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Margaret Vance

Buena Park, CA United States | Member Since 2012

3
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 5 reviews
  • 20 ratings
  • 162 titles in library
  • 31 purchased in 2013
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  • Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln | [Doris Kearns Goodwin]
    Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
    UNABRIDGED

    Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

    • UNABRIDGED (41 hrs and 32 mins)
    • By Doris Kearns Goodwin
    • Narrated By Suzanne Toren
    Overall
    (697)
    Performance
    (545)
    Story
    (572)

    On May 18, 1860, William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, Edward Bates, and Abraham Lincoln waited in their hometowns for the results from the Republican National Convention in Chicago. When Lincoln emerged as the victor, his rivals were dismayed and angry. Throughout the turbulent 1850s, each had energetically sought the presidency as the conflict over slavery was leading inexorably to secession and civil war.

    Jeremiah Duncan says: "Beautiful, Heartbreaking, and Informative"
    "Ejoyably long listen"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

    Yes - fascinating history - amazing to hear how so little has changed in politics.


    What other book might you compare Team of Rivals to and why?

    John Adams - information in the book came from personal letters and diaries - which the Lincoln book also includes.


    What about Suzanne Toren’s performance did you like?

    It was fine. I always prefer when the author reads their own work.


    If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

    Same as the book


    0 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Speaking from Among the Bones: A Flavia de Luce Novel, Book 5 | [Alan Bradley]
    Speaking from Among the Bones: A Flavia de Luce Novel, Book 5
    UNABRIDGED

    Speaking from Among the Bones: A Flavia de Luce Novel, Book 5

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 1 min)
    • By Alan Bradley
    • Narrated By Jayne Entwistle
    Overall
    (192)
    Performance
    (168)
    Story
    (167)

    Eleven-year-old amateur detective and ardent chemist Flavia de Luce is used to digging up clues, whether they’re found among the potions in her laboratory or between the pages of her insufferable sisters’ diaries. What she is not accustomed to is digging up bodies. Upon the 500th anniversary of St. Tancred’s death, the English hamlet of Bishop’s Lacey is busily preparing to open its patron saint’s tomb. Nobody is more excited to peek inside the crypt than Flavia, yet what she finds will halt the proceedings dead in their tracks: the body of Mr. Collicutt, the church organist, his face grotesquely and inexplicably masked.

    Donald says: "the best Flavia yet!!"
    "Best Flavia de Luce Novel yet!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to Speaking from Among the Bones again? Why?

    Yes. It was a fun read with all the characters in place. It is wonderful to read this series and watch Flavia grow up.


    Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

    I wouldn't say edge of my seat, but I really wasn't sure who did it until the end.


    Which character – as performed by Jayne Entwistle – was your favorite?

    Flavia of course.


    Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

    The ending was stunning. Can't wait until the next one comes out.


    Any additional comments?

    Hurry Hurry Hurry Mr. Bradley - don't keep us waiting too long for the next one.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild | [Lawrence Anthony, Graham Spence]
    The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild
    UNABRIDGED

    The Elephant Whisperer: My Life with the Herd in the African Wild

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 54 mins)
    • By Lawrence Anthony, Graham Spence
    • Narrated By Simon Vance
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (111)
    Performance
    (98)
    Story
    (99)

    >When South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a herd of "rogue" wild elephants on his Thula Thula game reserve in Zululand, his common sense told him to refuse. But he was the herd's last chance of survival: they would be killed if he wouldn't take them. In order to save their lives, Anthony took them in. In the years that followed he became a part of their family. And as he battled to create a bond with the elephants, he came to realize that they had a great deal to teach him about life, loyalty, and freedom.

    Tango says: "Beautiful story, beautifully written"
    "Must love animal stories"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What made the experience of listening to The Elephant Whisperer the most enjoyable?

    If you enjoy listening to stories about animals you will enjoy this book. I learned more about elephants and their struggles to survive.


    What did you like best about this story?

    Learning about how the elephants interact with each other - the family dynamic.


    What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

    Nice voice and he read the book like he'd lived the situations.


    Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

    No


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Yes, Chef: A Memoir | [Marcus Samuelsson]
    Yes, Chef: A Memoir
    UNABRIDGED

    Yes, Chef: A Memoir

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 51 mins)
    • By Marcus Samuelsson
    • Narrated By Marcus Samuelsson
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (259)
    Performance
    (226)
    Story
    (222)

    It begins with a simple ritual: Every Saturday afternoon, a boy who loves to cook walks to his grandmother’s house and helps her prepare a roast chicken for dinner. The grandmother is Swedish, a retired domestic. The boy is Ethiopian and adopted, and he will grow up to become the world-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson. This book is his love letter to food and family in all its manifestations. Yes, Chef chronicles Marcus Samuelsson’s remarkable journey from Helga’s humble kitchen to the opening of the beloved Red Rooster in Harlem.

    loix says: "A fun and inspiring civics lesson"
    "Yes Chef"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Is there anything you would change about this book?

    No


    Would you be willing to try another book from Marcus Samuelsson? Why or why not?

    Maybe not. His description about the challenges he faced succeeding in a tough industry were interesting. I was not terribly impressed with how he handled some of his personal struggles though.


    What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

    Marcus has a smooth voice and a nice rhythim to his reading.


    Could you see Yes, Chef being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

    Sure.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Friends Forever: A Novel | [Danielle Steel]
    Friends Forever: A Novel
    UNABRIDGED

    Friends Forever: A Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 8 mins)
    • By Danielle Steel
    • Narrated By Nick Podehl
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (113)
    Performance
    (95)
    Story
    (97)

    Five children meet on the first day of kindergarten. In the years that follow, they become friends and more than friends. Together, they will find strength, meet challenges, face life’s adventures, endure loss, face stark realities, and open their hearts. In this moving novel, number one New York Times best-selling author Danielle Steel traces their unforgettable journey - full of tests and trials - as three boys and two girls discover the vital bonds that will last a lifetime.

    CCB says: "Disappointed for the last time."
    "Did a 3rd grader write this?"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What would have made Friends Forever better?

    Better writing and an original thought.


    What was most disappointing about Danielle Steel’s story?

    It is boring and poorly written.


    How could the performance have been better?

    The reader did the best they could with the material given.


    What character would you cut from Friends Forever?

    I can't remember any of them because they were all so uninteresting.


    Any additional comments?

    Nah - I will know better next time not to buy anymore Danielle Steel. Can I get my money back?

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful

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