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Melissa

Counselor with eclectic taste, I enjoy historical fiction, supernatural and satire...among others. Favorite Book Quote; "...God loves us, but the devil takes an interest"~Alexandrine Paradis

Dayton, OH, United States | Member Since 2010

HELPFUL VOTES

26 reviews
51 ratings
190 titles in library
10 purchased in 2013

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The Kitchen House: A Novel

UNABRIDGED
- by Kathleen Grissom
- Narrated by Orlagh Cassidy , Bahni Turpin
The Kitchen House: A Novel

UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 55 mins)

By Kathleen Grissom

Narrated By Orlagh Cassidy, Bahni Turpin

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(5251)
Performance
(3359)
Story
(3344)

Orphaned while onboard ship from Ireland, seven-year-old Lavinia arrives on the steps of a tobacco plantation where she is to live and work with the slaves of the kitchen house. Under the care of Belle, the master's illegitimate daughter, Lavinia becomes deeply bonded to her adopted family, though she is set apart from them by her white skin. Eventually, Lavinia is accepted into the world of the big house, where the master is absent and the mistress battles opium addiction.
Margaret says: "For the love of all things Holy, READ THIS!!!"
"Pleasant Surprise"

Overall
Performance
Story

This was an entertaining listen; I and my fiancé enjoyed the story on our recent trip through the Smokey Mountains. The narration was pleasant and unobtrusive and the story flowed nicely. This story consists of poignant loving relationships. The “family” that the main character found herself cast into is a beautiful representation of human nature to bond and the other part of human nature is also represented in deeply disturbing reality. Very good listen I would definitely recommend this selection to anyone who loves historical fiction with dept of characters and emotion.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A Discovery of Witches

UNABRIDGED
- by Deborah Harkness
- Narrated by Jennifer Ikeda
A Discovery of Witches

UNABRIDGED (24 hrs and 2 mins)

By Deborah Harkness

Narrated By Jennifer Ikeda

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(7485)
Performance
(5129)
Story
(5145)

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library.
Barbara says: "A feast for the mind and imagination"
"Remember the past and await the future..."

Overall
Performance
Story

What did you love best about A Discovery of Witches?

Great narration interesting character twist and the story is fun. This is a great story; there is a mystery, mixed with fantasy, science and romance. Started out a tad bit dreary but quickly picked up more and more, the ending will leave you wanting more. I listened and did not want to stop.

What other book might you compare A Discovery of Witches to and why?

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly; for the mystery and character development.

Which scene was your favorite?

Against the Oak and the ending, won't say more no spoiler here.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I tried, If I could I would have...

Any additional comments?

I recommend this for listeners of all ages, very enjoyable...

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Voyager

UNABRIDGED
- by Diana Gabaldon
- Narrated by Davina Porter
Voyager

UNABRIDGED (43 hrs and 51 mins)

By Diana Gabaldon

Narrated By Davina Porter

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(5613)
Performance
(2911)
Story
(2878)

Set in the intriguing Scotland of 200 years ago, the third installment in the romantic adventures of Jamie and Claire is as compelling as the first. Now that Claire knows Jamie survived the slaughter at Culloden, she is faced with the most difficult decision of her life. She aches to travel back through time again to find the love of her life, but, in order to do that, she must leave their daughter behind.
Kathy says: "Hurry up! I want them all!"
"It is what it is..."

Overall
Performance
Story

What did you like best about Voyager? What did you like least?

The familiar characters and intrigue of where the

What do you think your next listen will be?

The Drums of Autumn

Have you listened to any of Davina Porter’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

It is what it is, a bridge to the next in the series, not as good as the first or the second and just an FYI, the third is better than this.

Was Voyager worth the listening time?

Yes, for the sake of the series.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Light in August

UNABRIDGED
- by William Faulkner
- Narrated by Will Patton
Light in August

UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 17 mins)

By William Faulkner

Narrated By Will Patton

Overall
(1017)
Performance
(566)
Story
(569)

An Oprah's Book Club Selection regarded as one of Faulkner's greatest and most accessible novels, Light in August is a timeless and riveting story of determination, tragedy, and hope. In Faulkner's iconic Yoknapatawpha County, race, sex, and religion collide around three memorable characters searching desperately for human connection and their own identities.
Patricia says: "I tried, I finished it, but cannot recommend."
"Run on sentences...classic Faulkner"

Overall
Performance
Story

Really good narration however in my opinion Faulkner is better read than listened too after a while the run on sentences get a bit monotonous when listening.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bloody Jack

UNABRIDGED
- by L.A. Meyer
- Narrated by Katherine Kellgren
Bloody Jack

UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 26 mins)

By L.A. Meyer

Narrated By Katherine Kellgren

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(885)
Performance
(405)
Story
(403)

Life as a ship's boy aboard HMS Dolphin is a dream come true for Jacky Faber. Gone are the days of scavenging for food and fighting for survival on the streets of 18th-century London. Instead, Jacky is becoming a skilled and respected sailor as the crew pursues pirates on the high seas. There's only one problem: Jacky is a girl. And she will have to use every bit of her spirit, wit, and courage to keep the crew from discovering her secret.
Terry says: "Sometimes it clicks"
"Fun Story"

Overall
Performance
Story

the narration was a hoot. Recommended for those who want some good clan fun...and a little blimey

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Tiger's Wife: A Novel

UNABRIDGED
- by Tea Obreht
- Narrated by Susan Duerden , Robin Sachs
The Tiger's Wife: A Novel

UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 26 mins)

By Tea Obreht

Narrated By Susan Duerden, Robin Sachs

Overall
(689)
Performance
(429)
Story
(425)

In a Balkan country mending from years of conflict, Natalia, a young doctor, arrives on a mission of mercy at an orphanage by the sea. By the time she and her lifelong friend Zóra begin to inoculate the children there, she feels age-old superstitions and secrets gathering everywhere around her. Secrets her outwardly cheerful hosts have chosen not to tell her. Secrets involving the strange family digging for something in the surrounding vineyards. Secrets hidden in the landscape itself.
Howard says: "Left me unfulfilled!"
"Interesting Story"

Overall
Performance
Story

Recommended for the folk tale quality and good narration. the character development was well received the plot enjoyable.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel

UNABRIDGED
- by Jeannette Walls
- Narrated by Jeannette Walls
Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel

UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 55 mins)

By Jeannette Walls

Narrated By Jeannette Walls

Overall
(778)
Performance
(275)
Story
(272)

Jeannette Walls's memoir The Glass Castle was "nothing short of spectacular" (Entertainment Weekly). Now, in Half Broke Horses, she brings us the story of her grandmother, told in a first-person voice that is authentic, irresistible, and triumphant.
Kathryn says: "A BETTER BOOK THAN "THE GLASS CASTLE""
"Good story...narration ugh!"

Overall
Performance
Story

Again I liked the story, not as much as glass castle but it was good. However I truly wish Ms Walls would stop already with the self narration her voice is so emotionless and flat. It is obvious she is covering her accent... why? I am not sure, all I do know is it makes her come off mono tone.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

UNABRIDGED
- by Gregory Maguire
- Narrated by John McDonough
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

UNABRIDGED (19 hrs and 30 mins)

By Gregory Maguire

Narrated By John McDonough

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(3553)
Performance
(1304)
Story
(1314)

Heralded as an instant classic of fantasy literature, Maguire has written a wonderfully imaginative retelling of The Wizard of Oz told from the Wicked Witch's point of view. More than just a fairy tale for adults, Wicked is a meditation on the nature of good and evil.
Kathleen says: "It's not easy being green"
"What Fun...Perfection in Narration"

Overall
Performance
Story

Did not want it to end; although the plot gets a bit overtly political it was an absolute joy visiting old friends from a more mature perspective. The writing was phenomenal so many GREAT lines and Maguire definitely paints a vivid picture of Oz. 100% worth every cent! (or credit)

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Prince of Tides

UNABRIDGED
- by Pat Conroy
- Narrated by Frank Muller
The Prince of Tides

UNABRIDGED (22 hrs and 41 mins)

By Pat Conroy

Narrated By Frank Muller

Overall
(1590)
Performance
(814)
Story
(811)

Spanning 40 years, this is the story of turbulent Tom Wingo, his gifted and troubled twin sister Savannah, and their struggle to triumph over the dark and tragic legacy of the extraordinary family into which they were born.
Ella says: "A "Prince" amongst novels"
"Wonderful and Deep and PERFECTION in Narration"

Overall
Performance
Story

What a great narration and story. Very well written with fabulous character development. Did I mention the narration absolutely one of the best narrators ever.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Water for Elephants

UNABRIDGED
- by Sara Gruen
- Narrated by David LeDoux , John Randolph Jones
Water for Elephants

UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 26 mins)

By Sara Gruen

Narrated By David LeDoux, John Randolph Jones

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(11433)
Performance
(3976)
Story
(4019)

Why we think it’s a great listen: Some books are meant to be read; others are meant to be heard – Water for Elephants falls into the second group, and is one of the best examples we have of how a powerful performance enhances a great story. Nonagenarian Jacob Jankowski reflects back on his wild and wondrous days with a circus. It's the Depression Era and Jacob, finding himself parentless and penniless, joins the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth.
Teddy says: "This is what Audiobook should be..."
"LOVED THIS ..."

Overall
Performance
Story

Wonderful and one of the best audio book ever...I truly recommended this for any age or gender whether you like historical fiction or something else, anyone can enjoy this story. The narration is brilliant with well developed characters and just an all around beautiful tale that I was oh so sorry to see end; I'll definitely listen again

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Revolution

UNABRIDGED
- by Jennifer Donnelly
- Narrated by Emily Janice Card , Emma Bering
Revolution

UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 1 min)

By Jennifer Donnelly

Narrated By Emily Janice Card, Emma Bering

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(309)
Performance
(144)
Story
(148)

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages - until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.
David P. McGivern says: "Great for any age"
"“God loves us, but the devil shows interest…”"

Overall
Performance
Story

Classic, I loved this story; it gave me goose bumps and left me wanting more, more, more. The character development astounding, the musical references absolute and the story line well...beautiful. I highly, highly recommend this audio book; it is an absolute pleasure to listen too on so many levels, a wonderfully written tale full of heart and soul.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful