Elizabeth

Lawson's stories were hilarious! I admit, her freedom with the "f" word was a little much at times and some of it was pretty coarse, but I after awhile I got used to it and laughed so hard while we were driving home from California that I almost drove off the road. I was nearly in tears. I also appreciated the sadder stories and how she was able to find humor in the difficult times that life hands us. She is a master story-teller and in spite of the rough language my whole family (my husband and I and our adult kids) got a kick out of this book. I was a little embarrassed by some of the content, but the humor and the performance by the author made it pretty darn fun. The 20 hour drive from California to Colorado went by very quickly because of this laugh a minute romp through Jenny Lawson's life. Thanks for such a fun time!

A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel is a sweet memoir that I have listened to many, many times. It too is read by the author and the stories crack me up. Both Lawson and Kimmel are gifted story tellers. Kimmel's style is much more tame but no less enjoyable.

We all concur that the stories from when she worked in the HR department of a Christian organization were unreal. I also loved all the stories of her "taxidermied" (her word) critters.

Absolutely!

If you are offended by harsh language, this book probably is not for you. Choose A Girl Named Zippy if you want a sweet memoir with heart and humor.

In the top 5.

I enjoyed Ethel. Her story reminded me of the Downton Abbey television program. A story of the relationship between the haves and the have-nots. Ethel's character has been knocked down by circumstance and yet she perseveres. She is tough and smart and I found myself rooting for her and awaiting the next part of her story line. I also enjoyed her brother, Billy. He grows so much in this story: from a 16 year old kid to a war-seasoned veteran with real motivation to see meaningful change in the world.

I enjoyed the clandestine wedding between Walter and Maude and how they went ahead with their plans in spite of the world situation, believing that love would overcome.

No, not really. Parts of it made me chuckle, and there were certainly sad parts but it didn't cause any extreme reaction.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and John Lee is an incredible reader. I think I would enjoy listening to the phone book if he read it! He turns a very good book, into an excellent one. If you enjoy history, this is the series for you. I can't wait to get started on Book 2: Winter of the World. I don't know if Ken Follett has finished the third book. If not, I hope he is a fast writer!