Giving Back

Memories, Reflections, and Lessons Learned

De: Edward A. Joseph

Narrado por: Robin McAlpine

Giving Back: Memories, Reflections, and Lessons Learned includes 50 short human-interest articles by the author. The majority of the selections were previously published in senior newspapers, national magazines, or books. Some of the stories will inspire; some inform, some bring a tear, and some a smile. It is a feel-good listen.

©2021 Edward A. Joseph (P)2022 Edward A. Joseph

A positive oasis

Author Edward A. Joseph selected 50 articles out of a collection of his columns for newspapers and edited them into a touching and insightful book. These are short, positive slice-of-life essays that will make you smile and perhaps think about your life in a new way.

The audiobook is narrated by Robin McAlpine. Although she has a lovely, warm delivery that flows well, she would not have been my choice to read essays written by a man. To hear phrases such as "the other men" come out of her mouth was distracting to me. I believe, however, I would enjoy her narration on another book where the gender difference between author and narrator doesn't matter. 

The pacing was a bit too fast for me. I normally listen at 1.2 speed without noticing a difference. For this audiobook, I had to turn it down to 1.0 in order to fully enjoy the book. These essays are meant to be savored, and I wanted more opportunity to do that. I also would have appreciated a longer break or some other distinction between essays. Even at 1.0, this was too quick and didn't give me as much time as I wanted to change gears going into the next essay.

Despite my quibbles about the narration, this audiobook is enjoyable, thought-provoking, informative, and inspiring. I especially enjoyed the essays that featured interactions between the author and his daughter or his wife. My favorite section was the travel section near the end. I am inspired to try the authors method of traveling.  I highly recommend this book.

very good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

Bazinga

This was a handful of enjoyable short stories. Each lasting about 5 minutes. There are plenty of useful nuggets of practical advice and places to visit. The storytelling was great and easy to follow. This is definitely a single sitting listen. The narration by Robin McAlpine was great. I'll recommend this to others. You will enjoy these stories and find some value from them.

Disclaimer: My enjoyment of the narrator is based on my listening speed. I only leave 5 stars for books I've listened to or will listen to multiple times. I'll update my review if I listen again.

I requested this book from the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.