Diane Valentine

Whenever I read Reggie Nadelson's stories, I get political lessons, historical information and characters who are richly crafted. This book has plots, subplots, texture and a terrific story. As usual, Artie Cohen confronts a moral dilemma or two.

I always read everything she writes. Now, that's a recommendation!!

This book really lacked a cohesive plot. The unavailable priest who was the tortured but unavailable love interest of the doctor was such a dramatic part of the story at the start that I wondered why his character just disappeared. There was a lot of driving around in bad weather, mountain lore, and 'chick-lit' jealousy between women -- but the storyline itself did not really have a 'hook'. I would recommend this book as a mild distraction, but not as a riveting listen.

I love British mysteries and thrillers. This isn't one to recommend. Other than a feable attempt at humor - i.e. a main character names Carabinieri Baci (means kiss), there was an irritating cast of characters and nothing to really wonder about.

Seldom do you read a book written by a man who portrays a female character with elegance, and accuracy. His story of the woman who is assaulted and then reworks the event in her life is dramatic, horrifying and yet tender. I highly recommend the book -- literally, I couldn't unpug my earbuds.

This book is beautifully crafted, but I always felt 'at arms length' from the Maytrees. Annie Dillard writes like a poet, but it's hard to 'feel' her characters from the inside out.' As I read this book, it felt as though I was hearing the story as a conversation between two other people. I like to be immersed in a character's feelings and to feel I'm present with them in that moment. If you feel the same, read 'On beauty', by Zadie Smith.

..Sorry to say - but this novel is just plain silly. As a mystery it lacks intrigue, and as a story it's boring. No one really cares who killed Humpty Dumpty and Jack Sprat bears a striking resemblance to Winnie the Pooh's depressed donkey friend 'Eeyore'. I love audible -- and I love books with a British flair but this one misses on all fronts. If you want to enjoy a 'niche' mystery, please consider Diana Mott Davidson's 'cooking' mysteries or Lillian Jackson Braun's books featuring Jim Qwilleran's mystery solving cats Koko and Yum Yum.

This book certainly taught me that the rich truly ARE different -- and yet not so different from the rest of us. Once I moved past uncomfortable feelings about the day to day suffering of much of the world, I came to feel that being ENORMOUSLY rich (without serious purpose in life) is like watching a ball of dough with too much yeast. It grows and blows up into something quite unattractive. Written with 'tongue in cheek' rather than 'panting and drooling' -- it is mildly entertaining. Not a coffee table book, though..

Another deeply moving work by the author of The Kite Runner. This story centers around relationships and hardships among women living under the 'cruel protection' of religion, culture and poltics. While not beating the point to death, nor evaluating it - it simply teaches. Despite the pain and cruelty, the human spirit still soars. The power of love, surely from God, is more compelling than the cruel enforcement of the 'word of God'. Don't miss this book.

I received a hard copy of this book for Christmas. I couldn't stay interested by reading in short bursts. The culture was too foreign, the details -- well, too much to remembr. Ahh, then I downloaded the audible copy and was completelly captivated. Narration by the author brought it to life. I understood his characters, understood their feelings and behavior and literally felt I understood the minds and hearts of the people of Afghanistan. Truly, I felt among them. What a wonderful experience for those of us who are 'earworms' more than 'bookworms".

This book certainly has its dry spots. However, what I like most about Frank McCourt is the way he tells his story, --no holds barred, with all its sadnesses-- and remains able to write it from the inside out -- his inside, that is. I love his memoirs - they teach a hundred lessons about problem-solving, getting along, never giving up -- and putting one foot in front of another when confidence is '0' and life looks bleak. ..And yet -- it's entertaining! Bravo - again Mr. McCourt.