NOTE: I listened to the Audible version, not the Audio CD. (I'll change the edition when the latter is listed on this site.)
This is an all-t00-short, NOTE: I listened to the Audible version, not the Audio CD. (I'll change the edition when the latter is listed on this site.)
This is an all-t00-short, but totally delightful, exploration of the remarkable lives and abilities of chickens, as well as their similarities to and relations with humans. Fascinating, and a whole lot of fun, too. Montgomery weaves together knowledge gained from keeping her own backyard flock and the results of recent science on chickens' memory, intelligence, communication, and more. You'll be amazed. She's a wonderful narrator. One can't help but warm to her personality and enjoy every bit of this book. You'll be amazed....more
Some people read this book because it’s written by well-known actor Richard Armitage. I came to it because I’d just listened to the audio of Richard OSome people read this book because it’s written by well-known actor Richard Armitage. I came to it because I’d just listened to the audio of Richard Osman’s “We Solve Murders,” which is narrated by Nicola Walker. I really liked the narrator, so looked for her on Audible. As it turns out, hers is the voice of the main female character and Armitage narrates from the leading male’s perspective. Both really good! “Geneva” is a tense and twisty triller and I enjoyed it for the most part. I did anticipate several turns of events, but that didn’t bother me much. (Actually, I felt proud of myself for figuring things out.) Like some other readers and listeners, I thought the end was somewhat over the top, but I realize it was an effort to keep us riveted to the very end. ...more
I was disappointed to hear that, after four Thursday Murder Club novels, Osman was writing a book with diffFantastic! This book kept me up all night.
I was disappointed to hear that, after four Thursday Murder Club novels, Osman was writing a book with different characters, including a father-in-law and daughter-in-law detective duo (Steve and Amy Wheeler).
Well, I needn't have worried. This book is SO GOOD — and now is my favorite of Osman's books. The Wheeler team is joined by an elderly (but wild & crazy, fun-loving) celebrity crime author, Rosie D'Antonio in an effort to find who is behind an international money smuggling ring. It's a complicated and twisty story (but I didn't have trouble following it) and it's incredibly funny. "Huge dollops of heart and humor," said one reviewer and that is so true. You will love going along for the ride.
And, by the way, Nicola Walker's narration is terrific! I immediately looked for more books she might have narrated, but didn't find much. ...more
This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year. Just wonderful!
It's hard to believe that I’ve never read anything by Jodi Picoult until now, This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year. Just wonderful!
It's hard to believe that I’ve never read anything by Jodi Picoult until now, though I've long been aware of her prodigious output and popularity. I was eager to read this book, though, because I’ve long been interested in the Shakespeare authorship controversy. My interest in the issue goes back a long time — since first reading an article about it in The Atlantic in October 1991.
More recently, I read Elizabeth Winkler’s nonfiction book, "Shakespeare Was a Woman," published in May, 2023. Winkler provides a very thorough discussion of the controversy and the many writers thought to have written, or at least collaborated on, Shakespeare’s plays. The “Stratfordians,” those who vociferously insist that the actor from Stratford-upon-Avon wrote the plays seem to have little evidence to bolster their claims.
At any rate, drawing on what is known about playwrights at at the time and what's known about the real life of Emilia Bassano, Picoult has created an absorbing dual-timeline novel that features great writing, wonderful characters, and an absorbing story in each of the two timelines.
I alternated between reading the Kindle edition and listening to the audiobook (Audible)....more
Wonderful writing throughout and fascinating stories. Overall I liked the stories more than the novella (though it engaged me more and more as it progWonderful writing throughout and fascinating stories. Overall I liked the stories more than the novella (though it engaged me more and more as it progressed). I especially liked these stories: "The Ballad of Timothy Touchett," "Hasta Luego," "I Will Survive," and "The Bootlegger."
The narration by Edoardo Ballerini is superb!!...more
This book got a lot of hype. "Funny, foxy and fleet…" said Dwight Garner (New York Times). I just never warmed to it. Mainly, I disliked the main charThis book got a lot of hype. "Funny, foxy and fleet…" said Dwight Garner (New York Times). I just never warmed to it. Mainly, I disliked the main character, Jane, and felt that she always made bad decisions. I couldn't relate to any of the characters, really. I don't need characters to be likable in the conventional sense, but something in me must respond to something in them. This one just didn't work for me. And I didn't think it was at all hilarious. Rather boring for me. A generational thing, maybe? ...more
I listened to the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's short and fast-paced, it's a rather unique story that raises a lot of moral or ethical queI listened to the audiobook and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's short and fast-paced, it's a rather unique story that raises a lot of moral or ethical questions. The book held my interest the whole way and left me wanting to know more about the author. I listened to an interview with her and learned that some parts of the book are autobiographical. ...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the narration by Lucy Worsley, herself. I've read several books about Christie, both fiction* and nonfiction. I nevI thoroughly enjoyed this book and the narration by Lucy Worsley, herself. I've read several books about Christie, both fiction* and nonfiction. I never tire of them. This is good!
*Re fiction, have enjoyed The Woman in the Orient Express, by Lindsay Jayne Ashford, and The Mystery of Mrs. Christie: A Novel, by Marie Benedict....more
I loved this book! I listened to the audio and stayed awake far into the night to keep listening. I loved the narrator's voice, the setting in southweI loved this book! I listened to the audio and stayed awake far into the night to keep listening. I loved the narrator's voice, the setting in southwest France, and all the lore about Neanderthals — though regarding the last, I couldn't always tell was factual (or known) and what might have been completely made up. I really want to revisit this book, maybe doing a little research about it first. It was my favorite read over the months of September and October when I was on vacation....more
Read (audio) in September, 2024 (catching up on books read on vacation). Too much time has elapsed for me to write a review. I liked it okay, but wishRead (audio) in September, 2024 (catching up on books read on vacation). Too much time has elapsed for me to write a review. I liked it okay, but wish it had been shorter. Too dragged out, I thought....more
I just wish all Americans could read this book — or at the least, anyone who’s undecided about whom to vote for. This is such an important book. And iI just wish all Americans could read this book — or at the least, anyone who’s undecided about whom to vote for. This is such an important book. And it’s so well written.
Steve Benen lays out, clearly and in detail, the nearly innumerable ways that Republicans have been rewriting history — from the January 6th insurrection to the Covid pandemic to the border wall — and somehow convincing their followers that this new version is the Truth. They just say the same things over and over. It really doesn’t take long to convince people that things they saw and heard with their own eyes and ears didn’t happen or weren’t really what they seemed to be. So many of the lies — usually brazen, outright lies that could be easily refuted — come from Trump, but are echoed again and again by his allies, by legislators who know better but are willing to sell out the truth for money or power.
This is all pretty scary. But perhaps knowledge can be empowering. It’s hard to know what any one of us can do. But we have an obligation to arm ourselves with the truth.
BTW, the audiobook, narrated by Rachel Maddow is just fantastic. I’m so glad I listened. And the audiobook is less than 6 hours. She speaks slowly. I speeded it up a bit and it was still fine.
A short, but compelling narrative about Anthony Fauci’s career, as well as a look at the future of viral research. Much of the book concerns Fauci’s rA short, but compelling narrative about Anthony Fauci’s career, as well as a look at the future of viral research. Much of the book concerns Fauci’s role in the availability of treatments for people with AIDS in the 1980s and 90s. The book was published in October, 2020, when Covid was in full swing and vaccines not yet available. The audiobook, with its numerous archival recordings and original score, is narrated by the author, well-known New Yorker writer Michael Spector. I enjoyed it all immensely and am glad I listened to the audio. And, by the way, it won Audiofile Magazine’s coveted Earphones Award.
I plan to listen soon to Fauci’s own memoir, On Call, which was released in June and which Fauci narrates. ...more
So far, I've listened only to Pride and Prejudice. Really liked the narration by Claire Foy — and it's not just a narration, but rather a performance,So far, I've listened only to Pride and Prejudice. Really liked the narration by Claire Foy — and it's not just a narration, but rather a performance, complete with sound effects.
I read P&P in 2015 and said that I LOVED it. I enjoyed it even more this time. I had forgotten a lot. Or maybe it's a slightly different book each time one reads it. I think it improves greatly with a reader's age. That's my experience, anyway....more
I’m a sucker for anything about memory, with which I’ve been fascinated for decades. Charan Ranganath recounts much recent research showing that memorI’m a sucker for anything about memory, with which I’ve been fascinated for decades. Charan Ranganath recounts much recent research showing that memory is far more than a record of the past. The book concerns how memories are formed and how they change over time, as well as imagination, deja vu, and false memories. Recalling the common sci-fi trope of traveling back in time to change the present, Ranganath shows that memory allows us to do exactly that. No, you can’t prevent an assassination or change your parents, but we can and do change ourselves as a result of how we remember.
Ranganath is a Professor of Psychology, faculty member of Center for Mind and Brain, and Director of the Dynamic Memory Lab at UC Davis. He’s also a good storyteller. Ranganath narrates the audiobook and is most pleasant to listen to.
If you’re not into audio, note that the Kindle edition is currently on sale for $5.99 (as of late June, 2024). ...more
I don’t know why I never read Lonesome Dove until now, no matter how many good things I heard about it. I just didn’t think I’d like a novel about a bI don’t know why I never read Lonesome Dove until now, no matter how many good things I heard about it. I just didn’t think I’d like a novel about a bunch of cowboys on a cattle drive in the 1870s. And I usually just don’t like really long books, no matter how good they are. At some point, I just want the story to be over. But, in honor of this summer’s Big Book Challenge, I decided to tackle it. And I loved it. Of course. It was really the complex characters and the ways in which McMurtry allows us access to his characters’ inner lives and relationships. It requires an astounding level of narrative skill because the writing is fairly simple and direct, and there’s plenty of humor, too. There’s also a great deal of description that puts you right into every scene — whether it’s a bar or brothel or the wide-open plain. Always a very strong sense of place. This book will remain an all-time favorite for me. I know there are two prequels, as well as a sequel, but am not sure I’ll ever read them. I sort of want this book to stand alone in my heart.
I alternated between reading and listening to the audiobook. And I LOVED that audio!! Treat yourself. ...more
I sure wish I could find more books that grabbed and enthralled this one did! A real favorite and definitely the most gripping nThank you, Liz Moore!!
I sure wish I could find more books that grabbed and enthralled this one did! A real favorite and definitely the most gripping novel I’ve read in a long time.
This fast-paced mystery begins with the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl from her summer camp cabin in the Adirondacks. She also happens to be the daughter of the camp’s owners. There are many layers of mystery woven throughout this story revealed from several characters’ points of view in two different timelines (1961 and 1975). The short chapters, which often ended in cliffhangers,, kept me guessing and reading compulsively — oh, just one more chapter, just one more, just one more. I was actually listening to the audiobook and it was so good, it kept me awake more than half the night. I just couldn’t stop.
It’s a great summer read that brought back memories of my own summer camp days — though I didn’t attend a coed camp. And there were no drugs at camp in my day. But I could picture that lake and cabin perfectly. And my inner 12-year-old identified completely with shy and awkward Tracy. I know the feeling of being in awe of self-confident, rebellious girls like Barbara.
There are so many well-developed characters in this story, from the campers to the counselors (who have their own dramas) to the camp’s owners and their rich friends, who are prone to behaving badly. And many have their own secret or tragic or damning back-stories. There are good guys and bad guys, rich and poor. The class divide is well delineated. Besides warming to Tracy, Barbara, and counselor Louise, I detested “the Peters,” feared for Alice, Barbara’s mother, and cheered for Judy, the young police investigator. To say I was invested in these characters is putting it mildly.
I so wished for an Epilogue, because, although I felt the story ended satisfactorily, I really, really wanted more. As if these characters were real people, I wanted so much to know what happened to them in the years to come! That, I'll have to invent myself.
I read Liz Moore’s last two novels (The Unseen World and Long Bright River) and thought them both brilliant. As a matter of fact, I’m going to revisit The Unseen World, perhaps in audio....more
Who knew a nonfiction book about life as a flight attendant could be so fascinating?!! I absolutely loved this memoir. I listened to the audiobook, anWho knew a nonfiction book about life as a flight attendant could be so fascinating?!! I absolutely loved this memoir. I listened to the audiobook, and I’m sure that added a lot, as it’s narrated by the author. Ann Hood reveals that the job, which she loved was difficult, stressful, often miserable, but also exciting, and even glamorous. Her stories will confirm some of your stereotypes and challenge others, but they never fail to entertain. Also, they vividly trace her personal development from a shy, studious, naive young woman to one who is capable, confident, and worldly. Take a trip back in time to the golden era of air travel in this marvelous memoir!
Hood, by the way, is a prolific writer of both fiction and memoir. Her first novel, Somewhere Off the Coast of Maine, was written while she was working as a flight attendant. I read that book in 1988 and am about to reread it....more
I’m already a firm believer in play. Not only do I mean doing things that you enjoy (reading, playing music, camping, hiking, whatever), but also thatI’m already a firm believer in play. Not only do I mean doing things that you enjoy (reading, playing music, camping, hiking, whatever), but also that kind of pure silliness that leads to uproarious laughter all around. Having a playful disposition and engaging in playfulness regularly is healthy. And it just makes you feel good. You can play with kids, grandkids, or whomever. But it’s also important to play with adults, e.g., your partner. Of course, it helps to have a partner who will play with you! And you really have to let go of worrying about what anyone thinks of you
Also, play is an integral and critical part of creativity whether it’s noodling on the piano, with a paintbrush, or with words. It’s fine to let nonsense be your guide once in a while. You can refine later.
As some other reviewers have noted, some of Brown’s metaphors are irritating — when, for example, he personifies or talks about programming the brain. But it’s basically a good book. There are so many areas of our lives in which we could introduce more play for a happier, healthier life.
NB: I listened not to a CD, but to the Audible edition, which I can't find on Goodreads. Maybe I missed it. ...more
I don’t read much self-help stuff. I don’t even remember where I heard of this book or why I decided to listen. Most likely, I heard an excerpt and foI don’t read much self-help stuff. I don’t even remember where I heard of this book or why I decided to listen. Most likely, I heard an excerpt and found it absorbing enough to get me through hours of walking on the treadmill. Okay, but I must say, I really enjoyed it! Robbins is lively, emphatic, irreverent, opinionated, and fun to listen to. Only downside: it's pretty redundant. But she has some really good advice, As Robbins says, herself, the “5-Second Rule” sounds dumb. Lots of the things she says may sound dumb. But darn-it, the practice can really work, has worked for thousands of people, no doubt. I quoted a lot of it to my husband. We laughed about how goofy it sounded. But hey, it got me back on the treadmill and is helping me cut down on cell-phone doomscrolling. A new twist on “Just do it,” or “Just say no.” It works if you let it....more
Joanna (aka J.F.) Penn is a powerhouse — a multi-talented writer (of fiction and nonfiction), a podcaster, international speaker, and award-winning crJoanna (aka J.F.) Penn is a powerhouse — a multi-talented writer (of fiction and nonfiction), a podcaster, international speaker, and award-winning creative entrepreneur. She has for many years maintained a fantastic website, The Creative Penn, with all extensive knowledge and advice on a wide range of topics — e.g., writing (fiction and nonfiction), self-publishing, marketing, the author mindset, AI and the future of creativity, as well as numerous tools, tutorials, and other resources.
I’ve long been a fan, though I don’t read the kind of fiction she writes — thrillers usually involving religious subjects and supernatural dimensions. But I’ve read many of her nonfiction books on writing and marketing, listened to her podcasts for years (she’s been podcasting regularly since 2009(!) and weekly since 2015), and have availed myself of several tutorials and website topics.
During the years from 2020 to 2022, Joanna walked three pilgrim trails — Pilgrims’ Way, England; St. Cuthbert’s Way, Scotland & England; Camino de Santiago’s Portuguese Coastal Route — not in the spirit of a religious journey, but rather as a secular and, in part, inner journey. This book is part memoir and part advice to anyone thinking about undertaking a pilgrimage. It’s available in print or audio and really great to listen to (Penn narrates) The book contains several appendices, including questions to ask yourself in preparation for both the physical and inner journey, and links to all kinds of resources on her website.
For this book, Joanna won Best Self-Published Non Fiction/Memoir at the Selfies Awards at the 2024 London Book Fair.
I don’t plan to undertake this kind of a walking pilgrimage, but I realized in reading and thinking about the questions posed that it’s my art journey that’s my pilgrimage. There are so many similarities, and I plan to think and write more about them. Anyway, a good book even if you have no intention of this kind of walking....more
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