Atonement: Book Review and Movie Comparsion
Today Kim shares her review and gives a movie comparison on Atonement by Ian McEwan.
Atonement
Author: Ian McEwan
Published: 2001
351 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 5 stars
Book Description:
On a hot summer day in 1935, thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis witnesses the flirtation between her older sister, Cecilia, and Robbie Turner, the son of a servant. But Briony’s incomplete grasp of adult motives and her precocious imagination bring about a crime that will change all their lives, a crime whose repercussions Atonement follows through the chaos and carnage of World War II and into the close of the twentieth century.
Kim’s Review:
I really liked this book! McEwan managed to reach into the minds of realistic, individual people and translate it perfectly to the page. Briony as a little girl was written exactly as little girls are and think. I kept having to remind myself that none of this was written by little girls or soldiers or nurses. And to have so little happening in the first part of the book, yet I wasn’t bored with it was quite the feat. And this was one of those book where I had theories running around in my head, but of course none of them were right! The twist was actually believable and emotional. The message of the whole story is one that is definitely needed in today’s world. Plus I’m a sucker for regret dripping off the page. Overall, this was an emotional, engaging read that I would recommend to just about anybody!
Now here is Kim’s video comparison of the movie:
Purchase Links:
Novel:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Film:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Jackpot by Nic Stone
Jackpot
Author: Nic Stone
Published: October 15, 2019
Audiobook
Reviewed By: Jessica
Dates Read: May 28-June 5, 2020
Jessica’s Rating: 5 stars
Book Description:
Meet Rico: high school senior and afternoon-shift cashier at the Gas ‘n’ Go, who after school and work races home to take care of her younger brother. Every. Single. Day. When Rico sells a jackpot-winning lotto ticket, she thinks maybe her luck will finally change, but only if she–with some assistance from her popular and wildly rich classmate Zan–can find the ticket holder who hasn’t claimed the prize. But what happens when have and have-nots collide? Will this investigative duo unite…or divide?
Nic Stone, the New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin and Odd One Out, creates two unforgettable characters in one hard-hitting story about class, money–both too little and too much–and how you make your own luck in the world.
Jessica’s Review:
I am a Nic Stone fan, and a big influence has to do that we are both from not only the same home state of Georgia, but the same home county: I love how she mentions her former high school: Norcross High School. I went to a different high school than her, but still it is really amazing to hear the familiarity of things you know so well! (This also happened to me when I listened to the audio book of Dear Martin– OMG, Stone Mountain Park was mentioned: I worked my high school and college summers there!!!)
Ok, enough of the fangirling, now to get on to the review of Jackpot.
Jackpot is a story that portrays class, privilege, and diversity. After being at school during the day, Rico works her evenings at a convenience store to help her family to be able to pay the bills. It is Christmas Eve and Rico sells a few lottery tickets, and she later finds out the store she works at sold THE winning ticket! Rico recognizes a few numbers and believes the older woman she saw on Christmas Eve is the winner and may not know it as no one has claimed the winning ticket (the woman mentioned memory problems). Rico sets out to find this mystery woman with the help of a popular classmate who is also of the ‘rich’ class. Together Rico and Zan set out on a long term adventure and maybe discover a little bit of romance.
I listened to the audiobook version and LOVED it. Stone narrates Jackpot herself and put all of herself into the narration. She gives Rico the attitude that she wanted portrayed. I also really enjoyed the side narrations of inanimate objects that add to the story/journey that Rico and Zan go on.
Stone realistically shows how some families truly do live paycheck to paycheck and how even one event could happen and cause financial disaster to a family. I was not a fan of Rico’s mom whose pride was too much to even get any form of assistance for her family. I get that you may not want to be on assistance and fend for yourself, but when it comes to the detriment of your family (mom has money issues and Rico handles it all) and even the fact that your child has to help the family make rent each month. Let alone living in an area you can’t afford! School should be Rico’s priority, not helping to take care of her mom and little brother. There is a huge difference between getting assistance when needed and taking advantage of the system.
I really enjoyed the journey Rico and Zan went on and did not know where the story was going for the conclusion, but I should have seen it coming! I loved the ending.
I will definitely be reading more by Nic Stone!
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Blog Tour: Walk Your Way to Better
Today I share my review for Walk Your Way to Better by Joyce Shulman. This book gets a 5 star review from me!
This blog tour is brought to you by WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING TOUR.
Book Description:
This is a book about walking your way to better. Everywhere you turn, people, podcasts and gurus promise a simple path to the life you want. But few of them work. Why? Because simply reading the words is rarely enough to call your heart and mind to action. This book is different. Each section provides a thought-starter, insight or story. But I don’t want you to just read it. I want you to read a section and then lace up your sneakers and head out the door. Because while walking, your brain processes in a unique way, enabling you to recognize the things that are truly holding your back and the changes you actually need to make. You will literally Walk Your Way to Better. Along the way, you will forge a powerful connection between your mind and your body. And bonus — you’ll feel better and become fitter.
Walk Your Way to Better: 99 Walks That Will Change Your Life
Author: Joyce Shulman
Published: January 23, 2020
363 Pages
Genre: Motivational Self-Help
Publisher: Kibo Press
ASIN: B08466XHDF
Reviewed By: Jessica
Jessica’s Rating: 5 stars
Dates Read: May 16-26, 2020
Jessica’s Review:
This book accomplishes what it says: You really can ‘walk your way to better’. If you are thinking ‘a better what’? The answer is A BETTER YOU.
Shulman gives us 99 short chapters and walks. These chapters can be read within a few minutes and consist of a statement to start you thinking, information/research or a story from her life that she deems appropriate to the topic she is directly talking to you about. Now, after you finish a chapter go do as Shulman highly suggests and take a walk! Walking helps the brain process what it just read. You may surprise yourself with the thoughts that may come to you as you walk!
This is not a self-help book about losing weight, though that could possibly happen if you walk after each chapter as Shulman intends. By the time you are finished you feel accomplished and as if you know the author. Shulman also encourages you to be interactive with the book, besides walking: write down your thoughts, answer the questions she poses in this book, etc.
Shulman does say that not every chapter will ‘speak’ to you and this was true for me. I am not a mother, and Shulman is and she wrote about her children a lot in the chapters. So much so I started to think I was not the target demographic for this book and then… BAM… I read a chapter that ‘spoke’ to me and changed my thoughts on this book.
This book is for every woman to read. Read it and also walk your way to better!
Walk Your Way to Better is available to purchase now on Amazon.com.
About the Author:
Joyce Shulman, founder and CEO of 99 Walks and Macaroni Kid reaches millions of moms each month with hyper-local and national e-newsletters and websites, social media content, video and her Weekly Walk podcast. Having created a one-of-a-kind digital platform, she connects families to the wonders of their own communities and inspires women to chase their dreams and crush their goals.
Her most recent endeavor, 99 Walks, is on a mission to combat loneliness and improve fitness through the simple act of encouraging moms to walk together. Her mission? Nothing short of getting a million women walking.
Throughout her two decades as an entrepreneur, Joyce has guided SAHMs, teachers and even MBAs to success. Joyce shares how moms need to “take care of mama bear” and avoid the “martyr mom syndrome.” Her experience in business and leading mompreneurs makes her a coveted speaker where she shares tactics for beating burnout, fueling creativity, goal crushing, how walking can fuel productivity and performance, and more.
Joyce received her Bachelor’s in Business Management from the University of Maryland and her Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, from St. John’s University School of Law. After law school, she spent more than a dozen years as a New York City lawyer where her practice focused on complex commercial litigation.
A self-confessed idea junkie, in 1998, Joyce abandoned law firm life to liberate her entrepreneurial spirit and focus on the things that are most important to her: family, community and empowering women to chase their dreams.
Contact Joyce:
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram @joyce.r.shulman
Twitter: @joycershulman
You Tube
You can find the whole blog tour here:
May 25th @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Grab your coffee and join us in celebrating the launch of Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. You can read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book. http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
May 26th @ Karen Brown Tyson’s Blog
Stop by Karen’s blog today and you can read a guest post by author Joyce Shulman about how you become inspired to write a book. https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog/
May 28th @ One Sister’s Journey
Visit Lisa’s blog today and read her review of Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. https://www.lisambuske.com/
May 30th @ One Sister’s Journey
Stop by Lisa’s blog again today where you can read a guest post by author Joyce Shulman where she talks about why do women need to take care of themselves. A timely post in this day and age! https://www.lisambuske.com/
May 31st @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Visit Anthony’s blog today and read his review of Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
June 2nd @ Lady Unemployed
Visit Nicole’s blog and read Joyce Shulman’s guest post about beating brownout (the precursor to burnout). https://ladyunemployed.com/
June 5th @ Wellness Connection Utah
Visit The Wellness Connection today and read thoughtful insights into Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. https://www.wellnessconnectionutah.com/blog
June 6th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Stop by Anthony’s blog again where you can read a guest post by Joyce Shulman on how walking can help with loneliness. https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
June 8th @ Reviews and Interviews
Visit Lisa’s blog today and read her interview with Joyce Shulman, author of the book Walk Your Way to Better. http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/
June 10th @ Bookish Tay
Stop by Taylor’s blog today and you can read her review of Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. https://tayepperson.com/
June 12th @ The New England Book Critic
Visit Victoria’s blog today and read her insights into Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. http://www.thenewenglandbookcritic.com/
June 13th @ Simply Nourished Wellness
Visit Stephani’s blog today and you can read her review of Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. https://www.baconandwhippedcream.com/
June 15th @ Jessica’s Reading Room
Visit Jessica’s blog today and make sure you read her review of author Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. http://jessicasreadingroom.com
June 17th @ Bookish Tay
Visit Taylor’s blog again and you can read a guest post written by Joyce Shulman about how to keep fear from standing in your way. https://tayepperson.com/
June 19th @ Coffee with Lacey
Stop by Lacey’s blog and read her review of Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. https://coffeewithlacey.com/
June 19th @ Second Wind Leisure
Stop by Terri’s blog today and read her review of Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. You can also read a guest post written by the author about the power of yet. https://secondwindleisure.com/
June 20th @ Cafeyre
Visit Karoline’s blog today and read her review of Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. https://cafeyre.wordpress.com/
June 21st @ Simply Nourished Wellness
Visit Stephani’s blog again and you can read a guest post by author Joyce Shulman about the value of walking. Don’t miss it! https://www.baconandwhippedcream.com/
June 22nd @ And So She Thinks
Visit Francesca’s blog today and read her interview with Joyce Shulman, author of Walk Your Way to Better. http://www.andsoshethinks.co.uk/
June 23rd @ The Frugalista Mom
Stop by Rozelyn’s blog today and read her review of Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. https://thefrugalistamom.com/
June 24th @ Cathy C. Hall Writes Visit Cathy’s blog and read her review of Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. https://c-c-hall.com/
June 25th @ D-Mom Blog
Don’t miss Leighann’s review of Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. http://www.d-mom.com/
June 26th @ Deborah Adam’s Blog
Stop by Deborah’s blog today and read her review of Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. http://www.deborah-adams.com/
June 27th @ Deborah Adam’s Blog
Visit Deborah’s blog again today and you can read a guest post by Joyce Shulman about the commitment to women walking their way to better. http://www.deborah-adams.com/
June 28th @ Bev A Baird’s Blog
Visit Bev’s blog today where she reviews Joyce Shulman’s book Walk Your Way to Better. https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
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