Where the Crawdads Sing (movie review)

Disclaimer: I tried my best not to spoil anything, but there still may be some accidental spoilers

Overview

This movie is directed by Olivia Newman and based on the novel “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens.

Story

This movie adaptation is actually very similar to the book, with some parts condensed. It is about Kya, an outcast girl whose family left her when she was a little girl, so she had to learn to take care for herself in the Marsh. It takes place in the 1960s, and switches between 1969 and before the trial. After falling for two very different guys throughout her life and throughout the story, Kya’s life takes a turn.

When the popular Chase Andrews is found dead in the forest, everyone immediately suspects Kya, and the story goes back and forth between the trial and what happened before. Kya, after being alone all her life, finally, but slowly, starts letting a few people into her life.

She has no idea what will happen, and no idea what it will lead to. She has to make a life-changing decision about a threat to her livelihood. Both parts of the story, the trial, and the history are vivid and intriguing. It has an amazing plot, twist, and storyline.

Conclusion

Controversial opinion: I like the movie a bit better because the book gets kind of slow at some points, but I loved both!

10/10

The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo

Overview

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a brilliantly written novel, published on June 13, 2017.

Story

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo follows the main character, Monique Grant, a seemingly random reporter who has been picked to do an interview with The Famous Evelyn Hugo, who lived one of the most successful careers in Hollywood. This comes as a shock to the world as up until now, Evelyn had been hiding from the public eye for years.

She starts off with her history, and how she became Evelyn Hugo. Then, she tells Monique about having to be cunning to survive in Hollywood. She talks about her relationships, and about how all of her seven husbands played a part in her life. Monique quickly finds out that Evelyn’s life was full of scandalous secrets, strategically kept from the public eye.

And as Evelyn’s story becomes more twisted and complicated, Monique also finds out about a secret relationship that no one would ever have thought that The Evelyn Hugo would be part of, and she finds out that Evelyn Hugo has cunningly tricked the public many times. But, Monique also finds just as in everything else in Evelyn’s life, she had a calculated reason for picking Monique to be her reporter.

Conclusion

I absolutely love this book. It is enthralling and once you pick it up, you can’t put it down. There are twists in every chapter and you will absolutely love all the complicated characters, especially Evelyn Hugo.

10/10

They Both Die at the End

Overview

They Both Die at the End is a novel by Adam Silvera. It was published on September 5th, 2017.

Story

In a world with a death cast, people get a call telling them they are going to die sometime in the next 24 hours. This call doesn’t tell them how or where, just that their death is going to occur.

When the two completely unrelated main characters of this book get the call, they both decide to go on a website that helps people who got the death cast meet each other. When they meet, they never would have believed that they, two very contrasting people, made a very good match. And they never would have thought that they would live more in their 24 hours than they had before in their lives.

As they discover more and more about the world, each other, and themselves, we also learn about more characters in this world. Even though the title spoils the ending, you don’t see it coming, and the ending hits harder than you would’ve thought.

Conclusion

I really loved this book, and the character dynamics and morals were all really interesting. Would definitely recommend!

9/10

If He Had Been with Me

Overview

If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin is a contemporary teen romance book published on April 2nd, 2013.

Story

This book is about a girl named Autumn, who loves literature and writing. She lives next door to Finny, with whom she has been best friends since they were born. Until, all of a sudden they weren’t friends anymore, and Autumn had to find another friend group at the start of high school.

She found a new friend group, and she finds a boy in this newly formed friend group. When they start dating, Autumn discovers more and more things about herself. She feels conflicted and thinks about what could’ve been as she is thrown into love, regret, and deep sadness.

Conclusion

In this heartbreaking book, even though you see the ending coming, it still hits hard and still has twists. Would recommend, though it got a little repetitive in the middle.

7.8/10

Avatar: The Way of Water

Disclaimer: I tried my best not to spoil anything, but there may still be some accidental spoilers.

Overview:

Avatar: The Way of Water is the second movie in the Avatar series. It is a science fiction/action movie directed by James Cameron. It was released recently, on December 16th, 2022.

Story:

Jake Sully and Ney’tiri, with their new family, must flee the Omitikaya clan due to an old threat returning even stronger than last time. They live with one of the Metikayan clan and have to adapt to their new oceanic environment. When Spider, a human friend of the family who also has a complicated family history, is kidnapped by the enemy, the threat to the family is at its greatest.

After getting off to a bumpy start, and finding it difficult to adapt to the ocean environment, the old threats progress, and with new determination to get revenge, they start to move in on Jake Sully and his family. Jake Sully, Ney’tiri, and their four children make new friends and must face the old threat together.

They discover new creatures in their new environment, and the new characters are all just as interesting, mesmerizing, and complicated as the old ones. Then, with an amazing and feirce, back and forth battle at the end, you feel sympathy for all sides of the battle.

Conclusion:

I really loved this movie, and it’s really difficult not to spoil anything, but the special effects are absolutely amazing, and every minute of this movie is engrossing.

Also, the character dynamics and interactions with one another are amazing, and you love all of the characters, especially the relationships between the siblings (Jake Sully’s and Neytiri’s children), who all have different, interesting backgrounds.

10/10

The Ghostwriter (Part 3)

Robert was concerned, to say the least. His boss, Morgan Cross, had been acting… unusually. He inquired his boss about his different behavior but was quickly shut down. But it wasn’t that Morgan was acting more and more stressed out, he usually did stress out about his deadlines and story, but it seemed that Morgan was acting distant and frantic, almost as if he was keeping secrets. But that wasn’t all. Although he was stressed and working hard, Morgan had no growth in his story. So what was going on with Morgan? Robert didn’t know what was causing his boss to act strange, but he knew he had to find out…

The letter had black swirling designs as a border, and the envelope was sealed with a fancy red wax seal. Morgan pulled the letter out and read, “Celebrate Locke Company’s 50th Anniversary” Everybody who was somebody was gonna be there. Normally, Morgan avoided these events and galas, but this was the perfect opportunity to look into the disappearance of James Graves and get rid of the Ghostwriter. It was taking place at the Locke Company’s HQ, which had a room where Christopher Locke kept a log and database of things related to the company.

…

After weeks of planning, the time came to go to the gala. Robert had insisted on coming along, much to Morgan’s protest. Morgan had it all planned out, he would go to the gala and talk as little as possible, and as soon as the opportunity presented itself, he would sneak away and use the database to learn more about James Graves.

He had also decided, after much inner conflict, that he would bring his laptop. It had seemed that his Ghostwriter wanted him to look into Graves, so maybe, if he brought his laptop he could communicate with the Ghostwriter.

“Are you ready, Mr. Cross?” Robert asked

Snapping out of his thoughts, “Yes, yes, let’s go,” Robert eyed him suspiciously as they left and the driver took them to the gala.

Locke Headquarters was towering over them with about 15 floors of workspace. The celebration was being held in the neighboring building and was huge. With large adjoining rooms and a medium lighting setting, everyone was dressed in suit ties or dresses. He recognized some of the people, everyone who was anyone was there. Robert stared aghast at all the formality, never have seeing so much glamour and professionalism before.

They saw Christopher Locke making his rounds about two rooms away from them.” Is that Christopher Locke?” Robert asked in awe.

He wore a formal black tuxedo and radiated power as he walked around the party. They watched as he made his way toward them.

“Hi, I’m Cristopher Locke,” he said as if it were necessary to introduce himself. “The Great Morgan Cross, I’m surprised to see you here, I thought you normally dodged these events”

“Yes, well I thought I should start going to more of these for PR, although events like this aren’t really my cup of tea, although you seem to have a beautiful party here,” Morgan said unused to chitchat, “This is my intern Robert,”

Usually, Robert was good at talking to people, but he seemed too in awe in front of the huge business tycoon, Christopher Locke, “Umm, hello,” was all he could bring himself to say.

“Nice to meet you, Robert, I’m glad you are enjoying the party, I should continue making my rounds. It was nice seeing you,” Locke continued on.

Robert also left to get refreshments, and Morgan decided this was the perfect opportunity to sneak out to the HQ. He weaved his way through the people and walked to the headquarters doors, but there was a security guard and a card scanner, and he seemed to remember a card on Christopher Locke’s belt.

“Great,” Morgan Cross muttered under his breath. He walked back to the gala while planning on getting that security card to find out more about James Graves. He walked back in and saw Locke approaching the stage about to propose a toast.

He quickly intercepted him. “Hello again Mr. Locke, I was just wondering if…” Morgan struggled to think of a valid reason to have stopped him, “if… you could tell me about some of your history of how you became so powerful.” he saw the card, and planned on how to get it.

“Well that’s quite a long story, but, oh well I’ll just tell you after,” Locke said as he turned an approached the stage, a nearby waiter walked towards them. Morgan made an impulsive decision.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” Morgan said as he purposely but stealthily tripped over the waiter and grabbed Locke’s key card. A few people saw Morgan trip and looked at him disapprovingly, but the rest didn’t see.

“Oh, it’s alright,” Locke said slightly annoyed, but he didn’t notice his missing key card, and continued for the stage.

Morgan ran to the HQ, and the guard looked at him suspiciously, but let him through nonetheless when he used the key card.

He ran to the main dashboard, typed in Jimmy Graves, and old newspaper articles appeared showing details about his death. It was stuff he already knew, which didn’t help. He tried typing in James Graves, and new results came in. It showed new details about his death, including things about his family.

Morgan noticed something, a small file that was classified about Graves. He reached into his bag, and pulled out his laptop so he could get his flash drive.

Just then, Christopher Locke ran into the HQ with a gun, “Morgan? What are you doing?” He nervously eyed the computer, and Morgan saw panic flash in his eyes when he saw that James Graves was typed in.

“I-, I- was..” Morgan struggled to think of something.

“You are not supposed to be in here.” Locke said in a threatening manner, “What are you looking for?” Locke put his gun down and took a deep breath, “Sorry, excuse my impulsiveness, I’m overreacting with the gun. But, what are you doing here,” Although Locke had calmed down, there was still an edginess to his eyes, and he kept glancing around frantically.

“Umm, I’m sorry, I- I just wandered in here when I-”

“DON’T LIE TO ME!” Locke held up the gun and pointed it at Morgan. Robert came running in, bursting through the gates. The guard who was supposed to be outside came in after him yelling.

Robert looked around at the scene, “What is going on!?”

But then, in the middle of the horror, something caught Morgan’s eye, his laptop sat next to him on the desk. Something appeared as if someone was typing at that moment.

Morgan watched in terror as three little words appeared, “It’s me, Jimmy.”

The Hate U Give

Overview

The Hate U Give is a YA novel by Angie Thomas, published on February 28th, 2017. It is about how 16-year-old Starr Carter’s life changes after watching her friend Khalil killed by a police officer.

Story

Starr Carter’s life is shattered after watching a police officer shoot her childhood best friend Khalil. As the only witness, Starr is pressured to tell the world what happened that night, but it isn’t that simple.

Starr lives in a poor neighborhood, but attends a wealthy prep school, having to be two different people to fit into both worlds. But speaking out about the truth, or withholding it could both have shattering consequences that not only Starr has to live with, but her loved ones as well.

When Khalil’s death blows up with activists and protesters, Starr has to juggle the gang and the drug lord of their neighborhood, and her prep school friends. All while she makes a decision about whether or not she should speak up or not.

Conclusion

This powerful and inspiring novel about civil rights and racism has an interesting and complicated main character, which adds to the story about the struggle for justice.

10/10

~ Reviewed by Anika A

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

Overview

“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson is a book published on May 2, 2019. “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” is a mystery and YA fiction. It is told from the perspective of 17-year-old Pippa (Pip) Fitz-Amobi who is investigating a murder that occurred in their town five years ago.

Story

For her senior capstone project, Pippa (Pip) Fitz-Amobi, is investigating a mystery that occurred in their town Fairview 5 years ago. Andie Bell, popular high school queen, disappeared one night. After becoming a suspect in Andie’s disappearance, Sal Singh, Andie’s boyfriend, was found dead in the forest a few days later. He allegedly killed himself after sending his dad a text confessing to the murder of Andie Bell.

But, Pip isn’t sure of this story that the rest of the town has accepted. She just doesn’t believe that Sal is guilty. So, with the help of Sal’s brother, Ravi Singh, she sets out on researching everyone who was involved in Andie and Sal’s lives, and anyone who may have had anything to do with the investigation. But, after uncovering many secrets, she quickly realizes that Andie Bell may not have been as perfect as everyone thought and that there are many other secrets that someone doesn’t want to be uncovered.

Pippa chose this project just so that she could raise enough doubt about Sal’s guilt, to get the police to look further into him. But she had no idea, about the secrets that lay buried underneath the surface of this case. Obsessed with solving this case, Pip had no idea of the web of lies she was getting into.

Conclusion

After just the first chapter, this book is impossible to put down. I would definitely recommend it to all YA mystery book lovers.

10/10

~ Reviewed by Anika A

The Ghostwriter (Part 2)

Days passed, and strange things continued happening to Morgan’s story.

Morgan didn’t tell Robert anything. He didn’t want to tell anyone anything as he was unsure of everything. He felt as if he was being watched, like he was losing his mind. It had come to the point where he was afraid to open his laptop. Could he somehow be doing something unknowingly to his story? 

His theory was proved incorrect when, one day, something different appeared, as opposed to the strange ominous notes. 

He opened his computer, and there was a single link, right below the ending of his story. He was hesitant but clicked on it. But then, Morgan was hit with a sudden surge of panic. His only copy of, “The Silenced Musician” was on this. If he lost this it could take two more years to get this out to the public and rewrite everything- The link loaded and led him to an old newspaper. 

The newspaper had a date of 1989, so it was five years old. The headline read “Billionaire Christopher Locke’s Assistant dead.” and underneath was Mr. Locke’s heartwarming speech. Morgan was confused. Why would his Ghostwriter want him to read some newspaper?

He continued and learned the assistant’s name was named Jimmy (James) Graves and was only 24 when he mysteriously disappeared and was presumed dead. The newspaper read that Locke was quite involved in the investigation, as he was close with Graves.

He read on, and he saw Locke’s speech in memory of Graves.

“Hello everyone, we are gathered here today in memory of James Graves. Jimmy was my assistant, but he was also my friend. He was like a son to me. He had a promising future ahead of him, and he brightened up the people with whom he worked. He was only 24, but intelligent beyond his age, and was taken too soon. Although we don’t know exactly what happened, we know James will live forever in our hearts.”

Morgan didn’t know exactly what this meant, but this situation was suspicious. He didn’t know who the ghostwriter was or how the ghostwriter was changing his story, but he now had an idea that the ghostwriter wanted him to look into Graves.

In the following days, Morgan wasn’t consumed by the thoughts of, “What should I change in my story?”, “How much should I complete to meet the deadline?”, or, “Will this plot twist please the public?”

No, now his every thought came back to two questions, “What happened to James Graves?”, and “Who is his ghostwriter?”

The Ghostwriter (Part 1)

Morgan Cross. This was the name of one of the most famous mystery writers, best known for his continual best sellers, written fluently and dramatically.

He sat in his study, every morning, mulling over possible twists, planning different possibilities and different paths the plot could take. And then slowly writing his story, revising, and rewriting. Morgan Cross loved this process. He lived this process. His whole life revolved around writing and creating stories. 

His intern, Robert, came in every morning and helped Morgan. He came with warm coffee and the morning newspaper in his hand. Although Robert was 17, with his boyish features, dark hair, and light brown eyes, he didn’t look a day over 15. But, he was a very hard worker, full of bright ideas, and Morgan appreciated this.

“Good morning, Sir,” Robert greeted.

“Good morning, Robert.”

“Do you need anything? Anything prepared or anything regarding your story?” Robert asked.

“No, I think that today you can take the day off, I will be working late. I fear I have fallen slightly behind schedule.”

“Yes, sir,” Robert walked away.

But one morning, when he opened his laptop to continue working on his new novel “The Silenced Musician”, he noticed something. Someone had changed small parts of his story. 

“Robert, come here,” Morgan said

“Yes?” 

“Did you change my story?” Morgan asked hesitantly.

“Of course not sir. I would only ever make suggestions if I ever had anything to change.” Robert defended. Even Morgan doubted that Robert would ever go behind his back, and he knew that Morgan’s whole life was in the stories he wrote.

Thinking nothing of it, Morgan changed his story back. He thought maybe he had changed the words while he was tired from working late, as he often did. 

“Yes, sorry Robert. Perhaps I should try to take a break today.” They talked, then Morgan worked on his story, went on a walk around his manor, and then went to sleep early as he should have done days ago. Then two days later, he went to work on his story.

Morgan clicked on the page he had been working on, but all of his writing was gone.

Instead, there were just two words on the entire page. Two words that seemed to whisper on forever…

Avenge me.