Lynn Abbott-McCloud

Great Guests, Great Host, Great Conversations

Revisado: 12-30-21

It’s hard for me to say what I love most about Smart Women Talk. The host, Katana Abbott, brings on such a fabulous array of guests and has an endless supply of topics. I have learned so much from this podcast! Plus, the conversations feel as if I’m having coffee with my girlfriends. Thanks for an awesome and informative podcast, Katana!

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I think Sophie's run out of ideas

Revisado: 11-17-15

Would you try another book from Sophie Kinsella and/or Clare Corbett?

Def Clare Corbett, and let's face it, I'll probably try another Sophie Kinsella, but I truly believe Sophie's run out of ideas for Becky.

What was most disappointing about Sophie Kinsella’s story?

Everything. I LOVE the Shopaholic series, but this book was just plain silly. Everything from Elinor Sherman traveling w/Becky, Becky's mother, Janice, Suze, Minnie, and Luke in an RV across the SW to the "Becky's 11" at the end of the book -- just silly and unbelievable. Plus, the whole Alicia/Suze friendship - seemed rushed and never fully worked out.

What about Clare Corbett’s performance did you like?

Great voices! Clare is outstanding!

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Shopaholic to the Rescue?

I'd have asked for a total rewrite. The whole thing was simply ridiculous.

Any additional comments?

I def wouldn't recommend this book.

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Tiresome, Ridiculous, and Just Plain Boring

Revisado: 09-11-15

Would you try another book from Donna Tartt and/or David Pittu?

No, no, and no.

Would you ever listen to anything by Donna Tartt again?

No, no, and no.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of David Pittu?

No. It needed multiple narrators. Pittu's Boris was stereotypical, and his Theo was nearly as boring as the text he was reading.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Annoyance and disappointment. How in the world did this ridiculous book win a Pulitzer?! The ending is straight out of a Hallmark card. I was annoyed that it took 70% of the book for Theo to grow up and then the remainder of the book to be totally unbelievable. UGH! There's a reason why only 40% of those starting this book actually finish it. I finally began to feel like the imprisoned goldfinch in the painting as the book seemed to never end.

Any additional comments?

Want to read Pulitzer-worthy literature? Pick up The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.

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Absolutely captivating!

Revisado: 02-24-14

Neil Gaiman's performance of his own novel is absolutely captivating. Gaiman brings all of his unique characters to life not only through his brilliant prose but also through his fabulous performance. The story itself is a beautiful tale exquisitely woven with Gaiman's genius. I didn't want it to end, yet I adored the ending. This is one Audible not to be missed!

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Tolerable ... at best

Revisado: 12-01-13

What disappointed you about Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy?

Ugh! How old is Bridget? Twenty? More like sixteen? I'm sorry, but her character as a 50 yo widow is simply ridiculous. Ugh! I adored Bridget as a scattered singleton, but as a widow w/even less sense than she had in her twenties, it's difficult spending time with her.

What could Helen Fielding have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I wish Fielding hadn't kept Bridget as a scattered singleton. Her character was implausible as a 50 yo widow. She's childish and ridiculous. Sorry, Helen.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Considering what she had to work with, I think she did a splendid job.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I was elated when I heard that there was another addition to the Bridget series. That excitement soon dwindled within the first few chapters. It was an utter disappointment.

Any additional comments?

Pass on this. I started listening two weeks ago and have stopped to listen to two other books in between. I know I'll return to it, but only because I want to know how it ends.

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esto le resultó útil a 11 personas

19 hours with seriously horrible people

Revisado: 09-12-12

Is there anything you would change about this book?

One ... just one ... likeable character would be a start.

Has Gone Girl turned you off from other books in this genre?

I adore mysteries, but this is one truly warped story.

Which character – as performed by Julia Whelan and Kirby Heyborne – was your favorite?

The performers were outstanding, but I couldn't stand any of the characters.

Did Gone Girl inspire you to do anything?

Finish this horrible story as quickly as possible. I just wanted it to end!

Any additional comments?

Boo to the ending!

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Destined to be a classic

Revisado: 08-10-12

What made the experience of listening to The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry the most enjoyable?

Jim Broadbent's interpretation of this beautiful novel is exquisite and pitch-perfect.

What other book might you compare The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry to and why?

It reminded me a little of "The Legend of Bagger Vance" due to the revelations made by the characters.

Which character – as performed by Jim Broadbent – was your favorite?

They were all perfection! Of course, his performance of Harold Fry was the most prominent.

Any additional comments?

I kept stopping the recording in order to look up beautiful quotes from the story. This is truly one of the most beautiful stories I've read in a long time. The story, characters, and message will stay with me for a long time. I loved every second!

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If history class had been half as entertaining!

Revisado: 05-07-12

Outstanding narration that really puts the listeners in the period. Fabulous story that inspired me to do further research into Henry VIII. I'm hooked on Gregory! What a fabulous story-teller!

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I'm in love!

Revisado: 05-07-12

Much like Juliet, I too fell in love with Guernsey and the Literary and Potato Pie Society. This is a beautiful story that takes you back to another period in time. The narrators tackle their roles brilliantly and ensure that listeners don't leave without needing a tissue. Truly marvelous on all counts!

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Wonderful reading, but long ... boring story

Revisado: 05-07-12

Kate Winslet delivers an outstanding reading of Thérèse Raquin. However, the story is so dark, repetitive, and long that it eventually becomes tiring. I enjoyed it at first, but the final chapters were painful. You know how this sad tale will end and by those last chapters, you just wish it would!

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