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Deborah

Baton Rouge, LA, USA | Member Since 2003

HELPFUL VOTES

28 reviews
82 ratings
395 titles in library
0 purchased in 2013

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FOLLOWERS

The Austere Academy: A Series of Unfortunate Events #5

UNABRIDGED
- by Lemony Snicket
- Narrated by Lemony Snicket
The Austere Academy: A Series of Unfortunate Events #5

UNABRIDGED (3 hrs and 15 mins)

By Lemony Snicket

Narrated By Lemony Snicket

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(148)
Performance
(42)
Story
(41)

If you are looking for a story about cheerful youngsters spending a jolly time at boarding school, look elsewhere. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are intelligent and resourceful children, and you might expect that they would do very well at school.
Ji-An says: "Tim Curry did a much much better job"
"Hysterically funny and mysterious to boot"

Overall
Performance
Story

I had toyed with the idea of picking up these books on occasion at various places. After I heard the interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air (on my 40th birthday no less), I had to give these a try. This not just kidstuff (although they are completely kid appropriate). These are so much FUN!!! My husband and I listen to them over and over and laugh our heads off. Misery loves company -- and I am hooked. If ever you need a pick-me-up, this series is the way to go.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Jungle Books II

UNABRIDGED
- by Rudyard Kipling
- Narrated by Patrick Tull
The Jungle Books II

UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 1 min)

By Rudyard Kipling

Narrated By Patrick Tull

Overall
(9)
Performance
(2)
Story
(2)
Deborah says: "A bad performance of wonderful stories"
"A bad performance of wonderful stories"

Overall
Performance
Story

This is a decent performance of the wonderful Kipling stories I grew up -- when you can understand the narrator. Sometimes it sounds like this was recorded off of the radio in the 50's -- sometimes it sounds like the narrator had the microphone in his mouth because the words are so garbled. The voice of this narrator is much more pleasant than the Jungle Books I, but you can't understand him half of the time. The stories that you can make out are well read and told, but it is so disappointing when you get to the middle of the story and can't understand what is being said. I used to know these by heart and remember the plots of the stories, but Kipling's language and character development is so beautiful it's a shame to miss the nuances. And if you don't know the stories already, it's not worth it. I've tried and tried to listen an make them out -- and tried various cd players and listened on computer. It's just that bad and nothing to do about it. I'm not 100 percent sure this is really unabridged, either. It seems that the stories are, but I'm relatively certain that not all of them are included.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The Jungle Books I

UNABRIDGED
- by Rudyard Kipling
- Narrated by Flo Gibson
The Jungle Books I

UNABRIDGED (5 hrs)

By Rudyard Kipling

Narrated By Flo Gibson

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(28)
Performance
(6)
Story
(7)
Deborah says: "Okay performance of wonderful stories"
"Okay performance of wonderful stories"

Overall
Performance
Story

This is a pretty good performance of the wonderful Kipling stories I grew up with around the fireplace. The narrator's voice is sometimes kind of creepy enough to be distracting (it almost sounds like the demon in the Exorcist). But if you love these stories or want your kids to know the real Mogli, Bagiera, Caa, and Balu, this is a good way to do it (but not late at night in the dark). Also includes Rikki Tikki Tavi. This is not the Disney version, either -- there are some scary and violent stories so I wouldn't recommend it for much younger than 10 or 12 year olds (example is the clubbing of seals and the attack on the village of Mogli's parents). It does not condone violence, but it doesn't always condemn it either -- treats it well as a fact of life. Just not recommended for kids who have nightmares or are disturbed by violence. I'm not 100 percent sure this is really unabridged, either. The stories themselves clearly are, but I'm relatively certain that not all of them are included.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America (The Audiobook): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction

ABRIDGED
- by Jon Stewart , The Writers of The Daily Show
- Narrated by Jon Stewart
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America (The Audiobook): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction

ABRIDGED (3 hrs and 46 mins)

By Jon Stewart, The Writers of The Daily Show

Narrated By Jon Stewart

Overall
(3471)
Performance
(430)
Story
(419)

Jon Stewart, host of the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning The Daily Show, and his coterie of patriots deliver a hilarious look at American government.
Connie says: "Runs hot and cold..but when it's hot...it's hot"
"Really funny and scary"

Overall
Performance
Story

I love Jon Stewart and since he's joined the Daily Show's cast of characters he is absolutely at his best. Brilliant observations of a very scary history and future. It's only flaw is that it left me wanting more.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Stormy Weather

UNABRIDGED
- by Carl Hiaasen
- Narrated by George Wilson
Stormy Weather

UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 8 mins)

By Carl Hiaasen

Narrated By George Wilson

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(701)
Performance
(136)
Story
(140)

Stormy Weather centers on the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. The devastation of the storm has attracted crowds of voyeurs and impostors to Florida. Drawn by the chance to prey on Andrew's victims, misfits like the murderous ex-con Snapper and the dangerously seductive Edie find easy targets for their insurance scams. They're not prepared, though, when they meet their opposition, led by a hoary ex-governor who smokes toads.
Both hilariously funny and deadly accurate, Carl Hiaasen's novel will take you into a Florida that is far from the frilly palms and pink flamingos of its post cards.
LB in Dallas says: "Hiaasen Rocks!"
"I couldn't turn it off until I was done"

Overall
Performance
Story

Carl Hiaasen has quickly become one of my favorite "mystery" writers. I place it in quotes because his books are so much more. This one doesn't disappoint. Hysterical and insightful character studies without becoming charactures. Linguistically innovative. Sometimes just plain silly. But you never stop guessing what happens next and you're always surprised (if not by what, by who; if not by who, by how). A truly great read

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Magical Thinking: True Stories

UNABRIDGED
- by Augusten Burroughs
- Narrated by Augusten Burroughs
Magical Thinking: True Stories

UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 37 mins)

By Augusten Burroughs

Narrated By Augusten Burroughs

Overall
(244)
Performance
(42)
Story
(43)

A contest of wills with a deranged cleaning lady. The execution of a rodent carried out with military precision and utter horror. Telemarketing revenge. A different kind of "roof work". Dating an undertaker who drives a mini-van. This is the fabric of Augusten Burroughs's life: a collection of true stories that are universal in their appeal yet unabashedly intimate, stories that shine a flashlight into both dark and hilarious places.
Jessica says: "His best yet!"
"Excellent non-fiction"

Overall
Performance
Story

Bright, funny, observant, literate, and lyrical. Burroughs is brilliant. When I want non-fiction, he and David Sedaris can make me laugh even on the cloudiest of days, while simultaneously making me think of things in new and different ways. Truly one of the most clever and thoughtful writers of our time. A writer I'd love to sit and shoot the bull with.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Grim Grotto: A Series of Unfortunate Events #11

UNABRIDGED
- by Lemony Snicket
- Narrated by Tim Curry
The Grim Grotto: A Series of Unfortunate Events #11

UNABRIDGED (5 hrs and 59 mins)

By Lemony Snicket

Narrated By Tim Curry

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(157)
Performance
(27)
Story
(26)

Unless you are a slug, a sea anemone, or mildew, you probably prefer not to be damp. You might also prefer not to listen to this audiobook, in which the Baudelaire siblings descend into the depths of despair, underwater. The horrors they encounter are too numerous to list, and include mushrooms, a mechanical monster, a distressing message from a lost friend, and tap dancing.
Nicole says: "More Mysteries found in the Gorgonian Grotto"
"This series is great fun for young and old"

Overall
Performance
Story

My husband, my 3 year old and myself -- we listen to these and laugh and giggle and carry on. These books are wonderful. We have them in the written form and the audio and any other form we can get our hands on. Well worth it. We're all hooked. If you listen to the interviews, too, you'll get an even greater kick out of 'em.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful
The Secret Life of Bees

UNABRIDGED
- by Sue Monk Kidd
- Narrated by Jenna Lamia
The Secret Life of Bees

UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 49 mins)

By Sue Monk Kidd

Narrated By Jenna Lamia

Overall
(2476)
Performance
(234)
Story
(233)

Lily Owens has shaped her entire life around one devastating memory - the day her mother was killed. When she and her "stand-in-mother," a fierce-hearted black woman named Rosaleen, are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters, Lily enters a secret world of bees and honey, and of the Black Madonna who presides over this household of strong, wise women.
France says: "Secret Life of Bees"
"Beautiful Literature"

Overall
Performance
Story

I would compare this work to great Southern Classics like To Kill a Mockingbird. Beautifully literate and thought provoking. This one is highly recommended.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Subliminal Self Help: Stop Smoking Forever for Women

ORIGINAL
- by Audio Activation
Subliminal Self Help: Stop Smoking Forever for Women

ORIGINAL (58 mins)

By Audio Activation

Overall
(8)
Performance
(1)
Story
(2)

Whether this is the first time you've tried to quit or the hundred and first, Stop Smoking Forever works! Now you can stop smoking permanently without the cravings, weight gain, and stress that so often lead to failure. Just listen to this gentle combination of soothing relaxation techniques, soft music, and persuasive affirmation regularly for six weeks and let your subconscious supply you with the confidence, attitude, and willpower you need to kick the habit once and for all!
Deborah says: "Okay, but shop around"
"Okay, but shop around"

Overall
Performance
Story

I had already quit, but was looking for some reinforcement. This is a good self-hypnosis recording. The music, however, is terrible. It's not too intrusive until you try to listen to subliminal side -- the music is so repetitive, you really have to be other things to distract yourself because it gets kind of annoying. Considering that it was done in 1986 and for the price, it's not too bad, but I'd look at others before buying this one.

14 of 14 people found this review helpful
Nostromo

UNABRIDGED
- by Joseph Conrad
- Narrated by Frank Muller
Nostromo

UNABRIDGED (16 hrs)

By Joseph Conrad

Narrated By Frank Muller

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(71)
Performance
(11)
Story
(14)
DebraF says: "Wow!"
"A dry reading of a wonderful novel"

Overall
Performance
Story

This has always been one of my favorite novels. Subtitled, "A Paradise of Snakes" in some printings, it's a great story with incredible characters and masterful use of the language. I remember once reading that this was Conrad's expose of discovering America. And what an analogy it is (and perhaps the precursor of the Spaghetti Western. . . ). This reader, however, turns poetic prose into something of a snore.

5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Skinny Dip

UNABRIDGED
- by Carl Hiaasen
- Narrated by Stephen Hoye
Skinny Dip

UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 30 mins)

By Carl Hiaasen

Narrated By Stephen Hoye

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(2090)
Performance
(370)
Story
(372)

When Chaz Perron's wife discovers that he is running a scam (posing as a marine biologist to doctor water samples so that an agribusiness tycoon can continue illegally dumping fertilizer into the Everglades), he pushes her overboard from a cruise liner. Unlucky for Chaz, Joey survives clutching a bale of Jamaican pot. Rescued from the Atlantic by a former police officer, Mick Stranahan, she decides not to report him but instead haunt and taunt him, with Mick's help, by playing dead.
Phillip says: "Summer's Best Read"
"Fun mystery"

Overall
Performance
Story

Travis McGee grows a wicked sense of humor, loses the testosterone o.d., grows an imaginative cruel streak, and meets the 21st (or maybe even the 20th) century. I loved McGee, but this guy . . .

0 of 1 people found this review helpful