PineappleGirl

Unnecessary Politics

Revisado: 11-12-20

We now live in an era when even our fictional characters have a political position on President Trump and COVID. The story is good and at times even had my heart rate elevated! I was immersed in the story and then suddenly brought back to the real world as Mickey referenced the impeachment proceedings of President Trump. Then the timeline of the pandemic began cropping up in the story. Then during jury selection we are given insight into Mickey’s reason for dismissing a juror: she has a Trump sticker on her car, went to a conservative Christian university and wouldn’t be able to weigh the facts of the case because she has “blind allegiance” since she supports a president whom CNN has outed on several occasions as a liar. The inclusion of 2020 political issues in the story was clunky and forced. The author went out of his way to let us know his political leanings and that he considers the other side idiots in all walks of life. This will alienate some of his readers. The character’s political “insights” did nothing for the story, if they had been left out it wouldn’t have changed the storyline one bit. The reality is the underlying story is decent, well-paced and intense, however that world is shattered by the awkward insertion of 2020 real life. **Note to author** - fiction is one of the last bastions we have to take a break from daily reality, it is a shame to lose that place of respite.

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Spare Yourself

Revisado: 11-05-20

Truly awful.
The characters are ridiculous caricatures.
The story moves painfully slow.
I found myself hoping the student’s world would implode just to move the story along.

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2020 Must Read

Revisado: 07-24-20

This book is heart wrenching, enlightening and engaging. Packed with facts, statistics and anecdotes. It covers this topic thoroughly. I especially appreciated that the author included a chapter on “what do we do now” instead of just laying out the problem and bowing out.

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Sous Chef is one of my favorite literary meals

Revisado: 03-24-17

I have listened to this book so many times that my brain actually thinks I lived these 24 hours myself.

The writing is amazing. Michael Gibney has an extraordinary skill of taking the reader and allowing them to become him. One of my favorite passages is preparing the fluke for dinner service. I could feel the fish on my cutting board and part of me knew that if I had the right knife and a fluke in front of me I would portion it perfectly. His writing allows your brain to step into his skin and live a day as a sous chef.

The narration is nothing short of perfect. After initial introductions to each character the listener knows exactly who is speaking without names being needed because Fred Berman's range is incredible and distinct. Male/Female, South America, Bronx,Midwest, etc... he has them down.

Enjoyed this book the first time and still enjoyed it the 23rd time!

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A Fun, Laugh Out Loud, Listen

Revisado: 01-30-17

I'm a Christopher Buckley fan, Boomsday, Supreme Courtship and That's No Way to Treat a First Lady are my favorites. Bill Fitzhugh was suggested so I took a chance...and fell in love. Witty, and snarky, with characters that you care about. Pest Control just ended and I'm starting the Exterminators. Binge listening weekend!

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T is for Terrific!!

Revisado: 01-02-08

Sue Grafton has got her groove back!!

After being somewhat disappointed with "S" I was skeptical about "T". I was so pleased to be proven wrong!!

T is for Trespass satisfies on every level. We get more information about the characters we have grown to love (yes, Henry is still kickin' at 89) find out more about Kinsey's motivations, and get justice in the end. More than that though, Ms. Grafton's novels make it fun to go back to the 80's and remember what the times were like when I was a teenager.

There are a couple more gruesome scenes than usual in this book but not in a distracting way by any means.

If you have enjoyed the Kinsey Millhone series you won't be disappointed. If you have never read a Sue Grafton story you will still enjoy this as your first. You may find yourself starting the series at A and working through them one by one after you get a taste though...be forewarned ;-)

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The Quickie

Revisado: 08-06-07

The narration was enjoyable, and by that I mean Ms. Masterson's voice did not distract from the story at all making it a very enjoyable listen.

My 3 star rating comes from the story end of the book. Some pieces seemed rather contrived to me. Like the author really had to make a stretch to keep the story on the track he wanted. I thought the "reveal" didn't work well with what she had been given as a profession. (can't give away the book....) I guess the author wanted to point to the fact that we all see what we want to see.

I did enjoy the book on many levels and would recommend spending the credit for the book if you want a mystery with a couple twists.

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Web London - Man of my Dreams

Revisado: 03-23-07

Okay, so I think I'm in love...Is that bad? Okay, so he's a fictional character and truth be told it would probably never work out, but a girl can have her dreams can't she. By the way, my husband thinks he's in love too. Call it a man-crush. Web London has it all. He is a man's man, and a woman's dream. The ultimate action hero. He's got brains, brawn, oozing machismo, and a sensitive vulnerable side too.

The writing in this book was very engaging. I was hooked from the first 5 minutes. I looked at the running time and thought I might prefer the Abridged version but I am really glad I chose to go the long route. You know it's a good book when 22 hours fly by and you're still wanting just a little bit more.

I sing the praises of this book but I can only give it 4 stars ( I would give it a 4.5 but I can't) because the plot gets a little contrived in parts. But, as any seasoned reader knows, sometimes you just have to roll with it a little bit.

Can't wait to meet up with Web again.

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Artemis Does it Again!!

Revisado: 03-11-07

I have missed Artemis! The gang is all back in this installment of Artemis' adventures. With the added element of a girl interest for Artemis, we get to witness him growing up a bit and experience life out of his control. (Those dog-gone hormones do it everytime.)I hope there will be another "episode" in this line of novels. I enjoyed this one very much.

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Kill the Messenger

Revisado: 03-11-07

Good story. I liked the plot line a lot. The Messenger is a character you root for the entire time as he weaves and dodges both the good guys and the bad guys. Wonderful narration, and terrif pacing. I was left feeling very satisfied at the end.

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