Connie J. Jasperson

An absorbing, beautiful novel

Revisado: 01-06-21

Today I am reviewing an audiobook version of a book I read in the digital form several years ago, "The Hope Store" by poet and playwright, Dwight Okita.

His debut novel, "The Prospect of My Arrival," was one of the more absorbing sci-fi novels I’ve ever read. So, I was quite intrigued when he first published the "The Hope Store."

And how amazing it was to discover that Dwight Okita himself has narrated the audiobook! Okita’s narration of The Hope Store is perfect, as is the music he has chosen for each chapter break, bringing this wonderful book to life. Wow, where to begin… I was up all night listening to this book.

I love Okita’s cerebral yet poetic prose. The narrative feels gentle and approachable, even when depicting the harsher realities of his world, and Okita’s voice is perfect for the tone of the book.

Set in a Chicago of the future, the story opens with Jada Upshaw, a memorable, multidimensional character. A well-educated woman, Jada is, at the outset, intent on killing herself. Her despair and confused emotional state are laid bare, shown with the delicacy and respect Okita brings to all his characters.

Luke Nagano describes himself as “a boy with a big heart but no idea where to put it.” This holds true throughout the entire novel, as Luke himself is the embodiment of hope. Of Japanese descent, Luke is a native of Chicago and is deeply rooted in Midwestern American culture. He is deeply in love with Kazu Mori, a rock-star scientist from Tsukuba, Japan. Luke’s thoroughly American blundering through life causes him to make occasional missteps, inadvertent cross-cultural clashes, which create tension. Kazu is forgiving but is wholly dedicated to his work. Their love/work relationship drives the plot, also creating tension.

The relationships and thoughts of both Jada and Luke are shown throughout the narrative. However, they still have secrets from the reader, keeping me turning the pages.

Okita shows the actual science behind the Hope installation with masterful strokes. Instead of devolving into a drawn-out explanation, he offers just enough information about the key elements, a framework for the reader to hang their imagination on.

Beyond the great characters and the futuristic setting is the deeper story.

Belief and disbelief, hope and the lack of it, the desire for it, and the lengths we will go to acquire it is what drives this tale. Intrigues, private agendas, and in some cases, desperation drive the story to a satisfying, logical, yet surprising finish.

I highly recommend the audio version of "The Hope Store," as much as do the kindle and paper book. I found it cerebral, sexy, and thought-provoking, as all Okita’s work is. His narration takes this novel to a new level. If you are looking for a good winter’s read or an audiobook, this is one I can recommend with no reservations.

Definitely five stars.

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A Great Installment in a Classic Series

Revisado: 01-05-17

Would you listen to The Heart of What Was Lost again? Why?

I downloaded this book yesterday, and couldn't stop listening until it was done. Andrew Wincott is absolutely perfect as the narrator for such an involved book.

What other book might you compare The Heart of What Was Lost to and why?

This book is not like any other book, other than a Tad Williams book - it is a unique, dark fantasy, gripping and compelling.

Which character – as performed by Andrew Wincott – was your favorite?

Duke Isengrimnur, followed closely by both Porto and Endri, and Viyeki, They are all portrayed so differently, but very much as they should be.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Many - Viyeki's struggle as whole was quite powerful, and I was deeply moved by it. I was left wondering about his story--will it continue?

Any additional comments?

This is quite an involved story. I'm going to listen to it again, and read along with the hard copy to see what I may have missed.

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Wild, wonderful prose, beautifully narrated

Revisado: 03-28-14

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

Shining, Brilliant, Awesome!

What other book might you compare Sin to and why?

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest meets Finnegan’s Wake. Sin's madness is wild, touching, and sarcastic--and Shaun Allan's prose is fitting and stands beside any masterpiece of modern literary fiction. Watson's reading of it is moving, lyrical.

Which scene was your favorite?

The opening scenes, as Sin begins to realize his guilt, and the significance of the Twopence coin.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

This book is filled with powerhouse scenes, all of them moving.

Any additional comments?

Throughout the novel, Sin's ruminations are self-mocking, and world-weary, yet naive and innocent. He bears the guilt of the world, and suffers the unbearable pain of being the cause of so many deaths, but still he finds ironic humor in every situation. Joy is grounded and guides him to the truth, but is not allowed to tell him anything.

Nothing is what it seems in this tale, and right up to the end, you are not sure which reality is real.

The facts come out, or do they? This book is a roller-coaster ride from the start to the finish, and I give it 5 stars for originality, and if I could I would give this audio-book version ten!

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