Ingrid

No one should write a book about their high school years unless and until they have gained perspective. There's a reason we strive to "Know theyself."

In the years after college, when the main character met a classmate, it was clear she had no more self knowledge than she had had as a prep student.

Every 10 years or so, I reread Catcher in the Rye. It's unlikely that anyone would feel that way about this book.

Not possible. The author shows virtually no insight, no growth, or maturity coming from her experience. She merely rambles on, lingering far too long on her mother's illness and death,

No, I love biographies and autobiographies.--I'm just turned off by poorly written ones. From John Adams and Abigail Adams to Steve Jobs, biographies can be entertaining and enlightening.

Keaton was passable as narrator. At times though, she would have an insincere little laugh that left me feeling uncomfortable.

I've enjoyed Keaton on-screen in many roles. It is true she oftern plays the same "Annie Hall" type character--which you hear often in the book. Unfortunately, she did not seem to know who she was--and thus she failed at how to play herself. Her lack of insight left me disappointed.

Not recommended reading.

Action. Treachery. Ruin.

The heavy testosterone kept it interesting and exciting.

It's a toss up between Macbeth and Banquo--they seemed so alive in the narrative.. It's embarassing to say it, but I think today they's be described as "hot."

Macbeth's wife is incredibly supportive of her husband and wise to the ways of the world. The relationship had a very modern feel to it. But like him, she was not meant to cross the the line of morality.

It's generally hard for me to relate to Shakespeare in the way that the audiences of his time would have heard and understood-and enjoyed- the story.. This version felt film-like. I could virtually "see" and understand the characters -- the influences, the decisions, and consequences and how these things affected the characters. All in all, so well done I could hardly put it down.

Ferguson himself was the perfect choice for narrator. He exudes charm, humor and, most importantly, humanity. Never backing away from admitting his mistakes, and never blaming others, he's easy to like and easy to listen to.

This is the classic, beloved

Ferguson embraces both his Scottish background and his American citizenship with goodwill, grace and gratitude, doing so in such an open and self effacing manner you never doubt the truth and depth of his feelings.

Exciting story line, but the characters, particularly the villains, were one dimensional. It's almost like reading propanda.

I love a series like Harry Potter where the author has fleshed out the cast so fully that no one ever acts in a way which betrays his or her character. In "Guilty," the main character, Kate, is a prosecuter, a nice girl (with a past) who lies relentlessly and plans a murder, although the intended blackmailer dies before Kate can act. Her policeman love interest is the most incorruptible man on the force, Apparently he suffers partial amnesia as the story wraps up, remembering only that he's crazy about her (he'd have to be crazy), but forgetting that she's lied to him continuously, she's breached ethics as a lawyer; and she was willing to commit murder. Hey, love conquers all I guess.
In addition to the obvious gaps in character development, the book will make you squirm with impatience as each description is doubled and tripled unnecessarily. After you're told the air was crisp, you'll still have to hear how it felt on her face and that she pulled her coat tighter and shivered a little. Come on, just move the plot along!

The book's greatest success was in building drama and suspense. Had it been better edited, I might have given it half a star more on that count. But the lack of credibility in the characters' actions is an overwhelming flaw.

This tight, fast-paced story with interesting characters holds your attention. Though somewhat one-dimenisonal, the characaters have a way of interacting that makes their personal relationships seem real.
John Gilstrap's dialogue is well-written, but
Jeremy Gage distracts as the narrator. His voice grates. Regardless of which character he represents, he always sounds like an old New England school teacher who lives in over-heated rooms with several cats. Worst of all is his penchant for ending sentences on a rising note as if he has a question.
Listen to the sample before you order and give some thought as to whether you might also have a problem with the narration.