Soccerman71

The Book That Almost Killed Me

Revisado: 01-09-19

I'll get to the meaning of the review title but, before I do, this is the 2nd in the Commune series. This is NOT your typical post-apocalyptic series that takes on some sort of Nihilistic view of survival. There are of course bad people involved but also plenty of good...who go far out of their way (and into harm's way) to help their fellow man. Also, I love the fact that what's left of the military hasn't turned into some sort of blood thirsty gang of psychos as so many novels/movies have them become. They, too, are trying to help those in need until the very end.

The author has a fantastic gift for making the reader/listener totally invested into the characters. You love them, you hate others, but you are totally invested from the minute you step into their world. I'd also argue that there are no 'down' parts of the tale...Gayou keeps things moving without missing a beat.

This book follows a group of survivors traveling around in a school bus (yes, a school bus) in search of a place to settle down. And they are led by one of my now favorite characters of all times...ex-marine Gibbs. Gibbs' language is....emmm….creative. You definitely don't want to have this one playing with the kids around (unless you're trying to teach them interesting new phrases). I have a hard time saying that a post-apocalyptic book is one of the funniest things I've ever read but, thanks to Gibbs, here I am. He is a foul-mouthed but huge-hearted guy that you can't help but love.

So word to the wise here. I'm at my gym lifting weights and listening to Commune: Book Two when, while bench pressing, a line comes out of Gibbs' mouth (no, I can't repeat it) that had me laughing so hard I was crying. Problem was that I had a very heavy bar above my chest at the time. So one bruised chest later, I finally had to have 2 guys help me get it back to 'rest' position as I was in no condition to lift anything...and I'm sure everyone at the gym now thinks I'm a raving lunatic.

All that aside, do yourself a favor and give this series a listen. It's fantastically written by Josh Gayou, fantastically read by RC Bray and Gibbs himself is worth the price of admission.

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Dying With Dignity

Revisado: 07-22-15

Where does On the Beach rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

On the Beach is definitely the best apocalyptic audiobook I've listened to. It's a classic for a reason and Nevil Shute handled his subject matter masterfully.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

How to answer this one. Not really 'edge of my seat' as I knew going into it what the outcome would be. I would say that the plot definitely kept me 100% engaged with the characters the entire time.

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

James Smillie did a brilliant job of bringing this classic to audio form. For me, one of the biggest compliments I can pay a reader is that they don't get in the way of the source material...and he definitely passes this test. I also believe that he does a great job of really bringing life into the different characters.

If you could rename On the Beach, what would you call it?

Just like my title, "Dying with Dignity." That said, I wouldn't want to rename the novel. On the Beach is a naval phrase for "out of commission", and I believe that covers things perfectly.

Any additional comments?

I went into this expecting all doom and gloom and, don't get me wrong, that is definitely always there. However, this isn't some sort of nihilistic view of the end of the world.

I grew to love the characters and the dignity with which they faced their certain outcome. Shute paints a picture of the end of the world really bringing out the best of the human race instead of a more Cormac McCarthy viewpoint (with all respect to both authors).

The thought of unavoidable death in the means of a radioactive cloud that is ruthlessly making its way south is horrific, but the characters Shute has created are heroes in my mind in the manner of how they individually deal with this fact.

This novel isn't for everyone and I would definitely stay away from this (as well as most apocalyptic novels) if you tend towards depression due to the last 3 chapters alone. However, if the subject matter interests you and if you are a fan of novels such as "Alas, Babylon", then I couldn't recommend this novel more. Again, it's a classic for a reason.

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Definitely Kept My Attention

Revisado: 11-20-14

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

Interesting story that kept my attention trying to figure out where this was all headed. Also enjoyed the narrator.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Probably the female 'FBI' agent. I enjoyed trying to figure her out.

Which character – as performed by Jeffrey Kafer – was your favorite?

The daughter.

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

Not really. It's a quick listen and I never found myself wandering off while listening to it. However, no real strong emotions.

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