Magical Wanda

A "Night Gallery" for the Twenty First Century

Revisado: 10-28-19 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Do you remember "Night Gallery" as a kid? It was one of my favorite shows growing up. If you like it as much as I did, you'll love this collection of 15 short stories by Robert Jeschonek. Not only does he take you on an all-inclusive trip to Crazy Town, his narrator provides the perfect combination of original character voices to make the ride even more amusing (in a good way, not a Joe Pesci, Goodfellas kind of way). Along the road, you'll meet sea monkeys, cowboys, pirates, screaming meemees, and, of course, clowns. Exploding clowns. Lots of 'em. And a cadre of other characters who do not fail to entertain.

Robert Jeschonek is brilliantly twisted. He paints pictures with words and Bill Lord's narration provides the perfect frame for each story. This book is a hoot! On the surface, it appears to be a series of funny, wry, twisted, and sarcastic short stories. Dig a little deeper and each story seems to be a metaphor for... something. For life, perhaps. Or maybe they're just...stories. Listen to this book and figure it out.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Fabulous Delivery - Not My Usual Genre

Revisado: 05-12-15

Where does Tortured Souls rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It wasn't my most enjoyable book, but it wasn't the worst. To be fair, this is not my usual genre for a reason, but Peter Bishop could read the phone book and I'd listen to it.

Would you recommend Tortured Souls to your friends? Why or why not?

I have friends who love this genre and I'd tell them to put it at the top of their list.

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

Peter Bishop has a great voice and a fabulous delivery. He's narrated other books that I liked better, just because the story was more up my alley, but his delivery and performance is consistently excellent.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Great Story - Grating Delivery

Revisado: 05-12-15

What did you like best about Army Wives? What did you like least?

I'm a woman and a 21-year Army veteran. This book was especially interesting to me because of my years serving the US. When I saw this book, and after having seen the TV show, I really wanted to read the TRUE story of the women the show was based on. What I liked the best was that I recognized these women, not because I knew them personally, but because I had served with women like them and had met many Army wives they represented. The representations, as written, were accurate.

What I like the least was Laural Merlington's portrayal of the narrator. She failed to give her a true personality or point of view and her delivery was wooden. It was clear to me that she knew nothing about the Army. In fact, she was annoying. It's a good thing I had a compelling desire to hear the actual story or I would have given up after the introduction.

How could the performance have been better?

The performance could have been better if the narrator had even the slightest inkling of personality. The author was a journalist. The narrator did nothing to make the journalist's voice interesting or expressive. For the most part, she sounded wooden. Her phrasing was indicative of a computer-generated voice with little or no knowledge of the military. For example, she used the phrase "Brigade Command" "Sergeant Major." The phrase SHOULD have been "Brigade" "Command Sergeant Major." This is just one example. Her delivery was flat and uninspired, almost overarticulated.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A Great Piece of Americana

Revisado: 04-23-15

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

I loved this book. It's a great story of a wonderful family and a piece of American immigrant history. If you, like me, come from a family of immigrants, you'll appreciate the back story, even if your family came from a different place.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Every character in the book was genuine. I really didn't have a favorite. I think I'd love them all if I met them in person.

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

Bill Lord brought the Glosser family right into my living room, sat down with them, and told me their story. I could almost smell the roasting cashews and peanuts! I wish Glosser's Department Store was in MY town growing up.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The very last chapter of the book, the last customer, was beautiful. The author's ability to paint a picture with words, and the narrator's treatment of the passage was poignant and engaging.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Drew Me In and Kept Me Guessing

Revisado: 04-22-15

What did you love best about The Deadly Trade?

This book started out a little slow for me, but developed nicely. After the fifth or sixth chapter, I was anxiously anticipating listening to more. The story had everything - espionage, murder, intrigue, love interests, human tragedy, and more! I really enjoyed the plot twists, right up to the last paragraph. Ken Morris even left room for a sequel, and I hope there will be one!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well, Tim Mack was the hero of the book, so he's easy. He truly seemed to be operating in earnest through the whole book. I found myself rooting for him. Really, though, I developed a soft spot for Detective Bob Moore. Despite his gruff exterior, I pictured him with a mischievous glint in his eye and a lot of compassion humanity in his heart.

Both Tim and Bob are people I'd want to have in my life as friends.

What about Bill Lord’s performance did you like?

Bill Lord truly brought the characters to life. His range was incredibly dynamic. There was an extremely suspenseful and pivotal chapter (around 91, I think - right before 3:01 in the morning, book time) where Tim Mack was in his own head. Bill brought such passion and feeling to this particular chapter that I listened to it THREE TIMES. He truly made me feel the suspense of the moment.

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

This book kept me on the edge of my seat. At various moments, I had numerous "AHA!" moments when the plot twists would come back together. I want a sequel!!

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Twists, Turns, and an Unexpected Finish!

Revisado: 04-10-15

What made the experience of listening to The Samaritan the most enjoyable?

Aside from the story being really interesting, the narrator brought each character to life. When I read words on a page, I don't necessarily "see" the characters in my head. Bill Lord painted a vivid picture of each one of them. By the time I got to the final twist in this compelling plat, I felt as though each character had walked into my own living room to tell me their own story.

What other book might you compare The Samaritan to and why?

I'd compare it to Ludlum's Bourne series. I understand that a sequel to this book is being published. I can't wait to read it! I hope that Kevin Easter will become a regular on my audio bookshelf.

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

I've listened to a couple of other performances by Bill Lord. This is the best yet, not only because of the great material he had to work with, but also because he truly developed each character and carried them through to the end. I don't want to give away any plot secrets, but...expect the unexpected!

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

And The Earth Shall Weep

Any additional comments?

I hear that there's going to be a sequel - I can't wait to listen to it. I hope Bill Lord will bring Kevin Easter to life again in the next story!

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

I Hit the Motherlode!!!

Revisado: 06-25-14

If you could sum up Sci-Fi Motherlode in three words, what would they be?

Unexpected, Twisted, Out-There. I grew up thinking I didn't like science fiction. Who knew that it could be so much fun? Robert Jeschonek definitely has a creative mind and a twisted sense of humor. Between his clever writing and the narrator's brilliant interpretation of the characters, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this listen. In fact, I had a hard time hitting the "pause" button. Even though this is a collection of short stories, Jeschonek does a fabulous job of fully developing characters and their voices left me with a definite picture in my mind of who each one "really was." And, because it is a collection of short stories, this book is perfect for either a "quick hit" or an all-day drive.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Definitely Smidgen the Snack Cake. I know that darned chocolate-coated demon was calling me from the shelf of the grocery store just yesterday. I think I want a plush Smidgen. Maybe a plush VOODOO Smidgen. Yeah, that's the ticket!!

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

Well, first of all he's got a great voice...er, voices. I hope they all get along inside his head! Seriously, he must be a very talented actor. His interpretation of the characters really enhanced the picture of each of them in my head. I didn't want to hit pause! He had me completely drawn in. I was disappointed to finish the last story -- he left me wanting more!!

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

Twelve and a Half Hours, Eighteen Stories, Infinitely Twisted

Any additional comments?

This book is good, clean fun and appropriate for both adult and younger adult (teenaged) audiences.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Pure Fun!

Revisado: 06-25-14

What did you love best about Living On Air?

Living On Air was a fun listen. Joe Cipriano's absolute JOY with his chosen profession was obvious in every syllable. I truly enjoy biographies, and this was no exception. Not only did Joe bring his story to life, it was as if he was telling ME the story, not just reading the book. I'm hoping (are you listening, Joe??) that there will be a sequel! Or, at the very least, that Joe will decide to do another audiobook.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the honesty and the obvious happiness of the author/storyteller. I felt like I've know him forever, as if we were family. I also liked the periodic "hybrid" quality of the old microphone sound effect, some well-placed (not overdone) use of other voices.

What about Joe Cipriano’s performance did you like?

Everything. Again, the "hybrid" quality of using different microphones, a few sound effects, and the honesty of his delivery.

If you could take any character from Living On Air out to dinner, who would it be and why?

It would have to be Joe and his wife Anne. What a team! I bet they have some fabulous stories to tell.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

The Low-Down on Skinny

Revisado: 10-07-07

This book is perhaps one of the best examples of using big words and supposed "facts" to scare people into believing you are right. "Skinny Bitch" is an exaggerated attempt to convert people to veganism. There's nothing wrong with veganism, but those of us who choose to eat a varied diet of other wholesome foods shouldn't be given the mistaken impression that a hamburger is going to turn us into a "lard ass".

It just seemed to me that the graphic representations of animal mistreatment were unnecessary, the benefits of certain foods were understated, and that the danger of eating others were grossly exaggerated. Are these authors taking the PETA approach to nutrition, or did someone from the cattle and dairy industry abuse them as children?

Also, after visiting the authors' website, I just want to add that neither of them are "all that" and maybe if they would eat some chocolate or have a burger they wouldn't be so "bitchy".

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 5 personas

Fantastic Listen!

Revisado: 09-29-07

Although I rarely enjoy abridged versions of audio books, I listened to this one simply because Mario Cantone was a high school friend. His narration was BRILLIANT!!! He captured every character perfectly in this great book, and at times it was hard to remember that he was the only one reading!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I wish that he had read the unabridged version. I've already passed the book onto several friends! It was just plain FUN!!!

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona