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Thursday, July 30, 2015

Summer Movies: The Good, The Bad, and The Horrible!

I have been to the theater several times this summer. Some of my choices were great, others were stinkers! I really liked the entertainment value behind Jurassic World. It was two hours of action and edge of your seat excitement. It was (of course) VERY far fetched. Although, I wasn't expecting to much realism with a dinosaur film!
My stinker of the summer was Insidious 3. It should have been called Elise Returns. This was a supposed prequel to Insidious. There were no scares here. The writing was cheesy and it just wasn't as well done as the first movie. The ending leaves us with the impression that we may hear more from Elise. Personally I think they should just let her die, along with the series.
My fun movie of the summer was Magic Mike XXL. Obviously you don't go to this one for the storylines. I would have watched it for the gas station scene alone, "How much for the water and Cheetos?". It still makes me laugh! I found this one more comical than the first and was glad that they did away with the girlfriend drama of the first film.
What did you watch this summer? Any recommendations? What should I avoid?

Book Review: My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me: A Black Woman Discovers Her Family's Nazi Past

I thought this book brought up some very interesting points. Does nature or nuture effect us more? If our grandparents do something horrible are we required to share that with others? Are people allowed to know our families history if we don't want to share it? If you were not raised by your birth parents, are you required to feel like you must take on their guilt?
How confused and helpless Jennifer must have felt. I enjoyed reading about how she dealt with her revelations. I feel like by the end she was able to accept both of her families. It was a heart breaking journey to that acceptance, or at least passiveness toward the subject.
I can recommend this. It is a quick read. A very eye opening story that will stay with you long after you read the last page.

Book Review: The Girl With All The Gifts

This is a new take on zombies and the story holds much potential. The beginning is very well written with the main character Melanie being held in some type of cell. She is taken out into a classroom while strapped to a chair and forced into a muzzle. Of course you are thinking, what is going on here? Not many answers are given near the beginning, but there are plenty of questions and a good build up of suspense. 
The middle of the story was blogged down with many unnecessary facts and figures. The storyline began to move at a snail's pace. My mind started to wander and I was wondering if I would be able to finish the book.
When the ending finally rolled around, the action finally picked back up. I really liked the ending. I found Melanie to be a very enduring character. I really think shortening the book could have made this a four or five star read. The center of the storyline was just too boring.

I'm Back!!

I am finally back! After having major trouble with my computer and an inability to blog using my cell phone. I finally have a new computer!!!! YEAH!!!   I am SO Sorry for the long absence! I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things!