J. Simonton

Just an Okay Listen for Me

Revisado: 08-20-14

What did you like best about The Murder of the Century? What did you like least?

I really just got through this listen. It wasn't particularly interesting. I didn't find myself really listening on to found out what would happen. It was a very relaxing listen.

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

The narrator did a great job- if I had not enjoyed his performance so much, I probably would have given up about halfway through the book.

Was The Murder of the Century worth the listening time?

I think so. It wasn't a riveting story, but it was okay. I did feel like it really took me back to a certain time and place. I would suggest this to anyone who likes real crime stories but maybe wants to tone down the sensational details of the crime.

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Creepy, dark and delightful

Revisado: 05-29-14

Would you listen to Geek Love again? Why?

Yes, because I like things with a kind of sinister, dark edge. This book is not for the squeemish- it goes through just about every social taboo that families try to avoid.

What did you like best about this story?

This book explores the darker side of human nature. The amazing ability for a father to exploit his children in a most merciless manner. He would be the craziest stage parent ever and would definitely have his own reality television show today.

Who was the most memorable character of Geek Love and why?

I tried to see the situations through the mothers eyes. She allowed everyone around her to exploit or abuse her children but at the same time saw herself as a loving and protective mother.

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Gave me a new perspective on the this tragedy

Revisado: 05-29-14

Would you consider the audio edition of Columbine to be better than the print version?

I don't think I would have gotten through a print version. The audio version just seemed like a better fit for me.

What other book might you compare Columbine to and why?

I read this book shortly before reading, "We Need to Talk About Kevin" and there are definitely paralells. In a way I consider these shootings a type of domestic terrorism and both books convey that point.

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

I feel like I learned a lot about the victims, especially the teachers and that was very moving to me.

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Everyone should read this book!

Revisado: 05-29-14

Would you listen to In Sheep's Clothing again? Why?

Yes, I think I need to periodically re-listen to remind myself of the techniques suggested. Do you ever find yourself bullied into doing something you don't want to do and wonder how it happened? This book opened my eyes to so many things about dealing with underhanded people.

What about Kevin Foley’s performance did you like?

His performance was clear and even.

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

It made me realize that no one is all good or all bad. Even people who make you crazy or put you down will at some point do something nice.

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What a sad story

Revisado: 05-29-14

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Not really- I did not enjoy the story and found a lot of it to be quite sad and at times disturbing. I know this book takes place in a different time, but the yuck factor was there for me on several occassions.

Would you be willing to try another book from Gabriel García Márquez? Why or why not?

Several friends have suggested I try 100 Years of Solitude. I might give it a try but will definitely read a lot of reviews first.

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Baby Steps

Revisado: 05-29-14

Where does It's All Too Much rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was an easy listen and definitely gave me a lot to think about as I try to organize my house.

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

He is realistic- he knows that people cannot change overnight and that taking on too much at once leads to failure.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

The idea I took is that change is gradual and small steps can lead to big changes. I feel like this book really helped me realize that I don't have to change everything all at once.

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So crazy it must be true

Revisado: 05-29-14

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

Yes, because I never could guess what was going to happen next. It was the creepiest book I have listened to yet and I loved absolutely every minute.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The way it made me realize how little we actually know about so many people in our lives. Anyone could be falsifying major details about their lives and who would know the difference? This man was so brazen that no one dared confront him. It's not the guy sneaking in the back, taking a nose bleed seat but the one marching straight through the front door and demanding you roll out the red carpet.

What about Erik Singer’s performance did you like?

His performance was entertaining and his sniveling prep school accent was spot on.

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

Yes, I was enthralled from the very first moments.

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Hard listen and not that interesting

Revisado: 05-29-14

If you could sum up Secrets and Wives in three words, what would they be?

If you have already kept up with the news stories and court cases of polygamy over the last ten years then you will probably find this book boring and tedious. I think this book would be an interesting read for people outside the USA.

Would you recommend Secrets and Wives to your friends? Why or why not?

I would recommend the print version over the audio version. If someone is not at all familiar with the different polygamous groups in the USA, this book might be interesting.

How could the performance have been better?

The narration was not good. I understand that the author is from the UK, but his attempts at Utah accents are just so bad they are comical. Definitely should have had someone else read the book if he was targeting an American audience.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

I didn't really learn anything from this book that hasn't already been published in newspapers or magazines.

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My favorite listen so far

Revisado: 03-25-14

Where does The Handmaid's Tale rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is in the top two books I have listened to. I bought this as a Deal of Day because I love Claire Danes. The story is amazing and her narrtion was spot on. I can't believe I had never heard of this book before, but once I mentioned it to a few friends they all told me how much they loved it. I was afraid this might set my expectations too high, but I was not disappointed at all.

What other book might you compare The Handmaid's Tale to and why?

It really made me think of Going Clear- the story does not seem that far fetched when compared to small factions of religious extremism we see today. Up against what is reported about oppression occurring today in Saudi Arabia, Scientology or polygamous cults, this book is terrifyingly plausible.

What about Claire Danes’s performance did you like?

Her tone was perfect. She showed the right amount of emotion at the appropriate moments. At first it didn't really sound like how I remembered her voice being. But then I was probably thinking of her in My So Called Life from my teen years, so it isn't surprising that she sounds much more grown up now.

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

I definitely was left wanting more, just a few more minutes each time I had to put the audibook down for a bit. I really wish there was a sequel, but in a way that might mess up the perfect ending to this book.

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Could not put it down

Revisado: 03-24-14

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

Yes, this book was the most captivating I have listened to on Audble. So many twists and turns that I was finding myself wanting to listen for just ten more minutes each time.

What other book might you compare We Need to Talk About Kevin to and why?

This book is definitely a thriller- I would compare it to House of Sand and Fog. You know the approximate ending but not how you get there.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where Eva admits how she finally got Kevin to start using the toilet. I can feel her desperation and horror at her own behavior.

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

Yes and no, I always wanted to listen to a little more. But on the other hand, there are so many scenes and revelations that I had to digest that sometime I just took a little time to think about the book before moving on.

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