Elgee

Glad It's Over

Revisado: 06-30-17

Would you try another book from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and/or Adjoa Andoh?

Although the idea for this story had potential, I almost didn't finish it. I was looking for a story about 2 young people that fell in love (Ifemelu and Obinze) in NIgeria and it began that way, but became more of a commentary on racism in America. How did it get to that? Ifemelu relocates to the United States, is the author of a blog, dates a white guy, dates a black guy, and believes that black Americans are different from Nigerian blacks. She fixates on eyebrows and hair in one scenario and has an aunt that is a "kept" woman by a married man that gives her life recommendations. She is a whiny pain in the butt that I had no affinity for. She returns to Nigeria, rekindles with Obinze (who I didn't like and who is now married), and then it's like driving 50 mph and coming to a wall without an outlet. THE END! Huh???

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I was not totally surprised at the ending given the dislike of the book and the characters. It was suited to the story. Empty.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Not bothered.

Did Americanah inspire you to do anything?

Yes. I will not be looking for another book by this author.

Any additional comments?

The author writes well - it was the story that failed me.

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Glad It's Over

Revisado: 06-30-17

Would you try another book from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and/or Adjoa Andoh?

Although the idea for this story had potential, I almost didn't finish it. I was looking for a story about 2 young people that fell in love (Ifemelu and Obinze) in NIgeria and it began that way, but became more of a commentary on racism in America. How did it get to that? Ifemelu relocates to the United States, is the author of a blog, dates a white guy, dates a black guy, and believes that black Americans are different from Nigerian blacks. She fixates on eyebrows and hair in one scenario and has an aunt that is a "kept" woman by a married man that gives her life recommendations. She is a whiny pain in the butt that I had no affinity for. She returns to Nigeria, rekindles with Obinze (who I didn't like and who is now married), and then it's like driving 50 mph and coming to a wall without an outlet. THE END! Huh???

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I was not totally surprised at the ending given the dislike of the book and the characters. It was suited to the story. Empty.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Not bothered.

Did Americanah inspire you to do anything?

Yes. I will not be looking for another book by this author.

Any additional comments?

The author writes well - it was the story that failed me.

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Slow But Good

Revisado: 09-20-15

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

Yes. Easy read - mystery.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The fact that Rachel lives in a fantasy world so that the reader loses track of what is real and what is not.

Which scene was your favorite?

I didn't have a favorite scene.

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

Maybe 2 or 3.

Any additional comments?

I would not consider this to be a classic, but it is "easy reading" and though not a comedy, it nevertheless contains an almost humorous side at times if one listens to the book with an open mind.

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Redemption

Revisado: 09-28-14

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

The narrator was clear and strong sounding, in keeping with the characters of the story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It had to be Louis Zamperini, about whom this story was written.

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

No. But I would not hesitate to listen to a story read by him again.

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

I think when Louis's mother welcomed him home.

Any additional comments?

The story was told in a way that revealed how incomprehensibly cruel human beings can be to one another while alternatively highlighting the will of the human spirit to overcome what seems sometimes to be impossible odds and conditions. A little slow in parts of the beginning, but worth the effort to continue turning the pages.

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Loved It!

Revisado: 03-13-14

If you could sum up Things That Matter in three words, what would they be?

Poignant; humorous; intelligent

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author. Mr. Krauthammer has a wonderful ability to communicate. His use of the English language is such that it carries emotion, humor, seriousness - and all when it is appropriate. It is a clever author that can mix politics, private events, and personal insights between the covers of one book and make it flow...but he did it.

What about Charles Krauthammer and George Newbern ’s performance did you like?

I wish that Charles had continued to narrate. Mr. Newbern wasn't unpleasant, but he just didn't deliver the way Krauthammer did. That is why I would have given five stars to the entire book, but when Newbern took over the audio, my interest waned...but just a little!

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

This book had a mix of everything for me. I am not an easy crier...but there was a moment when the author spoke of his dog that was a very sensitive segment. And yes, I did laugh out loud a couple of times.

Any additional comments?

This book made me want to hear more from Mr. Krauthammer. And I definitely would rather that he read his own creation. I love his language, his thoughtfulness, and his wit.

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Sometimes Amusing

Revisado: 01-26-14

What made the experience of listening to The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared the most enjoyable?

This book could be reviewed in two parts - "now and before." What made this only a "3" and not a 5 is that it was a little too wordy. However, this old man had quite a life and continued on after he happened on an adventure at the age of 100. The humor kept me reading. Our book club selection this month, it was enjoyed by all. I actually found myself laughing out loud at some of the wild predicaments. An example was when the detective tried to stop the bus with his car and the bus wouldn't stop... (I'm not going to add a spoiler here as to why).

What other book might you compare The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared to and why?

None that I can think of offhand.

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

Yes. He does a nice job with the dramatization, but it is difficult to separate his performance from the written words that sometimes dragged on. He did the best with what he had to work with.

If you could take any character from The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would probably take out the old man. His adventures and "accidental" circumstances that grew into successes that even he didn't realize had happened would be worth the price of a meal any day.

Any additional comments?

If some of the dialog was reduced this would probably be a 4 star story. Fun. And the weaving in and out of the past and present of the old man's life experiences was well managed if a bit too wordy.

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Great Historical Review

Revisado: 12-10-13

If you could sum up George Washington's Secret Six in three words, what would they be?

New surprising information

Who was your favorite character and why?

All 6 were important, but the "unknown" female was intriguing - could have been rich; could have been poor. But was dedicated to the cause.

What three words best describe uncredited’s performance?

Great guy, but he mispronounced some words and overlooked some punctuation which serve to define better the meaning of a sentence.

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

No

Any additional comments?

Living on Long Island, it was interesting to discover a lot of history here that was crucial to the success of Washington and the group's success, and having taken place in neighboring villages but not well publicized. I think many residents both young and old will find this quite a revelation.

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Not My Cup of Tea

Revisado: 10-25-13

Would you try another book from Robert W. Stephens and/or Dick Hill?

No.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I think the end for me was relatively predictable - right from the beginning. This is a "been there - done that" kind of story. I believe that it could even have been classified as a bit confusing at times. I frankly was not overwhelmed by the ending.

Which scene was your favorite?

Although I didn't have a particular favorite, I think the one incident that might have had some emphasis was the conversation regarding the meeting between the father and son which was apparently questionable. This could also be a spoiler and the description is therefore limited.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No.

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Nothing Special

Revisado: 10-25-13

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Although it was an easy read, it was somewhat far-fetched - it would have been a little more of a digestible plot if the protagonist had not gone to the lengths that he had just to exact revenge.

Would you recommend Envy to your friends? Why or why not?

I would suggest it as a picnic on a blanket read.

What does Victor Slezak bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The dramatization definitely enhanced the story that to me would perhaps otherwise have been somewhat dull.

Did Envy inspire you to do anything?

No.

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Full of Information

Revisado: 09-25-13

Would you listen to Killing Jesus again? Why?

Although the story is centuries old and never changes, still there is always room for me to learn new things, and so it was with this book. The narrative was credible, based upon footnoted sources. It was an historic account of some of the events and people leading up to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and its aftermath - and it did justice to descriptions and details of the times, the people, and His followers. If I had a criticism, it would be that it was too short!

What other book might you compare Killing Jesus to and why?

I have read both Killing Lincoln and Killing Kennedy and they were likewise well researched and presented in an organized, smooth flowing account of historical people and events by these authors.

Which scene was your favorite?

This was a horrific event and I didn't find any scene favorable.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The title of the book would be a perfect name for a film that followed it.

Any additional comments?

I hope that Bill O'Reilly continues to produce and narrate books that are rooted in fact and based on excellent research of prominent individuals and historic events. They don't necessarily have to have a "murder" theme, but I would look forward to the honesty and integrity with which the event was presented - and that I would not challenge coming from this author.

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