"Too many red herrings"
I think if this novel had been written in a more linear style, I would have enjoyed it more. I don't have a problem with flashbacks but this jumps around in time so much that it can be diffcult to follow, especially when you're listening to it. The author uses some French phrases and most of the time doesn't translate them. I don't think you lose a lot but why bother using the lines if they don't matter? The narrator did an excellent job.
"I want my money back"
I saw that this was going to be a book for adults. I interpreted that as not being like the Harry Potter books, which adults enjoyed but were targeted to kids. This book is not what I expected.
I've lived in England and am familiar with many of the references. I would probalby have hung in there but the repetitive foul language and sexual comments were obnoxious enough to get me to stop reading after a few chapters. If Rowling hadn't proven that she could write prior to publishing this book, I would have chalked it up to inexperience. There is no excuse for this one.
The narrator, however, does an excellent job.
"Excellent on many levels"
This is a well written novel that has you thinking about many things. It is a cautionary tale about bullying, which too many kids don't take seriousy enough and the impact that goes beyond the kids affected. The analysis of the family dynamics gets you wondering what you would do if your child were accused of such a crime. The genetics lesson and the nurture vs. nature aspect add another dimension to the story. It is also a suspenseful courtroom drama with an ending that you never see coming.
"When Does Part II Come Out?"
This book was interesting and exciting but I hope if Brad Melzer is going to complete the story, it will be available soon. There are too many loose ends which left me very dissatisfied in the end.
"A must read"
This extraordinary story couldn't have held my attention more if it were fiction. The fact that it is true makes it amazing. It is a cautionary tale that is educational, inspiring, and thought provoking. The introduction and final interview with the author rounds it out. I've already started to re-read it and will recommended to my friends, especially those in book clubs. The performances by Cassandra Campbell and Bahni Turpin truly brought the "characters" to life. The emotions they express are raw and evoke deep compassion. This is one of those books that is better as a result of listening to it.
Rebecca Skloot's attempt to get researchers to think about the person behind the samples they work on is an important one. We don't like to be thought of as nothing but a number, much less a cell. When I first learned that genes could be patented and that research into the condition covered by that patent could be controlled as a result, it sounded like blackmail and I was shocked. That was nothing compared to the shock upon learning about HeLa through this story.Anyone involved in clinical trials should be thankful that steps have been taken to prevent a repetition of Henrietta's story.
Skloot makes it clear, however, that research into the many chronic and fatal conditions facing us is dependent on tissue donation and use. The manner in which they're obtained and used is what makes for ethical, not just medical, considerations.
"It took a while"
I'm a Kinsey Millhone fan and enjoyed her again. However, it felt like it took a while to get to the main story because of the technique Sue Grafton used this time. There were so many characters and so much detail surrounding them that it was difficult sometimes to remember who was who. Once the pieces began to come together and there was more focus on Kinsey, I liked it better. Judy Kaye was terrific as always.
"Glad I discovered it."
Although I've seen films based on John Irvings's novels, I had never read/listened to his books. This was amazing. It offered a wonderful story; lots to think about; the pleasure of a wonderful reader-who could ask for more. Anyone who doesn't listen to Joe Barrett's reading misses one of the best parts of getting to know this story. You have to be prepared to devote the hours required but if you hang in there, you'll find it's worth every minute of your time.
"David Baldacci or Nicholas Sparks?"
I couldn't believe how much this seemed like some of Sparks' novels-death, beach setting, the dialogue. Several years ago Baldacci wrote "Wish You Well". It was not his typical novel but it was a wonderful story, well written and great characters. It reminded me of "To Kill a Mockingbird".I can't say the same for this one.
I like Ron McLarty's performance but didn't enjoy Orlagh Cassidy's.
"Whoa! What a ride!"
This book was really exciting. It kept me up late reading to see what would happen next. George Guidall always does such a good job of narrating that he improves the author's work.
"Disappointed"
I have always loved the Father Tim series but I must be listening to a different book than the one others have rated. I'm on chapter 11 and find the story boring; I miss John McDonough, who read the other books. Erik Singer's voice seems too young. I tolerated him in the last book but this is it for me. I may have to try this book again in print form to see if I like it more..