The Cuckoo’s Calling – Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling)
The characters are developed quickly and the main two characters are both likeable in very different ways. Whilst there wasn’t anything outstanding about this book, it was a good murder-mystery-whodunit-thriller type. The bad guy was suitably outrageous, and The Cuckoo's Calling threw out enough red herrings to prevent anyone from working out 'whodunit' until the last possible moment.
The unlikely detective duo made a good team and the storyline was a good balance of getting to know them alongside head-scratching criminal activity.
Thursday, 7 November 2013
Book Group - Book 1
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
Harold and his journey could be a metaphor for anyone, regardless of age or mind-set. His journey wasn’t really religious, maybe some people could read a religious aspect into it (and some characters in the book certainly did), but it is simple not to.
Harold is a likeable character, as are the people he met along the way. The introduction of the media and press frenzy brought the story to the current day; social media interest in anything unusual a sign of the times. The story of Harold’s life unfolds as he walks his journey, and his life was very human. Mistakes were made, and the quiet life Harold and his wife led comfortingly unglamorous.
The ending of the book is satisfying, and ultimately The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a heart-warming experience.
Harold and his journey could be a metaphor for anyone, regardless of age or mind-set. His journey wasn’t really religious, maybe some people could read a religious aspect into it (and some characters in the book certainly did), but it is simple not to.
Harold is a likeable character, as are the people he met along the way. The introduction of the media and press frenzy brought the story to the current day; social media interest in anything unusual a sign of the times. The story of Harold’s life unfolds as he walks his journey, and his life was very human. Mistakes were made, and the quiet life Harold and his wife led comfortingly unglamorous.
The ending of the book is satisfying, and ultimately The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a heart-warming experience.
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
Gone Girl
By Gillian Flynn, 2012
"There's something disturbing about recalling a warm memory and feeling utterly cold."
In this modern day thriller, husband and wife take a chapter each to try and convince the reader that they are the one to empathize with.
During the first half of 'Gone Girl', each chapter ends with such dramatic twists and turns that the reader will find themselves promising 'just one more chapter', before hungrily devouring another four.
Right from the start this crime thriller will throw clues and details and red herrings from its pages; reader will turn detective by frantically suspecting every character, more than likely - every character, but the correct!
The second half of the book slows down, with less page-turning excitement and more tying up of loose ends. Who wins out of husband and wife in winning the audience's affection? Actually, neither. Both are self-important, arrogant and egotistical characters, whose 'relationship' mocks the very idea of love.
The final chapter is unsatisfying, but with a sense of well-deserved inevitability.
"There's something disturbing about recalling a warm memory and feeling utterly cold."
In this modern day thriller, husband and wife take a chapter each to try and convince the reader that they are the one to empathize with.
During the first half of 'Gone Girl', each chapter ends with such dramatic twists and turns that the reader will find themselves promising 'just one more chapter', before hungrily devouring another four.
Right from the start this crime thriller will throw clues and details and red herrings from its pages; reader will turn detective by frantically suspecting every character, more than likely - every character, but the correct!
The second half of the book slows down, with less page-turning excitement and more tying up of loose ends. Who wins out of husband and wife in winning the audience's affection? Actually, neither. Both are self-important, arrogant and egotistical characters, whose 'relationship' mocks the very idea of love.
The final chapter is unsatisfying, but with a sense of well-deserved inevitability.
Sunday, 24 February 2013
(Film) One Day
Directed by Lone Scherfig, 2011
"I love you Dexter. I just don't like you anymore."
Following the relationship between two friends; Emma and Dexter, visiting their lives on one day every year for twenty years, One Day covers lots of ground quickly.
"She [Emma] made you [referring to Dexter] decent, and in return, you made her so happy."
Dexter isn't very likable, Emma almost appears weak and silly for falling for him.
The end of the film strikes in reminding the audience how short life can be, and how time does not wait for those uncertain in love, or life.
"I love you Dexter. I just don't like you anymore."
Following the relationship between two friends; Emma and Dexter, visiting their lives on one day every year for twenty years, One Day covers lots of ground quickly.
"She [Emma] made you [referring to Dexter] decent, and in return, you made her so happy."
Dexter isn't very likable, Emma almost appears weak and silly for falling for him.
The end of the film strikes in reminding the audience how short life can be, and how time does not wait for those uncertain in love, or life.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
By Stephen Chbosky, 1999
"And in that moment, I swear we were infinite."
A coming-of-age tale, with comedy, romance and suitably embarrasing teenage fumblings with love and sex, and drugs and alcohol.
"We accept the love we think we deserve."
The problems encountered by teens on their journey through the trials and tribulations of school days - insecurity, bullying, unrequited love; can mirror challenges that people face throughout life. With that, The Perks of Being a Wallflower can reach out across age boundaries and appeal to all.
"And in that moment, I swear we were infinite."
A coming-of-age tale, with comedy, romance and suitably embarrasing teenage fumblings with love and sex, and drugs and alcohol.
"We accept the love we think we deserve."
The problems encountered by teens on their journey through the trials and tribulations of school days - insecurity, bullying, unrequited love; can mirror challenges that people face throughout life. With that, The Perks of Being a Wallflower can reach out across age boundaries and appeal to all.
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