"Loving Lincoln!"
It was interesting and enjoyable to understand more about Lincoln's relationships and interaction with the people around him and this book does a great job exploring those relationships. Once again I feel this would be a better read than listen, right now there is a part I would like to 're-read' but on the Kindle I cannot imagine how long locating it would take.
The book underscores Lincoln's careful attention to details and prefection. His constant soul searching is impressive. I suppose most of all is his ability to change and reconsider. We, as Americans, are lucky he was in the right place at a time that lead him to become one of our heros. I am glad I listened but this is not a book I could recommend.
"Beautiful Story"
This is wonderful. Louise Penny and Ralph Cosham weave the calmness of the monastery and the monks into the excitement and adventure of a mystery. Great listen!
"My favorite color is not whine!"
The entire first part of Echo Burning is filled with a incessantly whining woman. If it wasn't part of a series and my commitment to listen to the entire series I would of tossed in the towel. Thankfully things picked up in the second part while the woman was in jail.
"Great listen!"
In spite of a slow start this is a great book. I really enjoyed it.
"Double trouble!"
This is 2 mysteries in one and I think the book is well written. I always am stunned at how much liquor can be consumed and not effect performance. What really is different about this book is the narration which is similar to your grandfather reading to you. I cannot imagine he would read this book but that is the sensation. You can hear Andrew Timothy turn pages, mispronounce word and mid-word make verbal corrections also there are long pauses (drink of water?!) for me it wasn't a bother but that is a personal reaction. I will listen to more Michael Gilbert it was fun!
"Continuing saga: Reacher is bigger than life"
Reacher always has almost miraculous physical prowess but in Tripwire he moves bigger than life and the rest have pretty impressive abilities also. You can beat Reacher to solving the senerio but probably not to soon in the story
"Getting to know Reacher better"
Another action packed Reacher that has a part of the setting in the back of a van and the majority of the action is based in a remote commune. Even so Lee Child has lots of description describing limited background. Into the story is woven the plight of a well connected, silver spoon young woman and overdoing her desire to seem normal and be judged on her own. This was not my favorite Reacher.
"Quirkie Quark"
Even with Timothy Dalton narrating this story was hard for me to continue listening. People with 'sick' behavior are always distressing. In Christine Falls to right the wrong Quark must destroy a close family member and the book becomes dark and sad. Dark and sad is the case here. I cannot recommend this listen only tell you the situation and let you decide for yourself.
"Difficult genre"
Isabella Gardner and her museum are real. The focus of the book, a Degas painting, is total fiction based on fact. Degas did do a series of bathers but not this one. If you Google the painting you are referred to B.A. Shapiro! Years ago I was overcome at the sight Renior's Luncheon of the Boating Party when Ms Shapiro attempts to describe first seeing a Degas painting my own experience allowed me to understand what was happening. I never have been able to express those feeling and emotions experienced at that first viewing of the painting and had a lighter heart realizing Ms Shapiro couldn't do it either. Some of Ms Shapiro's facts I question but art and its study are subjective and it didn't hurt me to listen to a different point of view. I am an avid art lover including the Impressionists but if you are not extremely interested in art perhaps this book is not for you. As for the interpersonal relationships and who done it quality they are only OK. I hesitate either to recommend or not recommend this book - sorry!
"Fantastic!"
Louise Penny successfully weaves three stories into one listen. It is delightful. I love the Three Pines Mysteries and this keeps the bar high. Great book
"Dark Place"
There are times when it is difficult to believe this is the same Frank we met in the last Tana French listen. Faithful Place is very dark. It is the sad story of a dysfunctional family. Deceit, nasty mind games, physical fighting, even murder. No unpleasantness escapes them. All Tana French's talents are here, description, character development and details. It is such a gloomy book I cannot recommend it. Sorry