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Jen

ravenna, OH, United States | Member Since 2007

130
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 70 reviews
  • 70 ratings
  • 313 titles in library
  • 45 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
8
FOLLOWERS
19

  • And When She Was Good

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 47 mins)
    • By Laura Lippman
    • Narrated By Linda Emond
    Overall
    (287)
    Performance
    (244)
    Story
    (242)

    Heloise considers it a blessing to be a person who seldom attracts attention. In her suburb, she's just a mom, the young widow with the forgettable job, who somehow never misses a soccer game. In the state capital, she's the redheaded lobbyist with a good cause and a mediocre track record. But in discreet hotel rooms throughout the area, she's the woman of your dreams - if you can afford the hourly fee. For more than a decade, Heloise believed she was safe, managing to keep up this rigidly compartmentalized life. But her secret life is under siege. One county over, another so-called suburban madam has been found dead in her car, an apparent suicide.

    Pamela says: "She WAS good"
    "Ho-Hum"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you like best about And When She Was Good? What did you like least?

    A story about a woman with a troubled past - an exciting occupation - lots of issues that was boring. The main character worried about her issues and whined about her past from beginning to end. .


    Would you recommend And When She Was Good to your friends? Why or why not?

    No, it was not a good time investment.


    Did Linda Emond do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

    Yes, differentiating the characters she did well BUT, she sounded very tired throughout.


    Did And When She Was Good inspire you to do anything?

    Nope


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Inferno: A Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (17 hrs and 12 mins)
    • By Dan Brown
    • Narrated By Paul Michael
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (178)
    Performance
    (144)
    Story
    (139)

    In the heart of Italy, Harvard professor of symbology, Robert Langdon, is drawn into a harrowing world centered on one of history’s most enduring and mysterious literary masterpieces: Dante’s Inferno. Against this backdrop, Langdon battles a chilling adversary and grapples with an ingenious riddle that pulls him into a landscape of classic art, secret passageways, and futuristic science. Drawing from Dante’s dark epic poem, Langdon races to find answers and decide whom to trust...before the world is irrevocably altered.

    G. House Sr. says: "Another Rollercoaster Ride!"
    "My First Dan Brown"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Geez what a far range in reviews.

    When his previously popular books came out - the topic did not strike my fancy and I did not read them. I'd have to have lived under a rock to not get that book without reading about it, by now.

    This book was very good. I sincerely enjoyed it. I was involved in the story, attracted to the characters and surprised at all the right parts. I enjoy the history and the art stories. I was able to fall in to this book, as if this was his first, in that they rarely mention the characters previous adventures.

    The narration is perfection. Paul Michael is like listening to silk. His gender changing is transparent.

    Anyone that says this books is predictable needs to get a big glass ball and join the circus.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Heft

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 44 mins)
    • By Liz Moore
    • Narrated By Kirby Heyborne, Keith Szarabajka
    Overall
    (283)
    Performance
    (250)
    Story
    (248)

    Forrmer academic Arthur Opp weighs 550 pounds and hasn’t left his rambling Brooklyn home in a decade. Twenty miles away in Yonkers, seventeen-year-old Kel Keller navigates life as the poor kid in a rich school and pins his hopes on what seems like a promising baseball career - if he can untangle himself from his family drama.

    Melinda says: "Intriguing--Captivating--Altering"
    "Unexpected Gem!!!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This book was completely different than I expected it to be. It was the high praise and the fine reviews that kept haunting me to purchase this book and I am so glad I did. From the name and scanning reviews, one thinks it has to do with weight in a physical sense when the weigh in the title has more to do with the emotional weigh we carry.

    Heft is a fine example of a heavy book dealing with a lot of sad issues that, rather than being a depressing story, it’s compelling and hopeful tale that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Yes, there could have been more resolution – but, there is always hope for a sequel.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Catch Me: A Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 8 mins)
    • By Lisa Gardner
    • Narrated By Kirsten Potter
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1515)
    Performance
    (1233)
    Story
    (1228)

    Charlene Rosalind Carter Grant believes that she will be murdered in four days. And she wants Boston’s top detective to handle her death investigation. It will be up close and personal. No evidence of forced entry, no sign of struggle. Charlie tells a chilling story: Each year at 8:00 p.m. on January 21, a woman has died. The victims have been childhood best friends from a small town in New Hampshire; the motive remains unknown. Now only one friend, Charlie, remains to count down her final hours.

    Vanessa says: "OK but not her best by a long shot"
    "Yep, I will be reading every Lisa Gardner"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Her books are just good police detective mystery. This one for me was not as good as some of the others that I have read. It was a little too long. She should have wrapped it up a bit sooner.

    I enjoy the large part that women take in her books.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Someday, Someday, Maybe: A Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 27 mins)
    • By Lauren Graham
    • Narrated By Lauren Graham
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (27)
    Performance
    (26)
    Story
    (26)

    From Lauren Graham, the beloved star of Gilmore Girls and Parenthood, comes a witty, charming, and hilariously relatable debut novel about a struggling young actress trying to get ahead - and keep it together - in New York City. It’s January 1995, and Franny Banks has just six months left of the three-year deadline she set for herself when she came to New York, dreaming of Broadway and doing "important" work. But all she has to show for her efforts so far is a part in an ad for ugly Christmas sweaters, and a gig waiting tables at a comedy club....

    Elisa says: "A Fun read"
    "Delightfully Fluffy"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    If you are a Lauren Graham fan - this book is definitely for you. As an old Gilmore Girls fan, I am a longtime fan. Her first fiction is just as witty – just as humorous – just as warm as you would expect it to be. One additional thing about this book that I enjoyed is though the characters were generally often in competition with one another they were still kind to one another. When life went the wrong direction – the characters changed direction and trudge on. Such a story was refreshing – just what I needed.

    This is a tale of a New York City actress trials and triumphs. Franny gives herself a three year career goal. Along the way she shares her personal life and professional rise and falls. Someday, Someday Maybe is an interesting upbeat and humorous book. Lauren Graham is the narrator speaking in the first person. It’s like listening to a good friend tell of her latest adventure. It’s laugh out loud funny in parts.

    Some will not enjoy the ending. Personally, I found it to be just perfect. Good first effort and I hope we get a lot more from her. Normally, I detest when the narrator is the author. Not for this book. Yes, you will envision her as the main character, but I don’t think there is any way to get around that.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Iron Lake: Cork O'Connor, Book 1

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 46 mins)
    • By William Kent Krueger
    • Narrated By David Chandler
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (117)
    Performance
    (71)
    Story
    (70)

    Anthony Award-winning author William Kent Krueger crafts this riveting tale about a small Minnesota town’s ex-sheriff who is having trouble retiring his badge. Cork O’Connor loses his job after being blamed for a tragedy on the local Anishinaabe Indian reservation. But he must set aside his personal demons when a young boy goes missing on the same day a judge commits suicide—and no one but O’Connor suspects foul play.

    Mel says: "Who came first - Wm Krueger or CJ Box ???"
    "LOVE Krueger"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about Iron Lake?

    It's different from my home. The caracters seem real.


    What other book might you compare Iron Lake to and why?

    Ordinary Grace....also by Krueger. I am really enjoying his writing.


    2 of 4 people found this review helpful
  • Fly Away

    • UNABRIDGED (16 hrs and 4 mins)
    • By Kristin Hannah
    • Narrated By Susan Ericksen
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (44)
    Performance
    (36)
    Story
    (38)

    Fly Away is the story of three women who have lost their way and need each other - plus a miracle - to transform their lives. An emotionally-complex, heart-wrenching novel about love, family, motherhood, loss, and redemption, Fly Away reminds us that where there is life, there is hope and where there is love, there is forgiveness. Told with her trademark visceral storytelling and illuminating prose, Kristin Hannah reveals why she is one of the most beloved writers of our day.

    Pamela says: "Good Lord! What a complete waste of a credit!"
    "Pretty Book Cover. One Darned Depressing Novel"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Painfully maudlin: So syrupy that my teeth ached if I read for too long in one setting. Trusting the rave reviews of this book’s prequel, I didn’t fear preordering so that I could download it the first day it came out. This book does stand on its own. I got enough of this whole group of characters in this one book. I have not a single desire to read the first novel after slugging through this novel. This book starts off depressing and doesn’t stop till it gets dismal.

    The first four chapters could have been summed up in a single paragraph. It doesn’t take 4 chapters to get across the sorrow of cancer survivors. Repeating and counting the depth of bereavement over and over doesn’t deepen the idea of sorry. By chapter 5 the author has beaten just how sad everyone is to the point that Moses-Tobaini’s “Hearts and Flowers” is lilting in background. Kate and Tully had thirty year friendship. I was impressed the first time you stated it. Dragging “thirty year friendship” in over and over in some kind of weird speak was pointless and irritating. Who has these type conversations? No one talks like the people in this book. Ms Hannah writing should be put on a question mark diet. At least one question follows too mnay statement in this book. Tully sees a man walking towards her. Why does he look so familiar? Tully considers speaking to him. Why does she feel the need to? Why? Why ask why when you really don't want to know why? Why?


    The general story is good. I rolled my eyes and groaned aloud through the entire book because it was basically interesting and I was curious enough in the plight of the characters to drag myself to the ending. Along the way there were additional surprises, twists and turns that makes for a strong plot. It’s a clever story between the sappy sugary morose languishing of repetitive waves of insecurities and vacillation.

    5 of 6 people found this review helpful
  • A Town Like Alice

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 25 mins)
    • By Nevil Shute
    • Narrated By Neil Hunt
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (79)
    Performance
    (69)
    Story
    (67)

    Eight hundred women and children begin a 1,200-mile journey on foot across Japanese-occupied Malaya. At journey’s end, only 30 will still be alive. This is the story of one woman, of her ordeal, and of how she was saved by the sacrifice of an Australian soldier. It is a story of rare individual courage in the face of certain death, and hope in the face of despair.

    Deborah says: "A Story of Courage and Commitment"
    "BONZA!!!!!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I read another book by Nevil Shute. While researching the author, I read many recommendations for this book. I can see why. An epic novel revolving around two amazing people that met though divine providence.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • My Korean Deli: Risking It All for a Convenience Store

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 52 mins)
    • By Ben Ryder Howe
    • Narrated By Bronson Pinchot
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (182)
    Performance
    (120)
    Story
    (123)

    This sweet and funny tale of a preppy editor buying a Brooklyn deli with his Korean in-laws is about family, culture clash, and the quest for authentic experiences. It starts with a gift. When Ben Ryder Howe’s wife, the daughter of Korean immigrants, decides to repay her parents’ self-sacrifice by buying them a store, Howe, an editor at the rarefied Paris Review, agrees to go along.

    lesley says: "Absolutely delightful!"
    "Enjoyably light"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about My Korean Deli?

    After listening to several "heavy" books, this was so light - so humorous. Pleasant read


    Who was your favorite character and why?

    the Korean mother in law


    Which scene was your favorite?

    Don't want to give a lot away... I did enjoy all the stories about George Plimpton that were included. He was a talk show guest on many shows when I was a kid....


    Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

    This could easily be done. Good book for when you don't want to listen to something that you have to give your undivided attention to.


    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • In the Woods

    • UNABRIDGED (20 hrs and 23 mins)
    • By Tana French
    • Narrated By Steven Crossley
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (3575)
    Performance
    (1731)
    Story
    (1727)

    As dusk approaches a small Dublin suburb in the summer of 1984, mothers begin to call their children home. But on this warm evening, three children do not return from the dark and silent woods. When the police arrive, they find only one of the children, unable to recall a single detail of the previous hours.

    Twenty years later, the found boy, Rob Ryan, is a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad and keeps his past a secret. But when a 12-year-old girl is found murdered in the same woods, he and Detective Cassie Maddox find themselves investigating a case chillingly similar to the previous unsolved mystery.

    Lesley says: "Detection with a Difference"
    "Eh"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

    I don't think so. It just went on...and on...and on. Then it ended and continued on and on. I found it hard to listen to and frankly, everytime I listened, when not driving, I soon found myself asleep.


    Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

    Yes, the plot is very good.. There are numerous surprise and shocking events along the way as well.


    What does Steven Crossley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    He stopped me from skipping ahead.


    Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

    No....I couldnt stop yawning. Not as good FOR ME as it was for others.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Interestings

    • UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 41 mins)
    • By Meg Wolitzer
    • Narrated By Jen Tullock
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (70)
    Performance
    (57)
    Story
    (57)

    The summer that Nixon resigns, six teenagers at a summer camp for the arts become inseparable. Decades later the bond remains powerful, but so much else has changed. In The Interestings, Wolitzer follows these characters from the height of youth through middle age, as their talents, fortunes, and degrees of satisfaction diverge. The kind of creativity that is rewarded at age 15 is not always enough to propel someone through life at age 30; not everyone can sustain, in adulthood, what seemed so special in adolescence.

    Tango says: "Needs a better title, but a good read (listen)"
    "And They're Off..............................."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    The Interestings is a traditional novel, set within the baby boomer's time setting, focusing on friendships lost and cherrished within a thirty year span. It’s not a warm or endearing story , but rather a breathtaking character study during a time when a portfolio displayed artwork not numbers. I laughed out loud and pushed the “I need to hear that again” button more in this novel than in any other audio book that I have listened to previously.


    The books main character, Jules, is the best friend of the “it” couple, Ash and Ethan. The numerous other characters are on different tiers of closeness around this threesome. I relished each person's story. I loved being reminded of the uniqueness of the times.


    The theme that most rang true to me (and there are numerous within) was the serendipity of life. How one thoughtless decision – one kind word – one sympathetic moment – one chance meeting – sets the path of each person’s life long providence.


    The writer’s command of the subject matter and her lyrically flowing sentences makes this Meg Wolitzer novel just delicious. This is a wonderfully rich novel. Is it an enjoyable easy to listen to audio book?..... Not so much.


    It’s a pity that this audiobook was narrated at breakneck speed. This lovely beautiful story will be lost on many listeners that don’t have the time and patience it takes to get involved into the story. It required my undivided attention and numerous chapter repeating to get a grasp of the large ensemble. After each break in listening, I stuggled for awhile till I could adjust once again to the narrator's frantic pace. It STILL was a book, and ending, that was well worth the credit and effort.

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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