CLC

Worth Listening to - more than once

Revisado: 06-01-22

I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review, and when I listened to Sherry Shenoda’s “The Lightkeeper,” it was with eager anticipation as I had read others’ reviews of the novel. I really liked the idea of a book that included mystery, time travel, romance, and that little bit of something more that meant it would be more than just “fluff.” I was not disappointed.

I tend to listen to audible books on a greater rate of speed than is typically narrated (anywhere from 1.2 if with my children to 2.0 if I’m trying to get through a longer book); I listened to this one at the rate that Ms. Shenoda read it, and I found it enjoyable to do so. Though I typically prefer male narrators, Ms. Shenoda’s voice is pleasant to listen to, and it is easy to grow comfortable with her style and pacing.

What I loved about the novel was that it kept me engaged from beginning to end, and what I hated was that it ended - I wanted more of the characters, more of their stories (especially more peripheral characters), and more time. Of course, the book is about time, so wanting more only makes sense - the characters wanted more also. It was also beautifully written and I found my own use of language bolstered by the listen (in the same way that occurs with more classic novels). I found myself wishing I could “bookmark” certain phrases, observations, or quotations from Herodotus (there are plenty of these and they make you want to go from this book to reading that one), but when listening, all a person can do is enjoy the ride, soak it in, and hope to go back again some day - and I will. I have recommended this book to many others, and I have purchased it once or twice as gifts, and I highly recommend it.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange fo

Revisado: 12-18-21 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. I’d asked for a copy because of the work that I do and the fact that I work every day with individuals who are struggling with issues of intimacy - emotional, psychological, and physical. I work with those of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and this book provided an opportunity to see a basic worldview that offers hope, consideration, and challenge to anyone who wants to reconcile their faith with the world that we live in.

Father Hopko takes a very loving approach to a topic that is charged with emotion. He doesn’t mince words when speaking about sexuality - and he challenges people of all orientations to remember that sexuality is only one part of being human; that our ultimate goal is communion with Christ. The approach in this small book is one of love, compassion, and concern for all people. There are many today who will be offended by what is said, and many more who will find a whole, compassionate approach and way to answer the question of what Scripture says and how Orthodox Christians should respond to non-traditional views/approaches of sexuality.

As an audiobook, you will find that the chapters are short and that it is hard to pick up on the order or organization of the chapter titles - it was the one thing I wish I had to look at so that I could follow it better. That said, it is a book I will listen to again in the future, and may procure hard copies of to share with others.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

A book we all could use

Revisado: 01-22-21

“Emotional wounds we experience can be far more devastating than physical pain. But while our society tends to take someone’s pain seriously if it correlates with visible physical injuries, we tend to marginalize a person’s pain when it is invisible. In our quick-fix culture, people who are hurting can be left thinking they are the problem for not being able to toughen up and get over it. Sometimes we need to actually take an approach that is counter to our feel-good culture and move towards our pain before we can move away from it.” ~ Cherie Calbom (Foreward)

Too often, our invisible wounds cause more damage and distress than anything external. What is seen can be tended to, and what others recognize, they can respond to. For the individual recovering from surgery, there are often meals, help with transportation, offers of encouragement and support. For those without visible external struggles and those internal struggles are fronted with a well-trained smile and “fine, how are you,” the support is not as readily offered.

Allowing others in, expressing vulnerability and sharing one’s internal suffering, whether it’s chronic pain, mental health, trauma is risky. Some may respond with disbelief, others with a dismissive “Things aren’t that bad” or a “well, at least it’s not….” Those who want to respond with genuineness and compassion may still not know how. This book offers some suggestions for all of us – sufferer and supporter (and we will all be in both roles at various points in our lives).

As a clinician I reference this book (directly at times, indirectly others) almost daily now. I find myself sharing information with friends and clients alike in discussions about self-esteem vs. self-compassion and how the choice toward self-compassion leads to a much richer life. We discuss how vulnerability is actually strength, and how pain can have purpose. Most of all, we talk about gratitude no matter what the situation; how avoiding rose-colored glasses and facing the reality of the landscape allows us to truly look for what we are thankful for and to grow toward acceptance and wholeheartedness; to change what we can and to be grateful for what we can. Many times, the situation doesn’t change – but resiliency does.

In the audiobook format of the book, I found that I needed longer listening periods than my usual audiobook experiences – There is a lot of content in each chapter, and it’s not easily picked up with 10-20 minutes of listening. I wanted every morsel of information, and it is rich. All of the information is grounded in research, and is explained in a way that one does not need to be an academic to understand it. Each chapter builds on the previous ones, but the chapters can also stand alone. There are many points where the author also describes how to apply the information.

I cannot recommend this book enough.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A book the whole family can enjoy!

Revisado: 12-16-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

This audiobook was such a wonderful one to listen to. We received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review, and we feel very fortunate because it was so fun. My 9 year old, 6 year old, and I listened together to the first chapter, chuckled at the line, “Besides, I could always eat her later,” and my 9 year old proceeded to finish listening to the entire book that day. I did as well. It was a pleasure to listen to the author read the tale, and there was no difficulty in distinguishing characters as she read. It is a tale the whole family will enjoy together again and again.

In this book, the position of narrator passes back and forth between the lion (who becomes Jordanes) and the baboon (Astennu). Their relationship with one another and with all creation changes and becomes something more beautiful throughout their life together, especially after they meet St. Gerasim. Through their time together, we learn more of what it means to be “particular” (not in the sense of being choosy, but of being chosen and called by name).

I appreciated the tale of becoming, and of the importance of looking beyond what we expect to see what might be. My child noticed that the monks in the tale did not quite believe St. Gerasim, and that their trust of Jordanes took time. He stated, “They should have listened to him,” and it offered us the opportunity to talk about trust and obedience. We observed together that Jordanes was able to become something more than what was expected of him as a lion, and how service and obedience allowed him to maintain that. We also observed that in the closest of relationships, there is always the element of danger as well (in the case of lion and baboon and man, there is the opportunity of one being eaten by another, but in our every day relationships, there are also dangers to overcome).

In regards to being “particular,” this theme resonated throughout the book as we heard about a particular man/saint who inspires others to become particular as well. Perhaps we, too, can become more than what we are.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Worth listening to! Good book for families as well

Revisado: 06-10-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

(Warning: this review may contain spoilers)

Apostle to the Plains is a book worth reading (or listening to, as I did)- both for perspective and building appreciation, as well as for learning a small part of the history of part of the Orthodox Church.

What a book to begin listening to during a time of pandemic! When I first started listening to this, we had been under stay at home orders for at least a month. We have not been to our church for at least five weeks. We were still ordering groceries from the delivery service. I was still going through extreme measures every time I returned home from work or from being out at a store. And while I did not feel isolated because I have a large family, and I was still working, I did feel disconnected.

Then on a 5 mile walk with my two-year-old, I turned on the story and she and I listened together to the story of Nicola Yanney, a Serbian man who immigrated to America with his new wife in the late 1800s. The descriptions of the immigration process, settling into a new home, and of frequent separations from his wife as he performed his duties as a traveling salesman were humbling. As the story went on, the tale depicted loneliness and a true longing for fellowship and worship, as the young immigrant couple labored to build a life and also to maintain their faith - on their own and without a local church or priest. The story reminded me that what we experience in longing for reunion and communion is real, and that it is a feeling that many have felt throughout the years. The sadness when the couple realized they had missed an opportunity to attend a service when a traveling priest visited the nearby town was so poignant, and their joy a year later when the same priest came back had me weeping alongside them. It had been 6 years for them, and it would be many more years, with more sadness and loss, before Nicola Yanney was able to worship and commune again. By the time he became Father Nicola Yanney, he had experienced deep sadness while maintaining his faith.

The story seems to begin again with his ordination. Father Nicola not only took on responsibility for the newly established local church, he also took on responsibility for a vast area of the Midwest, traveling at least four months of every year in order to serve other Orthodox Christians. Throughout the book there are tales of joy and sadness and much of the hardship experienced by Father Nicola and his family - the children left behind each time he took another missionary journey. We learn hardship and poverty that he, and they, experienced with grace and faith. The seeming monotony in the middle of the book, as we hear of travels to and from, of baptisms and burials, of discord and of marriages, all add credence to the struggle of this priest, and perhaps of every priest - the pull to worship and to serve and to be there for all in need, while also having a desire to be with family and care for them. In this tale, we hear of the struggle that is present for those in ministry.

We also hear of another time of pandemic, and the impact that had on the world and the church. Father Nicola Yanney served his parishioners during the flu in 1918. We hear in this tale of the precautions taken in different towns and of those who succumbed to the flu, including Father Nicola. The tale is cautionary to us, and encouraging.

In listening to this book, during this time of pandemic, I appreciated more what we do have during this time. I thought with gratitude of my own priest, and our parish, and even of the ease with which we travel when we are able to go to church - though ours is 90 minutes one way, I am reminded of how much joy there is in worship together and look forward to the reunion with those that have become family.

I am grateful that I had the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review. It was time well spent listening. My children enjoyed it as well, though there were times when we would pause to discuss issues of loss, grief, interpersonal struggles and other real-to-life issues that arose.



4 Stars overall because the middle can seem long and repetitive.
4 Stars for performance because I ended up listening to the book at 1.5-1.7 x the speed - I felt the reader was slower paced than I would have preferred.
5 Stars for the story because it is absolutely worth listening to and I recommend it to anyone who is interested.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

"Out of your head and into your heart"

Revisado: 05-03-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

In fair disclosure, before I start this review, I have to share that I was provided a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. If you want the brief version of this review, please skip to the end and read the quote from St. Theophan the Recluse - Father Webber includes this in his book, and it sums up the biggest takeaway from listening to the book.

When I agreed to review the book, I had barely taken the time to read about it - I knew the title, but knew little more than that. I barely even looked at the cover before I obtained the code and downloaded the book.

When I began listening, however, I was surprised. The narrator of the book, Kristina Wenger, has narrated a couple of other books that I’ve listened to, and I had associated her voice with the voice of another - Ileana of Romania, also known as Mother Alexandra. I had to go back to look at the book again to see who the author was (Archimandrite Meletios Webber). I found it disorienting at first to listen to a female voice reading the work of a male author, especially when that voice is affiliated (for me) with another individual. I moved past that by listening longer.

While I had anticipated that the book would provide easy listening for the duration, I was pleasantly surprised that the first part of the book unexpectedly tied faith and psychology together (Father Meletios Webber is both a priest and psychotherapist). As a mental health counselor, I appreciated the tie in to my own work, and the words of the author resonated with the directions of my own practice as a therapist. I found myself wanting to dive deeper into the book, to go back and listen again, and again, and to take notes - this is the first audiobook I’ve ever taken notes on, and then ordered a paper copy of. I have also started listening to it - again (also a first; most audiobooks don’t stay downloaded on my phone, but this is one that I may listen to over and over until I find that it’s sticking more).

The first part of the book, for me, focused on the differences between the mind and the heart. It tied into our daily lives, how we interact with others and with God. It helped to distinguish between knowledge and faith, and laid it out in a way that was easy to understand if you have the mind to listen to it (this is not a book to listen to for a few minutes here and there, but to listen to in bigger chunks).

That first part sets the stage for the second, where we hear more about the mysteries of the Orthodox Church expounded in ways that can’t help the listener to know a little more about the Orthodox Church and faith. This book helped bring to life those mysteries - reminding us that it is not about going through the motions, but about living in relationship with God and with one another. It shares with us that the motions and the words all have the goal of helping the faithful to get out of their minds and into their heart.

In the words of St. Theophan the Recluse:

“You've got to get out of your head and into your heart. Right now your thoughts are in your head, and God seems to be outside you. Your prayer and all your spiritual exercises also remain exterior. As long as you are in your head, you will never master your thoughts, which continue to whirl around your head like snow in a winter's storm or like mosquitoes in the summer's heat. If you descend into your heart, you will have no more difficulty. Your mind will empty out and your thoughts will dissipate.

Thoughts are always in your mind chasing one another about, and you will never manage to get them under control. But if you enter into your heart and can remain there, then every time your thoughts invade, you will only have to descend into your heart and your thoughts will vanish into thin air. This will be your safe haven. Don't be lazy. Descend. You will find life in your heart. There you must live.”

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

A Thorough Review of Angels - Both Their History and Roles

Revisado: 03-04-20

“The Holy Angels” is a thoughtful, thorough, well-organized presentation about angels, read with clarity and confidence. Kristina Wenger, whose voice I recognized from her reading of the author’s early life autobiography (“I Live Again”), once again became the voice of the author. I appreciated this continuity as it helped me to appreciate the depth of knowledge, insight, and understanding provided – that the once princess of Romania, who served so many people throughout her life, then chose to serve by sharing a piece of her robust faith.

What’s most memorable to me was the realization of how much I didn’t know (and probably still don’t, because there was a lot of information to glean). I think we make assumptions about angels and their roles in our lives, and/or take them for granted - I have been guilty of paying no attention to them or to the support and accountability that they provide. I think we also neglect to recognize the spiritual side of life – the world unseen that surrounds us. It’s always good to be humbled in recognition that there is so much more to know.

It’s not every day that you listen to a book that makes you want to rewind over and over to hear and fully comprehend all that’s being discussed. This book made me want to purchase the written copy for my own study and quick reference. I appreciated Mother Alexandra’s review of Scripture, as well as the review of extra biblical literature. I appreciate the depth of her presentation of not only scripture, but Apostolic, early church, and church father’s writings as well; there was also discussion of literary and artistic references to angels – again causing a desire to have a written copy of the book so I could use it to reference the pieces of art and the artists that she talked about.

In listening to this book, the only thing lacking is my own ability to remember all that I heard. It is a book I will revisit again, both in the audio and print versions.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

Fantastic Listening for the Whole Family

Revisado: 12-27-19 El oyente recibió este título gratis

When you start an audiobook and your children immediately pay attention, listening raptly to the story being told, you know you’ve found a good one. It may help that they had already heard “Sam and Saucer,” the first book in the series (I’ve heard a 3rd one is coming), and that they know the author’s voice and associate Melinda Johnson with the story of Sam and the sweet, energetic little Corgi, Saucer, but whatever the reason, the peaceful, happy car ride was worth it.

I enjoyed listening to this book, and I found that it more richly developed the characters introduced in the first story, but did so in a manner that the book also stands alone. I loved the depth of this book and appreciated hearing the characters’ struggles and successes in relationships with one another and with their faith. The stories-within-the-story also led to some creative thinking by my children, as they each talked about what they might write if they were the children in the book.

We appreciated the scene from Christmas, and while the children felt for Sam, they were also overjoyed at the ending, when Sam revealed that while he’d initially been disappointed, he’d learned to look at the situation from a different perspective, one that allowed him to see things from a lens of developing faith.

Another thing that the author did well was to depict the very real struggle of one of the nuns; one that many of us face in our day to day lives: That of comparing ourselves to others. Sister Anna goes so far as to “place a fleece” in order to hear from God, and she’s wisely redirected by the abbess. I felt that it was a good depiction to my children of the fact that not only do children struggle, but adults do, too, and that we’re all learning and growing in faith and love together.

My children and I all look forward to hearing what comes next!

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A Book Full of Good Reports

Revisado: 11-17-19 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I prefer to avoid the news, don’t watch a lot of television, and hardly pay attention to headlines. Some might argue that it leaves me uninformed, though I have enough trustworthy people in my life who keep me abreast of things in the “need-to-know” category. As a person who has had a tendency toward anxiety, I prefer to look for what is “pure, honest, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report,” (Phil. 4:8) and keep my thoughts on those things.

The title of this book piqued my interest, because it picks up on what some of us miss - that there are wonders, every day, if we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and minds to understand. Father Michael Oleksa’s “Stories of God’s Providence” points mostly to autobiographical moments in his own life where, upon reflection, he (and now we, the readers or listeners) could see how God was working. I appreciated the reminder to use that lens, to pray and to trust that there is more going on in any given situation - how even an incidence of pickpocketing could lead to greater things.

A wise man once told me that, wherever I was, I should look for the golden nugget that was being offered at that time. This book is full of examples of golden nuggets. From Alaska to Romania, from seminary to retirement, there are glimpses of providence, not just for Father Michael, but for all of us.

This book is worth reading, for the reasons above, and also for the pieces of history and cultural education that it also provides. I found the information about the internment of Aleuts during WWII informative and surprising - there are parts of American History that haven’t been written into our history books. It’s always good to learn to see beyond what is presented directly, to learn more about others, and to increase in compassion.

I only gave 4 stars for performance of the audiobook because there are obvious differences in the quality of audio and the volume of speaking between chapters. The differences do not impact the story or what’s offered, but I couldn’t give it a 5 for performance because of that.

I hope that anyone who chooses to listen to this would also enjoy it! It was a book that I was comfortable allowing my children to listen along with, and one that we would listen to again.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Letter to other listeners

Revisado: 11-17-19

Dear Potential Listener,

I remember meeting a young woman much like the character of Lydia in this book. She about the same age, and her parents were converting to Orthodoxy. She, unlike Lydia, was “going along with” her parents’ conversion, but she had a lot of the same questions and concerns expressed by Lydia. I couldn’t help, as I listened, imagining my young friend at that time in her life. She struggled with what to say to her friends, how to relate to her parents and how to navigate the transition from childhood to adulthood. The questions that Lydia wrestles with in this book may be universal. Her insights, however, show that this character is not as superficial as some teen characters (or actual teens) might be. I think my young friend would have appreciated this book a lot at the time.

Saint Lydia’s responses to young Lydia’s letters to her are thought-provoking and wise. In another review I read about this book, a reader shared that there were elements of “automatic writing” in this story - I disagree. The main character doesn’t imagine up the responses of the saint that she is writing to. The author creates the responses from Saint Lydia, providing an idea of what the interaction could have been; in the story, the teenaged Lydia never actually reads the responses from the Saint. That said, I found the interactions fascinating. It gives a glimpse of the kind of friendship one might develop with a saint or saints. I found myself wishing for a written copy so I could easily highlight and re-read some of the responses and advice that were given.

In my own life, when I’m not at home with family, I work as a therapist. My current population of clients includes those who have seen more and experienced more than most, and who need support to move forward. Lydia’s horrific experience in March of the story resonated as one that many of the people I work with have gone through. The author did a good job of letting me know what had happened without going into too much gory detail. My heart broke with Lydia, and then I sobbed with her in thankfulness for the responses of those who genuinely loved her. The depiction of love shown to her after the event shows so well how we can respond to others who have experienced trauma.

I hope, listener, that you will give yourself a chance to listen and to enjoy it. If you’re thinking of sharing it with your children or teens, it might be better to listen through first just so that you know what is included. Knowing what will be “talked” about can help you consider how to talk about it with your teen if you’re listening together, or if you give it as a gift. The overall messages are spot-on. The depictions of teens and their experiences are also well-done. The best part, though, is that throughout the book, there is an encouragement for the teen (and for all of us) to pursue a relationship with God for oneself, to know His love, to grow in it, and to share it with others. There is a call to depth of life, love, and living.

I hope, listener, that you’ll enjoy this book as much, or hopefully even more than I did.

Much love, CL/Juliana

PS - *IF* you've ever listened to this author read another of her books (like Shepherding Sam), it may take a while to adjust to her distinctive voice being that of Saint Lydia in this story. I found myself expecting her to describe Saucer (the Corgi) and what he was doing with Sam. After a few chapters, though, I was able to adjust and could hear Saint Lydia.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña