After reading Never Coming Backin the summer of 2014 I became instantly hooked to Tim Weaver's missing persons investigator, David Raker. I proceeded to read the previous three books (Never Coming Back being the fourth in the series) and have since reviewed some of Raker's ventures (see here). However, for some reason it has taken me eight months to pick up this book after finishing Vanished (the third in the series, and potentially my favourite). But after coming to my senses, trying desperately to remember what happened in Never Coming Back, I fell back into place with Weaver's writing.
Date Read: July 1 - September 10 2015 I was lucky enough to win this books in one of Goodreads' giveaways back in May. I was intrigued by the synopsis, as the book centres around two characters, a mother and a daughter, who leave their life behind to join a cult in the Yorkshire moors. I have a kind of guilty pleasure for films about cults, I won't name names because that could be a spoiler for the film, but there's always been something about them that intrigues me.
Title: The Opposite of Loneliness: Essays and Stories
Author: Marina Keegan
Originally Published: 2014
Page Count: 208pages
Genre: Non-fiction / Short Stories / Essays / Memoir
Published by: Simon & Schuster UK
Date Read: August 28 - September 9 2015
I don't really recall when I first heard about this book, I just remember thinking instantly that if I found it, I'd have to buy it. These thoughts transpired from Keegan's devastating reality, but also because of the titular article, which resonated with me.
Title: A Work in Progress Author: Connor Franta Originally Published: 2015 Page Count: 212 pages Genre: Non-fiction / Autobiographical Published by: Keyword Press
Date Read: May 26th - 28th 2015
This is my first dive into the whole 'YouTuber' books phenomenon, and whilst Franta seemingly tries to distance himself from this and all labels, when it comes to his book, it's forever going to exist within the category of 'Girl Online', 'The Pointless Book', 'Love, Tanya' and the like.
So after all that, I'm ready for Best Picture to be awarded and here's my last prediction. Remember these are simply my opinions on what should win, what will win and what could win.
Every year at the Oscars we get the category 'Best Original Song' and I never know the criteria for voting. Is it simply the Academy liking the song or is it to do with its relation to the film, or what?
Anyway, I listened to each of the nominees this year, and here's my thoughts.
1. 'Everything Is Awesome' from The Lego Movie
I was very surprised The Lego Moviewas absent from the nominees for Best Animated Picture this year, as was everybody. I've actually not seen it but after its nominations in the Golden Globes and BAFTAs it seemed like it would most definitely be thought of. However, the song from the film is featured and I have to say this is probably my least favourite. I like Tegan & Sara, they're original and often refreshing but this song is anything but, repetitive and annoying, I really hope it doesn't win.
2. 'Glory' from Selma
Another film snubbed, especially in the categories of Best Director and Best Actor. This nomination isn't enough, but is completely justified. The song is one of the best of this year's nominees. John Legend's chorus is reminiscent of the church songs that fuelled the Civil Rights Movement and has so much soul and passion. Whilst the 'rap' is a little bit too literal, it was a great way of introducing the movement to the masses. I hope this wins, it's looking like it very well may do, but you never know.
3. 'Grateful' from Beyond the Lights
I actually really want to see this film, despite this being, like The Lego Movie, the only category the film is nominated in. I also find this the catchiest of the nominees, the backing vocals are great and it certainly sounds like an uplifting end-credit type of song. However, it is rather generic, and the chorus is so plain. We get it, Rita, you're grateful.
4. 'I'm Not Gonna Miss You' from Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me
Probably one of the front-runners with 'Glory', as it is actually a really good song. I really really enjoyed this one, again, despite not seeing the film. The lyrics, like 'Glory' are some of the more meaningful, however, they feel so much more personal than 'Glory' and I would not be surprised if this actually won.
5. 'Lost Stars' from Begin Again
Guess what? I also haven't seen this film! I find Adam Levine hit-and-miss, and when he uses the lyrics 'let's get drunk on our tears', it's probably a miss. His vocals are good but then he bursts into some kind of falsetto high-pitched vocals injecting so much more energy and passion into the song. At first it was bland, but then 'I thought I saw you out there crying' saved it. Decent song, probably won't win though. Interested to see him hit those notes live on Sunday.
Have a listen for yourself and come to your conclusion, these are just my thoughts and you're welcome to disagree. Let me know your favourites and let's see who wins this Sunday.
At the beginning of this week I set out a task to watch all of the films nominated for Best Picture at this year's Oscars. I'm half-way through and thought I'd provide a little break from reviews and talk about my favourites.
The Grand Budapest Hotel | Dir. Wes Anderson(Source: film captures)
Title: The Dead Tracks (David Raker #2) Author: Tim Weaver OriginallyPublished: 2011 PageCount: 550 pages Genre: Crime Publishedby: Penguin
Date Read: January 6th - 18th 2015
The second book with Weaver's antihero, David Raker, sees him back on form as he investigates the disappearance of 17-year-old Megan Carver. The plot deepens and the mystery intensifies as the disappearance seems to be bringing back cases from over 100 years ago.
This is my fourth Tim Weaver story, and I have to say this is up there with his better ones. The introduction to Raker with Chasing the Dead was a bit shaky, whilst this one certainly picks up and chips away at his character even more. Raker's backstory, whilst not as fleshed out or as interesting as say Rowling's Cormoran Strike, the backstory is steadily improving.
Title: Misery Author: Stephen King OriginallyPublished: 1987 PageCount: 369 Genre: Crime / Thriller Published by: Hodder Date Read: 21st August 2013 - 4th January 2015 (I put it down almost immediately and essentially read it within two days after picking it back up in January - Don't judge me!)
My favourite ever genre is crime/thrillers, whether that be with films or books. So it may be surprising that Stephen King's 'Misery' has only just been returned to my bookshelf, read. I have been told countless times to read his books and watch his adaptations, and whilst I've seen 'The Shining' and 'Carrie', ' and whilst my mum has even bought me 'Dolores Claiborne' because she insists I'd love it, I've still never ventured into the world of Stephen King's writing. Misery was always going to be a story I would enjoy, a macabre plot centred around literature and an unhinged Kathy Bates. Perfect. However, being me, and knowing I would enjoy it, I had to read the book before watching the film and despite opening the book on the 21st August 2013, I only just recently picked the book up again to finish it. I have many reasons, but no justifiable ones.
Title: Fall From Grace (David Raker #5)
