Michael

1) I am (amenities aside) a very good skier
2) and very interested in the burgeoning breakthroughs in mental training -
especially as it relates to movement skills (read the body has a mind of
its own.
3) So took a chance with "Own the Game" ... what a misplaced bet.
The book is an unembarrassed pitch by the author for his line of something.
And it's focus is the Dare to Be Great bs .. e.g., zoning is feeling good
about yourself and down from there. It's presentation is anecdotal and pandering in the worst of the southern California obsession with personal feelings of value. Again, Audible - can I get my money back

Was going to give it three stars but, it just goes on and on and on. With lingering stops (on and on) as the villain kills targets and lots of others along the way.

It is really two intertwined commentaries. First, NYC Cop (retired) who offers snarky comments on any and all. But he is true of heart and really wants to get the villain (how original). Second, the improbable Terrorist who has degrading comments on any and all (Of course Allah would want him to kill them all.)

And again, the events that act as the base for the plot are improbable. I thought of giving up the book (I have emotional disability to give up books. Perhaps Audible has a self help book for this).

But now way over half way done perhaps Allah would forgive me if I skipped to the end just to see how it turns out.

What a great story. Not only great story, our author is major character and protagonist of and within the story. And herein lies the two major themes that make this one of the best books I have ever read.

1) Detailed and inside coverage of the Ultra Running Culture. Mexican (Tarahumara) legendary runners, strange (different/better) Americans. With a story how the two groups got together in the hidden mountains of Mexico for an EPIC race.

2) Detailed debunking of popular myths regarding running (especially useless and debilitating running shoes). As well as technical and deep mental insights of people who run and are addicted to running Ultra races.

Perhaps (I mean why not) I could run a 50 mile ultra. I mean with the help of this book I am now running 20 miles along side the Colorado River (Glenwood Canyon). When I used to groan and moan to run 6.

Finally and again the best story, documentary, training manual, inspiration extended quatrain ever anywhere.

I am getting tired of books that are really vehicles for the author's person biases.

I just want a good story with good characters and a good reader. Open and Shut excels in each and all of these attributes.

The second book in the Virga series.

Venera Fanning is the most captivating heroine in any science fiction book I have ever read - regal, smart, cunning, ruthless when required (or advantageous). Just as one crisis seems to be averted it spawns another. There are times she is desperate but she is never equivocal.

All in such a well constructed world and all building on a plot that never veers from a clear direction.

And did I mention the reader is so nuanced and so in tune with the story she totally draws you in.

First this is not Science Fiction, it is Fantasy. And even here in the truest tradition of Harlequin Romance Series.

Young heroine of good family is helped by attractive slightly older matron and returning war hero through series of intrigues (so very much of the book is sheltered conversations in dark rooms and corners) until she eventually prevails and marries prince charming (truly a prince and if not charming, at least prepubescent affable). Guiding matron and hero then marry. End of story. Nothing more to accomplish or tell. About time.

Just wonderful :)

there seems to be a total disagreement regarding Jennifer Van Dyke (reader)- let me vote. I like her and I like the book. And I am ever so critical.

Looking forward to her other reading in the series.