MareFlare

Disappointing

Revisado: 04-02-20

As a Andy Carpenter fan, I looked forward to another humorous book that included the latest dog, Simon Garfunkle. The book was sluggish, methodical, and more telling than showing. The narrator sounded angry most of the time, and the worst part was Simon pretty much didn't make an appearance. I kept listening until I had almost 2 hours left and I just couldn't take it anymore. It had become more of a chore and a duty to get through the book, than an enjoyment. I won't be buying another K-Team book.

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esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

Surprisingly captivating for a "short."

Revisado: 12-28-19

I downloaded this book as a free Audible original, unsure of how good it would be. I've had some decent original ones and some pretty bad ones. I decided to listen to it on a Saturday when I did my long trail run. I was instantly drawn in, and the book kept my interest for the entire run. By the time I cooled down, sat in my car with my snack and got home, I was finished.

The story was interesting, the narrator terrific and the length perfect. But what I liked best is that being just over 2.5 hours, it was sort of a "no-nonsense" story, in that there wasn't a lot of time wasted on back story and feelings and sub-plots. Those things are important, sure, but not always. Sometimes a story can get bogged down with boring details and I get frustrated when I just want the author to get to the point already! This author delivered!

I definitely recommend.

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Disappointing

Revisado: 12-16-19

The premise sounded cute, and at first I enjoyed it but it soon turned sour with gratuitous language and situations that were unnecessary for a good story. I got halfway through and started rolling my eyes at the immaturity of the writing. It was basically a story about two lonely, horny twenty-something year olds with family and relationship issues, one of whom could likely have a problem with alcohol while the other enabled him. If she were my daughter, I'd tell her that I don't care how charming he seems; if he gets nasty and uncouth when he drinks, run...fast! There's no excuse.

I know Christmas romances take liberties with the reality of a relationship, but I just didn't believe it. The male narrator either did a really good or a really bad job, because I just didn't like Kennedy at all. maybe it got better, but I didnt waste my time to find out. All I can say is that I'm glad it was free.

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A slow start, but eventually a lovely story.

Revisado: 08-02-19

At first, I wasn't sure if this book was simply a platform for the author's political and social views, as well as a place to inform readers of the culture of India. As an audiobook, I found it to be well narrated but a slow story. Each sister seemed to have her own inner crisis and I heard what seemed like a lot of whining. But somewhere around halfway, I stopped criticizing and just listened. And it turned out to be a really nice story of family as well as an opportunity to learn about Indian culture, a d I couldn't stop listening.

Had I read this book, I'm not sure I'd have stuck with it due to my unfamiliarity of the geography, language (and pronunciation of names) of India. I often get bored with description and detail. But because I was listening and the narrator was so good, I was fascinated with much of it. I especially liked Tom Hanks. Iaughed e ery time he showed up. I think it was a couple hours too long, but still worth a 4+ star rating.

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Amazing story of God's provision and protection

Revisado: 09-25-18

Read with conviction and told with courage and faith, I Will Not Fear tells the story of one of the Little Rock Nine, something, honestly, I was a bit ignorant about. Ms. Patillo Beals tells one story after another of how her deep commitment to and trust in a faithful God not only provided, but protected her. This is the story of not only a deeply committed woman of faith, but a woman of undeniable courage, selfless bravery, and fierce determination. I was truly amazed at how these horrific things kept happening, yet she never gave up or gave in. She's my hero.

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esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

Somewhat predictable and cliche but a nice story

Revisado: 07-22-18

The thing I like most about this book is the title. At first I thought that "when" was the subject.. Like saying when never comes like happiness never comes. But the story deals more with what we tell ourselves and therefore what we believe to be true. I will never be or do this. So we give up. But by doing that, we rob ourselves of opportunities that can bring us joy, simply by claiming that word, never.

This is a story of hope and forgiveness and the "never" that finally does come through Christy-Lynn's wrestling of her own demons of her past and the forgiveness she needs to offer herself.

The audio version started off slow, but I gave it time and the story was worth listening to. It's a clean read with some sad stories within but there is redemption, forgiveness, completion, and joy in the end.

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esto le resultó útil a 6 personas

Narration better than the story

Revisado: 06-16-18

One of the most difficult things for an author of a coming-of-age story to do is to write the story in adult voice-as one looking back-so that it doesn't sound like a middle grade or young adult book. Most of the first part of A Truthful Story sounded like the latter. If not for Jenna Lammia, I wouldn't have finished the book. If I had read the book instead of choosing the audio version, I know I wouldn't have finished. There were too many back stories within the story, and I found myself getting confused. Lots of telling and describing and I just wanted the story to happen and it dragged. Too many characters that didn't seem to move the story forward and and anticlimactic ending caused me to give the story two stars. I was hoping for more of a mystery revolving around Nanny's death, but it was solved too soon. I felt that was the climax, but the book went on and on.

That said, there were some nice stories within the story, and overall, the book was well written, but nothing really happened. Just some nice stories.

Jenna Lammia makes every book come alive, and with her narration, I kept going, enjoying some of the memories of growing up in the 60s, and hearing stories about the low country.

Overall, I was entertained, but a little disappointed.

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esto le resultó útil a 6 personas

Great Narration, Predictable Story

Revisado: 05-16-18

Well written. Well narrated. Well researched, I imagine. But it was just mediocre. At times I felt it dragged, especially in the beginning. Other times I felt too many years were skipped. I was disappointed that the author didn't allow Elodie to find the boy who went off to Vietnam (don't want to spoil anything). But then again, maybe she was fine not knowing...

All in all, the story wasn't bad---a nice story about forgiveness and redemption.

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Stunningly raw and authentic

Revisado: 04-06-18

I can't say I "enjoyed" listening to Educated because at times it was extremely difficult to hear. So many scenes were filled with memories of abuse and raw emotion that I often grimaced, gasped, and found myself shaking my head in disbelief. I'm not sure I've ever reacted to a book in this manner. I felt like I was there with her, this little lost girl who was powerless to save herself. I wanted to jump in and say, "Stop!" Or I kept expecting someone to change their minds and rescue her, as in a novel. But this is not a work of fiction. However, like any good fiction, there is a heroine and she does overcome.

The story of Tara Westover's upbringing in a fundamentalist Mormon home that didn't value education is a chilling one. At 17, Tara goes to college and on to receive her Ph.D. Sounds nice and neat, but her story is anything but. She is honest and open and vulnerable as she recounts the story of how she got to that point, and how her leaving and getting an education was looked at as a betrayal to her own family.

Her story is one of abuse and triumph, sadness and joy, wellness and mental illness, betrayal and devotion. Through it all, this young woman still desires to make it right with her family. To fix it. And when she can't, she decides to pursue the path that is healthy for her.

This is one of the best memoirs I've ever read (listened to). The narration was great, other than all the male voices sounding the same. But it's hard for a woman to get that right without sounding like she's acting, which would draw the attention away from the story...so I'll give her that one. Julia Whelan has a pleasant voice that draws you right into the story.

Highly, HIGHLY recommend!

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Sappy and childish

Revisado: 01-11-18

I hate to write poor reviews, but I have to be honest. I listened for a few chapters and had to quit. I felt like I was listening to a children's book. Told from a puppy's point of view just didn't work for me, as an adult. I think it would be best if it was marketed to a younger audience. Writing from an animal's POV is difficult, but from a puppy POV is even harder.It's like writing a coming-of-age book from the adult POV, but keeping it believable as a child. It's tricky, and I don't think Marasco quite pulled it off. At least, not in the beginning, which is where the hook is necessary. And the beginning dragged, so I lost interest. I'm surprised at and disappointed in Thomas Nelson, the biggest Christian book publisher out there.

Also, sometimes the author should just remain the author. While his narration wasn't bad, it wasn't great. A professional narrator might have been able to give it a better life.

I'm sure Ron Marasco is an excellent writer, but this book was a waste of my money.

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