janateach

I loved the alternating narrators in this performance. His and her stories paired together made for perfect tension. I listened to this story as I began training for my first 5k and I am certain that wanting to know more is one of the things that kept me going.

No spoilers, here! But let's just say that the narrators are a bit unreliable and peeling away the layers of their characters were amazing.

Revenge is a dish best served cold.

I loved Julia's pluck! She is not afraid to do or try anything.

The pronunciations of the French words were lovely and helped me to expand my vocabulary.

Jacobs is a relatable, anxious, narrator. He is honest about his life and his health status.

He is not consistent in his monthly reporting. I want to know how many pounds he weighed each month so I can hear how he is improving, etc. He does not try diets that are truly sensible - I'd love to hear how he did on a recommended and healthy diet rather than just a juice fast.

He's funny and willing to try things like accupuncture.

If the narrator was less boring.

I felt this book was not sold to me correctly. It focuses on the recent crisis, which is not surprise, but it does not really tell me the historical gems that I would like to know from a story that purports to tell stories of greed across human history.

Yes. I would have a better feel for who is at fault, the author or the reader.

Yes. It doesn't stand up to Bossypants, but Dratch knows that, too. The book is good and honest and a nice look at a pretty regular life.

Having my child say, "Mom, the WOLF!"

Dale's narration is whole-hearted. He paints the pictures with his words and inflections.

It gets me through long car trips. Listening to it for the hundreth time on repeat can make me want to cry, though!

Yes. I love to hear Bryson read! His tales are funny and relatable. However, I'd warn them that it meanders and meanders along every little path.

It's among his best.

The stories of Samuel Pepys. Byrson is hilarious in his descriptions.

Yes! It's a book that can be easily picked up and put down because it does not have a strong narrative arc, so it's length is not so intimidating.

Yes, if they are interested in Jim Jones this feels to be the definitive book.

The background on how progressive the Joneses were really surprised me. The author's continued repeating of the many camp meetings got old but were important to understand what was happening in Jonestown.

Her empathy for the characters shone as she read about their desperate situations. It actually made it harder to digest because her voice made the atrocities sound so much worse than if this were just words on a page.

I haven't looked at the print version, but I really enjoyed the Ms. Monk's voices. She differentiated the characters and made each come alive.

The few times in the middle of the story when Mabel and Jack truly connect made the story magical. These characters were in a difficult marriage but you truly rooted for them.

She used a narrators voice so well to describe the place and allow me to choose what I enjoyed but she voiced the characters, especially the bossy neighbor, with unique inflections that truly reflected their characters.

I'd recommend this if you are looking for something eclectic. It is a neat mix of some of the best the New Yorker has to offer.