Showing 1 - 10 of 12
Trip down memory lane
Life, Tatat Bunnag, Published on 07/01/2022
» At different degrees, we are all so familiar with Harry Potter's stories and the wonderful magical adventure that went on to become one of the most successful novel and cinematic franchises of all time. Still, it's hard to believe that it's 20 years since the first film came out, and most of the original fans of the series are now in their 30s and 40s. After the success of reunion specials that have aired recently, like the epic fantasy series Game Of Thrones or the 90s sitcom Friends, HBO has brought us another heartwarming special with Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return To Hogwarts, the highly anticipated retrospective special that is now streaming exclusively on HBO GO.
Boston thriller
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 11/10/2019
» Dipping my fingers into the book bag, out came yet another by James Patterson. Can this reviewer help that the Yank is one of the most prolific writers in the business? His co-author this time around is Candice Fox. Which of them came up with this plot, I wonder?
Evil personified
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 10/01/2020
» When the terms genocide and war criminals are mentioned, the connections that usually come to mind are the Third Reich and Nuremberg. Japan too, and the Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal. Today a permanent process for prosecuting crimes against humanity has been established at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
How honest are you?
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 16/08/2019
» Those finding a wallet or purse, particularly when stuffed with money or gems, have their honesty sorely tested when the owner's ID is included. Ought they notify him or her? They need the valuables themselves. Was it just luck? Didn't God mean for them to have it? Likely as not the loser is rich and shrugged it off to experience. Or not.
Big city, small town
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 11/05/2018
» People are natural actors. Observe how they tell stories to their friends, passing on telephone conversations or what they saw or heard. They mimic and flap their arms for emphasis. Hoping for smiles or groans. Novelists aim to do the same with more words. Alas, only the better ones succeed. All too many try and fail.
Ace hitchhiker
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 02/03/2018
» British expatriate Lee Child has become perhaps the most respected thriller novelist in the US. His blurbs for colleagues' books send sales soaring. Jack Reacher, his literary creation, is a household name. Tom Cruise has played him in two successful movies.
Renaissance history
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 14/07/2017
» I am so conditioned when I pick up a new book about Italy that I expect it to be a historical novel about Ancient Rome. That period seems to fascinate historians and historical novelists. This reviewer finds it no more than somewhat interesting.
Lose the poetry
Life, Published on 15/06/2015
» The statistical argument invariably put forward by the gun lobby is that far more people die from mistaken medical treatment than from accidental shootings. To be sure, the proficiency of doctors often leaves much to be desired.
Horrendous 'fun'
Life, Published on 07/12/2015
» Perhaps the most misused term in any language is "fun". Frequently employed, its meaning is difficult to define. Going to the circus is fun, yet not funny, which can be pinned down. Drinking is called fun, but is it? Riding the roller-coaster? Depends on how sick you get. Fishing? Watching or playing games?
The war went on
Life, Bernard Trink, Published on 18/07/2016
» One of the annoying things about wars is that they don't all end when they are supposed to. After Yorktown, the American Revolution dragged on for two years. The Battle of New Orleans in 1815 was fought after the War of 1812 was officially over.