Katherine

David Sedaris always has me laughing and crying at the same time. His stories are so painfully real that I find myself laughing out loud and then feeling a little guilty because really the situation is sad and messed up. But it's so raw and real that it's just brilliant. You've got to laugh at life, especially when things are sad and messed up.

A classic in every sense of the word. Frank Muller makes the poetry of Fitzgerald come to life with an aching beauty in the words.

Book 2 is really bland, long and kind of boring compared to the other books. I agree with other reviewers, if I was reading the book instead of listening, I would have skimmed over hundreds of pages. Bella wallows in her depression and brings you down with her. But the connection between her and Jacob and the rather exciting climax are crucial to the series story line. While I know that this series is intending for 13 year olds and I rolled my eyes often at Bella's insecurity, the obsession/love she has with Edward and the blatant Romeo and Juliet plot line, I still gobbled it up. These books are like donuts - you know there's no substance, but you just might eat the whole box anyway because it just tastes so darn good.

GRRM picks it up right where he left off and with out any apologies for the dagger thrusts from Book 1. With new characters coming in the story starts to get broader and broader. So many names and families to keep track of! This book gives an agonizing cliff hanger so make sure you rush on to Book 3. Because Winter is Coming.

Roy Detrice has a captivating voice and his execution of this brilliant work is top notch. I've already read all the books published so far, and evening knowing exactly what is about to happen I still find myself with heart racing, biting my nails on the edge of my seat. This is a character driven story and the depth and feeling I've developed for them is incredible. My heart breaks and soars chapter by chapter for House Stark.

I will fully admit to totally fast forwarding through the manifesto toward the end when John Gault makes his radio speech. And perhaps zoning out at other parts. But the story is so unique and fantastic that I have to give it 4 stars. There are a number of Ayn Rand's ideas that I agree with, but on a whole I do think that publicly funded projects are a good idea. If you think it should be every man for himself then Ayn Rand is for you. I heard some skuttlebut that this was actually being made into a movie. It's an epic under taking so we'll see what they do. I do love the strength demonstrated by a female main character. and the fact that this was written so long ago just makes it that much more impressive. I think this is a must-listen for everyone simply because it can encourage so much discussion.

I have the hardcopy of this book and I had tried to read it at least 3x but simply couldn't get into it. The audio version is simply delightful though. The story wanders and ambles a bit in the beginning but the direction toward the end is just so fantastic you have to believe it will have a sequel.