feeling as if the ending was rushed by a deadline. But whatever -- I've been waiting for this book since June and it was a fun two days. Five easy stars. | What do you think about odd thomas book one? | In general, I like a book this smart and good to be a bit longer . | I liked this so much on Tuesday that I read it a second time on Wednesday (today). In general, I like a book this smart and good to be a bit longer. A scene in Coeur d'Alene would have been so great. Mal's sisters are probably fun and how darling is he with little blond nieces and nephews? I am feeling as if the ending was rushed by a deadline. But whatever -- I've been waiting for this book since June and it was a fun two days. Five easy stars. | In general, <hl> I like a book this smart and good to be a bit longer <hl> . | I liked this so much on Tuesday that I read it a second time on Wednesday (today). In general, <hl> I like a book this smart and good to be a bit longer <hl>. A scene in Coeur d'Alene would have been so great. Mal's sisters are probably fun and how darling is he with little blond nieces and nephews? I am feeling as if the ending was rushed by a deadline. But whatever -- I've been waiting for this book since June and it was a fun two days. Five easy stars. | I liked this so much on Tuesday that I read it a second time on Wednesday (today). <hl> In general, I like a book this smart and good to be a bit longer . <hl> A scene in Coeur d'Alene would have been so great. Mal's sisters are probably fun and how darling is he with little blond nieces and nephews? I am feeling as if the ending was rushed by a deadline. But whatever -- I've been waiting for this book since June and it was a fun two days. Five easy stars. | 4ec65859d70a2f8bdc38c07d624b6d57 | 1 | 1 | books |
The first 550 pages are so well-written that I didn't want to put the book down | question: How is the write?, context: There was so much hype about this novel, I was anxious to read it. I had not read anything by this author so didn't know what to expect. However, I was not disappointed.The characters are strong, the descriptions of the Museum of Modern Art and various paintings, New York City, Las Vegas, and Amsterdam are vivid, and the sad life of a motherless boy are enough to recommend this book.The first 550 pages are so well-written that I didn't want to put the book down. But I did put it down, then picked up it up and it seemed as though I had never stopped! I would have given this novel 5 Stars, but after the first 550 pages, the plot got weaker and slower and stayed that way until the end.It's obvious Ms. Tartt put lots of research into her novel and she is to be commended. I will definitely read other books by her. | How is the write? | The first 550 pages are so well-written that I didn't want to put the book down . | There was so much hype about this novel, I was anxious to read it. I had not read anything by this author so didn't know what to expect. However, I was not disappointed.The characters are strong, the descriptions of the Museum of Modern Art and various paintings, New York City, Las Vegas, and Amsterdam are vivid, and the sad life of a motherless boy are enough to recommend this book.The first 550 pages are so well-written that I didn't want to put the book down. But I did put it down, then picked up it up and it seemed as though I had never stopped! I would have given this novel 5 Stars, but after the first 550 pages, the plot got weaker and slower and stayed that way until the end.It's obvious Ms. Tartt put lots of research into her novel and she is to be commended. I will definitely read other books by her. | <hl> The first 550 pages are so well-written that I didn't want to put the book down <hl> . | There was so much hype about this novel, I was anxious to read it. I had not read anything by this author so didn't know what to expect. However, I was not disappointed.The characters are strong, the descriptions of the Museum of Modern Art and various paintings, New York City, Las Vegas, and Amsterdam are vivid, and the sad life of a motherless boy are enough to recommend this book.<hl> The first 550 pages are so well-written that I didn't want to put the book down <hl>. But I did put it down, then picked up it up and it seemed as though I had never stopped! I would have given this novel 5 Stars, but after the first 550 pages, the plot got weaker and slower and stayed that way until the end.It's obvious Ms. Tartt put lots of research into her novel and she is to be commended. I will definitely read other books by her. | There was so much hype about this novel, I was anxious to read it. I had not read anything by this author so didn't know what to expect. However, I was not disappointed. The characters are strong, the descriptions of the Museum of Modern Art and various paintings, New York City, Las Vegas, and Amsterdam are vivid, and the sad life of a motherless boy are enough to recommend this book. <hl> The first 550 pages are so well-written that I didn't want to put the book down . <hl> But I did put it down, then picked up it up and it seemed as though I had never stopped! I would have given this novel 5 Stars, but after the first 550 pages, the plot got weaker and slower and stayed that way until the end. It's obvious Ms. Tartt put lots of research into her novel and she is to be commended. I will definitely read other books by her. | 64dd71a48d3255b4982dfdcc53ce82d8 | 2 | 2 | books |
Edgar flees accompanied by his best friends Almondine and two other dogs | question: What is gift?, context: In a remote part of Wisconsin, Gar Sawtelle, his wife Trudy and their young son, muteEdgar makes a living breeding and training dogs. Edgar has developed a unique special relationship with Almondine, one of the family dogs; the pair communicates in a way that his parents are unable to do with their son.The family is contented although the work with the canines is hard. When Gar's brother charming brother Claude comes home the family dynamics change but not in a positive manner. Soon after his arrival Gar dies and the silent Edgar is unable to call for help. He is filled with remorse and guilt making his grief even more difficult. However, he soon believes his father was murdered by his uncle who has spent an exorbitant amount of time with his mom. Fearing he may be next, Edgar flees accompanied by his best friends Almondine and two other dogs.Hamlet is brought into modern day Wisconsin as readers feel the destiny of tragedy will occur from the moment Claude arrives and after that happens, a sense of a second calamity once Edgar concludes his uncle killed his father to eliminate the sole barrier to his mother. Readers will be spellbound by David Wrobleweski's retelling of the classic as the key cast comes alive especially the mute Edgar who readers get to know by his thoughts and his communication with Almondine (sort of in some ways like the Ghost). This is a fascinating winner, but at 566 pages set aside some time.Harriet Klausner | What is gift? | Fearing he may be next, Edgar flees accompanied by his best friends Almondine and two other dogs .Hamlet is brought into modern day Wisconsin as readers feel the destiny of tragedy will occur from the moment Claude arrives and after that happens, a sense of a second calamity once Edgar concludes his uncle killed his father to eliminate the sole barrier to his mother. | In a remote part of Wisconsin, Gar Sawtelle, his wife Trudy and their young son, muteEdgar makes a living breeding and training dogs. Edgar has developed a unique special relationship with Almondine, one of the family dogs; the pair communicates in a way that his parents are unable to do with their son.The family is contented although the work with the canines is hard. When Gar's brother charming brother Claude comes home the family dynamics change but not in a positive manner. Soon after his arrival Gar dies and the silent Edgar is unable to call for help. He is filled with remorse and guilt making his grief even more difficult. However, he soon believes his father was murdered by his uncle who has spent an exorbitant amount of time with his mom. Fearing he may be next, Edgar flees accompanied by his best friends Almondine and two other dogs.Hamlet is brought into modern day Wisconsin as readers feel the destiny of tragedy will occur from the moment Claude arrives and after that happens, a sense of a second calamity once Edgar concludes his uncle killed his father to eliminate the sole barrier to his mother. Readers will be spellbound by David Wrobleweski's retelling of the classic as the key cast comes alive especially the mute Edgar who readers get to know by his thoughts and his communication with Almondine (sort of in some ways like the Ghost). This is a fascinating winner, but at 566 pages set aside some time.Harriet Klausner | Fearing he may be next, <hl> Edgar flees accompanied by his best friends Almondine and two other dogs <hl> .Hamlet is brought into modern day Wisconsin as readers feel the destiny of tragedy will occur from the moment Claude arrives and after that happens, a sense of a second calamity once Edgar concludes his uncle killed his father to eliminate the sole barrier to his mother. | In a remote part of Wisconsin, Gar Sawtelle, his wife Trudy and their young son, muteEdgar makes a living breeding and training dogs. Edgar has developed a unique special relationship with Almondine, one of the family dogs; the pair communicates in a way that his parents are unable to do with their son.The family is contented although the work with the canines is hard. When Gar's brother charming brother Claude comes home the family dynamics change but not in a positive manner. Soon after his arrival Gar dies and the silent Edgar is unable to call for help. He is filled with remorse and guilt making his grief even more difficult. However, he soon believes his father was murdered by his uncle who has spent an exorbitant amount of time with his mom. Fearing he may be next, <hl> Edgar flees accompanied by his best friends Almondine and two other dogs <hl>.Hamlet is brought into modern day Wisconsin as readers feel the destiny of tragedy will occur from the moment Claude arrives and after that happens, a sense of a second calamity once Edgar concludes his uncle killed his father to eliminate the sole barrier to his mother. Readers will be spellbound by David Wrobleweski's retelling of the classic as the key cast comes alive especially the mute Edgar who readers get to know by his thoughts and his communication with Almondine (sort of in some ways like the Ghost). This is a fascinating winner, but at 566 pages set aside some time.Harriet Klausner | In a remote part of Wisconsin, Gar Sawtelle, his wife Trudy and their young son, muteEdgar makes a living breeding and training dogs. Edgar has developed a unique special relationship with Almondine, one of the family dogs; the pair communicates in a way that his parents are unable to do with their son. The family is contented although the work with the canines is hard. When Gar's brother charming brother Claude comes home the family dynamics change but not in a positive manner. Soon after his arrival Gar dies and the silent Edgar is unable to call for help. He is filled with remorse and guilt making his grief even more difficult. However, he soon believes his father was murdered by his uncle who has spent an exorbitant amount of time with his mom. <hl> Fearing he may be next, Edgar flees accompanied by his best friends Almondine and two other dogs .Hamlet is brought into modern day Wisconsin as readers feel the destiny of tragedy will occur from the moment Claude arrives and after that happens, a sense of a second calamity once Edgar concludes his uncle killed his father to eliminate the sole barrier to his mother. <hl> Readers will be spellbound by David Wrobleweski's retelling of the classic as the key cast comes alive especially the mute Edgar who readers get to know by his thoughts and his communication with Almondine (sort of in some ways like the Ghost). This is a fascinating winner, but at 566 pages set aside some time. Harriet Klausner | 35e0435a2a7f7060a007159b1597b141 | 1 | 1 | books |
how | question: How is the friend?, context: After hearing from a few blogger friends how hilarious and great this book was, I was really looking forward to listen to the audiobook of it. It was just as fun as I thought it would be, but also had a greater story than I imagined it would. Not only was it laugh out loud funny, but it was really sweet too. I really came to like the characters a lot. Not just Caroline and Simon, but all of them. I wanted to get to know all of them! But besides that, you would assume that this book is all about sex by the cover and synopsis, but it's really not. In fact, I was actually surprised by how little actual sex was in the book. Instead, it was a great story about getting to know each other and getting to know themselves along the way.Caroline was an incredibly fun character. She is successful, smart, has awesome friends, has a kickass cat, and is in general pretty happy with her life. One exception is her missing "O". That's right, she has lost her orgasm. Now in a new apartment, she finds out the first night that her neighbor has some pretty amazing sex. Proof being that his "Wallbanging" knocks a picture off her wall! Not only that, but his partners are all quite entertaining with their vocals. Caroline has a funny nickname for each of them! The best thing about Caroline was her inner dialogue. OMG she was so funny. She gets really irritated by Simon at first, but they finally make a truce and she finds that she likes spending time with him and getting to know him. I love that she was a very strong and independent woman, and she wasn't going to just fall at his feet like every other girl. If she was going to have him, she would be the only one.Simon was awesome!! He is charming, funny, sexy, and also has a broken side to him that he keeps hidden. It's in no way some super secret thing or anything, but it was really great to see him slowly figure out himself while trying to figure out Caroline. He was my favorite character I think. He was honest and up front about things, but he wasn't really into talking about personal things. He does eventually open up and I loved seeing him really let someone in. He was so different with Caroline than he seemed around everyone else. You could tell he really cared about her way before she could actually tell.The chemistry between them is great. You knew they were great for each other, but they both kept it strictly friends. It was so fun to see them go from pretty much hating each other, to tolerating each other, to a growing friendship and spending time together. Movie nights, cooking together, just hanging out. They fell into such a comfortable and routine companionship that it was so obvious that they were falling for each other, and only they couldn't see it. It was a nice change to have a slow build up since so many books are insta love now. Them getting to know each other made the story so great!!I listened to the audio and I have to say that the narrator was really great at putting the emotion into the book. She really brought Caroline to life. If she was angry, sad, happy, whatever, you knew. He doing the male voice was pretty good too. I find that it's a lot easier for male narrators to do a female voice, than a female trying to do a male voice so I tend to not be too bothered by that. The only bad thing about the narrator being so into the reading was the steamy scenes. She gets very into the moaning and groaning, and it made me feel a little awkward listening to it. It felt like I was intruding on something personal lol!! Luckily there aren't all that many scenes like that so there was a minimum to my blushing. The rest of the book was made better by how much the narrator really got into it though. I have put her on my list of awesome narrators.This book was a perfect mix of steamy and hilarious. I found myself literally laughing out loud at some points. (and getting some really weird looks). It was fun and entertaining and I didn't want to put it down. This book did really great in both the plot and character development. I found myself lost in the book and feeling like these were people I actually knew and hung out with! I cared about the outcome of their situations and I wanted them to be happy. I love when a book can really suck me in like that, and this one sure did! Bonus points also because we get a chapter from her cat which was super fun!!* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation. | How is the friend? | After hearing from a few blogger friends how hilarious and great this book was, I was really looking forward to listen to the audiobook of it. | After hearing from a few blogger friends how hilarious and great this book was, I was really looking forward to listen to the audiobook of it. It was just as fun as I thought it would be, but also had a greater story than I imagined it would. Not only was it laugh out loud funny, but it was really sweet too. I really came to like the characters a lot. Not just Caroline and Simon, but all of them. I wanted to get to know all of them! But besides that, you would assume that this book is all about sex by the cover and synopsis, but it's really not. In fact, I was actually surprised by how little actual sex was in the book. Instead, it was a great story about getting to know each other and getting to know themselves along the way.Caroline was an incredibly fun character. She is successful, smart, has awesome friends, has a kickass cat, and is in general pretty happy with her life. One exception is her missing "O". That's right, she has lost her orgasm. Now in a new apartment, she finds out the first night that her neighbor has some pretty amazing sex. Proof being that his "Wallbanging" knocks a picture off her wall! Not only that, but his partners are all quite entertaining with their vocals. Caroline has a funny nickname for each of them! The best thing about Caroline was her inner dialogue. OMG she was so funny. She gets really irritated by Simon at first, but they finally make a truce and she finds that she likes spending time with him and getting to know him. I love that she was a very strong and independent woman, and she wasn't going to just fall at his feet like every other girl. If she was going to have him, she would be the only one.Simon was awesome!! He is charming, funny, sexy, and also has a broken side to him that he keeps hidden. It's in no way some super secret thing or anything, but it was really great to see him slowly figure out himself while trying to figure out Caroline. He was my favorite character I think. He was honest and up front about things, but he wasn't really into talking about personal things. He does eventually open up and I loved seeing him really let someone in. He was so different with Caroline than he seemed around everyone else. You could tell he really cared about her way before she could actually tell.The chemistry between them is great. You knew they were great for each other, but they both kept it strictly friends. It was so fun to see them go from pretty much hating each other, to tolerating each other, to a growing friendship and spending time together. Movie nights, cooking together, just hanging out. They fell into such a comfortable and routine companionship that it was so obvious that they were falling for each other, and only they couldn't see it. It was a nice change to have a slow build up since so many books are insta love now. Them getting to know each other made the story so great!!I listened to the audio and I have to say that the narrator was really great at putting the emotion into the book. She really brought Caroline to life. If she was angry, sad, happy, whatever, you knew. He doing the male voice was pretty good too. I find that it's a lot easier for male narrators to do a female voice, than a female trying to do a male voice so I tend to not be too bothered by that. The only bad thing about the narrator being so into the reading was the steamy scenes. She gets very into the moaning and groaning, and it made me feel a little awkward listening to it. It felt like I was intruding on something personal lol!! Luckily there aren't all that many scenes like that so there was a minimum to my blushing. The rest of the book was made better by how much the narrator really got into it though. I have put her on my list of awesome narrators.This book was a perfect mix of steamy and hilarious. I found myself literally laughing out loud at some points. (and getting some really weird looks). It was fun and entertaining and I didn't want to put it down. This book did really great in both the plot and character development. I found myself lost in the book and feeling like these were people I actually knew and hung out with! I cared about the outcome of their situations and I wanted them to be happy. I love when a book can really suck me in like that, and this one sure did! Bonus points also because we get a chapter from her cat which was super fun!!* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation. | After hearing from a few blogger friends <hl> how <hl> hilarious and great this book was, I was really looking forward to listen to the audiobook of it. | After hearing from a few blogger friends <hl> how <hl> hilarious and great this book was, I was really looking forward to listen to the audiobook of it. It was just as fun as I thought it would be, but also had a greater story than I imagined it would. Not only was it laugh out loud funny, but it was really sweet too. I really came to like the characters a lot. Not just Caroline and Simon, but all of them. I wanted to get to know all of them! But besides that, you would assume that this book is all about sex by the cover and synopsis, but it's really not. In fact, I was actually surprised by how little actual sex was in the book. Instead, it was a great story about getting to know each other and getting to know themselves along the way.Caroline was an incredibly fun character. She is successful, smart, has awesome friends, has a kickass cat, and is in general pretty happy with her life. One exception is her missing "O". That's right, she has lost her orgasm. Now in a new apartment, she finds out the first night that her neighbor has some pretty amazing sex. Proof being that his "Wallbanging" knocks a picture off her wall! Not only that, but his partners are all quite entertaining with their vocals. Caroline has a funny nickname for each of them! The best thing about Caroline was her inner dialogue. OMG she was so funny. She gets really irritated by Simon at first, but they finally make a truce and she finds that she likes spending time with him and getting to know him. I love that she was a very strong and independent woman, and she wasn't going to just fall at his feet like every other girl. If she was going to have him, she would be the only one.Simon was awesome!! He is charming, funny, sexy, and also has a broken side to him that he keeps hidden. It's in no way some super secret thing or anything, but it was really great to see him slowly figure out himself while trying to figure out Caroline. He was my favorite character I think. He was honest and up front about things, but he wasn't really into talking about personal things. He does eventually open up and I loved seeing him really let someone in. He was so different with Caroline than he seemed around everyone else. You could tell he really cared about her way before she could actually tell.The chemistry between them is great. You knew they were great for each other, but they both kept it strictly friends. It was so fun to see them go from pretty much hating each other, to tolerating each other, to a growing friendship and spending time together. Movie nights, cooking together, just hanging out. They fell into such a comfortable and routine companionship that it was so obvious that they were falling for each other, and only they couldn't see it. It was a nice change to have a slow build up since so many books are insta love now. Them getting to know each other made the story so great!!I listened to the audio and I have to say that the narrator was really great at putting the emotion into the book. She really brought Caroline to life. If she was angry, sad, happy, whatever, you knew. He doing the male voice was pretty good too. I find that it's a lot easier for male narrators to do a female voice, than a female trying to do a male voice so I tend to not be too bothered by that. The only bad thing about the narrator being so into the reading was the steamy scenes. She gets very into the moaning and groaning, and it made me feel a little awkward listening to it. It felt like I was intruding on something personal lol!! Luckily there aren't all that many scenes like that so there was a minimum to my blushing. The rest of the book was made better by how much the narrator really got into it though. I have put her on my list of awesome narrators.This book was a perfect mix of steamy and hilarious. I found myself literally laughing out loud at some points. (and getting some really weird looks). It was fun and entertaining and I didn't want to put it down. This book did really great in both the plot and character development. I found myself lost in the book and feeling like these were people I actually knew and hung out with! I cared about the outcome of their situations and I wanted them to be happy. I love when a book can really suck me in like that, and this one sure did! Bonus points also because we get a chapter from her cat which was super fun!!* A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation. | <hl> After hearing from a few blogger friends how hilarious and great this book was, I was really looking forward to listen to the audiobook of it. <hl> It was just as fun as I thought it would be, but also had a greater story than I imagined it would. Not only was it laugh out loud funny, but it was really sweet too. I really came to like the characters a lot. Not just Caroline and Simon, but all of them. I wanted to get to know all of them! But besides that, you would assume that this book is all about sex by the cover and synopsis, but it's really not. In fact, I was actually surprised by how little actual sex was in the book. Instead, it was a great story about getting to know each other and getting to know themselves along the way. Caroline was an incredibly fun character. She is successful, smart, has awesome friends, has a kickass cat, and is in general pretty happy with her life. One exception is her missing "O". That's right, she has lost her orgasm. Now in a new apartment, she finds out the first night that her neighbor has some pretty amazing sex. Proof being that his "Wallbanging" knocks a picture off her wall! Not only that, but his partners are all quite entertaining with their vocals. Caroline has a funny nickname for each of them! The best thing about Caroline was her inner dialogue. OMG she was so funny. She gets really irritated by Simon at first, but they finally make a truce and she finds that she likes spending time with him and getting to know him. I love that she was a very strong and independent woman, and she wasn't going to just fall at his feet like every other girl. If she was going to have him, she would be the only one. Simon was awesome!! He is charming, funny, sexy, and also has a broken side to him that he keeps hidden. It's in no way some super secret thing or anything, but it was really great to see him slowly figure out himself while trying to figure out Caroline. He was my favorite character I think. He was honest and up front about things, but he wasn't really into talking about personal things. He does eventually open up and I loved seeing him really let someone in. He was so different with Caroline than he seemed around everyone else. You could tell he really cared about her way before she could actually tell. The chemistry between them is great. You knew they were great for each other, but they both kept it strictly friends. It was so fun to see them go from pretty much hating each other, to tolerating each other, to a growing friendship and spending time together. Movie nights, cooking together, just hanging out. They fell into such a comfortable and routine companionship that it was so obvious that they were falling for each other, and only they couldn't see it. It was a nice change to have a slow build up since so many books are insta love now. Them getting to know each other made the story so great!!I listened to the audio and I have to say that the narrator was really great at putting the emotion into the book. She really brought Caroline to life. If she was angry, sad, happy, whatever, you knew. He doing the male voice was pretty good too. I find that it's a lot easier for male narrators to do a female voice, than a female trying to do a male voice so I tend to not be too bothered by that. The only bad thing about the narrator being so into the reading was the steamy scenes. She gets very into the moaning and groaning, and it made me feel a little awkward listening to it. It felt like I was intruding on something personal lol!! Luckily there aren't all that many scenes like that so there was a minimum to my blushing. The rest of the book was made better by how much the narrator really got into it though. I have put her on my list of awesome narrators. This book was a perfect mix of steamy and hilarious. I found myself literally laughing out loud at some points. (and getting some really weird looks). It was fun and entertaining and I didn't want to put it down. This book did really great in both the plot and character development. I found myself lost in the book and feeling like these were people I actually knew and hung out with! I cared about the outcome of their situations and I wanted them to be happy. I love when a book can really suck me in like that, and this one sure did! Bonus points also because we get a chapter from her cat which was super fun!! * A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for an honest review. I did not receive any compensation. | c56f95c45c2f4cadc77b1783f3b77afb | 1 | 5 | books |
the story is good | question: What is the sentiment of the story?, context: There are times when a book rises to the top not because of story or imagination, but purely based on the authors ability to grip you and keep you hooked. Hunger Games falls into that category and Collins deserves high praise for producing a page turning epic. The idea is not wholly original; the theme of struggle in an apocalyptic future having been presented in uncountable variations. Yet readers will find themselves instantly engaged finding difficulty putting this book down as the pacing of the action throughout the whole book is outstanding.The story revolves around the idea of a distant and vague future where the vast bulk of the population is controlled by a central capital city. Living in separate districts, the general population lives in squalor while forced to produce and serve the capital city. To remind the districts who is in control, the capital city forces each district to produce two children for the Hunger Games, where they fight to the death for the entertainment of the Capital.The idea is unquestionably violent as it contains elements that will make most people shudder. But one cannot help feel that Collins is delivering a message, perhaps aimed directly at those that would deliberately turn a blind eye toward the topic. When you consider life in a first world nation where our biggest concerns often revolve around cars, clothes, and the newest smart phones and tech gadgets, while third world nations filled with people that live in squalor are invaded for oil or work for ridiculously low wages to export cheap products to the rest of us, you really have to wonder. We have athletes that come from nations where potable water is often a luxury and we marvel at their athletic prowess and turn them into millionaires if they succeed, but send them packing back to their nations of poverty without a second thought if they fail. What is Collins really saying here? The Capital City may or may not represent anything, but you will look at your values a bit differently after finishing Hunger Games. There is a lot to be said for packing in a message this powerful in a book about children.The result is a very sad and violent epic, wrought with conflict and wrapped around a complex love story. While the story is good, the writing is unquestionably exquisite. Collins has the ability to pull you in with nearly every page, resulting in a book that is not just hard to put down, but one you will race to get back to until you finish. | What is the sentiment of the story? | While the story is good , the writing is unquestionably exquisite. | There are times when a book rises to the top not because of story or imagination, but purely based on the authors ability to grip you and keep you hooked. Hunger Games falls into that category and Collins deserves high praise for producing a page turning epic. The idea is not wholly original; the theme of struggle in an apocalyptic future having been presented in uncountable variations. Yet readers will find themselves instantly engaged finding difficulty putting this book down as the pacing of the action throughout the whole book is outstanding.The story revolves around the idea of a distant and vague future where the vast bulk of the population is controlled by a central capital city. Living in separate districts, the general population lives in squalor while forced to produce and serve the capital city. To remind the districts who is in control, the capital city forces each district to produce two children for the Hunger Games, where they fight to the death for the entertainment of the Capital.The idea is unquestionably violent as it contains elements that will make most people shudder. But one cannot help feel that Collins is delivering a message, perhaps aimed directly at those that would deliberately turn a blind eye toward the topic. When you consider life in a first world nation where our biggest concerns often revolve around cars, clothes, and the newest smart phones and tech gadgets, while third world nations filled with people that live in squalor are invaded for oil or work for ridiculously low wages to export cheap products to the rest of us, you really have to wonder. We have athletes that come from nations where potable water is often a luxury and we marvel at their athletic prowess and turn them into millionaires if they succeed, but send them packing back to their nations of poverty without a second thought if they fail. What is Collins really saying here? The Capital City may or may not represent anything, but you will look at your values a bit differently after finishing Hunger Games. There is a lot to be said for packing in a message this powerful in a book about children.The result is a very sad and violent epic, wrought with conflict and wrapped around a complex love story. While the story is good, the writing is unquestionably exquisite. Collins has the ability to pull you in with nearly every page, resulting in a book that is not just hard to put down, but one you will race to get back to until you finish. | While <hl> the story is good <hl> , the writing is unquestionably exquisite. | There are times when a book rises to the top not because of story or imagination, but purely based on the authors ability to grip you and keep you hooked. Hunger Games falls into that category and Collins deserves high praise for producing a page turning epic. The idea is not wholly original; the theme of struggle in an apocalyptic future having been presented in uncountable variations. Yet readers will find themselves instantly engaged finding difficulty putting this book down as the pacing of the action throughout the whole book is outstanding.The story revolves around the idea of a distant and vague future where the vast bulk of the population is controlled by a central capital city. Living in separate districts, the general population lives in squalor while forced to produce and serve the capital city. To remind the districts who is in control, the capital city forces each district to produce two children for the Hunger Games, where they fight to the death for the entertainment of the Capital.The idea is unquestionably violent as it contains elements that will make most people shudder. But one cannot help feel that Collins is delivering a message, perhaps aimed directly at those that would deliberately turn a blind eye toward the topic. When you consider life in a first world nation where our biggest concerns often revolve around cars, clothes, and the newest smart phones and tech gadgets, while third world nations filled with people that live in squalor are invaded for oil or work for ridiculously low wages to export cheap products to the rest of us, you really have to wonder. We have athletes that come from nations where potable water is often a luxury and we marvel at their athletic prowess and turn them into millionaires if they succeed, but send them packing back to their nations of poverty without a second thought if they fail. What is Collins really saying here? The Capital City may or may not represent anything, but you will look at your values a bit differently after finishing Hunger Games. There is a lot to be said for packing in a message this powerful in a book about children.The result is a very sad and violent epic, wrought with conflict and wrapped around a complex love story. While <hl> the story is good <hl>, the writing is unquestionably exquisite. Collins has the ability to pull you in with nearly every page, resulting in a book that is not just hard to put down, but one you will race to get back to until you finish. | There are times when a book rises to the top not because of story or imagination, but purely based on the authors ability to grip you and keep you hooked. Hunger Games falls into that category and Collins deserves high praise for producing a page turning epic. The idea is not wholly original; the theme of struggle in an apocalyptic future having been presented in uncountable variations. Yet readers will find themselves instantly engaged finding difficulty putting this book down as the pacing of the action throughout the whole book is outstanding. The story revolves around the idea of a distant and vague future where the vast bulk of the population is controlled by a central capital city. Living in separate districts, the general population lives in squalor while forced to produce and serve the capital city. To remind the districts who is in control, the capital city forces each district to produce two children for the Hunger Games, where they fight to the death for the entertainment of the Capital. The idea is unquestionably violent as it contains elements that will make most people shudder. But one cannot help feel that Collins is delivering a message, perhaps aimed directly at those that would deliberately turn a blind eye toward the topic. When you consider life in a first world nation where our biggest concerns often revolve around cars, clothes, and the newest smart phones and tech gadgets, while third world nations filled with people that live in squalor are invaded for oil or work for ridiculously low wages to export cheap products to the rest of us, you really have to wonder. We have athletes that come from nations where potable water is often a luxury and we marvel at their athletic prowess and turn them into millionaires if they succeed, but send them packing back to their nations of poverty without a second thought if they fail. What is Collins really saying here? The Capital City may or may not represent anything, but you will look at your values a bit differently after finishing Hunger Games. There is a lot to be said for packing in a message this powerful in a book about children. The result is a very sad and violent epic, wrought with conflict and wrapped around a complex love story. <hl> While the story is good , the writing is unquestionably exquisite. <hl> Collins has the ability to pull you in with nearly every page, resulting in a book that is not just hard to put down, but one you will race to get back to until you finish. | 884dc8deab7ce2c73002da92b957f34e | 1 | 1 | books |
in MY opinion, is NOT a sex book | question: How is the sex?, context: *For Mature Audiences Only*Ok, I'm just gone get right to it. This book, in MY opinion, is NOT a sex book. A sex book is when 90% of the book is all sex scenes. That's not 50 Shades. While several scenes in the book are graphic, the storyline overshadows them. This is a book of a love story between 2 people who are as different from each other as night and day. I feel the storyline overshadows the sex scenes because I found myself more intrigued with the characters actions, not the characters activities. Again, this book is for MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY and I would not recommend it to anyone otherwise because there is something to be seen past the sex scenes. It was definitely a page turner and I will be purchasing book 2 and 3 this weekend. Each is own but I loved it! | How is the sex? | This book, in MY opinion, is NOT a sex book . | *For Mature Audiences Only*Ok, I'm just gone get right to it. This book, in MY opinion, is NOT a sex book. A sex book is when 90% of the book is all sex scenes. That's not 50 Shades. While several scenes in the book are graphic, the storyline overshadows them. This is a book of a love story between 2 people who are as different from each other as night and day. I feel the storyline overshadows the sex scenes because I found myself more intrigued with the characters actions, not the characters activities. Again, this book is for MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY and I would not recommend it to anyone otherwise because there is something to be seen past the sex scenes. It was definitely a page turner and I will be purchasing book 2 and 3 this weekend. Each is own but I loved it! | This book, <hl> in MY opinion, is NOT a sex book <hl> . | *For Mature Audiences Only*Ok, I'm just gone get right to it. This book, <hl> in MY opinion, is NOT a sex book <hl>. A sex book is when 90% of the book is all sex scenes. That's not 50 Shades. While several scenes in the book are graphic, the storyline overshadows them. This is a book of a love story between 2 people who are as different from each other as night and day. I feel the storyline overshadows the sex scenes because I found myself more intrigued with the characters actions, not the characters activities. Again, this book is for MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY and I would not recommend it to anyone otherwise because there is something to be seen past the sex scenes. It was definitely a page turner and I will be purchasing book 2 and 3 this weekend. Each is own but I loved it! | *For Mature Audiences Only*Ok, I'm just gone get right to it. <hl> This book, in MY opinion, is NOT a sex book . <hl> A sex book is when 90% of the book is all sex scenes. That's not 50 Shades. While several scenes in the book are graphic, the storyline overshadows them. This is a book of a love story between 2 people who are as different from each other as night and day. I feel the storyline overshadows the sex scenes because I found myself more intrigued with the characters actions, not the characters activities. Again, this book is for MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY and I would not recommend it to anyone otherwise because there is something to be seen past the sex scenes. It was definitely a page turner and I will be purchasing book 2 and 3 this weekend. Each is own but I loved it! | 5deeeaa49bfda5547a21d4ded3f22f24 | 1 | 1 | books |
A man who is driven to meet his clients in a Lincoln and runs his business from that same Lincoln | question: Who was the narrator?, context: From the beginning of this series of books, Connelly has presented the character as an extremely flawed person. He is a lawyer with no office. A man who is driven to meet his clients in a Lincoln and runs his business from that same Lincoln.In the beginning, Haller was presented as a man who only did what he did for money. As the series progresses, he is shown as a more caring person and a man who wants to protect the clients he represents.This book starts out a bit slow. But, it rapidly speeds up, The murder occurs, the client is arrested and then the legal and political maneuvering starts. The pace picks up as one of the series long time characters is killed. Haller starts to deal with even more guilt and angst than he usually.The pace continues until his client is stabbed and lies near death, Haller somehow pulls off both legal and medical miracles that leads to a tense, horrible courtroom finale. A finale that probably another lawyer would not have the courage or the determination to pull off. But Haller always takes care of his clients. The finale is one that you will remember for a good bit.I think Connelly is the second or third best American criminal writer. I have Amazon send me his books on the day they are published and I expect I always will.If you a good, tense read that involves you in the characters, the crime and the ultimate trial. This is the book for you. | Who was the narrator? | A man who is driven to meet his clients in a Lincoln and runs his business from that same Lincoln .In the beginning, Haller was presented as a man who only did what he did for money. | From the beginning of this series of books, Connelly has presented the character as an extremely flawed person. He is a lawyer with no office. A man who is driven to meet his clients in a Lincoln and runs his business from that same Lincoln.In the beginning, Haller was presented as a man who only did what he did for money. As the series progresses, he is shown as a more caring person and a man who wants to protect the clients he represents.This book starts out a bit slow. But, it rapidly speeds up, The murder occurs, the client is arrested and then the legal and political maneuvering starts. The pace picks up as one of the series long time characters is killed. Haller starts to deal with even more guilt and angst than he usually.The pace continues until his client is stabbed and lies near death, Haller somehow pulls off both legal and medical miracles that leads to a tense, horrible courtroom finale. A finale that probably another lawyer would not have the courage or the determination to pull off. But Haller always takes care of his clients. The finale is one that you will remember for a good bit.I think Connelly is the second or third best American criminal writer. I have Amazon send me his books on the day they are published and I expect I always will.If you a good, tense read that involves you in the characters, the crime and the ultimate trial. This is the book for you. | <hl> A man who is driven to meet his clients in a Lincoln and runs his business from that same Lincoln <hl> .In the beginning, Haller was presented as a man who only did what he did for money. | From the beginning of this series of books, Connelly has presented the character as an extremely flawed person. He is a lawyer with no office. <hl> A man who is driven to meet his clients in a Lincoln and runs his business from that same Lincoln <hl>.In the beginning, Haller was presented as a man who only did what he did for money. As the series progresses, he is shown as a more caring person and a man who wants to protect the clients he represents.This book starts out a bit slow. But, it rapidly speeds up, The murder occurs, the client is arrested and then the legal and political maneuvering starts. The pace picks up as one of the series long time characters is killed. Haller starts to deal with even more guilt and angst than he usually.The pace continues until his client is stabbed and lies near death, Haller somehow pulls off both legal and medical miracles that leads to a tense, horrible courtroom finale. A finale that probably another lawyer would not have the courage or the determination to pull off. But Haller always takes care of his clients. The finale is one that you will remember for a good bit.I think Connelly is the second or third best American criminal writer. I have Amazon send me his books on the day they are published and I expect I always will.If you a good, tense read that involves you in the characters, the crime and the ultimate trial. This is the book for you. | From the beginning of this series of books, Connelly has presented the character as an extremely flawed person. He is a lawyer with no office. <hl> A man who is driven to meet his clients in a Lincoln and runs his business from that same Lincoln .In the beginning, Haller was presented as a man who only did what he did for money. <hl> As the series progresses, he is shown as a more caring person and a man who wants to protect the clients he represents. This book starts out a bit slow. But, it rapidly speeds up, The murder occurs, the client is arrested and then the legal and political maneuvering starts. The pace picks up as one of the series long time characters is killed. Haller starts to deal with even more guilt and angst than he usually. The pace continues until his client is stabbed and lies near death, Haller somehow pulls off both legal and medical miracles that leads to a tense, horrible courtroom finale. A finale that probably another lawyer would not have the courage or the determination to pull off. But Haller always takes care of his clients. The finale is one that you will remember for a good bit. I think Connelly is the second or third best American criminal writer. I have Amazon send me his books on the day they are published and I expect I always will. If you a good, tense read that involves you in the characters, the crime and the ultimate trial. This is the book for you. | a7380ea9e4ae8e0d3c3b3d3ede4c4b2e | 1 | 1 | books |
the ending left me with a sick feeling in my stomach | question: How do you like the end?, context: This novel is full of twisty turns. I was halfway through the book when all of a sudden I had a huge ah-ha! moment. The writing was really good, and the story was clever. I won't be recommending it to my friends because the ending left me with a sick feeling in my stomach, but I am glad I read it nonetheless. | How do you like the end? | I won't be recommending it to my friends because the ending left me with a sick feeling in my stomach , but I am glad I read it nonetheless. | This novel is full of twisty turns. I was halfway through the book when all of a sudden I had a huge ah-ha! moment. The writing was really good, and the story was clever. I won't be recommending it to my friends because the ending left me with a sick feeling in my stomach, but I am glad I read it nonetheless. | I won't be recommending it to my friends because <hl> the ending left me with a sick feeling in my stomach <hl> , but I am glad I read it nonetheless. | This novel is full of twisty turns. I was halfway through the book when all of a sudden I had a huge ah-ha! moment. The writing was really good, and the story was clever. I won't be recommending it to my friends because <hl> the ending left me with a sick feeling in my stomach <hl>, but I am glad I read it nonetheless. | This novel is full of twisty turns. I was halfway through the book when all of a sudden I had a huge ah-ha! moment. The writing was really good, and the story was clever. <hl> I won't be recommending it to my friends because the ending left me with a sick feeling in my stomach , but I am glad I read it nonetheless. <hl> | 5cdeb8dd18a67b4f48a93b232eb5b197 | 2 | 2 | books |
The story is a mystery novel | question: How is the story in the book?, context: The story is a mystery novel. The main character, Mikael Blomkvist, is a journalist who was hired by a rich old man to take another look at the disturbing disappearance of a family member. A second main character, Lisbeth Salander, is a computer hacker with lots of *personal* issues due to its own sad life story. Being misunderstood from young age, and exploited in later parts of her life, she has very little trust in about basically everything that society has to offer: the authorities, work colleagues, and consequently has almost no friends to relay on. However, being highly intelligent, she manages to get through life in very original ways.As expected in the genre, the books starts by jumping from Mikael story line, to Lisbeth's plot, and eventually both stories intersect and a joint story-line emerges. Two things that I've noted while reading: First, in contrast to many similar novels that usually takes several background chapters before they become interesting, this books is very engaging from the first pages. This is probably due to Lisbeth, who is a very original and interesting character. Second, the flow and pace of the book is great: it starts interesting, and half way through you simply cannot put it down as you want to see what happens next. Lisbeth's character is very interesting, and it is especially intriguing to learn her way of thinking about different issues, and her biased, yet logical view of reality.Great fun, read and enjoy. By the way, I know there is a (Hollywood) movie around the corner for the book. However, I think that in this case I recommend reading the book before watching the movie, as I'm not sure that a movie script can make a good case of presenting Lisbeth's unique thought process. | How is the story in the book? | The story is a mystery novel . | The story is a mystery novel. The main character, Mikael Blomkvist, is a journalist who was hired by a rich old man to take another look at the disturbing disappearance of a family member. A second main character, Lisbeth Salander, is a computer hacker with lots of *personal* issues due to its own sad life story. Being misunderstood from young age, and exploited in later parts of her life, she has very little trust in about basically everything that society has to offer: the authorities, work colleagues, and consequently has almost no friends to relay on. However, being highly intelligent, she manages to get through life in very original ways.As expected in the genre, the books starts by jumping from Mikael story line, to Lisbeth's plot, and eventually both stories intersect and a joint story-line emerges. Two things that I've noted while reading: First, in contrast to many similar novels that usually takes several background chapters before they become interesting, this books is very engaging from the first pages. This is probably due to Lisbeth, who is a very original and interesting character. Second, the flow and pace of the book is great: it starts interesting, and half way through you simply cannot put it down as you want to see what happens next. Lisbeth's character is very interesting, and it is especially intriguing to learn her way of thinking about different issues, and her biased, yet logical view of reality.Great fun, read and enjoy. By the way, I know there is a (Hollywood) movie around the corner for the book. However, I think that in this case I recommend reading the book before watching the movie, as I'm not sure that a movie script can make a good case of presenting Lisbeth's unique thought process. | <hl> The story is a mystery novel <hl> . | <hl> The story is a mystery novel <hl>. The main character, Mikael Blomkvist, is a journalist who was hired by a rich old man to take another look at the disturbing disappearance of a family member. A second main character, Lisbeth Salander, is a computer hacker with lots of *personal* issues due to its own sad life story. Being misunderstood from young age, and exploited in later parts of her life, she has very little trust in about basically everything that society has to offer: the authorities, work colleagues, and consequently has almost no friends to relay on. However, being highly intelligent, she manages to get through life in very original ways.As expected in the genre, the books starts by jumping from Mikael story line, to Lisbeth's plot, and eventually both stories intersect and a joint story-line emerges. Two things that I've noted while reading: First, in contrast to many similar novels that usually takes several background chapters before they become interesting, this books is very engaging from the first pages. This is probably due to Lisbeth, who is a very original and interesting character. Second, the flow and pace of the book is great: it starts interesting, and half way through you simply cannot put it down as you want to see what happens next. Lisbeth's character is very interesting, and it is especially intriguing to learn her way of thinking about different issues, and her biased, yet logical view of reality.Great fun, read and enjoy. By the way, I know there is a (Hollywood) movie around the corner for the book. However, I think that in this case I recommend reading the book before watching the movie, as I'm not sure that a movie script can make a good case of presenting Lisbeth's unique thought process. | <hl> The story is a mystery novel . <hl> The main character, Mikael Blomkvist, is a journalist who was hired by a rich old man to take another look at the disturbing disappearance of a family member. A second main character, Lisbeth Salander, is a computer hacker with lots of *personal* issues due to its own sad life story. Being misunderstood from young age, and exploited in later parts of her life, she has very little trust in about basically everything that society has to offer: the authorities, work colleagues, and consequently has almost no friends to relay on. However, being highly intelligent, she manages to get through life in very original ways. As expected in the genre, the books starts by jumping from Mikael story line, to Lisbeth's plot, and eventually both stories intersect and a joint story-line emerges. Two things that I've noted while reading: First, in contrast to many similar novels that usually takes several background chapters before they become interesting, this books is very engaging from the first pages. This is probably due to Lisbeth, who is a very original and interesting character. Second, the flow and pace of the book is great: it starts interesting, and half way through you simply cannot put it down as you want to see what happens next. Lisbeth's character is very interesting, and it is especially intriguing to learn her way of thinking about different issues, and her biased, yet logical view of reality. Great fun, read and enjoy. By the way, I know there is a (Hollywood) movie around the corner for the book. However, I think that in this case I recommend reading the book before watching the movie, as I'm not sure that a movie script can make a good case of presenting Lisbeth's unique thought process. | 591c8a7151802856828bf2bbcf98ece2 | 1 | 1 | books |
the recipes are easy to follow | question: What do you think about recipe?, context: This is without a doubt one of the best presented Paleo/SCD recipe books. The pictures are amazing, presentation is top-notch, the recipes are easy to follow, the writing is friendly and relateable. It's really a beautiful book to have in your collection. However, there are a some things glaringly missing, while other are provided in a surprising excess.The book has no recipes that include rutabaga, turnips, parsnips, radishes, eggplant, cabbage, beets appear once, and much to my surprise, it's extremely thin on greens (Paleo is supposed to be big on green leaves). Sure, there are a few recipes with spinach, salad greens and bok choy, but these are few and in between. Where is kale, collards, beet/turnip/radish, mustard and so many other greens? In other words, this book seems to be utilizing a few, rather "common" ingredients. Sure, you can't include every ingredient possible on a single book, but some of these veggies are important and nutritious-enough (e.g. kale) that should have been allowed a recipe page. Most of these ingredients mentioned are legal under the SCD, and are definitely all legal under Paleo.The book is rather thin on fish and shellfish recipes too, only including 8. While some faction of Paleo swears on grass-fed beef, there's a newer faction that gives equal importance to wild seafood (and sea vegetables, which are completely missing from the book btw). On top of that, almost everyone knows how to fry a tilapia or sear a salmon, these were unnecessary recipes. But very few know how to do a fish pie (with rutabaga, turnip or parsnip mash for a change, instead of the usual yams/cauliflower/celeriac), or lemon-garlic oysters in butter/ghee. Such recipes would have added more value to the book. Besides, the world is made with more than chicken (which is over-represented), beef, and pork. There's rabbit and game, sheep and goat meat, bird giblets -- all mysteriously missing. As for the biggest Paleo offence: not including a single offal recipe!Instead, we're fed pages over pages of not-so-healthy baking goods. I don't mind to have some recipes about cookies, a cake, some bread or crackers. We're just humans, so sometimes we want to indulge, or we have a birthday coming up. But when these types of recipes take ~1/3 of the book's pages, I think there's a fundamental problem right there. Especially since the author has her own health problems (like most of us who adopted Paleo/SCD because of health problems rather than just because of targeting weight loss), it becomes all the more important to include more wholesome food made with as much variety as possible, rather than having about 60 variations of almond/coconut flour and honey in various sweets. Instead of using so many pages on sugary recipes, I would have liked more actual food recipes with some of the missing ingredients mentioned above. Hopefully this will be corrected in the Second Edition.In conclusion: a great looking book, easy recipes to follow for newbies, but the book could have had more variety that would promote to its readers an even better health. Should you buy it? Yes. Should you use it exclusively? No, it's too myopic for the full range that is Paleo. There's a lot more ingredients to explore on a farmer's market and elsewhere.UPDATE: To make my point clear, there are TWO types of Paleo dieters: those who do it casually, for weight loss, for a small amount of time. This is the majority of people. And then, there are these who do it for health reasons, for a LIFETIME. The second type, is supposed to eat offal, game, fermented foods, wilds, and very few of these baked goods. The book fails on the second type of dieters, which is the one advocated by those who wrote the Paleo diet books. | What do you think about recipe? | The pictures are amazing, presentation is top-notch, the recipes are easy to follow , the writing is friendly and relateable. | This is without a doubt one of the best presented Paleo/SCD recipe books. The pictures are amazing, presentation is top-notch, the recipes are easy to follow, the writing is friendly and relateable. It's really a beautiful book to have in your collection. However, there are a some things glaringly missing, while other are provided in a surprising excess.The book has no recipes that include rutabaga, turnips, parsnips, radishes, eggplant, cabbage, beets appear once, and much to my surprise, it's extremely thin on greens (Paleo is supposed to be big on green leaves). Sure, there are a few recipes with spinach, salad greens and bok choy, but these are few and in between. Where is kale, collards, beet/turnip/radish, mustard and so many other greens? In other words, this book seems to be utilizing a few, rather "common" ingredients. Sure, you can't include every ingredient possible on a single book, but some of these veggies are important and nutritious-enough (e.g. kale) that should have been allowed a recipe page. Most of these ingredients mentioned are legal under the SCD, and are definitely all legal under Paleo.The book is rather thin on fish and shellfish recipes too, only including 8. While some faction of Paleo swears on grass-fed beef, there's a newer faction that gives equal importance to wild seafood (and sea vegetables, which are completely missing from the book btw). On top of that, almost everyone knows how to fry a tilapia or sear a salmon, these were unnecessary recipes. But very few know how to do a fish pie (with rutabaga, turnip or parsnip mash for a change, instead of the usual yams/cauliflower/celeriac), or lemon-garlic oysters in butter/ghee. Such recipes would have added more value to the book. Besides, the world is made with more than chicken (which is over-represented), beef, and pork. There's rabbit and game, sheep and goat meat, bird giblets -- all mysteriously missing. As for the biggest Paleo offence: not including a single offal recipe!Instead, we're fed pages over pages of not-so-healthy baking goods. I don't mind to have some recipes about cookies, a cake, some bread or crackers. We're just humans, so sometimes we want to indulge, or we have a birthday coming up. But when these types of recipes take ~1/3 of the book's pages, I think there's a fundamental problem right there. Especially since the author has her own health problems (like most of us who adopted Paleo/SCD because of health problems rather than just because of targeting weight loss), it becomes all the more important to include more wholesome food made with as much variety as possible, rather than having about 60 variations of almond/coconut flour and honey in various sweets. Instead of using so many pages on sugary recipes, I would have liked more actual food recipes with some of the missing ingredients mentioned above. Hopefully this will be corrected in the Second Edition.In conclusion: a great looking book, easy recipes to follow for newbies, but the book could have had more variety that would promote to its readers an even better health. Should you buy it? Yes. Should you use it exclusively? No, it's too myopic for the full range that is Paleo. There's a lot more ingredients to explore on a farmer's market and elsewhere.UPDATE: To make my point clear, there are TWO types of Paleo dieters: those who do it casually, for weight loss, for a small amount of time. This is the majority of people. And then, there are these who do it for health reasons, for a LIFETIME. The second type, is supposed to eat offal, game, fermented foods, wilds, and very few of these baked goods. The book fails on the second type of dieters, which is the one advocated by those who wrote the Paleo diet books. | The pictures are amazing, presentation is top-notch, <hl> the recipes are easy to follow <hl> , the writing is friendly and relateable. | This is without a doubt one of the best presented Paleo/SCD recipe books. The pictures are amazing, presentation is top-notch, <hl> the recipes are easy to follow <hl>, the writing is friendly and relateable. It's really a beautiful book to have in your collection. However, there are a some things glaringly missing, while other are provided in a surprising excess.The book has no recipes that include rutabaga, turnips, parsnips, radishes, eggplant, cabbage, beets appear once, and much to my surprise, it's extremely thin on greens (Paleo is supposed to be big on green leaves). Sure, there are a few recipes with spinach, salad greens and bok choy, but these are few and in between. Where is kale, collards, beet/turnip/radish, mustard and so many other greens? In other words, this book seems to be utilizing a few, rather "common" ingredients. Sure, you can't include every ingredient possible on a single book, but some of these veggies are important and nutritious-enough (e.g. kale) that should have been allowed a recipe page. Most of these ingredients mentioned are legal under the SCD, and are definitely all legal under Paleo.The book is rather thin on fish and shellfish recipes too, only including 8. While some faction of Paleo swears on grass-fed beef, there's a newer faction that gives equal importance to wild seafood (and sea vegetables, which are completely missing from the book btw). On top of that, almost everyone knows how to fry a tilapia or sear a salmon, these were unnecessary recipes. But very few know how to do a fish pie (with rutabaga, turnip or parsnip mash for a change, instead of the usual yams/cauliflower/celeriac), or lemon-garlic oysters in butter/ghee. Such recipes would have added more value to the book. Besides, the world is made with more than chicken (which is over-represented), beef, and pork. There's rabbit and game, sheep and goat meat, bird giblets -- all mysteriously missing. As for the biggest Paleo offence: not including a single offal recipe!Instead, we're fed pages over pages of not-so-healthy baking goods. I don't mind to have some recipes about cookies, a cake, some bread or crackers. We're just humans, so sometimes we want to indulge, or we have a birthday coming up. But when these types of recipes take ~1/3 of the book's pages, I think there's a fundamental problem right there. Especially since the author has her own health problems (like most of us who adopted Paleo/SCD because of health problems rather than just because of targeting weight loss), it becomes all the more important to include more wholesome food made with as much variety as possible, rather than having about 60 variations of almond/coconut flour and honey in various sweets. Instead of using so many pages on sugary recipes, I would have liked more actual food recipes with some of the missing ingredients mentioned above. Hopefully this will be corrected in the Second Edition.In conclusion: a great looking book, easy recipes to follow for newbies, but the book could have had more variety that would promote to its readers an even better health. Should you buy it? Yes. Should you use it exclusively? No, it's too myopic for the full range that is Paleo. There's a lot more ingredients to explore on a farmer's market and elsewhere.UPDATE: To make my point clear, there are TWO types of Paleo dieters: those who do it casually, for weight loss, for a small amount of time. This is the majority of people. And then, there are these who do it for health reasons, for a LIFETIME. The second type, is supposed to eat offal, game, fermented foods, wilds, and very few of these baked goods. The book fails on the second type of dieters, which is the one advocated by those who wrote the Paleo diet books. | This is without a doubt one of the best presented Paleo/SCD recipe books. <hl> The pictures are amazing, presentation is top-notch, the recipes are easy to follow , the writing is friendly and relateable. <hl> It's really a beautiful book to have in your collection. However, there are a some things glaringly missing, while other are provided in a surprising excess. The book has no recipes that include rutabaga, turnips, parsnips, radishes, eggplant, cabbage, beets appear once, and much to my surprise, it's extremely thin on greens (Paleo is supposed to be big on green leaves). Sure, there are a few recipes with spinach, salad greens and bok choy, but these are few and in between. Where is kale, collards, beet/turnip/radish, mustard and so many other greens? In other words, this book seems to be utilizing a few, rather "common" ingredients. Sure, you can't include every ingredient possible on a single book, but some of these veggies are important and nutritious-enough (e.g. kale) that should have been allowed a recipe page. Most of these ingredients mentioned are legal under the SCD, and are definitely all legal under Paleo. The book is rather thin on fish and shellfish recipes too, only including 8. While some faction of Paleo swears on grass-fed beef, there's a newer faction that gives equal importance to wild seafood (and sea vegetables, which are completely missing from the book btw). On top of that, almost everyone knows how to fry a tilapia or sear a salmon, these were unnecessary recipes. But very few know how to do a fish pie (with rutabaga, turnip or parsnip mash for a change, instead of the usual yams/cauliflower/celeriac), or lemon-garlic oysters in butter/ghee. Such recipes would have added more value to the book. Besides, the world is made with more than chicken (which is over-represented), beef, and pork. There's rabbit and game, sheep and goat meat, bird giblets -- all mysteriously missing. As for the biggest Paleo offence: not including a single offal recipe!Instead, we're fed pages over pages of not-so-healthy baking goods. I don't mind to have some recipes about cookies, a cake, some bread or crackers. We're just humans, so sometimes we want to indulge, or we have a birthday coming up. But when these types of recipes take ~1/3 of the book's pages, I think there's a fundamental problem right there. Especially since the author has her own health problems (like most of us who adopted Paleo/SCD because of health problems rather than just because of targeting weight loss), it becomes all the more important to include more wholesome food made with as much variety as possible, rather than having about 60 variations of almond/coconut flour and honey in various sweets. Instead of using so many pages on sugary recipes, I would have liked more actual food recipes with some of the missing ingredients mentioned above. Hopefully this will be corrected in the Second Edition. In conclusion: a great looking book, easy recipes to follow for newbies, but the book could have had more variety that would promote to its readers an even better health. Should you buy it? Yes. Should you use it exclusively? No, it's too myopic for the full range that is Paleo. There's a lot more ingredients to explore on a farmer's market and elsewhere. UPDATE: To make my point clear, there are TWO types of Paleo dieters: those who do it casually, for weight loss, for a small amount of time. This is the majority of people. And then, there are these who do it for health reasons, for a LIFETIME. The second type, is supposed to eat offal, game, fermented foods, wilds, and very few of these baked goods. The book fails on the second type of dieters, which is the one advocated by those who wrote the Paleo diet books. | fd1b384ab472c50b611081cc757272c2 | 1 | 1 | books |
the great action of his novels, | question: What about action?, context: Of all the Reacher novels I think that this is the best one. It has all the great action of his novels, plus it gives insight into Reacher himself. Great novels have great character development. This one fits the bill. | What about action? | It has all the great action of his novels, plus it gives insight into Reacher himself. | Of all the Reacher novels I think that this is the best one. It has all the great action of his novels, plus it gives insight into Reacher himself. Great novels have great character development. This one fits the bill. | It has all <hl> the great action of his novels, <hl> plus it gives insight into Reacher himself. | Of all the Reacher novels I think that this is the best one. It has all <hl> the great action of his novels, <hl> plus it gives insight into Reacher himself. Great novels have great character development. This one fits the bill. | Of all the Reacher novels I think that this is the best one. <hl> It has all the great action of his novels, plus it gives insight into Reacher himself. <hl> Great novels have great character development. This one fits the bill. | a27a3fa352746c9243a3497c46c3f41b | 2 | 2 | books |
"Out Live Your Life" | question: What is your opinion about that book?, context: "Out Live Your Life" has been such an encouragement to me. There are a lot of books out right now about how Christians need to practice what we preach, how we need to "get down in the trenches", so to speak. I agree with this philosophy, and have tried to read books with this message. However, I've been very turned off by what has felt, to me, to be an overly aggressive approach. Max Lucado's approach, however, is much different. He definitely gets the message across, the message of truly being proactive about positively affecting the lives of others. But, he does it in such a way that the reader doesn't feel like a worm for not having done enough before.He brings home the point that Jesus chose people of all backgrounds, particularly those who were uneducated, blue-collar types, the "everyman" (and "everywoman") of society, to be his apostles and disciples to bring the Good News to the world. Lucado explains that YOU and I as the readers are the ones God wants to use now, and God doesn't want us to wait until we have more money, until we are more extroverted, until we are more patient, more educated, skinnier, can keep our houses tidier, or any other self-defeating excuse we use daily to keep ourselves from making a difference. He wants to use each of us NOW, as we are, because now is the time that matters."Out Live Your Life" is inspiring, encouraging, and actually made me want to make a different out of love, rather than out of guilt. It would make a wonderful gift of encouragement for someone who doesn't quite know what he or she wants to "do" with his or her life--someone who feels a bit aimless (and don't we all feel that way sometimes!). I'd also recommend this book to the person who seems to have it all together, who seems completely on track, because we can all use some inspiration and motivation every now and again, and sometimes those who seem the most "with it" are those who internally are needing to feel like they matter.Really it's a book for anyone who wants to make a difference, who isn't sure how to make a difference, or who feels overwhelmed by the world's trouble and pain--for someone who doesn't know where to start, and even wonders if doing something will make any difference anyway. The world is so big, so full of hurt and darkness, but there is a light in each of us, and we CAN make a difference for someone! Lucado emphasizes in this book that now is the time, because God is ready to use us as we are!Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") | What is your opinion about that book? | "Out Live Your Life" has been such an encouragement to me. | "Out Live Your Life" has been such an encouragement to me. There are a lot of books out right now about how Christians need to practice what we preach, how we need to "get down in the trenches", so to speak. I agree with this philosophy, and have tried to read books with this message. However, I've been very turned off by what has felt, to me, to be an overly aggressive approach. Max Lucado's approach, however, is much different. He definitely gets the message across, the message of truly being proactive about positively affecting the lives of others. But, he does it in such a way that the reader doesn't feel like a worm for not having done enough before.He brings home the point that Jesus chose people of all backgrounds, particularly those who were uneducated, blue-collar types, the "everyman" (and "everywoman") of society, to be his apostles and disciples to bring the Good News to the world. Lucado explains that YOU and I as the readers are the ones God wants to use now, and God doesn't want us to wait until we have more money, until we are more extroverted, until we are more patient, more educated, skinnier, can keep our houses tidier, or any other self-defeating excuse we use daily to keep ourselves from making a difference. He wants to use each of us NOW, as we are, because now is the time that matters."Out Live Your Life" is inspiring, encouraging, and actually made me want to make a different out of love, rather than out of guilt. It would make a wonderful gift of encouragement for someone who doesn't quite know what he or she wants to "do" with his or her life--someone who feels a bit aimless (and don't we all feel that way sometimes!). I'd also recommend this book to the person who seems to have it all together, who seems completely on track, because we can all use some inspiration and motivation every now and again, and sometimes those who seem the most "with it" are those who internally are needing to feel like they matter.Really it's a book for anyone who wants to make a difference, who isn't sure how to make a difference, or who feels overwhelmed by the world's trouble and pain--for someone who doesn't know where to start, and even wonders if doing something will make any difference anyway. The world is so big, so full of hurt and darkness, but there is a light in each of us, and we CAN make a difference for someone! Lucado emphasizes in this book that now is the time, because God is ready to use us as we are!Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") | <hl> "Out Live Your Life" <hl> has been such an encouragement to me. | <hl> "Out Live Your Life" <hl> has been such an encouragement to me. There are a lot of books out right now about how Christians need to practice what we preach, how we need to "get down in the trenches", so to speak. I agree with this philosophy, and have tried to read books with this message. However, I've been very turned off by what has felt, to me, to be an overly aggressive approach. Max Lucado's approach, however, is much different. He definitely gets the message across, the message of truly being proactive about positively affecting the lives of others. But, he does it in such a way that the reader doesn't feel like a worm for not having done enough before.He brings home the point that Jesus chose people of all backgrounds, particularly those who were uneducated, blue-collar types, the "everyman" (and "everywoman") of society, to be his apostles and disciples to bring the Good News to the world. Lucado explains that YOU and I as the readers are the ones God wants to use now, and God doesn't want us to wait until we have more money, until we are more extroverted, until we are more patient, more educated, skinnier, can keep our houses tidier, or any other self-defeating excuse we use daily to keep ourselves from making a difference. He wants to use each of us NOW, as we are, because now is the time that matters."Out Live Your Life" is inspiring, encouraging, and actually made me want to make a different out of love, rather than out of guilt. It would make a wonderful gift of encouragement for someone who doesn't quite know what he or she wants to "do" with his or her life--someone who feels a bit aimless (and don't we all feel that way sometimes!). I'd also recommend this book to the person who seems to have it all together, who seems completely on track, because we can all use some inspiration and motivation every now and again, and sometimes those who seem the most "with it" are those who internally are needing to feel like they matter.Really it's a book for anyone who wants to make a difference, who isn't sure how to make a difference, or who feels overwhelmed by the world's trouble and pain--for someone who doesn't know where to start, and even wonders if doing something will make any difference anyway. The world is so big, so full of hurt and darkness, but there is a light in each of us, and we CAN make a difference for someone! Lucado emphasizes in this book that now is the time, because God is ready to use us as we are!Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") | <hl> "Out Live Your Life" has been such an encouragement to me. <hl> There are a lot of books out right now about how Christians need to practice what we preach, how we need to "get down in the trenches", so to speak. I agree with this philosophy, and have tried to read books with this message. However, I've been very turned off by what has felt, to me, to be an overly aggressive approach. Max Lucado's approach, however, is much different. He definitely gets the message across, the message of truly being proactive about positively affecting the lives of others. But, he does it in such a way that the reader doesn't feel like a worm for not having done enough before. He brings home the point that Jesus chose people of all backgrounds, particularly those who were uneducated, blue-collar types, the "everyman" (and "everywoman") of society, to be his apostles and disciples to bring the Good News to the world. Lucado explains that YOU and I as the readers are the ones God wants to use now, and God doesn't want us to wait until we have more money, until we are more extroverted, until we are more patient, more educated, skinnier, can keep our houses tidier, or any other self-defeating excuse we use daily to keep ourselves from making a difference. He wants to use each of us NOW, as we are, because now is the time that matters. "Out Live Your Life" is inspiring, encouraging, and actually made me want to make a different out of love, rather than out of guilt. It would make a wonderful gift of encouragement for someone who doesn't quite know what he or she wants to "do" with his or her life--someone who feels a bit aimless (and don't we all feel that way sometimes!). I'd also recommend this book to the person who seems to have it all together, who seems completely on track, because we can all use some inspiration and motivation every now and again, and sometimes those who seem the most "with it" are those who internally are needing to feel like they matter. Really it's a book for anyone who wants to make a difference, who isn't sure how to make a difference, or who feels overwhelmed by the world's trouble and pain--for someone who doesn't know where to start, and even wonders if doing something will make any difference anyway. The world is so big, so full of hurt and darkness, but there is a light in each of us, and we CAN make a difference for someone! Lucado emphasizes in this book that now is the time, because God is ready to use us as we are!Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.") | 6b8418f94813627ea1d1ebc1495fcdfd | 1 | 1 | books |
excellent book | question: Is it the dialogue of the book that makes it so good?, context: Let me just say that it is 6 a.m. in the morning. I have a LOT of work to do at our business today, which will be rather difficult as I HAVEN'T BEEN TO BED BECAUSE I STAYED UP ALL NIGHT reading, "Bet Me" by Jennifer Crusie. For the first time in a LONG time, I could not put the book down!I think that it is a crime to have the Spotlight Review rating this only 2 stars!! It is one of the BEST books that I have read all year. I guess that everyone is different, but I can't believe that we were reading the same book.Jennifer Crusie's books ALL have great dialogue, but sometimes her previous books seemed just a little too "dysfunctional" in a witty kind of way. Even though "Bet Me" has its strange moments, it is a captivating book.The dialogue completely submerged me into the characters. The entire time I was reading it, I thought, "My God - that is exactly what people would say." It wasn't canned or stilted- it was funny, but more believable than any dialogue I think that I have ever read.I hope that Jennifer Crusie will write more books like this. What is truly a shame though is that the first reviewer's views are far from the majority opinion of this book. Sadly, that is what too many people will look at. This really is a book worth buying. I loved the characters and especially liked the addition of the last chapter.Excellent, excellent book. | Is it the dialogue of the book that makes it so good? | Excellent, excellent book . | Let me just say that it is 6 a.m. in the morning. I have a LOT of work to do at our business today, which will be rather difficult as I HAVEN'T BEEN TO BED BECAUSE I STAYED UP ALL NIGHT reading, "Bet Me" by Jennifer Crusie. For the first time in a LONG time, I could not put the book down!I think that it is a crime to have the Spotlight Review rating this only 2 stars!! It is one of the BEST books that I have read all year. I guess that everyone is different, but I can't believe that we were reading the same book.Jennifer Crusie's books ALL have great dialogue, but sometimes her previous books seemed just a little too "dysfunctional" in a witty kind of way. Even though "Bet Me" has its strange moments, it is a captivating book.The dialogue completely submerged me into the characters. The entire time I was reading it, I thought, "My God - that is exactly what people would say." It wasn't canned or stilted- it was funny, but more believable than any dialogue I think that I have ever read.I hope that Jennifer Crusie will write more books like this. What is truly a shame though is that the first reviewer's views are far from the majority opinion of this book. Sadly, that is what too many people will look at. This really is a book worth buying. I loved the characters and especially liked the addition of the last chapter.Excellent, excellent book. | Excellent, <hl> excellent book <hl> . | Let me just say that it is 6 a.m. in the morning. I have a LOT of work to do at our business today, which will be rather difficult as I HAVEN'T BEEN TO BED BECAUSE I STAYED UP ALL NIGHT reading, "Bet Me" by Jennifer Crusie. For the first time in a LONG time, I could not put the book down!I think that it is a crime to have the Spotlight Review rating this only 2 stars!! It is one of the BEST books that I have read all year. I guess that everyone is different, but I can't believe that we were reading the same book.Jennifer Crusie's books ALL have great dialogue, but sometimes her previous books seemed just a little too "dysfunctional" in a witty kind of way. Even though "Bet Me" has its strange moments, it is a captivating book.The dialogue completely submerged me into the characters. The entire time I was reading it, I thought, "My God - that is exactly what people would say." It wasn't canned or stilted- it was funny, but more believable than any dialogue I think that I have ever read.I hope that Jennifer Crusie will write more books like this. What is truly a shame though is that the first reviewer's views are far from the majority opinion of this book. Sadly, that is what too many people will look at. This really is a book worth buying. I loved the characters and especially liked the addition of the last chapter.Excellent, <hl> excellent book <hl>. | Let me just say that it is 6 a.m. in the morning. I have a LOT of work to do at our business today, which will be rather difficult as I HAVEN'T BEEN TO BED BECAUSE I STAYED UP ALL NIGHT reading, "Bet Me" by Jennifer Crusie. For the first time in a LONG time, I could not put the book down!I think that it is a crime to have the Spotlight Review rating this only 2 stars!! It is one of the BEST books that I have read all year. I guess that everyone is different, but I can't believe that we were reading the same book. Jennifer Crusie's books ALL have great dialogue, but sometimes her previous books seemed just a little too "dysfunctional" in a witty kind of way. Even though "Bet Me" has its strange moments, it is a captivating book. The dialogue completely submerged me into the characters. The entire time I was reading it, I thought, "My God - that is exactly what people would say." It wasn't canned or stilted- it was funny, but more believable than any dialogue I think that I have ever read. I hope that Jennifer Crusie will write more books like this. What is truly a shame though is that the first reviewer's views are far from the majority opinion of this book. Sadly, that is what too many people will look at. This really is a book worth buying. I loved the characters and especially liked the addition of the last chapter. <hl> Excellent, excellent book . <hl> | 394d15cc5a15f0d215837bc74a1e53b8 | 1 | 1 | books |
Gaiman has some interesting ideas on Gods. | question: What can you say about the idea?, context: That is all I can say. It was well written and very vivid. Gaiman has some interesting ideas on Gods. | What can you say about the idea? | Gaiman has some interesting ideas on Gods. | That is all I can say. It was well written and very vivid. Gaiman has some interesting ideas on Gods. | <hl> Gaiman has some interesting ideas on Gods. <hl> | That is all I can say. It was well written and very vivid. <hl> Gaiman has some interesting ideas on Gods. <hl> | That is all I can say. It was well written and very vivid. <hl> Gaiman has some interesting ideas on Gods. <hl> | f341ea3696d8e306ff1bd7414c858646 | 1 | 1 | books |
amplified the pain up by a thousand | question: Do you feel a lot of chest pain?, context: Breaking Nova is book one in the Nova series and is a New Adult Contemporary Drama written by Jessica Sorensen.4 Anguished, Broken Stars!The Review:This read was so heartbreakingly tragic, it weighed on me several days after reading it. I love Jessica Sorensen's writing. She has a way with words, allowing the reader to feel the despair and loneliness of her characters. This one took her other books and amplified the pain up by a thousand, and I loved every angsty minute of it.The two lead characters are so tragic, their pain so grievous, it jumped of the pages, leaving my heart bleeding, shattered and stomped on until it was crystallized dust. The desperation of the characters to find some sort of peace was a futile, blinding misery in the darkness that had ensnared them. Everything they went through in their pasts has broken the forward-moving, happy, loving people they once were and turned them into human husks, suspended in time, their minds stuck in an emotional turmoil they neither can escape nor want to escape, thinking they deserve all the turmoil they can heap on themselves.They don't want to let go and they don't want to move forward. For different reasons, they both feel the need to trap themselves in the past, suffering each long day in a black haze of nothingness.Their pain is real and they've completely forfeit their lives to their misery and tragedy.They are utterly broken.Characters/Story...This book opens up with a Prologue where eighteen year old Nova Reed and her childhood best friend, now boyfriend, are laying in the grass behind his house, talking about life and what it all means. The conversation is a bit deep for two people so young, but Landon is an artist who thinks on a different, more somber level than most people Nova knows. Its one of the things that drew her to him, along with the sadness that matched her own, in his eyes. Best friends since they were thirteen, they decided to take their relationship to the next level six months prior and Nova is looking forward to the future.But when waking up in the grass alone after falling asleep with the person she loves most at her side, her life is suddenly turned completely upside down and she is consumed by a bleakness so dark, its sends her spiraling into the void. That day changed everything about Nova.....Quinton Carter is carefree and loves life. He has a plan. He knows for a certainty that he will go to college in a few short months, get an art degree, marry his girlfriend who is the love of his life and together, have a family someday. But fate steps in and in an instant, thats all cruelly snatched from him and now he's left to figure out how to survive. Alone.The book finally opens up to fifteen months later where both Nova and Quinton are existing but not living. Neither one can get past the events that changed them so dramatically. On a chance meeting, they are both drawn to each other. The darkness within them is screaming out for a connection but guilt and pain keep them struggling to find a balance.As the days pass, they each try to find ways to cope.Nova has given up on the happiness in her life. She no longer plays the drums, she no longer thrives on music and she has turned off all her feelings except the pain. Instead of moving forward, she masks her pain with counting and order, a strict regimen, never expanding or experiencing. She's obsessive compulsive, trying to control everything in her life because she couldn't control the one thing that changed her unequivocally.Quinton has dropped all of the things he loves from his life as well, feeling he deserves no happiness at all. He never smiles, he never laughs and he drowns himself in drugs and guilt. He doesn't look forward to a bright future and he doesn't want a connection with anyone.Both of their coping methods are equally unhealthy as they try to run or drown in emotions instead of dealing with it. Its like those horrific event just happened yesterday because they are stuck. At times, while they are together, it seems there's a slight desire to move forward until the guilt takes hold again and sucks them back in, trapping them in the haze once more.Story...Nova and Quinton are surrounded by events and people that do nothing but aid in their struggle. I loved the harrowing journey these two take and their time together might have been steeped in sorrow but they could have been good together, healing together if only they allowed themselves. But both were so far gone, Quinton especially, that the good they once harbored, was suffocating under the pain.I also loved the flashbacks we get with Nova and Landon. It helped me to understand what happened to him and that he wasn't a hurtful person, just a person in so much pain he couldn't find the happiness, even though he tried so very hard and had so much to be happy about. His mind and soul just couldn't escape whatever was keeping him trapped in the dark.The Wrap Up:This book ends on a slight cliffy. Nova and Quinton's story will continue in the next book, which I know is going to be even more harrowing, given the way this one ended. I'm a huge fan of Jessica Sorensen and I can't wait to see where these characters are heading next.NOTE: A gifted copy was provided in exchange for an honest review by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley. | Do you feel a lot of chest pain? | This one took her other books and amplified the pain up by a thousand , and I loved every angsty minute of it. | Breaking Nova is book one in the Nova series and is a New Adult Contemporary Drama written by Jessica Sorensen.4 Anguished, Broken Stars!The Review:This read was so heartbreakingly tragic, it weighed on me several days after reading it. I love Jessica Sorensen's writing. She has a way with words, allowing the reader to feel the despair and loneliness of her characters. This one took her other books and amplified the pain up by a thousand, and I loved every angsty minute of it.The two lead characters are so tragic, their pain so grievous, it jumped of the pages, leaving my heart bleeding, shattered and stomped on until it was crystallized dust. The desperation of the characters to find some sort of peace was a futile, blinding misery in the darkness that had ensnared them. Everything they went through in their pasts has broken the forward-moving, happy, loving people they once were and turned them into human husks, suspended in time, their minds stuck in an emotional turmoil they neither can escape nor want to escape, thinking they deserve all the turmoil they can heap on themselves.They don't want to let go and they don't want to move forward. For different reasons, they both feel the need to trap themselves in the past, suffering each long day in a black haze of nothingness.Their pain is real and they've completely forfeit their lives to their misery and tragedy.They are utterly broken.Characters/Story...This book opens up with a Prologue where eighteen year old Nova Reed and her childhood best friend, now boyfriend, are laying in the grass behind his house, talking about life and what it all means. The conversation is a bit deep for two people so young, but Landon is an artist who thinks on a different, more somber level than most people Nova knows. Its one of the things that drew her to him, along with the sadness that matched her own, in his eyes. Best friends since they were thirteen, they decided to take their relationship to the next level six months prior and Nova is looking forward to the future.But when waking up in the grass alone after falling asleep with the person she loves most at her side, her life is suddenly turned completely upside down and she is consumed by a bleakness so dark, its sends her spiraling into the void. That day changed everything about Nova.....Quinton Carter is carefree and loves life. He has a plan. He knows for a certainty that he will go to college in a few short months, get an art degree, marry his girlfriend who is the love of his life and together, have a family someday. But fate steps in and in an instant, thats all cruelly snatched from him and now he's left to figure out how to survive. Alone.The book finally opens up to fifteen months later where both Nova and Quinton are existing but not living. Neither one can get past the events that changed them so dramatically. On a chance meeting, they are both drawn to each other. The darkness within them is screaming out for a connection but guilt and pain keep them struggling to find a balance.As the days pass, they each try to find ways to cope.Nova has given up on the happiness in her life. She no longer plays the drums, she no longer thrives on music and she has turned off all her feelings except the pain. Instead of moving forward, she masks her pain with counting and order, a strict regimen, never expanding or experiencing. She's obsessive compulsive, trying to control everything in her life because she couldn't control the one thing that changed her unequivocally.Quinton has dropped all of the things he loves from his life as well, feeling he deserves no happiness at all. He never smiles, he never laughs and he drowns himself in drugs and guilt. He doesn't look forward to a bright future and he doesn't want a connection with anyone.Both of their coping methods are equally unhealthy as they try to run or drown in emotions instead of dealing with it. Its like those horrific event just happened yesterday because they are stuck. At times, while they are together, it seems there's a slight desire to move forward until the guilt takes hold again and sucks them back in, trapping them in the haze once more.Story...Nova and Quinton are surrounded by events and people that do nothing but aid in their struggle. I loved the harrowing journey these two take and their time together might have been steeped in sorrow but they could have been good together, healing together if only they allowed themselves. But both were so far gone, Quinton especially, that the good they once harbored, was suffocating under the pain.I also loved the flashbacks we get with Nova and Landon. It helped me to understand what happened to him and that he wasn't a hurtful person, just a person in so much pain he couldn't find the happiness, even though he tried so very hard and had so much to be happy about. His mind and soul just couldn't escape whatever was keeping him trapped in the dark.The Wrap Up:This book ends on a slight cliffy. Nova and Quinton's story will continue in the next book, which I know is going to be even more harrowing, given the way this one ended. I'm a huge fan of Jessica Sorensen and I can't wait to see where these characters are heading next.NOTE: A gifted copy was provided in exchange for an honest review by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley. | This one took her other books and <hl> amplified the pain up by a thousand <hl> , and I loved every angsty minute of it. | Breaking Nova is book one in the Nova series and is a New Adult Contemporary Drama written by Jessica Sorensen.4 Anguished, Broken Stars!The Review:This read was so heartbreakingly tragic, it weighed on me several days after reading it. I love Jessica Sorensen's writing. She has a way with words, allowing the reader to feel the despair and loneliness of her characters. This one took her other books and <hl> amplified the pain up by a thousand <hl>, and I loved every angsty minute of it.The two lead characters are so tragic, their pain so grievous, it jumped of the pages, leaving my heart bleeding, shattered and stomped on until it was crystallized dust. The desperation of the characters to find some sort of peace was a futile, blinding misery in the darkness that had ensnared them. Everything they went through in their pasts has broken the forward-moving, happy, loving people they once were and turned them into human husks, suspended in time, their minds stuck in an emotional turmoil they neither can escape nor want to escape, thinking they deserve all the turmoil they can heap on themselves.They don't want to let go and they don't want to move forward. For different reasons, they both feel the need to trap themselves in the past, suffering each long day in a black haze of nothingness.Their pain is real and they've completely forfeit their lives to their misery and tragedy.They are utterly broken.Characters/Story...This book opens up with a Prologue where eighteen year old Nova Reed and her childhood best friend, now boyfriend, are laying in the grass behind his house, talking about life and what it all means. The conversation is a bit deep for two people so young, but Landon is an artist who thinks on a different, more somber level than most people Nova knows. Its one of the things that drew her to him, along with the sadness that matched her own, in his eyes. Best friends since they were thirteen, they decided to take their relationship to the next level six months prior and Nova is looking forward to the future.But when waking up in the grass alone after falling asleep with the person she loves most at her side, her life is suddenly turned completely upside down and she is consumed by a bleakness so dark, its sends her spiraling into the void. That day changed everything about Nova.....Quinton Carter is carefree and loves life. He has a plan. He knows for a certainty that he will go to college in a few short months, get an art degree, marry his girlfriend who is the love of his life and together, have a family someday. But fate steps in and in an instant, thats all cruelly snatched from him and now he's left to figure out how to survive. Alone.The book finally opens up to fifteen months later where both Nova and Quinton are existing but not living. Neither one can get past the events that changed them so dramatically. On a chance meeting, they are both drawn to each other. The darkness within them is screaming out for a connection but guilt and pain keep them struggling to find a balance.As the days pass, they each try to find ways to cope.Nova has given up on the happiness in her life. She no longer plays the drums, she no longer thrives on music and she has turned off all her feelings except the pain. Instead of moving forward, she masks her pain with counting and order, a strict regimen, never expanding or experiencing. She's obsessive compulsive, trying to control everything in her life because she couldn't control the one thing that changed her unequivocally.Quinton has dropped all of the things he loves from his life as well, feeling he deserves no happiness at all. He never smiles, he never laughs and he drowns himself in drugs and guilt. He doesn't look forward to a bright future and he doesn't want a connection with anyone.Both of their coping methods are equally unhealthy as they try to run or drown in emotions instead of dealing with it. Its like those horrific event just happened yesterday because they are stuck. At times, while they are together, it seems there's a slight desire to move forward until the guilt takes hold again and sucks them back in, trapping them in the haze once more.Story...Nova and Quinton are surrounded by events and people that do nothing but aid in their struggle. I loved the harrowing journey these two take and their time together might have been steeped in sorrow but they could have been good together, healing together if only they allowed themselves. But both were so far gone, Quinton especially, that the good they once harbored, was suffocating under the pain.I also loved the flashbacks we get with Nova and Landon. It helped me to understand what happened to him and that he wasn't a hurtful person, just a person in so much pain he couldn't find the happiness, even though he tried so very hard and had so much to be happy about. His mind and soul just couldn't escape whatever was keeping him trapped in the dark.The Wrap Up:This book ends on a slight cliffy. Nova and Quinton's story will continue in the next book, which I know is going to be even more harrowing, given the way this one ended. I'm a huge fan of Jessica Sorensen and I can't wait to see where these characters are heading next.NOTE: A gifted copy was provided in exchange for an honest review by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley. | Breaking Nova is book one in the Nova series and is a New Adult Contemporary Drama written by Jessica Sorensen.4 Anguished, Broken Stars!The Review:This read was so heartbreakingly tragic, it weighed on me several days after reading it. I love Jessica Sorensen's writing. She has a way with words, allowing the reader to feel the despair and loneliness of her characters. <hl> This one took her other books and amplified the pain up by a thousand , and I loved every angsty minute of it. <hl> The two lead characters are so tragic, their pain so grievous, it jumped of the pages, leaving my heart bleeding, shattered and stomped on until it was crystallized dust. The desperation of the characters to find some sort of peace was a futile, blinding misery in the darkness that had ensnared them. Everything they went through in their pasts has broken the forward-moving, happy, loving people they once were and turned them into human husks, suspended in time, their minds stuck in an emotional turmoil they neither can escape nor want to escape, thinking they deserve all the turmoil they can heap on themselves. They don't want to let go and they don't want to move forward. For different reasons, they both feel the need to trap themselves in the past, suffering each long day in a black haze of nothingness. Their pain is real and they've completely forfeit their lives to their misery and tragedy. They are utterly broken. Characters/Story... This book opens up with a Prologue where eighteen year old Nova Reed and her childhood best friend, now boyfriend, are laying in the grass behind his house, talking about life and what it all means. The conversation is a bit deep for two people so young, but Landon is an artist who thinks on a different, more somber level than most people Nova knows. Its one of the things that drew her to him, along with the sadness that matched her own, in his eyes. Best friends since they were thirteen, they decided to take their relationship to the next level six months prior and Nova is looking forward to the future. But when waking up in the grass alone after falling asleep with the person she loves most at her side, her life is suddenly turned completely upside down and she is consumed by a bleakness so dark, its sends her spiraling into the void. That day changed everything about Nova..... Quinton Carter is carefree and loves life. He has a plan. He knows for a certainty that he will go to college in a few short months, get an art degree, marry his girlfriend who is the love of his life and together, have a family someday. But fate steps in and in an instant, thats all cruelly snatched from him and now he's left to figure out how to survive. Alone. The book finally opens up to fifteen months later where both Nova and Quinton are existing but not living. Neither one can get past the events that changed them so dramatically. On a chance meeting, they are both drawn to each other. The darkness within them is screaming out for a connection but guilt and pain keep them struggling to find a balance. As the days pass, they each try to find ways to cope. Nova has given up on the happiness in her life. She no longer plays the drums, she no longer thrives on music and she has turned off all her feelings except the pain. Instead of moving forward, she masks her pain with counting and order, a strict regimen, never expanding or experiencing. She's obsessive compulsive, trying to control everything in her life because she couldn't control the one thing that changed her unequivocally. Quinton has dropped all of the things he loves from his life as well, feeling he deserves no happiness at all. He never smiles, he never laughs and he drowns himself in drugs and guilt. He doesn't look forward to a bright future and he doesn't want a connection with anyone. Both of their coping methods are equally unhealthy as they try to run or drown in emotions instead of dealing with it. Its like those horrific event just happened yesterday because they are stuck. At times, while they are together, it seems there's a slight desire to move forward until the guilt takes hold again and sucks them back in, trapping them in the haze once more. Story... Nova and Quinton are surrounded by events and people that do nothing but aid in their struggle. I loved the harrowing journey these two take and their time together might have been steeped in sorrow but they could have been good together, healing together if only they allowed themselves. But both were so far gone, Quinton especially, that the good they once harbored, was suffocating under the pain. I also loved the flashbacks we get with Nova and Landon. It helped me to understand what happened to him and that he wasn't a hurtful person, just a person in so much pain he couldn't find the happiness, even though he tried so very hard and had so much to be happy about. His mind and soul just couldn't escape whatever was keeping him trapped in the dark. The Wrap Up:This book ends on a slight cliffy. Nova and Quinton's story will continue in the next book, which I know is going to be even more harrowing, given the way this one ended. I'm a huge fan of Jessica Sorensen and I can't wait to see where these characters are heading next. NOTE: A gifted copy was provided in exchange for an honest review by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley. | 63b845431550a6d278a45ee1e2680250 | 1 | 1 | books |
I really enjoyed them | question: What is the excitement level in the ending?, context: I read all 5 books (yes I read it already) and I really enjoyed them. At first I read the books because everyone in my class read the books (that was before the 4th book came out) so I felt kind of pressured to read them, so I read the first book and I really enjoyed it! then the second, after that I read the 3th book and I thought it was the best.Now that I read 5 books already, I really see that the third book was one of the best that J.K Rolling wrote.Firstly, the plot was very interesting and exciting.Seondly, J.K Rolling doesn't over write in this book (that really gets kind of boring) she gets to the point here.So I really do recommend this book. And of course the other Harry Potter books. | What is the excitement level in the ending? | I read all 5 books (yes I read it already) and I really enjoyed them . | I read all 5 books (yes I read it already) and I really enjoyed them. At first I read the books because everyone in my class read the books (that was before the 4th book came out) so I felt kind of pressured to read them, so I read the first book and I really enjoyed it! then the second, after that I read the 3th book and I thought it was the best.Now that I read 5 books already, I really see that the third book was one of the best that J.K Rolling wrote.Firstly, the plot was very interesting and exciting.Seondly, J.K Rolling doesn't over write in this book (that really gets kind of boring) she gets to the point here.So I really do recommend this book. And of course the other Harry Potter books. | I read all 5 books (yes I read it already) and <hl> I really enjoyed them <hl> . | I read all 5 books (yes I read it already) and <hl> I really enjoyed them <hl>. At first I read the books because everyone in my class read the books (that was before the 4th book came out) so I felt kind of pressured to read them, so I read the first book and I really enjoyed it! then the second, after that I read the 3th book and I thought it was the best.Now that I read 5 books already, I really see that the third book was one of the best that J.K Rolling wrote.Firstly, the plot was very interesting and exciting.Seondly, J.K Rolling doesn't over write in this book (that really gets kind of boring) she gets to the point here.So I really do recommend this book. And of course the other Harry Potter books. | <hl> I read all 5 books (yes I read it already) and I really enjoyed them . <hl> At first I read the books because everyone in my class read the books (that was before the 4th book came out) so I felt kind of pressured to read them, so I read the first book and I really enjoyed it! then the second, after that I read the 3th book and I thought it was the best. Now that I read 5 books already, I really see that the third book was one of the best that J.K Rolling wrote. Firstly, the plot was very interesting and exciting. Seondly, J.K Rolling doesn't over write in this book (that really gets kind of boring) she gets to the point here. So I really do recommend this book. And of course the other Harry Potter books. | a82d0fd479d33c451136d19439deb530 | 2 | 2 | books |
indescribable | question: How would you describe the story?, context: OMG. AMAZING. this book was so captivating and filled with twists and turns. I liked both Dark Places and Sharp Objects. But I looooovvvvvvveeeeeee Gone Girl. The twisted minds of the two main characters Amy and Nick are just, indescribable!!!!!!! Never a dull moment in this book. From the beginning to the crazy surprise end!!!!!!!!!! | How would you describe the story? | The twisted minds of the two main characters Amy and Nick are just, indescribable !!!!!!! | OMG. AMAZING. this book was so captivating and filled with twists and turns. I liked both Dark Places and Sharp Objects. But I looooovvvvvvveeeeeee Gone Girl. The twisted minds of the two main characters Amy and Nick are just, indescribable!!!!!!! Never a dull moment in this book. From the beginning to the crazy surprise end!!!!!!!!!! | The twisted minds of the two main characters Amy and Nick are just, <hl> indescribable <hl> !!!!!!! | OMG. AMAZING. this book was so captivating and filled with twists and turns. I liked both Dark Places and Sharp Objects. But I looooovvvvvvveeeeeee Gone Girl. The twisted minds of the two main characters Amy and Nick are just, <hl> indescribable <hl>!!!!!!! Never a dull moment in this book. From the beginning to the crazy surprise end!!!!!!!!!! | OMG. AMAZING. this book was so captivating and filled with twists and turns. I liked both Dark Places and Sharp Objects. But I looooovvvvvvveeeeeee Gone Girl. <hl> The twisted minds of the two main characters Amy and Nick are just, indescribable !!!!!!! <hl> Never a dull moment in this book. From the beginning to the crazy surprise end!!!!!!!!!! | 477c79caa2b35e75a22b44726cbc446a | 1 | 1 | books |
really loved the Too Far | question: What do you think about the story?, context: I read this book in one day. It sucks you in right from the start and you can't put it down. Abbi has a great way of doing that with all her books. I really loved the Too Far series and was happy to hear some of the characters were getting their own books. This one did not disappoint. There was a lot of sexual chemistry between these two characters but I'm not totally convinced that there is true love there. I think Woods is more of a protector to her. I was glad Grant made an appearance in this book and really can't wait for him to get his own book and find a nice girl (that's not Nan!!!). Can't wait to continue with this story in the next book. Would I recommend this book...HELL YEAH I would!!! Read it people!!! | What do you think about the story? | I really loved the Too Far series and was happy to hear some of the characters were getting their own books. | I read this book in one day. It sucks you in right from the start and you can't put it down. Abbi has a great way of doing that with all her books. I really loved the Too Far series and was happy to hear some of the characters were getting their own books. This one did not disappoint. There was a lot of sexual chemistry between these two characters but I'm not totally convinced that there is true love there. I think Woods is more of a protector to her. I was glad Grant made an appearance in this book and really can't wait for him to get his own book and find a nice girl (that's not Nan!!!). Can't wait to continue with this story in the next book. Would I recommend this book...HELL YEAH I would!!! Read it people!!! | I <hl> really loved the Too Far <hl> series and was happy to hear some of the characters were getting their own books. | I read this book in one day. It sucks you in right from the start and you can't put it down. Abbi has a great way of doing that with all her books. I <hl> really loved the Too Far <hl> series and was happy to hear some of the characters were getting their own books. This one did not disappoint. There was a lot of sexual chemistry between these two characters but I'm not totally convinced that there is true love there. I think Woods is more of a protector to her. I was glad Grant made an appearance in this book and really can't wait for him to get his own book and find a nice girl (that's not Nan!!!). Can't wait to continue with this story in the next book. Would I recommend this book...HELL YEAH I would!!! Read it people!!! | I read this book in one day. It sucks you in right from the start and you can't put it down. Abbi has a great way of doing that with all her books. <hl> I really loved the Too Far series and was happy to hear some of the characters were getting their own books. <hl> This one did not disappoint. There was a lot of sexual chemistry between these two characters but I'm not totally convinced that there is true love there. I think Woods is more of a protector to her. I was glad Grant made an appearance in this book and really can't wait for him to get his own book and find a nice girl (that's not Nan!!!). Can't wait to continue with this story in the next book. Would I recommend this book... HELL YEAH I would!!! Read it people!!! | 51a46494d8f136fcb63c27d1fc42d5bf | 1 | 1 | books |
I want to say it was too many characters | question: How was the character development?, context: I tried to like this and be open to J.K. Rowling writing something other than Harry Potter, but this story was so slow, depressing and heavy, I honestly could not finish it. I want to say it was too many characters, but I was able to read Game of Thrones with it's huge cast with no problems. I just can't say for sure what the problem was other than it was almost as if she set out to prove she could write adult fiction but tried too hard. | How was the character development? | I want to say it was too many characters , but I was able to read Game of Thrones with it's huge cast with no problems. | I tried to like this and be open to J.K. Rowling writing something other than Harry Potter, but this story was so slow, depressing and heavy, I honestly could not finish it. I want to say it was too many characters, but I was able to read Game of Thrones with it's huge cast with no problems. I just can't say for sure what the problem was other than it was almost as if she set out to prove she could write adult fiction but tried too hard. | <hl> I want to say it was too many characters <hl> , but I was able to read Game of Thrones with it's huge cast with no problems. | I tried to like this and be open to J.K. Rowling writing something other than Harry Potter, but this story was so slow, depressing and heavy, I honestly could not finish it. <hl> I want to say it was too many characters <hl>, but I was able to read Game of Thrones with it's huge cast with no problems. I just can't say for sure what the problem was other than it was almost as if she set out to prove she could write adult fiction but tried too hard. | I tried to like this and be open to J.K. Rowling writing something other than Harry Potter, but this story was so slow, depressing and heavy, I honestly could not finish it. <hl> I want to say it was too many characters , but I was able to read Game of Thrones with it's huge cast with no problems. <hl> I just can't say for sure what the problem was other than it was almost as if she set out to prove she could write adult fiction but tried too hard. | cb5570328d8bb0a33dfb9f7b682c82ae | 1 | 1 | books |
very happy with her life | question: What about life?, context: Emaline is very happy with her life. She works at her grandmother's beach resort and has a steady boyfriend, Luke, who is described as "hot" without a shirt. Her job involves making sure everyone has a comfortable stay and she has made no plans for the future, not because she fears anything but just seems to take life as it rolls by day after day. But that's about to change quite a bit - life is change at certain stages whether one wants it or not, and the essence of this story is how one embraces, fights, or flies from it.When Emaline is taking a VIP package of wine and fruit to one of the more luxurious resort areas, she meets a summer intern named Theo, who is working with a snooty director on a documentary film about a famous painter who lives like a regular guy and really doesn't want the hype. Add to the mixture that Emaline's absent father all of a sudden shows up exhibiting interest in his daughter's education and college application process. At first she is cautious, then enthused, and later shocked by his on again, off again presence. She and Luke start to fight, have some misunderstandings, a betrayal and then a break-up. But as upset as she is initially, she begins to realize the future may not have as many predictable scenarios as she had hoped.Forced to turn down a Columbia University acceptance, she decides to go to a local college but she's not so sure that Luke will be part of that future picture. Maybe she should change her plans totally. But things get complicated when a relationship with Theo starts to grow and her father moves into the area, bringing her half-brother Benji along, who comes to worship the ground Emaline walks on. Mom and Grandma are not so sure about all these changes!This is a tough, tender novel full of shifts in points of view about certain people. The characters are presented with all their best assets and toughest, weakest flaws. Unlike other books where characters paint black and white caricatures, Emaline learns to deal with whatever comes moment to moment. Love is a changing phenomena as well and passion is something to follow with all of one's being! Readers will love this very real, smart and sassy character and the story threading and weaving its way around her town of Colby, a place built on sand that is far more solid than one could dream! Very nicely done, Sarah Dessen! More please! | What about life? | Emaline is very happy with her life . | Emaline is very happy with her life. She works at her grandmother's beach resort and has a steady boyfriend, Luke, who is described as "hot" without a shirt. Her job involves making sure everyone has a comfortable stay and she has made no plans for the future, not because she fears anything but just seems to take life as it rolls by day after day. But that's about to change quite a bit - life is change at certain stages whether one wants it or not, and the essence of this story is how one embraces, fights, or flies from it.When Emaline is taking a VIP package of wine and fruit to one of the more luxurious resort areas, she meets a summer intern named Theo, who is working with a snooty director on a documentary film about a famous painter who lives like a regular guy and really doesn't want the hype. Add to the mixture that Emaline's absent father all of a sudden shows up exhibiting interest in his daughter's education and college application process. At first she is cautious, then enthused, and later shocked by his on again, off again presence. She and Luke start to fight, have some misunderstandings, a betrayal and then a break-up. But as upset as she is initially, she begins to realize the future may not have as many predictable scenarios as she had hoped.Forced to turn down a Columbia University acceptance, she decides to go to a local college but she's not so sure that Luke will be part of that future picture. Maybe she should change her plans totally. But things get complicated when a relationship with Theo starts to grow and her father moves into the area, bringing her half-brother Benji along, who comes to worship the ground Emaline walks on. Mom and Grandma are not so sure about all these changes!This is a tough, tender novel full of shifts in points of view about certain people. The characters are presented with all their best assets and toughest, weakest flaws. Unlike other books where characters paint black and white caricatures, Emaline learns to deal with whatever comes moment to moment. Love is a changing phenomena as well and passion is something to follow with all of one's being! Readers will love this very real, smart and sassy character and the story threading and weaving its way around her town of Colby, a place built on sand that is far more solid than one could dream! Very nicely done, Sarah Dessen! More please! | Emaline is <hl> very happy with her life <hl> . | Emaline is <hl> very happy with her life <hl>. She works at her grandmother's beach resort and has a steady boyfriend, Luke, who is described as "hot" without a shirt. Her job involves making sure everyone has a comfortable stay and she has made no plans for the future, not because she fears anything but just seems to take life as it rolls by day after day. But that's about to change quite a bit - life is change at certain stages whether one wants it or not, and the essence of this story is how one embraces, fights, or flies from it.When Emaline is taking a VIP package of wine and fruit to one of the more luxurious resort areas, she meets a summer intern named Theo, who is working with a snooty director on a documentary film about a famous painter who lives like a regular guy and really doesn't want the hype. Add to the mixture that Emaline's absent father all of a sudden shows up exhibiting interest in his daughter's education and college application process. At first she is cautious, then enthused, and later shocked by his on again, off again presence. She and Luke start to fight, have some misunderstandings, a betrayal and then a break-up. But as upset as she is initially, she begins to realize the future may not have as many predictable scenarios as she had hoped.Forced to turn down a Columbia University acceptance, she decides to go to a local college but she's not so sure that Luke will be part of that future picture. Maybe she should change her plans totally. But things get complicated when a relationship with Theo starts to grow and her father moves into the area, bringing her half-brother Benji along, who comes to worship the ground Emaline walks on. Mom and Grandma are not so sure about all these changes!This is a tough, tender novel full of shifts in points of view about certain people. The characters are presented with all their best assets and toughest, weakest flaws. Unlike other books where characters paint black and white caricatures, Emaline learns to deal with whatever comes moment to moment. Love is a changing phenomena as well and passion is something to follow with all of one's being! Readers will love this very real, smart and sassy character and the story threading and weaving its way around her town of Colby, a place built on sand that is far more solid than one could dream! Very nicely done, Sarah Dessen! More please! | <hl> Emaline is very happy with her life . <hl> She works at her grandmother's beach resort and has a steady boyfriend, Luke, who is described as "hot" without a shirt. Her job involves making sure everyone has a comfortable stay and she has made no plans for the future, not because she fears anything but just seems to take life as it rolls by day after day. But that's about to change quite a bit - life is change at certain stages whether one wants it or not, and the essence of this story is how one embraces, fights, or flies from it. When Emaline is taking a VIP package of wine and fruit to one of the more luxurious resort areas, she meets a summer intern named Theo, who is working with a snooty director on a documentary film about a famous painter who lives like a regular guy and really doesn't want the hype. Add to the mixture that Emaline's absent father all of a sudden shows up exhibiting interest in his daughter's education and college application process. At first she is cautious, then enthused, and later shocked by his on again, off again presence. She and Luke start to fight, have some misunderstandings, a betrayal and then a break-up. But as upset as she is initially, she begins to realize the future may not have as many predictable scenarios as she had hoped. Forced to turn down a Columbia University acceptance, she decides to go to a local college but she's not so sure that Luke will be part of that future picture. Maybe she should change her plans totally. But things get complicated when a relationship with Theo starts to grow and her father moves into the area, bringing her half-brother Benji along, who comes to worship the ground Emaline walks on. Mom and Grandma are not so sure about all these changes!This is a tough, tender novel full of shifts in points of view about certain people. The characters are presented with all their best assets and toughest, weakest flaws. Unlike other books where characters paint black and white caricatures, Emaline learns to deal with whatever comes moment to moment. Love is a changing phenomena as well and passion is something to follow with all of one's being! Readers will love this very real, smart and sassy character and the story threading and weaving its way around her town of Colby, a place built on sand that is far more solid than one could dream! Very nicely done, Sarah Dessen! More please! | 4aaa7b5bbc050e3fa9be2a6a2423e327 | 1 | 1 | books |
very deep in a disjointed kind of way | question: How is writing style?, context: This book is very deep in a disjointed kind of way. I didn't enjoy it. The author obviously speaks to many readers, just not this one. | How is writing style? | This book is very deep in a disjointed kind of way . | This book is very deep in a disjointed kind of way. I didn't enjoy it. The author obviously speaks to many readers, just not this one. | This book is <hl> very deep in a disjointed kind of way <hl> . | This book is <hl> very deep in a disjointed kind of way <hl>. I didn't enjoy it. The author obviously speaks to many readers, just not this one. | <hl> This book is very deep in a disjointed kind of way . <hl> I didn't enjoy it. The author obviously speaks to many readers, just not this one. | f105f86d17a30766b3c2d53889af6ba7 | 1 | 1 | books |
I was a little disappointed | question: Is this a story with a happy ending?, context: First, this is an inspiring memoir. What a great testament to what a person can do if they set their minds to something that matters to them. Definitely made me want to hike portions of the PCT, especially as I live about 2 miles from it. Also made me rethink my little boo-hoos when I am just hiking a shorter hike.The author was brave, tough (the boot problem would have been enough to send me straight home), and pretty awesome. Her story was interesting, funny and pretty informative. I only gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because I expected more due to all the hype. Also because I was a little disappointed that she only hiked part of the trail - not that I could have done any better. I think I just expected this epic journey that stretched the whole trail.If you have read A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, I think you might be a little disappointed with Wild, but it is still a good read and worth your time. | Is this a story with a happy ending? | Also because I was a little disappointed that she only hiked part of the trail - not that I could have done any better. | First, this is an inspiring memoir. What a great testament to what a person can do if they set their minds to something that matters to them. Definitely made me want to hike portions of the PCT, especially as I live about 2 miles from it. Also made me rethink my little boo-hoos when I am just hiking a shorter hike.The author was brave, tough (the boot problem would have been enough to send me straight home), and pretty awesome. Her story was interesting, funny and pretty informative. I only gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because I expected more due to all the hype. Also because I was a little disappointed that she only hiked part of the trail - not that I could have done any better. I think I just expected this epic journey that stretched the whole trail.If you have read A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, I think you might be a little disappointed with Wild, but it is still a good read and worth your time. | Also because <hl> I was a little disappointed <hl> that she only hiked part of the trail - not that I could have done any better. | First, this is an inspiring memoir. What a great testament to what a person can do if they set their minds to something that matters to them. Definitely made me want to hike portions of the PCT, especially as I live about 2 miles from it. Also made me rethink my little boo-hoos when I am just hiking a shorter hike.The author was brave, tough (the boot problem would have been enough to send me straight home), and pretty awesome. Her story was interesting, funny and pretty informative. I only gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because I expected more due to all the hype. Also because <hl> I was a little disappointed <hl> that she only hiked part of the trail - not that I could have done any better. I think I just expected this epic journey that stretched the whole trail.If you have read A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, I think you might be a little disappointed with Wild, but it is still a good read and worth your time. | First, this is an inspiring memoir. What a great testament to what a person can do if they set their minds to something that matters to them. Definitely made me want to hike portions of the PCT, especially as I live about 2 miles from it. Also made me rethink my little boo-hoos when I am just hiking a shorter hike. The author was brave, tough (the boot problem would have been enough to send me straight home), and pretty awesome. Her story was interesting, funny and pretty informative. I only gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because I expected more due to all the hype. <hl> Also because I was a little disappointed that she only hiked part of the trail - not that I could have done any better. <hl> I think I just expected this epic journey that stretched the whole trail. If you have read A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, I think you might be a little disappointed with Wild, but it is still a good read and worth your time. | 0dc41b6fd975f5f7aa7140e9522cd009 | 2 | 2 | books |
The Hunger Games was an absolutely phenomenal novel | question: How can I get a good book at the hotel?, context: Wow, The Hunger Games was an absolutely phenomenal novel. It's kind of a cross between Battle Royale and Lord of the Flies. The characters were all incredibly well written. I can't pick a favorite because I loved them all. Although, I must admit I sobbed like a baby when *SPOILER ALERT* Rue died. I think the concept of The Hunger Games is brilliant, and also a little scary. I could potentially see something like that happening in the distant future. The berries idea near the end of the games was a great idea. It left me completely shocked. I read the book in less than twenty-four hours. It completely captivated me from beginning to end. There was a lot of crazy twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I really hope that Katniss forms a relationship with Gale that turns out to be more than a friendship sometime before the final book. I can't wait to read book two, and find out what happens next. | How can I get a good book at the hotel? | Wow, The Hunger Games was an absolutely phenomenal novel . | Wow, The Hunger Games was an absolutely phenomenal novel. It's kind of a cross between Battle Royale and Lord of the Flies. The characters were all incredibly well written. I can't pick a favorite because I loved them all. Although, I must admit I sobbed like a baby when *SPOILER ALERT* Rue died. I think the concept of The Hunger Games is brilliant, and also a little scary. I could potentially see something like that happening in the distant future. The berries idea near the end of the games was a great idea. It left me completely shocked. I read the book in less than twenty-four hours. It completely captivated me from beginning to end. There was a lot of crazy twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I really hope that Katniss forms a relationship with Gale that turns out to be more than a friendship sometime before the final book. I can't wait to read book two, and find out what happens next. | Wow, <hl> The Hunger Games was an absolutely phenomenal novel <hl> . | Wow, <hl> The Hunger Games was an absolutely phenomenal novel <hl>. It's kind of a cross between Battle Royale and Lord of the Flies. The characters were all incredibly well written. I can't pick a favorite because I loved them all. Although, I must admit I sobbed like a baby when *SPOILER ALERT* Rue died. I think the concept of The Hunger Games is brilliant, and also a little scary. I could potentially see something like that happening in the distant future. The berries idea near the end of the games was a great idea. It left me completely shocked. I read the book in less than twenty-four hours. It completely captivated me from beginning to end. There was a lot of crazy twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I really hope that Katniss forms a relationship with Gale that turns out to be more than a friendship sometime before the final book. I can't wait to read book two, and find out what happens next. | <hl> Wow, The Hunger Games was an absolutely phenomenal novel . <hl> It's kind of a cross between Battle Royale and Lord of the Flies. The characters were all incredibly well written. I can't pick a favorite because I loved them all. Although, I must admit I sobbed like a baby when *SPOILER ALERT* Rue died. I think the concept of The Hunger Games is brilliant, and also a little scary. I could potentially see something like that happening in the distant future. The berries idea near the end of the games was a great idea. It left me completely shocked. I read the book in less than twenty-four hours. It completely captivated me from beginning to end. There was a lot of crazy twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I really hope that Katniss forms a relationship with Gale that turns out to be more than a friendship sometime before the final book. I can't wait to read book two, and find out what happens next. | 3fe994cfbbdb7cfed204e05f3f69b70c | 5 | 5 | books |
The character development was great | question: How was the character development?, context: The character development was great. The people in this book were unhappy but very real. The small town politics were well developed. | How was the character development? | The character development was great . | The character development was great. The people in this book were unhappy but very real. The small town politics were well developed. | <hl> The character development was great <hl> . | <hl> The character development was great <hl>. The people in this book were unhappy but very real. The small town politics were well developed. | <hl> The character development was great . <hl> The people in this book were unhappy but very real. The small town politics were well developed. | e54dafc2a8060969fe3db2dfe30af316 | 2 | 2 | books |
The book is well-written and a page-turner | question: How is the book?, context: This is a suspenseful, first-person account of the raid that took down Osama bin Laden in May, 2011. The author, writing under the pseudonym of Mark Owen, was one of the elite SEAL Team Six operators that participated in the raid (his real name has since been revealed as Matt Bissonnette). The book debuted at number one on Amazon. It does not disappoint.The first half of No Easy Day covers Bissonnette's work in SEAL Team Six prior to the Osama bin Laden raid. After a cliffhanger opening that anticipates the climax of the book, the story backs up several years to Bissonnette's Green Team training. He was already a Navy SEAL at this point, but he was trying to become a member of the elite Seal TEAM Six, which is composed of the "best of the best." We follow his deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where the recounting of certain missions serves to establish the proficiency of the author and his team at their job. This is rather standard fare for the subgenre.The latter half of the book is devoted to the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound, including the extensive preparations and some of the political aftermath. The actual raid is told in almost moment-by-moment detail, transporting the reader to the compound in Abbottabad. The scene is described so richly that it feels as though we are climbing the stairs with the team as they close in on bin Laden. Several maps and charts help us to picture the location.No Easy Day focuses almost exclusively on Bissonnette's training and deployments. We learn very little about his personal life, which--combined with his intentional pseudonymity--makes it harder to connect with him emotionally. This information was omitted for obvious security reasons. He does share the toll that SEAL life takes on family life, however. "Many of my teammates suffered through bitter divorces. We missed weddings, funerals, and holidays. We couldn't tell the Navy no, but we could tell our families no. And we did often. . . . Work was always the number one priority. It took everything out of you and gave back very little. . . . everything else in the world took a backseat" (106-7). For those wanting a fuller portrait of a Navy SEAL's personal life, see the excellent book by Eric Blehm,Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown, which details the life of SEAL Team Six operator Adam Brown.Bissonnette does not engage in self-aggrandizement or bravado, which has marred some earlier books by former Navy SEALs. The author seems to have a realistic view of himself. He says at one point: "I am not unique or special" (298). He does not hesitate to share instances in combat when he was afraid or made a mistake. He occasionally engages in self-deprecating humor. He regularly dishes out praise for his teammates. Bissonnette says that today's SEALs have "evolved past being egomaniacs" (289). Such professionalism is appreciated.Bissonnette states in the introduction that he has sanitized the book so that it presents no threat to national security. The identities of those involved are masked; special tactics and technology are not revealed; and certain information is generalized. The author says, "If you are looking for secrets, this is not your book" (x). Yet none of these precautions affect the impact of the book. There is still enough specific information to make the action riveting.Despite Bissonnette's precautions, the book is nonetheless generating controversy. Some special operators have challenged his decision to reveal details about the mission, breaking their traditional code of silence. The Department of Defense has threatened to sue because he did not present the book to the Pentagon for inspection prior to publication. The author has responded by pointing out that many people, from the President on down, have revealed details about the mission. He says, "If my commander in chief is willing to talk, then I feel comfortable doing the same" (298). He claims that everything in the book has already appeared in other unclassified sources (xi). I for one am glad that the book was released. It shows that those who commit acts of terror will suffer retribution--perhaps even deadly retribution--for their evil. This should serve as a warning to our enemies.At the end of the book are the names of those SEALs who have paid the ultimate price since September 11, 2001. Bissonnette claims that he is donating the majority of the proceeds from the book to charities that support the families of these fallen Navy SEALs. He encourages readers to donate as well.The book is well-written and a page-turner. Even though the outcome of the book was already known, it maintains a high degree of suspense throughout to see how the situation actually played out. I read it in one sitting. Highly recommended. | How is the book? | The book is well-written and a page-turner . | This is a suspenseful, first-person account of the raid that took down Osama bin Laden in May, 2011. The author, writing under the pseudonym of Mark Owen, was one of the elite SEAL Team Six operators that participated in the raid (his real name has since been revealed as Matt Bissonnette). The book debuted at number one on Amazon. It does not disappoint.The first half of No Easy Day covers Bissonnette's work in SEAL Team Six prior to the Osama bin Laden raid. After a cliffhanger opening that anticipates the climax of the book, the story backs up several years to Bissonnette's Green Team training. He was already a Navy SEAL at this point, but he was trying to become a member of the elite Seal TEAM Six, which is composed of the "best of the best." We follow his deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where the recounting of certain missions serves to establish the proficiency of the author and his team at their job. This is rather standard fare for the subgenre.The latter half of the book is devoted to the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound, including the extensive preparations and some of the political aftermath. The actual raid is told in almost moment-by-moment detail, transporting the reader to the compound in Abbottabad. The scene is described so richly that it feels as though we are climbing the stairs with the team as they close in on bin Laden. Several maps and charts help us to picture the location.No Easy Day focuses almost exclusively on Bissonnette's training and deployments. We learn very little about his personal life, which--combined with his intentional pseudonymity--makes it harder to connect with him emotionally. This information was omitted for obvious security reasons. He does share the toll that SEAL life takes on family life, however. "Many of my teammates suffered through bitter divorces. We missed weddings, funerals, and holidays. We couldn't tell the Navy no, but we could tell our families no. And we did often. . . . Work was always the number one priority. It took everything out of you and gave back very little. . . . everything else in the world took a backseat" (106-7). For those wanting a fuller portrait of a Navy SEAL's personal life, see the excellent book by Eric Blehm,Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown, which details the life of SEAL Team Six operator Adam Brown.Bissonnette does not engage in self-aggrandizement or bravado, which has marred some earlier books by former Navy SEALs. The author seems to have a realistic view of himself. He says at one point: "I am not unique or special" (298). He does not hesitate to share instances in combat when he was afraid or made a mistake. He occasionally engages in self-deprecating humor. He regularly dishes out praise for his teammates. Bissonnette says that today's SEALs have "evolved past being egomaniacs" (289). Such professionalism is appreciated.Bissonnette states in the introduction that he has sanitized the book so that it presents no threat to national security. The identities of those involved are masked; special tactics and technology are not revealed; and certain information is generalized. The author says, "If you are looking for secrets, this is not your book" (x). Yet none of these precautions affect the impact of the book. There is still enough specific information to make the action riveting.Despite Bissonnette's precautions, the book is nonetheless generating controversy. Some special operators have challenged his decision to reveal details about the mission, breaking their traditional code of silence. The Department of Defense has threatened to sue because he did not present the book to the Pentagon for inspection prior to publication. The author has responded by pointing out that many people, from the President on down, have revealed details about the mission. He says, "If my commander in chief is willing to talk, then I feel comfortable doing the same" (298). He claims that everything in the book has already appeared in other unclassified sources (xi). I for one am glad that the book was released. It shows that those who commit acts of terror will suffer retribution--perhaps even deadly retribution--for their evil. This should serve as a warning to our enemies.At the end of the book are the names of those SEALs who have paid the ultimate price since September 11, 2001. Bissonnette claims that he is donating the majority of the proceeds from the book to charities that support the families of these fallen Navy SEALs. He encourages readers to donate as well.The book is well-written and a page-turner. Even though the outcome of the book was already known, it maintains a high degree of suspense throughout to see how the situation actually played out. I read it in one sitting. Highly recommended. | <hl> The book is well-written and a page-turner <hl> . | This is a suspenseful, first-person account of the raid that took down Osama bin Laden in May, 2011. The author, writing under the pseudonym of Mark Owen, was one of the elite SEAL Team Six operators that participated in the raid (his real name has since been revealed as Matt Bissonnette). The book debuted at number one on Amazon. It does not disappoint.The first half of No Easy Day covers Bissonnette's work in SEAL Team Six prior to the Osama bin Laden raid. After a cliffhanger opening that anticipates the climax of the book, the story backs up several years to Bissonnette's Green Team training. He was already a Navy SEAL at this point, but he was trying to become a member of the elite Seal TEAM Six, which is composed of the "best of the best." We follow his deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where the recounting of certain missions serves to establish the proficiency of the author and his team at their job. This is rather standard fare for the subgenre.The latter half of the book is devoted to the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound, including the extensive preparations and some of the political aftermath. The actual raid is told in almost moment-by-moment detail, transporting the reader to the compound in Abbottabad. The scene is described so richly that it feels as though we are climbing the stairs with the team as they close in on bin Laden. Several maps and charts help us to picture the location.No Easy Day focuses almost exclusively on Bissonnette's training and deployments. We learn very little about his personal life, which--combined with his intentional pseudonymity--makes it harder to connect with him emotionally. This information was omitted for obvious security reasons. He does share the toll that SEAL life takes on family life, however. "Many of my teammates suffered through bitter divorces. We missed weddings, funerals, and holidays. We couldn't tell the Navy no, but we could tell our families no. And we did often. . . . Work was always the number one priority. It took everything out of you and gave back very little. . . . everything else in the world took a backseat" (106-7). For those wanting a fuller portrait of a Navy SEAL's personal life, see the excellent book by Eric Blehm,Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown, which details the life of SEAL Team Six operator Adam Brown.Bissonnette does not engage in self-aggrandizement or bravado, which has marred some earlier books by former Navy SEALs. The author seems to have a realistic view of himself. He says at one point: "I am not unique or special" (298). He does not hesitate to share instances in combat when he was afraid or made a mistake. He occasionally engages in self-deprecating humor. He regularly dishes out praise for his teammates. Bissonnette says that today's SEALs have "evolved past being egomaniacs" (289). Such professionalism is appreciated.Bissonnette states in the introduction that he has sanitized the book so that it presents no threat to national security. The identities of those involved are masked; special tactics and technology are not revealed; and certain information is generalized. The author says, "If you are looking for secrets, this is not your book" (x). Yet none of these precautions affect the impact of the book. There is still enough specific information to make the action riveting.Despite Bissonnette's precautions, the book is nonetheless generating controversy. Some special operators have challenged his decision to reveal details about the mission, breaking their traditional code of silence. The Department of Defense has threatened to sue because he did not present the book to the Pentagon for inspection prior to publication. The author has responded by pointing out that many people, from the President on down, have revealed details about the mission. He says, "If my commander in chief is willing to talk, then I feel comfortable doing the same" (298). He claims that everything in the book has already appeared in other unclassified sources (xi). I for one am glad that the book was released. It shows that those who commit acts of terror will suffer retribution--perhaps even deadly retribution--for their evil. This should serve as a warning to our enemies.At the end of the book are the names of those SEALs who have paid the ultimate price since September 11, 2001. Bissonnette claims that he is donating the majority of the proceeds from the book to charities that support the families of these fallen Navy SEALs. He encourages readers to donate as well.<hl> The book is well-written and a page-turner <hl>. Even though the outcome of the book was already known, it maintains a high degree of suspense throughout to see how the situation actually played out. I read it in one sitting. Highly recommended. | This is a suspenseful, first-person account of the raid that took down Osama bin Laden in May, 2011. The author, writing under the pseudonym of Mark Owen, was one of the elite SEAL Team Six operators that participated in the raid (his real name has since been revealed as Matt Bissonnette). The book debuted at number one on Amazon. It does not disappoint. The first half of No Easy Day covers Bissonnette's work in SEAL Team Six prior to the Osama bin Laden raid. After a cliffhanger opening that anticipates the climax of the book, the story backs up several years to Bissonnette's Green Team training. He was already a Navy SEAL at this point, but he was trying to become a member of the elite Seal TEAM Six, which is composed of the "best of the best." We follow his deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where the recounting of certain missions serves to establish the proficiency of the author and his team at their job. This is rather standard fare for the subgenre. The latter half of the book is devoted to the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound, including the extensive preparations and some of the political aftermath. The actual raid is told in almost moment-by-moment detail, transporting the reader to the compound in Abbottabad. The scene is described so richly that it feels as though we are climbing the stairs with the team as they close in on bin Laden. Several maps and charts help us to picture the location. No Easy Day focuses almost exclusively on Bissonnette's training and deployments. We learn very little about his personal life, which--combined with his intentional pseudonymity--makes it harder to connect with him emotionally. This information was omitted for obvious security reasons. He does share the toll that SEAL life takes on family life, however. "Many of my teammates suffered through bitter divorces. We missed weddings, funerals, and holidays. We couldn't tell the Navy no, but we could tell our families no. And we did often. . . . Work was always the number one priority. It took everything out of you and gave back very little. . . . everything else in the world took a backseat" (106-7). For those wanting a fuller portrait of a Navy SEAL's personal life, see the excellent book by Eric Blehm,Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown, which details the life of SEAL Team Six operator Adam Brown. Bissonnette does not engage in self-aggrandizement or bravado, which has marred some earlier books by former Navy SEALs. The author seems to have a realistic view of himself. He says at one point: "I am not unique or special" (298). He does not hesitate to share instances in combat when he was afraid or made a mistake. He occasionally engages in self-deprecating humor. He regularly dishes out praise for his teammates. Bissonnette says that today's SEALs have "evolved past being egomaniacs" (289). Such professionalism is appreciated. Bissonnette states in the introduction that he has sanitized the book so that it presents no threat to national security. The identities of those involved are masked; special tactics and technology are not revealed; and certain information is generalized. The author says, "If you are looking for secrets, this is not your book" (x). Yet none of these precautions affect the impact of the book. There is still enough specific information to make the action riveting. Despite Bissonnette's precautions, the book is nonetheless generating controversy. Some special operators have challenged his decision to reveal details about the mission, breaking their traditional code of silence. The Department of Defense has threatened to sue because he did not present the book to the Pentagon for inspection prior to publication. The author has responded by pointing out that many people, from the President on down, have revealed details about the mission. He says, "If my commander in chief is willing to talk, then I feel comfortable doing the same" (298). He claims that everything in the book has already appeared in other unclassified sources (xi). I for one am glad that the book was released. It shows that those who commit acts of terror will suffer retribution--perhaps even deadly retribution--for their evil. This should serve as a warning to our enemies. At the end of the book are the names of those SEALs who have paid the ultimate price since September 11, 2001. Bissonnette claims that he is donating the majority of the proceeds from the book to charities that support the families of these fallen Navy SEALs. He encourages readers to donate as well. <hl> The book is well-written and a page-turner . <hl> Even though the outcome of the book was already known, it maintains a high degree of suspense throughout to see how the situation actually played out. I read it in one sitting. Highly recommended. | 585d29054071b88093037ef0b017b562 | 2 | 2 | books |
conventional love story with time travel at its heart | question: How is the writing style of story on this book?, context: If I said that "The Time Traveler's Wife" was a non-conventional love story with time travel, that description would not come close to accurately describing this novel. It is a non-conventional love story with time travel at its heart, but the novel is so much more than that, and it is also different. Clare met Henry when she was 6 and he was 38. When Henry met Clare, he was 28 and she was 20. How is such a thing possible? Henry is afflicted with what will come to be called Chrono Displacement Disorder. Or, to put it plainly: involuntary time travel. Ever since he was a child Henry has involuntarily time traveled when he is in a period of great emotional stress. He doesn't know why, or how. When Clare meets Henry for the first time, he has known Clare for years and he knows that they will marry when she is older (and he is younger). When Henry meets Clare for the first time, she has known an older Henry all of her life. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is their love story and it is an exceptional one.This novel is told from the perspective of both Henry and Clare in alternating viewpoints. Niffenegger lets us know at the beginning of each perspective exactly when this event is happening and how old both Clare and Henry are in each perspective. This is vitally important otherwise "The Time Traveler's Wife" would not make any sense. While it seems at first that the story is being told without any apparent order or structure, it soon becomes clear that the structure is Clare. Since she does not have Chrono Displacement Disorder, she ages normally and does not flit back and forth between the years. The structure of the novel follows Clare from when she is a child and first meeting Henry through she teenage years to their life together as adults. The structure follows Clare's life and her timeline. Henry pops in and out of her life from age 6 through 18 and he is sometimes in his 40's, other times a younger man in his thirties. This is why Niffenegger's telling us the ages of the characters is so vital. Henry may or may not know some events in Clare's life because for him, depending on his age, they haven't happened yet. This allows the reader to discover things about Clare and Henry as Henry learns them. Sometimes he knows that something happened because Clare references it, but it is only later that he discovers what it was when he time travels."The Time Traveler's Wife" is a very moving novel. Watching Henry and Clare struggle to fit a normal relationship into their lives despite Henry's time travel can be heart wrenching despite the fascination with when Henry will go next and what we will learn about their past together. Audrey Niffenegger has done such a great job constructing this novel and making sure that it has a very firm structure that even the unrealistic idea of involuntary time travel (as if building a time machine wouldn't have been strange enough for Niffenegger) seems realistic and grounded in reality. This novel feels real and true.I don't know that I can praise "The Time Traveler's Wife" enough or even adequately. The best praise that I know how to give is to say that from time to time I encounter a book that blows me away, that I don't want to put down, and that is so magical that I am simply absorbed into the story. It's a rare book that completely levels me and gets instantly elevated to one of my favorite books. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is such a novel.-Joe Sherry | How is the writing style of story on this book? | It is a non- conventional love story with time travel at its heart , but the novel is so much more than that, and it is also different. | If I said that "The Time Traveler's Wife" was a non-conventional love story with time travel, that description would not come close to accurately describing this novel. It is a non-conventional love story with time travel at its heart, but the novel is so much more than that, and it is also different. Clare met Henry when she was 6 and he was 38. When Henry met Clare, he was 28 and she was 20. How is such a thing possible? Henry is afflicted with what will come to be called Chrono Displacement Disorder. Or, to put it plainly: involuntary time travel. Ever since he was a child Henry has involuntarily time traveled when he is in a period of great emotional stress. He doesn't know why, or how. When Clare meets Henry for the first time, he has known Clare for years and he knows that they will marry when she is older (and he is younger). When Henry meets Clare for the first time, she has known an older Henry all of her life. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is their love story and it is an exceptional one.This novel is told from the perspective of both Henry and Clare in alternating viewpoints. Niffenegger lets us know at the beginning of each perspective exactly when this event is happening and how old both Clare and Henry are in each perspective. This is vitally important otherwise "The Time Traveler's Wife" would not make any sense. While it seems at first that the story is being told without any apparent order or structure, it soon becomes clear that the structure is Clare. Since she does not have Chrono Displacement Disorder, she ages normally and does not flit back and forth between the years. The structure of the novel follows Clare from when she is a child and first meeting Henry through she teenage years to their life together as adults. The structure follows Clare's life and her timeline. Henry pops in and out of her life from age 6 through 18 and he is sometimes in his 40's, other times a younger man in his thirties. This is why Niffenegger's telling us the ages of the characters is so vital. Henry may or may not know some events in Clare's life because for him, depending on his age, they haven't happened yet. This allows the reader to discover things about Clare and Henry as Henry learns them. Sometimes he knows that something happened because Clare references it, but it is only later that he discovers what it was when he time travels."The Time Traveler's Wife" is a very moving novel. Watching Henry and Clare struggle to fit a normal relationship into their lives despite Henry's time travel can be heart wrenching despite the fascination with when Henry will go next and what we will learn about their past together. Audrey Niffenegger has done such a great job constructing this novel and making sure that it has a very firm structure that even the unrealistic idea of involuntary time travel (as if building a time machine wouldn't have been strange enough for Niffenegger) seems realistic and grounded in reality. This novel feels real and true.I don't know that I can praise "The Time Traveler's Wife" enough or even adequately. The best praise that I know how to give is to say that from time to time I encounter a book that blows me away, that I don't want to put down, and that is so magical that I am simply absorbed into the story. It's a rare book that completely levels me and gets instantly elevated to one of my favorite books. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is such a novel.-Joe Sherry | It is a non- <hl> conventional love story with time travel at its heart <hl> , but the novel is so much more than that, and it is also different. | If I said that "The Time Traveler's Wife" was a non-conventional love story with time travel, that description would not come close to accurately describing this novel. It is a non-<hl> conventional love story with time travel at its heart <hl>, but the novel is so much more than that, and it is also different. Clare met Henry when she was 6 and he was 38. When Henry met Clare, he was 28 and she was 20. How is such a thing possible? Henry is afflicted with what will come to be called Chrono Displacement Disorder. Or, to put it plainly: involuntary time travel. Ever since he was a child Henry has involuntarily time traveled when he is in a period of great emotional stress. He doesn't know why, or how. When Clare meets Henry for the first time, he has known Clare for years and he knows that they will marry when she is older (and he is younger). When Henry meets Clare for the first time, she has known an older Henry all of her life. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is their love story and it is an exceptional one.This novel is told from the perspective of both Henry and Clare in alternating viewpoints. Niffenegger lets us know at the beginning of each perspective exactly when this event is happening and how old both Clare and Henry are in each perspective. This is vitally important otherwise "The Time Traveler's Wife" would not make any sense. While it seems at first that the story is being told without any apparent order or structure, it soon becomes clear that the structure is Clare. Since she does not have Chrono Displacement Disorder, she ages normally and does not flit back and forth between the years. The structure of the novel follows Clare from when she is a child and first meeting Henry through she teenage years to their life together as adults. The structure follows Clare's life and her timeline. Henry pops in and out of her life from age 6 through 18 and he is sometimes in his 40's, other times a younger man in his thirties. This is why Niffenegger's telling us the ages of the characters is so vital. Henry may or may not know some events in Clare's life because for him, depending on his age, they haven't happened yet. This allows the reader to discover things about Clare and Henry as Henry learns them. Sometimes he knows that something happened because Clare references it, but it is only later that he discovers what it was when he time travels."The Time Traveler's Wife" is a very moving novel. Watching Henry and Clare struggle to fit a normal relationship into their lives despite Henry's time travel can be heart wrenching despite the fascination with when Henry will go next and what we will learn about their past together. Audrey Niffenegger has done such a great job constructing this novel and making sure that it has a very firm structure that even the unrealistic idea of involuntary time travel (as if building a time machine wouldn't have been strange enough for Niffenegger) seems realistic and grounded in reality. This novel feels real and true.I don't know that I can praise "The Time Traveler's Wife" enough or even adequately. The best praise that I know how to give is to say that from time to time I encounter a book that blows me away, that I don't want to put down, and that is so magical that I am simply absorbed into the story. It's a rare book that completely levels me and gets instantly elevated to one of my favorite books. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is such a novel.-Joe Sherry | If I said that "The Time Traveler's Wife" was a non-conventional love story with time travel, that description would not come close to accurately describing this novel. <hl> It is a non- conventional love story with time travel at its heart , but the novel is so much more than that, and it is also different. <hl> Clare met Henry when she was 6 and he was 38. When Henry met Clare, he was 28 and she was 20. How is such a thing possible? Henry is afflicted with what will come to be called Chrono Displacement Disorder. Or, to put it plainly: involuntary time travel. Ever since he was a child Henry has involuntarily time traveled when he is in a period of great emotional stress. He doesn't know why, or how. When Clare meets Henry for the first time, he has known Clare for years and he knows that they will marry when she is older (and he is younger). When Henry meets Clare for the first time, she has known an older Henry all of her life. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is their love story and it is an exceptional one. This novel is told from the perspective of both Henry and Clare in alternating viewpoints. Niffenegger lets us know at the beginning of each perspective exactly when this event is happening and how old both Clare and Henry are in each perspective. This is vitally important otherwise "The Time Traveler's Wife" would not make any sense. While it seems at first that the story is being told without any apparent order or structure, it soon becomes clear that the structure is Clare. Since she does not have Chrono Displacement Disorder, she ages normally and does not flit back and forth between the years. The structure of the novel follows Clare from when she is a child and first meeting Henry through she teenage years to their life together as adults. The structure follows Clare's life and her timeline. Henry pops in and out of her life from age 6 through 18 and he is sometimes in his 40's, other times a younger man in his thirties. This is why Niffenegger's telling us the ages of the characters is so vital. Henry may or may not know some events in Clare's life because for him, depending on his age, they haven't happened yet. This allows the reader to discover things about Clare and Henry as Henry learns them. Sometimes he knows that something happened because Clare references it, but it is only later that he discovers what it was when he time travels. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is a very moving novel. Watching Henry and Clare struggle to fit a normal relationship into their lives despite Henry's time travel can be heart wrenching despite the fascination with when Henry will go next and what we will learn about their past together. Audrey Niffenegger has done such a great job constructing this novel and making sure that it has a very firm structure that even the unrealistic idea of involuntary time travel (as if building a time machine wouldn't have been strange enough for Niffenegger) seems realistic and grounded in reality. This novel feels real and true. I don't know that I can praise "The Time Traveler's Wife" enough or even adequately. The best praise that I know how to give is to say that from time to time I encounter a book that blows me away, that I don't want to put down, and that is so magical that I am simply absorbed into the story. It's a rare book that completely levels me and gets instantly elevated to one of my favorite books. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is such a novel.-Joe Sherry | 0e2ea5b8701c9e5075090dd7e4d064e3 | 1 | 1 | books |
starts a life with him in peace and freedom | question: Where there is love?, context: Mockingjay by Suzanne CollinsISBN-10: 0545663261ISBN-13: 978-0545663267ASIN: B003XF1XOQPublisher: ScholasticSuzanne Collins brings us back into the world of District 13 where the rebellion is in full swing, and Katniss is out of control.Katniss is the Mockingjay – the symbol of the rebellion to all the people of the districts. She has flaunted her contempt of the Capitol twice, and they want her to do it again.She doesn’t want to. She’s injured…and scared for Peeta, who was captured and taken to Panem. They didn’t get him out of the arena.She is now dealing with a controlled existence, although it’s not like the Capitol’s control – there is plenty of food, but people have a purpose and schedule. But she suffers through being underground in safety for her family’s sake.Eventually, through much convincing, she agrees to be their “Mockingjay,” but she has her own terms for her giving the service. President Coin doesn’t like her, she can feel it, but it gets worse after she delivers her terms. But Katniss will do anything to save the lives of the victors from the arena who are now at the mercy of Panem.Peeta is one of those conditions. But, what they bring back to District 13 is an abomination of Peeta; he’s no longer himself.With her best and oldest friend, Gale, Katniss learns to be the Mockingjay…her way. She becomes not only the symbol, but the spirit of the rebellion. And, when things get difficult, she goes rogue so she can finally have a chance at ending the war and bringing an end to President Snow once and for all.This comes at a very high price…one that will haunt her for the rest of her life. Even after she decides which man she really loves and starts a life with him in peace and freedom.Again, I’m still not fond of Suzanne Collins’ writing style, which I found flat and kind of dull. And this book, more than the first two, shows off that weakness in writing. Where in the other books Katniss was strong and rose to meet challenges, in this book she was wishy-washy; instead of developing as a character, she regressed. That, on top of Katniss being injured through almost the entire book, made it slower than the previous two. I felt like the author was bored and couldn’t inject any excitement into the story because she wasn’t feeling it. The third book was disappointing for me, so much so, that I have to give it a lower rating. If I hadn’t been vested in the characters from the movies and previous books, I probably wouldn’t have finished reading it. I hope I like the movie more than the book…when it arrives. Otherwise, there were a few minor mistakes in the book with punctuation and extra or missing words here and there. | Where there is love? | Even after she decides which man she really loves and starts a life with him in peace and freedom .Again, I’m still not fond of Suzanne Collins’ writing style, which I found flat and kind of dull. | Mockingjay by Suzanne CollinsISBN-10: 0545663261ISBN-13: 978-0545663267ASIN: B003XF1XOQPublisher: ScholasticSuzanne Collins brings us back into the world of District 13 where the rebellion is in full swing, and Katniss is out of control.Katniss is the Mockingjay – the symbol of the rebellion to all the people of the districts. She has flaunted her contempt of the Capitol twice, and they want her to do it again.She doesn’t want to. She’s injured…and scared for Peeta, who was captured and taken to Panem. They didn’t get him out of the arena.She is now dealing with a controlled existence, although it’s not like the Capitol’s control – there is plenty of food, but people have a purpose and schedule. But she suffers through being underground in safety for her family’s sake.Eventually, through much convincing, she agrees to be their “Mockingjay,” but she has her own terms for her giving the service. President Coin doesn’t like her, she can feel it, but it gets worse after she delivers her terms. But Katniss will do anything to save the lives of the victors from the arena who are now at the mercy of Panem.Peeta is one of those conditions. But, what they bring back to District 13 is an abomination of Peeta; he’s no longer himself.With her best and oldest friend, Gale, Katniss learns to be the Mockingjay…her way. She becomes not only the symbol, but the spirit of the rebellion. And, when things get difficult, she goes rogue so she can finally have a chance at ending the war and bringing an end to President Snow once and for all.This comes at a very high price…one that will haunt her for the rest of her life. Even after she decides which man she really loves and starts a life with him in peace and freedom.Again, I’m still not fond of Suzanne Collins’ writing style, which I found flat and kind of dull. And this book, more than the first two, shows off that weakness in writing. Where in the other books Katniss was strong and rose to meet challenges, in this book she was wishy-washy; instead of developing as a character, she regressed. That, on top of Katniss being injured through almost the entire book, made it slower than the previous two. I felt like the author was bored and couldn’t inject any excitement into the story because she wasn’t feeling it. The third book was disappointing for me, so much so, that I have to give it a lower rating. If I hadn’t been vested in the characters from the movies and previous books, I probably wouldn’t have finished reading it. I hope I like the movie more than the book…when it arrives. Otherwise, there were a few minor mistakes in the book with punctuation and extra or missing words here and there. | Even after she decides which man she really loves and <hl> starts a life with him in peace and freedom <hl> .Again, I’m still not fond of Suzanne Collins’ writing style, which I found flat and kind of dull. | Mockingjay by Suzanne CollinsISBN-10: 0545663261ISBN-13: 978-0545663267ASIN: B003XF1XOQPublisher: ScholasticSuzanne Collins brings us back into the world of District 13 where the rebellion is in full swing, and Katniss is out of control.Katniss is the Mockingjay – the symbol of the rebellion to all the people of the districts. She has flaunted her contempt of the Capitol twice, and they want her to do it again.She doesn’t want to. She’s injured…and scared for Peeta, who was captured and taken to Panem. They didn’t get him out of the arena.She is now dealing with a controlled existence, although it’s not like the Capitol’s control – there is plenty of food, but people have a purpose and schedule. But she suffers through being underground in safety for her family’s sake.Eventually, through much convincing, she agrees to be their “Mockingjay,” but she has her own terms for her giving the service. President Coin doesn’t like her, she can feel it, but it gets worse after she delivers her terms. But Katniss will do anything to save the lives of the victors from the arena who are now at the mercy of Panem.Peeta is one of those conditions. But, what they bring back to District 13 is an abomination of Peeta; he’s no longer himself.With her best and oldest friend, Gale, Katniss learns to be the Mockingjay…her way. She becomes not only the symbol, but the spirit of the rebellion. And, when things get difficult, she goes rogue so she can finally have a chance at ending the war and bringing an end to President Snow once and for all.This comes at a very high price…one that will haunt her for the rest of her life. Even after she decides which man she really loves and <hl> starts a life with him in peace and freedom <hl>.Again, I’m still not fond of Suzanne Collins’ writing style, which I found flat and kind of dull. And this book, more than the first two, shows off that weakness in writing. Where in the other books Katniss was strong and rose to meet challenges, in this book she was wishy-washy; instead of developing as a character, she regressed. That, on top of Katniss being injured through almost the entire book, made it slower than the previous two. I felt like the author was bored and couldn’t inject any excitement into the story because she wasn’t feeling it. The third book was disappointing for me, so much so, that I have to give it a lower rating. If I hadn’t been vested in the characters from the movies and previous books, I probably wouldn’t have finished reading it. I hope I like the movie more than the book…when it arrives. Otherwise, there were a few minor mistakes in the book with punctuation and extra or missing words here and there. | Mockingjay by Suzanne CollinsISBN-10: 0545663261ISBN-13: 978-0545663267ASIN: B003XF1XOQPublisher: ScholasticSuzanne Collins brings us back into the world of District 13 where the rebellion is in full swing, and Katniss is out of control. Katniss is the Mockingjay – the symbol of the rebellion to all the people of the districts. She has flaunted her contempt of the Capitol twice, and they want her to do it again. She doesn’t want to. She’s injured…and scared for Peeta, who was captured and taken to Panem. They didn’t get him out of the arena. She is now dealing with a controlled existence, although it’s not like the Capitol’s control – there is plenty of food, but people have a purpose and schedule. But she suffers through being underground in safety for her family’s sake. Eventually, through much convincing, she agrees to be their “Mockingjay,” but she has her own terms for her giving the service. President Coin doesn’t like her, she can feel it, but it gets worse after she delivers her terms. But Katniss will do anything to save the lives of the victors from the arena who are now at the mercy of Panem. Peeta is one of those conditions. But, what they bring back to District 13 is an abomination of Peeta; he’s no longer himself. With her best and oldest friend, Gale, Katniss learns to be the Mockingjay…her way. She becomes not only the symbol, but the spirit of the rebellion. And, when things get difficult, she goes rogue so she can finally have a chance at ending the war and bringing an end to President Snow once and for all. This comes at a very high price…one that will haunt her for the rest of her life. <hl> Even after she decides which man she really loves and starts a life with him in peace and freedom .Again, I’m still not fond of Suzanne Collins’ writing style, which I found flat and kind of dull. <hl> And this book, more than the first two, shows off that weakness in writing. Where in the other books Katniss was strong and rose to meet challenges, in this book she was wishy-washy; instead of developing as a character, she regressed. That, on top of Katniss being injured through almost the entire book, made it slower than the previous two. I felt like the author was bored and couldn’t inject any excitement into the story because she wasn’t feeling it. The third book was disappointing for me, so much so, that I have to give it a lower rating. If I hadn’t been vested in the characters from the movies and previous books, I probably wouldn’t have finished reading it. I hope I like the movie more than the book…when it arrives. Otherwise, there were a few minor mistakes in the book with punctuation and extra or missing words here and there. | b08e5debff1d729e59bd789c8b95cd1d | 1 | 1 | books |
There's a wonderful, dreamy scene late in William Landay's courtroom thriller "Defending Jacob," in which Andy Barber, his wife Laurie and their accused son Jacob are all lolling in the 14-year-old's bedroom musing about decamping as a family and sneaking off to faraway, exotic Buenos Aires to start a new life out of the spotlight and free of suspicion.Jacob asks, "Is that true, Dad? Lots of beautiful women in Buenos Aires?""That's what I hear."Laurie describes the South American city as a place of possibility where her son "will have children, and his children will have children and he'll bring so much happiness to so many people that no one will ever believe that once upon a time in America people said horrible things about him."At this point in Jacob's first-degree murder trial it's evident to all three and to us that none of that is likely to happen, but still they can imagine and try to cope with an increasingly dark reality filled with dread and edging toward despair.Jacob has been charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of classmate Ben Rifkin, a bully. Jacob's father, an assistant DA until the indictment, is helping with his son's defense. He narrates the story, which is a suspenseful legal thriller that spirals into a harrowing story of family dissolution.Carefully plotted as any whodunit you've ever read, the theme takes on the same nature-versus-nurture argument as William March's provocative potboiler "The Bad Seed." Unknown to Laurie, Andy is the son and grandson of violent murderers and the question becomes has Jacob too inherited a "Murder" gene, the "Barber Curse?" Suspicion becomes as corrosive as rust as family loyalty and love are tested beyond reasonable limits.A great deal of the enjoyment that comes from reading | question: How do you like the story?, context: There's a wonderful, dreamy scene late in William Landay's courtroom thriller "Defending Jacob," in which Andy Barber, his wife Laurie and their accused son Jacob are all lolling in the 14-year-old's bedroom musing about decamping as a family and sneaking off to faraway, exotic Buenos Aires to start a new life out of the spotlight and free of suspicion.Jacob asks, "Is that true, Dad? Lots of beautiful women in Buenos Aires?""That's what I hear."Laurie describes the South American city as a place of possibility where her son "will have children, and his children will have children and he'll bring so much happiness to so many people that no one will ever believe that once upon a time in America people said horrible things about him."At this point in Jacob's first-degree murder trial it's evident to all three and to us that none of that is likely to happen, but still they can imagine and try to cope with an increasingly dark reality filled with dread and edging toward despair.Jacob has been charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of classmate Ben Rifkin, a bully. Jacob's father, an assistant DA until the indictment, is helping with his son's defense. He narrates the story, which is a suspenseful legal thriller that spirals into a harrowing story of family dissolution.Carefully plotted as any whodunit you've ever read, the theme takes on the same nature-versus-nurture argument as William March's provocative potboiler "The Bad Seed." Unknown to Laurie, Andy is the son and grandson of violent murderers and the question becomes has Jacob too inherited a "Murder" gene, the "Barber Curse?" Suspicion becomes as corrosive as rust as family loyalty and love are tested beyond reasonable limits.A great deal of the enjoyment that comes from reading "Defending Jacob" is the pitch-perfect dialogue. Kids talk to each other and to adults just like the kids do in your house. When Andy articulates his life-long, adoring attachment to Laurie, the language is almost elegiac and in painful contrast to the harsh reality of their current relationship.Descriptions are vivid and memorable. Jacob, Landay says, has a way of keeping his answers short "as if every word was a stick of dynamite." One soft-bodied character appears as if "His sides, belly, and tits all sagged against his black polo shirt, as if he had been poured and bagged up inside this black sack cinched shut at the neck.""Defending Jacob" is in rare company as a courtroom drama that comes along very infrequently. Its most recent predecessor, to my mind, is "Presumed Innocent." Both stories had a final twist that you think you're prepared for and still it comes out of nowhere. In a single short sentence and a few words everything changes. "Defending Jacob" is bold storytelling, compelling reading.[4.5 stars] | How do you like the story? | There's a wonderful, dreamy scene late in William Landay's courtroom thriller "Defending Jacob," in which Andy Barber, his wife Laurie and their accused son Jacob are all lolling in the 14-year-old's bedroom musing about decamping as a family and sneaking off to faraway, exotic Buenos Aires to start a new life out of the spotlight and free of suspicion.Jacob asks, "Is that true, Dad? Lots of beautiful women in Buenos Aires?""That's what I hear."Laurie describes the South American city as a place of possibility where her son "will have children, and his children will have children and he'll bring so much happiness to so many people that no one will ever believe that once upon a time in America people said horrible things about him."At this point in Jacob's first-degree murder trial it's evident to all three and to us that none of that is likely to happen, but still they can imagine and try to cope with an increasingly dark reality filled with dread and edging toward despair.Jacob has been charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of classmate Ben Rifkin, a bully. Jacob's father, an assistant DA until the indictment, is helping with his son's defense. He narrates the story, which is a suspenseful legal thriller that spirals into a harrowing story of family dissolution.Carefully plotted as any whodunit you've ever read, the theme takes on the same nature-versus-nurture argument as William March's provocative potboiler "The Bad Seed." Unknown to Laurie, Andy is the son and grandson of violent murderers and the question becomes has Jacob too inherited a "Murder" gene, the "Barber Curse?" Suspicion becomes as corrosive as rust as family loyalty and love are tested beyond reasonable limits.A great deal of the enjoyment that comes from reading "Defending Jacob" is the pitch-perfect dialogue. | There's a wonderful, dreamy scene late in William Landay's courtroom thriller "Defending Jacob," in which Andy Barber, his wife Laurie and their accused son Jacob are all lolling in the 14-year-old's bedroom musing about decamping as a family and sneaking off to faraway, exotic Buenos Aires to start a new life out of the spotlight and free of suspicion.Jacob asks, "Is that true, Dad? Lots of beautiful women in Buenos Aires?""That's what I hear."Laurie describes the South American city as a place of possibility where her son "will have children, and his children will have children and he'll bring so much happiness to so many people that no one will ever believe that once upon a time in America people said horrible things about him."At this point in Jacob's first-degree murder trial it's evident to all three and to us that none of that is likely to happen, but still they can imagine and try to cope with an increasingly dark reality filled with dread and edging toward despair.Jacob has been charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of classmate Ben Rifkin, a bully. Jacob's father, an assistant DA until the indictment, is helping with his son's defense. He narrates the story, which is a suspenseful legal thriller that spirals into a harrowing story of family dissolution.Carefully plotted as any whodunit you've ever read, the theme takes on the same nature-versus-nurture argument as William March's provocative potboiler "The Bad Seed." Unknown to Laurie, Andy is the son and grandson of violent murderers and the question becomes has Jacob too inherited a "Murder" gene, the "Barber Curse?" Suspicion becomes as corrosive as rust as family loyalty and love are tested beyond reasonable limits.A great deal of the enjoyment that comes from reading "Defending Jacob" is the pitch-perfect dialogue. Kids talk to each other and to adults just like the kids do in your house. When Andy articulates his life-long, adoring attachment to Laurie, the language is almost elegiac and in painful contrast to the harsh reality of their current relationship.Descriptions are vivid and memorable. Jacob, Landay says, has a way of keeping his answers short "as if every word was a stick of dynamite." One soft-bodied character appears as if "His sides, belly, and tits all sagged against his black polo shirt, as if he had been poured and bagged up inside this black sack cinched shut at the neck.""Defending Jacob" is in rare company as a courtroom drama that comes along very infrequently. Its most recent predecessor, to my mind, is "Presumed Innocent." Both stories had a final twist that you think you're prepared for and still it comes out of nowhere. In a single short sentence and a few words everything changes. "Defending Jacob" is bold storytelling, compelling reading.[4.5 stars] | <hl> There's a wonderful, dreamy scene late in William Landay's courtroom thriller "Defending Jacob," in which Andy Barber, his wife Laurie and their accused son Jacob are all lolling in the 14-year-old's bedroom musing about decamping as a family and sneaking off to faraway, exotic Buenos Aires to start a new life out of the spotlight and free of suspicion.Jacob asks, "Is that true, Dad? Lots of beautiful women in Buenos Aires?""That's what I hear."Laurie describes the South American city as a place of possibility where her son "will have children, and his children will have children and he'll bring so much happiness to so many people that no one will ever believe that once upon a time in America people said horrible things about him."At this point in Jacob's first-degree murder trial it's evident to all three and to us that none of that is likely to happen, but still they can imagine and try to cope with an increasingly dark reality filled with dread and edging toward despair.Jacob has been charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of classmate Ben Rifkin, a bully. Jacob's father, an assistant DA until the indictment, is helping with his son's defense. He narrates the story, which is a suspenseful legal thriller that spirals into a harrowing story of family dissolution.Carefully plotted as any whodunit you've ever read, the theme takes on the same nature-versus-nurture argument as William March's provocative potboiler "The Bad Seed." Unknown to Laurie, Andy is the son and grandson of violent murderers and the question becomes has Jacob too inherited a "Murder" gene, the "Barber Curse?" Suspicion becomes as corrosive as rust as family loyalty and love are tested beyond reasonable limits.A great deal of the enjoyment that comes from reading <hl> "Defending Jacob" is the pitch-perfect dialogue. | <hl> There's a wonderful, dreamy scene late in William Landay's courtroom thriller "Defending Jacob," in which Andy Barber, his wife Laurie and their accused son Jacob are all lolling in the 14-year-old's bedroom musing about decamping as a family and sneaking off to faraway, exotic Buenos Aires to start a new life out of the spotlight and free of suspicion.Jacob asks, "Is that true, Dad? Lots of beautiful women in Buenos Aires?""That's what I hear."Laurie describes the South American city as a place of possibility where her son "will have children, and his children will have children and he'll bring so much happiness to so many people that no one will ever believe that once upon a time in America people said horrible things about him."At this point in Jacob's first-degree murder trial it's evident to all three and to us that none of that is likely to happen, but still they can imagine and try to cope with an increasingly dark reality filled with dread and edging toward despair.Jacob has been charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of classmate Ben Rifkin, a bully. Jacob's father, an assistant DA until the indictment, is helping with his son's defense. He narrates the story, which is a suspenseful legal thriller that spirals into a harrowing story of family dissolution.Carefully plotted as any whodunit you've ever read, the theme takes on the same nature-versus-nurture argument as William March's provocative potboiler "The Bad Seed." Unknown to Laurie, Andy is the son and grandson of violent murderers and the question becomes has Jacob too inherited a "Murder" gene, the "Barber Curse?" Suspicion becomes as corrosive as rust as family loyalty and love are tested beyond reasonable limits.A great deal of the enjoyment that comes from reading <hl> "Defending Jacob" is the pitch-perfect dialogue. Kids talk to each other and to adults just like the kids do in your house. When Andy articulates his life-long, adoring attachment to Laurie, the language is almost elegiac and in painful contrast to the harsh reality of their current relationship.Descriptions are vivid and memorable. Jacob, Landay says, has a way of keeping his answers short "as if every word was a stick of dynamite." One soft-bodied character appears as if "His sides, belly, and tits all sagged against his black polo shirt, as if he had been poured and bagged up inside this black sack cinched shut at the neck.""Defending Jacob" is in rare company as a courtroom drama that comes along very infrequently. Its most recent predecessor, to my mind, is "Presumed Innocent." Both stories had a final twist that you think you're prepared for and still it comes out of nowhere. In a single short sentence and a few words everything changes. "Defending Jacob" is bold storytelling, compelling reading.[4.5 stars] | <hl> There's a wonderful, dreamy scene late in William Landay's courtroom thriller "Defending Jacob," in which Andy Barber, his wife Laurie and their accused son Jacob are all lolling in the 14-year-old's bedroom musing about decamping as a family and sneaking off to faraway, exotic Buenos Aires to start a new life out of the spotlight and free of suspicion.Jacob asks, "Is that true, Dad? Lots of beautiful women in Buenos Aires?""That's what I hear."Laurie describes the South American city as a place of possibility where her son "will have children, and his children will have children and he'll bring so much happiness to so many people that no one will ever believe that once upon a time in America people said horrible things about him."At this point in Jacob's first-degree murder trial it's evident to all three and to us that none of that is likely to happen, but still they can imagine and try to cope with an increasingly dark reality filled with dread and edging toward despair.Jacob has been charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of classmate Ben Rifkin, a bully. Jacob's father, an assistant DA until the indictment, is helping with his son's defense. He narrates the story, which is a suspenseful legal thriller that spirals into a harrowing story of family dissolution.Carefully plotted as any whodunit you've ever read, the theme takes on the same nature-versus-nurture argument as William March's provocative potboiler "The Bad Seed." Unknown to Laurie, Andy is the son and grandson of violent murderers and the question becomes has Jacob too inherited a "Murder" gene, the "Barber Curse?" Suspicion becomes as corrosive as rust as family loyalty and love are tested beyond reasonable limits.A great deal of the enjoyment that comes from reading "Defending Jacob" is the pitch-perfect dialogue. <hl> Kids talk to each other and to adults just like the kids do in your house. When Andy articulates his life-long, adoring attachment to Laurie, the language is almost elegiac and in painful contrast to the harsh reality of their current relationship. Descriptions are vivid and memorable. Jacob, Landay says, has a way of keeping his answers short "as if every word was a stick of dynamite." One soft-bodied character appears as if "His sides, belly, and tits all sagged against his black polo shirt, as if he had been poured and bagged up inside this black sack cinched shut at the neck. ""Defending Jacob" is in rare company as a courtroom drama that comes along very infrequently. Its most recent predecessor, to my mind, is "Presumed Innocent." Both stories had a final twist that you think you're prepared for and still it comes out of nowhere. In a single short sentence and a few words everything changes. "Defending Jacob" is bold storytelling, compelling reading.[4.5 stars] | deba993ce837445d92f1c96a5db43465 | 1 | 1 | books |
this book was a wild ride and it kept me on the edge of my seat | question: What is the story of the book?, context: Wow - this book was a wild ride and it kept me on the edge of my seat. In an effort to avoid spoilers, let me just say that the characters are fascinating and surprising. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives and found most of the story entirely plausible. The few plot holes that appeared are forgivable in exchange for the great ride. In summary, people can be freaky, but I like reading about those freaky people rather than meeting them. | What is the story of the book? | Wow - this book was a wild ride and it kept me on the edge of my seat . | Wow - this book was a wild ride and it kept me on the edge of my seat. In an effort to avoid spoilers, let me just say that the characters are fascinating and surprising. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives and found most of the story entirely plausible. The few plot holes that appeared are forgivable in exchange for the great ride. In summary, people can be freaky, but I like reading about those freaky people rather than meeting them. | Wow - <hl> this book was a wild ride and it kept me on the edge of my seat <hl> . | Wow - <hl> this book was a wild ride and it kept me on the edge of my seat <hl>. In an effort to avoid spoilers, let me just say that the characters are fascinating and surprising. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives and found most of the story entirely plausible. The few plot holes that appeared are forgivable in exchange for the great ride. In summary, people can be freaky, but I like reading about those freaky people rather than meeting them. | <hl> Wow - this book was a wild ride and it kept me on the edge of my seat . <hl> In an effort to avoid spoilers, let me just say that the characters are fascinating and surprising. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives and found most of the story entirely plausible. The few plot holes that appeared are forgivable in exchange for the great ride. In summary, people can be freaky, but I like reading about those freaky people rather than meeting them. | 2aa9ff8a5e270f53e89c9756acb7901f | 1 | 1 | books |
story is remarkable and inspiring | question: Does this story inspirational to you?, context: The Glass Castle is hands down one of the best memoirs--in fact, one of the best books--I've ever read. Jeannette Walls' story is remarkable and inspiring. I wish I had an ounce of her inner strength. Like Jeannette, I like learning the "dirt" about people not because it's salacious or because I have malicious intent, but rather because I think the "dirt" is what makes each of us unique and truly human. I also appreciated this book because the story raises a valuable question: can parents be deemed neglectful or abusive if they truly love their children and believe they're doing the best for them, even if to the outside world their parenting seems remiss? And is it maybe true to love is all a child truly needs, more so than even adequate food and shelter? Aside from the substance of the book, it was a compellingly readable story--funny, suspenseful, heartbreaking, and healing. I breezed through it because I had to know how things ultimately turned out.I wish the best to Jeannette and all her family. She is someone I would love to know, and I thank her for sharing her incredible story with the world! | Does this story inspirational to you? | Jeannette Walls' story is remarkable and inspiring . | The Glass Castle is hands down one of the best memoirs--in fact, one of the best books--I've ever read. Jeannette Walls' story is remarkable and inspiring. I wish I had an ounce of her inner strength. Like Jeannette, I like learning the "dirt" about people not because it's salacious or because I have malicious intent, but rather because I think the "dirt" is what makes each of us unique and truly human. I also appreciated this book because the story raises a valuable question: can parents be deemed neglectful or abusive if they truly love their children and believe they're doing the best for them, even if to the outside world their parenting seems remiss? And is it maybe true to love is all a child truly needs, more so than even adequate food and shelter? Aside from the substance of the book, it was a compellingly readable story--funny, suspenseful, heartbreaking, and healing. I breezed through it because I had to know how things ultimately turned out.I wish the best to Jeannette and all her family. She is someone I would love to know, and I thank her for sharing her incredible story with the world! | Jeannette Walls' <hl> story is remarkable and inspiring <hl> . | The Glass Castle is hands down one of the best memoirs--in fact, one of the best books--I've ever read. Jeannette Walls' <hl> story is remarkable and inspiring <hl>. I wish I had an ounce of her inner strength. Like Jeannette, I like learning the "dirt" about people not because it's salacious or because I have malicious intent, but rather because I think the "dirt" is what makes each of us unique and truly human. I also appreciated this book because the story raises a valuable question: can parents be deemed neglectful or abusive if they truly love their children and believe they're doing the best for them, even if to the outside world their parenting seems remiss? And is it maybe true to love is all a child truly needs, more so than even adequate food and shelter? Aside from the substance of the book, it was a compellingly readable story--funny, suspenseful, heartbreaking, and healing. I breezed through it because I had to know how things ultimately turned out.I wish the best to Jeannette and all her family. She is someone I would love to know, and I thank her for sharing her incredible story with the world! | The Glass Castle is hands down one of the best memoirs--in fact, one of the best books--I've ever read. <hl> Jeannette Walls' story is remarkable and inspiring . <hl> I wish I had an ounce of her inner strength. Like Jeannette, I like learning the "dirt" about people not because it's salacious or because I have malicious intent, but rather because I think the "dirt" is what makes each of us unique and truly human. I also appreciated this book because the story raises a valuable question: can parents be deemed neglectful or abusive if they truly love their children and believe they're doing the best for them, even if to the outside world their parenting seems remiss? And is it maybe true to love is all a child truly needs, more so than even adequate food and shelter? Aside from the substance of the book, it was a compellingly readable story--funny, suspenseful, heartbreaking, and healing. I breezed through it because I had to know how things ultimately turned out. I wish the best to Jeannette and all her family. She is someone I would love to know, and I thank her for sharing her incredible story with the world! | eaf873f67a554061d1568f797e7baad6 | 1 | 1 | books |
twilight and new moon together | question: What is your favorite book?, context: I started this series just after the 2nd book was released, thankfully. So I was able to read twilight and new moon together, which I will say for someone like me with no memory, was helpful and made it more enjoyable. By the time breaking dawn was released, I had a vague memory of the story, but knew I had absolutely loved it despite not remembering much... so there was no way I wouldn't read breaking dawn. The whole series follows Bella, a human teenager who falls in love with Edward, a 80 or so year old vampire. It twists and turns and each book is fantastic as a stand alone or read together with the other 3. With this final installment in the twilight saga, you get all the things Stephenie Meyer has promised and more with Eclipse.Without reading too many reviews beforehand I got the feeling that this book might suck. It seemed a good amount of the reviews were going at this book with a wrecking ball, and I was a little scared to read it because I didn't want to be disappointed in the series as a whole, especially how it ends. But my mom convinced me that it was amazing, so I bought it. I had gotten her started on the twilight series and she read this a month or so before me. Honestly I didn't want to read it as soon as it came out because I don't want it to end. This is the first series in a longtime that I really love and feel invested in.I won't review the story because I would never want to ruin the excitment and discovery for anyone. Thats why nothing is covered in the dust jacket, or on the amazon page(unless you start reading reviews, then you're screwed...and you're reading this...so apparently you've already started reading them.)BUT! I will say --- at times this book was shocking. I freaked out on people that had no idea what the story is about or why I was so nuts over it. I was desperately asking aquaintances "Have you read twilight!?". I just needed someone to share my thoughts with to be honest. I'm in my 20s, but I was completed consumed by the story. So anyway, at times it was more farfetched then I had expected. Now that the first movie is being released, I had a hard time figuring out how they would do this 4th book realistically without being weird, campy, or just plain not translating on screen. So good luck to them in advance.But once you get over some of the major hurdles, it was amazing. I was stunned and in awe the entire way thru. About 200 pages from the end, I stopped for a day or two,because I was so sad/scared to finish it, knowing this is probably the end as far as Bella's perspective. I still to this day would love more Bella/Edward, as I find even their everyday life facinating. Hopefully someday she'll write more about all or any of the Cullens(Alice and Esme being favorites of mine.) This book gave you more of the Cullen family, which I know a good amount of people really enjoy.For those people who said this book is ridiculous, or picked on various aspects -- you're ridiculous!(though, as I failed to say before, everyone is entiled to their opinions, which is why reviews are so helpful). This is a BOOK, a STORY, something to be enjoyed. A good amount of people pick apartm this book because they don't like the message its sending to teens or kids about something whether it be marriage, or age, or children, etc etc. I really think this book rocks! It's fantasy mixied with reality, and in my opinion, ends the 'saga' in the perfect place. I hope to see more from Stephenie Meyer. (PS: 'the host'(by meyer) which I thought would be too sci-fi for me, was really good too!) | What is your favorite book? | So I was able to read twilight and new moon together , which I will say for someone like me with no memory, was helpful and made it more enjoyable. | I started this series just after the 2nd book was released, thankfully. So I was able to read twilight and new moon together, which I will say for someone like me with no memory, was helpful and made it more enjoyable. By the time breaking dawn was released, I had a vague memory of the story, but knew I had absolutely loved it despite not remembering much... so there was no way I wouldn't read breaking dawn. The whole series follows Bella, a human teenager who falls in love with Edward, a 80 or so year old vampire. It twists and turns and each book is fantastic as a stand alone or read together with the other 3. With this final installment in the twilight saga, you get all the things Stephenie Meyer has promised and more with Eclipse.Without reading too many reviews beforehand I got the feeling that this book might suck. It seemed a good amount of the reviews were going at this book with a wrecking ball, and I was a little scared to read it because I didn't want to be disappointed in the series as a whole, especially how it ends. But my mom convinced me that it was amazing, so I bought it. I had gotten her started on the twilight series and she read this a month or so before me. Honestly I didn't want to read it as soon as it came out because I don't want it to end. This is the first series in a longtime that I really love and feel invested in.I won't review the story because I would never want to ruin the excitment and discovery for anyone. Thats why nothing is covered in the dust jacket, or on the amazon page(unless you start reading reviews, then you're screwed...and you're reading this...so apparently you've already started reading them.)BUT! I will say --- at times this book was shocking. I freaked out on people that had no idea what the story is about or why I was so nuts over it. I was desperately asking aquaintances "Have you read twilight!?". I just needed someone to share my thoughts with to be honest. I'm in my 20s, but I was completed consumed by the story. So anyway, at times it was more farfetched then I had expected. Now that the first movie is being released, I had a hard time figuring out how they would do this 4th book realistically without being weird, campy, or just plain not translating on screen. So good luck to them in advance.But once you get over some of the major hurdles, it was amazing. I was stunned and in awe the entire way thru. About 200 pages from the end, I stopped for a day or two,because I was so sad/scared to finish it, knowing this is probably the end as far as Bella's perspective. I still to this day would love more Bella/Edward, as I find even their everyday life facinating. Hopefully someday she'll write more about all or any of the Cullens(Alice and Esme being favorites of mine.) This book gave you more of the Cullen family, which I know a good amount of people really enjoy.For those people who said this book is ridiculous, or picked on various aspects -- you're ridiculous!(though, as I failed to say before, everyone is entiled to their opinions, which is why reviews are so helpful). This is a BOOK, a STORY, something to be enjoyed. A good amount of people pick apartm this book because they don't like the message its sending to teens or kids about something whether it be marriage, or age, or children, etc etc. I really think this book rocks! It's fantasy mixied with reality, and in my opinion, ends the 'saga' in the perfect place. I hope to see more from Stephenie Meyer. (PS: 'the host'(by meyer) which I thought would be too sci-fi for me, was really good too!) | So I was able to read <hl> twilight and new moon together <hl> , which I will say for someone like me with no memory, was helpful and made it more enjoyable. | I started this series just after the 2nd book was released, thankfully. So I was able to read <hl> twilight and new moon together <hl>, which I will say for someone like me with no memory, was helpful and made it more enjoyable. By the time breaking dawn was released, I had a vague memory of the story, but knew I had absolutely loved it despite not remembering much... so there was no way I wouldn't read breaking dawn. The whole series follows Bella, a human teenager who falls in love with Edward, a 80 or so year old vampire. It twists and turns and each book is fantastic as a stand alone or read together with the other 3. With this final installment in the twilight saga, you get all the things Stephenie Meyer has promised and more with Eclipse.Without reading too many reviews beforehand I got the feeling that this book might suck. It seemed a good amount of the reviews were going at this book with a wrecking ball, and I was a little scared to read it because I didn't want to be disappointed in the series as a whole, especially how it ends. But my mom convinced me that it was amazing, so I bought it. I had gotten her started on the twilight series and she read this a month or so before me. Honestly I didn't want to read it as soon as it came out because I don't want it to end. This is the first series in a longtime that I really love and feel invested in.I won't review the story because I would never want to ruin the excitment and discovery for anyone. Thats why nothing is covered in the dust jacket, or on the amazon page(unless you start reading reviews, then you're screwed...and you're reading this...so apparently you've already started reading them.)BUT! I will say --- at times this book was shocking. I freaked out on people that had no idea what the story is about or why I was so nuts over it. I was desperately asking aquaintances "Have you read twilight!?". I just needed someone to share my thoughts with to be honest. I'm in my 20s, but I was completed consumed by the story. So anyway, at times it was more farfetched then I had expected. Now that the first movie is being released, I had a hard time figuring out how they would do this 4th book realistically without being weird, campy, or just plain not translating on screen. So good luck to them in advance.But once you get over some of the major hurdles, it was amazing. I was stunned and in awe the entire way thru. About 200 pages from the end, I stopped for a day or two,because I was so sad/scared to finish it, knowing this is probably the end as far as Bella's perspective. I still to this day would love more Bella/Edward, as I find even their everyday life facinating. Hopefully someday she'll write more about all or any of the Cullens(Alice and Esme being favorites of mine.) This book gave you more of the Cullen family, which I know a good amount of people really enjoy.For those people who said this book is ridiculous, or picked on various aspects -- you're ridiculous!(though, as I failed to say before, everyone is entiled to their opinions, which is why reviews are so helpful). This is a BOOK, a STORY, something to be enjoyed. A good amount of people pick apartm this book because they don't like the message its sending to teens or kids about something whether it be marriage, or age, or children, etc etc. I really think this book rocks! It's fantasy mixied with reality, and in my opinion, ends the 'saga' in the perfect place. I hope to see more from Stephenie Meyer. (PS: 'the host'(by meyer) which I thought would be too sci-fi for me, was really good too!) | I started this series just after the 2nd book was released, thankfully. <hl> So I was able to read twilight and new moon together , which I will say for someone like me with no memory, was helpful and made it more enjoyable. <hl> By the time breaking dawn was released, I had a vague memory of the story, but knew I had absolutely loved it despite not remembering much... so there was no way I wouldn't read breaking dawn. The whole series follows Bella, a human teenager who falls in love with Edward, a 80 or so year old vampire. It twists and turns and each book is fantastic as a stand alone or read together with the other 3. With this final installment in the twilight saga, you get all the things Stephenie Meyer has promised and more with Eclipse. Without reading too many reviews beforehand I got the feeling that this book might suck. It seemed a good amount of the reviews were going at this book with a wrecking ball, and I was a little scared to read it because I didn't want to be disappointed in the series as a whole, especially how it ends. But my mom convinced me that it was amazing, so I bought it. I had gotten her started on the twilight series and she read this a month or so before me. Honestly I didn't want to read it as soon as it came out because I don't want it to end. This is the first series in a longtime that I really love and feel invested in. I won't review the story because I would never want to ruin the excitment and discovery for anyone. Thats why nothing is covered in the dust jacket, or on the amazon page(unless you start reading reviews, then you're screwed...and you're reading this...so apparently you've already started reading them.)BUT! I will say --- at times this book was shocking. I freaked out on people that had no idea what the story is about or why I was so nuts over it. I was desperately asking aquaintances "Have you read twilight!? ". I just needed someone to share my thoughts with to be honest. I'm in my 20s, but I was completed consumed by the story. So anyway, at times it was more farfetched then I had expected. Now that the first movie is being released, I had a hard time figuring out how they would do this 4th book realistically without being weird, campy, or just plain not translating on screen. So good luck to them in advance. But once you get over some of the major hurdles, it was amazing. I was stunned and in awe the entire way thru. About 200 pages from the end, I stopped for a day or two,because I was so sad/scared to finish it, knowing this is probably the end as far as Bella's perspective. I still to this day would love more Bella/Edward, as I find even their everyday life facinating. Hopefully someday she'll write more about all or any of the Cullens(Alice and Esme being favorites of mine.) This book gave you more of the Cullen family, which I know a good amount of people really enjoy. For those people who said this book is ridiculous, or picked on various aspects -- you're ridiculous!(though, as I failed to say before, everyone is entiled to their opinions, which is why reviews are so helpful). This is a BOOK, a STORY, something to be enjoyed. A good amount of people pick apartm this book because they don't like the message its sending to teens or kids about something whether it be marriage, or age, or children, etc etc. I really think this book rocks! It's fantasy mixied with reality, and in my opinion, ends the 'saga' in the perfect place. I hope to see more from Stephenie Meyer. (PS: 'the host'(by meyer) which I thought would be too sci-fi for me, was really good too!) | 572f6f94aaecb5b36650e7ccc19241e8 | 2 | 2 | books |
The story was so touching | question: What do you think about the story?, context: Wow. just wow.I had no idea what to expect when starting this but I knew I had to read it right away because I absolutely loved Slammed and Point of Retreat. It exceeded any expectations I had. Easily one of my favorite books of the year. The story was so touching and had me guessing the entire time I was reading. I was almost positive I knew the way the story was going to play out and was proved wrong with a seriously shocking and great twist. This book was written with so much emotion it was literally jumping off of the pages and consuming me. I am so glad this was released early because I was already having a hard time waiting for this!5++ stars. Another success by Colleen Hoover. | What do you think about the story? | The story was so touching and had me guessing the entire time I was reading. | Wow. just wow.I had no idea what to expect when starting this but I knew I had to read it right away because I absolutely loved Slammed and Point of Retreat. It exceeded any expectations I had. Easily one of my favorite books of the year. The story was so touching and had me guessing the entire time I was reading. I was almost positive I knew the way the story was going to play out and was proved wrong with a seriously shocking and great twist. This book was written with so much emotion it was literally jumping off of the pages and consuming me. I am so glad this was released early because I was already having a hard time waiting for this!5++ stars. Another success by Colleen Hoover. | <hl> The story was so touching <hl> and had me guessing the entire time I was reading. | Wow. just wow.I had no idea what to expect when starting this but I knew I had to read it right away because I absolutely loved Slammed and Point of Retreat. It exceeded any expectations I had. Easily one of my favorite books of the year. <hl> The story was so touching <hl> and had me guessing the entire time I was reading. I was almost positive I knew the way the story was going to play out and was proved wrong with a seriously shocking and great twist. This book was written with so much emotion it was literally jumping off of the pages and consuming me. I am so glad this was released early because I was already having a hard time waiting for this!5++ stars. Another success by Colleen Hoover. | Wow. just wow. I had no idea what to expect when starting this but I knew I had to read it right away because I absolutely loved Slammed and Point of Retreat. It exceeded any expectations I had. Easily one of my favorite books of the year. <hl> The story was so touching and had me guessing the entire time I was reading. <hl> I was almost positive I knew the way the story was going to play out and was proved wrong with a seriously shocking and great twist. This book was written with so much emotion it was literally jumping off of the pages and consuming me. I am so glad this was released early because I was already having a hard time waiting for this!5++ stars. Another success by Colleen Hoover. | a89eeb243a678ab8a30d29762ca7a7ac | 1 | 1 | books |
Definitely the best book of the series | question: Is it book?, context: Definitely the best book of the series but all 3 are highly engaging and worth reading. I didn't know anything about this book when I bought it, but I had heard of it and wanted a good book to put on my brand new Kindle. I seriously could not put it down, and finished it in one day and immediately purchased the other 2 books in the trilogy.I was surprised to find out that this was meant for kids! It is so captivating, and fairly gruesome. Definitely the best book I have read in a long time, I would recommend this to any and everyone! | Is it book? | Definitely the best book of the series but all 3 are highly engaging and worth reading. | Definitely the best book of the series but all 3 are highly engaging and worth reading. I didn't know anything about this book when I bought it, but I had heard of it and wanted a good book to put on my brand new Kindle. I seriously could not put it down, and finished it in one day and immediately purchased the other 2 books in the trilogy.I was surprised to find out that this was meant for kids! It is so captivating, and fairly gruesome. Definitely the best book I have read in a long time, I would recommend this to any and everyone! | <hl> Definitely the best book of the series <hl> but all 3 are highly engaging and worth reading. | <hl> Definitely the best book of the series <hl> but all 3 are highly engaging and worth reading. I didn't know anything about this book when I bought it, but I had heard of it and wanted a good book to put on my brand new Kindle. I seriously could not put it down, and finished it in one day and immediately purchased the other 2 books in the trilogy.I was surprised to find out that this was meant for kids! It is so captivating, and fairly gruesome. Definitely the best book I have read in a long time, I would recommend this to any and everyone! | <hl> Definitely the best book of the series but all 3 are highly engaging and worth reading. <hl> I didn't know anything about this book when I bought it, but I had heard of it and wanted a good book to put on my brand new Kindle. I seriously could not put it down, and finished it in one day and immediately purchased the other 2 books in the trilogy. I was surprised to find out that this was meant for kids! It is so captivating, and fairly gruesome. Definitely the best book I have read in a long time, I would recommend this to any and everyone! | 7f5462920a6b5d17d7aae8571d69ec3f | 3 | 3 | books |
the concept was unique and intriguing | question: How is the concept?, context: So, first--I'll say it outright: I read about halfway through this book. And normally, I'd never write a review for a book I haven't read from cover to cover, but many friends convinced me to post this review, especially since Amazon has this book listed as "Amazon Children's Publsihing" (yes, Amazon even misspelled publishing on its own book!). I've read enough YA that didn't have language to know it's possible to carry a strong story with strong emotions without resorting to curse words, ESPECIALLY in a book slated for "children." It's almost as if the words were inserted to make the characters sound tougher, and it just didn't work.Another thing that bothered me is that blatant attitude toward God--I get it; a lot of people are on that hate bandwagon when it comes to anything Christian (and I'm sure that hatred will rear its head in response to my review), but this book had too much for me. Sorry, when one of God's angels says "we're all just stumbling around in the dark," and mutters something about an empty story that sounds profound to explain his presence, and curses like everyone else...well, there's no hero in that story for me. I'm not looking for every title to espouse my beliefs, but when the book begins to feel like an attack or seems to have an agenda--and that includes Christian fiction--rather than a good story, I'm outta there.I did give this a 2-star rating because the concept was unique and intriguing--which is what attracted me to the book in the first place--and the writing was pretty decent. Unfortunately, language and a clash of belief sets ruined the book for me. I can, and do, tolerate a lot of things in the fiction I read, but this one crossed lines for me. | How is the concept? | I did give this a 2-star rating because the concept was unique and intriguing --which is what attracted me to the book in the first place--and the writing was pretty decent. | So, first--I'll say it outright: I read about halfway through this book. And normally, I'd never write a review for a book I haven't read from cover to cover, but many friends convinced me to post this review, especially since Amazon has this book listed as "Amazon Children's Publsihing" (yes, Amazon even misspelled publishing on its own book!). I've read enough YA that didn't have language to know it's possible to carry a strong story with strong emotions without resorting to curse words, ESPECIALLY in a book slated for "children." It's almost as if the words were inserted to make the characters sound tougher, and it just didn't work.Another thing that bothered me is that blatant attitude toward God--I get it; a lot of people are on that hate bandwagon when it comes to anything Christian (and I'm sure that hatred will rear its head in response to my review), but this book had too much for me. Sorry, when one of God's angels says "we're all just stumbling around in the dark," and mutters something about an empty story that sounds profound to explain his presence, and curses like everyone else...well, there's no hero in that story for me. I'm not looking for every title to espouse my beliefs, but when the book begins to feel like an attack or seems to have an agenda--and that includes Christian fiction--rather than a good story, I'm outta there.I did give this a 2-star rating because the concept was unique and intriguing--which is what attracted me to the book in the first place--and the writing was pretty decent. Unfortunately, language and a clash of belief sets ruined the book for me. I can, and do, tolerate a lot of things in the fiction I read, but this one crossed lines for me. | I did give this a 2-star rating because <hl> the concept was unique and intriguing <hl> --which is what attracted me to the book in the first place--and the writing was pretty decent. | So, first--I'll say it outright: I read about halfway through this book. And normally, I'd never write a review for a book I haven't read from cover to cover, but many friends convinced me to post this review, especially since Amazon has this book listed as "Amazon Children's Publsihing" (yes, Amazon even misspelled publishing on its own book!). I've read enough YA that didn't have language to know it's possible to carry a strong story with strong emotions without resorting to curse words, ESPECIALLY in a book slated for "children." It's almost as if the words were inserted to make the characters sound tougher, and it just didn't work.Another thing that bothered me is that blatant attitude toward God--I get it; a lot of people are on that hate bandwagon when it comes to anything Christian (and I'm sure that hatred will rear its head in response to my review), but this book had too much for me. Sorry, when one of God's angels says "we're all just stumbling around in the dark," and mutters something about an empty story that sounds profound to explain his presence, and curses like everyone else...well, there's no hero in that story for me. I'm not looking for every title to espouse my beliefs, but when the book begins to feel like an attack or seems to have an agenda--and that includes Christian fiction--rather than a good story, I'm outta there.I did give this a 2-star rating because <hl> the concept was unique and intriguing <hl>--which is what attracted me to the book in the first place--and the writing was pretty decent. Unfortunately, language and a clash of belief sets ruined the book for me. I can, and do, tolerate a lot of things in the fiction I read, but this one crossed lines for me. | So, first--I'll say it outright: I read about halfway through this book. And normally, I'd never write a review for a book I haven't read from cover to cover, but many friends convinced me to post this review, especially since Amazon has this book listed as "Amazon Children's Publsihing" (yes, Amazon even misspelled publishing on its own book!). I've read enough YA that didn't have language to know it's possible to carry a strong story with strong emotions without resorting to curse words, ESPECIALLY in a book slated for "children." It's almost as if the words were inserted to make the characters sound tougher, and it just didn't work. Another thing that bothered me is that blatant attitude toward God--I get it; a lot of people are on that hate bandwagon when it comes to anything Christian (and I'm sure that hatred will rear its head in response to my review), but this book had too much for me. Sorry, when one of God's angels says "we're all just stumbling around in the dark," and mutters something about an empty story that sounds profound to explain his presence, and curses like everyone else... well, there's no hero in that story for me. I'm not looking for every title to espouse my beliefs, but when the book begins to feel like an attack or seems to have an agenda--and that includes Christian fiction--rather than a good story, I'm outta there. <hl> I did give this a 2-star rating because the concept was unique and intriguing --which is what attracted me to the book in the first place--and the writing was pretty decent. <hl> Unfortunately, language and a clash of belief sets ruined the book for me. I can, and do, tolerate a lot of things in the fiction I read, but this one crossed lines for me. | 3a96710c8b30119e023898444a173267 | 1 | 1 | books |
The ending was so ridiculous that is wasn't even credible | question: How was the end?, context: I labeled this a legal thriller although 'thriller' is really too exciting a word to be placed on this book. It's not one of Grisham's best; just an okay read.It's about a young man set to embark on a legal career, so it's a little different from Grisham's norm. Kyle McAcoy has played it safe all his life--good school, good grades, doing all the right things. Should one bad night ruin his whole life? What if that bad night involved something immoral and illegal? Kyle has a chance to become an associate at the most prestigious law firm in Manhattan. But, a college "indiscretion" jeopardizes all that. Soon, the job is the least of his worries as he battles thugs, fights for his life, and is being blackmailed to commit fraud and treason.This book involved an incident that will make you question the main character, at least I did. There are some things for which there is NO excuse and I think Kyle got the consequences he deserved (at the very least), even though he was a passive criminal. His silence was enough. I know many will disagree with me, but he got his just desserts. And, I'm pretty sure Kyle feels the same way as I do about the situation, which made him redeemable enough for me to keep reading about him.The book was both interesting and depressing. It's a look into the life of a corporate lawyer. Is money really worth all that? It was just okay for me. It was not really the gripping legal thriller I was hoping for. It felt very tame and only mildly interesting. The ending was so ridiculous that is wasn't even credible and I walked away feeling a little cheated. Very unsatisfying. | How was the end? | The ending was so ridiculous that is wasn't even credible and I walked away feeling a little cheated. | I labeled this a legal thriller although 'thriller' is really too exciting a word to be placed on this book. It's not one of Grisham's best; just an okay read.It's about a young man set to embark on a legal career, so it's a little different from Grisham's norm. Kyle McAcoy has played it safe all his life--good school, good grades, doing all the right things. Should one bad night ruin his whole life? What if that bad night involved something immoral and illegal? Kyle has a chance to become an associate at the most prestigious law firm in Manhattan. But, a college "indiscretion" jeopardizes all that. Soon, the job is the least of his worries as he battles thugs, fights for his life, and is being blackmailed to commit fraud and treason.This book involved an incident that will make you question the main character, at least I did. There are some things for which there is NO excuse and I think Kyle got the consequences he deserved (at the very least), even though he was a passive criminal. His silence was enough. I know many will disagree with me, but he got his just desserts. And, I'm pretty sure Kyle feels the same way as I do about the situation, which made him redeemable enough for me to keep reading about him.The book was both interesting and depressing. It's a look into the life of a corporate lawyer. Is money really worth all that? It was just okay for me. It was not really the gripping legal thriller I was hoping for. It felt very tame and only mildly interesting. The ending was so ridiculous that is wasn't even credible and I walked away feeling a little cheated. Very unsatisfying. | <hl> The ending was so ridiculous that is wasn't even credible <hl> and I walked away feeling a little cheated. | I labeled this a legal thriller although 'thriller' is really too exciting a word to be placed on this book. It's not one of Grisham's best; just an okay read.It's about a young man set to embark on a legal career, so it's a little different from Grisham's norm. Kyle McAcoy has played it safe all his life--good school, good grades, doing all the right things. Should one bad night ruin his whole life? What if that bad night involved something immoral and illegal? Kyle has a chance to become an associate at the most prestigious law firm in Manhattan. But, a college "indiscretion" jeopardizes all that. Soon, the job is the least of his worries as he battles thugs, fights for his life, and is being blackmailed to commit fraud and treason.This book involved an incident that will make you question the main character, at least I did. There are some things for which there is NO excuse and I think Kyle got the consequences he deserved (at the very least), even though he was a passive criminal. His silence was enough. I know many will disagree with me, but he got his just desserts. And, I'm pretty sure Kyle feels the same way as I do about the situation, which made him redeemable enough for me to keep reading about him.The book was both interesting and depressing. It's a look into the life of a corporate lawyer. Is money really worth all that? It was just okay for me. It was not really the gripping legal thriller I was hoping for. It felt very tame and only mildly interesting. <hl> The ending was so ridiculous that is wasn't even credible <hl> and I walked away feeling a little cheated. Very unsatisfying. | I labeled this a legal thriller although 'thriller' is really too exciting a word to be placed on this book. It's not one of Grisham's best; just an okay read. It's about a young man set to embark on a legal career, so it's a little different from Grisham's norm. Kyle McAcoy has played it safe all his life--good school, good grades, doing all the right things. Should one bad night ruin his whole life? What if that bad night involved something immoral and illegal? Kyle has a chance to become an associate at the most prestigious law firm in Manhattan. But, a college "indiscretion" jeopardizes all that. Soon, the job is the least of his worries as he battles thugs, fights for his life, and is being blackmailed to commit fraud and treason. This book involved an incident that will make you question the main character, at least I did. There are some things for which there is NO excuse and I think Kyle got the consequences he deserved (at the very least), even though he was a passive criminal. His silence was enough. I know many will disagree with me, but he got his just desserts. And, I'm pretty sure Kyle feels the same way as I do about the situation, which made him redeemable enough for me to keep reading about him. The book was both interesting and depressing. It's a look into the life of a corporate lawyer. Is money really worth all that? It was just okay for me. It was not really the gripping legal thriller I was hoping for. It felt very tame and only mildly interesting. <hl> The ending was so ridiculous that is wasn't even credible and I walked away feeling a little cheated. <hl> Very unsatisfying. | 56b4f4b0085fb59602f4e80800b792e5 | 1 | 1 | books |
He possesses all the good qualities that a human being may have, i.e. loyalty, courage, diligence, decency, integrity, faithfulness | question: How did you think about the sibling relationship?, context: Without a doubt, this is one the best books I have ever read. Although the author is a medical doctor, he possesses a special talent in writing. The story was very absorbing, engrossing, and riveting. I started the book one day around noon and I could not put it aside. I felt a strong urge to finish it as soon as possible and the next day, the book was over.The story in this book is so real as if somebody has gone through all these and is writing them. You can find all basic human emotions here together, love, hate, fear, friendship, betrayal, loyalty, selfishness, generosity, honor, piety, arrogance, deception etc.The two main characters in the story, Hassan and Amir, happen to be close friends, yet they have really distinct and different personalities. The one, who is more advantageous from almost all aspects over the other, Amir, is a superficial, unfaithful, coward boy. In my opinion, at the age of 38, he actually becomes a real man, i.e. a man of honor, righteousness and loyalty. The other character, Hassan, is genuinely, perhaps, the most decent human being you can ever come across out there. If you ever happened to have a friend like him, stick to him like you have no one in the World. He possesses all the good qualities that a human being may have, i.e. loyalty, courage, diligence, decency, integrity, faithfulness, you name it!This book is able to unearth all the humane feelings you might ever have lost and will enable you, by all means, to learn the meaning of being a genuine human being again. | How did you think about the sibling relationship? | He possesses all the good qualities that a human being may have, i.e. loyalty, courage, diligence, decency, integrity, faithfulness , you name it!This book is able to unearth all the humane feelings you might ever have lost and will enable you, by all means, to learn the meaning of being a genuine human being again. | Without a doubt, this is one the best books I have ever read. Although the author is a medical doctor, he possesses a special talent in writing. The story was very absorbing, engrossing, and riveting. I started the book one day around noon and I could not put it aside. I felt a strong urge to finish it as soon as possible and the next day, the book was over.The story in this book is so real as if somebody has gone through all these and is writing them. You can find all basic human emotions here together, love, hate, fear, friendship, betrayal, loyalty, selfishness, generosity, honor, piety, arrogance, deception etc.The two main characters in the story, Hassan and Amir, happen to be close friends, yet they have really distinct and different personalities. The one, who is more advantageous from almost all aspects over the other, Amir, is a superficial, unfaithful, coward boy. In my opinion, at the age of 38, he actually becomes a real man, i.e. a man of honor, righteousness and loyalty. The other character, Hassan, is genuinely, perhaps, the most decent human being you can ever come across out there. If you ever happened to have a friend like him, stick to him like you have no one in the World. He possesses all the good qualities that a human being may have, i.e. loyalty, courage, diligence, decency, integrity, faithfulness, you name it!This book is able to unearth all the humane feelings you might ever have lost and will enable you, by all means, to learn the meaning of being a genuine human being again. | <hl> He possesses all the good qualities that a human being may have, i.e. loyalty, courage, diligence, decency, integrity, faithfulness <hl> , you name it!This book is able to unearth all the humane feelings you might ever have lost and will enable you, by all means, to learn the meaning of being a genuine human being again. | Without a doubt, this is one the best books I have ever read. Although the author is a medical doctor, he possesses a special talent in writing. The story was very absorbing, engrossing, and riveting. I started the book one day around noon and I could not put it aside. I felt a strong urge to finish it as soon as possible and the next day, the book was over.The story in this book is so real as if somebody has gone through all these and is writing them. You can find all basic human emotions here together, love, hate, fear, friendship, betrayal, loyalty, selfishness, generosity, honor, piety, arrogance, deception etc.The two main characters in the story, Hassan and Amir, happen to be close friends, yet they have really distinct and different personalities. The one, who is more advantageous from almost all aspects over the other, Amir, is a superficial, unfaithful, coward boy. In my opinion, at the age of 38, he actually becomes a real man, i.e. a man of honor, righteousness and loyalty. The other character, Hassan, is genuinely, perhaps, the most decent human being you can ever come across out there. If you ever happened to have a friend like him, stick to him like you have no one in the World. <hl> He possesses all the good qualities that a human being may have, i.e. loyalty, courage, diligence, decency, integrity, faithfulness <hl>, you name it!This book is able to unearth all the humane feelings you might ever have lost and will enable you, by all means, to learn the meaning of being a genuine human being again. | Without a doubt, this is one the best books I have ever read. Although the author is a medical doctor, he possesses a special talent in writing. The story was very absorbing, engrossing, and riveting. I started the book one day around noon and I could not put it aside. I felt a strong urge to finish it as soon as possible and the next day, the book was over. The story in this book is so real as if somebody has gone through all these and is writing them. You can find all basic human emotions here together, love, hate, fear, friendship, betrayal, loyalty, selfishness, generosity, honor, piety, arrogance, deception etc. The two main characters in the story, Hassan and Amir, happen to be close friends, yet they have really distinct and different personalities. The one, who is more advantageous from almost all aspects over the other, Amir, is a superficial, unfaithful, coward boy. In my opinion, at the age of 38, he actually becomes a real man, i.e. a man of honor, righteousness and loyalty. The other character, Hassan, is genuinely, perhaps, the most decent human being you can ever come across out there. If you ever happened to have a friend like him, stick to him like you have no one in the World. <hl> He possesses all the good qualities that a human being may have, i.e. loyalty, courage, diligence, decency, integrity, faithfulness , you name it!This book is able to unearth all the humane feelings you might ever have lost and will enable you, by all means, to learn the meaning of being a genuine human being again. <hl> | cee772eac7660f24066426bcd2e9d115 | 1 | 1 | books |
sentence fragment or two | question: Was a long chapter?, context: If you aren't up to date on the publication and release drama surrounding the Cuckoo's Calling author, I'll give you a second to catch up. Good? Okay. The Cuckoo's Calling by J.K. Rowling was orignally masqueraded as a excellent debut novel by newcomer Robert Galbraith. In the statement "debut novel", critics reveal a bias toward letting some flaws slide and overlooking the less-than0stellar details of the book, while praising the good things it does well. Now that we know Robert Galbraith is not a newcomer, and no less he is the great J.K. Rowling, I think it's time we all looked at it through the lens of a regular critique: that this is the third outing of a well-known author... and it is also her weakest.The Cuckoo's Calling concerns itself with the apparent suicide of super model Lula Landry, who jumped out of her third floor balcony due to depression. Our detective is Cormoran Strike, a one-legged veteran-turned-private-eye, who finds himself randomly teamed up with a young woman named Robin, who was sent over by a temp service that he forgot to cancel. After receiving the assignment from a worried brother of Lula's, the two hit the streets of London to find out what actually happened the night the model died.The plot is surprisingly feeble, especially for a murder mystery. From the first few pages of the novel, there isn't anything particularly gripping or suspenseful about what is going to happen. You know two things from the get-go: there is a mystery and we will get a resolution eventually. There never was a "how are we going to figure this out?" or "what will we do if we can't?" moment-- Strike lines up a list of suspects and witnesses and goes through them, one by one, for 400 pages. Each suspect lasts one to two chapters, they tell there side of the story, and then Strike moves. Absolutely no clues are given to the reader during this time, and then somewhere around page 400, a surge of true information comes out and then the book is neatly wrapped up. This makes the plot structure very weird, like one long expository flatline and then a huge drop of a sudden resolution.But despite the plot, the writing in here is superb. It's what you'd expect from the first person to make a billion dollars writing books. The writing is tight, clean, and clinical at times, matching the investigative nature of the story. At first, this may seem a little jarring, and hard to get in to. A few of the paragraphs do tend to go on a sentence fragment or two too long. But the writing does it's job, never gets in the way of the story, and pulls the reader along the way... even if the plot doesn't.The dialogue in this book is phenomenal, easily one of it's strongest points. Each line of each character's speech is carefully written, hand picked to reflect their background, their views, and their characteristics. It is truly a treat to visit each and every witness or suspect and get their side of the story, even if that story isn't compelling. From Tansy Bestigui to Guy Somé, each character has distinctive speech patterns, a feat which does not go unnoticed after working through each of the novel's 40 or so characters. Sometimes the author even writes in Dialect, which goes well in every case except for one particular one (Lula Landry's birth mother, who's cockney drawl was a headache to read and interpret, especially for an American).After sifting through the various things this book has to offer, you finally get to the end. Many readers and reviews before me have praised this part of the book, but in my opinion, it was nothing special. The loose ends get tied up in a satisfactory way, but nothing shocking or surprising really happens, and, in truth, some of the motives for one specific character get a little murky and quite silly. Of the eight hundred million things that are clarified and revealed to the reader in the final forty pages, only one of them managed to actually surprise me, and it wasn't the "oh dang!" moment I was expecting from a mystery with this many high reviews.I'm not sure if my opinion on this book is going to change your mind over whether or not you read it. I mean, come on, it's JK Rowling, it's the talk of the month. You're going to read it. But I hope that my points inspired some thought in you over whether or not you enjoyed this book. As for me? I'm surprised this is the one all the hubbub is about. Personally, I thoughtThe Casual Vacancywas a much better book with a way more solid ending. | Was a long chapter? | a sentence fragment or two too long. | If you aren't up to date on the publication and release drama surrounding the Cuckoo's Calling author, I'll give you a second to catch up. Good? Okay. The Cuckoo's Calling by J.K. Rowling was orignally masqueraded as a excellent debut novel by newcomer Robert Galbraith. In the statement "debut novel", critics reveal a bias toward letting some flaws slide and overlooking the less-than0stellar details of the book, while praising the good things it does well. Now that we know Robert Galbraith is not a newcomer, and no less he is the great J.K. Rowling, I think it's time we all looked at it through the lens of a regular critique: that this is the third outing of a well-known author... and it is also her weakest.The Cuckoo's Calling concerns itself with the apparent suicide of super model Lula Landry, who jumped out of her third floor balcony due to depression. Our detective is Cormoran Strike, a one-legged veteran-turned-private-eye, who finds himself randomly teamed up with a young woman named Robin, who was sent over by a temp service that he forgot to cancel. After receiving the assignment from a worried brother of Lula's, the two hit the streets of London to find out what actually happened the night the model died.The plot is surprisingly feeble, especially for a murder mystery. From the first few pages of the novel, there isn't anything particularly gripping or suspenseful about what is going to happen. You know two things from the get-go: there is a mystery and we will get a resolution eventually. There never was a "how are we going to figure this out?" or "what will we do if we can't?" moment-- Strike lines up a list of suspects and witnesses and goes through them, one by one, for 400 pages. Each suspect lasts one to two chapters, they tell there side of the story, and then Strike moves. Absolutely no clues are given to the reader during this time, and then somewhere around page 400, a surge of true information comes out and then the book is neatly wrapped up. This makes the plot structure very weird, like one long expository flatline and then a huge drop of a sudden resolution.But despite the plot, the writing in here is superb. It's what you'd expect from the first person to make a billion dollars writing books. The writing is tight, clean, and clinical at times, matching the investigative nature of the story. At first, this may seem a little jarring, and hard to get in to. A few of the paragraphs do tend to go on a sentence fragment or two too long. But the writing does it's job, never gets in the way of the story, and pulls the reader along the way... even if the plot doesn't.The dialogue in this book is phenomenal, easily one of it's strongest points. Each line of each character's speech is carefully written, hand picked to reflect their background, their views, and their characteristics. It is truly a treat to visit each and every witness or suspect and get their side of the story, even if that story isn't compelling. From Tansy Bestigui to Guy Somé, each character has distinctive speech patterns, a feat which does not go unnoticed after working through each of the novel's 40 or so characters. Sometimes the author even writes in Dialect, which goes well in every case except for one particular one (Lula Landry's birth mother, who's cockney drawl was a headache to read and interpret, especially for an American).After sifting through the various things this book has to offer, you finally get to the end. Many readers and reviews before me have praised this part of the book, but in my opinion, it was nothing special. The loose ends get tied up in a satisfactory way, but nothing shocking or surprising really happens, and, in truth, some of the motives for one specific character get a little murky and quite silly. Of the eight hundred million things that are clarified and revealed to the reader in the final forty pages, only one of them managed to actually surprise me, and it wasn't the "oh dang!" moment I was expecting from a mystery with this many high reviews.I'm not sure if my opinion on this book is going to change your mind over whether or not you read it. I mean, come on, it's JK Rowling, it's the talk of the month. You're going to read it. But I hope that my points inspired some thought in you over whether or not you enjoyed this book. As for me? I'm surprised this is the one all the hubbub is about. Personally, I thoughtThe Casual Vacancywas a much better book with a way more solid ending. | a <hl> sentence fragment or two <hl> too long. | If you aren't up to date on the publication and release drama surrounding the Cuckoo's Calling author, I'll give you a second to catch up. Good? Okay. The Cuckoo's Calling by J.K. Rowling was orignally masqueraded as a excellent debut novel by newcomer Robert Galbraith. In the statement "debut novel", critics reveal a bias toward letting some flaws slide and overlooking the less-than0stellar details of the book, while praising the good things it does well. Now that we know Robert Galbraith is not a newcomer, and no less he is the great J.K. Rowling, I think it's time we all looked at it through the lens of a regular critique: that this is the third outing of a well-known author... and it is also her weakest.The Cuckoo's Calling concerns itself with the apparent suicide of super model Lula Landry, who jumped out of her third floor balcony due to depression. Our detective is Cormoran Strike, a one-legged veteran-turned-private-eye, who finds himself randomly teamed up with a young woman named Robin, who was sent over by a temp service that he forgot to cancel. After receiving the assignment from a worried brother of Lula's, the two hit the streets of London to find out what actually happened the night the model died.The plot is surprisingly feeble, especially for a murder mystery. From the first few pages of the novel, there isn't anything particularly gripping or suspenseful about what is going to happen. You know two things from the get-go: there is a mystery and we will get a resolution eventually. There never was a "how are we going to figure this out?" or "what will we do if we can't?" moment-- Strike lines up a list of suspects and witnesses and goes through them, one by one, for 400 pages. Each suspect lasts one to two chapters, they tell there side of the story, and then Strike moves. Absolutely no clues are given to the reader during this time, and then somewhere around page 400, a surge of true information comes out and then the book is neatly wrapped up. This makes the plot structure very weird, like one long expository flatline and then a huge drop of a sudden resolution.But despite the plot, the writing in here is superb. It's what you'd expect from the first person to make a billion dollars writing books. The writing is tight, clean, and clinical at times, matching the investigative nature of the story. At first, this may seem a little jarring, and hard to get in to. A few of the paragraphs do tend to go on a <hl> sentence fragment or two <hl> too long. But the writing does it's job, never gets in the way of the story, and pulls the reader along the way... even if the plot doesn't.The dialogue in this book is phenomenal, easily one of it's strongest points. Each line of each character's speech is carefully written, hand picked to reflect their background, their views, and their characteristics. It is truly a treat to visit each and every witness or suspect and get their side of the story, even if that story isn't compelling. From Tansy Bestigui to Guy Somé, each character has distinctive speech patterns, a feat which does not go unnoticed after working through each of the novel's 40 or so characters. Sometimes the author even writes in Dialect, which goes well in every case except for one particular one (Lula Landry's birth mother, who's cockney drawl was a headache to read and interpret, especially for an American).After sifting through the various things this book has to offer, you finally get to the end. Many readers and reviews before me have praised this part of the book, but in my opinion, it was nothing special. The loose ends get tied up in a satisfactory way, but nothing shocking or surprising really happens, and, in truth, some of the motives for one specific character get a little murky and quite silly. Of the eight hundred million things that are clarified and revealed to the reader in the final forty pages, only one of them managed to actually surprise me, and it wasn't the "oh dang!" moment I was expecting from a mystery with this many high reviews.I'm not sure if my opinion on this book is going to change your mind over whether or not you read it. I mean, come on, it's JK Rowling, it's the talk of the month. You're going to read it. But I hope that my points inspired some thought in you over whether or not you enjoyed this book. As for me? I'm surprised this is the one all the hubbub is about. Personally, I thoughtThe Casual Vacancywas a much better book with a way more solid ending. | If you aren't up to date on the publication and release drama surrounding the Cuckoo's Calling author, I'll give you a second to catch up. Good? Okay. The Cuckoo's Calling by J.K. Rowling was orignally masqueraded as a excellent debut novel by newcomer Robert Galbraith. In the statement "debut novel", critics reveal a bias toward letting some flaws slide and overlooking the less-than0stellar details of the book, while praising the good things it does well. Now that we know Robert Galbraith is not a newcomer, and no less he is the great J.K. Rowling, I think it's time we all looked at it through the lens of a regular critique: that this is the third outing of a well-known author... and it is also her weakest. The Cuckoo's Calling concerns itself with the apparent suicide of super model Lula Landry, who jumped out of her third floor balcony due to depression. Our detective is Cormoran Strike, a one-legged veteran-turned-private-eye, who finds himself randomly teamed up with a young woman named Robin, who was sent over by a temp service that he forgot to cancel. After receiving the assignment from a worried brother of Lula's, the two hit the streets of London to find out what actually happened the night the model died. The plot is surprisingly feeble, especially for a murder mystery. From the first few pages of the novel, there isn't anything particularly gripping or suspenseful about what is going to happen. You know two things from the get-go: there is a mystery and we will get a resolution eventually. There never was a "how are we going to figure this out?" or "what will we do if we can't?" moment-- Strike lines up a list of suspects and witnesses and goes through them, one by one, for 400 pages. Each suspect lasts one to two chapters, they tell there side of the story, and then Strike moves. Absolutely no clues are given to the reader during this time, and then somewhere around page 400, a surge of true information comes out and then the book is neatly wrapped up. This makes the plot structure very weird, like one long expository flatline and then a huge drop of a sudden resolution. But despite the plot, the writing in here is superb. It's what you'd expect from the first person to make a billion dollars writing books. The writing is tight, clean, and clinical at times, matching the investigative nature of the story. At first, this may seem a little jarring, and hard to get in to. A few of the paragraphs do tend to go on <hl> a sentence fragment or two too long. <hl> But the writing does it's job, never gets in the way of the story, and pulls the reader along the way... even if the plot doesn't. The dialogue in this book is phenomenal, easily one of it's strongest points. Each line of each character's speech is carefully written, hand picked to reflect their background, their views, and their characteristics. It is truly a treat to visit each and every witness or suspect and get their side of the story, even if that story isn't compelling. From Tansy Bestigui to Guy Somé, each character has distinctive speech patterns, a feat which does not go unnoticed after working through each of the novel's 40 or so characters. Sometimes the author even writes in Dialect, which goes well in every case except for one particular one (Lula Landry's birth mother, who's cockney drawl was a headache to read and interpret, especially for an American).After sifting through the various things this book has to offer, you finally get to the end. Many readers and reviews before me have praised this part of the book, but in my opinion, it was nothing special. The loose ends get tied up in a satisfactory way, but nothing shocking or surprising really happens, and, in truth, some of the motives for one specific character get a little murky and quite silly. Of the eight hundred million things that are clarified and revealed to the reader in the final forty pages, only one of them managed to actually surprise me, and it wasn't the "oh dang!" moment I was expecting from a mystery with this many high reviews. I'm not sure if my opinion on this book is going to change your mind over whether or not you read it. I mean, come on, it's JK Rowling, it's the talk of the month. You're going to read it. But I hope that my points inspired some thought in you over whether or not you enjoyed this book. As for me? I'm surprised this is the one all the hubbub is about. Personally, I thoughtThe Casual Vacancywas a much better book with a way more solid ending. | a50e91aa5f5c5ee0f8d72ebbcf733f04 | 1 | 1 | books |
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about America | question: How is the read?, context: This ARC was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.Publish date: April 24th, 2012 Juvenile Fiction: Love & Romance, 336 pagesHarper TeenFirst love can be a beautiful thing; that's why ithurts so much to let go. America Singer is a Five,just like her family. Neither are they on the verybottom of the caste-system nor one of theprivileged. Life is a struggle. Her mother hashigh hopes for America, and is delighted that shegot picked to take part in 'The Selection'. PrinceMaxon has come off age. He's ready to claim abride, the future princess of Illéa. Competingagainst over thirty other young women is not whatAmerica wants. Then again, how can she disappointthe people she loves; keep them from a betterlife? Getting to know the supposedly arrogantMaxon for who he really is - anything but - onlymakes it harder.Finally, thank you - a dystopian young adult novel that pretty much catered to my every whim. I'm aware of the Goodreads drama surrounding this release, but to be honest, I don't care. The blurb captured my interested and I'm so thankful I was provided with a review copy. That's what it should be about. The book, the story itself! It's such a fabulous one, too. I think you should expect to be entertained and thus not think about every little detail too hard. This book is fun and it has a fresh take on the dystopia genre. I loved the modern elements! It made it easier to relate to the characters and what was happening to them.The writing was smooth and very teen-ish in an adequate way. Considering the heroines age, that most definitely is to be taken as a compliment. I liked America's voice. What I loved about the character? She was not bitter about being born a Five, instead, made the best out of her circumstances. It's truly awesome to see her smile, take joy in simple pleasantries. On the other hand, America was also a typical teenager wanting to break free of her confines. A lot of readers wrote about the heroine being stupid. I disagree. Being a teenager or a young woman for that matter entails (or excuses if you want) a certain degree of confusion. Everyone is entitled to make mistakes and be unreasonable. I didn't like her any less just because I found her actions questionable (at times).High praise for the author: The world building was flawless. She included important information in such a way that it never, not even once, interrupted the development of the storyline. Same as with the heroine, several readers complained about the lack of world building. 'It's not dystopian!', they say. Yup, you guessed right - I disagree. We have a mix between contemporary / modern and historical elements. Political structures? Check! The castes, the monarchy' The 'nightmare' world? Check! The huge gap between the privileged (One, Two, Three), the less fortunate (Four, Five, Six) and the unfortunate (Seven, Eight)- I categorized them for you. Is something automatically without depth when it isn't overly complex? No, at least not in my humble opinion. The modern feel to it? Check! You'll notice that right away. No need to explain.The secondary characters, even though the family didn't have a lot of screen page time, coaxed a smile out of me more often than not. Lovely family! America is a daddy's girl. Just like me. Her father was a gentle soul; a wise man. My biggest pre-reading concern was the introduction of the other candidates. I wondered how the author would pull it off. How many? All thirty-four of them? She did a wonderful job by focusing on a couple while the rest floated in the background - present, but not overwhelmingly so.Aspen versus Maxon: No spoilers, no spoilers, no spoilers *chantstoself*. It's a rare occurrence to fall in love (nah, okay, more like a crush) with both male characters. Of course I had a preference, but I'd have been okay with either outcome. However, I was desperate to learn America's final decision. Both Aspen and Maxon had responsibilities; a weight on their shoulders that sometimes felt too heavy to handle. They were proud, too - America stubborn. What an intriguing combination. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about America's life, learning about the Selection and so on before Maxon came into the picture. That Maxon-less time was well spent and necessary.America profited from this experience. It took her a while, but she suddenly saw the Selection process from Maxon's perspective. It wasn't easy for him either. Trust has to be earned and the author took this sentiment to heart. No insta-love, no insta-trust. You cannot imagine how relieved I was.Why not rate the book 5 stars then? The ending was too abrupt. Sorry to say that I didn't like it. It felt cut off rather than 'to be continued'. The author failed to hit the right key. I wanted to almost burst with excitement, not think 'The end? Well, okay then - that kind of s**ks'. A bit more effort could've turned it around. This is something an agent / editor should've realized, for I can absolutely understand how much pressure the author was (or so I imagine) under writing the ending.Are you the mood for a dystopian romance with the dreamy flair of a modern reality television show? If so - this fantastic novel is the book to read. 4.5 stars to The Selection by Kiera Cass.Beware of Spoilers!A few of my favorite quotes for those of you who are interested: 'You can't expect to be able to provide everything for everyone you love.' 'I loved him, and how it felt to be loved by him. I felt special, priceless, irreplaceable.' 'I would be the best of us, the Highest of the Lows. It gave me a sense of purpose.' 'I'm not fighting. My plan is to enjoy the food until you kick me out.' ''funny laugh, but it's cute ' Sure, if you like the lovable sound of an asthma attack in your ear'' | How is the read? | I thoroughly enjoyed reading about America 's | This ARC was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.Publish date: April 24th, 2012 Juvenile Fiction: Love & Romance, 336 pagesHarper TeenFirst love can be a beautiful thing; that's why ithurts so much to let go. America Singer is a Five,just like her family. Neither are they on the verybottom of the caste-system nor one of theprivileged. Life is a struggle. Her mother hashigh hopes for America, and is delighted that shegot picked to take part in 'The Selection'. PrinceMaxon has come off age. He's ready to claim abride, the future princess of Illéa. Competingagainst over thirty other young women is not whatAmerica wants. Then again, how can she disappointthe people she loves; keep them from a betterlife? Getting to know the supposedly arrogantMaxon for who he really is - anything but - onlymakes it harder.Finally, thank you - a dystopian young adult novel that pretty much catered to my every whim. I'm aware of the Goodreads drama surrounding this release, but to be honest, I don't care. The blurb captured my interested and I'm so thankful I was provided with a review copy. That's what it should be about. The book, the story itself! It's such a fabulous one, too. I think you should expect to be entertained and thus not think about every little detail too hard. This book is fun and it has a fresh take on the dystopia genre. I loved the modern elements! It made it easier to relate to the characters and what was happening to them.The writing was smooth and very teen-ish in an adequate way. Considering the heroines age, that most definitely is to be taken as a compliment. I liked America's voice. What I loved about the character? She was not bitter about being born a Five, instead, made the best out of her circumstances. It's truly awesome to see her smile, take joy in simple pleasantries. On the other hand, America was also a typical teenager wanting to break free of her confines. A lot of readers wrote about the heroine being stupid. I disagree. Being a teenager or a young woman for that matter entails (or excuses if you want) a certain degree of confusion. Everyone is entitled to make mistakes and be unreasonable. I didn't like her any less just because I found her actions questionable (at times).High praise for the author: The world building was flawless. She included important information in such a way that it never, not even once, interrupted the development of the storyline. Same as with the heroine, several readers complained about the lack of world building. 'It's not dystopian!', they say. Yup, you guessed right - I disagree. We have a mix between contemporary / modern and historical elements. Political structures? Check! The castes, the monarchy' The 'nightmare' world? Check! The huge gap between the privileged (One, Two, Three), the less fortunate (Four, Five, Six) and the unfortunate (Seven, Eight)- I categorized them for you. Is something automatically without depth when it isn't overly complex? No, at least not in my humble opinion. The modern feel to it? Check! You'll notice that right away. No need to explain.The secondary characters, even though the family didn't have a lot of screen page time, coaxed a smile out of me more often than not. Lovely family! America is a daddy's girl. Just like me. Her father was a gentle soul; a wise man. My biggest pre-reading concern was the introduction of the other candidates. I wondered how the author would pull it off. How many? All thirty-four of them? She did a wonderful job by focusing on a couple while the rest floated in the background - present, but not overwhelmingly so.Aspen versus Maxon: No spoilers, no spoilers, no spoilers *chantstoself*. It's a rare occurrence to fall in love (nah, okay, more like a crush) with both male characters. Of course I had a preference, but I'd have been okay with either outcome. However, I was desperate to learn America's final decision. Both Aspen and Maxon had responsibilities; a weight on their shoulders that sometimes felt too heavy to handle. They were proud, too - America stubborn. What an intriguing combination. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about America's life, learning about the Selection and so on before Maxon came into the picture. That Maxon-less time was well spent and necessary.America profited from this experience. It took her a while, but she suddenly saw the Selection process from Maxon's perspective. It wasn't easy for him either. Trust has to be earned and the author took this sentiment to heart. No insta-love, no insta-trust. You cannot imagine how relieved I was.Why not rate the book 5 stars then? The ending was too abrupt. Sorry to say that I didn't like it. It felt cut off rather than 'to be continued'. The author failed to hit the right key. I wanted to almost burst with excitement, not think 'The end? Well, okay then - that kind of s**ks'. A bit more effort could've turned it around. This is something an agent / editor should've realized, for I can absolutely understand how much pressure the author was (or so I imagine) under writing the ending.Are you the mood for a dystopian romance with the dreamy flair of a modern reality television show? If so - this fantastic novel is the book to read. 4.5 stars to The Selection by Kiera Cass.Beware of Spoilers!A few of my favorite quotes for those of you who are interested: 'You can't expect to be able to provide everything for everyone you love.' 'I loved him, and how it felt to be loved by him. I felt special, priceless, irreplaceable.' 'I would be the best of us, the Highest of the Lows. It gave me a sense of purpose.' 'I'm not fighting. My plan is to enjoy the food until you kick me out.' ''funny laugh, but it's cute ' Sure, if you like the lovable sound of an asthma attack in your ear'' | <hl> I thoroughly enjoyed reading about America <hl> 's | This ARC was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.Publish date: April 24th, 2012 Juvenile Fiction: Love & Romance, 336 pagesHarper TeenFirst love can be a beautiful thing; that's why ithurts so much to let go. America Singer is a Five,just like her family. Neither are they on the verybottom of the caste-system nor one of theprivileged. Life is a struggle. Her mother hashigh hopes for America, and is delighted that shegot picked to take part in 'The Selection'. PrinceMaxon has come off age. He's ready to claim abride, the future princess of Illéa. Competingagainst over thirty other young women is not whatAmerica wants. Then again, how can she disappointthe people she loves; keep them from a betterlife? Getting to know the supposedly arrogantMaxon for who he really is - anything but - onlymakes it harder.Finally, thank you - a dystopian young adult novel that pretty much catered to my every whim. I'm aware of the Goodreads drama surrounding this release, but to be honest, I don't care. The blurb captured my interested and I'm so thankful I was provided with a review copy. That's what it should be about. The book, the story itself! It's such a fabulous one, too. I think you should expect to be entertained and thus not think about every little detail too hard. This book is fun and it has a fresh take on the dystopia genre. I loved the modern elements! It made it easier to relate to the characters and what was happening to them.The writing was smooth and very teen-ish in an adequate way. Considering the heroines age, that most definitely is to be taken as a compliment. I liked America's voice. What I loved about the character? She was not bitter about being born a Five, instead, made the best out of her circumstances. It's truly awesome to see her smile, take joy in simple pleasantries. On the other hand, America was also a typical teenager wanting to break free of her confines. A lot of readers wrote about the heroine being stupid. I disagree. Being a teenager or a young woman for that matter entails (or excuses if you want) a certain degree of confusion. Everyone is entitled to make mistakes and be unreasonable. I didn't like her any less just because I found her actions questionable (at times).High praise for the author: The world building was flawless. She included important information in such a way that it never, not even once, interrupted the development of the storyline. Same as with the heroine, several readers complained about the lack of world building. 'It's not dystopian!', they say. Yup, you guessed right - I disagree. We have a mix between contemporary / modern and historical elements. Political structures? Check! The castes, the monarchy' The 'nightmare' world? Check! The huge gap between the privileged (One, Two, Three), the less fortunate (Four, Five, Six) and the unfortunate (Seven, Eight)- I categorized them for you. Is something automatically without depth when it isn't overly complex? No, at least not in my humble opinion. The modern feel to it? Check! You'll notice that right away. No need to explain.The secondary characters, even though the family didn't have a lot of screen page time, coaxed a smile out of me more often than not. Lovely family! America is a daddy's girl. Just like me. Her father was a gentle soul; a wise man. My biggest pre-reading concern was the introduction of the other candidates. I wondered how the author would pull it off. How many? All thirty-four of them? She did a wonderful job by focusing on a couple while the rest floated in the background - present, but not overwhelmingly so.Aspen versus Maxon: No spoilers, no spoilers, no spoilers *chantstoself*. It's a rare occurrence to fall in love (nah, okay, more like a crush) with both male characters. Of course I had a preference, but I'd have been okay with either outcome. However, I was desperate to learn America's final decision. Both Aspen and Maxon had responsibilities; a weight on their shoulders that sometimes felt too heavy to handle. They were proud, too - America stubborn. What an intriguing combination. <hl> I thoroughly enjoyed reading about America <hl>'s life, learning about the Selection and so on before Maxon came into the picture. That Maxon-less time was well spent and necessary.America profited from this experience. It took her a while, but she suddenly saw the Selection process from Maxon's perspective. It wasn't easy for him either. Trust has to be earned and the author took this sentiment to heart. No insta-love, no insta-trust. You cannot imagine how relieved I was.Why not rate the book 5 stars then? The ending was too abrupt. Sorry to say that I didn't like it. It felt cut off rather than 'to be continued'. The author failed to hit the right key. I wanted to almost burst with excitement, not think 'The end? Well, okay then - that kind of s**ks'. A bit more effort could've turned it around. This is something an agent / editor should've realized, for I can absolutely understand how much pressure the author was (or so I imagine) under writing the ending.Are you the mood for a dystopian romance with the dreamy flair of a modern reality television show? If so - this fantastic novel is the book to read. 4.5 stars to The Selection by Kiera Cass.Beware of Spoilers!A few of my favorite quotes for those of you who are interested: 'You can't expect to be able to provide everything for everyone you love.' 'I loved him, and how it felt to be loved by him. I felt special, priceless, irreplaceable.' 'I would be the best of us, the Highest of the Lows. It gave me a sense of purpose.' 'I'm not fighting. My plan is to enjoy the food until you kick me out.' ''funny laugh, but it's cute ' Sure, if you like the lovable sound of an asthma attack in your ear'' | This ARC was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Publish date: April 24th, 2012 Juvenile Fiction: Love & Romance, 336 pagesHarper TeenFirst love can be a beautiful thing; that's why ithurts so much to let go. America Singer is a Five,just like her family. Neither are they on the verybottom of the caste-system nor one of theprivileged. Life is a struggle. Her mother hashigh hopes for America, and is delighted that shegot picked to take part in 'The Selection'. PrinceMaxon has come off age. He's ready to claim abride, the future princess of Illéa. Competingagainst over thirty other young women is not whatAmerica wants. Then again, how can she disappointthe people she loves; keep them from a betterlife? Getting to know the supposedly arrogantMaxon for who he really is - anything but - onlymakes it harder. Finally, thank you - a dystopian young adult novel that pretty much catered to my every whim. I'm aware of the Goodreads drama surrounding this release, but to be honest, I don't care. The blurb captured my interested and I'm so thankful I was provided with a review copy. That's what it should be about. The book, the story itself! It's such a fabulous one, too. I think you should expect to be entertained and thus not think about every little detail too hard. This book is fun and it has a fresh take on the dystopia genre. I loved the modern elements! It made it easier to relate to the characters and what was happening to them. The writing was smooth and very teen-ish in an adequate way. Considering the heroines age, that most definitely is to be taken as a compliment. I liked America's voice. What I loved about the character? She was not bitter about being born a Five, instead, made the best out of her circumstances. It's truly awesome to see her smile, take joy in simple pleasantries. On the other hand, America was also a typical teenager wanting to break free of her confines. A lot of readers wrote about the heroine being stupid. I disagree. Being a teenager or a young woman for that matter entails (or excuses if you want) a certain degree of confusion. Everyone is entitled to make mistakes and be unreasonable. I didn't like her any less just because I found her actions questionable (at times).High praise for the author: The world building was flawless. She included important information in such a way that it never, not even once, interrupted the development of the storyline. Same as with the heroine, several readers complained about the lack of world building. 'It's not dystopian!', they say. Yup, you guessed right - I disagree. We have a mix between contemporary / modern and historical elements. Political structures? Check! The castes, the monarchy' The 'nightmare' world? Check! The huge gap between the privileged (One, Two, Three), the less fortunate (Four, Five, Six) and the unfortunate (Seven, Eight)- I categorized them for you. Is something automatically without depth when it isn't overly complex? No, at least not in my humble opinion. The modern feel to it? Check! You'll notice that right away. No need to explain. The secondary characters, even though the family didn't have a lot of screen page time, coaxed a smile out of me more often than not. Lovely family! America is a daddy's girl. Just like me. Her father was a gentle soul; a wise man. My biggest pre-reading concern was the introduction of the other candidates. I wondered how the author would pull it off. How many? All thirty-four of them? She did a wonderful job by focusing on a couple while the rest floated in the background - present, but not overwhelmingly so. Aspen versus Maxon: No spoilers, no spoilers, no spoilers *chantstoself*. It's a rare occurrence to fall in love (nah, okay, more like a crush) with both male characters. Of course I had a preference, but I'd have been okay with either outcome. However, I was desperate to learn America's final decision. Both Aspen and Maxon had responsibilities; a weight on their shoulders that sometimes felt too heavy to handle. They were proud, too - America stubborn. What an intriguing combination. <hl> I thoroughly enjoyed reading about America 's <hl> life, learning about the Selection and so on before Maxon came into the picture. That Maxon-less time was well spent and necessary. America profited from this experience. It took her a while, but she suddenly saw the Selection process from Maxon's perspective. It wasn't easy for him either. Trust has to be earned and the author took this sentiment to heart. No insta-love, no insta-trust. You cannot imagine how relieved I was. Why not rate the book 5 stars then? The ending was too abrupt. Sorry to say that I didn't like it. It felt cut off rather than 'to be continued'. The author failed to hit the right key. I wanted to almost burst with excitement, not think 'The end? Well, okay then - that kind of s**ks'. A bit more effort could've turned it around. This is something an agent / editor should've realized, for I can absolutely understand how much pressure the author was (or so I imagine) under writing the ending. Are you the mood for a dystopian romance with the dreamy flair of a modern reality television show? If so - this fantastic novel is the book to read. 4.5 stars to The Selection by Kiera Cass. Beware of Spoilers!A few of my favorite quotes for those of you who are interested: 'You can't expect to be able to provide everything for everyone you love.' 'I loved him, and how it felt to be loved by him. I felt special, priceless, irreplaceable.' 'I would be the best of us, the Highest of the Lows. It gave me a sense of purpose.' 'I'm not fighting. My plan is to enjoy the food until you kick me out.' ''funny laugh, but it's cute ' Sure, if you like the lovable sound of an asthma attack in your ear'' | d142ed1f1b863571cf71a26dad7ee002 | 5 | 5 | books |
part 2 | question: How many chapters are missing from this story?, context: This was a great book, until the end. Some parts were dark. Twisted. But after reading all those pages, some of which were redundant, it just stops. Like there should be part 2 which I would not read. Readers deserve closure. BIG waste of my time and money | How many chapters are missing from this story? | Like there should be part 2 which I would not read. | This was a great book, until the end. Some parts were dark. Twisted. But after reading all those pages, some of which were redundant, it just stops. Like there should be part 2 which I would not read. Readers deserve closure. BIG waste of my time and money | Like there should be <hl> part 2 <hl> which I would not read. | This was a great book, until the end. Some parts were dark. Twisted. But after reading all those pages, some of which were redundant, it just stops. Like there should be <hl> part 2 <hl> which I would not read. Readers deserve closure. BIG waste of my time and money | This was a great book, until the end. Some parts were dark. Twisted. But after reading all those pages, some of which were redundant, it just stops. <hl> Like there should be part 2 which I would not read. <hl> Readers deserve closure. BIG waste of my time and money | c40766f2a7dc42fca5c2ed9e918fbef6 | 5 | 5 | books |
not find this to be a great book | question: Is the book recommended to people?, context: It may be an "age thing," but I did not find this to be a great book...I cannot imagine anyone loving the brutality in the sex scenes. Anastasia was an experienced, stupid girl. Christian should have been an older man. This was one trashy book in my eyes. I realize we all have different opinions, and I know people who loved this book, but I'm just saying.... | Is the book recommended to people? | It may be an "age thing," but I did not find this to be a great book ...I cannot imagine anyone loving the brutality in the sex scenes. | It may be an "age thing," but I did not find this to be a great book...I cannot imagine anyone loving the brutality in the sex scenes. Anastasia was an experienced, stupid girl. Christian should have been an older man. This was one trashy book in my eyes. I realize we all have different opinions, and I know people who loved this book, but I'm just saying.... | It may be an "age thing," but I did <hl> not find this to be a great book <hl> ...I cannot imagine anyone loving the brutality in the sex scenes. | It may be an "age thing," but I did <hl> not find this to be a great book <hl>...I cannot imagine anyone loving the brutality in the sex scenes. Anastasia was an experienced, stupid girl. Christian should have been an older man. This was one trashy book in my eyes. I realize we all have different opinions, and I know people who loved this book, but I'm just saying.... | <hl> It may be an "age thing," but I did not find this to be a great book ...I cannot imagine anyone loving the brutality in the sex scenes. <hl> Anastasia was an experienced, stupid girl. Christian should have been an older man. This was one trashy book in my eyes. I realize we all have different opinions, and I know people who loved this book, but I'm just saying.... | 20572140b229f051cd4eaf06485bb0be | 1 | 1 | books |
This book was very funny | question: Does this book make laugh?, context: This book was very funny, but I have to say that I don't think it is meant to be read all at once. I read it for my book group and waited until a few days before the meeting to read it. I usually do this because if I read it too soon, I will have read several other books by the time we meet to talk about the book. Because I read this so quickly, I felt that some of the stories were a little tiresome after reading so many crazy things in succession. I would have enjoyed it much more in small doses. I was really ready to be finished with it by the time we met. We did have a fun time talking about it though, and it is good for a laugh. | Does this book make laugh? | This book was very funny , but I have to say that I don't think it is meant to be read all at once. | This book was very funny, but I have to say that I don't think it is meant to be read all at once. I read it for my book group and waited until a few days before the meeting to read it. I usually do this because if I read it too soon, I will have read several other books by the time we meet to talk about the book. Because I read this so quickly, I felt that some of the stories were a little tiresome after reading so many crazy things in succession. I would have enjoyed it much more in small doses. I was really ready to be finished with it by the time we met. We did have a fun time talking about it though, and it is good for a laugh. | <hl> This book was very funny <hl> , but I have to say that I don't think it is meant to be read all at once. | <hl> This book was very funny <hl>, but I have to say that I don't think it is meant to be read all at once. I read it for my book group and waited until a few days before the meeting to read it. I usually do this because if I read it too soon, I will have read several other books by the time we meet to talk about the book. Because I read this so quickly, I felt that some of the stories were a little tiresome after reading so many crazy things in succession. I would have enjoyed it much more in small doses. I was really ready to be finished with it by the time we met. We did have a fun time talking about it though, and it is good for a laugh. | <hl> This book was very funny , but I have to say that I don't think it is meant to be read all at once. <hl> I read it for my book group and waited until a few days before the meeting to read it. I usually do this because if I read it too soon, I will have read several other books by the time we meet to talk about the book. Because I read this so quickly, I felt that some of the stories were a little tiresome after reading so many crazy things in succession. I would have enjoyed it much more in small doses. I was really ready to be finished with it by the time we met. We did have a fun time talking about it though, and it is good for a laugh. | bca08336fbf4f283f48e3c936755714a | 1 | 1 | books |
it's full of an atheistic fundamentalist | question: What experience do I leave when reading this book?, context: I am not a religious person, although I consider myself spiritual, I don't have a very high opinion of organized religion. What bothers me is the hypocrisy of this book. It was lent to me by an atheist friend of mine to "learn the truth".This book is not full of "truth" - it's full of an atheistic fundamentalist violently advocating elimination of the right to think freely, that is, the right to disagree with him. The only way I can see positive reviews for this book happening are if they are written by people who espouse his extremist and fundamentalist viewpoints. Which is frightening to say the least.Although I dislike Christianity as a religion, I do recall Jesus once saying something that is very true - that one should look for the log in one's own eye before pointing out the splinter in another. Many atheists simply refuse to comprehend that perhaps they are practicing the same form of hate and intolerance for their fellow human that those that they criticize are. | What experience do I leave when reading this book? | This book is not full of "truth" - it's full of an atheistic fundamentalist violently advocating elimination of the right to think freely, that is, the right to disagree with him. | I am not a religious person, although I consider myself spiritual, I don't have a very high opinion of organized religion. What bothers me is the hypocrisy of this book. It was lent to me by an atheist friend of mine to "learn the truth".This book is not full of "truth" - it's full of an atheistic fundamentalist violently advocating elimination of the right to think freely, that is, the right to disagree with him. The only way I can see positive reviews for this book happening are if they are written by people who espouse his extremist and fundamentalist viewpoints. Which is frightening to say the least.Although I dislike Christianity as a religion, I do recall Jesus once saying something that is very true - that one should look for the log in one's own eye before pointing out the splinter in another. Many atheists simply refuse to comprehend that perhaps they are practicing the same form of hate and intolerance for their fellow human that those that they criticize are. | This book is not full of "truth" - <hl> it's full of an atheistic fundamentalist <hl> violently advocating elimination of the right to think freely, that is, the right to disagree with him. | I am not a religious person, although I consider myself spiritual, I don't have a very high opinion of organized religion. What bothers me is the hypocrisy of this book. It was lent to me by an atheist friend of mine to "learn the truth".This book is not full of "truth" - <hl> it's full of an atheistic fundamentalist <hl> violently advocating elimination of the right to think freely, that is, the right to disagree with him. The only way I can see positive reviews for this book happening are if they are written by people who espouse his extremist and fundamentalist viewpoints. Which is frightening to say the least.Although I dislike Christianity as a religion, I do recall Jesus once saying something that is very true - that one should look for the log in one's own eye before pointing out the splinter in another. Many atheists simply refuse to comprehend that perhaps they are practicing the same form of hate and intolerance for their fellow human that those that they criticize are. | I am not a religious person, although I consider myself spiritual, I don't have a very high opinion of organized religion. What bothers me is the hypocrisy of this book. It was lent to me by an atheist friend of mine to "learn the truth". <hl> This book is not full of "truth" - it's full of an atheistic fundamentalist violently advocating elimination of the right to think freely, that is, the right to disagree with him. <hl> The only way I can see positive reviews for this book happening are if they are written by people who espouse his extremist and fundamentalist viewpoints. Which is frightening to say the least. Although I dislike Christianity as a religion, I do recall Jesus once saying something that is very true - that one should look for the log in one's own eye before pointing out the splinter in another. Many atheists simply refuse to comprehend that perhaps they are practicing the same form of hate and intolerance for their fellow human that those that they criticize are. | 64e3b8ffd8b71821bfc8be8bdaff6d1a | 2 | 2 | books |
this one is different | question: How is it one?, context: Unlike a lot of his books that end abruptly this one is different and rolls along nicelyI have enjoyed this like his earlier workAn easy read for a plane or a beach weekend | How is it one? | Unlike a lot of his books that end abruptly this one is different and rolls along nicelyI have enjoyed this like his earlier workAn easy read for a plane or a beach weekend | Unlike a lot of his books that end abruptly this one is different and rolls along nicelyI have enjoyed this like his earlier workAn easy read for a plane or a beach weekend | Unlike a lot of his books that end abruptly <hl> this one is different <hl> and rolls along nicelyI have enjoyed this like his earlier workAn easy read for a plane or a beach weekend | Unlike a lot of his books that end abruptly <hl> this one is different <hl> and rolls along nicelyI have enjoyed this like his earlier workAn easy read for a plane or a beach weekend | <hl> Unlike a lot of his books that end abruptly this one is different and rolls along nicelyI have enjoyed this like his earlier workAn easy read for a plane or a beach weekend <hl> | c5230cdc89b2a2e2d2aa01433a02f35d | 2 | 2 | books |
this book tore a hole through my heart | question: How was the book?, context: Jeez this book tore a hole through my heart. I loved it so much but this is not a happy perfect love story. There is a ton of baggage going on during this book. I loved Sky and how she was at the beginning with her friends, Six and Brekin. Some of the funniest lines were between them. Then Dean Holder enters the picture and I was immediately intrigued as well as confused by, as sky describes it, his multiple personality disorder. Colleen Hoover did an amzing job of weaving the storylines of this book so that it wasn't obvious from the beginning what the twists were. She gave you enough information at the appropriate time so that you could piece it together naturally. The relationship between Dean and Sky was just heartbreaking and amazing all at the same time. I loved it! I was so mesmerized by the bond that they shared and the commitment to each other despite all the tragedies that had fallen on them. The ending was great with out trying too hard to wrap it up in a fancy pretty bow. It had an ending that fit with the emotional feel to the book it didn't try to jar you into an epilogue 5-10 years down the round when everything is magically perfect. It just kind of stated that life is not perfect and will not ever be so. Fantastically amazing story that is exactly what we have come to expect from Colleen Hoover! | How was the book? | Jeez this book tore a hole through my heart . | Jeez this book tore a hole through my heart. I loved it so much but this is not a happy perfect love story. There is a ton of baggage going on during this book. I loved Sky and how she was at the beginning with her friends, Six and Brekin. Some of the funniest lines were between them. Then Dean Holder enters the picture and I was immediately intrigued as well as confused by, as sky describes it, his multiple personality disorder. Colleen Hoover did an amzing job of weaving the storylines of this book so that it wasn't obvious from the beginning what the twists were. She gave you enough information at the appropriate time so that you could piece it together naturally. The relationship between Dean and Sky was just heartbreaking and amazing all at the same time. I loved it! I was so mesmerized by the bond that they shared and the commitment to each other despite all the tragedies that had fallen on them. The ending was great with out trying too hard to wrap it up in a fancy pretty bow. It had an ending that fit with the emotional feel to the book it didn't try to jar you into an epilogue 5-10 years down the round when everything is magically perfect. It just kind of stated that life is not perfect and will not ever be so. Fantastically amazing story that is exactly what we have come to expect from Colleen Hoover! | Jeez <hl> this book tore a hole through my heart <hl> . | Jeez <hl> this book tore a hole through my heart <hl>. I loved it so much but this is not a happy perfect love story. There is a ton of baggage going on during this book. I loved Sky and how she was at the beginning with her friends, Six and Brekin. Some of the funniest lines were between them. Then Dean Holder enters the picture and I was immediately intrigued as well as confused by, as sky describes it, his multiple personality disorder. Colleen Hoover did an amzing job of weaving the storylines of this book so that it wasn't obvious from the beginning what the twists were. She gave you enough information at the appropriate time so that you could piece it together naturally. The relationship between Dean and Sky was just heartbreaking and amazing all at the same time. I loved it! I was so mesmerized by the bond that they shared and the commitment to each other despite all the tragedies that had fallen on them. The ending was great with out trying too hard to wrap it up in a fancy pretty bow. It had an ending that fit with the emotional feel to the book it didn't try to jar you into an epilogue 5-10 years down the round when everything is magically perfect. It just kind of stated that life is not perfect and will not ever be so. Fantastically amazing story that is exactly what we have come to expect from Colleen Hoover! | <hl> Jeez this book tore a hole through my heart . <hl> I loved it so much but this is not a happy perfect love story. There is a ton of baggage going on during this book. I loved Sky and how she was at the beginning with her friends, Six and Brekin. Some of the funniest lines were between them. Then Dean Holder enters the picture and I was immediately intrigued as well as confused by, as sky describes it, his multiple personality disorder. Colleen Hoover did an amzing job of weaving the storylines of this book so that it wasn't obvious from the beginning what the twists were. She gave you enough information at the appropriate time so that you could piece it together naturally. The relationship between Dean and Sky was just heartbreaking and amazing all at the same time. I loved it! I was so mesmerized by the bond that they shared and the commitment to each other despite all the tragedies that had fallen on them. The ending was great with out trying too hard to wrap it up in a fancy pretty bow. It had an ending that fit with the emotional feel to the book it didn't try to jar you into an epilogue 5-10 years down the round when everything is magically perfect. It just kind of stated that life is not perfect and will not ever be so. Fantastically amazing story that is exactly what we have come to expect from Colleen Hoover! | 0c1c665668a188c3cd875085b5ad8f20 | 1 | 1 | books |
The writing is excellent | question: How do you like the write?, context: I'm not really sure how I stumbled across this book, but I'm glad I did. The writing is excellent, the story is compelling and entertaining, and I was sorry when it was over. | How do you like the write? | The writing is excellent , the story is compelling and entertaining, and I was sorry when it was over. | I'm not really sure how I stumbled across this book, but I'm glad I did. The writing is excellent, the story is compelling and entertaining, and I was sorry when it was over. | <hl> The writing is excellent <hl> , the story is compelling and entertaining, and I was sorry when it was over. | I'm not really sure how I stumbled across this book, but I'm glad I did. <hl> The writing is excellent <hl>, the story is compelling and entertaining, and I was sorry when it was over. | I'm not really sure how I stumbled across this book, but I'm glad I did. <hl> The writing is excellent , the story is compelling and entertaining, and I was sorry when it was over. <hl> | 9384cd0009e961facc0fd2c3751aa70b | 1 | 1 | books |
Mikael Blomvist, a professional journalist, is being convicted for libel but then takes a sudden turn when he is asked by Henrik Vanger, a member of one of the wealthiest family's in Sweden | question: How is character development?, context: Angelica PennettaMr. SlaterEnglish 910 December 2010The Girl With The Dragon TattooThe Girl With The Dragon Tattoo was the type of book that took awhile to get into but in the end was worth the wait because of the "on edge" feeling you got throughout almost the whole book; I highly recommend that anyone who loves a good mystery reads this book.The plot was very intriguing; once you think you have it all figured out there is still the doubt that you are wrong and knowing this book you probably are. It seems as if every time you think Salander and Blomvist have the case solved, they find a new piece of evidence that puts a whole new twist on the story. The book starts out in detail about how Mikael Blomvist, a professional journalist, is being convicted for libel but then takes a sudden turn when he is asked by Henrik Vanger, a member of one of the wealthiest family's in Sweden, to help investigate the disappearance of his niece, Harriet Vanger. Lisbeth Salander, a 24 year old rebellion who, let's just say, is a big fan of piercings, tattoos, and intense crime solving, eventually joins Blomvist in the search for Harriet. Step by step, as Salander and Blomvist continue their research they creep a little closer each day to finding out the truth about the Vanger family. As you get closer to the end, you'll find yourself getting ready to jump out of your skin; its one of those endings that slaps you right in the face. When it comes to the ending, you wont disappointed.The highly detailed characterization and conflict was what made this book such a fascinating thriller. When reading the description of Lisbeth Salander, not only does her striking appearance catch your attention but the way her personality is portrayed gives you the perfect imagery. It's not only the physical description of the characters that pulls you in, it's the way everything is played out and crafted so carefully. The conflict was the most important part of this book, in my opinion just because there was conflict after conflict that Salander and Blomvist then had to try and solve. This book is filled from beginning to end with a roller coaster of suspenseful conflict and thrill.Henrik Vanger searched for his niece for 40 years, when everyone gave up and he was all on his own, Blomvist and Salander were the only ones willing to help. By this act of generosity as portrayed in the book, I think the author was trying to make a point to the reader. The point trying to be made could have been anything from meaning do things happen for a reason to if you never give up you may be surprised at what you may find, either way it's a good read. Blomvist takes part in helping Salander find the real her, he helps her realize what she needs to do to be happy while at the same time trying to make everyone else happy.Overall, I loved this book! It was definitely the type of book that was constantly grabbing you and pulling you in; it had me jumping from page to page just to see what was going to happen next. If you're into mind boggling mysteries that make you think, this the book for you! It never stops making you wonder. I would definitely recommend reading this book, but I have to warn you, once you get started you can't stop!Work CitedStieg, Larsson. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. New York: Vintage Books, 2009. | How is character development? | The book starts out in detail about how Mikael Blomvist, a professional journalist, is being convicted for libel but then takes a sudden turn when he is asked by Henrik Vanger, a member of one of the wealthiest family's in Sweden , to help investigate the disappearance of his niece, Harriet Vanger. | Angelica PennettaMr. SlaterEnglish 910 December 2010The Girl With The Dragon TattooThe Girl With The Dragon Tattoo was the type of book that took awhile to get into but in the end was worth the wait because of the "on edge" feeling you got throughout almost the whole book; I highly recommend that anyone who loves a good mystery reads this book.The plot was very intriguing; once you think you have it all figured out there is still the doubt that you are wrong and knowing this book you probably are. It seems as if every time you think Salander and Blomvist have the case solved, they find a new piece of evidence that puts a whole new twist on the story. The book starts out in detail about how Mikael Blomvist, a professional journalist, is being convicted for libel but then takes a sudden turn when he is asked by Henrik Vanger, a member of one of the wealthiest family's in Sweden, to help investigate the disappearance of his niece, Harriet Vanger. Lisbeth Salander, a 24 year old rebellion who, let's just say, is a big fan of piercings, tattoos, and intense crime solving, eventually joins Blomvist in the search for Harriet. Step by step, as Salander and Blomvist continue their research they creep a little closer each day to finding out the truth about the Vanger family. As you get closer to the end, you'll find yourself getting ready to jump out of your skin; its one of those endings that slaps you right in the face. When it comes to the ending, you wont disappointed.The highly detailed characterization and conflict was what made this book such a fascinating thriller. When reading the description of Lisbeth Salander, not only does her striking appearance catch your attention but the way her personality is portrayed gives you the perfect imagery. It's not only the physical description of the characters that pulls you in, it's the way everything is played out and crafted so carefully. The conflict was the most important part of this book, in my opinion just because there was conflict after conflict that Salander and Blomvist then had to try and solve. This book is filled from beginning to end with a roller coaster of suspenseful conflict and thrill.Henrik Vanger searched for his niece for 40 years, when everyone gave up and he was all on his own, Blomvist and Salander were the only ones willing to help. By this act of generosity as portrayed in the book, I think the author was trying to make a point to the reader. The point trying to be made could have been anything from meaning do things happen for a reason to if you never give up you may be surprised at what you may find, either way it's a good read. Blomvist takes part in helping Salander find the real her, he helps her realize what she needs to do to be happy while at the same time trying to make everyone else happy.Overall, I loved this book! It was definitely the type of book that was constantly grabbing you and pulling you in; it had me jumping from page to page just to see what was going to happen next. If you're into mind boggling mysteries that make you think, this the book for you! It never stops making you wonder. I would definitely recommend reading this book, but I have to warn you, once you get started you can't stop!Work CitedStieg, Larsson. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. New York: Vintage Books, 2009. | The book starts out in detail about how <hl> Mikael Blomvist, a professional journalist, is being convicted for libel but then takes a sudden turn when he is asked by Henrik Vanger, a member of one of the wealthiest family's in Sweden <hl> , to help investigate the disappearance of his niece, Harriet Vanger. | Angelica PennettaMr. SlaterEnglish 910 December 2010The Girl With The Dragon TattooThe Girl With The Dragon Tattoo was the type of book that took awhile to get into but in the end was worth the wait because of the "on edge" feeling you got throughout almost the whole book; I highly recommend that anyone who loves a good mystery reads this book.The plot was very intriguing; once you think you have it all figured out there is still the doubt that you are wrong and knowing this book you probably are. It seems as if every time you think Salander and Blomvist have the case solved, they find a new piece of evidence that puts a whole new twist on the story. The book starts out in detail about how <hl> Mikael Blomvist, a professional journalist, is being convicted for libel but then takes a sudden turn when he is asked by Henrik Vanger, a member of one of the wealthiest family's in Sweden <hl>, to help investigate the disappearance of his niece, Harriet Vanger. Lisbeth Salander, a 24 year old rebellion who, let's just say, is a big fan of piercings, tattoos, and intense crime solving, eventually joins Blomvist in the search for Harriet. Step by step, as Salander and Blomvist continue their research they creep a little closer each day to finding out the truth about the Vanger family. As you get closer to the end, you'll find yourself getting ready to jump out of your skin; its one of those endings that slaps you right in the face. When it comes to the ending, you wont disappointed.The highly detailed characterization and conflict was what made this book such a fascinating thriller. When reading the description of Lisbeth Salander, not only does her striking appearance catch your attention but the way her personality is portrayed gives you the perfect imagery. It's not only the physical description of the characters that pulls you in, it's the way everything is played out and crafted so carefully. The conflict was the most important part of this book, in my opinion just because there was conflict after conflict that Salander and Blomvist then had to try and solve. This book is filled from beginning to end with a roller coaster of suspenseful conflict and thrill.Henrik Vanger searched for his niece for 40 years, when everyone gave up and he was all on his own, Blomvist and Salander were the only ones willing to help. By this act of generosity as portrayed in the book, I think the author was trying to make a point to the reader. The point trying to be made could have been anything from meaning do things happen for a reason to if you never give up you may be surprised at what you may find, either way it's a good read. Blomvist takes part in helping Salander find the real her, he helps her realize what she needs to do to be happy while at the same time trying to make everyone else happy.Overall, I loved this book! It was definitely the type of book that was constantly grabbing you and pulling you in; it had me jumping from page to page just to see what was going to happen next. If you're into mind boggling mysteries that make you think, this the book for you! It never stops making you wonder. I would definitely recommend reading this book, but I have to warn you, once you get started you can't stop!Work CitedStieg, Larsson. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. New York: Vintage Books, 2009. | Angelica PennettaMr. SlaterEnglish 910 December 2010The Girl With The Dragon TattooThe Girl With The Dragon Tattoo was the type of book that took awhile to get into but in the end was worth the wait because of the "on edge" feeling you got throughout almost the whole book; I highly recommend that anyone who loves a good mystery reads this book. The plot was very intriguing; once you think you have it all figured out there is still the doubt that you are wrong and knowing this book you probably are. It seems as if every time you think Salander and Blomvist have the case solved, they find a new piece of evidence that puts a whole new twist on the story. <hl> The book starts out in detail about how Mikael Blomvist, a professional journalist, is being convicted for libel but then takes a sudden turn when he is asked by Henrik Vanger, a member of one of the wealthiest family's in Sweden , to help investigate the disappearance of his niece, Harriet Vanger. <hl> Lisbeth Salander, a 24 year old rebellion who, let's just say, is a big fan of piercings, tattoos, and intense crime solving, eventually joins Blomvist in the search for Harriet. Step by step, as Salander and Blomvist continue their research they creep a little closer each day to finding out the truth about the Vanger family. As you get closer to the end, you'll find yourself getting ready to jump out of your skin; its one of those endings that slaps you right in the face. When it comes to the ending, you wont disappointed. The highly detailed characterization and conflict was what made this book such a fascinating thriller. When reading the description of Lisbeth Salander, not only does her striking appearance catch your attention but the way her personality is portrayed gives you the perfect imagery. It's not only the physical description of the characters that pulls you in, it's the way everything is played out and crafted so carefully. The conflict was the most important part of this book, in my opinion just because there was conflict after conflict that Salander and Blomvist then had to try and solve. This book is filled from beginning to end with a roller coaster of suspenseful conflict and thrill. Henrik Vanger searched for his niece for 40 years, when everyone gave up and he was all on his own, Blomvist and Salander were the only ones willing to help. By this act of generosity as portrayed in the book, I think the author was trying to make a point to the reader. The point trying to be made could have been anything from meaning do things happen for a reason to if you never give up you may be surprised at what you may find, either way it's a good read. Blomvist takes part in helping Salander find the real her, he helps her realize what she needs to do to be happy while at the same time trying to make everyone else happy. Overall, I loved this book! It was definitely the type of book that was constantly grabbing you and pulling you in; it had me jumping from page to page just to see what was going to happen next. If you're into mind boggling mysteries that make you think, this the book for you! It never stops making you wonder. I would definitely recommend reading this book, but I have to warn you, once you get started you can't stop!Work CitedStieg, Larsson. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. New York: Vintage Books, 2009. | 49a1a8bf7b5fea965bd9a61b9e5c6935 | 1 | 1 | books |
It was a good first choice for me | question: What do you think about the story?, context: I read this this book; twice actually. After rupturing an aneurysm in my brain just over 15 months ago, I required emergency brain surgery and nearly died (so I've been told). I had no life altering near death experience. What I did find, during my long road to recovery (which still continues somewhat to this day), was that I needed to find peace/comfort within me. This book is the first that I have purchased about NDE and a brief trip to Heaven.I will not lie; the story is heartwarming, but I can't decipher whether there is learned fantasy about what the afterlife is supposed to be like (ie: Sunday school teachings), vs actual NDE recollections. Granted, there are some things that I cannot explain away, ie: POP or the sister he didn't know about that he met in Heaven. That, in and of itself gives me reason to think. While I was born and raised in the Catholic religion, I am not religious in the sense that I go to Church every Sunday or what have you. I do, however, consider myself to be a spiritual person, read my Bible and believe in God. I suppose I'm just one of those who takes comfort in hearing of others who have met up and seen loved ones and have seen the glory of an afterlife.All in all, leaving out the facts in the beginning of the book where Colton' s parents waited until he was extremely ill to take him to the hospital and it took a few years for the full experience to come out, it is an uplifting read. It was a good first choice for me. | What do you think about the story? | It was a good first choice for me . | I read this this book; twice actually. After rupturing an aneurysm in my brain just over 15 months ago, I required emergency brain surgery and nearly died (so I've been told). I had no life altering near death experience. What I did find, during my long road to recovery (which still continues somewhat to this day), was that I needed to find peace/comfort within me. This book is the first that I have purchased about NDE and a brief trip to Heaven.I will not lie; the story is heartwarming, but I can't decipher whether there is learned fantasy about what the afterlife is supposed to be like (ie: Sunday school teachings), vs actual NDE recollections. Granted, there are some things that I cannot explain away, ie: POP or the sister he didn't know about that he met in Heaven. That, in and of itself gives me reason to think. While I was born and raised in the Catholic religion, I am not religious in the sense that I go to Church every Sunday or what have you. I do, however, consider myself to be a spiritual person, read my Bible and believe in God. I suppose I'm just one of those who takes comfort in hearing of others who have met up and seen loved ones and have seen the glory of an afterlife.All in all, leaving out the facts in the beginning of the book where Colton' s parents waited until he was extremely ill to take him to the hospital and it took a few years for the full experience to come out, it is an uplifting read. It was a good first choice for me. | <hl> It was a good first choice for me <hl> . | I read this this book; twice actually. After rupturing an aneurysm in my brain just over 15 months ago, I required emergency brain surgery and nearly died (so I've been told). I had no life altering near death experience. What I did find, during my long road to recovery (which still continues somewhat to this day), was that I needed to find peace/comfort within me. This book is the first that I have purchased about NDE and a brief trip to Heaven.I will not lie; the story is heartwarming, but I can't decipher whether there is learned fantasy about what the afterlife is supposed to be like (ie: Sunday school teachings), vs actual NDE recollections. Granted, there are some things that I cannot explain away, ie: POP or the sister he didn't know about that he met in Heaven. That, in and of itself gives me reason to think. While I was born and raised in the Catholic religion, I am not religious in the sense that I go to Church every Sunday or what have you. I do, however, consider myself to be a spiritual person, read my Bible and believe in God. I suppose I'm just one of those who takes comfort in hearing of others who have met up and seen loved ones and have seen the glory of an afterlife.All in all, leaving out the facts in the beginning of the book where Colton' s parents waited until he was extremely ill to take him to the hospital and it took a few years for the full experience to come out, it is an uplifting read. <hl> It was a good first choice for me <hl>. | I read this this book; twice actually. After rupturing an aneurysm in my brain just over 15 months ago, I required emergency brain surgery and nearly died (so I've been told). I had no life altering near death experience. What I did find, during my long road to recovery (which still continues somewhat to this day), was that I needed to find peace/comfort within me. This book is the first that I have purchased about NDE and a brief trip to Heaven. I will not lie; the story is heartwarming, but I can't decipher whether there is learned fantasy about what the afterlife is supposed to be like (ie: Sunday school teachings), vs actual NDE recollections. Granted, there are some things that I cannot explain away, ie: POP or the sister he didn't know about that he met in Heaven. That, in and of itself gives me reason to think. While I was born and raised in the Catholic religion, I am not religious in the sense that I go to Church every Sunday or what have you. I do, however, consider myself to be a spiritual person, read my Bible and believe in God. I suppose I'm just one of those who takes comfort in hearing of others who have met up and seen loved ones and have seen the glory of an afterlife. All in all, leaving out the facts in the beginning of the book where Colton' s parents waited until he was extremely ill to take him to the hospital and it took a few years for the full experience to come out, it is an uplifting read. <hl> It was a good first choice for me . <hl> | fce76dd2f82869293ba306a628abd2f5 | 2 | 2 | books |
The research to write this book was amazing | question: How is the research?, context: The research to write this book was amazing. Having been acquainted with the scriptural references to the societal issues about the life of Jesus for most of my life, this providing new insights and information that helped create more understanding of those references. This was a history book, not a catechism. | How is the research? | The research to write this book was amazing . | The research to write this book was amazing. Having been acquainted with the scriptural references to the societal issues about the life of Jesus for most of my life, this providing new insights and information that helped create more understanding of those references. This was a history book, not a catechism. | <hl> The research to write this book was amazing <hl> . | <hl> The research to write this book was amazing <hl>. Having been acquainted with the scriptural references to the societal issues about the life of Jesus for most of my life, this providing new insights and information that helped create more understanding of those references. This was a history book, not a catechism. | <hl> The research to write this book was amazing . <hl> Having been acquainted with the scriptural references to the societal issues about the life of Jesus for most of my life, this providing new insights and information that helped create more understanding of those references. This was a history book, not a catechism. | 706e7f2c117ce532c4e76fcfed974185 | 1 | 1 | books |
The mystery of Harriet's disappearance was also very interesting | question: How is the mystery like?, context: This is a book I almost gave up. I listened to it on audio, and a few hours in I felt like I was still listening to background and set-up and was anxious for the story to get started. Thankfully, once it got rolling it was a snowball I couldn't stop. Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander are very interesting characters... very alike in some ways, polar opposites in others. I spent a great deal of time wondering how their stories would be tied together, and I wasn't disappointed when they eventually were. The mystery of Harriet's disappearance was also very interesting, and the whole story is nothing you would ever expect when the investigation begins. I just had a couple of problems with it... the author tends to refer to everyone by their last name, which is much harder for me to follow. For some reason, I just don't remember last names as well as first names, so every time someone was mentioned that we hadn't heard of in a while, I had to think for a minute about who they were talking about. Also, there's a bit of a loose end with the Harriet investigation that I was expecting to be tied up that never was. I was expecting a small twist that never came.Overall, I quite enjoyed this and look forward to reading the next two (assuming the third makes it through translation to English). The ending to this one was sad in a way I didn't expect, and I'm anxious to see what it means for Blomkvist and Salander. If you start reading this and struggle a bit through the beginning, just stick it out... It gets so much better! | How is the mystery like? | The mystery of Harriet's disappearance was also very interesting , and the whole story is nothing you would ever expect when the investigation begins. | This is a book I almost gave up. I listened to it on audio, and a few hours in I felt like I was still listening to background and set-up and was anxious for the story to get started. Thankfully, once it got rolling it was a snowball I couldn't stop. Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander are very interesting characters... very alike in some ways, polar opposites in others. I spent a great deal of time wondering how their stories would be tied together, and I wasn't disappointed when they eventually were. The mystery of Harriet's disappearance was also very interesting, and the whole story is nothing you would ever expect when the investigation begins. I just had a couple of problems with it... the author tends to refer to everyone by their last name, which is much harder for me to follow. For some reason, I just don't remember last names as well as first names, so every time someone was mentioned that we hadn't heard of in a while, I had to think for a minute about who they were talking about. Also, there's a bit of a loose end with the Harriet investigation that I was expecting to be tied up that never was. I was expecting a small twist that never came.Overall, I quite enjoyed this and look forward to reading the next two (assuming the third makes it through translation to English). The ending to this one was sad in a way I didn't expect, and I'm anxious to see what it means for Blomkvist and Salander. If you start reading this and struggle a bit through the beginning, just stick it out... It gets so much better! | <hl> The mystery of Harriet's disappearance was also very interesting <hl> , and the whole story is nothing you would ever expect when the investigation begins. | This is a book I almost gave up. I listened to it on audio, and a few hours in I felt like I was still listening to background and set-up and was anxious for the story to get started. Thankfully, once it got rolling it was a snowball I couldn't stop. Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander are very interesting characters... very alike in some ways, polar opposites in others. I spent a great deal of time wondering how their stories would be tied together, and I wasn't disappointed when they eventually were. <hl> The mystery of Harriet's disappearance was also very interesting <hl>, and the whole story is nothing you would ever expect when the investigation begins. I just had a couple of problems with it... the author tends to refer to everyone by their last name, which is much harder for me to follow. For some reason, I just don't remember last names as well as first names, so every time someone was mentioned that we hadn't heard of in a while, I had to think for a minute about who they were talking about. Also, there's a bit of a loose end with the Harriet investigation that I was expecting to be tied up that never was. I was expecting a small twist that never came.Overall, I quite enjoyed this and look forward to reading the next two (assuming the third makes it through translation to English). The ending to this one was sad in a way I didn't expect, and I'm anxious to see what it means for Blomkvist and Salander. If you start reading this and struggle a bit through the beginning, just stick it out... It gets so much better! | This is a book I almost gave up. I listened to it on audio, and a few hours in I felt like I was still listening to background and set-up and was anxious for the story to get started. Thankfully, once it got rolling it was a snowball I couldn't stop. Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander are very interesting characters... very alike in some ways, polar opposites in others. I spent a great deal of time wondering how their stories would be tied together, and I wasn't disappointed when they eventually were. <hl> The mystery of Harriet's disappearance was also very interesting , and the whole story is nothing you would ever expect when the investigation begins. <hl> I just had a couple of problems with it... the author tends to refer to everyone by their last name, which is much harder for me to follow. For some reason, I just don't remember last names as well as first names, so every time someone was mentioned that we hadn't heard of in a while, I had to think for a minute about who they were talking about. Also, there's a bit of a loose end with the Harriet investigation that I was expecting to be tied up that never was. I was expecting a small twist that never came. Overall, I quite enjoyed this and look forward to reading the next two (assuming the third makes it through translation to English). The ending to this one was sad in a way I didn't expect, and I'm anxious to see what it means for Blomkvist and Salander. If you start reading this and struggle a bit through the beginning, just stick it out... It gets so much better! | 90f7d5e289ed41669eeff3c6727a114c | 2 | 2 | books |