DJW

Truly, a classic

Revisado: 03-06-18

When I first saw the movie trailer, I knew I would re-read this book. I enjoyed it immensely when my 7th grade English teacher assigned it as mandatory reading. Sadly, my 45-year-old copy was severely water damaged when I dug it out.

Therefore, I decided to listen to the audio book in my library. Boy, oh boy, am I glad I did. The narrators get six stars from me! What a superb job they did! Hope Davis and Ava DuVernay did a remarkable job of bringing these characters to life!

This book crosses so many genres. True, it is definitely a work of science fiction. We might also put it squarely in the Young Adult genre, or the action/adventure genre. Children will love this book. The story and the characters are interesting, original, and unforgettable. In addition to the aforementioned, adults will enjoy this book at a deeper level - one that encompasses science, politics, ethics, and family dynamics.

All in all, I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. I can also say that the audio book far surpasses most people's ability to read aloud or silently. If I had to choose, I would listen to the audio book again over reading.

For teaching purposes, I might combine the audio book with it's printed counterpart depending upon the lesson plan and points for discussion.

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Perfected Is Perfect

Revisado: 03-01-18

First, the idea for Perfected is striking in it's originality, if nothing short of revolting in it's nature and origins. People as pets? How can you not be intrigued? How can you not be disgusted? How can you not read it?

Layered with nuanced lessons about different types of freedom, Perfected will leave the thinking person feeling both grateful and wary.

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A Rare Pearl

Revisado: 02-28-18

This novel contains more than just one rare pearl of wisdom. It's more like a gorgeous, three-strand necklace of infinitely beautiful, yet practical tenets for living a good life. The narrator is a wisened, saucy, irreverent every woman. A model of how to live according to what is truly important, she puts vanity into perspective and clarifies "healthy relationship" as well as anyone can.

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Incredible Story

Revisado: 02-26-18

As somewhat of a WWII buff, I am completely befuddled at never having heard of Billy Williams and his Elephant Company before now. If you want to learn more about the war in this arena, I highly recommend this book. However, WWII history is only one part of this book's alure.

Elephants are marvelous, intelligent creatures. They have proven highly capable of learning and doing many tasks. They have interesting familial and communal relationships. They experience emotion and have been witnessed mourning the death of loved ones. Billy Williams treated the elephants in his care with extreme compassion and respect. He was rewarded with faithful service and loyalty.

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Big and Brilliant

Revisado: 02-25-18

Don't be put off by the size of this tome. You'll miss something really special if do. Instead, devour it like an elephant - one bite at a time.

Equal parts biography and history lesson, We Two is a captivating read. The relationship between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert simultaneously defines dichotomy and symbiosis.

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Bravo! Well said!

Revisado: 02-24-18

Hyeonseo Lee's story will shock, sadden, and sicken you in many respects. It will also lift up your heart and nourish your soul in others. That someone so young has literally faced numerous life and death decisions is difficult for most Americans to fully appreciate, I think. The fact that she has flourished is a testament to her inner strength. She is definitely one courageous lady! She deserves our respect for surviving. She deserves our gratitude for sharing her story. And she deserves our support, as do all people whose human rights have been subverted, denied, and violated.

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Wow! Just wow!

Revisado: 02-06-18

What an amazing depiction of this American jewel called Janesville. I just couldn't stop listening, so engrossing was this true tale of fortune and misfortune, invention and reinvention . . . and we know the story is ongoing. Amy Goldstein does an exquisite job of portraying the impact of the G.M. plant closing individuals as well as on the community. By the time she's through, we feel like we know many of these individuals personally. Warning: parts of this story were so difficult, so sad, that I literally cried. I had regain my composure before continuing. Alternately, parts were so inspiring as to reaffirm my faith in mankind. If you're looking for a compelling, this is it!

Lastly, I would be remiss to omit the fact that Ms. Goldstein 's writing ability is formidable. Take this turn of phrase for example: "Pulling on this skein of worry . . . " When I read these words, I saw yarn - warm and wooly, tangled and unmanageable. I imagined a labyrinth of frustration and confusion. I even felt itchy and uncomfortable. Outstanding work, Ms. Goldstein! Bravo!!

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Insightful and Honest

Revisado: 01-25-18

Remember how it felt the moment you realized that your parents, the people you adored and idolized, we're merely human? That they, too, we're fallable? Made mistakes? That's how this memoir makes me feel about Johnny Carson. My first-hand memories of Johnny Carson and The Tonight Show are of my parents laughing. Laughing so hard, in fact, that they'd woken me from a dead sleep - yet again! It wasn't until the shows were available in reruns that I came to appreciate this comedic genius for myself. This memoir illustrates that, as much as anyone, Johnny Carson is a modern-day study of the dichotomy between good and bad, right and wrong, bravery and cowardice, wisdom and stupidity, want and waste. It does nothing to dimish his legacy as the king of late night, but allows me to reassess my tendency to idolize anyone.

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Now That's Twisted

Revisado: 01-10-18

Wow! I love a twisted mystery - especially one that's believable. The more plausible the story, the scarier the story for my taste anyway. The plot evolution at the end made me exclaim out loud: I did not see that one coming! Loved it!! The many references to film noir and classic Hitchcock movies are more like another character than passive background. I'm looking forward to A.J. Finn's next psychological thriller.

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For Anyone and Everyone

Revisado: 01-04-18

This book is especially sincere in it first person voice, the voice of an innocent child with a learning disorder called dyslexia. Sometimes we forget how small the world can be. How labels can creep in to hold us back. This book is for parents and children, students and educators, doctors and patients. In a larger ssense, this book is for anyone who cards about the future.

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