You no longer follow ddsharper

You will no longer see updates from this user when they write new reviews, or suggestions based on their library or recommendations.

You can re-follow a user if you change your mind.

OK

You now follow ddsharper

You will receive updates from this user when they write new reviews, or suggestions based on their library or recommendations.

You can unfollow a user if you change your mind.

OK

ddsharper

Los Angeles, CA | Member Since 2000

112
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 20 reviews
  • 292 ratings
  • 1370 titles in library
  • 25 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
0
FOLLOWERS
0

  • Fade

    • ABRIDGED (4 hrs and 38 mins)
    • By Kyle Mills
    • Narrated By Holter Graham
    Overall
    (49)
    Performance
    (11)
    Story
    (10)

    Welcome to the new war on terror. A secret wing of Homeland Security is recruiting agents to work undercover in the Middle East, and the director wants his second-in-command, Matt Egan, to bring aboard an old friend, Salam Al Fayed, better known as Fade. He's perfect: An ex-Navy Seal and the son of immigrants, he speaks flawless Arabic. Trouble is, he's "retired"; he was wounded in the line of duty, and the government refused to pay for the risky surgery that could have helped him.

    ddsharper says: "Great Listen"
    "Great Listen"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I enjoyed this book. It is the first fiction title I've listened to, in a while, that I actually finished. The characters were distinct and interesting, the story entertaining and well told. In my opinion, many modern fiction novels I've downloaded haven't been able to keep my interest. I felt they were too negative, too full of gratuitous profanity, dark in mood and low in action. Maybe it's me but I tire of stories with dark tones and full of preachy new age philosophies. I just want a decent story and don't want to feel depressed after listening to a book. Well crafted stories, even with violence, can have an up tone and this book delivers. Fade gives you great characters, plenty of action, it keeps moving and keeps you listening. You care about the characters, want to know what happens next and everything is tied up in the end. It's a fun listen, not too deep and the story is told so you can keep up with what's happening: you won't get lost with too many characters. I don't want to spoil the plot. I'll end by saying this book is well written for audio and I found myself wishing it wouldn't end and wishing that this author had more books available on audible.

    11 of 11 people found this review helpful
  • The Man in 3B

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 56 mins)
    • By Carl Weber
    • Narrated By Mike Ray, Shay Moore, King Parker, and others
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (135)
    Performance
    (119)
    Story
    (123)

    Meet Darryl Graham, or as his new neighbors call him, The Man in 3B. Darryl's new to the Jamaica, Queens building, but from day one he's made quite an impression on his neighbors. He has made it very clear he greatly values his privacy, but he is the man every woman wants and every man wants to be, so inquiring minds want to know. Unfortunately, in Darryl's world, what you know can hurt you. And when he winds up dead, those inquiring minds become the prime suspects.

    Dream says: "Epilogue brings the story together"
    "Pedestrian and Stereotypical"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

    I couldn't listen long enough to comment on the entire plot, because the writing was so stereotypical and pedestrian. I am sick and tired of black women being portrayed as desperate whores and sexual animals. When the first character encountered women on the stoop of her complex, they sounded like B in heat. What made it worse is that they were married. Then the married woman climbs stairs, cannot catch her breath, but perseverates on and on about this guy being so attractive and sexy that she was willing to entertain sexual fantasies about him, without knowing him, and go on and on about what she wanted to do with and to him. In the middle of respiratory failure, this guy asks her if she's all-right, and her mind leaves her physical distress as she lusts after some stranger? Please. give me something with plot twists and depth, and dialog between human beings and not people ready to jump into bed with people less familiar than even strangers. How far the mighty have fallen.


    Would you ever listen to anything by Carl Weber again?

    Not at all.


    Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

    There were no favorites, at all. No insight, predictable, and formulaic.


    You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

    Nothing. The narrators are accomplished actors and voice-over-greats.


    Any additional comments?

    It seems like some non-black wrote the book, or some black person who has joined the band-wagon of portraying black women as lust-ridden-animals, abandoning all logical thoughts or action in order to think or act on endless lust. I could not finish the book-junk in, junk out. I am longing to read meaningful stories by substantive black authors, but I suppose such books could never pass the muster of the system of you-know-what, in the West. If you portray all black men as criminals, all black women as sex crazed whores, then I guess you have a best seller. Also, in most black books, black people have miserable lives, etc,, which is why I rarely buy fiction books written by modern black authors. This is my opinion. I have found, with rare exceptions, that nothing in any form of media, save the occasional honest documentary, or actual lectures on YouTube, remotely reflects the real lives and characters of actual black people, who are the most diverse group on earth, Give me something where they aren't criminals, or downtrodden by racism, or sex-crazed-dogs, or on drugs. I guess that's what sells, but I'm not buying.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Mr. Monk is Miserable

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 58 mins)
    • By Lee Goldberg
    • Narrated By Laura Hicks
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (46)
    Performance
    (13)
    Story
    (14)

    On a return trip from Germany, Monk and Natalie stop over in Paris. They visit the catacombs - a vast, underground cavern in the center of the city, lined with millions of ancient human bones. Monk picks up a skull and announces that this person was murdered - by a modern weapon made in the last few years. He thinks someone hid a recent murder victim among the old bones.

    Sandra says: "Very entertaining"
    "Too much Natalie: Too little Monk"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    In my opinion, the strength of the Monk TV series, like the series, "House", is the special skills the main character possesses. I don't want to here from the whiny assistant, nor do I care about her point of view. I expected hard core Monk, spotlighting his point of view and his many skills and special diagnostics of criminals and their acts, which were lacking, as far as I could see. I was so agitated and frustrated with the narrator's voice, as well as the lack of substance of the story, I could not finish. Perhaps if I'd gone further I'd be pleasantly surprised, but I found this to be too great a chore.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Secret History of the World: As Laid Down by the Secret Societies

    • UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 52 mins)
    • By Mark Booth
    • Narrated By John Lee
    Overall
    (66)
    Performance
    (29)
    Story
    (29)

    In this groundbreaking new work, Mark Booth embarks on an enthralling intellectual tour of our world's secret histories. Starting from a dangerous premise - that everything we've been taught about our world's past is corrupted, and that the stories put forward by the various cults and mystery schools throughout history are true - Booth produces nothing short of an alternate history of the past 3,000 years.

    Robin says: "A unique perspective"
    "For the young, ignorant and impressionable"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    New fable, undermining established belief systems, seemingly designed for atheists, youngsters and those who have yet to form their own beliefs about God and Jesus. Propaganda of the NWO in my opinion and I couldn' listen beyond the first 30 minutes. How pathetic. Nothing here less fantastic than the traditional story of creation. Like Greek mythology I suppose. Lots of books like this coming out. Thought this was scholarly. Guess I should have previewed it longer. Beware.

    0 of 8 people found this review helpful
  • The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest: The Millennium Trilogy, Book 3

    • UNABRIDGED (20 hrs and 20 mins)
    • By Stieg Larsson
    • Narrated By Simon Vance
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (15876)
    Performance
    (6169)
    Story
    (6171)

    Lisbeth Salander—the heart of Larsson’s two previous novels—lies in critical condition, a bullet wound to her head, in the intensive care unit of a Swedish city hospital. She’s fighting for her life in more ways than one: if and when she recovers, she’ll be taken back to Stockholm to stand trial for three murders. With the help of her friend, journalist Mikael Blomkvist, she will not only have to prove her innocence, but also identify and denounce those in authority.

    B.J. says: "Perfect."
    "I will sorely miss the series, characters, author"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I am grieving the loss. It has been a very long time, before this series, that I was so deeply drawn into a saga. Consequently, I haven't known how to react now that it's over and I know the author is dead. It's strange. You must read all 3 books in order to appreciate this author's ability to weave a complex tale and create such realistic characters. His prose are great and his style skilled, in every way. I feel as if I am grieving in that I know Steig Larsson is gone and Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander with him. I wish American authors possessed the depth of soul and expression to write as honestly as this Swedish author but I suppose the machismo and warlike attitude of America precludes such a thing. I am at a loss. What to read now? After experiencing such interesting characters and well spun stories I am at a loss. Well, I guess it is back to Alexandre Dumas. In closing, I highly recommend the series. Thank you.

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • First Degree

    • UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 40 mins)
    • By David Rosenfelt
    • Narrated By Grover Gardner
    Overall
    (807)
    Performance
    (275)
    Story
    (273)

    When a cop's body is found burned and decapitated, the last thing Andy Carpenter expected is for a stranger to waltz into his office and admit to the crime. For the wise-cracking millionaire defense attorney suffering from "lawyer's block", the case looks like a no-brainer...until the cops pick up another suspect: Andy's lead P.I., Laurie Collins, who happens to be the love of his life.

    Betty says: "One of my favorites"
    "Great Listen"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I have come to really appreciate this author. The book has a great plot, all loose ends are tied together and the characters are all memorable. I started with his first book, open and shut, and liked it so much I paid the full retail price for this title. Most of all, I love the author's use of irony and sarcasm. He's a firecracker and demonstrates the author's intelligence. Wholly recommend this book for intelligent readers, especially. Wish there were more titles out there like this one, more authors with Rosenfelt's talents.

    6 of 6 people found this review helpful
  • Marvelous World: The Marvelous Effect, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 8 mins)
    • By Troy CLE
    • Narrated By Malcolm-Jamal Warner
    Overall
    (9)
    Performance
    (1)
    Story
    (2)

    This is the best day of Louis Proof's life. The park even has the most amazing race course for radio-controlled cars. Louis starts racing right away. It's a close contest; he's about to activate his nitro boost to take the lead, when....This is the worst day of Louis' life. Without warning or reason, the 13-year-old falls into a coma due to a virus of a mysterious, celestial origin. When he awakens three months later, the world that he once knew and loved is totally out of control.

    Melise says: "Strange book"
    "Good First Effort"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I downloaded this title after watching the Tavis Smiley interview, as well as others. I am excited that this Genre, namely African American Fantasy, is now available to youngsters so they may expand their inner views and widen the scope of self perception. This will inevitably effect the sights they set for their futures. This book, as books go, is okay but I am not a youngster nor am I into fantasy. He tells a solid story and that is what counts. He speaks to this generation and that too is good, in my opinion. The author has a good command of literary devices, is a decent wordsmith and I think will go far. I commend him for his efforts and encourage people to do a search in google to see the wonderful interviews and comments about CLE. It's about expanding the black archetype to include characters beyond the negative stereotypes and this author has succeeded. On one of the interviews, I think you can find it on youtube, the interviewer mentioned that African Americans are buying more books than anyone else right now. Of course you will probably only hear it here or on a handful of sites. Kudos to CLE.

    3 of 4 people found this review helpful
  • Daddy's Girl

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 49 mins)
    • By Lisa Scottoline
    • Narrated By Barbara Rosenblat
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (293)
    Performance
    (39)
    Story
    (39)

    Law professor Natalie Greco has an ordered life. Then, one terrible day, everything changes. While visiting a prison, a riot erupts and a prison guard is fatally injured. Nat rushes to help him, only to hear his last words: "Tell my wife. It's under the floor. The money." Nat feels she must find his widow. But this is no simple quest, and along the way, Nat is framed for murder and the retiring scholar finds herself in a desperate fight to save her own life.

    Jim says: "jimbo2all"
    "Somewhere between a 2 and 3"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I read the poor reviews of this book and agree with each and everyone of them. The characters were stereotypical, the dialog predictable, the main character's brother so irritating I'd skip ahead and the plot, well, unbelievable. I don't believe this is unusual in today's novel so I gave it a 3. The many rave reviews puzzle me. Perhaps if you are young or inexperienced or are thrilled with stereotypes, this book is for you.

    1 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • Develop a Powerful Memory

    • ORIGINAL (53 mins)
    • By Glenn Harrold
    • Narrated By Glenn Harrold
    Overall
    (204)
    Performance
    (33)
    Story
    (35)

    This superb high quality hypnotherapy program by the UK's best-selling hypnotherapist, Glenn Harrold, combines powerful clinical hypnotherapy techniques with state of the art digital recording technology.

    ddsharper says: "Great, Relaxing, Effective"
    "Great, Relaxing, Effective"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Like other reviewers of Harrold's titles, I was at first skeptical but, still, I was desperate to believe that I could retain tons of information for a re-certification exam in medicine. Amazingly, I am remembering the information that I am cramming, 12-16 hours daily, while before listening to this recording it seemed I was too nervous and fearfully negative to allow the information to stick. I kept telling myself I was too old to remember, due to the constant negative input we get in this society about declining mental faculties with age. I discovered my brain is working fine and my memory is intact, plus, with age, so is my understanding!! Thanks Mr. Harrold, it works! I listen at least 3-4 times weekly, while lying in bed, and I fall peacefully asleep to his soothing voice and positive affirmations. Hypnosis worked for me 30 years ago and it is working now. I enthusiastically recommend these recordings and am ordering a few more- weight loss next folks!!

    34 of 34 people found this review helpful
  • A History of the Middle Ages

    • UNABRIDGED (19 hrs and 6 mins)
    • By Crane Brinton, John Christopher, Robert Wolff
    • Narrated By Charlton Griffin
    Overall
    (518)
    Performance
    (132)
    Story
    (121)

    A History of the Middle Ages is the amazing story of European man in transition. It is a dramatic chronicle of 1,000 years of political, social, and economic transformation beginning with the dissolution of the classical Mediterranean civilization and ending with the first flowering of the Renaissance. It is also the story of two new religions, Christianity and Islam, both of which were destined to dominate the mind of every person in those new civilizations arising in their wake.

    Theresa says: "A Stunning Achievement"
    "Great Material: Hard Listen"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Great information, thorough and power packed facts reside in this book. If you learn best through listening, perhaps this book is for you. If you need to ruminate and grasp facts and concepts before moving on, this book moves way to fast, in my opinion. It is one of the titles I've downloaded that I will listen to when I already have a framework set, and understanding of this period in western civilization, and then I can use this book as a solid review. Now, I use it to help my insomnia.

    1 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • A Bend in the Road

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 12 mins)
    • By Nicholas Sparks
    • Narrated By L.J. Ganser
    Overall
    (367)
    Performance
    (76)
    Story
    (78)

    Recently selected Best Author by readers of Entertainment Weekly, Nicholas Sparks is one of America's preeminent storytellers. Now, Sparks spins a tale about a man, a woman, and the devastating secret that threatens to keep them apart.

    Troy says: "Hard not to feel superior to the characters"
    "A tender Story"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I enjoyed this title because the characters were pleasant, the story simple and because it didn't focus on judges, police lawyers and criminal element like many modern novels. This is a good love story. Without spoiling the story, I can say I'd recommend the book as a delightful listen.

    2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Report Inappropriate Content

If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

CANCEL

Thank You

Your report has been received. It will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.