"Like catching up with a lost friend..."
What an enjoyable listen -- I felt like I was catching up with a long-lost friend. Sad to hear the tragic parts, reassured and ever-so-pleased that after everything, she's emerged from it all in good enough spirits to retell it with such tenderness and humour.
"Fun listening..."
Who would have thought an astronomer's memoir would be so engaging? The passion that fueled the drudgery of sifting through huge amounts of data and systematically searching infinity is a tough sell, but the author manages it deftly with a humour and affability that forgives the frequent detours where he stops to marvels at the more terrestrial delights of love and fatherhood. Definitely a worthwhile listen, and it's always nice to have a reminder to look up from time to time to contemplate the heavens.
"Absolutely gorgeous..."
I have been too often disappointed by a poorly-read memoir, but I heartily disagree with those who said this author shouldn't have narrated this book. I don't think anyone could have read it with more truth and with the same honest edge and unpretentious approach that she brings to her kitchen, her table, her book. I enjoyed taking this journey with her, in her words, in her voice. I too am "choked with envy".
"A fun listen"
Lots of fun, in typical, unabashedly cliche, Nick Hornby style. Boring-ish, stuck-in-a-rut British girl settled for a boring-ish British Guy, who is obsessed with an obscure, reclusive rock legend… turns out reclusive rock legend is not all that interesting in real life. Funny how it all works out, and how a cast of otherwise boring characters manages to weave a rather interesting story. Malcolm, Annie’s “therapist” is a hoot.
I just assume Juliet, Naked will be picked up and turned into a film, like his other books, and I wonder which British actors will play which characters. I imagine Bill Nighy as Tucker - he played such a wonderful has-been rocker in Love, Actually. John Cusack would make a great Duncan. My hope would be a sensational casting choice for Malcolm, the therapist - maybe Alan Rickman? Who would play Annie? This will be an enjoyable film. Wait for it! Meanwhile, enjoy the audiobook.
"Scathing"
political tell-all. Sometimes truth is better than fiction - this book gives both from a seething and disgruntled former lieutenant.
"Oh but for the love of pit bulls..."
Overall, I found Jen Lancaster the character to be pretty unlikeable. Mean rather than funny and not as clever as she thinks herself. I did get through the entire book, and it looks up. There is some redemption and humility nestled in there somewhere, and post 9/11 job market was pretty much just as she describes. There's a lot in this book to like, the main character just doesn't happen to be one of them.
"of love, of loss and leaky basements..."
I loved this book. Anyone who has ever been through a divorce or has been close enough to witness a marriage mid-wreck knows that getting to the other side with any measure of grace remaining is damn near impossible. I approached this book with caution... but at no point did this book turn whiny, self-indulgent or pitiful. If you're looking for a train wreck, move on. There is no preaching or look-at-me here, just a story of love and loss and leaky basements. I love Stacy Morrison, I would like to tell her she did good. She came through with extraordinary grace, strength and self-awareness. I set down my earbuds knowing that there was some healing in telling her story, and who doesn't need more of that?
"A lady first..."
A fan of self-read memoir, I just couldn't resist this. This is the woman overshadowed and standing by the man who just may be the most divisive US President in history, held in contempt by international opinion... and what a class act she is. I thoroughly enjoyed this sincerely-read, well-crafted book. She is careful to stay away from controversy, but there is a fiery streak in there that comes through when she hits on topics that matter to her. You can tell. Surprisingly, a lot of Laura comes through what must have been a book heavily-reviewed by handlers, without coming off as tinned and overproduced. I would have chosen the unabridged version had one been available. There is a lot to this story that she isn't telling, but what she does say in her own words makes her a very likable First Lady indeed.
"Raise your needles and say "Yay!""
The Yarn Harlot goes a long way toward explaining why there is no limit to the lengths knitters will go to over yarn. Blog-to-book is not always easy to pull off, but in this case, Blog-to-book-to-audio = success! I'd go into more detail, but I'm on my way to my local yarn store, I heard there's a sale on DK cashmerino...
"average book, stellar narration"
Everything you want in a light Chick-Lit read, plus Cynthia Nixon, the voice of an old friend - well done! Giffin does not play favourites or try to escape cliche - everyone hurts and grows from the personal dramas that unfold. It's unapologetic and I liked it.
"Disappointing...."
I so wanted to love this book. What an interesting premise, wonderful material... yet so poorly executed. I agree with previous reviews that this book needed a more attentive editor and a professional reader. (I enjoy autobiographies read by the authors, but otherwise it adds nothing, certainly a very poor choice in this case.) A nine year-old with the entirety of her experience in California cannot possibly imagine fields in Kansas and Nebraska. The author tries very hard to convey the overwhelming confusion of a child trying to cope with adult emotions she is forced to taste and consume, but fails to consistently represent the child's experience and point of view. What a waste. This manuscript was not nearly polished enough to have been published.