Suzie

great way to read the story

Revisado: 11-20-22

I somehow never read this now-classic series, but don't have the attention span for reading physical books. I liked having the full cast, even if the children's acting was not great. I docked a star because the audio needed to be mixed better. voices were too quiet while background noise was distractingly loud and at times grating. From a sensory perspective, I wish the sound effects had been toned down and pulled back. I don't want to listen to a baby crying for five minutes over the conversation even if that's what's happening in the book. overall, worth the read though. well-paced story.

also wish all the books could be combined into one or two audiobooks. don't love the idea of buying 13(?) of them when they're so short.

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good read just lacks some je ne sais quoi

Revisado: 02-27-22

this didn't blow me out of the water or anything, but it was an enjoyable listen. the narrator was pleasant to listen to, I enjoyed the figure skating element, and I thought it did a good job of balancing serious problems and heartfelt warmth. gives a lot of thought to discrimination against Asian Americans, which I thought was done well and was powerful.

I think this would be a good read for ages 10-14 maybe mature 9 year-old. or an adult of course.

overall a heart-warming read and an empowering message.

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like the cast reading but plot varies

Revisado: 02-13-22

I liked this but I didn't find it as engaging as the first book in the series. the revolution plot does get interesting, but it felt unrealistic that the main character would be able to do so much. she feels too perfect to relate to. but the politics of the kingdom is interesting. I liked that they used a cast of actors though some of them weren't very good, it was better than one person struggling to do everyone. overall a decent read for ages 9-109.

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interesting concept but boring execution

Revisado: 12-15-21

I think the author was onto something great here. I think the future of historical fiction should explore the experiences of a more diverse set of characters, and Park is trying to do just that. She gives the reader a detailed insight into the micro and macro aggressions against Asians in America. unfortunately, this book lacks action and is mostly the narrator mulling over what is going on in the present and then recalling what has happened in the past. It's slow and tedious. Characters are not particularly interesting or engaging either, especially for kids. The structure has issues (basically there's one plot and then it neatly ends and then another begins and ends) that adds to the boringness problem.

I almost gave up on this one, but it picked up a bit halfway in. I did love the narrator, who I enjoyed in American Panda and was happy to hear again. wish this had gotten a better edit or something because it is such a neat and needed concept.

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worth reading if you've followed the Penderwicks

Revisado: 12-05-21

I read the other two books in the series a long time ago, so I figured I'd finish the trilogy. I found this one slow and less eventful until about 2/3 of the way in, and I missed Rosalind and Mr. Penderwick being involved. the end feels a bit farfetched but heartwarming enough for me to suspend disbelief. the narrator did a good job with voices which usually makes or breaks audiobooks! I'd say overall if you're a fan of the Penderwicks and want a cozy read, it's worth wrapping up the series with this, but if not, then definitely opt for the first book which is better quality in my opinion. these do require reading in chronological order.

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JKR does it again

Revisado: 11-12-21

this was a clever, engaging fantasy adventure that would be perfect for elementary age but I enjoyed as an adult. it was great to have the cast playing different characters so an adult didn't have to pretend to do a child's voice. the child actor had trouble emoting, but I prefer that over most narrators pretending to be kids. anyways, I wasn't sure how interesting this would be but of course it's a captivating story that takes place mostly in a clever imaginary world and also deals with some issues of divorce and blended families. would be great for a holiday travel car ride.

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My new favorite book

Revisado: 01-17-21

This book was funny, clever and thought-provoking. I really believe every adult should read this book. It's an important lesson in economics, politics, and consequences. The characters are interesting and nuanced and it challenges you to think about the ripple effect of the conscious and unconscious choices you make. Also, Stephen Fry is a perfect narrator for this.

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very insightful information

Revisado: 02-26-19

I can't believe I've never read about Attachment Theory before! This is incredibly helpful, life-changing information, and for that reason I would recommend everyone listen to at least the first few chapters of this book. This book put a lot in perspective about both my own life and my friends', and I've seen many friends go through awful psychological roller coasters because of relationships, not knowing how to stop or what was wrong with them. I would've given the book a higher rating, but the narrator was a little corny and I felt the second half of the book was less helpful even though it was trying to provide practical pointers. I think I was so overwhelmed with the realization that I have an anxious attachment style that the practical bits were too much to handle. For some folks, this may be a lot to take in, so I would check in with yourself while reading and put down the book if it gets to be a little too much. Similarly, I think for some people the best course of action will be to talk to a professional (i.e. therapist, psychologist) about this in order to process their previous relationship experiences through this lens and change to a more secure attachment style. I guess what I'm saying is definitely read this book, but if you find yourself overwhelmed, know that you don't have to change yourself overnight to be more secure, and there are professionals out there who can work through this with you. Anyways, my only other complaint is there was never any mention (that I remember) of how attachment theory can apply to other relationships. Granted, dealing with just romantic relationships was enough to fill a book, but I hope there will be other reads about family and work relationships and friendships through this lens.

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insight into life for women in early 19th century

Revisado: 02-12-19

I've been wanting to read the Brontë's works since the fabulous movie about them, To Walk Invisible. After reading about how overlooked Anne Brontë has been, I was especially interested to give Agnes Grey a chance. It certainly doesn't have the drama of the more famous Brontë novels, but it was an interesting read nonetheless. As a history nerd, I appreciated the insight it gave into what life was like both for governesses in the early(ish) 1800s as well as upper class women and children and even lower class people. I felt like it gave a more realistic look at daily life than most novels I've read. It does have some beautiful passages and really sweet lines, even if parts of it feel very Victorian in morality and plain in terms of the writing. The love story is sweet and I found Agnes's anxiety and shyness quite relatable. Overall, worth a read for classic lit fans and Emilia Fox had a very pleasant voice.

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fascinating, fresh look at the lives of authors

Revisado: 02-03-19

I read a lot of history books, and I'm always disappointed historians don't look more at psychology when examining the past. History and psychology are my favorite subjects, and I find the lives of writers fascinating...and I love dogs. So when I saw this in the bookstore of Edith Wharton's house, The Mount, I was intrigued. I was happy to find there's an audio version though, and I thought the reader had a very pleasant voice. This is a fascinating book that gives an overview of each woman's life and work, delving into the personal world of each woman. It was refreshing to hear about the struggles these women faced because it made them much more relatable. I felt the author did a great job of giving a short history of each author and provide some thoughts from the perspective of a psychologist. And of course, I loved the fresh take of studying dogs! Very easy to listen to for a history book...well-paced and interesting without getting bogged down in details. Definitely recommend for those who like women's history, especially 19th and early 20th, or literature, or dogs.

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