Ashley Ann

Carrie Fischer, a national treasure

Revisado: 02-02-17

Would you listen to Wishful Drinking again? Why?

Yes, and I probably will. Carrie Fischer is a uniquely genuine person who isn't afraid to talk about the hard stuff, and is willing to use her celebrity to bring attention to issues we often prefer not to talk about. In this book, it's mental illness. Particularly her own diagnosis of manic depression: how it feeds her addiction and has altered her life. It's an incredible story of a survivor, and it's all true.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wishful Drinking?

I think towards the end of the book she points out that people who live with mental illness, with manic depression, should not be pushed to the side but should be given a medal of honor for finding a way, daily, to keep going when their brain is literally putting insurmountable obstacles in their path. Though of course she says it more succinctly and powerfully.

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't have a particular favorite, but I laughed out loud. Numerous times.

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

Yes. But I did it in three.

Any additional comments?

Carrie Fischer is such a unique presence because she has this fantastic ability to step back from what can only be considered an extraordinary life and look at all the events, people and circumstances (both internal and external) that have shaped who she is. And then uses that ability to open up to others because, as she says, the worst thing is thinking that you are alone in the world. And there are always other people like you, feeling the things you feel, and to find your community will give you strength to keep going. Perhaps I am too much of a fan-girl, but I think to choose to spend your time and energy to make sure others (less famous than you) are never pushed to the side is a wonderful act of love. Not to mention this book is a comedic gem. I laughed out loud more than once and the stories of her relationship with her mom (Debbie Reynolds) are simply a delight. I cannot recommend this book enough - you will feel all the feels (no, really, all of them) and have a opportunity to revel in the incredible gift we had in Carrie Fischer.

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A gift from our dear departed Princess Leia

Revisado: 02-02-17

What made the experience of listening to The Princess Diarist the most enjoyable?

Carrie Fischer reading her own writing will always be enjoyable. It definitely adds a personal touch and the jokes hit home even more because you can hear herself enjoying her own humor. Also, with such a imtimate story, it's wonderful to hear it from the mouth of the person who lived it.

What other book might you compare The Princess Diarist to and why?

I can't. I don't usually love celebrity memoirs because they are often self-indulgent but Ms. Fischer seems removed from the story making alert commentary on the events as they unfold. Her honestly is deeply compelling and in line with the insecurities and emotions we all feel in our lives.

Any additional comments?

Part gossip but mostly introspective reflection, this book is so much more than the salacious affair story that draws its audience. Its a look into the inner workings of a young woman (girl) who would fall into such a potentially hurtful yet exciting fling. The actual diary sections (read by Billie Lourd) are equal parts beautiful and painful. While listening to Carrie's story, I couldn't help but be transported back to when I was younger and all the emotion, angst, and wonderment that comes with it.

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Beautiful and Moving - a Must Read!

Revisado: 09-25-16

Any additional comments?

This book is gorgeous. It gives a very personal inside look into gender fluidity and the challenges it imposes on teenagers who are already just trying to find their identity in a sea of hormones and high school struggles. Riley is a character you can't help but love and cheer for every step of the way, their relationships are confused and full of depth, and the reader can't help but better understand different ways of looking at gender upon reading this book. It's both a beautiful work of fiction and a moving piece of social activism. I cannot recommend it enough!

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A Tough Look at a Not-too-Distant Future

Revisado: 09-25-16

Any additional comments?

I have so many conflicting feelings about this book, but I think that comes from how complicated the female protagonist is. Luz is a broken as a person can possibly be, but continues to find the strength to carry on. As her choices, and often mistakes, continue to affect all those on her journey with her, you will fluctuate between hope and despair. In a not-too-distant future world where the earth has used up it's resources and the horizon looks bleak, there is not much that is uplifting about this novel. But it's honest, brutally honest. I was immersed in it from beginning to end and upon finishing the book, have only been looking for someone to talk to about it.

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An interesting Science Fiction tale

Revisado: 09-25-16

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would because it is an fun and at times exciting story about a man who never dies, not truly. Because he just goes back to his infant self, with all of the knowledge of his former lives. It's a fantastical story and plays strongly on the idea of time being cyclical rather than linear - and you will be continually captivated by what is coming next.

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Good, but not his best

Revisado: 09-25-16

What did you like best about The Devil You Know? What did you like least?

The story is engaging and exciting, and I was very wrapped up in the mystery Felix was trying to solve. But it gets a bit convoluted and some of the plot twists seemed to be there to make the book longer rather than better. It is still an enjoyable read, but after having read THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS and FELLSIDE, I thought this book wasn't his strongest showing.

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Understanding Hillary

Revisado: 09-23-16

Any additional comments?

I am not going to speak to Secretary Clinton's accomplishments here because the book does that amazingly. And you can get a condensed version from Bill's, Joe's, President Obama's, Chelsea's, and Secretary Clinton's speeches from the DNC this summer as well as a variety of think-pieces and the Clinton website. What I can speak to is this: this book is a treatise on her entire belief system. It maps her influences from childhood until the present, and will give you a deep understanding of what makes this fascinating woman tick. It is warm, it is humorous at times, it is terribly heart-breaking, and will make you wonder why anyone would willingly put themselves into such a harsh public spotlight. The history is engaging, the writing is smooth and enjoyable, the drama is gripping and ALL of it is just a fraction of Hillary's experiences.

If you in any way think Hillary Clinton is false, corrupt, or too entrenched in career politics; read this book. If you are unsure of her as a candidate, a leader or in any way questioning why you should vote for her; read this book. But most importantly, if you want to hear the life story of an incredible, history-making woman who will not be beaten down and will not rest until that glass ceiling is shattered; read this book. 

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Sisterhood in Austenland

Revisado: 09-23-16

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! Because it's a classic and always entertaining. While the sisters Dashwood differ in their idea on how to handle almost every situation they come up against, they do continually support each other, care for each other, defend the other against those who would besmirch their good name and rise up in defiance against those who wish ill will on their family. It’s a solid sisterhood and, frankly, we don’t have enough of those in literature. 

What about Marion Castle’s performance did you like?

I thought she was wonderfully understated - Austen's characters can sometimes be silly and extreme but rather than further exaggerate them, Ms. Castle stayed focused on the story. It was very easy listening.

Any additional comments?

Ultimately, the reason to listen this book is because Austen truly was ahead of her times. If you are an Austen virgin, please remember these were written to be social satire. If her characters seems excessively silly, it’s because she found a lot of silliness in the manners of her daily society. Austen was a woman who wanted to have her own occupation and a life partner who would respect her as a person with independent thoughts and opinions - and when she couldn’t find that, she chose to remain a “spinster” who was forced to write relatively anonymously for most of her life. Sense and Sensibility may be the closest thing she writes to a romance novel, but a romantic Jane Austen is not. 

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A Fantastic Fresh Look at Modern Dating!

Revisado: 01-02-16

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, and I have. This is the best look at dating in the modern age that I have ever read. And the best part: it's written with expectation or judgement. Mr. Ansari does a fantastic job breaking down current dating rituals, how we got here, and what it's doing to the development of our relationships. And on top of it, he's an incredibly entertaining narrator.

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An Amazingly Intriguing History!

Revisado: 01-02-16

What did you like best about this story?

That it's all true. There are pockets of incredible history, story, scandal, and people in this country, and so many of them are threatened to be buried in the past if they aren't told. This is one of them, and I'm so glad it's been given some attention.

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

Yes, it's definitely a "page-turner."

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