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sjohn

Meridian, MS, United States | Member Since 2009

HELPFUL VOTES

15 reviews
51 ratings
195 titles in library
9 purchased in 2013

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FOLLOWERS

True Grit

UNABRIDGED
- by Charles Portis
- Narrated by Donna Tartt
True Grit

UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 19 mins)

By Charles Portis

Narrated By Donna Tartt

Overall
(1334)
Performance
(546)
Story
(550)

Mattie Ross, a 14-year-old girl from Dardanelle, Arkansas, sets out to avenge her Daddy who was shot to death by a no-good outlaw. Mattie convinces one-eyed "Rooster" Cogburn, the meanest U.S. marshal in the land, to ride along with her. In True Grit, we have a true American classic, as young Mattie, as vital as she is innocent, outdickers and outmaneuvers the hard-bitten men of the trail in a legend that will last through the ages.
Thomas A. Gausman says: "So worth it!"
"Almost couldn't tolerate the narration."

Overall
Performance
Story

I'm sure the story was very good, but the reading was very distracting. Not an enjoyable listen, unfortunately.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Saving Ceecee Honeycutt

UNABRIDGED
- by Beth Hoffman
- Narrated by Jenna Lamia
Saving Ceecee Honeycutt

UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 4 mins)

By Beth Hoffman

Narrated By Jenna Lamia

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(2074)
Performance
(817)
Story
(818)

Laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching, Beth Hoffman's sparkling debut is, as Kristin Hannah says, "packed full of Southern charm, strong women, wacky humor, and good old-fashioned heart." It is a novel that explores the indomitable strengths of female friendship and gives us the story of a young girl who loses one mother and finds many others.
Jeanne says: "A Wonderful Listen!"
"Very pleasant listen!"

Overall
Performance
Story

Not really what I was in the mood for, so I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this listen.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Distant Hours

UNABRIDGED
- by Kate Morton
- Narrated by Caroline Lee
The Distant Hours

UNABRIDGED (22 hrs and 30 mins)

By Kate Morton

Narrated By Caroline Lee

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(1017)
Performance
(566)
Story
(572)

Edie Burchill and her mother have never been close, but when a long lost letter arrives one Sunday afternoon with the return address of Milderhurst Castle, Kent, printed on its envelope, Edie begins to suspect that her mother’s emotional distance masks an old secret.
Simone says: "Right Mood At The Right Time"
"Wonderful Listen!"

Overall
Performance
Story

I highly recommend this one. My favorite Kate Morton yet. Thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. Great narration. I was sorry for it to end!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Prince of Tides

UNABRIDGED
- by Pat Conroy
- Narrated by Frank Muller
The Prince of Tides

UNABRIDGED (22 hrs and 41 mins)

By Pat Conroy

Narrated By Frank Muller

Overall
(1582)
Performance
(809)
Story
(806)

Spanning 40 years, this is the story of turbulent Tom Wingo, his gifted and troubled twin sister Savannah, and their struggle to triumph over the dark and tragic legacy of the extraordinary family into which they were born.
Ella says: "A "Prince" amongst novels"
"An all time favorite!"

Overall
Performance
Story

Oh, this is just a wonderful book. I've read it at least a few times and have listened twice. Frank Muller is fantastic in combination with Pat Conroy and I can't recommend The Prince of Tides highly enough for a great, satisfying listen.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Solomon's Song: The Australian Trilogy, Book 3

UNABRIDGED
- by Bryce Courtenay
- Narrated by Humphrey Bower
Solomon's Song: The Australian Trilogy, Book 3

UNABRIDGED (19 hrs and 28 mins)

By Bryce Courtenay

Narrated By Humphrey Bower

Overall
(907)
Performance
(459)
Story
(457)

Here is the story of two families, branches of the Solomons, transported to an alien land. Both branches eventually grow rich and powerful. But through three generations, the families never, for one moment, relinquish their hatred for each other. This novel is also the story of Australia, from its beginnings to its coming of age as a nation.
Anne says: "Breathtaking!"
"Listened to complete the series..."

Overall
Performance
Story

Glad I listened to the whole series, but this was not my favorite Courtenay. Though I enjoyed parts, I didn't feel as invested in the new characters introduced and was left a little unsatisfied with the way some of the story lines were concluded.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Tommo and Hawk: The Australian Trilogy, Book 2

UNABRIDGED
- by Bryce Courtenay
- Narrated by Humphrey Bower
Tommo and Hawk: The Australian Trilogy, Book 2

UNABRIDGED (21 hrs and 2 mins)

By Bryce Courtenay

Narrated By Humphrey Bower

Overall
(1141)
Performance
(586)
Story
(585)

Brutally kidnapped and separated in childhood, Tommo and Hawk are reunited at the age of 15 in Hobart Town. Together, they escape their troubled pasts and set off on a journey into manhood. From whale hunting in the Pacific to the Maori wars of New Zealand, from the Rocks in Sydney to the miners' riots at the goldfields, Tommo and Hawk must learn each other's strengths and weaknesses in order to survive.
Angie says: "Brillant Narration"
"Had to continue the story..."

Overall
Performance
Story

The Potato Factory is definitely the best of this trilogy, but the last two novels are still worthy listens. Love these characters.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

UNABRIDGED
- by Winifred Watson
- Narrated by Frances McDormand
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 7 mins)

By Winifred Watson

Narrated By Frances McDormand

Overall
(1012)
Performance
(471)
Story
(466)

Miss Pettigrew is a down-on-her-luck, middle-aged governess sent by her employment agency to work for a nightclub singer rather than a household of unruly children. Over a period of 24 hours, as she becomes caught up in the life of Delysia LaFloss, her own life is changed - forever. This charming, funny, light-hearted 1938 novel was a bestseller on its first appearance. Read by Academy Award winning actress Frances McDormand, who stars in the 2008 film as Miss Pettigrew.
Holly C. Salley says: "Adorable"
"Delightful!"

Overall
Performance
Story

I never purchase audiobooks this short, but this was an absolutely charming story and well worth it. Love it!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Persimmon Tree

UNABRIDGED
- by Bryce Courtenay
- Narrated by Humphrey Bower
The Persimmon Tree

UNABRIDGED (27 hrs and 56 mins)

By Bryce Courtenay

Narrated By Humphrey Bower

Overall
(1180)
Performance
(781)
Story
(771)

The Persimmon Tree opens in Indonesia in 1942 on the cusp of Japanese invasion and the evacuation of Batavia (Jakarta) by the Dutch. Seventeen-year-old Nicholas Duncan is on holiday there, in pursuit of an exotic butterfly known as the Magpie Crow. It's an uncertain, dangerous time to be in Indonesia, and Nick's options of getting out are fast dwindling. Amidst the fear and chaos he falls in love with Anna, the beautiful daughter of a Dutch acquaintance, and she nicknames him 'Mr Butterfly'.
Corinne says: "An excellent sequel"
"Another enjoyable Courtenay-Bower experience!"

Overall
Performance
Story

I'm enjoying listening my way through Courtenay's books since I discovered The Potato Factory. I find them very satisfying listens with great characters, description and stories. The Persimmon Tree was no exception, but I wish I knew more about what happened in the end!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Given Day

UNABRIDGED
- by Dennis Lehane
- Narrated by Michael Boatman
The Given Day

UNABRIDGED (23 hrs and 46 mins)

By Dennis Lehane

Narrated By Michael Boatman

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(309)
Performance
(91)
Story
(91)

The Given Day explores the crippling violence and irrepressible exuberance of a country at war with, and in the thrall of, itself. As Danny, Luther, and those around them struggle to define themselves in increasingly turbulent times, they gradually find family in one another and, together, ride a rising storm of hardship, deprivation, and hope that will change all their lives.
D Jay says: "As Good As It Gets"
"Maybe I'll try again some day..."

Overall
Performance
Story

I just couldn't finish it! I think I stopped somewhere about 7 hours into the book. I just could not "get into" the story or get very interested in the characters, though some parts were interesting. I'm disappointed!

0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Room: A Novel

UNABRIDGED
- by Emma Donoghue
- Narrated by Michal Friedman , Ellen Archer , Robert Petkoff , Suzanne Toren
Room: A Novel

UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 52 mins)

By Emma Donoghue

Narrated By Michal Friedman, Ellen Archer, Robert Petkoff, and others

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(4017)
Performance
(1538)
Story
(1531)

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma. Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, but what she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.
Kathleen says: "A truly memorable read"
"Disturbing!"

Overall
Performance
Story

Really original story, and very well written. I didn't mind the narration at all. The subject matter was unsettling for me, but didn't stop me from finishing the book! I am glad I listened.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful