River Mama

Good articulation of what the body knows at birth. Well written, well laid out. Nice balance of science and art (the application of science). Author does a beautiful job narrating -- can't imagine anyone else presenting as well. I will listen to this a couple more times, which is quite rare for me. Kiwis for EVERYone. But you said we could take "The F Test" free and when I followed instructions to it I was asked for $37. And the pdf that came with the audio indicated it was a 29-page attachment, but only 10 pages are available. So Sally, dear, how about reconciling the gaps? You don't have to give me anything extra -- I very much appreciate your work and the work you've put into your work. Thank you! But if you say you're going to do something .... (Is that mystique? One other suggestion -- the pdf with the audio lists the triggers with slight variation in names -- bet I'm not the first to say. Not a biggy, but hey, why not shut us up now? Mahalo nui loa, Passion and Vice

Geez! I remember reading Lawrence Block as I walked to work at age 18. I got my first Social Security check this month, and have never been disappointed. Aside from one technical error (Keller left big evidence in one scene), another work of art. Great character -- give us one more, please, before you close him out. Thanks, Mr. Block, for your incredible, enormous body of work -- fiction, and writing about writing -- I hope all the later get "audiovised" also! You've been ahead of the pack since Day One, a real inspiration.

Better and deeper as I went. Excellent narration. Simple writing style (a little more noun-verb, noun-verb than usual) worked well. Allowed my brain to "predict" and comprehend easily, yet nouns and verbs themselves sparkled, so there was surprise and delight as I learned a new dialect of street language. Characters drawn quickly and clearly. Story dynamics easy to follow. I was able to devote attention to both. One "tension" passage probably the best I've read. Well done. Kiwis for EVERYone!

Mr. Burke shows us how simple it is to write a perfectly crafted story. Just open a blank page and add your entire life of carefully considered observations, redux. No classroom lecture, no book ABOUT writing could say more than what he shows here. I am 62, confined to much rest from recent back surgery. Creole Belle has saved me -- I played it half-speed to stretch my awes and pleasures. Then, 2 hours before the end I stopped. And started over, to further tease out the end. Like leaving a Snickers bar under my pillow before leaving for work in the morning. Mr. Burke shows us how we can use all our notes. Thank you, Jim. This is your finest, and your writing has changed my life. "We are surprised and delighted when we discover a natural style of writing, for we expected an author, and found a man." Blaise Pascal (1621-1662).

As for the story, it is now undisputably clear that David Robicheaux is a thoughtful narrator in the flickering lights of sunset. Clete Purcel is the protagonist who holds my heart in the palm of his soft if calloused fist. Has been all along.

I agree this would be a good time to "retire" Dave. Alifair (Robicheaux) could follow Gretchin's call to write her novel under the influence of Hollywood suburbs, then Dave could exit, leaving single parents Clete and Molly to ultimately follow and a new narrative by Alifair (Burke), femme voice, could pick up a whole new series.

Congratulations to all contributers. And thank you, Will, for another character&story-loving delivery. Thank you, everyone!

I've answered this now-cliche question to my satisfaction in a couple ways, but nothing beats a great example, and this is one of them. I can see where it's not for everyone at every time, but I was so glad I stuck it out (the beginning was a little slow in parts). And I don't believe it could have been read any more perfectly. Please put me on the list of people who want to be notified when any audiobooks with Peter Weller as Narrator are released. Thank you!

My audio library is 900 books. This is the first time I have felt so compelled to comment that I can't not do so. The author's detailed examination of one human's obligations to another is cast upon backgrounds large and small, each easily identifiable thanks to meticulous thought and writing. This is also the first book I have listened to a second time and will do so again and again. It is not for everyone, only those who are up for thinking and whose natural curiosity is drawn toward human dynamics. Thank you, Berhnard Schlink, for taking the time and making the effort to develop your talent for our benefit.