It was kinda cheesy, but that’s okay! It was very entertaining. I was hooked the whole way through.
I kinda figured out where it was going early on, buIt was kinda cheesy, but that’s okay! It was very entertaining. I was hooked the whole way through.
I kinda figured out where it was going early on, but that’s okay! Instead of feeling predictable, it made me feel like a super detective!
The characters were kinda unlikable, but that’s okay! They were developed in such a way that you love to hate them while you are snickering and shaking your head.
The story is kinda far-fetched, but that’s okay! I could very easily suspend my disbelief for this one without feeling like it was entirely unrealistic.
I kinda didn’t want it to end, but that’s okay! It looks like the author has lots of other books I can check out if I am looking for something similar.
I’m kinda not sure who I would recommend this book to, but that’s okay! You are all adults! You can figure out if suspenseful, twisty mysteries with hate-able characters is your thing all by yourself! ...more
Not quite sure what they are doing with this series at this point. The notes mention that each issue in the collection was written and i2.5 to 3 stars
Not quite sure what they are doing with this series at this point. The notes mention that each issue in the collection was written and illustrated by different people. Instead of being an interesting series of vignettes, it felt like several haphazard interpretations of the same universe with very little connection to each other.
[image]
I know that graphic novels don’t always keep the same artist and that can be either good or bad. In this case, I think it was very bad. The main draw for me in the first issue was the awesome visuals. The facial expressions and the color combinations were fantastic. In this one, none of the artists lived up to the original and I found it distracting. I do think I would have been okay with a different look if it had had the same “POW!”, but none of them did.
[image]
Because this issue was so disjointed, I find myself not quite sure what is going on in the story. So, am I excited for the next issue? I am not quite sure. I will most likely give it a go to see if it gets back on track, but I have lost some confidence in this series.
How far we have come in the last 100 years! Both scientifically and as people. I know in many ways we still have a long way to go, but this book showsHow far we have come in the last 100 years! Both scientifically and as people. I know in many ways we still have a long way to go, but this book shows how much has changed for the better through the persistance of those unlikely to be given a chance.
Less than 80 years ago, in many places, people of different colors still couldn't share bathrooms, tables in cafeterias, etc. Women were only given base level positions and pay because that was just how it was. Ask a man leading a department why the less qualified person got the job, he would say legitimately, with a straight-face, and without thinking anything was wrong, "why, it is because the more qualified person is a black woman - everyone knows you can give jobs like this to a black woman. Black people are janitors and women are secretaries. Thinking otherwise is crazy!" It is so hard to believe! Luckily, despite some areas and businesses where thoughts like this may still be found, generally this feeling has changed.
Hidden Figures tells the story of several key players who helped change the mentality to believing that everyone can succeed if they put their mind to it no matter their color or sex. The back drop is post-WWII in Langley, Virgina where scientists and engineers were working to improve flight and take us into space. While at first the feeling was that only white men could lead the charge, several strong, intelligent, and determined black women showed that they had what it takes to work on an equal level based on skills and accomplishments instead of their physical appearance.
If you like science, American history, stories about Civil Rights, this is a must read. There is a bit of a drag at a couple of points as it gets deep into science and mathematics, but I think that serves to show the amazing things these women were accomplishing....more
This is an incredibly fascinating and well done book. I think that the thoughts and opinions of the author might be controversial, but he lived througThis is an incredibly fascinating and well done book. I think that the thoughts and opinions of the author might be controversial, but he lived through it and saw the good and the bad so I will give him the benefit of the doubt on how he sees things after the way he grew up!
When I saw the name, I figured this would be reading about a real life Deliverance-esque town. However, this is more about how a boy develops into a man when dealing with being raised by a family with a “Hillbilly” background. The setting is suburban Ohio where many Hillbillies have relocated for blue collar jobs. In fact, the town is Middletown, Ohio, which is not far from where I was growing up at the same time that the events of this book were taking place (Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati). Because of this, it hit home even more for me.
When I say that his opinions might come across as controversial, it is because he gives his opinions about his upbringing and the Hillbilly culture and how he had to struggle to overcome it. Some of what he says might get people riled up if it came from an outsider. But, again, since he lived with it – I feel like his input and opinion are a very important viewpoint.
I did a little background search on this book and the author online. It sounds like there are some people who scoff at this book because it isn’t about a Deliverance-esque town, the author is well spoken, and he does not necessarily paint the Hillbilly culture in the best light. I agree that all these things are true about the book, but I think that is what makes it even more fascinating and amazing to me. When you read this, you will probably be surprised that he made it away from abuse, drug use, poverty, and crime at all. Is he supposed to feel bad about that? I think that some people think that he should; kind of like he turned his back on his roots
If a thought provoking book about growing up in lower middle class suburbia over the past 30-40 years sounds interesting to you, this is your book. I can easily recommend this book to anyone who loves a good memoir. ...more
I enjoyed the writing a lot. I thought it was well done, easy to read, and kept my interest.
However . . .
The main character was the most pitiful excuI enjoyed the writing a lot. I thought it was well done, easy to read, and kept my interest.
However . . .
The main character was the most pitiful excuse for a main character I have ever seen. He is a stupid, whiny, inconsiderate, good-for-nothing loser. Even when I thought the author was trying to make me "understand his pain" or "realize he couldn't help it", I just wanted him to sack up, grow a pair, take some responsibility, treat those around him with respect, and stop being a big, whiny baby with no common sense. As you can tell, my feelings are strong here, and they are not good.
Damn! I almost owed the library a new book because I was close to ripping pages out toward the end!
If your thing is characters you love to hate, check this out because the winner of the losers is here!...more
As soon as I started reading this and posting statuses, I got several replies about how much people did not like this book. I cannot remember getting As soon as I started reading this and posting statuses, I got several replies about how much people did not like this book. I cannot remember getting that much negative feedback about a book on my progress statuses. So, I figured I would either be joining the world in slamming this book, or I would be trying to make my case about how everyone was wrong.
Well, I am kinda in the middle.
I didn’t hate the book, but it didn’t blow me away. It feels like it was intentionally written to fit in with the Gone Girl/The Girl on the Train genre. The biggest difference is that I wouldn’t say that any of the characters were really hateable. Maybe a few that could be slightly disliked, but nothing like the aforementioned books.
The plot was a little silly, but I was willing to suspend my disbelief for the sake of a quick read. At times I was really into what was going on, at other times I was like “okay, enough of that, let’s move on”. I do think that the general idea of how a mystery-on-a-boat was presented did feel unique and there were a few surprises that caught me off guard.
Do I recommend: Did you like Gone Girl/The Girl on the Train? You might like this (FYI – I hated Girl On The Train, but thought Gone Girl was okay). ...more
While many of the elements of this book are recognizable as common to recent YA novels, there are several unique elements that make this4 to 4.5 stars
While many of the elements of this book are recognizable as common to recent YA novels, there are several unique elements that make this book stand out as different. Overall, a very enthralling book.
Here are some of my thoughts.
- Lots of great and interesting characters. For me, all the people we meet in this story each play a big part in bringing it all together. Also, everyone you meet takes a huge journey from page 1 to page 451 - Maybe a bit heavy on the cynical melodrama; lots of woe-is-me moments. At points it becomes exhausting. However, I think it does end up lending well to the development of the characters and the story (if it doesn't bother you too much on the way). - Very gritty and real. Now, I am not sure it is realistic, per se, but the events of the story are real and raw. Sometimes books get right to the edge of taking a chance, but don't cross that line, but this book jumps feet first into topics like sexuality, depression, suicide, rape, and others that might be too spoiler-ish to mention.
It was quite a ride and definitely worth reading. It might be too much for some since it does get quite intense. But, if you can and do read it, I think you will find it to be a satisfying and moving experience....more
Warning: This review will risk some controversy! Just remember if you read it that I approach everything with an open mind and that I know that my opiWarning: This review will risk some controversy! Just remember if you read it that I approach everything with an open mind and that I know that my opinion does not match everyone’s – meaning I know that we are all different and I would not argue with people on here to prove that my opinion is correct.
Overall, I thought this was a great book. It was very easy to read. The story was creative and the characters were interesting. At times, emotions ran high and it hit my feels in all the right places. I think that it is one of the better YA books that I have read recently.
Now . . . the controversy! Remember, in my profile I mention that I don’t like to get into arguments over religion. I just think this is very relevant to this book and would not mind an open discussion about it. (Trolls need not apply!)
One of the things plaguing the world recently is stereotyping religions. On TV, on the internet, in comments sections, etc. people are made to feel bad because of their religion. Also, the few people who are doing religion wrong or crazy are ruining it for the rest of us! One thing I have seen is Christians depicted as intolerant and judgmental with crazy beliefs that they force on the whole world. As part of their daily activities, they mention God and finding Jesus to everyone they meet and look down severely on anyone who does not agree with them.
I am a Christian and none of this describes me. I enjoy the solace that my religion gives me, but I don’t spend time judging others and telling people they are wrong because they are not like me. I believe in science and evolution. I feel like debates to prove whether religion is right or wrong are silly and only serve to perpetuate malice between people who have a difference of opinion. I think those of you who have known me on here for a while know that I read a variety of books, have a variety of friends, and I am kind to all. I get frustrated when I see everything blamed on Christians and worry that if people know I am a Christian they will think that I am part of the problem. But, I am not ashamed of what I am – Christianity should be about love and not hate and I try to live my life every day to make sure that describes me.
Okay . . . so the reason that I am ranting . . . this book leans really heavy on the side of Christians being intolerant nutjobs that are not very accepting of those not like them; that they are likely to do strange things in their church, molest children, refuse to let their kids be friends with non-Christians (or not be happy about it if they are), etc. I was hoping that maybe by the end of the book some middle ground would have been reached to show that not all Christianity is like that, but it doesn’t really. It makes me a bit sad because this is a great book that I could see a lot of people reading and I don’t want them to come out of it with that negative viewpoint!
Just remember – just like not all Muslims are terrorists, not all Christians are intolerant, hateful jerks!...more
Are you a fan of the darker 80s comedy movies? (i.e. Heathers) Is one of yoPart 80s nostalgia
Part tongue-in-cheek comedy
Part gory demonic horror story
Are you a fan of the darker 80s comedy movies? (i.e. Heathers) Is one of your favorite parts of Stranger Things the 80s references? Do you enjoy that part in The Exorcist when her head spins around and she spits pea soup? Well, then look no further - your next read is here!
I enjoyed this one a lot for the bit of escapism it gave me. I didn't find it laugh out loud funny or skin crawling-ly scary. But, there were enough chuckles and minor shocks that, at the end of the day, I was satisfied.
This is my second Grady Hendrix and I have found them so far to be the perfect palate cleansers. So, the next time I finish a heavy book and need a break, a Hendrix title I shall choose!...more
This book is a quick read about difficult subject matter. While the message is important, I was kind of lukewarm on the delivery and I never really goThis book is a quick read about difficult subject matter. While the message is important, I was kind of lukewarm on the delivery and I never really got into the book. At times it was interesting, but there were a lot of other times I found my attention wandering.
Any story about religion and terrorism has the potential to be riveting. What I think is the most interesting about this one is that it takes place primarily in India and addresses the Hindi/Muslim conflict. I am more familiar with stories and events that tend to be more Christian vs Muslim or at least Muslims in America. It is always fascinating to see other viewpoints.
Also, I think two other important elements addressed in this book are the lives of victims after bombings as well as thoughts from Muslims regarding Muslim terrorism. While a fictional story, I expect that a lot of what is included reflects reality.
If you have an interest in stories about religious conflict, recent terrorist activities, and how average citizens respond to it all, this is worth checking out. But, again, if you have the same experience I did, you may enjoy what you learn, but the journey will be rough....more
This was an enjoyable and humorous "getaway" book. Some may know what I mean by that, but to explain . . . it wasn't too deep and meaningful. I could This was an enjoyable and humorous "getaway" book. Some may know what I mean by that, but to explain . . . it wasn't too deep and meaningful. I could just listen and laugh.
Anna's stories were generally funny. Sometimes the "I am just a normal person, but famous" undertones got to be a bit much, but if that's how she feels, I'm cool with it. As I said in one of my statuses . . . the theme is - Anna is just like us, only cuter and smaller! It's funny, though, because she kinda acts like she is just a b-lister who is likely not to be recognized, but I am pretty sure I would be pretty aware at this point if I happened to be eating one table over from her.
She spends most of the first part of the book talking about boys . . . as a guy, this part was not all that relatable, but entertaining, none the less.
The parts I enjoyed the most were the stories from movie sets and awards shows. I liked those because I can go back and watch those movies or find YouTube clips and see exactly what she is talking about.
If you like to read celebrity biographies - check this one out. I think you will find the few hours of laughter it will bring you....more
I didn't want to finish this but I wanted it to be over.
A short book, but every day the Kindle would taunt me with the slow progression of %
86% . . .I didn't want to finish this but I wanted it to be over.
A short book, but every day the Kindle would taunt me with the slow progression of %
86% . . . 90% . . . 94% . . .
I would groan and sigh every time I went to pick it up. There was no way to remember what was happening because every chapter was so different and so weird. There was very little continuity, huge time jumps, and no cohesion of location - meaning I never knew exactly when or where the charaters were.
They said get lost in a book. I was just lost. An odd mash up of magic, sci-fi, and dystopia - I really couldn't tell what this book was trying to be. I thought maybe I would come around if it had a good ending, but it kind of just fizzled.
There are certainly some out there who would like this book, but I cannot say who for sure so I am unable to officially recommend it to any demographic. ...more
Loading...
