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Marjorie

Santa Rosa, CA, United States | Member Since 2010

HELPFUL VOTES

23 reviews
84 ratings
0 titles in library
31 purchased in 2013

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Shantaram

UNABRIDGED
- by Gregory David Roberts
- Narrated by Humphrey Bower
Shantaram

UNABRIDGED (43 hrs and 9 mins)

By Gregory David Roberts

Narrated By Humphrey Bower

Overall
(2824)
Performance
(1177)
Story
(1177)

This mesmerizing first novel tells the epic journey of Lin, an escaped convict who flees maximum security prison in Australia to disappear into the underworld of contemporary Bombay. Accompanied by his guide and faithful friend, Prabaker, Lin searches for love and meaning while running a clinic in one of the city's poorest slums and serving his apprenticeship in the dark arts of the Bombay mafia. The keys to unlock the mysteries that bind Lin are held by two people: his mentor Khader Khan, mafia godfather and criminal-philosopher; and the beautiful, elusive Karla, whose passions are driven by dangerous secrets.
Richard says: "Do Not Miss This"
"It's an Experience"

Overall
Performance
Story

This was a book that I think would be better to read than to listen to. There are many characters whose names sound very similar and it is hard to keep track of who's who. The book has many long discussions which on the written page, I would have preferred to scan. These philosophical discussions caused the listening to become tedious and slow at times. On the other hand, there are times in this story when I felt I was experiencing India, up close and personal. It is very interesting to learn about the fairly contemporary culture from the world of poverty and relationship. So, overall, this is a good book that I think would be best experienced on the page due to the difficulties I have described above.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Looking for Alaska

UNABRIDGED
- by John Green
- Narrated by Jeff Woodman
Looking for Alaska

UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 11 mins)

By John Green

Narrated By Jeff Woodman

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(401)
Performance
(289)
Story
(290)

Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words - and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps.
Looking for Alaska brilliantly chronicles the indelible impact one life can have on another.
Leslie says: "Great Story! Great Narrator!"
"John Green Gets It"

Overall
Performance
Story

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have worked with teens for many years and found Mr. Green's portrayal of teen males at boarding school to be believable and fascinating. The author is able to bring alive his characters. I found myself living the book as though I was a part of those kids' world when I was listening. I felt I knew the two main characters. I don't see where this would be just a teen's book. For an inside look into the minds of teens and the difficult dilemmas they may be facing without a parent's awareness, this book is great. It's good for its own sake too with many an adventure unfolding.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A Fine Balance

UNABRIDGED
- by Rohinton Mistry
- Narrated by John Lee
A Fine Balance

UNABRIDGED (24 hrs and 29 mins)

By Rohinton Mistry

Narrated By John Lee

Overall
(438)
Performance
(152)
Story
(152)

In the India of the mid-1970s, Indira Gandhi's government has just come to power. It institutionalizes corruption and arbitrary force, most oppressive to the poorest and weakest people under its sway. Against this backdrop, in an unnamed city by the sea, four people struggle to survive. Dina, Maneck, and two tailors, the Untouchables Om and Ishvar, who are sewing in Dina's service, undergo a series of reversals.
Susan says: "A Must Read"
"Should be Required Reading, Fantastic"

Overall
Performance
Story

I loved this book. The main characters face hardships and struggles while showing true friendship and resounding resilience. This book reminded me of Frankl's book, Man's Search For Meaning; except that these guys always had sweet humor. While filled with suffering, there was never a dwelling on the suffering and always a persevering spirit of hope showing how even in the darkest times, people pull together and create friendships. Throughout the book, there were funny adventures and surprising insights. I learned about the Indian people and found myself loving them for their ability to find lightness and humor amidst the suffering. Suggested reading.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie (Oprah's Book Club 2.0)

UNABRIDGED
- by Ayana Mathis
- Narrated by Adenrele Ojo , Bahni Turpin , Adam Lazarre-White
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie (Oprah's Book Club 2.0)

UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 20 mins)

By Ayana Mathis

Narrated By Adenrele Ojo, Bahni Turpin, Adam Lazarre-White

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(312)
Performance
(274)
Story
(268)

A debut of extraordinary distinction: through the trials of one unforgettable family, Ayana Mathis tells the story of the children of the Great Migration, a story of love and bitterness and the promise of a new America. In 1923, 15-year-old Hattie Shepherd flees Georgia and settles in Philadelphia, hoping for a chance at a better life. Instead, she marries a man who will bring her nothing but disappointment and watches helplessly as her firstborn twins succumb to an illness a few pennies could have prevented.
Suzn F says: "Hattie and her Family Tragically Flawed"
"There's the Potential of a Good Book Here"

Overall
Performance
Story

This book was beautifully performed but the book itself failed to develop any one character enough to engage me. I did finish the read but, overall, it failed to intertwine the stories of the children enough to develop enough depth to hold my interest. At times, I wasn't sure who was who and why I cared. I admired Hattie's struggle and thought the story did portray the difficult and tragic lives of the times and the people.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Storyteller

UNABRIDGED
- by Jodi Picoult
- Narrated by Mozhan Marno , Jennifer Ikeda , Edoardo Ballerini , Suzanne Toren , Fred Berman
The Storyteller

UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 13 mins)

By Jodi Picoult

Narrated By Mozhan Marno, Jennifer Ikeda, Edoardo Ballerini, and others

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(915)
Performance
(756)
Story
(753)

Jodi Picoult's poignant number one New York Times best-selling novels about family and love tackle hot-button issues head on. In The Storyteller, Sage Singer befriends Josef Weber, a beloved Little League coach and retired teacher. But then Josef asks Sage for a favor she never could have imagined - to kill him. After Josef reveals the heinous act he committed, Sage feels he may deserve that fate. But would his death be murder or justice?
Suzn F says: "The Baker, The Nun, The Virgin and The Monster"
"It's Pretty Good."

Overall
Performance
Story

I have read many of Jodi Picoult's novels. This one ranked not as good as her first novel but certainly better than many given the difficult subject matter. As a story, I thought it was pretty good and held my interest but did get a bit fantastical. As a Holocaust study, I would say that it was a good way for a teen-ager to learn about the atrocities and magnitude of the crimes against mankind which took place in WWII. Also, the novel presented some important questions and food for thought about justice and forgiveness in an interesting manner. Overall, it held my interest but might be better suited for a teenage audience.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Good House: A Novel

UNABRIDGED
- by Ann Leary
- Narrated by Mary Beth Hurt
The Good House: A Novel

UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 12 mins)

By Ann Leary

Narrated By Mary Beth Hurt

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(612)
Performance
(543)
Story
(543)

The Good House tells the story of Hildy Good, who lives in a small town on Boston's North Shore. Hildy is a successful real-estate broker, good neighbor, mother, and grandmother. She's also a raging alcoholic. Hildy's family held an intervention for her about a year before this story takes place - "if they invite you over for dinner, and it’s not a major holiday," she advises "run for your life" - and now she feels lonely and unjustly persecuted. She has also fooled herself into thinking that moderation is the key.
Rhonda Morrison says: "What a great book, Hildy is a great character!"
"Got To Love Hildy"

Overall
Performance
Story

I loved this book, didn't want to stop listening. Hildy is a classic character, a tough broad, so-to-speak. She's successful in business, raises her daughters, and does a pretty good job of hiding her liquor abuse from herself most of the time. I found Hildy's character to be interesting, lovable, while frustratingly alcoholic. This is not a depressing alcoholic's life but more a study of a woman who is struggling to find her way with the author always providing the reader with adventures and quirky, small town drama. It's great.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Woman in White

UNABRIDGED
- by Wilkie Collins
- Narrated by Josephine Bailey , Simon Prebble
The Woman in White

UNABRIDGED (25 hrs and 5 mins)

By Wilkie Collins

Narrated By Josephine Bailey, Simon Prebble

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(544)
Performance
(404)
Story
(398)

One of the greatest mystery thrillers ever written, Wilkie Collins's The Woman in White was a phenomenal best seller in the 1860s, achieving even greater success than works by Charles Dickens. Full of surprise, intrigue, and suspense, this vastly entertaining novel continues to enthrall audiences today.
David says: "Gripping novel, excellent production"
"What Did I Miss?"

Overall
Performance
Story

I know many readers loved this novel but I was interested for the first third. In the second third of the book, I was getting eager to gain a little info to resolve the puzzle and became increasingly frustrated as I waited for details to emerge. In the last third of the book, I just plain gave up. It was a book with a lot of build-up and the resolution was like a dud firecracker, nothing. The quality of the writing is well-done victorian style but it's a "go nowhere" book as far as I am concerned. I would like my time back. The reader was good and I gave it two stars for the very intriguing first third of the book and the beautiful descriptive writing.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Fault in Our Stars

UNABRIDGED
- by John Green
- Narrated by Kate Rudd
The Fault in Our Stars

UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 14 mins)

By John Green

Narrated By Kate Rudd

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(2294)
Performance
(2080)
Story
(2092)

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten. Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning-author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.
Ella says: "Don't let the subject stop you"
"Sweet, Funny and Interesting"

Overall
Performance
Story

The Fault In Our Stars was a quaint, interesting character study of teens who struggle with terminal illness. The reader gets a window into the world of two fearless teens who dare to love, live and grow while facing imminent death. The author did his homework on this book. The parents of each teen also showed themselves in this book. The perspective parents and their journeys of love and respect for their children's processes were deeply felt and beautifully reflected in the qualities and choices of their children. Well done, Mr. Green. I can't imagine how the author gained the inside information of the world of teen age cancer patients and their parents, but bravo to him. These families do appear to have money, though, which is a luxury which many cancer patients do not have, so bare that in mind before you purchase this book.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Cold Dish: A Walt Longmire Mystery

UNABRIDGED
- by Craig Johnson
- Narrated by George Guidall
The Cold Dish: A Walt Longmire Mystery

UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 18 mins)

By Craig Johnson

Narrated By George Guidall

Overall
(1882)
Performance
(1147)
Story
(1147)

Award-winning author Craig Johnson's critically acclaimed debut Western mystery takes listeners to the breathtaking mountains of Wyoming for a tale of cold-blooded vengeance. Four high-school boys were given suspended sentences for raping a Cheyenne girl. Now, two of the boys have been killed, and only Sheriff Walt Longmire can keep the other two safe.
Chris says: "Cold Dish"
"I Felt Duped...."

Overall
Performance
Story

I like a good mystery but I mostly love literary fiction. I stepped out on a limb on this one because I wanted a book that was an easy listening mystery. I enjoyed Tony Hillerman novels and Lonesome Dove. With that in mind, please note that I could not finish this book. It was bogged down with so many trivial details that the mystery was lost. I felt duped by the other reviews I read. This is a book that may be good for those who love westerns but as a mystery, it missed the mark. I was thoroughly frustrated and put it down. Definitely not a book for fiction and literature lovers.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty: A Novel

UNABRIDGED
- by Joshilyn Jackson
- Narrated by Joshilyn Jackson
A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty: A Novel

UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 25 mins)

By Joshilyn Jackson

Narrated By Joshilyn Jackson

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(1125)
Performance
(976)
Story
(952)

A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty is a powerful saga of three generations of women, plagued by hardships and torn by a devastating secret, yet inextricably joined by the bonds of family. Fifteen-year-old Mosey Slocumb-spirited, sassy, and on the cusp of womanhood-is shaken when a small grave is unearthed in the backyard, and determined to figure out why it's there. Liza, her stroke-ravaged mother, is haunted by choices she made as a teenager. But it is Jenny, Mosey's strong and big-hearted grandmother....
Taryn says: "My first but not last for this author"
"Chick Lit But Good"

Overall
Performance
Story

This was an entertaining novel that kept me interested throughout. Three generations of strong women in one family showing the power of a strong matriarch. This book has a mystery component while it also weaves and blends the development of three women's lives. Great writing and entertaining. For me, the voices of the reader (author) sometimes were just a little grating with the white, girly southern sound. Definitely could not listen to this type of voice as a soporific novel but the story was well worth the read. I found no dull moments.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving

UNABRIDGED
- by Jonathan Evison
- Narrated by Jeff Woodman
Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving

UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 14 mins)

By Jonathan Evison

Narrated By Jeff Woodman

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(25)
Performance
(21)
Story
(21)

Benjamin Benjamin has lost virtually everything - his wife, his family, his home, his livelihood. With few options, Ben enrolls in a night class called The Fundamentals of Caregiving taught in the basement of a local church. There Ben is instructed in the art of inserting catheters and avoiding liability and how to keep physical and emotional distance between client and provider. But when Ben is assigned to 19-year-old Trev, he discovers that the endless mnemonics and service plan checklists have done little to prepare him.
Teresa L. Hansen says: "Refreshingly different"
"The Title Scared Me But......"

Overall
Performance
Story

I selected this book because I loved Jonathon Evison's book, All About Lulu. This book was even better. I was a little afraid because the title made me wonder if the book might be too sad with too many gruesome details about caregiving; yet, to the contrary, this book took the reader through a man's grief of losing his family as he adventured through his days as a caregiver. Ben, the father and caregiver, showed himself to be a father to all he came across as he helped his patient, Trev, come into his manhood and burst through the barriers of his disease. What a journey. Just loved it. This is the kind of fiction that keeps you coming back for more. I learned more about love, life and death while listening to exceptional reading voices and got to know some beautiful and interesting people. More please.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful