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Wendi

Canadian girl in Kansas, love audible, books on kindle or kindle fire, and old fashioned books! I enjoy fiction most, mostly books with strong female leads. Favourite authors: Diana Gabaldon, Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, Wally Lamb, Pat Conroy, Andre Dubus III, Lisa Genova, many more!

Overland Park, KS, United States | Member Since 2011

17
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 16 reviews
  • 22 ratings
  • 293 titles in library
  • 46 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
12
FOLLOWERS
1

  • The Storyteller

    • UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 13 mins)
    • By Jodi Picoult
    • Narrated By Mozhan Marno, Jennifer Ikeda, Edoardo Ballerini, and others
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (892)
    Performance
    (739)
    Story
    (734)

    Jodi Picoult's poignant number one New York Times best-selling novels about family and love tackle hot-button issues head on. In The Storyteller, Sage Singer befriends Josef Weber, a beloved Little League coach and retired teacher. But then Josef asks Sage for a favor she never could have imagined - to kill him. After Josef reveals the heinous act he committed, Sage feels he may deserve that fate. But would his death be murder or justice?

    Suzn F says: "The Baker, The Nun, The Virgin and The Monster"
    "Best Novel from Picoult in Years"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What made the experience of listening to The Storyteller the most enjoyable?

    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.


    What was one of the most memorable moments of The Storyteller?

    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.


    What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    I really loved the German accents, and the way the few lines in German sounded. I loved the different voices for each character.


    Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

    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)


    Any additional comments?

    I think this is the most intimate book Picoult has ever written and I could not put it down. It was a fantastic read.

    7 of 8 people found this review helpful
  • The Good House: A Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 12 mins)
    • By Ann Leary
    • Narrated By Mary Beth Hurt
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (607)
    Performance
    (538)
    Story
    (539)

    The Good House tells the story of Hildy Good, who lives in a small town on Boston's North Shore. Hildy is a successful real-estate broker, good neighbor, mother, and grandmother. She's also a raging alcoholic. Hildy's family held an intervention for her about a year before this story takes place - "if they invite you over for dinner, and it’s not a major holiday," she advises "run for your life" - and now she feels lonely and unjustly persecuted. She has also fooled herself into thinking that moderation is the key.

    Rhonda Morrison says: "What a great book, Hildy is a great character!"
    "Couldn't Stop Listening, Narrator is Perfect!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What made the experience of listening to The Good House the most enjoyable?

    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.


    What was one of the most memorable moments of The Good House?

    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.


    What about Mary Beth Hurt’s performance did you like?

    Everything- her voice was perfect.


    Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

    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.


    Any additional comments?

    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.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • 14

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 38 mins)
    • By Peter Clines
    • Narrated By Ray Porter
    Overall
    (6220)
    Performance
    (5627)
    Story
    (5607)

    There are some odd things about Nate’s new apartment. Of course, he has other things on his mind. He hates his job. He has no money in the bank. No girlfriend. No plans for the future. So while his new home isn’t perfect, it’s livable. The rent is low, the property managers are friendly, and the odd little mysteries don’t nag at him too much. At least, not until he meets Mandy, his neighbor across the hall, and notices something unusual about her apartment. And Xela’s apartment. And Tim’s. And Veek’s.

    Magpie says: "Super solid listen!!"
    "What's Behind Door Number 14?"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you consider the audio edition of 14 to be better than the print version?

    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.


    Would you be willing to try another book from Peter Clines? Why or why not?

    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.)


    Which character – as performed by Ray Porter – was your favorite?

    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.


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

    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.


    Any additional comments?

    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.

    0 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • Columbine

    • UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 9 mins)
    • By Dave Cullen
    • Narrated By Don Leslie
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1483)
    Performance
    (539)
    Story
    (543)

    Over the course of this gripping narrative, Dave Cullen approaches his subjects with unrivaled care and insight. What emerges are shattering portraits of the killers, the victims, and the community that suffered one of the greatest - and most socially and historically important - shooting tragedies of the 20th century.

    Book reader says: "Truth and heartache"
    "Unfathomable"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

    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.


    What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

    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.


    Which character – as performed by Don Leslie – was your favorite?

    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.


    If you could give Columbine a new subtitle, what would it be?

    I think the title 'Columbine' is perfect.


    Any additional comments?

    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.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Defending Jacob: A Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 25 mins)
    • By William Landay
    • Narrated By Grover Gardner
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2217)
    Performance
    (1863)
    Story
    (1848)

    Andy Barber has been an assistant district attorney in his suburban Massachusetts county for more than 20 years. He is respected in his community, tenacious in the courtroom, and happy at home with his wife, Laurie, and son, Jacob. But when a shocking crime shatters their New England town, Andy is blindsided by what happens next: his 14-year-old son is charged with the murder of a fellow student.

    Shauna C. says: "Defending Jacob"
    "The ties the bind- a family in crisis."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Where does Defending Jacob rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    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.


    Who was your favorite character and why?

    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.


    Which character – as performed by Grover Gardner – was your favorite?

    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.


    If you could take any character from Defending Jacob out to dinner, who would it be and why?

    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.


    Any additional comments?

    This book is riveting. I highly recommend it for anyone who likes courtroom drama or deep suspense. Grisham better watch his back! ;)

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

    • UNABRIDGED (14 hrs)
    • By Laura Hillenbrand
    • Narrated By Edward Herrmann
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (8169)
    Performance
    (4396)
    Story
    (4402)

    Why we think it’s a great listen: Seabiscuit was a runaway success, and Hillenbrand’s done it again with another true-life account about beating unbelievable odds. On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared.....

    Janice says: "Indescribable"
    "Astounding, Unforgettable"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

    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.


    Who was your favorite character and why?

    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.


    Which character – as performed by Edward Herrmann – was your favorite?

    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.


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

    I would simply make it the same as the perfect title of the book, 'Unbroken.'


    Any additional comments?

    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.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Gone Girl: A Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (19 hrs and 11 mins)
    • By Gillian Flynn
    • Narrated By Julia Whelan, Kirby Heyborne
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (9413)
    Performance
    (8167)
    Story
    (8146)

    It is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media - as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents - the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter - but is he really a killer?

    Teddy says: "Demented, twisted, sick and I loved it!"
    "Ultra-Thrilling Suspenseful Shocker!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

    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!


    What was one of the most memorable moments of Gone Girl?

    The most memorable part of 'Gone Girl' is definitely the beginning of 'Part Two.'


    Which scene was your favorite?

    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!'


    Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

    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.


    Any additional comments?

    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.

    1 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • Mockingjay: The Final Book of The Hunger Games

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 43 mins)
    • By Suzanne Collins
    • Narrated By Carolyn McCormick
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (20003)
    Performance
    (14450)
    Story
    (14555)

    Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena live, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge....

    Teddy says: "Well done... but bitter-sweet..."
    "Not as Great as the First Two in the Trilogy"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Where does Mockingjay rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    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.


    What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

    The ending of this fantastic series was somewhat disappointing. I was left thinking 'Is this it?'


    What about Carolyn McCormick’s performance did you like?

    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.


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

    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.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Lords of Discipline

    • UNABRIDGED (21 hrs and 5 mins)
    • By Pat Conroy
    • Narrated By Dan John Miller
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (614)
    Performance
    (331)
    Story
    (334)

    This powerful and breathtaking novel is the story of four cadets who have become bloodbrothers. Together they will encounter the hell of hazing and the rabid, raunchy and dangerously secretive atmosphere of an arrogant and proud military institute. They will experience the violence. The passion. The rage. The friendship. The loyalty. The betrayal. Together, they will brace themselves for the brutal transition to manhood... and one will not survive.

    Kim says: "Extraordinary!"
    "Conroy's Best"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to The Lords of Discipline again? Why?

    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.


    What did you like best about this story?

    I loved the main character, Will. His toughness as well as his vulnerability and his story telling ability are mesmerizing.


    What does Dan John Miller bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    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.


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

    The film is called 'The Lords of Discipline' and I can't imagine anything better than the name of the book.


    Any additional comments?

    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.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Chaperone

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 18 mins)
    • By Laura Moriarty
    • Narrated By Elizabeth McGovern
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1535)
    Performance
    (1337)
    Story
    (1327)

    >The Chaperone is a captivating novel about the woman who chaperoned an irreverent Louise Brooks to New York City in 1922, and the summer that would change them both. Only a few years before becoming a famous actress and an icon for her generation, a 15-year-old Louise Brooks leaves Wichita to make it big in New York. Much to her annoyance, she is accompanied by a thirty-six-year-old chaperone who is neither mother nor friend. Cora Carlisle is a complicated but traditional woman with her own reasons for making the trip.

    Amanda says: "Perfection."
    "The Chaperone- Impeccable"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

    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.


    What other book might you compare The Chaperone to and why?

    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.'


    Which scene was your favorite?

    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.


    If you could rename The Chaperone, what would you call it?

    The First Train to Kansas


    Any additional comments?

    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!

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful

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