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Brantford Public Library
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OogyOogy, UnknownThe Dog Only A Family Could Love
by Levin, LarryUnknown - 2010 | Large print ed. --Unknown, 2010. Large print ed. --
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
The AlchemistThe Alchemist, Unknown
by Coelho, PauloUnknown - 2014 | 25th anniversary edition.Unknown, 2014. 25th anniversary edition.
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
This certainly was an interesting read. I think it definitely requires more than one read to fully absorb and understand this interesting world and the spiritual journey that it takes us along.
It definitely was heavy on the spiritual and philosophical side for a book, especially the God/Soul of the World thing. I admit I was a little overwhelmed and bored of the repeated message of the Soul of the World thing. It wasn't a bad read, but it clearly wasn't my cup of tea.
It is good that it encourage people to follow their dreams/personal legends, but a touch too much fantastical element for me to get into this book fully without spending a large amount of time reading it over and over again.This certainly was an interesting read. I think it definitely requires more than one read to fully absorb and understand this interesting world and the spiritual journey that it takes us along.
It definitely was heavy on the spiritual and…
The Book ThiefThe Book Thief, Unknown
by Zusak, MarkusUnknown - 2016 | Anniversary edition.Unknown, 2016. Anniversary edition.
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
This was quite the read. The movie trailer prompted my interest, so when I spotted this book I knew I had to pick it up.
The story telling is slightly different from what I am use to. The story is narrated by "Death" and then we see the story told from Liesel's point of view for the most part. This is the story of what it may have been like for a young girl growing up in the increasingly dominating Nazi Germany. As the years roll along, we see the increase in power of the Nazi party and the influence they wield amongst the people. Liesel and her foster parents are caught in the middle of it.
It starts off with Liesel picking up her first book....and from there she learns to read and appreciate books as the years go by and tension against the Jewish and any literature against the "teachings" of the Nazi is banned, confiscated or burned. War time is never easy for anyone, but we got a glimpse of Liesel and the other children being children here and there (playing soccer, getting into mischief, etc).
I especially enjoyed how Liesel found ways to describe what is happening in the outside world while poor Max is forced to hide in their basement. The description of the clouds, the sun and the weather. Plus all the little souvenirs she brought back and told stories about were really neat. The book and stories that Max wrote and drew was really interesting, honest and provided a glimmer of hope in a bleak period of history.
In actuality Liesel didn't really steal that many books, and most of the books she "stole" had very interesting and unusual titles for sure. There were a few parts of the story that seemed to drag on a little too long, but still an enjoyable and interesting read.This was quite the read. The movie trailer prompted my interest, so when I spotted this book I knew I had to pick it up.
The story telling is slightly different from what I am use to. The story is narrated by "Death" and then we see the story…
The Enemies of VersaillesThe Enemies of Versailles, BookA Novel
by Christie, SallyBook - 2017 | First Atria Paperback edition.Book, 2017. First Atria Paperback edition.
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
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The story is told through the eyes of Jeanne du Barry and Madame Adelaide.
For a good chunk of the book, I found Jeanne to be extremely flighty and pleasure seeking, only very rare moments do we see the goodness and kindness in her. It wasn't until that "triumph" with Marie Antoinette, did we slowly start to see her mature slightly as the years roll by. I am sure she was a good person in her own right, who wanted to be pampered and loved like the "pet" she was molded into at such a young age. Maybe she was a little empty headed but at least she was loyal and tried to do what was best, she wasn't all that vain as time went on that is for sure.
Same with Adelaide, I wasn't very sympathetic towards her for a good chunk of the book. She was too firm and fierce over her status as a daughter of France, but after reading the book, I cannot blame her. After all this was a world that she was born and raised into, how could she know otherwise until the bitter end? Still, her being royalty was constantly shoved down our throats, I get it! I wish more time was spent on allowing us to connect with them on an emotional level, like we did in the last third of the book.
It was interesting to see the world through the eyes of two women who had a front row seat during the edge of the French revolution. The coming of the revolution, the demolition of the monarchy and nobility and the not so unexpected storms were fairly well written by the author and presented. It was a troublesome time but there was still glimmers of hope (that the nobility would be restored once Louis agreed to everything the National Assembly wanted).... until the bitter end, when a number of people met their end on the guillotine.The story is told through the eyes of Jeanne du Barry and Madame Adelaide.
For a good chunk of the book, I found Jeanne to be extremely flighty and pleasure seeking, only very rare moments do we see the goodness and kindness in her. It wasn't…
Hot IceHot Ice, Downloadable Audiobook
by Roberts, NoraDownloadable Audiobook - 2007Downloadable Audiobook, 2007
All copies in use
Holds: 2 on 6 copies
Holds: 2 on 6 copies
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
I had heard of Nora Roberts and thought I would give her book a read.
Boy was I disappointed with this book. There was no character growth of Douglas or Whitney and both were not that likable. Especially Whitney, who is sooooooo very very vain and snobby. Basically she is a rich ice cream heiress who is use to getting her way (man, money, travels, you know that sort of stuff), and is bored with her luxurious life. In comes Douglas, a thief with valuable information that dates back to the French Revolution, suddenly Whitney is all up for an adventure.
While the imagery of Madagascar was simply stunning and mouthwatering (I totally want to check it out myself), I was so very annoyed by how inappropriately dressed she was while being on the run and going into uncharted territory. Like really you wear skirts, blouses, fancy lingerie and slacks while going through the jungle and having ruthless killers racing after you. So very unbelievable! She kept clinging onto the thought of luxuries (hotels, baths, silks) when they are being pursued and hunted, like hello that should be the least of your worries spoiled princess!!!
Douglas, while he is an ok and somewhat honourable thief, he is all hung up on finding the treasure that will automatically make his life so much better. News flash, money doesn't equal happiness! Had to go nearly all the way to the end for him to realize there is more to life than money.
I felt like the chemistry between the two was a bit forced and tossed in just for the sake of generating some "chemistry" and to keep us reading. Frankly, I was bored of the two's "relationship". I very much prefer reading about the people they encountered (like Jacques) and the local life.
Overall, very quick read but don't expect too much out of it.I had heard of Nora Roberts and thought I would give her book a read.
Boy was I disappointed with this book. There was no character growth of Douglas or Whitney and both were not that likable. Especially Whitney, who is sooooooo very very vain…
The Hating GameThe Hating Game, Unknown
by Thorne, SallyUnknown - 2016 | First edition.Unknown, 2016. First edition.
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
I am so glad I picked up this book to read.
I had a delightful time reading this. Yes it is pretty predictable but the two main characters are just so much fun. It is like an adult version of little kids in the playground, where the little boy likes the little girl and he teases her, and she teases back too. Lucy is so adorably oblivious of what is really happening with her and Josh's little games at work, and borderline naive (luckily she is very likable and not irritating with her quirks and qualities). She might be a pushover at times but she definitely has lots of great ideas to help improve G&B, if she can survive Josh's "glares" and ideas.
Josh. Well, it must be so hard to try and live up to his father's impossible standards of being a doctor. Along the way, you get to see his true strengths and one major weakness (hello it's Lucy of course). The games they play, while seem a little childish, it eventually leads to a turning point, forcing both to confront their feelings and open their eyes to the reality and truth.
As they spend more and more time together outside of work, ever since that paintball team session, it is so glaringly adorable how well they fit together.... just waiting for Lucy to realize it. They take things slow and at different pace, but the story definitely moves along at a good pace, definitely enough for me to eagerly gobble up this book.
The climax was predictable but oh my, I enjoyed every moment of it.I am so glad I picked up this book to read.
I had a delightful time reading this. Yes it is pretty predictable but the two main characters are just so much fun. It is like an adult version of little kids in the playground, where the little boy…
The Last Taxi RideThe Last Taxi Ride, UnknownA Ranjit Singh Novel
by Ahmad, A. X.Unknown - 2014 | First edition.Unknown, 2014. First edition.
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
I randomly picked up this book and gave it a read.
It was an interesting read, especially given the characters are of various descents. I rather liked Ranjit Singh, who is trying to make things work after what happened 2 years ago (I didn't read the first book but enough information is provided in this book for you to understand what happened then). How often do you read an unintentional "hero" who is a Sikh? He is a good guy, generous to a fault and knows how to connect and lead people on a whole other level, that most leaders lack.
The story alternates between the present (with Ranjit) and the past (Shabana's story of how she came to become a famous Bollywood actress). Things are never what they appear, that is for sure. Everyone is connected in some way. You get a glimpse into different cultures, and a whole different world from our own.
The plot and story line was pretty predictable, I already figured out what really happened part way through the book. Still with Ranjit doggedly pursuing the leads, it made for an interesting readI randomly picked up this book and gave it a read.
It was an interesting read, especially given the characters are of various descents. I rather liked Ranjit Singh, who is trying to make things work after what happened 2 years ago (I didn't read…
Music of the GhostsMusic of the Ghosts, Unknown
by Ratner, VaddeyUnknown - 2017 | First Touchstone hardcover edition.Unknown, 2017. First Touchstone hardcover edition.
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
This was a haunting and tragic read. The story goes between Teera and The Old Musician, the past and the present. The Old Musician sends a letter to Teera, with the promise of information about her father who had disappeared decades ago during the Khmer Rouge era. Will the truth set both of them free from the tragic past? Or will it bind them forever to the horrible genocide that torn families apart?
While this book might be fictional, it does give us readers a glimpse into the real life atrocities and horrors that the Cambodians have experienced during the growth and height of the Khmer Rouge and the aftermath in the decades to follow. People are born survivors, no matter what life throws at them, some are able to survive and focus on rebuilding their lives, despite never knowing what ever happened to their loved ones.
For Teera, she and her aunt were the only known survivors of their family. But there were questions she wanted answered, and The Old Musician just might have the answer to give her closure. The Old Musician, is torn between his actions, the past and the instruments he holds dear. Through both of their journeys, their eyes are opened to hope, love, a sense of forgiveness and an openness to what had happened during the Khmer Rouge. What happened during the Khmer Rouge might have shaped them but it does not define their lives forever to the darkness. I am happy they are able to find the glimmer of light and sense of self in their own way.
Some of the sites and scenes that Teera took in and wrote down was almost lyrical, just like the music and poetry presented in the book. This was a hauntingly and gripping good readThis was a haunting and tragic read. The story goes between Teera and The Old Musician, the past and the present. The Old Musician sends a letter to Teera, with the promise of information about her father who had disappeared decades ago during the…
The Husband's SecretThe Husband's Secret, Unknown
by Moriarty, LianeUnknown - 2013 | First American Edition.Unknown, 2013. First American Edition.
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
Initially this book was a little slow for me and I had to push myself to keep going until it got to the interesting part. After that I kept going because the inner dialogues are very entertaining and interesting to say the least.
I am not sure if I liked any of the female characters, even though their stories are interesting and somewhat interconnected. The bulk of the story is about what's in that letter and how it plays out with all these characters.
I did enjoy the complex relationships between some of the characters. Nothing is really what it seems nor is it as simple as we are often lead to believe in other books and Hollywood. Like Tess, Will and Felicity's close but complicated history and relationships.
The epilogue....of what could of been. I wasn't a fan, better to have left it off without knowing the optimistic futures the characters would have had, had the future happened differently.Initially this book was a little slow for me and I had to push myself to keep going until it got to the interesting part. After that I kept going because the inner dialogues are very entertaining and interesting to say the least.
I am not sure if…
The Nightingale Won't Let You SleepThe Nightingale Won't Let You Sleep, Unknown
by Heighton, StevenUnknown - 2017Unknown, 2017
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
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It was an interesting read for sure. You get a little insight into the Turkish and Greek conflict and history in this story.
I rather enjoyed seeing how a small village survived in the forbidden zone, of course with a little assistance and looking the other way from the Colonel in charge of the area. A small group of people who chose to live in that area for their reasons that we would slowly come to discover. Their ideas, relationships, openness and willingness to move on from their "former" lives and into the current one, gives you a taste of their story through this book. Not everyone has had a happy start or ending but they definitely make the best of it while residing in the village.
Lots of delicious foods presented here and there. Makes me want to try them all! Can Elias find his way and heal from the past to accept what is in front of him? Will the other villagers let him leave so soon?
I like the balance of the story, being told from Elias and Kaya's perspective, from almost completely different worlds.
The ending. I sort of wished Elias personally spoke out about what happened during his tour, as oppose to the notes his Doctor released.It was an interesting read for sure. You get a little insight into the Turkish and Greek conflict and history in this story.
I rather enjoyed seeing how a small village survived in the forbidden zone, of course with a little assistance and…
Deep WaterDeep Water, UnknownOne Mistake and You're Drowning
by Poulson, ChristineUnknown - 2016 | First edition.Unknown, 2016. First edition.
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
I think I was expecting something slightly different when I first read the back cover. I was leaning towards more of a slight science fiction thriller, it was more science fiction than anything else.
The science part kind of lost me but it was interesting to read and see the author try to incorporate into the storyline.
The story is told through Katie (the researcher), Dan (the patent lawyer) and Rachel (Dan's wife and board member that is interested in Katie's research). While we get to see what happens in all of their lives and those around them, I don't feel like we really got to know those around them. And what really happened with the lab book and research? I felt like it was leading up to someone intentionally killing the previous patent lawyer (because she knew something was off about the lab book), the sabotage of Katie's research over and over again, the gas leak that lead to the injuries of staff at the lab and the fire on the ship. All of those events weren't entirely connected directly, it's the people that are some what connected. I just felt the climax was a little bit of a let down and came up short.
It was an OK story but nothing that would capture my attention beyond an initial read.I think I was expecting something slightly different when I first read the back cover. I was leaning towards more of a slight science fiction thriller, it was more science fiction than anything else.
The science part kind of lost me but it was…
Me Before YouMe Before You, Book
by Moyes, JojoBook - 2013 | First American edition.Book, 2013. First American edition.
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
I have been meaning to pick up this book ever since I saw the trailer for the movie.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I love the interactions between Lou and Will, so much spunk and spirit once they got over the whole "I don't need anyone to babysit me" and "I desperately need a job to support my family". Lou's wardrobe sounds fabulous and seems to suit her perfectly to match against the ever sarcastic Will who is determined to make the lives of his caregivers miserable (hey, if I was like him I would be too given the former life I had lived, it's hard for some to not be bitter). All her planning and ideas shows just how much thought and determination she put into showing Will that life can be adapted to suit his physical needs.
I have to admit, I am not a huge fan of Lou throughout parts of the book. She seems so compliant and petty (with her sister at times) and accept life for what it is, especially after what happened to her years ago. Let's be honest, Patrick is so into the marathon and himself that he isn't the best boyfriend. If Lou and Patrick had continued with their relationship and Will was never in the picture, she probably would have ended up unhappily married to him and stayed in that little village of theirs.
This book deals with a sensitive topic that is very controversial and much debated. I think this topic was handled rather delicately in this book and shows the different sides that people react to it.
It is sort of a bittersweet love story. However, there is no denying the love they share and the hardships they all endure.I have been meaning to pick up this book ever since I saw the trailer for the movie.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I love the interactions between Lou and Will, so much spunk and spirit once they got over the whole "I don't need anyone to…
Before I Go to SleepBefore I Go to Sleep, BookA Novel
by Watson, S. J.Book - 2011 | 1st ed. --Book, 2011. 1st ed. --
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
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The premise of this book sounded interesting and it was.
As we start going further and further along during the week and Christine slowly pieces together what happened the night that lead to her amnesia. Every day she wakes up with no memory of her adult life, but as time goes along with each journal entry, she is able to automatically recall some memories without being prompted. The more Christine finds out (about her coma, her long term stay at a mental hospital, later her stay at Warring House), the more she is unsure the memories that she thinks she uncovers. What she finds is there are inconsistencies with what Ben has told her and what she remembers, like Adam (their baby), Claire (her BFF) leaving, the burning of their former house, etc.
It was an interesting read for sure. The closer we got to the climax the more intense and obsessed I got. Although part way through the book I was getting a little bored with the repetition, but I guess that can't be helped given that she is suppose to be amnesic.The premise of this book sounded interesting and it was.
As we start going further and further along during the week and Christine slowly pieces together what happened the night that lead to her amnesia. Every day she wakes up with no memory of…
The NestThe Nest, Book
by Sweeney, Cynthia D'AprixBook - 2016 | First edition.Book, 2016. First edition.
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
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This book was all over social media last year, so I finally got a chance to pick it up and give it a read.
I was a little disappointed by this book. It was so shallow and materialistic for a good bulk of the book. They all sound like whiny over privileged adult-children who had a lot relying on this Nest fund
Leo, the eldest, costed his siblings a good chunk of the Nest thanks to his recklessness and tries to buy himself time to get the money back to his siblings (even though he has a good amount stashed away somewhere). The siblings all bicker and barely get along, let alone talk much throughout the years. It wasn't until the Nest funds were depleted and Leo was involved do they try to come together (even if dysfunctional) and act somewhat like a family.
Didn't really like the majority of the family members, was getting really irritated by the shallowness of their personalities and how they allowed themselves to get into this dire financial position. This book was not memorable or worthwhile to read.This book was all over social media last year, so I finally got a chance to pick it up and give it a read.
I was a little disappointed by this book. It was so shallow and materialistic for a good bulk of the book. They all sound like whiny over…
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
Wow that was an intense read. Especially the climax and end when everything came together.
When Scott and Alison's twin children are kidnapped and held random in exchange for a certain court verdict, there is a lot of tension and secrets being kept between the two of them and ones close to them. They thought their nightmare would soon be over once they complied with the kidnapper's wishes (ruling in the verdict they want the first time and keeping law enforcement out of the picture), however it was just the beginning....
As the days crawl by, and they are no closer to recovering their missing child, there is more doubt and secrets kept from each other. For Scott, he kept certain information about their missing child from Alison (which honestly was for the best as she was barely keeping it together) and had secretly hired a PI. For Alison, she was keeping a huge secret from Scott, whereas her family knows and tries to cover for her
So who are the kidnappers? Well one of the mastermind behind this scheme isn't all that surprising, but the other parties involved certainly were!
And that ending. Wow. What a show down.
This was a fast pace thriller, with twists and turns, it was definitely a good read. But beware, there are some unpleasant scenes involving child cruelty.Wow that was an intense read. Especially the climax and end when everything came together.
When Scott and Alison's twin children are kidnapped and held random in exchange for a certain court verdict, there is a lot of tension and secrets being…
He Said/she SaidHe Said/she Said, Book
by Kelly, ErinBook - 2017 | First U.S. edition.Book, 2017. First U.S. edition.
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
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Wow that was an intense read.
The story is told between what happened 15 years ago and the present, with Kit and Laura telling their versions of the story. Just when you think you have parts of the story figured out....here comes another part that you had no idea about.
It all started with Laura coming across Beth's purse while she and Kit were returning to the festival after watching the eclipse, and that would lead to witnessing the aftermath of the sexual assault of Beth by Jamie (a supposedly innocent and rich Harvard type school boy). This event ties them together for the next several years.
During the trial, you think the one little white lie told by Laura (she claimed she heard Beth say 'No' to Jamie, even though in her original statement to the police, she made no mention of any words uttered by Beth), was the best for everyone (because after all Jamie is a total sociopath right?!). Through all this, Beth becomes super close to Laura and Kit, sometimes hanging around like an unwanted third wheel. But mind you given what had happened to her, it seems only natural that she would turn to those who helped her during this trying time. But then....things start to happen to make Laura and Kit question things.... like the broken glass through the mail slot and the fire in the stairwell of their flat....
Deception.... who can you really believe? No one is really who they seem. It seems like Laura became more and more dependent on Kit, after the events with Beth and Jamie, while trying to keep from a complete mental breakdown. Kit appears to be the loving and patient husband trying to keep Laura happy and safe. Beth appears to be the clingy girl who knows no boundaries and tries too hard to find Laura and Kit (like hello she went around the world to try and find them when they tried to 'disappear'). Jamie might seem like the charming and wronged young man, who had a bright future ahead of him until that night at the festival.
Oh but how the truth comes tumbling out after 15 years. That climax had my heart pounding and the ending scene.... wow.
I quite enjoyed this book, it was full of twists and turns. Just when you think you know how it will end or go....things go a different direction and leaves you breathless for more.Wow that was an intense read.
The story is told between what happened 15 years ago and the present, with Kit and Laura telling their versions of the story. Just when you think you have parts of the story figured out....here comes another part…
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
The premise sounded interesting for sure. I wasn't sure how this was going to turn out. There was a lot of unexpected twists here and there and we jump between the 3 years leading up to finale. I wasn't a huge fan of this book, it seemed more fantastical than sci-fi. The whole other dimension part was interesting but I'm not sure this was well executed, especially given that I didn't like most of the characters (especially Grace!), who are so one dimensional, annoying and selfish.
I liked Buddy a lot, he kept the story interesting for the most part and was probably the only "character" that I actually remember. As for Grace....let's not even go there. She is so damn selfish to pull John and her brother into this twisted and unusual world, with absolutely no thought to the consequences and how it would badly affect them
Overall, I'm still not quite sure what happened (the whole other dimension and transitioning there), but it made for an interesting, albeit slightly tough read.The premise sounded interesting for sure. I wasn't sure how this was going to turn out. There was a lot of unexpected twists here and there and we jump between the 3 years leading up to finale. I wasn't a huge fan of this book, it seemed more…
Gone GirlGone Girl, UnknownA Novel
by Flynn, GillianUnknown - 2012 | 1st ed. --Unknown, 2012. 1st ed. --
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
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Wow this book is so twisted and devious.
The story is told through Nick and Amy's perspective. In the first half of the book, we see the daily things Nick goes through after coming home to find Amy missing and presumed kidnapped, and on the flip side we read the diary entries of Amy starting from the beginning of their relationship. Early on it is safe to presume that Nick is the stoic but concerned husband with the slight temper, and Amy the naive and loving wife. But then comes part 2! Where it is revealed that nothing is really as it seems.
Everything is so messed up starting in the second half and it gets more and more outrageous, but still believable to a certain extent. Suddenly Nick becomes the prime suspect in what is believed to the murder of Amy! I didn't really like Nick or Amy, the more that I read about them, neither are worthy of sympathy (view spoiler) I found it hard to swallow that the law enforcement bought the Amy version of what really happened when she disappeared on her and Nick's 5th anniversary.
The ending was...... unexpected?! Ultimately, there is no justice, redemption or permanent consequences for their actions, which is quite despicable given how deranged and chaotic they turned out to be....but so suited for each other??
This was definitely an interesting and thrilling read.Wow this book is so twisted and devious.
The story is told through Nick and Amy's perspective. In the first half of the book, we see the daily things Nick goes through after coming home to find Amy missing and presumed kidnapped, and on the flip…
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
I randomly picked up this book and gave it a quick read.
I rather enjoyed how much detail the author put into the details of the kingdom of San Gabriel and the engineering work they did around the kingdom. Sofia and Justin are just too cute together, I wish there were more scenes with them.
As for Athena and Will. I admire Athena for her independence and determination (in saving and preserving San Gabriel and Sofia from further harm from the French soldiers). But she constantly puts herself down about her past (illegitimate) and obsesses over Will. Will isn't too bad, he doesn't care about Athena's parentage and is genuinely interested in the well beings of the people, but he is definitely atypical of most lords in England (not much would be so caring and considerate like him).
They are pretty stereotypical characters with fairly predictable plot line. Good for quick read but otherwise not very memorable.I randomly picked up this book and gave it a quick read.
I rather enjoyed how much detail the author put into the details of the kingdom of San Gabriel and the engineering work they did around the kingdom. Sofia and Justin are just too cute…
Crazy Rich AsiansCrazy Rich Asians, Book
by Kwan, KevinBook - 2018 | First Anchor Canada movie tie-in edition.Book, 2018. First Anchor Canada movie tie-in edition.
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
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Quite the interesting read.
There were a lot of characters introduced and a lot of brand names thrown around. Astrid is my favourite character for sure, she is more than just a rich girl, there is depth and a glimmer of something there.
Unfortunately I found Rachel and Nick boring among the extensive cast of family and friends, who quite frankly are super entertaining and downright eccentric. Can you imagine growing up in a world like that?! Yikes and wow! Still you can see how shallow these people are in society and how status and money matters to them. It's funny that the use of various Asian words here and there had me repeating them myself and laughing cause I recognized a lot of the words and sayings. This was totally like an Asian soap opera to the extreme, from the vicious backlash, the gossiping, backstabbing and complicated family/friend ties.
I didn't mind the footnotes too much, it helped a bit while reading. The flipping back and forth to the family chart got a little old quick, it would be nice if we didn't get introduced to such a huge cast so quickly.
I liked it after reading it for a bit but not something I would keep on my shelf.Quite the interesting read.
There were a lot of characters introduced and a lot of brand names thrown around. Astrid is my favourite character for sure, she is more than just a rich girl, there is depth and a glimmer of something…
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
I picked this up because I was intrigued by the TV trailer.
This was an interesting story, I'm not sure how I feel about it. It kind of bothers me that Offred kept going back and forth between the past and the present, often in the same sentence. That keeps throwing me off as to the timeline and what is happening. It gets annoying after a while.
The world Offred knew has changed. From what use to be a democratic society, where females have a say and choice, to a world where females are assigned 'roles' (handmaidens, wives, cooks, etc). We don't find out what really happened in Offred's world before the establishment of the current Gilead until more than half way through the book. And even then it was very brief, I would have liked more information about what else went on.
It is interesting how the idea of handmaidens are similar to surrogates, except handmaidens have only 3 chances, a lot of restrictions and don't have a say in all this, plus this is all done for the purpose of strictly helping the declining birth rates in Gilead.
I didn't really feel for any of the characters because I couldn't connect with them, especially Offred. I feel there is a disconnect somewhere.... I had hoped I would have enjoyed this book more but I guess not.I picked this up because I was intrigued by the TV trailer.
This was an interesting story, I'm not sure how I feel about it. It kind of bothers me that Offred kept going back and forth between the past and the present, often in the same sentence.…
Ours to LoveOurs to Love, Unknown
by Black, ShaylaUnknown - 2013 | Heat trade paperback edition.Unknown, 2013. Heat trade paperback edition.
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
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So.... I was kind of disappointed. Not by the lack of action, but by the lack of character development and actual storyline (OK, fine there is some storyline but that is clearly in the background and not the main focus. Basically the story goes between Xander and Javier both really really want to get in London's pants and London wanting to love the guys while keeping her scars away from them.
So London, I totally applaud her for struggles since that unfortunate car accidents resulting in her lost youth. However, I found it unbelievable that sweet London is able to tame and bring together Xander (the forever playboy) and Javier (the brilliant but drunk/guilty businessman). While the erotic scenes are very interesting and plentiful, hard to believe a virgin can handle both men in a variety of positions right off the bat.... all the stuff about sex and love all within one week seemed outrageous. Like we didn't really get to know any of the characters really well, they remain very one dimensional.
Story wise, it is very boring with not much going on. Action wise.... plenty going on, even if it is super duper fast pace (1 week basically). I have nothing against Dom/Sub or threesomes but the epilogue seems a little bit over the top and had too much fantastical element to it.So.... I was kind of disappointed. Not by the lack of action, but by the lack of character development and actual storyline (OK, fine there is some storyline but that is clearly in the background and not the main focus. Basically the story goes…
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
I read it and I really didn't like either main characters (Blessings and Kate). I found both of them to be very annoying and not easy to sympathize with at all.
Blessings kept going on and on about the love of his life, Boabdil, how jealous he is, how he thinks Boabdil loves him, how he can do no wrong. ENOUGH! We get it! You love Boabdil, but can never act upon those feelings for so many annoying reasons.
Kate had a traumatic couple of years, especially involving her "husband" James, and is now hiding and working in Granada. She is so passive most of the time, and her story is pretty bland for the most part, except for those that involves the amazing architecture in Granada and the vast history of the place.
The contrast between the present and the past was glaring. The story talking about the past was slightly more well developed and engaging. The story talking about the present was slowly moving along.I read it and I really didn't like either main characters (Blessings and Kate). I found both of them to be very annoying and not easy to sympathize with at all.
Blessings kept going on and on about the love of his life, Boabdil, how jealous he…
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
I rather enjoyed reading this book.
We got a glimpse of the clashing of the Eastern and Western ideas and traditions. Anil is in the USA, studying to become a Doctor, it is here where he sees the drastic contrast between technology, techniques, conditions (living/food/etc) and religions. Eventually, he learns how to combine and blend the two clashes of cultures to find the right solutions for his own problems and the problems of others. It is not an easy journey but it is worth it.
Leena, the steadfast daughter, who desperately tries to please her new family, is much stronger than anyone (besides her mother) gives her credit for. Despite everything that happened to her at the awful hands of her in-laws and husband, she is determined to push on and make a living for her and her mother. Given how male dominant Indian society is, this is no easy task, let alone for a shunned female who left her in-laws (which is a big no no, even though they did terrible stuff to her). While it was heartbreaking reading all the terrible things happening to Leena, I was always rooting for her and was happy to see her challenging and improving herself despite the circumstances.I rather enjoyed reading this book.
We got a glimpse of the clashing of the Eastern and Western ideas and traditions. Anil is in the USA, studying to become a Doctor, it is here where he sees the drastic contrast between technology, techniques,…
Dream24's rating:
Added Aug 30, 2018
Comment:
I was given this book by someone who really enjoys mysteries and went in with an open mind. I did enjoy the book, especially the climax, crime scenes and the play on the symbol. Other the other hand, I really didn't like Harry Hole all that much.
I get it, here is a detective who is brilliant but down on his luck due to the unusual death of his colleague (I presume it happened in the previous book), the self sabotaging type (refusing to let his girlfriend and her son help or anyone else, especially the boss), and the use of unusual tactics to get answers that help solve the crime. All these things give him a more relate-able and human element, but I just couldn't connect with him and found him really annoying most of the time.
The crimes and crime scenes were very interesting, with lots of details that provide interesting clues connecting the dots to the crimes and the criminal itself. I quite enjoyed trying to piece together the puzzle.
The subplot of the feud/unusual relationship between Tom and Harry was interesting to say the least. I wonder what and who else this Prince person has on all these important people, guess I'll have to read the previous books to find out.I was given this book by someone who really enjoys mysteries and went in with an open mind. I did enjoy the book, especially the climax, crime scenes and the play on the symbol. Other the other hand, I really didn't like Harry Hole all that…
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