Donna

Ripped away from family that was brainwashed into thinking that the scientology "ranch" was like a boarding school rather than the worst orphanages portrayed in "Jane Eyre".
Almost 20 years of scientology brainwashing, taught to be afraid of anyone outside of the cult to insure seperation, forbidden to use internet, watch tv or movies, sounds more like a North Korean dictatorship than existing in California & Florida less than 10 years ago. It almost broke Jenna Hill but she is stronger than all that and is now helping others who escaped.

At the end of the book, Melanie Benjamin says that the purpose of historical fiction is to pique the reader's interest to find out more about the subject. This book did that. She referenced a biography by Susan Hertog about Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I listened to that book immediately after this one, wanting to know more. Benjamin borrows heavily on the facts in Hertog's biography. Skip Hertog's book, knowing that Benjamin has the facts correct but adds the color in just the right hue and amount to accomplish her goal. I learned much about the Lindberg's and the history of the U.S. and Europe at the time but became totally immersed in the actual story. Great book. I still want to know more so Reeve Lindbergh's books about her mother, are on my reading list now.

I loved that this was read by the author. I found myself laughing out loud (I listen with my blue tooth) one minute and wanting to cry the next. Actually one of the funniest books I have listened to. In the book, Arthur Spirit Jr. is the 14 year old "part time" Indian. Much of Arthur's life corresponds with Alexi's life. I enjoyed it so much I wanted more.

At first, I hated the narrator's babyish voice. I thought it might get better as CeeCee gets older but once I started to get into the story her voice seemed to fit. It became lyrical and a part of the southern culture it sought to portray. Funny, bittersweet, and lovely.

This is my favorite audio book so far. This story is so moving and heartfelt, narrated by the author, it gave me a perspective on this part of the world and Islam that I had never considered. Ayaan Hirsi Ali educated herself and made decisions for her life based on what she had learned, not what Islam dictated she should do. Amazing book.

A bit oversimplified but I found the basic concepts intriguing. Who couldn't use help to love
the people in their lives better and in way that the other person feels that love. I have two newly married sons and plan to buy them the paperback of this book. If it even helps a little in their relationships, possibly saving them years of trying to figure this out on their own, it is definitely worth a listen/read.