Not quite as witty as the first one, but still pretty funny! I think they tried a little too hard to make it the same, but not enough of a complaint tNot quite as witty as the first one, but still pretty funny! I think they tried a little too hard to make it the same, but not enough of a complaint to make me say it isn't good.
I am not sure if this book or series is for everyone. It is a bit dark and scary, but it is well thought out . . . a "what if" scenario and all the poI am not sure if this book or series is for everyone. It is a bit dark and scary, but it is well thought out . . . a "what if" scenario and all the possibilities that are WAY too possible.
I enjoy Forstchen's writing and research. This book and the one before do not feel as much like novels as they do non-fiction analysis of everything that could happen with the destruction of our infrastructure and political system as we know it. How would we respond? Would we remain humane or dissolve into anarchy? Would ethics prevail, or would selfishness and lies override all.
If you enjoy apocalyptic/dystopian literature and don't mind being terrified by all too real possibilities, I don't think you can go wrong with this series.
NOTE: The first book is more about survival in the aftermath of infrastructure dissolving, the second is more about the restructuring of our humanity and government and how that would affect all types of people....more
Really 3.5, but I gave it the benefit of the doubt and rounded up to 4.
This book is a series of anecdotes with moments of deep and surreal introspectiReally 3.5, but I gave it the benefit of the doubt and rounded up to 4.
This book is a series of anecdotes with moments of deep and surreal introspection. There are several time jumps that throw off the linearity - sometimes causing confusion, but not too badly. All of these are part of one all encompassing story.
Basically a story of sexuality and the cold war in Czechoslovokia. The beginning two sections were a little hard for me to get into, but after that I either got used to the writing or the story changed. I had kind of settled into thinking that I wouldn't end up liking it, but that definitely changed as I kept reading.
I don't think I can say that overall this book blew me away, but it is a very interesting story about life and relationships affected by the political climate in Eastern Europe post WWII, and I am glad that I read it....more
Probably not a book for everyone, but definitely some good pointers on approaching a strong willed child. I know some people go for a more hands off aProbably not a book for everyone, but definitely some good pointers on approaching a strong willed child. I know some people go for a more hands off approach to child raising and this book promotes a much more involved and stricter approach if your child is strong willed. If you don't like the idea of a suggestion that you might need to lay down the law, then this book will frustrate you.
But if you need some help, are at your wits end, and don't know where to turn, this is a good place to start. It helps you realize that you are not alone, not every child is the same, and no one is perfect....more
A collection of short stories that combine into one larger story that serves as a decent introduction to the Sith.
I recently read another Star Wars bA collection of short stories that combine into one larger story that serves as a decent introduction to the Sith.
I recently read another Star Wars book that predates movie story line by several thousand years and it felt far withdrawn from the universe we know and love (forget canon vs legends, you still expect a somewhat similar feel). This one did have a better feel for the Star Wars universe. (The other book was Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void)
I will say that it took me a few of the short stories in this book to get into the writing, the characters, and the overall story line. It was enough that I wondered if it would be difficult to get into it at all. However, I eventually started to get comfortable and, in the end, was quite enthralled....more
Not the best written book - felt kind of disjointed. I think the author's interest in writing is secondary to the interest in sharing this story.
The mNot the best written book - felt kind of disjointed. I think the author's interest in writing is secondary to the interest in sharing this story.
The main reason you would want to read this one is the shock factor. It is over two hundred pages of "WHAT THE!?" and "NO WAY!?". It is hard to believe people could do this sort of stuff to their own family.
One weird thing (view spoiler)[Throughout the book they make passing references to a murder-suicide attempt on the boat the family lived on, but they never told that story (unless I somehow forgot or they skimmed over it so fast it didn't stick in the first place) (hide spoiler)]
So, if you are a true crime junky or love reading the disturbingly unbelievable, check this out. If you are looking for finely written non-fiction, this may not be for you. But, all in all, not bad....more
I enjoyed this volume in the series quite a bit. There are have been some interesting twists making me wonder who is with who. I has been awhile in thI enjoyed this volume in the series quite a bit. There are have been some interesting twists making me wonder who is with who. I has been awhile in this series since I was so unsure of what the next steps will be. Another interesting cliffhanger, too....more
1. Lately, I really wish that Goodreads had a half star system. This book is definitely a 3.5 for me and there is no way I could go to 4. STwo things:
1. Lately, I really wish that Goodreads had a half star system. This book is definitely a 3.5 for me and there is no way I could go to 4. So, I settled on 3.
2. Seems like I find myself in the midst of a lot of books with sexual torture/rape scenes. This is a pattern I hope to break!
This book was okay. The premise was fairly far fetched, the actions of the characters not all that believable, and the outcomes generally coincidental. I enjoyed parts of it, but all in all it was a bit too scattered. Demille seems to be trying to combine his commentary on the end of the Cold War with a bizarre revenge story.
Entertaining but just "meh and huh?" overall. With how long it is (21+ hours audio) it seemed to drag on with quite a bit of repetition....more
This book is crass but hits close to that cynical home in most boys hearts. I listened to it - which I recommend you do at 1.5x as it made the voices This book is crass but hits close to that cynical home in most boys hearts. I listened to it - which I recommend you do at 1.5x as it made the voices the narrator did much better.
I laughed out loud - nearby motorists probably thought I was crazy. I didn't want to get out of the car when I got home or to work. Because of that, 5 stars all the way!...more
Kind of embarrassing . . . I needed an audiobook to read and found this on Hoopla. Since I have read other Christopher Moore, I figured I would give iKind of embarrassing . . . I needed an audiobook to read and found this on Hoopla. Since I have read other Christopher Moore, I figured I would give it a go. Part way through and loving it, I went to add it to "currently reading" on Goodreads and discovered it is book three of a series. I was wondering why the first 20 minutes of it or so seemed like a recap . . .
So, I might go back someday and read the first two, but this one seemed to do pretty good on its own. I enjoyed the characters and the humor. I was fully entertained for the entirety of the book.
I feel I can safely say, even without without having read the first two, that if you like vampire stories and you like humor, you will probably enjoy this....more
Maybe 3.5 stars, sometimes 4. It has lots of interesting anecdotes, but it was somewhat repetitive at parts. While interesting for the non-culinary inMaybe 3.5 stars, sometimes 4. It has lots of interesting anecdotes, but it was somewhat repetitive at parts. While interesting for the non-culinary inclined, I think it would be better received by someone with a kitchen background or a person who has worked in food and beverage.
Some parts of this book talk about fantastic food and will leave you drooling. As a result, you will want to hop the next flight and travel the world visiting as many restaurants and trying as many types of food as you can.
Other parts will disgust you and leave you nauseous. You will never look a restaurant food the same way - and may not want to eat it at all unless you get a good look at the kitchen and the people preparing the food.
Bourdain doesn't pull any punches talking about the life of the kitchen staff fueled by drugs, alcohol, sexual innuendo, sarcasm, anger, impatience, and tyranny. Some how, as a result, schedules are met, food is delivered, and customers are satisfied. Food prep is a lifestyle that can occupy the serious chef 24/7. It is something I will not take for granted in the future.
A simple story but enjoyable. Lots of emotion, introspection, and growing up. At times I found myself talking back to the book, urging charact3.5 to 4
A simple story but enjoyable. Lots of emotion, introspection, and growing up. At times I found myself talking back to the book, urging characters to take certain actions, etc. Anytime I am invested enough to talk to a book it is a sign that it is probably good.
This book will have extra interest for those from military families. There is a lot in here about how war affects and changes people. Based on the afterward, it sounds like this is something the author has taken very seriously.
It is a teenage love story, but so much more. I think it is worth a read if you like stories about love struggling to find a way....more
More character study than story, this was a very interesting book. The shell is a mystery and each chapter focuses on a character or two until everythMore character study than story, this was a very interesting book. The shell is a mystery and each chapter focuses on a character or two until everything comes together. While it does get overly poetic at times, I think it serves the story and I was satisfied with both the journey and the outcome.
One of my favorite things was its honest portrayal of pop culture and the media and how, together, they skew our view on things with no evidence - just a negative spin on the facts. I found myself wondering how often I am led to believe that someone or something is nefarious simply because it makes for a good news story.
The network spoofed in the story has got to be Fox News....more
This book was crazy, therefore I must express my feelings with GIFs. If you don't like GIFy reviews - too bad!
So this book started and it was pretty gThis book was crazy, therefore I must express my feelings with GIFs. If you don't like GIFy reviews - too bad!
So this book started and it was pretty good. The main characters live a difficult life and everything is quite sketchy:
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Then some of the relationships get a little bit questionable:
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Then, the you know what hits the you know what:
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From there on out, I just wasn't sure what to think anymore:
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I enjoyed the writing and was enthralled with the story, but man oh man - the subject matter was tough! I cannot say that I would recommend this to someone because I kind of worry what they would think I thought of them if THIS is the book I thought they would like.
So, read it, but if it weirds you out, don't blame me!
Interesting story - poetic feel to the writing. Enjoyed it, but it was not enthralling. Best way to put it - I wanted to finish it to see what happeneInteresting story - poetic feel to the writing. Enjoyed it, but it was not enthralling. Best way to put it - I wanted to finish it to see what happened, but I was not excited to come back to it.
One key characteristic was that it was odd enough that I would have a hard time figuring out exactly what was happening. When I finally did, a new chapter would start, and it would get odd again....more
Misery, duplicity, revenge, unhealthy family relationships - Wuthering Heights has it all!
Whenever I hear the name Brontë, I start thinking about clasMisery, duplicity, revenge, unhealthy family relationships - Wuthering Heights has it all!
Whenever I hear the name Brontë, I start thinking about classic books, with ladies and gentlemen courting each other . . . but, I guess I need to stop confusing Brontë with Austin.
This book is brutal. Every page is an argument, a dark plot, a deathly ill character, or an actual death. There is no joy in Wuthering Heights!
Writing wise, it was pretty good. Not my usual style, but I like to knock out a classic every now and then....more
Entertaining little story. I know I am not the intended audience at this point in my life, but it takes me back to when I was a kid and read Charlie aEntertaining little story. I know I am not the intended audience at this point in my life, but it takes me back to when I was a kid and read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator, and Danny Champion of the World. I used to really enjoy Dahl's books and it has been a long time since I have read one.
This one was less story and more silly wordplay and fantasy. Towards the end it gets into a storyline, but at least the first half is mainly just a conversation between the BFG and Sophie. It is fun, but gets a bit repetitive.
Also, I noticed that there was quite a lot of violence and racial stereotyping that would probably be controversial in a children's book by today's standards. This is just an observation, not me being the book police!
All that aside - it was silly, it was fun, it was a romp through the imagination. I definitely enjoyed this little fantastical getaway, even if it isn't my favorite Dahl book....more
It's just blah. No suspense, lots of monotonous, pointless, and repetitive dialogue. Some places where you thinBarely 2 stars . . . I almost gave it 1
It's just blah. No suspense, lots of monotonous, pointless, and repetitive dialogue. Some places where you think something exciting and interesting will happen . . . and it doesn't. No climax, no payoff, not really any resolution.
They talked about a lot of modern pop culture stuff. Sort of sounded like the author went to the mall, listened to what kids talked about, and then shoved it into the story so that it would seem modern. Instead, it just got in the way ("Oh, hey, they are talking about Minecraft again . . . and . . . it doesn't matter and no one cares)
It would probably be more interesting reading about me sitting on the couch and watching TV in the evenings.
Sorry to be so harsh, but I spent a couple weeks of my life with this book and I was hoping for more. Kind of felt cheated....more
A very thorough and very interesting telling of the events surrounding the investigation of the Green River Killer. I did not know much about the GreeA very thorough and very interesting telling of the events surrounding the investigation of the Green River Killer. I did not know much about the Green River Killer - other than he committed a series of murders in Washington back in the 80s. Since I knew so little, this was a suspenseful whodunit? for me.
The book is not easy to read if the horrific details of crimes make you queasy. It was shocking to read about what one human can do to another human because they think they are "doing the right thing to clean up the streets". Also shocking (but maybe not surprising) that a lot of people didn't really care about whole lot at first because the victims were mainly prostitutes. Seeing how community, police, and media attitudes shaped the course of this investigation was very interesting. I was surprised at how , despite the fact that the book is decently long at 434 pages, it never dragged. Each section was like another episode of a crime show and I couldn't wait to get to the next episode the next day.
If you like true crime, mysteries, and/or just seeing how truly messed up the human mind can be, check this book out....more
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