Kevin RK Davis

This is More than Just Salem

Revisado: 08-01-24

EASY, INFORMATIVE, HISTORICAL
After trying my hand at a few other books about the Salem Witch Trials, I will say this was probably the most easy-to-listen to, and still full of what most people want to know. I've listened / read a few other books that were either stuffed with more facts than I care to know (and thus lost the story). or presented the material fancifully though maintaining it was non-fiction. To review THIS book, of course we hear of the accusations, but O'Reilly and Dugard do not go off the deep end. They present the accusations, the accusers, the wheres, whys, hows, and who's.

WANDERING... MISLEADING?
When the book started about witch trials in Scotland, I knew why - it was setting the historical stage so as to see what the cultural background and Salem gave way to what happened. However, after the Witch Trials were drawing a close, and I was only almost halfway through, I wondered what remained. What remained was a history lesson in colonial America leading up to the Revolution. Indeed, not only was this book about the Salem Witch Trials, but also somewhat of a biographical account of Ben Franklin, and a few other "founding fathers." To connect it (albeit, I think only slightly), I suppose the authors were tracing theological, religious thought through the founding fathers and making the case that what happened at Salem had impact on eventually the separation of church and state in the new nation.

Even so, some of the episodes recounted felt like it had little to do with the book's main thrust. I enjoyed the stories, don't hear me wrong. But when I hear about a few encounters between colonials and Brits for the Boston Massacre, or how John Adams defended the Brits after in such detail, I ponder at the implications of how it relates to everything on the book's cover, including the sub-title, "The Horror of Salem, Massachusetts." It's like the authors had some good stories about colonial America, and didn't know where to fit it in.

Furthermore, the last section of the book recounts, really, an episode of demonic possession and the cultural impact of such a phenomena (I'll be vague to not spill spoilers). And again, while it was a fascinating few chapters, and I already seek out such stories via podcasts, I ponder again at its inclusion. There seems to me to be a wide variety and a mass plethora of stories, documents, and so forth that could be pulled and compared to the 1690s occurrence. It felt kind of a random choice, and even less related than O'Reilly / Dugard's looking at the religious choices and part it played in the revolutionary war and founding of America. In other words, it's like, "Now that we talked about Salem Witch Trials, let's talk about Casper the Friendly Ghost." Only a fringe of relation seems to connect the first half of the book, and this last recounting episode.

It is only in the last chapter, or maybe even the after-thoughts, that there is commentary on what many today will accuse others of "Doing a witch hunt," and how it compares to the actual witch hunt in Salem. I was surprised, as I knew O'Reilly to be a political commentator, so I had suspected perhaps a simple recounting of the events, and maybe the last half of being a commentary on that. It was only a small fraction near the end.

IN THE END
It is an interesting book. It kept my interest. But in a more objective sense, it felt a book that was either inadequately named, and oddly put together. Almost as if there were three small books inside it, loosely fit together like a jigsaw puzzle made from 3 separate boxes. Either that, or I'm too picky and I'm missing the overall picture they were trying to make. If that's the case, that's still something the author and/or editors could've polished. One was never introduced to the prospect at the beginning of the book as to how Salem -> Founding Fathers / Revolutionary War Tale -> Random Demonic Possession Story is going to be shown to be connected.

Maybe O'Reilly and Dugard were just out to make money off of O'Reilly's name and the Salem Witch Trials story, and the Killing Series. If so, perhaps they got it, and as for this book, it'll be forgotten within the decade.

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First Interaction with the Story, loved it!

Revisado: 07-11-24

I'm extremely late to the party. I've never watched the movie, nor did I ever read the book. I'm surprised, because I was forced to read Catcher in the Rye and The Great Gatsby in High School, this book I think outpaces either, though I would place the story in that sort of genre. I also listened, for the first time, to the short story Ethan Frome over last winter, and I found this book to share similarities to it as well.

THEMES:
I love period pieces, and I especially love period pieces that both transport you back, but also bring you immediately home front and center with the characters and all too identifiable themes. Most people can likely identify one way or another with the angst and struggles the characters in this story. I found myself surprised and amazed with how Yates was able to pen the couples' quarrels with the carefully chosen wordings of the thoughts of each characters, or the whys. In being 2024 with my first viewing of a book set in the 1950s, perhaps my small-town rural life was nowhere near the complexities of 1950s NYC suburban life, but the angst and penned up desires, and feelings of unraveling control of life is familiar anywhere.

CHARACTERS:
Like any antihero, Frank Wheeler, as the author wonderfully summarizes near the end of the book from the eyes of his estranged wife, "I didn't love him. But I can't hate him either. He's.... Frank." Like watching a car wreck because of the inept driver, you still wonder, and by golly, I guess hope that at the end both he and his wife would get over themselves. Even so, Frank was... Frank. And April was, April? The entire main cast of characters were all relatable, and I suppose we all know - in some way - somebody like that, even John Givings. The character develop for so many characters seemed so thorough, that I'm surprised someone hasn't tried their hand at making this book a mini series, with the style of Downton Abbey, in that each character as so much exploring to do.

STORY:
According to the Wikipedia article, this is classified as a "Tragedy," and it is in the truest sense. Romeo and Juliet is one more relatable book - instead of forbidden love (which, there is enough of that in the story), one supposes it's a story of forbidden or un-reached dreams. If one doesn't have the former, many do have the latter, and in the story still rings true in America - the American Dream seems out of reach for many. But before this turns into a book-club discussion, suffice it to say, the story kept me listening more than many of my other audible Books have. I finished it quickly, with only a few interruptions from other stories, or podcasts in between. I was also half-tempted to purchase this as a book to read when I couldn't listen.

PERFORMANCE:
I had the book set at 1.35 speed which kept it still slow enough to savor words, in that it still felt like a human talking, not a chipmunk. This might mean that a 1X speed would be pretty slow. Even so, I felt the performance was good, even in the delicate scenes. Though I had never seen the movie, I couldn't help but still place DiCaprio and Winslet as my main characters knowing a little bit about the movie. The other characters, I'm sure if I ever do watch the movies, will likely not match up what I had in mind. Bramhill's voices for all of them were good.

All in all, it made me curious about more Yates books, and this one certainly was a thought-provoking, and emotionally stimulating read.

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Beyond Pleasantly Surprised

Revisado: 09-27-23

From a guy who sought out chapter summaries online in my college lit class I took in high school (I'm now in my 30s), I wish I had this sort of production style for all the classic literature I had to read then. Joe Arden knocked it out of the park (and the production crew for score and sound effects). I WAS THERE IN THE STORY. I finished it only a few days ago, after listening on my walks over the course of 3 or so days then - and I'm tempted to listen again already (if only Miss Wharton had made a sequel, or turned the novella into a novel).

Like reading any old work, it takes a bit to get into the "language" of the day, but the audio effects and narration made it immensely easier to understand. And it makes one also appreciate that Wharton wasn't writing dull, "Ethan went inside the house," but rather described his approach, what he saw, what things felt like or looked like.

As for the story, I admit that I'm a husband to a Downton Abbey or other period piece lover, and have come to enjoy such stories myself for my own sake. I literally found this story by typing something along the lines of, "Stories that see New England as a setting and take place in the 18th or 19th centuries" into a search engine. When this came up, and the brief synopsis sounded slightly compelling, I chose this Audiobook format due to its reviews, and its length - which appeared longer than other audio narrations. An interview between the narrator and sound designer at the end is why. It's an interesting interview, for sure.

Many narrators fudge up voicing the other sex then themselves, but I feel Joe doesn't give us cheesy woman voices. He does a good job, which is to be commended since strong female roles are in this story.

The score and sound effects are fantastic, and they can't be praised enough. Nothing is cheesy or canned-sounding, and they feel just right. I wasn't expecting and was pleasantly impressed when audio effects were put on the narrator to make someone sound like they were talking from "downstairs" to "upstairs" inside the house, or when the narrator read that someone laughed and you hear in the background a chuckle from that voice. It was one of the first, and impressive "immersive audio experience," books I heard.

I sought out more books after words from Joe Arden and this sort of experience and wasn't able to find them (and I won't comment on what I did find Arden narrating, suffice it to say nothing that interests me).

Whether you're familiar with Ethan Frome, or like me, coming to it for the first time, I feel that this audiobook experience is an absolute must.

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Leaves a Lasting Effect

Revisado: 06-02-23

I come late to the party, listening to this book for the first time in 2023. I had never seen the movie (and still haven't at the time of writing). I do like fictional history, and even though romantic dramas never seem to scream for me to come, I seem to enjoy them when forced or relented to listen / watch one. This one is no different.

I appreciate many things about this book, some of which will likely rub others the wrong way. I appreciate the old period setting, and I feel there is an “old period telling” to the story, that doesn't demand cultural virtue signals, except for perhaps what might be native to the writer (and reader – I know nothing about the author). I guess I could state a personal bias that seems present in the book, is an unapologetic consideration of God, religion, and Christianity. Mind you, it's not front, or center, and could barely even pass as a sub-setting, nevertheless present. I appreciated that it wasn't shamed or apologized for, but as it was in the 1920s and 30s of Australia, an assumed part of life. (Full disclosure: being a Christian myself, it probably contributes to my warm reception of it).

The author's command of sea-faring, and light/dark imagery throughout the book, even showing up when unexpected but making sense for its illustrative purposes was pleasantly enjoyable. She no doubt has a gift for story-telling.

Both characters and their psyches felt so real and true-to-life. Nothing, not even the smallest storied-detail seems wasted (unlike other books where you know certain scenes or instances can likely be erased). Thus, “listen / read” closely.

No doubt the book raises questions about right and wrong. And unlike a few stories here and there which ends an on ambiguous obvious moral failing that is morbidly praised, I am grateful how this book turned out. Where wrongs were brought to their consequences – even though like I'm sure most people... wished the story could end fairytale like, its ending felt most realistic and suitable, and made up I suppose for the suspend-belief set-up (though stranger things have probably happened at sea).

My one criticism as far as the audio edition goes, is, has been stated, the narration. Noah Taylor I'm sure is a brilliant actor (as his iMDB shows). However, I had to play only with ear-buds, usually with a volume that upset my iPhone (constantly sending me warnings about high audio levels) and 1.3x the speed seemed the most efficient. His drifting, trailing off thoughtfully while reading – maybe to him, felt like fit the mood – but became old real fast. Thankfully his voices for characters didn't match the narrator's thoughtful dramatic observatory tones. His “pause for effect,” was definitely overused (hence the 1.3x speed). I am usually one to desire a natural speed at all times, anxious to miss nothing, however at 1.3x for this book was good enough for me, only a few times did I have to rewind, and eventually go to natural speed to catch something usually muffled by Aussie accent (on my American ears). I would likely even give the book another listen should another narrator give it a go.

Nevertheless though, I might even give Noah Taylor another chance should I find myself wanting to listen to the book again. Give it a shot if you're interested.

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A Good Ol'Fashioned Wholesome Christmas Story

Revisado: 04-12-22

They just don't make movies like this anymore. I wish they did. In fact I had a great cast in my mind for many of these characters - Iain Glen as Jacob Maccallum himself. In our world where every movie or story must include some political nod or some nod to some minority group, perhaps this book consists of a nod to the new minority: what used to be every-day Americans, hard working, and a tinge of faith without apology.

Full disclosure: I'm a pastor.

I found the story to be a guilty pleasure of escapism, almost as if one was thrown into a Thomas Kinkade painting. This is fascinating, because the story is obviously really dark before it's better. It's dark, in that the mess Jacob's made of his family requires some explaining.

I enjoyed the narrator, especially his casting one pastor as Irish. If Snyder mentioned that the pastor was Irish, I missed it in the narration, but I did appreciate that we just didn't get 34 different American accents. It is a quick listen, all it took for me was a few long walks, but it was a good Christmas story to get one in the spirit. Again, I was wishing as I was watching, that a mini-series would be made.

A few things I would nitpick about:

> Sadly Snyder has apparently missed the memo, or decided to be willfully ignorant when it comes to the Salvation Army - the Salvation Army historically hasn't practiced physical communion and baptism. Being part of another denomination that shares those values (Evangelical Friends / Quakers), I can also say that among the Evangelical Friends, allowances are made for physical observances of these rituals. Perhaps the same is true in pockets of the Salvation Army. And perhaps Snyder didn't wish to delve to deeply and explain this reality, and thus, he just matter-of-factly depicted these events occurring around Jacob. I mean, the story centers on a Salvation Army Bell-Ringer, we can't have any other denomination.

> While some might critique this story and say it's all picture-perfect, like a series of paintings by Thomas Kinkade, I won't go that far... except one character. Jacob's son Tom, his wife, is very one-dimensional. While she pleads slightly with Tom to have a heart for his dad, she is the quintessential 40s housewife, who doesn't get too upset if Tom ignores dinner, or comes home late or the like. I found her TOO picture-perfect. I was born in '89, so maybe the vast majority of 40s wives REALLY DID fit the stereotype, but I just found that her character was a little bit too much of the "scenery," and not real enough.

> Too much "tell" in some spots, and not enough "show." This is where a mini-series, or even a season or 2 of shows would do this book some real justice. I understand that Snyder perhaps wanted a book that people could read in a few sittings in an already-busy Christmas season, but there were just too many spots where the author said, "Jacob did this for so many years, and in that time this, that, those, and these things happened... and he ended up in prison." When that could've been used for giving us an even deeper sympathy for the characters.

> Perhaps a bit predictable. But people coming to these sorts of books are usually coming for a wholesome, predictable, feel-good story, and shouldn't be surprised if that's what they find. Most of the stories that I can predict, I still watch because I want to see how it shakes out anyways. There's a bit of comfort and satisfaction in that.

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Dated by 2021. Nevertheless, Fair Assessment

Revisado: 04-12-22

The vast amount of Trump books are either (a) idol worship, or (b) demonizing. While the author of this book was an obvious fan of Trump, it makes one wonder about his assessment if he were to either update and expand this book, or come out with a sequel in the wake of President Trump's last months in the White House (of his first term, should he be elected again in the future).

I have read primarily Trump books only by Stephen Strang, who is a Pentecostal Christian and is (or was) a staunch supporter of Trump. Conrad Black presents a more moderate biogrphy of Trump, not afraid to bring up the "dirt" that flew around about Trump - and Black never seemed to sugarcoat, back-peddle, deny, or reject the dirt flung towards Trump.

For having written this biography during Trump's administration (I believe the 3rd year or so, before COVID19), Black's grasp of the tenor of the times, the foundation and milieu that even made Trump possible was insightful (kind of, I think almost anybody with some common sense should be able to understand WHY Trump got into office, it's just refreshing to hear it down on paper in a biography).

As was shared by some of Strang's work, Black did go into the paradox of the soaring positive records that Trump set as a president, and the glaring blackout by mainstream media which continued to lick its wounds rather pathetically, and look for anything to criticize Trump on.

But, as the headline of this review suggests, it is rather anticlimactic, and I believe Black should either update and expand this work, or come out with a sequel. No assessment of Trump's presidency is complete anymore without analysis into his historic protest of results of the election, plus his consistent claim of its being a fraudulent election. However, Black does, prophetically for him, touch on Trump's personal mantra of "Never admit defeat," and to comb over defeat with a basis of morality. "I didn't lose," and present a moral objection as that reason. Black highlights this way of thinking in many of Trump's business dealings. Thus, it only remains to be seen what Black didn't write down because it hadn't happened yet.

If you're looking for a biography on Trump that's not wrought with Liberals bemoaning and demonizing, but also not wrought with Conservatives worshiping and championing, I believe Conrad Black - who is, again, an obvious fan of Trump, but not as much as PATRIOTS - presents a moderate presentation, and a fair assessment. He does a good job showing how Trump is definitely a Populist, and no fan to Republicans before him, but he's not altogether an anomaly when it comes to the USA's 46 presidents so far.

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A Few Dry Spots, but Mostly Attention Keeping

Revisado: 01-14-22

I've been interested in the Amish in a more real sense than many people who get tickled by Amish romance novels or other works of fiction depicting them. I am on the more sociological, and historical interest. This book is a very thorough work of the Amish, without getting lost in the weeds as it were. It is well said, and not just names, dates, locations, and dry depictions of events.

The ending feels abrupt instead of conclusive. The very end was talking about splits and where the Amish are now, but no conclusion outside maybe a quote from an Amish person. That was bizarre, but not all a hurdle that somehow ruins the whole work.

When the 1800s and early 1900s splits are talked about, I do feel like the Amish-Mennonites, and Beachy Amish were given quite the thorough-going over until finally when one hears at the end of a chapter, "the growth and continuation of the Old Order Amish took a different route," one finally realizes they're getting around to this branch which I think is what most people think of when they hear "Amish." Even so, we can't discredit that the author is looking over all the Amish peoples of the day.

I'm really hoping for Kraybill and co.'s work The Amish to come on Audible. But this book, and Kraybill's The Amish Way and Amish Forgiveness make for a good triad of works on Audible to listen to.

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Learned and Appreciated Bush Dynasty

Revisado: 10-16-21

Full disclosure: I'm right-leaning, and voted for McCain (my first eligible voting age), Romney, then an independent in 2016 and Trump in 2020 - so I've never seen my vote in office.

In 2016, a Conservative Christian, I too, was disgusted with the choices we had. While I was interested in politics as much as the average joe, I did not consider the monumental, historical shift in the Republican Party to make Trump its standard bearer. I remember not blaming the Bushes for their public disregard to break from their party to not vote for Trump. While a registered Republican at the time, I did not feel I could in good conscience vote for him either. The stakes felt higher in 2020 (somehow) than in 2016, and held my nose to vote for Trump.

All that aside, this book, only in the prologue, and then near the very end, examines the significance of Trump's impact on the Republican Party that 41 and 43 both dutifully served. The title of this work is taken in part from 43, George W's lament, "I fear I may be the last Republican president," when hearing of Trump's rise to the ticket in 2016. Besides a few slight hints throughout the work to the coming of Trumpism, this book is a great examination of H.W. and W's biographies. While it covers their presidencies, it covers their lives too.

I've not uncovered Updegrove's own political leanings, but he seems to interact more with Democrats then Republicans. His favorable and respectful tone would betray his political leanings if that were truly the case. This is is no way, a Bush-bash, but rather a very helpful redemption from other works closer to 43's presidency that has consistently tainted and biased their legacies under the political tumult of the time. In his last words, Updegrove seems to understand how history sometimes rescues low-approval rated presidencies from their shadows and reexamine them more objectively. H.W. is certainly shown to be more favorable then he was during his actual presidency, while as for W., Updegrove comments that a lot of the bad publicity that W. receives may still be too close to his presidency to still give his legacy a fair shake. Even so, Updegrove all but praises W. for his presidency breaking part from a more heated-narrative in recent years [I greatly appreciated Updegrove's disapproval and write-off of Oliver Stone's propaganda-laced film, "W."]. The shadow of Trump may cause the most heated of W. opponents to re-examine their former nemesis in 43.

Don't hear me wrong, this book isn't a Bush-worship-song, nor did it come across as a nostalgic, fanciful, "Remember the good ol' days, when Trumpers weren't storming the capitol [this book was written before Jan 6 2020, anyways]?" Rather it is an educated and fair look at how the previous two Republican presidents differed vastly from the most recent Republican president not by direct comparison, but by thorough examination of their lives, values, and presidencies, period (again, Trump is removed from the bulk of the book).

I learned a lot about Bush family, and grew to love their values, decency, honesty and convictions. If you're looking to learn more about the Bushes, but don't want to dive deep to find what kind of socks Bush put on in the morning, or the inner-workings of how the W. war-room operated day in and day out, but rather a fly-over with dives only where curiosity might be peaked, then this is a great work.

The kicker of this work, where it may differ from other biographies, is obviously two men and two names grace the cover. Updegrove never departs too much from the book cover, in that he continues to bring up how father and son helped, loved, advised, and so forth throughout each other's careers. Updegrove broadens the lens to include other family members, giving some looks to Barbara - Bush 41's wife - and Laura, Bush 43's wife, as well as Jeb's attempt to gain the presidency in 2016 near the end of the work. Finally, only briefly - in the epilogue - Updegrove touches on on Jeb's son, George P. Bush, as a potential Bush politician in the making. Clearly stated, this work becomes two biographies, of father and son, and as most healthy father-son relationships have, this is how both related two each other.

This work does great service to dispel stupid myths that arose especially during 43's tenure in the presidency in how more sinister, or soap-opera dramas might be playing out. That is, it is all but proven true that W. wasn't operating out of loyalty nor hatred or exoneration of his dad. Rather, just how I might call my dad up for advice or lean on him in hard times - nothing more or less - so did 43 on 41, nothing deeper. Still, opponents will always opine, and haters will always hate, and ignore facts with their minds made up.

Updegrove's work is a good book. I highly commend it to anybody wishing to know more about 41 and 43, and about men who sought to humbly serve by leading out of convictions, instead of make waves out of celebrity status, or wake raging, bitter, divisive political winds for their own agendas (as opposed to any agendas of the people).

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Read it AFTER the movie - and just as gripping!

Revisado: 07-08-21

I've been wanting to watch again, that long, long Perfect Storm movie, but lately I find myself with more time to listen to books on walks or drives then time to sit down and watch a movie. So I gave the book a try, knowing full well it was non-fiction, and therefore likely less suspenseful, gripping, and dramatic. I was wrong!

Plot and Story-Set Up:
Junger has given us the close thing we can have to an actual narrative-plot line. The tangents he goes off on are usually immediately relevant, educational, and it kept my interest (I think my favorite tangent was Junger's description of how para-jumpers get to their position, what training they undergo, etc.). Sure, there are a few high-school/college lectures one might endure, but you can follow it and Junger knows his audience (ie. he's breaking it down for you). He knows that people like reading about people, and so he invites us into the lives and biographies of the people he's writing about.

Best parts:
I was surprised that my favorite part (by favorite, I don't mean that I was glad that it happened and Junger wrote it down for us, perhaps my most emotionally invested part), and if I'm reading right, what seems to be the climax of the story may not be the Andrea Gail or its sinking (plot spoiler! ;P ), but for me I was more "on the edge of my seat" when he described a rescue attempt of a chopper that had to execute a controlled ditching having not been able to refuel on its flight back. Perhaps it's because of the witnesses and stories that Junger had access too as opposed to the Andrea Gail's conjectured end. It's been so long since I watched the movie, that I don't even know if this whole scene (involving the chopper ditching) was in the movie (I'll be watching the movie again ASAP). If not, I really wish that some company would do a mini-series of The Perfect Storm and cover everything they could from the book. It would have my attention.

Narration / Voice Actor:
A good reader does do wonders for a book, and Richard Diavidson was superb. I felt like I was listening to a true-crime show or something of that nature the whole time, because he has that slightly dramatic (but not overtly so), yet deep and solid voice. This edition (Recorded Books) has a nice interview with Junger in the later 90s at the end of the book and it was a fun behind-the-scenes featurette (only 25 min or so).

Overall:
Junger, in his opening remarks, called this writing a "creative non-fiction," I believe. In the interview at the end, he stated he attempted to reveal that journalism, non-fiction, and facts can be just as gripping as a fictional narration. He accomplished this goal, I believe. If you listen to Audible hoping to be entertained more than informed, this book will entertain I believe just as much as any good narration. I personally couldn't help but envision George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, and others, so I felt sad that I wasn't imagining from scratch these real people.

If anything, this book also gave me a good look into a culture foreign to me, and a job that's hard, rigorous, loved and hated by those who are strapped to doing it, and a fearful awe of the sea which always has been and always will be.

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Good, even if you're not a usual Stephen King fan

Revisado: 05-20-21

Spoiler alerts will be designated thusly: *SPOILER ALERT* will begin the sentence, and the spoiler will be done when the following asterisks show.****

I am not a usual Stephen King fan. I read "Carrie" in high school, and either (a) didn't finish it, or (b) finished it, disinterested to read anymore. I'm a Christian, and a lot of King's material is inappropriate for my tastes. There were the few scenes and plot lines in here that were along those lines, I'll admit. This book was a guilty pleasure of mine. All the being said, I'm a huge history buff, and a sci-fi fan. Somebody at the place I worked told me about this novel, and I found myself looking forward to work to hear the update on the book (this was in 2012, pretty quickly after it came out).

I began to read the novel, and not being a fast reader, impressed myself by covering about half of it in record time for me. Then, an important event in my life happened, and I put the book down with every intention of picking it up again. I didn't.

Audible quickly became my go-to source for book-consumption, and about 10 years later, I binged-listened to this 30-hr book! It's good!

The story: a good sci-fi time travel novel. I loved King's personification of the past or time being obdurate. It doesn't want to be changed. Besides the fact it makes for more suspense and conflict, it just "feels" more true! *SPOILER ALERT* The "watchers" or "gate keepers" ("yellow / black / orange / green card man") are still characters that teeter on the edge of "I don't know" (cheesy? corny?) for me. Nevertheless, they serve their purpose as explaining the finer elements of time travel in King's universe.****

King really shines in his thorough research. Anyone can write "And Jake went back to 1958," but King in his writing abilities certainly transported you to as much as he's able to the late 50s and early 60s. And, perhaps it's more evidence of King's writer's ability, but I found myself enjoying more than other elements of the story - the fictional accounts! I really enjoyed King's depiction of Maine in the fall of 1958. I really enjoyed the main character's doings in the fictional Jodie, TX, and *SPOILER ALERT* his love interest and how that would change the outcome.**** Not to say I wasn't invested in the climax of the novel or the main character's attempt to save Kennedy. And when the time came, I was on the edge of my seat as in every part of the novel.

As for the ending, I found myself thinking it more of as an almost deus ex machina ending. This is as close as I can come to describing the ending. The foreign "something" that shows up to resolve the conflict *SPOILER ALERT* is what 2011 looks like when Jake returns back to his present time the 2nd-to-the-last time.**** All this to say, there was plenty of anticipatory material in the book to suggest what would happen (so, not truly a deus ex machina in the purest sense). The ending though just for me left something to be desired. *SPOILER ALERT* Maybe I just held on too tightly to the positive notions Jake and his mentor-character Al expressed in what saving Kennedy might do too tightly.****

As for the very ending. I enjoyed it. *SPOILER ALERT* It reminded me of the very ending of the movie INTERSTELLAR. All things considered, it felt like the most realistic outcome, though we sometimes want the best possible outcome from our stories.****

PS - I believe King connects this story to at least 2 other novels in his universe, the most apparent connection being IT, or so I've read. Featuring the main character in a small scene, and two other characters from that novel as well, a major locale of the book being King's fictional Derry, ME for the first 3rd of the book.

Performance: Craig Wasson, who is an actor, and I may have watched some of his movies (I don't know) did a phenomenal job. I thoroughly enjoyed his ability concerning dialects and accents, and he had quite a few to do. From Kennedy's nasally New England accent, to the Maine "ayeh" accents, to Texans, to Russians, Latino, and even Georgians... Wasson did a great job. His ability to switch accents so quickly and well made it easy to find out who's talking if you happened to miss a, "And Al said," etc. My favorite accent he did was when Jake met a character apparently to be played by the Duke, John Wayne himself. (That is, Jake did not meet THEE John Wayne, but apparently in Wasson's imagination, the character was best played by John Wayne, because Wasson found his inner Duke voice for the character's lines. I agreed with Wasson's casting for that character).

When Jake met his love interest, I was kind of concerned to begin with about Wasson's accent for her. But it grew on me rather quickly. Perhaps the hardest part and most embarrassing part for me at least was Wasson's performance in certain scenes that would necessitate an R rating. Wasson didn't do a bad job, but I guess my analytical brain stepped out of the story for a bit and wondered, "How did the narrator feel about doing this that day in the recording booth?"

My one critique about Wasson, is, - I don't know if it these occurrences marked a new recording session or what, but - sometimes in the middle of chapters, the primary narrator voice (that is, Jake in the 1st person) would suddenly change inflection and pitch (that is, sound a bit different from the usual "Jake voice"). And after a sentence or two, the familiar "Jake voice" would return. It sometimes caught me off guard and caused me to think or wonder if I had missed something.

Overall: Part of me already wants to put this book on again! I am having a hard time finding a book that will top how this book kept my attention and enjoyment. And while I do have a few possible other Stephen King novels on my wish list on Audible, I don't know. King himself, I read, admitted that this book would attract not-usual King fans. Even so, we'll see.

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