petrarchslaurie

Zydeco

Revisado: 09-23-24

Very much enjoy their energized and glib storytelling.
Just a hint - Zydeco (accent on the first syllable) is a genre of music that comes from the early 20th century Black Creole traditions of Louisiana. You will know it when you hear it. They use a French accordion and fun percussion for a rollicking sound used for party music. Check it out! It is a lot of fun!

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Best Read in a Long Time!

Revisado: 01-25-22

I hate that this book is labeled as horror because it has so many more dimensions than that. But it definitely shares of some horrific traits of humankind in the most elegant and intriguing ways. In true gothic style, the narrators are notoriously unreliable and speak from first person; the tale winds from present to past and back again, through incongruent retellings of the same events. Brilliantly conceived voices to demonstrate the depths of the impacts of trauma.
The reader plays both male and female voices with authenticity which is important in the story. Excellent narration!
Will definitely listen again!

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Surprise Delight

Revisado: 01-06-22

This is a narrative full of tragedy and loss, and yet the redemption at the end is so beautiful (and still realistic) that I could not stop listening. Yes, this is about terrible child abuse and the foster care system. As a behavior specialist who sometimes works in that system, I can assure you the writing is authentic and reflects the heartache and humor inherent in the system. I’m sure t can be triggering to some of those who have endured abuse. But there is healing - not perfect course correction, but healing.
In part two, if it sounds like the characters are bearing their souls, testifying, that is no accident. Hang in there. It is so worth the wait. The characters are distinctly drawn and have their own biases. Makes for rich listening and a satisfying ending when the bow is finally tied toward the end.
Though it was a freebie, I would have paid for this one.

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Expert performance

Revisado: 11-29-21

This short story is funny and engaging and serves as a parable for our times. The pop culture references are timely. There is a sense of the show “Entourage” about it with loyal, slacker friends and the agent and artist who seek to find balance among fame, morality, and commerce.
But the biggest strength is in the storytelling. Ray Porter is a gem. He believably shapes the voices and delivers narration with the skill of a Shakespearean actor, which seems apt because he is one. (Over 25 years ago when I was a theatre teacher, I began bringing my students to watch plays at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival where Ray was a lead actor for many years. He is a stellar vocal and physical actor and a kind and approachable man.) His female characters in this reading are even believable which can be a feat sometimes in audiobooks.
This selection makes for a great afternoon enjoyment!

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Perfect performance

Revisado: 09-11-20

The story had moments of slowness, but overall I enjoyed it. I think the plot of the Eldest Curses needs to be more defined at some point (like, we know what it is - where is this going?).
That said, the characters are engaging, the relationship between Magnus and Alec is tender and loving, and the description is rich.
The best part is the performance by BD Wong who can voice any Asian accent it seems with such authenticity and character. He moved slow parts with his storytelling. He defined characters with his voice.
Definitely a good listen!

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Campy and Deep - something for everyone

Revisado: 08-22-20

Having worked with kids at this age for a lot of my career, and having planned summer camps, I thought this would just be a delightful summer listen in the car. And it is. Really. The performances are right on, the humor is very middle school at times, and the pop-culture allusions are great.The second half continues the occasionally ribald fun but concludes with some great life lessons learned by the protagonist and some deep human storylines that adults will understand and appreciate. The storyline is nuanced and delicately woven. I so enjoyed the dip in the deep end.
I really enjoyed everything about this little summer
gem!

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Performance improved with Ed Westwick

Revisado: 05-25-20

The story takes on complicated twists. The new female narrator, Molly Quinn, sounds somewhat monotonous and like she has a cold in places. She alternates with Ed Westwick, whose voice is more interesting and varied. I find his sections a welcome break from her readings.

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Beautiful narration

Revisado: 05-04-20

I haven’t met a Sue Monk Kidd book that I haven’t liked. And I knew I would probably enjoy this book given its author and its topic. But I truly reveled in this book because of its narrator. Mozhan Marnō’s beautiful rendering of a richly woven tapestry of a historical novel provided the perfect blend of strength and vulnerability to make this text come to life.
Loved it!!

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Great premise but lacks a little subtlety

Revisado: 03-06-18

The plot has a lot of fun twists. The premise is intriguing. The romantic relationship subplot is a little ham fisted and obvious. A fun listen and engaging enough.

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Brilliant course - should be required listening!

Revisado: 04-06-15

In an era where we continue to tell teachers to create critically thinking students but assess students using bubble tests, this course is a welcome relief. I think it should be required listening for every teacher, student, college student, and citizen. It explores the neurocognitive ramifications of thought as well as practical strategies for detecting poor arguments.

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