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Added Sep 08, 2023
Remarkably Bright CreaturesRemarkably Bright Creatures, BookA Novel
by Van Pelt, ShelbyBook - 2022Book, 2022
All copies in useView location availabilityView location availability for Remarkably Bright Creatures, Book, All copies in use
Holds: 137 on 47 copies
Holds: 137 on 47 copies
jontalk's rating:
Added Feb 02, 2023
Comment:
Engaging, evocative and unique, the author's use of an octopus' POV adds a nice touch. Driven by themes of redemption, discovery and connection, Tova's appreciation for life, animals and the moment demonstrates humanity at its highest point. Well written, paced and fun, I highly recommend this to those who enjoy uplifting themes and unusual plotsEngaging, evocative and unique, the author's use of an octopus' POV adds a nice touch. Driven by themes of redemption, discovery and connection, Tova's appreciation for life, animals and the moment demonstrates humanity at its highest point. Well…
I Am Not Sidney PoitierI Am Not Sidney Poitier, BookA Novel
by Everett, PercivalBook - 2009Book, 2009
All copies in useView location availabilityView location availability for I Am Not Sidney Poitier, Book, All copies in use
Holds: 7 on 5 copies
Holds: 7 on 5 copies
jontalk's rating:
Added Jun 15, 2022
Comment:
Remarkable, creative, hilarious, mad cap and above all else, UNIQUE. Percival Everett switches genre like most people change their underwear. Going from books like Erasure or Telephone to this one, it demonstrates a creative ability unlike any other. Think about naming a child "Not xxxxx" and imagine how it impacts his life. Then insert Ted Turner and yourself as a character in the story as a clueless college professor and add a light skinned girlfriend whose parents are racist..Funniest story I've ever readRemarkable, creative, hilarious, mad cap and above all else, UNIQUE. Percival Everett switches genre like most people change their underwear. Going from books like Erasure or Telephone to this one, it demonstrates a creative ability unlike any…
jontalk's rating:
Added Feb 11, 2022
jontalk's rating:
Added Jan 28, 2022
Comment:
Having read countless Pulitzer winners, nothing compares to the impact of this story nor can Power's abilities be compared. There are few words that can describe the style, content and insights the reader is blessed with, though profound, thought provoking and heart wrenching come to mind. He reminds us that trillions of trees thrived on this planet until the human race committed 'genocide'. Here we meet the minority who fear the end of the planet and in the process pay the price. So we must ask ourselves about priorities; profit or having a planet to live on? I know what my answer is, do you?Having read countless Pulitzer winners, nothing compares to the impact of this story nor can Power's abilities be compared. There are few words that can describe the style, content and insights the reader is blessed with, though profound, thought…
Added Jan 20, 2022
Added Jan 20, 2022
The 57 BusThe 57 Bus, eBookA True Story of Two Teenagers and the Crime That Changed Their Lives
by Slater, DashkaeBook - 2017eBook, 2017
All copies in use
Holds: 1 on 1 copy
Holds: 1 on 1 copy
Added Jan 20, 2022
Maybe You Should Talk to SomeoneMaybe You Should Talk to Someone, eBookA Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed
by Gottlieb, LorieBook - 2019eBook, 2019
Available
Added Jan 20, 2022
jontalk's rating:
Added Mar 15, 2020
Comment:
Similar to the previous comment, the lack of congruent structure, choppiness and cyber-technology terms makes this a confusing story whose plot is hard to follow. Characters lack
depth, and the plot is unwieldy to say the least. This came as a Goodreads recommendation corresponding to Blake Crouch's "Dark Matter" and "Recursion" both of which are FAR better in my opinion.Similar to the previous comment, the lack of congruent structure, choppiness and cyber-technology terms makes this a confusing story whose plot is hard to follow. Characters lack
depth, and the plot is unwieldy to say the least. This came as a…
jontalk's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
Comment:
I wish I could agree with the other members but I found the story predictable in all ways. Well written, she does a great job of creating a central character the reader will genuinely dislike. Bitter, self serving, distant and more male then female, Cassie Hanwell's dysfunctions rate high on the scale. This book came from Goodreads recommendations due to completion of a fabulous book, "Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe". Unfortunately it pales in comparison for a variety of reasons, in spite of the identical 'forgiveness' theme. Once she changes fire station locations and encounters 'the rookie', the reader has a pretty good idea what will occur; and it does. Enough said.I wish I could agree with the other members but I found the story predictable in all ways. Well written, she does a great job of creating a central character the reader will genuinely dislike. Bitter, self serving, distant and more male then female,…
jontalk's rating:
Added Mar 07, 2020
Comment:
For those familiar with Allen Esken's books, this is the sequel to the first Joe Talbert story and in many ways, surpasses the original. A plot that continually unfurls in surprising manner, the momentum builds. Like all best selling mystery authors, Allen has the knack for throwing curve balls when least expected and continues to hurl them right up until the end. What separates his stories from most mystery writers is the humanity element he weaves into the story fabric. Forgiveness, self discovery and letting go of the past among the themes, he engages the reader with each chapter. Rather than use violence and horror, he prefers the human condition, the mark of a skilled writer.For those familiar with Allen Esken's books, this is the sequel to the first Joe Talbert story and in many ways, surpasses the original. A plot that continually unfurls in surprising manner, the momentum builds. Like all best selling mystery…
Midnight at the Blackbird CaféMidnight at the Blackbird Café, Book
by Webber, Heather S.Book - 2019Book, 2019
jontalk's rating:
Added Mar 07, 2020
Comment:
A fan of "Fried Green Tomatoes", its difficult not to draw parallels to this delightful debut novel. Driven by themes of forgiveness and family, the somewhat folksy Southern tone engages the reader, while the lighthearted story unravels. Evocative in many ways, the 'magic' held by her grandmother's Blackbird pies plays a key role in character arc, the mark of an accomplished author. Self discovery, unearthing long held secrets and overcoming self inflicted hurdles add to the delight. Its stories like these that remind us of why we enjoy reading. Highly recommended for all ages and genre preferencesA fan of "Fried Green Tomatoes", its difficult not to draw parallels to this delightful debut novel. Driven by themes of forgiveness and family, the somewhat folksy Southern tone engages the reader, while the lighthearted story unravels. Evocative…
The Good LiarThe Good Liar, DVD
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
jontalk's rating:
Added Mar 03, 2020
Comment:
As one would expect with two Oscar winning actors starring, the performances are top notch, as is the direction and visuals. That said, some elements of the story seemed a bit questionable, especially the online dating aspect given the age of Ian and Helen. Pacing is nicely done, back story courtesy of flashbacks, and the somewhat predictable plot twist well executed. Unlike other 'weak' films starring multi-award winning actors, this one is worth seeing since the chemistry between Sir Ian and Helen is outstanding!As one would expect with two Oscar winning actors starring, the performances are top notch, as is the direction and visuals. That said, some elements of the story seemed a bit questionable, especially the online dating aspect given the age of Ian…
jontalk's rating:
Added Feb 28, 2020
Comment:
Similar to Brit, I was underwhelmed with this predictable, romantic story. A fan of debut novels, this book pales in comparison to others. Coming off the 'high' of the groundbreaking debut, "Fight Club", it lacks uniqueness, plot twists and character depth. I'm the type of reader that seeks engaging, evocative storytelling with characters that break the mold, but this story falls flat in these areas. The Marsh Girl while interesting, isn't memorable, nor are the circumstances, common to stories from the South. Where the trial is concerned, I happen to be reading a Grisham novel simultaneously, and there's no comparison whatsoever. I'd rate the book 2 stars, but don't feel its fair. Regardless, its well paced, but mediocre at best.Similar to Brit, I was underwhelmed with this predictable, romantic story. A fan of debut novels, this book pales in comparison to others. Coming off the 'high' of the groundbreaking debut, "Fight Club", it lacks uniqueness, plot twists and…
Motherless BrooklynMotherless Brooklyn, DVD
DVD - 2020DVD, 2020
jontalk's rating:
Added Feb 23, 2020
Comment:
A fan of Jonathan Lethem, author of the book, I was eager to see this film. Edward Norton, a multi-Oscar winning actor not only stars, but also wrote, directed and produced this movie, its cast equal to the story. As with all adaptations, liberties are taken, politically incorrect elements, handled gracefully. Norton, a master of nailing difficult roles, is supported beautifully by the other cast members, the locations, cinematography, narrative and pace, spot on! A long film, the viewer is never bored, as the story artfully unfolds. For those who haven't read the book, I urge you to read it before seeing the film, though checking it out afterward would work equally as well. Oscar-worthy, evocative and engaging, its well worth the time.A fan of Jonathan Lethem, author of the book, I was eager to see this film. Edward Norton, a multi-Oscar winning actor not only stars, but also wrote, directed and produced this movie, its cast equal to the story. As with all adaptations, liberties…
jontalk's rating:
Added Feb 23, 2020
Comment:
Similar to Garrett, I feel this is a groundbreaking debut novel and difficult to categorize were genre is concerned. Engaging, evocative and revolutionary, Fight Club stands alone. Rule #1: you don't talk about fight club. Project Mayhem while anarchist in nature, has an undercurrent of dystopian society woven within it. This is one of those books that hits emotional buttons due to the questions raised; God, family, social interaction, disease, capitalism and life itself. An avid reader, this is without doubt THE most unique book I've read, hands down. As the story winds towards a close, narrative curve balls surface, the mark of a great storyteller. So extraordinary is the concept, writing a review is equally challenging. In a word, Magnificent!Similar to Garrett, I feel this is a groundbreaking debut novel and difficult to categorize were genre is concerned. Engaging, evocative and revolutionary, Fight Club stands alone. Rule #1: you don't talk about fight club. Project Mayhem while…
jontalk's rating:
Added Feb 16, 2020
Comment:
As debut novels go, this is outstanding! With the current political climate being what it is, and racism a major part of it, this gripping story is a revelation. Paced like a seasoned crime writer, the reader is immersed into the world of Bobby, a 20-something guy and his best friend Aaron, whose just been paroled. What transpires on their first night together gets the ball rolling and it doesn't stop. To make matters worse, Bobby's mother is deadbeat alcoholic and they're barely scraping by. Innumerable questions surface as the plot unfolds. Well developed characters we can relate with, crime typical of the ghetto, it builds to a climax that while predictable is heart breaking. An avid reader of various genres, I couldn't put this down having grown up in a predominantly black area. Regardless, its highly recommended if for no other reason than being a timely, engaging and evocative story.As debut novels go, this is outstanding! With the current political climate being what it is, and racism a major part of it, this gripping story is a revelation. Paced like a seasoned crime writer, the reader is immersed into the world of Bobby, a…
jontalk's rating:
Added Feb 13, 2020
Comment:
While crime stories aren't my first choice, I've read quite a few of Baldacci's who is a true master of the genre. That said, this was far from my favorite due to a somewhat predictable outcome and mediocre characters. Well paced like all his novels, the plot isn't unique nor are the twists. A fast read, its the kind of book you finish then afterward say 'huh?'. I'm still a fan of his work though my personal preferences are characters with depth, evocative plots and surprises along the way!While crime stories aren't my first choice, I've read quite a few of Baldacci's who is a true master of the genre. That said, this was far from my favorite due to a somewhat predictable outcome and mediocre characters. Well paced like all his…
jontalk's rating:
Added Feb 02, 2020
Comment:
Having read "Nothing More Dangerous", recently I was moved to read more by this author having it enjoyed it thoroughly. This story is exemplary of a great author, hitting all important elements of engagement. A continually evolving plot, unique characters we can relate with and suspense, the addition of unexpected curve balls towards the end make it a winner! Great characters transform in many ways and the protagonist embraces change and lives up to the term 'hero'. Heart warming, intriguing and evocative, this story engages the reader at all levels. Highly recommended for mystery lovers, but equally so for those who enjoy a great storyHaving read "Nothing More Dangerous", recently I was moved to read more by this author having it enjoyed it thoroughly. This story is exemplary of a great author, hitting all important elements of engagement. A continually evolving plot, unique…
The Daughters of Temperance HobbsThe Daughters of Temperance Hobbs, BookA Novel
by Howe, KatherineBook - 2019Book, 2019
jontalk's rating:
Added Jan 26, 2020
Where'd You Go, BernadetteWhere'd You Go, Bernadette, DVD
DVD - 2019DVD, 2019
jontalk's rating:
Added Jan 26, 2020
Comment:
Casting the Oscar winning Cate Blanchett as Bernadette is exemplary of good film making. Having read the book, the movie follows it closely, though its Cate's skill that brings the character to life. Similarly, the 'best friend' bond she has with her daughter is perfect. Any movie that relies on story over violence, special FX or computer generated imaging, is my kind of film. And this is every bit that and more!Casting the Oscar winning Cate Blanchett as Bernadette is exemplary of good film making. Having read the book, the movie follows it closely, though its Cate's skill that brings the character to life. Similarly, the 'best friend' bond she has with…
jontalk's rating:
Added Jan 12, 2020
Comment:
In some ways, the story parallels to those of time travel, but in this case, its the mind of Chaz Wilmot, the central character. Well researched, paced and developed, the author has created a remarkable story filled with art history details. And like all great authors he throws in a plot twist towards the end, which was somewhat of an 'ah hah' moment! Like others who have commented, the story is like a crime novel causing you to turn pages quickly. Coupling a former Nazi turned underworld art dealer with a struggling artist who embodies the talent of the painter, Velasquez, he throws in a strange drug raising questions about Chaz's sanity. Evocative, engaging with well developed characters, this is a story worth reading, even if classical art is of no interest. Now that I've read it, I feel it important to study the art of the Renaissance. EnjoyIn some ways, the story parallels to those of time travel, but in this case, its the mind of Chaz Wilmot, the central character. Well researched, paced and developed, the author has created a remarkable story filled with art history details. And…
jontalk's rating:
Added Jan 04, 2020
Comment:
In a word, brilliant! This is a time travel story like no other whose surprise momentum towards the end takes the reader by surprise. Beautifully conceived, characters of depth highly developed, the journey this book takes the reader is without compare, Jules Verne's story included. A debut novel, its clear this author will have a brilliant future as a novelist, in spite of his existing screenwriter success. A version of time travel that's unique as well as the mechanisms, its so engaging, immersive and well thought out, were it not for the 'future time frame of 2016' I found myself wondering if this is what the future will evolve into. Love and family woven into the plot, this story is unique in all respects. Highly recommended for time travel fans, as well as those who appreciate skill at storytelling.In a word, brilliant! This is a time travel story like no other whose surprise momentum towards the end takes the reader by surprise. Beautifully conceived, characters of depth highly developed, the journey this book takes the reader is without…
jontalk's rating:
Added Jan 04, 2020
Comment:
A magnificent journey taken through the eyes of Maud Baum, the wife of the author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz".Toggling back and forth between her life and her time on the movie set at MGM, we learn how the elements of the story came to be of which many are surprising. Well researched, the fictional element is minor, so the outcome is more of a non-fiction story. It's always intriguing to learn of a famous author's life and in this case, Frank Baum was truly a wizard. Upbeat, loving and visionary, putting family above all else, he broke new ground with the iconic story which to this day, is till one of the best. Highly recommended for all ages, cultures and those who embrace the 'over the rainbow' magic of Oz.A magnificent journey taken through the eyes of Maud Baum, the wife of the author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz".Toggling back and forth between her life and her time on the movie set at MGM, we learn how the elements of the story came to be of…
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