Puffer

Dug the novel; not so much the reader

Revisado: 08-15-16

What did you like best about NOS4A2? What did you like least?

The story itself is cleverly imagined supernatural thriller, w/ inventive elements, an engaging plot, and well-realized characters. The plot grabs and compels the listener along. It does run a bit long at points, and the hand of the author is obvious during some of the action. But mostly, the I found the reader a challenge to listen to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of NOS4A2?

It's a ripping story, and the action is engaging.

What didn’t you like about Kate Mulgrew’s performance?

Mulgrew is obviously a talented reader; I understand that Joe Hill really likes her work. When she is reading the prose, I enjoy her voice and inflection. But she does that over-acting thing that some readers do that when interpreting character voices. Rather than just use a bit of timbre and inflection to represent different characters, many of these voices are performed in the most ham-fisted manner. This is especially true of the main villains and his minions; all so, so exaggerated and over-the-top, intended to signal Evil & Scary in the most obvious way. The prose itself doesn't suggest these characterizations. There is a banality to the evil described. That sad & seedy evil is betrayed by this ridiculous portrayal of the these characters. By the end of the book I almost dreaded it any time they spoke.

Any additional comments?

It's a clever world Hill builds. The manifestation of imagination is interesting, making literal what is not. But I really wish the audio producer had gotten the reader to crank down her need to go so over the top in character voices.

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Genial, wise political comedy

Revisado: 04-09-14

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

Heller is a talented writer, has a great sense of the absurd, both dark and broad, and a wise take on modern culture. I don't know how well the book will date, but as a clever way to comment on our current political culture without being polemic, hamfisted, or partisan, it is very enjoyable.

What other book might you compare Taft 2012 to and why?

I suppose it is in the spirit of Twain, Douglas Adams, early Spy magazine.

What aspect of Fleet Cooper’s performance would you have changed?

In general a strong reader. Great voice. And while his Taft was fantastic, it got a little over the top on some of the other characters, especially the children; the children's voices are almost annoying.

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

Not especially, but that is often a more satisfying book to listen to. Engaging but not that sort of compulsively addictive narrative where you get frustrated at the reader for not reading fast enough.

Any additional comments?

Definitely look forward to reading the print edition presently.

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Great Book, Strong Performance

Revisado: 09-28-13

What made the experience of listening to Pattern Recognition the most enjoyable?

An excellent Gibson exploration of brand and marketing and the secrets we're compelled to understand in the modern world post-911.

What did you like best about this story?

It's a fascinating book, full of small details and large, that seem both mysterious and familiar.

What about Shelly Frasier’s performance did you like?

It would be easy to muck up a story involving a large cast of international characters with multiple accents, but the reader handles it adroitly. Really well done performance.

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

It's a bit dense for one sitting, but it's compelling. I have listened to it twice already, and would listen to it again.

Any additional comments?

One of my favorite writers for uncovering the weird, strange, tangential details of our modern world and examining how they might relate to one another.

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Strong King Novel, Great Performance

Revisado: 09-28-13

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

Compelling, entertaining, interesting

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

While not scary, or particularly mysterious, King creates strong characters and places, and I looked forward to seeing how it unfolded.

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

A wonderful reader. Great character voices and accents, and real personality to the narrator. I honestly think his performance increased my enjoyment of a serviceable King novel.

Who was the most memorable character of Joyland and why?

The carnys of the Joyland Park.

Any additional comments?

One of the better later King novels. In moving more away from straight horror, while keeping certain supernatural elements, he creates a novel not defined by its monster. Iit really succeeds with the characters and the setting of Joyland, all of which are nicely realized fun to spend time with. As with a lot of King books it can be a bit farfetched at points but it never crosses over into over-the-top absurd.

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