Talia

I did this book as an Audible book simply because Neil Gaiman narrates it. Anything I can listen to read by him is always a treat.

In this book, young Odd is a Viking out of sorts with his people. An injury to his leg prohibits him from going on a long journey - something most male vikings do - and his stepfather doesn't like him very much. As such, Odd decides to run away to his father's old hut out in the woods, but when he gets there, he encounters a bear, an eagle and a fox who have the ability to talk!

Odd soon discovers these creatures are more than what they seem, and he is swept away on a magical journey to Asgard where he must defeat the Frost Giants or leave Midgard to suffer an eternal winter.

This book is a wonderful coming-of-age tale told in Gaiman's unique storytelling. He's able to take Norse mythology and bring it to a modern-day telling without losing any of the magic associated with it and yet making it accessible to all ages.

When I listened to the President's inaugural address, I had chills. Listening to it again made me realize how far we've come as a Nation. We still have a long ways to go for equality for all, but we're getting there.

A great speech!

Rarely, have I ever laughed so hard as I did while reading this novel. Christopher Moore is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. His off-beat humor makes his books such fun reads. This novel is funny, heartwarming and a fairly fast-paced read. Charlie's encounters with the sewer harpies have to be my favorite.

I thought Lamb was good, but I think this one has to move up to the No. 1 spot my favorite Moore book.

Fisher Stevens is a terrific narrator. I love his portrayal of Charlie - you can't help loving the guy and feeling sorry for him.

Also neat, is that you see a scene in this book that is also in Moore's "Bite Me." It was cool seeing it from another character's perspective.

This book is a winner!

Read by Alan Cumming, this is a real gem of story. Pun intended!

Cumming brings Holmes and Watson to life along with a slew of other characters. Set during Christmas, this tale chronicles a holiday goose, worn hat and priceless gem that come to Holmes by a most intriguing set of circumstances.

This is a quick listen, but that doesn’t detract from the story’s appeal. If you’re a Holmes, you’ll be pleased. If you’re a Cummings fan, you’ll be thrilled. I haven’t enjoyed a narrated Doyle story this much since René Auberjonois read Mark Frost’s The List of Seven.

This play perfectly captures the inanities of the media and especially illustrates the other sphere in which Washington, DC operates.

The political satire is hilarious, but I really like how Blumenthal captured the camaraderie that exists in the press even when they're trying to scoop each other.

The cast, led by Richard Kind and Gates McFadden, is spectacular. Each actor brings their character to life and imbues them with personality and faults.

I had a terrific time listening to this play and highly recommend it if you're a fan of politics or especially if you hate them!

I've been a fan of Ellen's writing since picking up her first book "My Point... And I Do Have One" back in high school. She's funny, witty, relatable and honest. Plus, she's optimistic and positive.

This book combines her random thought conversation style and throws in bits and pieces from her own life. I think her willingness to be honest and share things from her experience is one of the main reasons she connects so well with her readers/audience. Another reason is that even though she is relentless in encouraging people to be positive, look for the joys in life and appreciate every day, she never comes across as pushy or preachy.

I laughed a lot while reading this, and when I was done, I felt really good about my life and how lucky I am for what I have. I recommend you read this book. I think you'll be glad you did.

We all know the story of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but it's a tale worth repeating. And when it's repeated in the curmudgeonly tones of Walter Matthau, the story becomes pure gold.

Do yourself a favor and download this book. It can be your Christmas gift to yourself!

Oh my! Where to begin? There are too many wonderful things in this book to cover them all and do so without giving away any major plot points or spoilers!

First of all, let’s begin with the absolutely lovely change in tenor in Connall and Alexia’s relationship. In the past, they’ve relied heavily on barbed comments and physical affection to communicate their love for one another. In book four, we finally see them learning to communicate through words. I’m so happy to see this evolution in their relationship. While the humor of their earlier exchanges was fun to witness, this new aspect of their relationship is far more realistic and more enjoyable for the reader . They are now truly believable as a couple. It’s nice to see Connall’s affectionate and gentle side when it comes to tending to his wife.

As always, Carriger is a master at juggling the several relationships she’s established throughout the series. There were a few heart wrenching moments for poor Biffy as he struggles to adapt to his new life in the Woolsey Pack. But again, Lord Maccon’s newfound softer side comes in to play here, which is quite sweet.

I was so pleased to learn more about Professor Lyall. I had always wondered certain things about him, and Ms. Carriger does not disappoint in providing him a suitable and complex background.

Madam Lefoux gets considerable page time, but that being said, I felt like she was here and there and then gone again without really contributing much substance to the story in the earlier pages. However, that might have been exactly how Ms. Carriger wanted it. The inventor’s flighty appearances and distracted demeanor are a direct result of something that occurs later in the book. So her harried appearances are quite believable when you get the pay off at the end.

Speaking of relationships, one of the most interesting aspects of the book is how – over time – the Woosley Pack and Westminster Hive become more and more intertwined. I’m fascinated how these two groups, who have been enemies, are slowly becoming… not friends, but at least tolerated allies. The evolution of this relationship has been slow and steady. Kudos to Ms. Carriger for making it a highly believable event when it finally comes to fruition!

I adore Christopher Moore. His humor cracks me up. I mean, who else can get away with a Penthouse Letters intro in a chapter and keep it believable? This is the first book in what is - as of last week - a trilogy. I read the second one first and then came back to this one when I realized it existed.

Moore's interpretation of the spiritual realm on Earth and afterlife constantly amaze me. He takes mythical and religious concepts and infuses them with humor and emotion. That's a pretty amazing feat. Tommy's and Jody's journey through a fledgling relationship as each deals with the other's insecurities lends an air of credibility to what would sometimes seem like incredulous events.

Susan Bennett does a terrific job with the narration, and each character is easily discernable. I wish she did more books!

This book has become my favorite Gaiman book. Although it might seem like a young adult, I truly believe a reader of any age can fall under the spell of this magical romp through a boy’s life in a graveyard. Gaiman creates an enthralling story with the dark background of macabre and murder. Bod is likeable and easy to identify with as he struggles to grow up and learn about the world.

I listened to this as an audiobook and was enamored by Gaiman’s excellent narration. He is truly one of the best storytellers of our age. Listening to an author narrate his own story is my favorite thing, because he knows exactly what his characters sound like and all their mannerisms.

I can't recommend this book enough. You will not be disappointed with and, most likely, you'll want to read it again and again.