Virginia

Learn history from the people who lived it

Revisado: 03-02-22

This book made all the intricacies, subtleties, and intertwined histories of the countries of Eastern Europe before, during, and after WWII much more clear and understandable. Madeleine Albright is a fantastic reader and I'm beginning to feel as if I really know her.

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A totally different view of the Borgia Family

Revisado: 09-07-19

I've read several historical novels (and watched a video series) about the Borgia family. This book takes a totally different point of view and made the family seem totally different. Plus Kate Quinn gives a very different view of what life was like at that point in time for both the overwhelmingly rich as well those who come from more meager circumstances. Quinn's attention to history as well as her richness of descriptions made listening to this book a wonderful experience.

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It was like being there.

Revisado: 11-13-17

This book is from the first hand writings of a thoughtful lawyer in Hitler's Germany. He paints a very detailed picture of how it was to live in Germany as Hitler took over the country. His vivid descriptions of all the people in his life, give you such a clear picture that I felt as if I were actually there - sitting on the sidelines experiencing all that he did so many years ago. Very vivid and terrifying at times.

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And You Are There

Revisado: 07-29-16

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely - because since I am living in America and I was born just after the end of WWII, I had no idea of the deprivations and difficulties that the British went thru during the war. I'd seen photos of bombed houses and people sheltering in the Underground tunnels, but never really thought about what it was like to live through it.

What did you like best about this story?

The relations between all the characters and the wonderfully vivid descriptions of each of them. And the comparisons between life in the city of London and life on the Isle of Guernsey.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A lovely British accent -

If you could rename The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, what would you call it?

That's the best title for the book!

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Look into the Vatican's Closets Full of Skeletons

Revisado: 07-29-16

Would you consider the audio edition of The Vatican Diaries to be better than the print version?

I have more time to listen than to read.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The fact that the writer had valid credentials and access to the inner halls of the Vatican. It validated for me the truth of what he was reporting.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Everything you didn't know about the life and power of the Vatican.

Any additional comments?

This is one of those books for which I wished I'd had a "cheat sheet" to keep track of who did what and why. I should have kept a note book handy to write down all the names and what they did.

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How did I miss that?

Revisado: 07-29-16

What made the experience of listening to Killing Reagan the most enjoyable?

All of the insights and the interesting descriptions of the people in Reagan's life. I lived through the latter part of that time period, yet I was amazed at how much I'd missed. I never realized the power that Nancy Reagan had not only over Ronnie but other people in the political world of the time as well.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nancy - she was easy to dislike and yet she fascinated me by her ability to get things to go her way. Totally determined to make sure her Ronnie succeeded.

Which character – as performed by Robert Petkoff and Bill O'Reilly – was your favorite?

I can't pick out one character but I'd like to say that I really enjoyed listening to this book precisely because Bill O'Reilly did NOT do the majority of the narration. We've listened to several of his books and while I enjoy the content, I do not enjoy his narrations. He mispronounces many, many words and makes it difficult to listen to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes - I was thrilled not to have to listen to Bill's narration.

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A trip into the mind of a fascinating character

Revisado: 07-29-16

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book is told from the point of view of a fascinatingly spiritual yet very flawed character. It shows the underbelly of politics and religion in Mexico and it also gives a great look into the native culture. I really loved this book.

What did you like best about this story?

The information about the native spiritual practices and beliefs.

What about Roxanne Hernandez’s performance did you like?

Her ability to accurately pronounce not only English but also Spanish and Nahuatl words really enriched the story.

Any additional comments?

I just wished it had been longer.

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Historical Fiction at it's Best

Revisado: 07-19-16

The author tells us the stories of some of the people who's lives were touched by the work houses of the1800's or those who struggled with extreme poverty trying to avoid them. And of the nurses and nursing Sisters who lovingly cared for them. The history of the workhouse system is told through the eyes of those who passed through them. The stratification of the British class system is made very clear, which was fascinating to me as an American who had never lived in that type of culture. Using period specific vocabulary and local dialect (Cockney) was also fascinating to me. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

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A close look at Shanghai in the late 1800's

Revisado: 12-26-15

Where does The Valley of Amazement rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Amy Tan's books are always beautifully written and well researched. This book is one of her best.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Violet - the narrator - because you get to see her change and grow, deal with the bad cards life has dealt her and how she wrestles with her dual race heritage.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Again Violet - because the narrator gives her a life and voice that also changes as she grows.

Any additional comments?

Getting to see a side of Shanghai society that is often not written or even talked about is very interesting. This is a cultural history.

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Another great book from Philippa Gregory

Revisado: 12-26-15

Would you consider the audio edition of The King's Curse to be better than the print version?

I don't always have time to sit down and read but when I have a recorded book I can easily listen when driving or working in the garden or exercising.

What other book might you compare The King's Curse to and why?

This book follows her others beautifully and it's great to see familiar characters like Margaret Pole in other books.

What does Bianca Amato bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her pronunciation is flawless and a joy to listen to.

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