haploU5
Vancouver Island Regional Library
haploU5's Completed Shelf
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J. EdgarJ. Edgar, DVD
DVD - 2012DVD, 2012
haploU5's rating:
Added Oct 21, 2012
War HorseWar Horse, DVD
DVD - 2012DVD, 2012
haploU5's rating:
Added Oct 17, 2012
Comment:
Spielberg’s saga about the life of a horse unwillingly handed over to several different owners as WWI progresses. Some scenes are heart wrenchingly sad, some are uplifting. The story is slow to start but once it gets rolling it is quite gripping. Action-packed and astonishingly well made as Spielberg is so renowned for.Spielberg’s saga about the life of a horse unwillingly handed over to several different owners as WWI progresses. Some scenes are heart wrenchingly sad, some are uplifting. The story is slow to start but once it gets rolling it is quite gripping.…
Guns, Germs, and SteelGuns, Germs, and Steel, DVD
DVD - 2005DVD, 2005
haploU5's rating:
Added Aug 17, 2012
Comment:
Brilliant! This documentary was made with the purpose of answering the age old question of human inequality; why do some of us have so much while other cultures around the planet have so little and how did this come to be? Jared Diamond, a scientist and author, made it his mission to find out and came up with an intriguing theory. Spending many years in New Guinea, he noticed that the population, though poor when compared to our materialistic standards, flourished in an environment we westerners struggled with. He saw ingenuity, talent and intelligence in other ancient cultures that promptly dismissed the suggestion of superior intelligence in the white race.
His reasoning told him to go back to the beginning of human civilisation and his insights directed him to look at geographical location. By analyzing the environment, crops, animals and other factors, his research clearly showed a favourable climate in Europe that enabled highly nutritious food to be grown and the best animals to be domesticated. The building of an immunity system against certain animal borne diseases lowered their death rate and with the basic struggle of providing enough food no longer a daily chore, the people were now free to educate themselves, develop skills and use their time creatively, propelling them toward a successful existence.
The series is split into 3 parts, with the first 2 being the most interesting; the third part, disappointingly, reviews much of the first two parts.Brilliant! This documentary was made with the purpose of answering the age old question of human inequality; why do some of us have so much while other cultures around the planet have so little and how did this come to be? Jared Diamond, a scientist…
Rather OutspokenRather Outspoken, Audiobook CDMy Life in the News
by Rather, DanAudiobook CD - 2012Audiobook CD, 2012
haploU5's rating:
Added Jul 25, 2012
Comment:
I remember Dan Rather from when I was a kid watching the CBS evening news with my parents. Now in his 80’s, Dan Rather tells his story sweeping through President Eisenhower to Obama along with some of the biggest news stories of the times. His lifelong, tenacious belief to report the truth no matter what, regrettably led to his being fired from his long standing anchor position at CBS. Some of the highlights of his autobiography, besides his suing CBS, are his insights on the war in Afghanistan and the cryptic role Pakistan played in the death of Bin Laden. Narrated by the American icon himself, Rather Outspoken, raises awareness on how the media increasingly controls what we see and hear in the news. Informative and inspiring.I remember Dan Rather from when I was a kid watching the CBS evening news with my parents. Now in his 80’s, Dan Rather tells his story sweeping through President Eisenhower to Obama along with some of the biggest news stories of the times. His…
The Immortal Life of Henrietta LacksThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Audiobook CD
by Skloot, RebeccaAudiobook CD - 2010Audiobook CD, 2010
haploU5's rating:
Added Jul 21, 2012
Comment:
This is a work of non-fiction but told as a narrative. It is formatted so you get a mixture of anecdotal story and documentary facts; all interwoven to create a compelling read. The subject matter is primarily about the lack of formal consent needed by doctors to harvest anyone’s cells or tissues during common medical examinations and the total absence of regulation by researchers /scientists to use this biological material in an endless variety of tests, trials, and purposes. The narrative is about the huge impact this has on a poor black family, when the truth surfaces about a deceased family member whose super viable cells have been harvested and used extensively for many years in innumerable ways, from testing how human cells react to nuclear radiation to sending them into space, to playing an important part in finding vaccines and cancer treatments.
This book raises quite a few controversial questions like should people be told if their cells are being harvested? Should patients have the right to determine how and to what purpose their cells are being used and should they be able to share in the profits of big pharmaceutical companies seeing as they were a major contributor to their discoveries? Would doing so impede the progress of science? This was an eye-opener for me and a thoroughly enlightening experience. If this sounds like a real x- file episode, it is because it is one. This is a subject everyone needs to be aware of.This is a work of non-fiction but told as a narrative. It is formatted so you get a mixture of anecdotal story and documentary facts; all interwoven to create a compelling read. The subject matter is primarily about the lack of formal consent needed…
The Hunger GamesThe Hunger Games, Audiobook CD
by Collins, SuzanneAudiobook CD - 2008Audiobook CD, 2008
haploU5's rating:
Added Jun 28, 2012
Comment:
I was aware that this story was targeted at a young adult audience but was neverthless disappointed at its shallowness and lack of substance. I was initially looking forward to seeing how the protagonist would deal with the obvious moral struggles that would inevitably occur. My curiosity was soon dashed when all situations that demanded any sort of dilemma or heart wrenching decisions were ever so conveniently eliminated by the author re-writing the rules of the game. This quickly became irritating as did the transparency of where the plot was going. No twists or turns for this one. It's somewhat concerning that such a mediocre piece of writing enthralled so many young people and created such hype.I was aware that this story was targeted at a young adult audience but was neverthless disappointed at its shallowness and lack of substance. I was initially looking forward to seeing how the protagonist would deal with the obvious moral struggles…
haploU5's rating:
Added May 24, 2012
Comment:
Greatly disappointing.
I was expecting so much more from a Margaret Atwood story.
It is very descriptive with seemingly no plot. The protagonist, a teenage girl, who experiences bullying, is so annoyingly passive that trying to evoke feelings of empathy is next to impossible. I couldn’t wait to finish so I could move on to the next audiobook.Greatly disappointing.
I was expecting so much more from a Margaret Atwood story.
It is very descriptive with seemingly no plot. The protagonist, a teenage girl, who experiences bullying, is so annoyingly passive that trying to evoke feelings of…
14911491, Audiobook CD[new Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus]
by Mann, Charles C.Audiobook CD - 2005Audiobook CD, 2005
haploU5's rating:
Added Apr 29, 2012
Comment:
1491 - the year before Christopher Columbus discovered America. This is a work of non-fiction intent on redefining pre Columbian civilisations in the Western Hemisphere. Or so I thought. Unfortunately, it fails in several ways. Most of the subject matter is a rehash of North and South American history AFTER they were discovered, not before. There is a clear bias on the author’s part that becomes irritating very quickly. He unremittingly depicts the Europeans as incompetent oafs while painting the Indians (that’s the term used throughout the book) as sublime beings living peaceful, symbiotic lives with the land. His sometimes pompous and scoffing statements on other scientists’ theories only led me to questions his agenda. Too few interesting concepts and the narrator’s droning monotonous voice made this a hard one to finish. Not recommended. I much preferred “Guns, Germs and Steel” .1491 - the year before Christopher Columbus discovered America. This is a work of non-fiction intent on redefining pre Columbian civilisations in the Western Hemisphere. Or so I thought. Unfortunately, it fails in several ways. Most of the subject…
haploU5's rating:
Added Apr 26, 2012
Comment:
An unkind look at growing old and the accompanying afflictions is the major theme of this novel. The story unfolds through the eyes of a lonely, aging man struggling to find solace in the world he inadvertently created for himself through his actions and treatment of others during his lifetime. Though very well written the subject is rather depressing. At only 4 discs long, though, the story moves swiftly and does a good job at keeping your interest. The author, Philip Roth, has won many literary awards and been listed for the Nobel Prize for Literature.An unkind look at growing old and the accompanying afflictions is the major theme of this novel. The story unfolds through the eyes of a lonely, aging man struggling to find solace in the world he inadvertently created for himself through his…
Living HistoryLiving History, Audiobook CD
by Clinton, Hillary RodhamAudiobook CD - 2003Audiobook CD, 2003
haploU5's rating:
Added Apr 25, 2012
Comment:
Not a big fan of autobiographies, I found myself tempted to pick this one up only because of the recent rumours that Hilary may run in the 2016 presidential race. The audiobook is appealingly narrated by the former first lady herself. It covers the major events of her life from birth to her inauguration as a New York State senator. Events covered include Whitewater, Rwanda, the Lewinsky debacle and the numerous, devious and unrelenting plots by the republican party to try and topple her husband.
I was not previously aware of the enormous efforts Hilary Clinton spent in brining attention to the lack of women’s and children’s rights around the world. I learned about micro loans and the difference they can make in poor, oppressed cultures. An interesting read told by an interesting, intelligent and compassionate person.Not a big fan of autobiographies, I found myself tempted to pick this one up only because of the recent rumours that Hilary may run in the 2016 presidential race. The audiobook is appealingly narrated by the former first lady herself. It covers the…
Cyrano De BergeracCyrano De Bergerac, Audiobook CD
by Rostand, EdmondAudiobook CD - 2005Audiobook CD, 2005
haploU5's rating:
Added Apr 19, 2012
Comment:
A short story about an eloquent poet and fearless warrior, who becomes paralyzed and unable to express his feelings when it comes to Roxane, the woman he so desperately loves. Friends with a man that also loves her, but is hopelessly inarticulate, Cyrano decides to write his love letters for him in a deceptive gesture of empathy. The conspiracy is doomed from the beginning but the story makes for a good couple hours of entertainment.
Not narrated but acted out in play form with different voices for different characters complete with sound effects.A short story about an eloquent poet and fearless warrior, who becomes paralyzed and unable to express his feelings when it comes to Roxane, the woman he so desperately loves. Friends with a man that also loves her, but is hopelessly inarticulate,…
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie SocietyThe Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Audiobook CD
by Shaffer, Mary AnnAudiobook CD - 2008Audiobook CD, 2008
haploU5's rating:
Added Apr 18, 2012
Comment:
This story actually brought tears to my eyes.
Told through a series of letters written in 1946, the story unfolds as Juliet, an aspiring author, starts a correspondence with a group people on a small British island called Guernsey in the English Channel. Occupied by the Germans during WWII, the inhabitants, each one more unique and quirky than the previous, spins a tale of how they coped with the hardships and atrocities of war; and how their odd named literary society began.
The story will please any literature buff. Some off the books the society discussed over the years are mentioned as are some of their reviews. A few made me chuckle, others lifted my eyebrows and some authors mentioned I had to look up as I was not aware of them. They are now on my “for later” shelf.
Vivid characters, heart wrenching scenarios and uplifting heroism make this a superb tale that is very much recommendedThis story actually brought tears to my eyes.
Told through a series of letters written in 1946, the story unfolds as Juliet, an aspiring author, starts a correspondence with a group people on a small British island called Guernsey in the English…
The Professor and the MadmanThe Professor and the Madman, BookA Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary
by Winchester, SimonBook - 2005Book, 2005
haploU5's rating:
Added Apr 15, 2012
Comment:
Tells the tale of the making of the Oxford English dictionary and the monumental effort it demanded. Interesting the way they went about it, but the part of the story I was most intrigued by was Minor’s life and the suggested events that drove him to his madness. I couldn’t help but notice the similarities of his symptoms to those of today’s alien abductees. Even more intriguing was the connection of his duties as a doctor in the Civil War to the cause of his insanity. This story prompted me to take a look at some of suggested readings mentioned at the end of the book. I am looking forward to finding out more on the subject of the OED and the making of other dictionaries and related works.
Enjoyable , different, liked it!Tells the tale of the making of the Oxford English dictionary and the monumental effort it demanded. Interesting the way they went about it, but the part of the story I was most intrigued by was Minor’s life and the suggested events that drove him…
Blue CrushBlue Crush, DVD
DVD - 2002DVD, 2002
haploU5's rating:
Added Apr 09, 2012
Comment:
Good beach movie. Not an academy award winner but if you are in the mood for a light, fun movie, this is it. Great surfing footage; makes you nostalgic for those hot summer vaction days.
Memoirs of A GeishaMemoirs of A Geisha, DVD
DVD - 2006DVD, 2006
haploU5's rating:
Added Apr 08, 2012
Comment:
Great depictions of mid-20th century Japan’s cultural heritage. Having listened to the audiobook first, I was a bit apprehensive as to the quality of the movie but was not disappointed; it holds mostly true to the book. Characters are fabulous, scenery is amazing and even though I knew the ending, I found myself holding my breath. Loved it!Great depictions of mid-20th century Japan’s cultural heritage. Having listened to the audiobook first, I was a bit apprehensive as to the quality of the movie but was not disappointed; it holds mostly true to the book. Characters are fabulous,…
haploU5's rating:
Added Apr 03, 2012
Comment:
Set in the troubled deep south of the sixties where racism is rampant, the story of a group of white women and their black maids is told through the perspective of three different individuals, both black and white. You will cringe as well as laugh out loud as this brilliant story unfolds and plunges you into the world of the domestic help that is so deeply involved in the everyday life of their employers yet treated so shabbily.
The narration couldn’t have been better. The southern accents of the 3 women telling the story added that much more to an already rich narrative. Great story, well done, absolutely loved it !Set in the troubled deep south of the sixties where racism is rampant, the story of a group of white women and their black maids is told through the perspective of three different individuals, both black and white. You will cringe as well as laugh…
haploU5's rating:
Added Mar 26, 2012
Comment:
This is a true story about exceptional strength and courage, perseverance and determination. Ayaan, born in Somalia, into a male dominated Muslim culture that subjugates women and demands submission to Allah (the word Islam means “submission to God”) is driven to find answers in a faith that only raises more questions. Refusing to blindly follow teachings that increasingly make her uneasy; she furtively begins her dangerous journey towards equality and freedom to a place that exudes freedom: Holland.
While her story evokes feelings of exuberance and hope it also elicits certain abjectness. For every Ayaan there are thousands of others who will never reach the point of enlightenment she achieved; many will never know it even exists, others still will try and destroy it through sheer ignorance.
A powerful story and a great learning experience .This is a true story about exceptional strength and courage, perseverance and determination. Ayaan, born in Somalia, into a male dominated Muslim culture that subjugates women and demands submission to Allah (the word Islam means “submission to…
haploU5's rating:
Added Mar 25, 2012
Comment:
I have mixed feelings about this one. I enjoyed being led through the story, more or less blindly, since you are only provided with the protagonist’s version of events. Given his nature which was at times questionable, it made for a compelling, enigmatic read. It was quite clear that things weren’t right as subtle hints were dropped such as one character repeating “you still don’t get it, do you” seemingly talking directly to the reader. I was waiting for the “ah-ha” moment but it sadly never came. Instead I found myself wondering if I had missed something. Very well written but rather anti climatic.I have mixed feelings about this one. I enjoyed being led through the story, more or less blindly, since you are only provided with the protagonist’s version of events. Given his nature which was at times questionable, it made for a compelling,…
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's NestOne Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, DVD
DVD - 2002DVD, 2002
haploU5's rating:
Added Mar 20, 2012
Comment:
A delinquent with anger issues is committed to an insane asylum seemingly to avoid a prison sentence where he befriends patients and forms alliances that cause chaos in the previously calm and carefully controlled environment Nurse Ratchet works so hard to accomplish. Playing head games with Randall (Nicholson) her unemotional, calm demeanor drives him to the edge. This film exposes the horrific, unethical practises we used to treat the mentally ill back in the day and makes one wonder how much we’ve progressed. An exceptional, disturbing and highly provocative film.
A classic and Jack Nicholson’s piece de resistance.A delinquent with anger issues is committed to an insane asylum seemingly to avoid a prison sentence where he befriends patients and forms alliances that cause chaos in the previously calm and carefully controlled environment Nurse Ratchet works so…
The Adjustment BureauThe Adjustment Bureau, DVD
DVD - 2011DVD, 2011
haploU5's rating:
Added Mar 18, 2012
Comment:
A fast paced thriller about free will and the ability to influence your destiny. Seems to be an attempt to cross a chick-flic with an action movie. Entertaining enough but a bit too whimsical for my taste.
haploU5's rating:
Added Mar 09, 2012
Comment:
If you can stand 11 hours of baby talk, then this audiobook is not half bad. Unfortunately, Jack, the 5 year old narrator made this a painful listen. The action starts on disc 4, before that you get a very long description of what life is like in a garden shed with Mom. Every piece of furniture is referred to by its name (the carpet is called “carpet” and the wardrobe is called “wardrobe” etc). The literal meaning of every conversation Jack hears and questions gets old very quickly. Once past this, the story does get exciting, even suspenseful but then, irritatingly, fizzles out again. Not a bad story but far from exceptional.If you can stand 11 hours of baby talk, then this audiobook is not half bad. Unfortunately, Jack, the 5 year old narrator made this a painful listen. The action starts on disc 4, before that you get a very long description of what life is like in a…
ConvictionConviction, DVD
DVD - 2011DVD, 2011
haploU5's rating:
Added Mar 04, 2012
Comment:
In 1980, Kenny, a perturbed individual is arrested for a brutal murder he claims he did not commit. When sentenced to life without parole, his sister, outraged and indignant, vows to get him justice. Through unrelenting perseverance and exceptional devotion she puts herself through law school and takes her brother’s case, uncovering disturbing tainted testimony and a policewoman’s unconventional methods used to incriminate Kenny.
A remarkable true story.In 1980, Kenny, a perturbed individual is arrested for a brutal murder he claims he did not commit. When sentenced to life without parole, his sister, outraged and indignant, vows to get him justice. Through unrelenting perseverance and exceptional…
The Winter PalaceThe Winter Palace, PaperbackA Novel of Catherine the Great
by Stachniak, EvaPaperback - 2012Paperback, 2012
haploU5's rating:
Added Mar 03, 2012
Comment:
This is the story of Catherine the Great’s rise to power in 18th centure Russia. It ends with Catherine becoming Empress and her story continues in the sequel which is not yet published as of October 2012.
This is my first novel on the subject of the renowned Empress and I am looking forward to learning more. I found the subject matter appealing; the story had enough history mixed with drama to keep my interest. I’m looking forward to Book II.This is the story of Catherine the Great’s rise to power in 18th centure Russia. It ends with Catherine becoming Empress and her story continues in the sequel which is not yet published as of October 2012.
This is my first novel on the subject of…
LimitlessLimitless, DVD
DVD - 2011DVD, 2011
haploU5's rating:
Added Mar 02, 2012
Summary:
A down and out writer runs into an old acquaintance who, feeling sorry for him, gives him a pill that grants access to 100% of the brain instead of the 20% most of us are limited to. Realizing he can make large sums of money before the drug’s potent effects wear off, addiction quickly takes hold. Soon alarming side effects begin to appear, as do thugs out to kill him and his life sustaining supply starts to dwindle. Not bad; keeps your interest to the end.A down and out writer runs into an old acquaintance who, feeling sorry for him, gives him a pill that grants access to 100% of the brain instead of the 20% most of us are limited to. Realizing he can make large sums of money before the drug’s…
After.lifeAfter.life, DVD
DVD - 2010DVD, 2010
haploU5's rating:
Added Feb 26, 2012
Comment:
A creepy horror/psychological thriller with a unique storyline. Worth picking up if you like disturbing plots that keeps you guessing.
Comment: