"America Hater"
I can't get to the story line because of the blatant hatred of the United States of America. From hating George Bush to Starship Trooper, a "satire for American fascism." The narrator is dismal, depressing and I do not plan to complete the book. Nor, will I ever look for a Jo Nesbo book again.
"Not frightening in the way we think"
I'll be honest, I couldn't finish it. I've always been a moderate, politically speaking, but the center line has moved so far to the left that I seem very right wing. Politics should not play a role in fiction novels, but King managed to promote his very liberal agenda by making sure old men were supportive of abortion rights. This is where "scary" comes in to play. The language is filthy, degrading and useless to the story. As Jerry Seinfeld said, when you have to use such language, it just indicates you can't quite nail the joke. Why can't King write more like Bag of Bones and show a little class?
"Excellent story and narration"
Anne Rule tells the stories of several of the young women who were removed from this world by the Green river monster before they had a chance to better their circumstances. Young people believe they're invincible and prositutes are no different. Gary Ridgeway deprived them of the opportunity to grow up and find other ways to make a living. I would like to say that I hope he can/does read the book, but I'm not sure it would matter at all. How could it matter to someone with no soul?
As a side, I'll look for more books narrated by Barbara Caruso.Great vocal pitch and intonation that doesn't need exaggeration to elicit our sympathy.
"Juvenile"
I've listened to about an hour of Bone Garden and can't listen anymore. I find the writing juvenile and written as though it were the first novel of a 17 year old. Tess Gerritsen is definitely not a Jane Austen who could write when she was 17. The narrator is no better however she does emphasize the "poor, poor me" attitude of the characters.
"A comfortable read"
One reviewer made an excellent point about the education of Rosa but who nothing of childbirth. However, I have enjoyed every minute of the book. It's an easy listen. I don't mean to imply it's like a Harlequin Romance (ick) but it moves along very well. You become anxious to see what happens to Rosa next.
I know a bit about WWII history but not enough about Italy during that time. This book makes me want to do some research about WWII Italy.
"Wonderful story - the narrator - not so much."
Even though I've not finished the book, I won't give it any more than three stars. If the book itself weren't so interesting, I'd struggle to give it two stars. The narrator is overly melodramatic; EVERY word cannot be a drama, but Frank Muller presents it as such. It's going to be difficult to finish the listen, but I'll do so for the writing by Pat Conroy. I'll pay attention for future listens to ensure that Frank Muller is not the narrator.
"Hilarious and enjoyable"
Jack McCall comes to terms with his dysfunctional family after a time spent in Rome. He returns to South Carolina to a dying mother. While in SC he confronts his demons from his young adult years and his brothers. The smart a$$ dialogue between Jack and his brothers is hysterical. The only drawback for me is that this novel is intensely liberal. I - as a conservative - found this objectionable. The center line has been moved so far to the left that I appear radical. All of that aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the humour.
"If the first half had been as good as the last..."
the book would have been much better. Dinah did not describe her interaction with her family members save her mother and a brother, but it is told in a first person narrative. Toward the end of the novel, Dinah's relationships are articulated and it becomes much more compelling.
"The title character is unlikeable"
I've always been a fan of the classics but had not yet delved into Robinson Crusoe. I did my best to not apply 20-21st century mores but apparently I did't succeed. First off, I hate to admit it, but I was bored with his time on the island. I didn't care one bit or how he made an "oven," expect to appreciate his resourcefulness (which I still do): I didn't have to hear about every accomplishment and how everyy stick and stone was used. It seems whether he was living in isolation or with the real world, he was an opportunist and a man desirous of owning people and things - materialistic fellow. Normally I don't waste my time on books that I don't enjoy from the get-go, but I was determined to get through it and I did. This morning when I finished the book, I was glad to drop Robinson Crusoe off at his island and get on the ship and sail away from him and his self-serving personality.
"Don't have razor blades nearby..."
or be depressed when you listen. Not a bright spot in the book.
The reader was okay, but it sounds really strange for a man with a fairly deep voice speaking in a little girl's voice.