Linda

I purchased this book with great anticipation. I was looking forward to listening. It is a formula book of the worst kind. It has an interior formula--the structure of the book repeats the pattern over and over again. Man dies and goes to some kind of heaven, the colors change and someone gives him a cheap piece of philosopy or "advice" or "insight;" the colors change again and another person from his past steps forward with a new insight. It's kind of a repeat of the old "This is Your Life," but not as interesting. It simply bored me. So much was inaccurate--an 83 year old man would not be testing rides at an amusement park, for one thing. The philosophy was of the armchair variety. In short, I was disappointed!

This is an absolutely extraordinary story about children who become the parents at very tender ages. Jeannette is cooking beans at four years old. It's a dysfunctional family that somehow manages to remain a family against all odds. Some of the four children make it as successful adults. At least one is damaged significantly. An incredible read--listen!

Jamie Ford's novel is a good read--or in this case, a good listen. The time is WWII and the 1980s; the place is the Pacific Coast. Not too many novels about this time/place. The book holds together nicely. The reader will remember the characters and the situations. A good first novel for Jamie Ford!

THE LIFE OF PI is a truly amazing book in its scope and depth. It explores philosophy, religion, various cultures, and the care and training of animals and the most amazing thing is that, while doing all these things, the author manages to tell a really good story. This is one of the best books I have read (heard) in years. There were many surprises! I loved the main character and his exploits. I can highly recommend this book.