Kristina

Now What?

Revisado: 10-29-24

Sometimes to come across stories that leaving you wanting more or asking, "now what?"
I am a Dirty Dancing fan and remember tuning into Gilmore Girls all those years ago and making the connection that Emily played Baby's mother.
When "The Third Gilmore Girl" came up as a suggestion on Audible (perhaps because I read Lauren Graham's story) I used an Audible credit without any hesitation and dove right in.
As someone who enjoys being alone, it felt like listening to a Kindred Spirit. I love her positive go with the flow attitude. Learning about her off screen relationship with Ed Herman (platonic of course) it warmed my heart.
I highly recommend taking some time to listen to this woman's story. It will be time well spent.

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Engaging for the Whole Family

Revisado: 12-23-23

I am on a road trip with my boyfriend and his 7 year-old daughter and finally had my turn at the radio. I picked this to listen to and figured everyone can just tune my book out during my half-hour. Over an hour later, we were all still listening. His daughter, a reluctant reader (even with listening to books) was surprisingly engaged. Over the next couple of days, every time we got in the car, she asked for the doggie book. My boyfriend, remarked that the book was not what he expected and was also very engrossed in the story. He cried three times, I cried once. On our return drive, we finished it and just pulled into our hotel with 3 minutes left... after a 5 hour drive (that should have been 3 1/2) we remained in the car to finish it; my eyes tearing up and my boyfriend grabbing a napkin to dab his eyes. This was an unexpected gift to have my whole family so enthralled in this book. Todd made us angry, Bailey made us laugh and cry, Ellie made us proud, Buddy warmed our hearts. Great story!

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Comfort of Home

Revisado: 06-10-23

What so many love about Gilmore Girls is that feeling of going home and seeing old friends. You want to have coffee at Luke's diner, hear Lane play in her band, taste Suki's cooking, shoot the breeze with Lorelai and Rory, have wine with Emily and Richard.
Hearing Lauren tell her own story is no different. She is whimsical, charming, and most of all real. She is a captivating woman. Genuine.
She talks about being single for so long and I connected to that way more than I wish to admit. It was refreshing to hear though.
And yes Lauren... it was quite the cliff hanger.
Thankful for her bringing Lorelai into our homes, twice. I love watching the show as an adult... it is a different experience watching it 20 years later through the eyes of an adult.
I loved the emotional attachment she has had to the show. We get it! It was something special!

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Still Synthesizing

Revisado: 06-04-23

I've heard a lot about Jennette's stories through social media and interviews, yet I never imagined this level of abuse.

I always fantasize about being able to talk with these entertainers who have such awful childhoods. And if I could talk with them, I would want to tell them that it is never too late to find a different story for your future. Take classes at a nearby community College or online classes to explore what they like.
Then pursue that! Let your story do what it needs, then step out of the spotlight for a while so you can figure out who you are and learn to like that person. If at that point you want to re-enter the industry, go for it and tread lightly.

Perhaps become an agent for other child stars but put up barriers and requirements to make sure the children are healthy. Encourage these other adults in the industry to keep an eye out for their young costars.

But seriously step a way for a while and find a new path. Make yourself even healthier.

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Tragic?

Revisado: 12-16-21

What a journey. Judy was filled with talent and accomplished what so many dream of having yet through mental illness threw it all away. The Golden Age of Hollywood has a magic that is missing and yet this story shows the raw truth behind the glamor and lights. Judy almost seemed to be her own worth Enemy. She had no skills outside of her natural born abilities; unable to be independent, blind to those robbing her, neglectful towards those genuinely trying to save her. Her death is tragic. Yet maybe was the release she needed from her demons.

Definitely worth a listen.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Amazing Adaptation

Revisado: 04-17-21

I read the original book which is my favorite book. I was excited to see this adaptation for younger readers though I'm about to go re-listen to the original after this review.

As a teacher I'm working this less familiar piece of history into a new Social Studies framework for my district. We are supposed to add a more variety of voices and I felt this represents both the voices of immigration and children while also shedding light onto the precursor for foster care. Every year I get students who are fostered or adopted so thanks to this well written piece of historical fiction those kids will get to see "their faces" in history. The ongoing issue of unwanted children or those with parents unable to care for them is one that will never go away.

I wish we could do a book study with students on this. But one thing at a time.

My only critique is that the book had an ending. I was so wrapped up in every word I wanted it to continue. I'm off to go re-listen to the original for that reason.

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Movie is Better

Revisado: 03-02-21

I'm the person who usually loves the book way more than the movie. I've also read books where the main character was annoying yet I still felt invested.
Anne Hathaway may be the one thing that saves the story.
I find the main character just obnoxious and judgmental. She's naive which is fine and I like that for the most part she doesn't like getting in trouble... I respect characters who don't like getting in trouble at school. Mia however is incredibly self- centered and thinks only of herself and her problems. She describes herself as a freak, talking about her judgmental peers who tease her while she herself judges her best friends boyfriend much the same way.
The vegetarian, environmentalist, save the whales angle is not endearing at all when the character is so self- involved.
Her best friend Lily with her protests and misguided psycho-analysis attitude makes me want to hit her and I hate violence.
I'm going to finish the book and maybe the series, at least what I purchased, but I'm liking forward to finding something that grabs my interest a bit more and has me cheering for the main character, desperately coming back to hear more.

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Engaging

Revisado: 02-02-21

I'm actually sad about leaving this world and leaving the lives of these girls. I use audiobooks as a walking motivator; I can't listen if I'm not moving. This whole series kept me moving. The unique personalities of that characters and their interactions with the world feel familiar like I can see some of myself.
No matter our age we still struggle to overcome our imperfections.
The story moved at a good pace and resolved storylines with some twists.

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Lighthearted and Engaging

Revisado: 01-20-21

I have been using audiobooks as a motivator for walking. I can't listen if I'm not moving. I have walked around 30 miles while listening and went out last night for one more stroll since I knew I was near the end.
I enjoy the array of personalities and their connection to one another despite their differences. I enjoyed the storyline with Carmen and Lena's grandmother. It broke my heart to see how this vibrant grandmother started withering away having been taken from her home in Greece.
I found myself lost in the discoveries Lena made about her family through her art.
The story is lighthearted and captivating; it did not disappoint. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

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Already Downloaded Book 3

Revisado: 09-09-20

This book picks up exactly where the last one ended and maintains the same flow and rhythm of the first. Lara Jean is a character I wish I knew and her younger sister Kitty is a great balance. I love the sister aspects, especially since I'm also in the middle.
I'm still deciding if I'm fully content with her choice in the end. I'm not dissatisfied, but also not sure I agree.
Lara Jean is a great character who reminds me a lot of when I was in high school.
Time to go read the third book.

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