Kansas Mom

Pondering the marvels of creation

Revisado: 11-24-21

This audiobook is like a collection of podcasts. Dr. Consolmagno and Dr. Francl-Donnay chat together about science and religion through the stories of Catholic scientists from all over the world and throughout history. They are collected in twelve chapters of 20-25 minutes each, focused on areas like medicine or mathematics, but freely wandering in the discussions.

Some of the featured scientists are saints. Some are famous. All of them are examples of real people doing science - showing up at work and persevering through mundane day-to-day activities.

Dr. Consolmango and Dr. Francl-Donnay talk often of the characteristics that make a good Catholic scientist (spoiler alert - they are the same ones that make a good scientist), but they also talk about some of the characteristics of a Catholic that provide a foundation of education, learning, and curiosity which allows a scientist to explore God's creation with joy. There are instances where their faith allowed a scientist to ask questions and be comfortable in areas of uncertainty.

I use this book in my homeschool with my late middle school or early high school students as an introduction to their higher level science classes (so late in 8th grade or early in 9th grade). It's a great overview of lots of different scientific disciplines and a way to think about how learning about science will be useful for students.

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Seriously fun

Revisado: 08-06-18

My teenage son has loved this book since it was published and has read it many times. I picked up the audiobook for a recent family trip and this is a title that delighted everyone. Even my husband (who usually merely tolerates audiobooks on our trips) laughed at many of the jokes. Will Wheaton does a great job narrating it.

This is a book for adults, but we listened to it with my 8 and 10 year olds as well and found the few allusions to mature themes were obscure enough to pass unnoticed.

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Especially good for the whole family

Revisado: 02-07-17

Would you listen to Between the Forest and the Hills again? Why?

Yes, we'd listen to it again. There are plenty of humorous parts that will be just as enjoyable in future "listenings."

What did you like best about this story?

Because I selected this audiobook to listen to on a drive with the whole family (mom, dad, children from 6-13), I was especially pleased at the number of references and witty remarks that were most enjoyable for the parents. My husband particularly enjoyed the interactions between the priest and the Roman leaders.

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?

John Lee did an excellent job at differentiating between the characters in their voices so conversations were easy to follow.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Sorry - I'm not good with tag lines.

Any additional comments?

This is a great book of historical fiction for those interested in Roman Britain at the end of the Roman empire, but it's also just plain fun. There's military subterfuge, delicate negotiations, and lots of humor. Our whole family enjoyed listening to this book together on our road trip.

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Innocent Adventures

Revisado: 02-07-17

If you could sum up Swallowdale in three words, what would they be?

imagination, independence, countryside

Who was your favorite character and why?

Titty, the third child in the Walker family, is my favorite. Her imagination always enlivens the world around her, but she's willing to listen and learn from her mother and older sister.

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

The reader does a wonderful job using different voices for all the children. It's usually quite easy to tell which one is speaking. Her clear unhurried narration also contributes to a feeling of peace and enjoyment as the children are camping but quickens enough for such excitement as there is (like the sailing race near the end of the novel).

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

No, it's pretty long for one sitting. Most of it doesn't make you feel like you must listen to the next chapter immediately.

Any additional comments?

I love the Swallows and Amazons books. They give my children a glimpse into a life of safe exploration and adventure, a time when strangers in books were friends and helpful rather than scary. There is one point in the book when Titty attempts to make a kind of voodoo doll, which was a bit surprising as we were listening. But her older siblings and mother react calmly with just enough explanation and discouragement to avoid spreading the idea to anyone listening to the book. I also love how the oldest brother faces his own fault in the shipwreck and then moves on from it, learning from his mistakes but not letting them hold him back in the future.

This whole series appeals to all of my children - from age 6 up to age 13.

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