Mimzy

Clever RPG twist on the magic school idea. Go for it!

Revisado: 11-12-24

Clever, well-written, interesting game- like twist on the "magic school" idea.

If you like rusty flying swords, screeching, rock chucking monkeys, and magical intrigue served up with a side of hilarious snark, you will love this book.

Warning, mild spoilers ahead, but I needed to do a lot of research to decide whether I wanted to spend a credit on the book, so here's a vague synopsis of the first few chapters that will likely catch your intetest (I hope!):

Noah comes to consciousness standing in what is literally the longest line in eternity...the line of destiny in the after-life.

Apparently, he was a good enough teacher in his previous life to earn an extra chance on "a higher plane...". That seems great until reality explodes around him in a fight between what appears to be two dieties.

The universe disappears and his soul flies through the cosmos...until it finally lands in the body of a very recently departed teacher from a "magic academy."

Much confusion, laughter, and learning ensue as Noah steadies himself within the new-to-him runic system, trying to establish a new reputation, and to gain both friends, power, and respect...hopefully without others finding out he isn't the original owner of the body...and perhaps discovering who might have relieved the original owner of his own life. Hmmm? The plot thickens.

And this is what got me into the story. This all happens in the first few minutes (or so) of listening (to the many hours of story yet to come), so please don't wind-knife me in the back.

I was listening to Noah's tale with my reluctant teen son as we ran errands, and when we arrived at a stopping point, he remarked that the story was quite entertaining and requested that we continue listening to it during the rest of our trip that day.

Score one for mom AND the author.

I took one star away from the talented narrator because there is quite a bit of "pondering" done by Noah, the main character, and the narrator doesn't really come up with an obvious voicing difference between "head talk" and verbal dialogue, which can sometimes confusing...especially if you don't visually read parts of the story beforehand and expect it.

Otherwise, the book was a treat and I am looking forward to the next one. I might also try a different world/series by the same author. I found portions of this book on Royal Road...and the portions I was able to read were enough to hook me.

Good job and thank you for saving this mom from having to argue about what we were going to listen to in the car for the next several weeks. This book would be fantastic on a road trip. Enjoy!!

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Love this!

Revisado: 10-06-21

(SLIGHT SPOILERS!!)


I loved this. It was amazing! Although, I struggled to finish! I was very sad about William You-know-who.

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Excellent Series, fun for all

Revisado: 06-06-21

I loved this book the first time I listened to it and it was just as good the second.

I plan to listen to it again soon with my kids who haven't managed to finish reading or listening to all of the books, and their younger brothers and sisters now that all of the books are out. It sounds like it must be time for an extended road trip as these books are long. You really get your credit's worth for each one.

Great job and kudos to the author, the reader, and even the cover illustrator. Thank you for an interesting, well-developed, and exciting series.

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Talking about herself

Revisado: 05-03-21

This decluttering book seemed more an avenue for the author to declutter all of her thoughts and memories of her own life than a book to help others. While I recognize that sharing insights from what you have learned on your own clutter-free journey with others can be useful, this book used the word "I" so many times it made me feel as if the author wrote the book to indulge herself instead to help the reader. I also recognize that knowing you aren't the only one with clutter is helpful, and hearing about the path others have traversed can be useful if you find commonalities with their situation, but honestly, I found very little in the time I spent trying to find something I could be inspired by that was inspirational or directional. I am sorry, but honestly, there are much more useful de-cluttering, simplifying, and organizing books out there. Put those words in the search bar and find something else to help you clean out your closet, your house, or your brain. I'd have to say the author did a decent job of clearly reading her own words, however, the pace was too fast and without much feeling. It did not feel like a conversation between friends...more like a hurried recitation. Maybe someone else will enjoy listening to this, but the constant "I" usage bothered me after awhile. Things like this are supposed to be about helping YOU clear your clutter, not just about the author's journey. I will be trying to get a refund on this one.

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This is a great resource for decluttering.

Revisado: 09-18-20

The audiobook is an excellent supplement to the book, however, it is just as easy to follow on its own. The "how-to" components are liberally splashed with anecdotes from the author's own experiences, as well as those of some of her clients , which keeps it interesting. I recommend listening to it once, then going back to whichever section covers the area you need to de-clutter for excellent advice and encouragement. I highly recommend this one. It is one of my top five and I have listened or read about two dozen books on the subject.

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Loved it! Inspiring. Very helpful.

Revisado: 11-05-19

I will listen to this one again and again, whenever I need cleaning or decorating inspiration. Listening to it is like talking to a good friend over tea who is non-judgmental and a helper rather than a hindrance to your decluttering. Highly recommend.

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Go for a walk in the woods and be happier

Revisado: 05-11-19

It was a good listen one night when I couldn't sleep. She supported my own feelings about the necessity of spending time with nature, in particular, time walking in the woods. There is just something about the beauty of trees, ferns, a stream, a fluttering butterfly, and birdsong that can't be found in the same way in a building...even in a library between the pages of a book.

I recommend listening to this while commuting or driving with your family somewhere and you will be sufficiently motivated to at the very least take a nice long walk. Some sensitive topics were discussed. May not be appropriate for all ages without a parental pre-listen. I did manage a short nap during my migraine listen, but this was an excellent and motivational distraction.

Do be cautious about ticks in the underbrush when hiking, though. This year is predicted to be a bad one for them. Don't let that keep you from the woods, though. Just prepare and be aware.

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The Most Fun We've Had Listening to an Audiobook

Revisado: 08-05-14

What did you love best about Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library?

The story line was riveting from the very beginning. The characters were varied and interesting. The plot was rollicking fun in the form of a mystery/game/scavenger hunt held in the most amazing library ever. It was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwieler wrapped up in a scavenger hunt and a game of Clue. Lots of fun all around. Most of my family, the children ages 3,5,8,10, and 16, plus my husband and I, all thoroughly enjoyed the story. In fact, the kids didn't want to get out of the car as we were running errands until we finished each chapter, and then we had to take the Kindle inside to finish off the story before bedtime.

What did you like best about this story?

I absolutely loved all of the literary and cultural references. The overriding message of the value and appeal of books and learning in general was well-integrated throughout the story in a way that drew my kids into wanting to read many of the titles that were mentioned. As a parent, I loved how it emphasized families and friends playing board games together, the pleasure derived from reading good books, the benefits of being friends with all types of different people, fair play, and teamwork. As a teacher, I can't wait to get a print copy for my older home educated kids to go through so they can highlight some of the books referenced that they have not already read and put them on their reading lists. I really hope that a few of the games mentioned in this book will actually be marketed. They sound like a lot of fun!

Have you listened to any of Jesse Bernstein’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I haven't listened to his other performances, but after hearing this one, I'd be glad to listen to another. The only performance I've heard that was better was Brendan Fraser's reading of Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke. That's our family's other favorite audio book (because his voices are hilarious). I don't know. This one might top it because the story is so much fun and a bit faster paced.

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

Twelve children. Twenty-four hours. One huge, state-of-the-art library. Who will solve the mystery and win the amazing prize?

Any additional comments?

Don't miss this book. I am not sure why some folks called this formulaic or accused it of copying other works...sure, it references many works of literature and uses traditional literary devices, but it is it's own excellent work of children's fiction (yes, as an adult, I figured out some of the clues ahead of my kids, but they sure had a blast and it didn't bother me one bit to have caught on more quickly). Teachers would do well to incorporate this one into their curriculum, or at least, their recommended reading list. It is excellent as a read aloud/audio book, and would be perfect to pass time on a road trip. Enjoy!

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