Richard A. Puffer

If you have listened to one Stephanie Plumb novel you have ... I have listened to most and have found each of them entertaining, Evanovich comes up with new stories on a regular basis and listeners and fans know that a Plumb novel is like a new program in the ongoing series. It is all there -- with Grandma playing a bit more of a role this time -- and both alpha males giving the Babe a remarkable amount of latitude but craziness reigns and it beat television. Though I am surprised we have not see a good many either lifetime or Hallmark movies -- there are at least 19 screen plays.

The narrator does a great job of bringing the book to the stage and it would be difficult to imagine any of the characters in voices other than the ones Lorelei King creates.

It is a quick, entertaining listen that would probably be best purchased on sale.

All of my Harry Bosch experience with Michael Connelly has been with audio and this most recent edition/addition to the series is a quality product from both the story and the performance.

It was a bit eerie to start the book in the LA Riots after just listening to some real-life accounts of chaos in the streets of Syria and then there is the jump to 2012 when the cold case begins to unthaw. Bosch is the central character and Connelly builds the story around his long-time detective friend while giving us an increasing view of the values and experience that may eventually drive his daughter Madeline into law enforcement. The innocence of Maddy combined with the persistence of the 1992 victim were an interesting bridge in this entertaining novel.

The history for the plot was quick and well developed. The police work that helped move this story forward is interesting and methodical as well as credible -- which is a little more than you can say about the unusual happenings at the end. Connelly took some shortcuts as he resolved this story and it is not easy to tell if they were lack of imagination or inability to fight through the rules of this particular genre. The ending worked to get us through the story but the lack of reasoning for the IA detective's presence just doesn't sit that well.

But, don't let the nitpicking keep you from an entertaining 12 hours.

"Well, it is in my policy!" may be a quote I will work into my life -- wonder how that will go over with some students?

Former President Clinton helps us understand that what's happening is happening to all in the U. S. and all around the world. He has a way of helping those who read/listen see that it is important for us to work toward solutions. He believes, and I probably enjoyed this book, because I believe there is a vital role for government in helping us solve many of the problems in our world. Most of these problems go far beyond our individual spheres of influence. He discusses in this book where government has played important, constructive roles in solving problems and improving quality of life. His examples come from both sides of the political battlefield. His urge to be inclusive rather than exclusive is another positive aspect of this long essay. In addition, the former president is engaging in constructive problem solving through his Foundation and he discusses how the Foundation approach differs from the battling of politicians.

The former president has always been known as a communicator and he brings these gifts to the narration of his book. You get the feeling of almost being in a conversation with a very intelligent friend.

The book is fairly short but it is a powerful argument on the role of government in today's complex world. I would guess that even someone on the opposite side of this view would enjoy listening to the former president's ideas.

At times I was sure I was too old for this book based on games within games in a virtual world that is at once more intriguing and infatuating than daily reality yet keeps coming up short on on "being real." The Gunters are after an inheritance and so are the Sixers and the entire story is told through the visor and haptic reactions Perzeval. Anyway, the inheritance is left by a cyber guru who just made me think of Steve Jobs. I just happened to be listening the week The Apple guy resigned as CEO. So, I continued listening and I still believe that while it may not be exactly my kind of story -- it could become a cult favorite not unlike some of the trivia so lovingly describe in these 15 hours of listening. Different = yes. Stretch in some places = certainly. Entertaining = probably.

Brad Thor has developed a compelling story line but he interrupts the narrative throughout the book to preach. The ideology that he shares will be very popular with many readers of this type of spy thriller but I predict even they will be a tad put off by the long interruptions. I know he has a strong following and I may even read another because of his story telling I found FULL BLACK riddled with cliche. It almost appeared that he had a bet with someone on how many different cliches he could incorporate in this story. He provides a fearsome scenario for today's current headlines but I am not liking his style.

Seth Godin has a new book that is entitled POKE THE BOX. Godin calls this book a manifesto to get people out of their own personal boxes and in a mental position to "start something." He wants people to understand they have much more potential than they will allow themselves to believe.

He hates the idea that so many of us wait around to "get picked." He says that in today's world there is no reason to wait around to get picked. He makes it clear that we can choose ourselves and make things happen. One of his aphorisms is the idea that "he who fails the most generally wins." That makes me think of a friend, former Coker College student and published author -- Donnie Quist. He had a book and he wanted it published. He did not wait to get picked. He used the innovation of Kickstarter and LET ME MAKE YOU A SANDWICH is in the public realm. Had Donnie waited around to be picked he would probably still be unpublished. Seth Godin would like Donnie Quist's story.

Do not pick up this manifesto if you want to continue believing that other people limit you ability to make things happen in this world. Don't pick up this manifesto if you believe that doing what you are told well is all you need to achieve success. Do not look for this extended lecture if you believe the status quo is the way to go. Because, if you believe those things, Godin is going to make you uncomfortable.

Godin is a vision thinker and his books are like a half-time talk for those who feel it is their job to make a difference in this world. I recommend that if you are one who wants to make a difference Godin's book will help ignite that passion to making a start.

Okay, quit reading and start something, NOW.

Creative idea for a story, interesting novel construction, not quite as enthralling as you might hope but does keep you wanting to turn pages. I like the narrator but his style does get tried with this novel. Will keep you entertained and that is mostly what I think we want for summer reading pleasure.

Daddy's Girl is a fun read and just when you think the mystery is solved you get another treat. Performance is, as usual, excellent. Book is not as good as the regular series with Bernie and gang but the Nat Grego is the typical gutsy heroine and most LS fans should enjoy this book.