Shevaun Bastarache

A sad take on the rural decay in our nation

Revisado: 07-10-24

This was well written but difficult to listen for a rural dweller. I have lived through the decline of the quality of life in rural America and still struggle to understand how minorities are scapegoated for this decline. Clearly it is policy that put us in this place and not our neighbors.

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Excellent performance

Revisado: 07-10-24

Great performance and a good listen while on a long drive. Highly recommended. The dialogue was realistic and well written.

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Moving and timely

Revisado: 03-23-24

This gripping memoir is well worth listening to. The author is also an excellent speaker and the pace is methodical but gripping. The subject matter is heavy but never overwhelming in its’ darkness. I found myself listening, leaning forward, desperately hoping the boy would make it across the desert to his family. Highly recommended.

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A dark look into the religious right’s hatred of women

Revisado: 10-30-23

I only listened to this because I’m familiar with the author and wanted to see what malarkey she’s putting out this year. The religious right wants women silenced, and firmly under the control of the patriarchy. Listen if you want an eye-opening account of just how much the Catholic right wing loathes women the strides we’ve made at work and in society.

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An amazing tale of addiction and recovery

Revisado: 09-05-23

I had previously had no knowledge of the meth underworld in queer San Francisco culture. This memoir was eye-opening and instructive.

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Haunting and well told

Revisado: 07-12-23

The story and narration were amazing. The gory content, though tastefully presented, was difficult to hear. A very worthwhile listen.

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A Heartfelt Tale of Class Struggle and Addiction and Despair

Revisado: 06-08-23

Ugghhhhh….. as a blue collar, white, rural woman this book didn’t tell me anything I have not already observed. The rural US is growing more isolated, populations are shrinking in most rural counties. Students of limited means are not, for the most part, going on to do better than their parents. What the author failed to discuss, is the immense importance of rural communities. Why are they important? Those countries grow most of the meat and fruit and vegetables that we eat. Slaughter houses are all located in rural areas. All of these food products must be trucked into cities. Without an at least functional rural economy, out food supply chain will fail. Rural communities are important to those of us living here: we value clean air and water, we want our children to succeed. Not all of us are conservative. Addiction has gutted our communities, just as deeply as it has urban areas. I would add too that land is intrinsically valuable. Many rural people are concerned with loss of biodiversity and top soil and river and stream pollution from CAFOs. The land - and the people - are both suffering deaths of despair. Agriculture and land use policies that are not sustainable will not foster sustainable communities.

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A brutally honest recovery memoir

Revisado: 02-12-23

It’s high time (pun intended) that the standard narrative of abstinence only recovery is challenged. Opiate addicts benefit from medication assisted recovery. Stop shaming those on buprenorphene - it works and it saves lives.

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A Hateful Diatribe

Revisado: 08-23-22

The author is obviously resentful of the evangelical church, of which he was a part of for years, and focuses on “exposing” the “fighting fundies” as frauds and bumpkins. What struck me the most was his total lack of self reflection. He had many affairs with men while still married to his wife and touts this as healthy exploration of his sexuality. He glorifies promiscuity and classism. This is one of a handful of books I’ve regretted purchasing.

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Moving and Eyr-opening

Revisado: 05-20-22

This book was difficult to listen to because of the subject matter but the writing and narration were superb.

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