E. J. Hughes

Love this Slice of Local History

Revisado: 11-20-21

I was born less than 50 miles from the Matanuska Valley (where this book takes place) and I really enjoyed reading/listening to this story.

The story takes place during the Depression when Terpsichore Johnson and her family leave their home in Wisconsin to participate in the Matanuska Project set up by FDR to start a new farming colony. Terpsichore is a fan of the newly published Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder and is eager to be a modern pioneer. Things, naturally go awry when the new town isn’t quite the paradise expected.

The descriptions of the area were accurate. I loved pointing out scene locations to my son when we are going through the Valley.

The tone is very young in nature. The story is largely pleasant, talking about financial difficulties and fears of disease. Danger is pretty far off, with no memorable animal encounters (which is a big part of Alaska life).

The narrator did a great job, especially being saddled with the name Terpsichore for a heroine. She, Terpsichore, refuses to shorten it however.

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Very Amusing

Revisado: 10-30-21

Yes, I would recommend this to the general public. I did laugh out loud and I have pre-ordered the next in the series.

In an alternate universe, in the 1980s, several children were born and then around age 6-7, began developing the power of telekinesis. Ranging from level 1, considered duds who can barely do more than lift a book or turn a handle to level 5, which can lift cars and even stop hearts.

Fast forward to 2004, Gretch, a level 1, who is a recovery addict working in a mall, witnesses the murder of a man via telekinesis. An FBI agent hires her as a consultant as he investigates. Hijinks ensue.

The villains are, of course, all white supremacists and Christians. Because it is the 21st century and they are the boogie people. Still, an enjoyable story, just the go-to villains are a little tired. There are non-villainous Christians in the book too, but virtually all the villains spout off religious rhetoric to justify their actions.

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Disappointing Audio for a Writer I Love

Revisado: 05-11-21

James Breakwell is a brilliant humorist whose pithy comments, observations, and descriptions regarding parenthood perk me up whenever I am down. During a dark time in my life, I kept coming back to a line in this book: “I can say decisively that your kid will be better off if you live than if you die.” I found this very encouraging.

Reading this book was a great experience and I downloaded it to listen to during a long car ride. Sadly, the author’s reading was a bit flat. The words are still funny, but the joie de vivre doesn’t come through in the way it is read.

This may be a director or publisher’s choice to keep the reading tone even, but I was disappointed. Hopefully his other audiobooks are different, but if not, I still purchase the book version to read.

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Great for Bedtime

Revisado: 11-12-20

Several reviews talk about a boring reader, but I think he is great for a calm, bedtime story. I absolutely love that the story is read twice! Just when I was wishing to have it on repeated a “read-along” version started.

The story is cute and sweet and the person reading says each word clearly.

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Great Price for Great Classics

Revisado: 09-19-17

These are all done by different narrators and there isn't anything objectionable. These books are classics for reasons and I think that this collection is a great bargain!

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Desperately Needs a Better Reader or Director

Revisado: 09-19-17

As other reviewers have mentioned, you start to cringe every time the narrator tells you "Sam SAAAAID" or "Ingrid SAAAAID." It sounded like he was actively irritated at having to read at all.

The decision to have the narrator use distinct, different voices for each character was a mistake as well since it made the book feel choppy and poorly recorded as if it was being recorded on an old tape deck the kept getting paused and restarted.

The story itself is fascinating, children who are barely old enough to be trusted in the kitchen alone are left to survive on their own, though I would prefer to think more kids would step up to help corral and care for the little ones. It is a great start to a great series and I recommend you read it on your own, but run like heck from the audiobook!

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Absolutely Brilliant!

Revisado: 04-20-16

While the book itself is amazing, the decision to have a different narrator for each "interview" was perfect. Well known actors each are given a part where the character gives their tale of how they survived World War Z.

I feel like this was a labor of love and I highly recommend it to anyone!

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