Overland Park, KS, United States | Member Since 2011
"Best Novel from Picoult in Years"
Overall, I felt that the perplexity and the fantastic chrarters are definitely the best part of 'The Story Teller. I was very hard to put down. I got lost in the points of view of the Holocaust, and then I found the point of view from a guard at Auschwitz. Picoult devles into th social history of the Holocaust, and tells the story from an officer who was there, and a woman who was there to take him abuses. She adds a certain 'human' element to each character, and displays their weaknesses, flaws, and strong points.
There are so many wonderful moments in The Story Teller, however the most memorable moment was when the grandmother is speaking, and tells of her best friend being murdered in front of her eyes even though she's not done anything wrong. The entire story was really very memorable and well done. It will stick with me forever.
I really loved the German accents, and the way the few lines in German sounded. I loved the different voices for each character.
I was especially moved when Sage, the granddaughter of the Holocaust survivor, learned of everything that had happened to her grandmother. The comparing of 'What if that would happen now?' is simply terrifying. Also, I cried a one point where a lady had to suffocate her baby to keep it quiet. (Won't say who)
I think this is the most intimate book Picoult has ever written and I could not put it down. It was a fantastic read.
"Couldn't Stop Listening, Narrator is Perfect!"
I would say the best part about listening to 'The Good House' was the narrator. She was perfect as the main character and I could actually see her speaking in my mind. She had the perfect tone, the perfect expressions, and I loved her. I didn't want the story to end.
There were many memorable moments in The Good House. Every time Hildy, the main character, would get bombed and forget what she had done was horrifying but hysterical. The narrator was wonderful at making the main character seem completely aloof and in denial about having a drinking problem. There were several great parts in regards to Hildy and her persistent denial.
Everything- her voice was perfect.
I really would have listened to this book in one sitting had I the time. However, it took me about three listens (and staying up late) to get it done. It was a great story with rich characters and a mixture of hilarity and realism that was absolutely perfect.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great story and a fantastic narrator. Be prepared to laugh and at the same time be touched by Hildy and her drunken adventures.
"What's Behind Door Number 14?"
I really don't know if the audio edition of 14 would be better than the print version. I did enjoy the narrator's different accents for different characters, but I did not read the print version. The suspense was very good for the first half of the book, however the ending was far fetched, and a little bit confusing.
I don't think so. Although overall I enjoyed '14,' it's just not my normal genre. I like horror but I am more into Stephen King and Jack Ketchum. Without giving away spoilers, this book is sort of 'HP Lovecraft' (who incidentally is mentioned in the book and is a key piece of the puzzle.)
I have to say that I like Nate and Veet. I was surprised with all of the suspense and the 'What is going on with this building?' questions, Nate and Veet were still able to start a romance. I liked their characters the best. They were tough, thoughtful, and they were the strongest characters. Tim was also very strong, and we find out why in the end. The cast of characters were mostly very likeable.
I would have to say that '14' is a good title and tag line because it gives the reader the urge to find out what '14' stands for. The beginning of the book is very suspenseful and exciting, we want to find out what the big secret is in the strange building where these tenants live.
This book sort of dragged at times, and the end was confusing and kind of silly in my opinion, but it was still worth the listen.
"Unfathomable"
This question is kind of tricky. I am glad that I listened to this book because as it turns out, I really knew little about the 'whole story' of the Columbine tragedy. I was fascinated by the events that unfolded, and completely heart sick and mortified by the vicious acts of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. I also feel so saddened to hear the struggles of the families that dealt with the shootings and how it still affects them to this day. I would recommend this book to a friend with caution: make sure you are prepared for the horrific details.
The most compelling aspect of this narrative was the fact that I knew so little about the aftermath and the situation with the two killers before it happened. I can't believe that there were so many obvious warning signs and there was no preventative measures taken to stop the tragedy from unfolding.
There isn't a favourite character in this book. It's a very resourceful, factual compilation of the events that occurred before and after the horrific shooting at Columbine high school. There were so many heroic efforts made by teachers and students and police. Don Leslie does a fantastic job of narrating the facts. His voice is perfect, and you I could feel his contempt and disgust just as I felt the same way while listening to this audio book.
I think the title 'Columbine' is perfect.
This is not an easy read, but I think it's important for people to try and gain an understanding of how and why this can happen. The warning signs need to be addressed, and although the book is depressing, it also accomplished an awareness in the reader. I really wish this hadn't happened and if I could go back in time to change things, I would. However, obviously no one can do this, so we have to learn from the mistakes made by parents, teachers, psychiatrists and law enforcement and take threats at face value. I wish peace for all of the people who were involved in the Columbine massacre.
"The ties the bind- a family in crisis."
It's one of the most disturbing, shocking, dark books I've listened to so far. That being said, it was a definitely nail biter.
I think my favourite character was the narrator 'Andy.' I loved his honesty, the way he felt about his wife and child. The way he loved his child so much. His protective instinct and loyalty was ultimately touching.
I loved it when Gardner would perform the teen characters. They were so true to life. Fourteen year old kids truly do act as he portrayed their voices and characters. The descriptions were very accurate, and as a mom of two teen boys I felt the same struggle the parents felt. Grover Gardner did well portraying all the characters, but I felt myself smiling when he did the voices of the kids. They were spot-on.
I would like to take Jacob out to dinner and just get a feel for him and see if I could get him to talk and say more than a few words to me.
This book is riveting. I highly recommend it for anyone who likes courtroom drama or deep suspense. Grisham better watch his back! ;)
"Astounding, Unforgettable"
I would absolutely recommend this book to a friend. I had my father read it and he became enraptured and read the entire book while he was in hospital for heart surgery. This is such a beautiful and ghastly story, and it shows a human's ability to survive over all else. This book touched my heart.
Of course the main character, Louis Zamperini, who endured like many of his fellow POW, more than the human body and spirit can take. I loved him for his endurance, and his resilience, and his fight for survival even though there were many times that survival seemed unattainable. He is a true American Hero.
Again, Louie was wonderful, but the narrator gave a great performance. I also liked Pete, Louie's older brother, and all of the inmates that Louie spent time with. The narration was the perfect tone. I listened to it at 2.0 and I absolutely loved every minute of it.
I would simply make it the same as the perfect title of the book, 'Unbroken.'
This book is hard to get through at times. It's amazing the cruelty that one person can inflict upon another. However it is worth the read and it's inspiring and it gives hope to people who might not think they can get through the worst possible situation. I also learned a lot more about the Pacific during WWII. Educational and alluring, this was definitely one of the best pieces of non-fiction I've ever read. I recommend this to anyone who needs inspiration, and also, everyone should give Mr. Zamperini the respect he deserves by reading this book.
"Ultra-Thrilling Suspenseful Shocker!"
I would definitely recommend 'Gone Girl' to a friend, and I have done so. The narration of both main characters really sets a feel for the book. The characters are so comprehensive, and the plot is stunning. I listened to this for a day straight until I was complete. I don't normally like the mystery genre, but 'Gone Girl' was fantastic. I definitely see what the hoopla was all about!
The most memorable part of 'Gone Girl' is definitely the beginning of 'Part Two.'
I could vividly picture each scene with the author's description and the fantastic narration, but I have to say my favourite scene (SPOILER ALERT) was when Amy gets take by the two derelicts at the cabin. I thought 'Ha! Too bad for her!'
Most of the book was 'shocking,' so I guess I can say it moved me because I was surprised that some of the things actually happened. As far as 'touching scenes,' I would have to say there are more parts where I felt hateful and vindictive, along with Nick.
I certainly hope that 'Gone Girl' is made into a movie. I am sure it would be a very good film, especially if it is cast correctly! Flynn's writing gets better with each book.
"Not as Great as the First Two in the Trilogy"
Mockingjay would have to rank right in the middle of all of the audiobooks I've listened to so far. The book was neither terrible, nor wonderful.
The ending of this fantastic series was somewhat disappointing. I was left thinking 'Is this it?'
I love McCormick in all three books. Her voice is soothing and it works well at every speed. I felt she was a perfect choice for the narrator of this fabulous series.
I guess my only reaction to this book was that I was disappointed that it wasn't as good as the first and the second, 'The Hunger Games' and 'Catching Fire,' respectfully. The book is sad and it's sort of confusing for kids.
"Conroy's Best"
I would definitely listen to The Lords of Discipline again. When I was a kid I would watch the movie over and over again. The book is so much better. Conroy's prose are beautiful and his story telling abilities are insurmountable. This is fiction at it's very best.
I loved the main character, Will. His toughness as well as his vulnerability and his story telling ability are mesmerizing.
Dan John Miller has the perfect voice for the main character as well as the other cadets and characters. He does a phenomenal job in bringing the South to life. The suspense mounts and the voices are personified perfectly.
The film is called 'The Lords of Discipline' and I can't imagine anything better than the name of the book.
This book is a true classic. I was surprised that many teachers use this book in their high school curriculum. This is a must read for anyone with a voracious appetite for impeccable fiction.
"The Chaperone- Impeccable"
This is a beautiful, capturing story of the life of Cora, a woman who, by understanding others, found herself in the process. It's perfectly narrated by Elizabeth McGovern, and I enjoyed ever second of this lovely narration and story. I wish it hadn't ended.
The Chaperone might be compared, believe it or not, to Hugo Cabret. The same era, and the same sort of feel, although Hugo was definitely a children's book. It's like, an adult's view of the times, when films were silent and the world was 'pure of thought.'
I would have to say that my favourite scene was when Cora met her biological mother. Although the meeting didn't go as planned, Cora showed so much strength and reverence and I really fell in love with her character at that point. As Cora continued to realize that things are certainly not always as they appear, and there is a dark side to humanity, she also learned to embrace that and somehow made it beautiful.
The First Train to Kansas
One of my favourite audible books so far, so well done by Elizabeth McGovern, can't wait to see more of Downton Abbey! Highly recommended!