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ann

rochester, NY, United States | Member Since 2012

HELPFUL VOTES

9 reviews
10 ratings
61 titles in library
8 purchased in 2013

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Bill Bryson Collector's Edition: Notes from a Small Island, Neither Here Nor There, and I'm a Stranger Here Myself

ABRIDGED
- by Bill Bryson
- Narrated by Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson Collector's Edition: Notes from a Small Island, Neither Here Nor There, and I'm a Stranger Here Myself

ABRIDGED (17 hrs and 14 mins)

By Bill Bryson

Narrated By Bill Bryson

Overall
(542)
Performance
(222)
Story
(219)

In the first of three essays included in this audiobook, Bill Bryson decides to move his wife and kids back to his homeland, the United States, after nearly two decades in Britain. But not before taking one last trip around Britain, a sort of valedictory tour of the green and kindly island that had so long been his home. The result is a hilarious social commentary.
Annette says: "My second of three (so far) Bill Bryson books"
"Bill Bryson Can Do No Wrong"

Overall
Performance
Story

Any additional comments?

If you like Bill Bryson (does anyone not?) you'll enjoy this collection completely. I particularly enjoy "I'm a Stranger Here Myself," as he describes returning to the US after a 20 year absence.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Fortunate Pilgrim

UNABRIDGED
- by Mario Puzo
- Narrated by John Kenneth
The Fortunate Pilgrim

UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 27 mins)

By Mario Puzo

Narrated By John Kenneth

Overall
(16)
Performance
(9)
Story
(10)

Lucia Santa has traveled 3,000 miles of dark ocean, from the mountain farms of Italy to the streets of New York, hoping for a better life. Instead, she finds herself in Hell's Kitchen, in a bad marriage, raising six children on her own. As Lucia struggles to hold her family together, her daughter confronts the adult world of work and romance while her eldest son is drawn into the Mafia. Meanwhile, her youngest son aspires to American pursuits she cannot understand.
ann says: "Puzo's Best"
"Puzo's Best"

Overall
Performance
Story

Any additional comments?

If you are an Italian-American of a certain age, this story resonates with bits and pieces of history and culture you've heard your whole life. A premiere storyteller, who brings every character to life with a vibrant honesty and recognition of the human condition. I was a little disappointed with the narrator's "Italian" accent; I think this would have been improved by authenticity in that department.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Martha Rules: 10 Essentials for Achieving Success

UNABRIDGED
- by Martha Stewart
- Narrated by Martha Stewart
The Martha Rules: 10 Essentials for Achieving Success

UNABRIDGED (5 hrs and 32 mins)

By Martha Stewart

Narrated By Martha Stewart

Overall
(98)
Performance
(13)
Story
(12)

Now, for the first time, Martha Stewart shares her business knowledge and advice in this handbook for success. Tapping into her years of experience in building a thriving business, Martha will help readers identify their own entrepreneurial voice and channel their skills and passions into a successful business venture.
Cary says: "Refreshing and Practical++++"
"Surprising"

Overall
Performance
Story

Any additional comments?

Hearing Martha discussing the details of her meteoric success, in her own voice, in a very down to earth and instructional way, was really quite delightful. A great read--and excellent practical advice for anyone starting their own business.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Hidden America: From Coal Miners to Cowboys, an Extraordinary Exploration of the Unseen People Who Make This Country Work

UNABRIDGED
- by Jeanne Marie Laskas
- Narrated by Jamie Heinlein
Hidden America: From Coal Miners to Cowboys, an Extraordinary Exploration of the Unseen People Who Make This Country Work

UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 13 mins)

By Jeanne Marie Laskas

Narrated By Jamie Heinlein

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(7)
Performance
(6)
Story
(6)

These stories are about the people who make our lives run every day—and yet we barely think of them. Laskas spent weeks in an Ohio coal mine and on an Alaskan oil rig; in a Maine migrant labor camp, a Texas beef ranch, the air traffic control tower at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, a California landfill, an Arizona gun shop, the cab of a long-haul truck in Iowa, and the stadium of the Cincinnati Ben-Gals cheerleaders. All are part of hidden America, and you will be amazed by what Laskas tells you about them.
Kari says: "Love it... Love her... Check out everything!!!"
"The elegance of everyday people"

Overall
Performance
Story

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hidden America?

Loved it all--particularly moving to hear the end of the Alaska story

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

yes

Any additional comments?

The author does a wonderful job of honestly telling the stories of regular people doing extraordinary job

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Flight Behavior

UNABRIDGED
- by Barbara Kingsolver
- Narrated by Barbara Kingsolver
Flight Behavior

UNABRIDGED (16 hrs and 56 mins)

By Barbara Kingsolver

Narrated By Barbara Kingsolver

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(677)
Performance
(578)
Story
(584)

Dellarobia Turnbow is a restless farm wife who gave up her own plans when she accidentally became pregnant at 17. Now, after a decade of domestic disharmony on a failing farm, she encounters a shocking sight: a silent, forested valley filled with what looks like a lake of fire. She can only understand it as a cautionary miracle, but it sparks a raft of other explanations from scientists, religious leaders, and the media.
Marcia says: "Tough Message Delivered in Silk"
"Excellent"

Overall
Performance
Story

If you could sum up Flight Behavior in three words, what would they be?

life is complicated

Any additional comments?

Another masterwork from Barbara Kingsolver. If you enjoyed Poisonwood Bible, I think you will enjoy this, albeit considerably shorter, work.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Creole Belle: A Dave Robicheaux Novel, Book 19

UNABRIDGED
- by James Lee Burke
- Narrated by Will Patton
Creole Belle: A Dave Robicheaux Novel, Book 19

UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 11 mins)

By James Lee Burke

Narrated By Will Patton

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(1202)
Performance
(1033)
Story
(998)

Creole Belle begins where the last book in the Dave Robicheaux series, The Glass Rainbow, ended. Dave is in a recovery unit in New Orleans, where a Creole girl named Tee Jolie Melton visits him and leaves him an iPod with the country blues song “Creole Belle” on it. Then she disappears. Dave becomes obsessed with the song and the memory of Tee Jolie and goes in search of her sister, who later turns up inside a block of ice floating in the Gulf.
Melinda says: "Burke & Patton -- Synergistic Phenomenon"
"Maybe an acquired taste"

Overall
Performance
Story

Would you try another book from James Lee Burke and/or Will Patton?

probably not

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

gave up before I got to the end

Any additional comments?

I tried several times to pick it up again, but just couldn't get that interested. I think you have to particularly like this type of detective novel.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

UNABRIDGED
- by Maya Angelou
- Narrated by Maya Angelou
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 12 mins)

By Maya Angelou

Narrated By Maya Angelou

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(114)
Performance
(82)
Story
(84)

Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local “powhitetrash.” At eight years old, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age - and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. But years later, she learns about love for herself and the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors.
Kathleen says: "Amazing! Awesome!"
"a much loved book"

Overall
Performance
Story

If you could sum up I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in three words, what would they be?

overcome

What did you like best about this story?

the details of her life growing up

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

Dr. Angelou's voice telling her own story cannot be surpassed. However, it felt like she may have recorded the narrative more recently, as her narrative sometimes fumbles, almost as if she's not reading her own words. But wouldn't trade her voice for anyone else.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid

UNABRIDGED
- by Bill Bryson
- Narrated by Bill Bryson
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid

UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 38 mins)

By Bill Bryson

Narrated By Bill Bryson

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(913)
Performance
(184)
Story
(187)

Bill Bryson was born in the middle of the American century, 1951, in the middle of the United States, Des Moines, Iowa, in the middle of the largest generation in American history, the baby boomers. As one of the best and funniest writers alive, his is perfectly positioned to mine his memories of a totally all-American childhood for 24-carat memoir gold. Like millions of his generational peers, Bill Bryson grew up with a rich fantasy life as a superhero.
David says: "Fun, but not for squeamish"
"funny, nostalgic, and wonderful"

Overall
Performance
Story

Where does The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of my favorites

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

His skill as a narrator is superlative

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

Yed

Any additional comments?

Bill Bryson is certainly a favorite of mine, and like everything else he writes, this book is full of information, and great fun to read. Mr. Bryson remains a voice of graciousness and intelligent civility.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Women Who Love Too Much: When You Keep Wishing and Hoping He'll Change

UNABRIDGED
- by Robin Norwood
- Narrated by Ellen Archer
Women Who Love Too Much: When You Keep Wishing and Hoping He'll Change

UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 2 mins)

By Robin Norwood

Narrated By Ellen Archer

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(11)
Performance
(11)
Story
(11)

Is having 'somebody to love' the most important thing in your life? Do you constantly believe that with 'the right man' you would no longer feel depressed or lonely? Are you bored with 'nice guys' who are open, honest, and dependable? If being in love means being in pain, this book was written for you. Therapist Robin Norwood describes loving too much as a pattern of thoughts and behavior, which certain women develop as a response to problems from childhood.
ann says: "how sick are you?"
"how sick are you?"

Overall
Performance
Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, informative

If you’ve listened to books by Robin Norwood before, how does this one compare?

Na

Any additional comments?

While this book is packed with relevant information and insights, it's ultimately a bit of a stretch to view any and all of the relationships on the continuum as pathological.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful