Sandy

The Nix

Revisado: 12-21-16

This is a great read -- complex plot with frequent surprises. But the standout feature is the amazing narrator, Ari Fliakos, and this is a book that gives him an opportunity to show off his talent. One can scarcely believe the same narrator is doing all these different voices.

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Immortal Irishman

Revisado: 04-08-16

Usually when I read a biography I know at least a little about the person, but I had never heard of Thomas Francis Meagher before. What a story! What a sad and heroic life! The book was riveting from beginning to end. So many unexpected twists!

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The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

Revisado: 06-02-14

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

The characters seem real, and I found myself involved with them in a way that I haven't experienced in a long time. The plot is intricate yet followable, and surprising. The author writes with a remarkable insight into human nature.

What did you like best about this story?

The thoroughness with which the author explores the life of the main character, Theo, and that of his friend Boris. Also the appreciation of the Dutch Great Masters that Theo and his mother reveal. The surprising turns of plot.

Which scene was your favorite?

Well, I don't want to spoil the book for anybody, so I won't describe the most amazing scene. From the very beginning, when Theo and his mother are in the museum, his mother pointing out the details that make the masterworks of the Dutch Golden Age so great, the book held my attention, although I have never been very interested in art.

Who was the most memorable character of The Goldfinch and why?

Boris is one of the most memorable characters I've ever encountered in any book, ever. He was born in Poland, speaks Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian, and has a completely different approach to life. The narrator, David Pittu, does a wonderful eastern European accent for Boris.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book. I was recommending it to a friend, and mentioned that it was on the NY Times bestseller list. "Oh, I never read best-sellers," she replied. "Really good books never become best-sellers." I begged to differ in this case! This book will become a classic and will be relevant to readers for many years into the future.

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Pines by Blake Crouch

Revisado: 05-07-14

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

I would recommend this book to sci-fi fans with a willingness to suspend disbelief. For much of the book, I was very skeptical.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot definitely held my interest except for a few overly-long battle scenes. The hero is always on the edge of survival, victimized by brutal bullies or beasts. The book seems to be inspired by Franz Kafka and Lewis Carroll, then suddenly becomes more like Pierre Boulle.

Which scene was your favorite?

I was getting tired of the constant perils when suddenly the book had an amazing turn-about. I hope not to give anything away, but advise like-minded impatient types like myself, by all means Keep Reading. The climax will amaze you!

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

The book did not make me laugh or cry, but did inspire a melancholy feeling in the pit of my stomach about our planet and what could happen to it if we aren't good stewards.

Any additional comments?

The narrator, Paul Michael Garcia, is a wonder. Every character has a different voice. It's hard to believe it is being read all by the same man! He can do children and women as easily as men.

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Russia, by Martin Sixsmith (Parts 1 and 2)

Revisado: 04-19-14

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

I would definitely recommend this audiobook to anyone, whether they know Russian history very well, or not at all. It is more than a mere audiobook; it's a BBC radio series. Sixsmith makes us feel that we are there with him in the various historical spots, and there is wonderful Russian classical and folk music to accompany us on our journey!

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is a very tough question, because so many characters in Russian history are colorful and amazing -- think of St Vladimir, Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Rasputin, Lenin and Stalin, Krushchev, Gorbachev -- how could anyone possibly select a favorite? I choose the marvelous panorama of them all!

What about Martin Sixsmith’s performance did you like?

He knows how to pronounce Russian correctly, he has a wonderful personality, and he made me feel that I was there to witness each event. He must have been collecting Russian music all his life. I wish I had it all on CDs.

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

Yes --his relating of the horrors of the Stalinist regime, especially that after Russia won World War II, losing millions of soldiers, all the ones who had ever been in any other country, such as Germany, were put into prison when they got home -- or shot to death, because they had witnessed a higher standard of living.

Any additional comments?

Don't miss this marvelous performance!

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An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser

Revisado: 03-20-13

What made the experience of listening to An American Tragedy the most enjoyable?

In high school we were told that this novel ranked with Moby Dick as "THE Great American Novel." I'm glad I finally got to it in my old age! Well, Moby Dick may be a greater novel, but it is much harder to read. This book flows and unfolds like a soap opera and really held my interest to the end. Dan John Miller is a wonderful reader. He can do voices -- children, regional accents, and is able to give each character a different voice. I highly recommend this novel.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The hero of the book is Clyde, and this book is a sort of coming-of-age for him. Hwe seems all too real as he changes from the obedient son of a street preacher into a ruthless man. That may be a spoiler, so I don't want to say any more.

Which character – as performed by Dan John Miller – was your favorite?

Clyde

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes, but it is a long one!

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Lionheart

Revisado: 02-01-13

What made the experience of listening to Lionheart the most enjoyable?

Penman really knows the Middle ages, and she took me back to those chaotic times. Emily Gray made it even more real.

What did you like best about this story?

The pageantry, the descriptions, the suspense.

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

no

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Any additional comments?

This is the fourth book by Sharon Kay Penman I've read, first one on audio. Although I loved the reader, I found it hard to follow on audio -- I needed a list of the characters and a map, so I recommend that others get the book in paperback, hardbound or e-book unless you have a photographic mind, as I'm sure many audio fans have!

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Challenging, long, but Brilliant!

Revisado: 08-06-12

Victor Hugo put so very much deep thinking into this. Sometimes I didn't want to hear so much philosophizing and wanted to get on with the story, but it is brilliant and masterfully plotted out! It is hard for me to get the French names on audiobook, though I think George Guidall pronounces them meticulously. I was surprised that the book was so long -- doubt that I'd have finished it if I had chosen to read it in print. That would have been sad, because he really paints a detailed picture of the thinking of post-Napoleonic France. His description of the Battle of Waterloo is stunning.

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The Help

Revisado: 12-03-11

I was worried that the actors might not be able to be convincing with their southern accents. They were all great.

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Bossypants

Revisado: 12-03-11

This book is hilarious, and Fey's narration is just what you'd expect from the accomplished actress, comedienne, and aper. I was so glad she included her send-up of Sara Palin!

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