Cheryl Nakaji

Catholicism by Father Robert Barron is an exceptional nonfiction audiobook. Written and read by the author, I was struck by the sincere and loving text and inviting narration. Other reviewers have noted the contents very well and its relationship to the DVD series. If a listener would like to hear why Roman Catholicism continues to capture the hearts and minds of people today despite the glaring and truly sad headlines of these past years, this is an excellent place to start. The reality of wrongs is not minimized, but the strength of love between God and man shines brighter. Highly recommended.

I have not read the print version.

Susan Cain's discussion of introverts is wide ranging. Her profiles of well known people pique your interest. Her additional discussion regarding leadership styles, cultural differences, interpersonal relationships and resolving differences and conflicts are insightful. I will be mulling over her book for some time and may listen to it a second time to be sure I did not miss anything.

Kind and compassionate are the words that come to mind when I listened to Kathe Mazur's reading of Quiet.

I was struck by finding both my son and myself in Quiet. Generally I am not inclined to describe people by labels, but Susan Cain's description of the "orchid child" explains so many things about my son. I wish that this book had been written many years ago. The insights from Quiet would have been a balm and a relief that he and I were normal, normal introverts.

Susan Cain presents theories of personality in an accessible way for readers and listeners who are not schooled in these fields. She describes the particular bent that we in the U.S. have towards extroversion and encourages all of us to bridge the gaps between individuals, cultures, nations, really all of us, through understanding and reaching across that which divides us. Very highly recommended!

This review is based only on the audio edition.

Zelinsky's book is light-hearted and entertaining with a number of profiles of people who live full and satisfying lives within modest financial resources. Many of the recommended ideas are not necessarily unique, but the spirit of the book is engaging and fun. There are a wealth of titles in print which focus on the serious financial side of retirement. But I would recommend this title for a refreshing break from current (2012) economic worries and a little inspiration.