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Toby

Anglophile. Prefer only British fiction and mysteries. Good translations of Italian, too.

Portsmouth, NH, United States | Member Since 2010

2
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 4 reviews
  • 4 ratings
  • 0 titles in library
  • 130 purchased in 2013
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  • Whatever It Takes

    • UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 23 mins)
    • By Adele Parks
    • Narrated By Charlotte Strevens
    Overall
    (4)
    Performance
    (4)
    Story
    (4)

    Adele Parks' emotionally powerful new novel asks the question: are there limits as to what you'd do for love? Eloise Hamilton is a Londoner born and bred, so it is a momentous day when she agrees to uproot to Dartmouth, leaving behind her perfect world so her husband can finally live in his. Then, when the family is thrust into unexpected turmoil, Eloise finds she is the one holding everything together - and by an ever-weakening thread.

    Toby says: "A brilliant read!"
    "A brilliant read!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to Whatever It Takes again? Why?

    I would, especially when it has been awhile and I've forgotten the plot or I'm dying for a good Brit book/


    Would you be willing to try another book from Adele Parks? Why or why not?

    Yes. I have bought and read all of her books that you have to offer.


    Which character – as performed by Charlotte Strevens – was your favorite?

    ELOUISE!


    If you could take any character from Whatever It Takes out to dinner, who would it be and why?

    Elouise because she is witty, interesting and companionable.


    Any additional comments?

    This is not a chick lit, although you put it in that category. This book reminds me of some of Joanna Trollope's books. The complexity of the characters, the wit and unexpected plot twists are superb. As satisfying a read as a really delicious dinner out. The dialogue is perfect and I like the range of ages in the characters.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 58 mins)
    • By Lauren Weisberger
    • Narrated By Megan Hilty
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (24)
    Performance
    (23)
    Story
    (23)

    The sequel you’ve been waiting for: the follow-up to the sensational number-one best seller The Devil Wears Prada. Andrea "Andy" Sachs is on top of the world, running her own very successful high-fashion bridal magazine. But she got there with the help of her rolodex - actually, the rolodex of Miranda Priestly, her former nightmare of a boss. As Andy's success grows, she realizes she'll soon have to face Miranda. Still, Andy can hardly anticipate the horrifying reality that’s approaching - a reversal so profound that she will be squarely in Miranda’s crosshairs once more.

    Suzn F says: "Expected"
    "Curiously interesting"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you consider the audio edition of Revenge Wears Prada to be better than the print version?

    As I am legally blind, I am unable to read a print version. Ergo, Audible.


    If you’ve listened to books by Lauren Weisberger before, how does this one compare?

    I think the Devil Wears Prada was very good. The reader was superb. At the time, it was cutting edge and also very funny while at the same time with serious undertones about real problems.


    Which scene was your favorite?

    I cannot answer this question. The sequel was different. What did annoy me a bit was that Andy seemed so incapable of speaking for herself or acting - when she is protrayed as an intelligent, feminist woman. When the reader can "see" what is going on and Andy cannot see this, it is unbelievable.


    If you could rename Revenge Wears Prada, what would you call it?

    I don't know. The title is misleading.


    Any additional comments?

    I thought the character development was lacking in this sequel. I wanted to know more about Lily and found Emily's character not liking. Also, I thought Max was one-dimensional. I would have enjoyed a fun scene with Christian. Also, too much baby-icky details.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Are We Nearly There Yet?: 8,000 Misguided Miles Round Britain in a Vauxhall Astra

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 45 mins)
    • By Ben Hatch
    • Narrated By Kris Dyer
    Overall
    (3)
    Performance
    (2)
    Story
    (2)

    They were bored, broke, burned out, and turning 40, so when Ben and Dinah saw the advert looking for a husband and wife team with young kids to write a guidebook about family travel around Britain, they jumped at the chance. With naïve visions of staring moodily across Coniston Water and savouring Cornish pasties, they embark on a mad-cap five-month trip with daughter Phoebe, four, and son Charlie, two, embracing the freedom of the open road with a spirit of discovery and an industrial supply of baby wipes.

    Toby says: "Laugh, Learn and Cry a Bit"
    "Laugh, Learn and Cry a Bit"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about Are We Nearly There Yet??

    I loved best the interaction between the author and his wife and his children. I loved the hilarity of the descriptions of the towns visited.


    Who was your favorite character and why?

    I loved Dinah, the wife.


    Which scene was your favorite?

    In the animal park with the lions. The world's largest pencil. The penthouse scene in Edinburgh.


    If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

    A family's car journey through Britain with two tots. Don't really know as I am not up on films.


    Any additional comments?

    The back story and account of the author's father's declining health and end was poignant, but not overdone. It read REAL. One felt as if present.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Wrong Mother

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 9 mins)
    • By Sophie Hannah
    • Narrated By Elizabeth Sastre
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (50)
    Performance
    (17)
    Story
    (14)

    Sally Thorning is watching the news with her husband when she hears an unexpected name: Mark Bretherick. It’s a name she shouldn’t know, but last year Sally treated herself to a secret vacation—away from her hectic family life—and met a man. After their brief affair, the two planned to never meet again. But now, Mark’s wife and daughter are dead—and the safety of Sally’s own family is in doubt.

    Sharon says: "Loved and hated"
    "A cannot stop listening read"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What made the experience of listening to The Wrong Mother the most enjoyable?

    That it was so very, very well-written and the suspense kept going and building until the very end. I read lots of British mysteries and this one kept me guessing throughout. Great detail and dialogue.


    What other book might you compare The Wrong Mother to and why?

    Perhaps a P.D. James or a Reginald Hill, but it is unique book and difficult to make a comparison accurately.


    What does Elizabeth Sastre bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    She is a brilliant narrator. I have already downloaded the next in the series. By the way, can you please get ALL of Hannah's novels? Three is not enough.


    If you could rename The Wrong Mother, what would you call it?

    the Dirty Secrets of Motherhood


    Any additional comments?

    As with any good mystery, the characters were believable and with human frailties. I look forward to more of Simon and crew. The British really know how to write a perfect mystery. I can't get enough.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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