Teadrinker

Reads Like a Long News Article

Revisado: 06-05-24

The subject is fascinating: one conman, so charismatic he could hoodwink admirals and captains, then goes on to manipulate judges and the legal system as well! But the descriptions are dry and factual. Despite the fact that there is much direct dialogue from Francis, the author shows no insight into his character, and little insight into the lives of those he used. This is straight news reporting, with all judgement removed. Someone will write an emotionally compelling book on this topic one day.

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Complex Adult Rom-Com

Revisado: 04-17-24

Although the title and the book are about a wedding, the book is really about the lives, romances and interactions of three women who create the environment in which the wedding is to be held - their back stories are threads that weave into the present. It was fun to listen to, more fun than a typical rom-com, because you see how the characters evolve, and how the past creates the present. If you are not Nigerian, like me, pay careful attention to the names at the beginning, so you can follow their character development throughout.

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Flawed Masterpiece

Revisado: 04-17-24

It could have been really good! It just went on way, way too long with too many unnecessary details, too much description and too much philosophical introspection. The plot was very satisfying. Probably the reason I kept listening was that the narration was excellent, and I became very fond of the voices of the characters. However, the main character was continually perseverating, which means, according to Google, to "repeat or prolong an action, thought, or utterance after the stimulus that prompted it has ceased." Too bad. It could have been a masterpiece.

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Road to Nowhere, well-done

Revisado: 02-03-24

I listened to this because it was free on Audible. I love "True Grit," but other than that I didn't know what to expect. That confusion continued . . . and continued . . . I didn't know what genre it was, I kept waiting for something to happen. Spoiler . . . it doesn't. Well, no discernable plot line emerges, but of course things happen, like car trouble and money trouble and Aztec ruins and hurricanes . . . but nothing connected to the characters or the plot. I kept thinking "this is the strangest book I've ever read." But eventually it caught me. I started hearing the words when I wasn't listening. I realized nothing ever was going to happen and so I should just enjoy it. The narrator is absolutely wonderful, a magician. It is a classic, not for everyone, but a classic nonetheless.

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Retro (dated)

Revisado: 07-05-23

I used to love Agatha Christie but it’s very hard to listen to now. The crimes are very arbitrary, unrealistic and sometimes nonsensical. The plots are overwrought. There’s no sense in trying to figure out “who did it.” The all-knowingness of the detectives is also from a time long passed.

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Summer Slumming

Revisado: 06-15-23

OK, I admit I read this for a good escape. And it WAS a good escape! "Thank god I'm not her," I kept thinking. She isn't even trying. It's a long slow suicide of a life. The writing was excellent, the narrator was excellent. I want to read Part II.

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Extreme Togetherness and Extreme Separation

Revisado: 06-15-23

The Padavano family is extremely "together" - until they're extremely separate. The virtues of togetherness are never questioned - the family LOVES each other passionately and must be together always - until they shoot off like pinballs, suddenly and with minimal explanation. The characters were interesting and the passage of time was handled well, but the tension between intimacy and alienation was never fully addressed.

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Mixed and Lengthy but Worth It

Revisado: 06-15-23

The two voices are excellent, but the female voice is sometimes overly dramatic which impedes understanding. Nevertheless, they tell the story well. There is the suggestion of dramatic and criminal action, which keep the story moving. Past and present are mixed together well so you don't forget when and where you are. And the ending is just wonderful - the pleasures of ordinary life (& extraordinary love).

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Terrifying View into a Chaotic Time

Revisado: 06-15-23

Although the audiobook describes multiple viewpoints - both terrorists and victims - and takes place all over Mumbai, it is a good summary of action so chaotic it's not possible to write a direct timeline of events. The authors captured the chaos, the courage, the violence and the sadness very well. I enjoyed listening to the book very much.

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Great narration, great book

Revisado: 06-11-22

I just had a 6 hour drive, and when it was done, I went into the house and kept listening. None of this is a new story, but it’s perfection of a genre. The language and the reading are especially great. It’s a joy.

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