JRC 318

Confronting Truths and Real Friendship

Revisado: 09-14-24

Starting with the positive: this book confronts the stigma of mental health head on. Bravo! It also confronts false friendships. Anyone who has ever struggled with the rumor mill of the suburbs will appreciate it. The cons: I did struggle with some of the narration. I’m 50 and Wendy sounded like she was in her 70’s to me. The narrator for Harper took the cold that Harper has around Chapter 6 or 7 quite serious and I almost skipped over those chapters hoping Harper would be well soon. It wasn’t fun listening to someone simulate being congested and sick for so long. Unnecessary. Overall - I liked how the book brought together two different women. It likely could have gone deeper into the characters but I was still happy with the ending.

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Vulnerable and Brave

Revisado: 08-22-24

Dragonsky may have struggled with math some in her life, but clearly writing and storytelling is her super power! While I only daydream of hiking the AT (maybe someday…), Dragonsky takes us on not only an AT journey but a journey of the human spirit and resiliency. Well done! Beautiful and touching.

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Great Story - Frustrating Narration

Revisado: 07-06-24

While I love Audible, this is likely a book I would have done better to read versus listen to. I’ll start with the positive - the story is fantastic! Silas House is a marvelous Appalachian writer and I’ve been wanting to dive into this one for a long time. The endearing love of the sisters is something that will touch your heart. Complete devotion.

The narration would be good…without the swallowing and lip smacking. The first time I heard it, I thought maybe it was just an anomaly but it got worse. It was so bad during the last few chapters that I couldn’t wait for the book to end to rid myself of her swallowing. It could have easily been edited out. I don’t understand why publishers do this. Just edit out the swallowing and smacking.

I would gladly listen to many more books by Silas House but I will be very careful to never choose another book with this narrator.

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A Transforming Journey

Revisado: 06-23-24

As someone that “lost my religion” many years ago but found God and spirituality in the process, I did struggle especially during the first part of the book as the author did seem a little judgmental and “letter of the law” in his doctrinal religious beliefs. However - wait for it…because he does begin to transform. While he does share his personal beliefs - he also begins to open to the spiritual beliefs of others. He grows as a person tremendously. He’s quite humorous and paints a great description of the experience of a thru hike. If you are a Christian and love nature and hiking - this book will be perfect for you. If you’re not a Christian but love hiking and nature, give the author an opportunity to demonstrate his growth. A story of going into the forest to lose your mind and find your soul. Interesting cast of hikers as well. I’d walk the trail with these guys any day.

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Beautiful

Revisado: 06-07-24

As a nature lover this book was a wonderful experience. The author pays loving tribute to his family and his life experiences in the wilderness. I wish more kids grew up like this. Nature heals.

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Fun Early Summer Read

Revisado: 04-29-24

This book seemed to be popping up on all the recommendations. I have to admit it was slightly cheesy in parts but after a few really heavy reads, I appreciated it. On the other hand it did have some very multi-layered character and I appreciated the humor.

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Surprisingly Good! Loved it!

Revisado: 04-12-24

This is by far one of the best “free” books I’ve gotten on Audible. While the opening is sad it really is very inspiring to live life to the fullest, nurture your friendships, take chances, make changes - all the good stuff of life. Loved the narrators as well.

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A Must Read for AT Hikers

Revisado: 04-01-24

I honestly avoided this book for so long thinking I would hate it and that it would be too sad. Yes, it is tragic. But, the author is so respectful in how she shares the story. Bottom line: I am going to add a compass to my gear. Rest in peace, Gerry. It sounds like you were an amazing woman and I’m glad I was able to learn about you.

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So Many Stereotypes Reinforced (I Really Wanted to Like This Book)

Revisado: 03-22-24

As a native of West Virginia I was excited to see a historical fiction novel about my home state and The Greenbrier. Sadly, many of the characters are not particularly likable (Sylvia in particular) and reinforce so many negative stereotypes - about people that live in the mountains, Jews, Italians, Germans…the list goes on. Every character seems to be radically stereotyped and there’s so much tension among the characters versus any healing. The passage that really did not set well with me was when Sylvia was describing what it would be like to let someone hold her baby and she said “I would feel like handing the baby to a coal miner encrusted in black dust and watching him caress her white baby feet with his filthy hands”. The emphasis on “filthy” implies the feeling of being more than simply dirt but rather disdain for the people of the mountains themselves. The narrator literally spits the words out. The tone speaks volumes. So - if you’re like me - and have a father or grandfather that was coal miner - I suspect you’ll have the same reaction as me. As for the descriptions of the Greenbrier - well, it’s described as looking like “Pee Wee’s Playhouse” at one point. I am confused about why bookstores in WV are celebrating this book - I can only reason that they haven’t yet read it.

I do not do well with characters being one dimensional stereotypes. People are multilayered and, honestly, mostly good. The author and narrator both seem hellbent on division versus inclusion and healing and finding redeeming qualities in their neighbors.

A book with a lot of potential but it totally missed the mark for me.

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Still Working Through But as a Veteran the Pronunciation of Corpsman Is Driving Me Nuts

Revisado: 02-16-24

Overall I am really enjoying the book. I know the author is not a veteran - so I’m offering her grace - but for the love of god, pronounce Corpsmen correctly. The hard S is a dead giveaway the narrator is not properly prepared to read this book. If you’re going to offer a book on such an important topic get the cultural details right. I am working hard to not let it become such a distraction because the content is interesting.

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