#looking at TP for the book it is rather than as the successor to ALL? i think it's good | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

searidings · 2 years

Note

Heyyy! I just saw your reading list for the past months and saw that you loved To Paradise so I’m v curious ! I’ve heard some disappointing reviews of it but at the same time I loved A Little Life and kinda can’t believed someone who wrote that kind of beast could go to the extreme reverse so what are your thoughts on To Paradise, I mean on its own? A killer reading list regardless! Ty xx

i mean, i liked it!! another monster of a book but i thought the three sections were a cool premise and although parts of it were a little slower/weaker (as is to be expected w/700 pages) i enjoyed the subtle twists on reality and the fact that the parallels to recent world events weren't too ham-fisted. also, the repetition of the characters/storyline that a lot of people seem to complain about? to me that's the point she's trying to make. yanagihara does trauma and suffering really well (if really harrowingly) and to paradise is imo a delicate meditation on 'progress' and the fucked-upness of human nature

#to me 'to paradise' and 'a little life' are VERY different books so #a direct comparison isn't easy or really necessary #looking at TP for the book it is rather than as the successor to ALL? i think it's good #but it is NOT a little life round two #and i think so many people expecting that it would be might be why a lot of people haven't like it #whichever way you fall yanagihara always inspires strong emotions in her readers lmao #little bit of love/hate going on #but to me the two questions i ask about a book are 'do i want to keep reading it' and 'does it make me think'#and the answer to both for TP is yes so #don't go into it expecting an ALL sequel and i personally think it's a good'un #but not for everyone im sure #let me know your thoughts if you do read it!! ALL was pretty polarising for readers as well so it's no surprise TP is too #hope you're having a great day #asks #anonymous

6 notes · View notes

footballghana · 4 years

Text

Asante Kotoko: What is their new philosophy?

On January 24, 1971, Asante Kotoko wrote their name in the history books. They attained the African Clubs Championship (now known as the CAF Champions League).

The tournament was indeed a 1970 Championship but the Porcupine Warriors were at the pinnacle of Africa’s most prestigious club competition. They had bested TP Englebert of Zaire, now DR Congo 3-2 after two eventful legs with a number of their players bred locally.

The victory promised better things to come for the Kumasi-based outfit. It bore fruit in 1983 with yet another championship whilst dominating the local league.

The stars were aligned for continental dominance to go with their huge success on the local scene but in present day, they have failed to go the latter stages of continental showcases.

In their attempt to get back to the top, the management of Asante Kotoko dug deep into their pockets to recruit a number of stars from other countries for exorbitant fees. The target, get back into the CAF inter-club competitions and dominate.

Some stars like Sogne Yacouba performed admirably and Naby Keita has proved to be a decent addition but for every good foreigner they signed, the management purchased many more who in simple terms, were not good enough.

The likes of Alex Arnold Didi, Moussa Adingra, Dany Zabo Teguy, Sylla Vie Mohammed were all brought in from different countries to help Kotoko’s mighty cause but have failed miserably.

We cannot forget the exploits of the mighty George Abege, a forward who became a laughing stock for fans. All these signings were made in the last three years without a proper focus on youth and local stars.

The results have triggered a change in tune from the Manhyia Palace. The chief of staff, Kofi Badu recently announced that they will rather be focusing on local talents more and sign big players less.

"Talented footballers in and around the Ashanti Region to get the chance to showcase their talent so they are recruited into Asante Kotoko," he told Oyerepa FM.

"The frequent purchase of 'big names' is to be a thing of the past, only on exceptional cases."

In the coaching department, CK Akonnor showed huge promise, leading the Porcupine Warriors to NC Special competition tier 1 triumph. His tactical brilliance also led to a CAF Confederation Cup group stage appearance for his men, their first since 2008.

The management of the club still chose to let the former Black Stars coach go despite his exploits and chose Kjetil Zachariassen as his successor, a decision they lived to regret during his four month tenure.

The recall of Maxwell Konadu, a manager that led them to league success in 2012 is a good move but he needs the full confidence of stakeholders and the right pieces to succeed.

In searching for the right pieces, youth comes to mind, and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene and patron of the club seems to agree after placing a one year ban on the new board and management of the club from making further signings.

“Kotoko management are not allowed to sign a new player for the first team for one year and that is an order by the club patron,” Kofi Badu told the media.

“Our new management would be tasked to look at the youth team and develop it to reach the elite standards instead of buying from other teams.”

In their three year mandate, the board has also been asked to build a new stadium for the club and set up a women’s team.

“No doubt the Baba Yara Stadium has been a useful home for Kotoko and will continue to be so. However, going forward, it makes economic sense for the club to own its stadium even if some category of matches will continue to be played at the national stadium,” Kofi Badu stated.

"Kotoko has the task now of responding to FIFA’s directive to open its doors women’s football," he added.

The philosophy looks clear. The increased focus of local players, the development of youth, getting a new stadium and introducing a women’s team.

The task will be no doubt a difficult one but that is the new direction of all stakeholders involved to make the team greater than others in the continent.

source: https://footballghana.com/

0 notes

judieasley57 · 7 years

Photo

Disclaimer: I was provided an eARC by Severn House Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, for which I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions are fully my own. ~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review

My first response: Book 17 is really late to stumble into a series, but oh well! That didn't hinder me much. I only noticed it once or twice in some asides from the past, I think. This put me in mind of Ellis Peters' Cadfael series a bit with the Abby and the war with kings running around the country fighting. Full review on my blog after the 20th!

My Review: This is not the same war as Cadfael was involved in. This is King John fighting off the French and dealing with the barons and Welsh. It is a rich and bloody part of British history when you could die at the stroke of a sword with one word from any man in power greater than yours. All anyone had to do was question your past or current loyalty. And King John didn't trust the men around him, so he was always suspicious of everyone. It is a scary setting in which to place a magic cup that is supposed to kill the king.

Alys Clare has integrated her plot into real history very well, though. She has used the natural mistrust and skepticism of people to work in her magic cup and its evil. She creates quite a believable story line with her relic and queen's plotting. Though I'm not sure if the source of the original treasure was brilliant or overdone. I'm still undecided about that. Things have changed on the political stage, as well as at home around the abbey. The conflict is settling. King John is dead. A successor and regent are chosen. Josse has said that he is staying home from now on. Does this mean the end of the series with this book seventeen? It rather looks like it. But if you, like me, have just found this author and series, there are sixteen other books that came before just sitting on the shelf waiting to be read. I'm rather looking forward to going back to see how it all started.

Here are the covers of the first five books of the Hawkenlye Mysteries series.

Tp be released August 1, 2017 (was supposed to be April 28, 2017)

0 notes