JCLCharlesH's Completed Shelf
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The Bullet SwallowerThe Bullet Swallower, BookA Novel
by Gonzalez James, ElizabethBook - 2024Book, 2024
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2024
Jurassic ParkJurassic Park, DVD
DVD - 2000DVD, 2000
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2024
Comment:
The first in the Jurassic Park series still holds up as a fun, scary, and magical experience. John William's score is consistently on point, and the storytelling is deeper than I remember from watching this movie as a child.
Jurassic Park IIIJurassic Park III, DVD
DVD - 2001DVD, 2001
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2024
Comment:
The first film in the Jurassic Park franchise not directed by Spielberg, the plot of this was much lighter and the action more violent with less build up. Basically a 90 minute chase scene and even the majestic moments felt rushed to get back to running.The first film in the Jurassic Park franchise not directed by Spielberg, the plot of this was much lighter and the action more violent with less build up. Basically a 90 minute chase scene and even the majestic moments felt rushed to get back to…
The Lost WorldThe Lost World, DVDJurassic Park
DVD - 2000DVD, 2000
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2024
Comment:
I used to say this was my favorite Jurassic Park film, and on re-watching it I still enjoyed it, but its has more story it wants to tell than time so it leans more action and less narrative. Still highly nostalgic for me, but the end is a bit corny.
Star Trek, Strange New Worlds, Season TwoStar Trek, Strange New Worlds, Season Two, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2024
Comment:
Strange New Worlds season 2 continues to set the standard for new Star Trek TV shows. Filled with action and drama, but moreover laced with a love of Trek and a joy for the story, it is hard to beat this show.
Baby Bear's BakeryBaby Bear's Bakery, Graphic NovelPart 1
by KamentotsuGraphic Novel - 2021Graphic Novel, 2021
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2024
Comment:
A graphic novel of a baby bear who can bake but has no idea how to run a bakery teams up with a human to run a bakery. Cute overload is the goal of the book, though I personally didn't care for the baby talk written out for the bear (e.g. "I wuv you").A graphic novel of a baby bear who can bake but has no idea how to run a bakery teams up with a human to run a bakery. Cute overload is the goal of the book, though I personally didn't care for the baby talk written out for the bear (e.g. "I wuv…
Narwhalicorn and JellyNarwhalicorn and Jelly, Graphic Novel
by Clanton, BenGraphic Novel - 2022Graphic Novel, 2022
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2024
Comment:
Narwhal (the unicorn of the sea) and Jelly return in a cute fantasy about land unicorns and listening to your friends. The book was missing some of the now standard sections, but otherwise was the normal buddy based adventure.
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2024
Comment:
A fun picture book about a cat who was born flat and drifts through life unnoticed, until a laundry accident makes him cute and cuddly. But flat cat doesn't do cute and cuddly... or does he?
Princess Floralinda and the Forty-flight TowerPrincess Floralinda and the Forty-flight Tower, Book
by Muir, TamsynBook - 2021Book, 2021
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2024
Comment:
This book twists the normal damsel in distress fairy tale and instead presents a darkly funny story of a witch who kidnaps for the love of the art, a surly fairy, and a princess who has to face the 40 floors of monsters that stand between her and freedom.This book twists the normal damsel in distress fairy tale and instead presents a darkly funny story of a witch who kidnaps for the love of the art, a surly fairy, and a princess who has to face the 40 floors of monsters that stand between her and…
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2024
Comment:
This novel presents the stories of centuries of lives, all through the common lens of the land that they called home. The vignettes are funny and tragic and magical and strange, and they all come together in celebration of the enduring majesty of the land.This novel presents the stories of centuries of lives, all through the common lens of the land that they called home. The vignettes are funny and tragic and magical and strange, and they all come together in celebration of the enduring majesty of…
Star TrekStar Trek, DVDPicard. The Final Season
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2024
Comment:
The final season of Star Trek - Picard reunites the beloved characters of The Next Generation for one more mission. Despite the plot of an existential threat to the galaxy, this was fun and feel good nostalgia for any TNG fans out there.
The American BuffaloThe American Buffalo, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2024
Comment:
Ken Burns' most recent documentary charts the catastrophic manmade extinction event that almost completely wiped bison off the Earth, and then highlights key figures and groups in the restoration of bison to their current numbers.
MacbethMacbeth, Graphic NovelA Tale of Horror
by Ascari, StefanoGraphic Novel - 2023Graphic Novel, 2023
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2024
Comment:
Bloody and dark, this graphic novel takes Shakespeare's words and brings them to life in a macabre take on the original. At times a bit gory for my taste, but definitely a unique presentation of this story.
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2024
Comment:
This sequel to a Spindle Splintered picks up the story of Zinnia and continues to tell an interesting story about human agency and the choices we make all with the same emphasis on empowering people who feel trapped to find a different path.
BrobotsBrobots, Graphic NovelThe Complete Collection
by Torres, J.Graphic Novel - 2024Graphic Novel, 2024
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2024
Comment:
A compilation of three BroBots comics - This trio of robotic siblings are here to save the day and even if they aren't always the best at minimizing collateral damage. Cute art and full of non-stop puns.
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Mar 05, 2024
Comment:
This novella deals with issues around human connection, environmental conservation, and scientific ethics, all played against a backdrop of obsession, romance, and death. The ending felt a little flat, but the story in general was quite compelling.
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Jan 31, 2024
Comment:
I am a sucker for a fairy tale retelling novella, and this one hit all the right boxes. Punchy writing, unexpected plot twists, and great characters are all there, packed into under 120 pages.
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Jan 31, 2024
Comment:
An adorable picture book about a tough buffalo who is always bullying everyone around him until a rainstorm reveals he may not be as big and tough as he pretends. Good message about acceptance and kindness in the end.
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Jan 31, 2024
Comment:
This graphic novel features a 12 year old girl who accidentally gets sent back in time 65 million years and has to survive the dangers all around her while trying to find a way home. Cute illustrations and well written.
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Jan 31, 2024
Comment:
A cute picture book for any princesses out there with a love for dragons. Silly fun and friendship with a lyrical writing style. The dragon is also just very sweet.
Peter & the WolfPeter & the Wolf, Graphic NovelAn Extraordinary Retelling
by Friday, GavinGraphic Novel - 2023Graphic Novel, 2023
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Jan 31, 2024
Comment:
This graphic novel was produced as an animated feature for HBO Max to benefit the Irish Hospice Foundation. A new take on the classic story, the illustrations convey the emotion even without the musical accompaniment.
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Jan 31, 2024
Comment:
This steampunk western was a fun mix of historical characters (notably including the US Marshal Bass Reaves) and fantastical elements like mind control machines. The plot was a little flat, but the world building keeps the reader engaged.
A Pocket Guide to Pigeon WatchingA Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching, BookGetting to Know the World's Most Misunderstood Bird
by Mosco, RosemaryBook - 2021Book, 2021
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Jan 31, 2024
Comment:
Mosco's signature art style and passion for science communication in the world of birds come through loud and clear. I picked it up thinking it would be a humor book, but found instead a strong and yet thoughtful argument about why pigeons are fun to watch.Mosco's signature art style and passion for science communication in the world of birds come through loud and clear. I picked it up thinking it would be a humor book, but found instead a strong and yet thoughtful argument about why pigeons are fun…
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Jan 31, 2024
Comment:
Echoes of Cormac McCarthy (no relation to the author) abound through this bleak recollection of two Irish born brothers on the run from the law at the end of the Civil War. A story of survival and hardship in a tough world, the vivid writing and interesting characters carry the novel.Echoes of Cormac McCarthy (no relation to the author) abound through this bleak recollection of two Irish born brothers on the run from the law at the end of the Civil War. A story of survival and hardship in a tough world, the vivid writing and…
The Princess and the (greedy) PeaThe Princess and the (greedy) Pea, Book
by Hodgkinson, LeighBook - 2023Book, 2023
JCLCharlesH's rating:
Added Jan 31, 2024
Comment:
This princess and the pea book is based on the old woman who swallowed a fly format, but also to get the ending, the reader should be familiar with the story of the princess and the pea. Tricky read if the kids aren't familiar with that aspect.
Comment: