Mary

Clever introduction to early Wall Street

Revisado: 01-10-20

I've enjoyed listening to Paddy Hirsh on Planet Money with his witty explanations of arcane (to me) economic ideas.

This was a rollicking tale of murder, mayhem and money in Manhattan in the early years after the revolution. Paddy Hirsch creates a vibrant tableau of the citizens trying to make their way (and possibly fortunes) in a brawling, messy city. It was an enjoyable read and perhaps I may even have learned something about early attempts to set up securities laws and regulations.

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An ambitious investigation

Revisado: 10-18-19

Louise Penny seems to be stretching and challenging herself and it works.

Three mysteries weave in this novel, each raising questions about how to grieve losses as well as how to come to terms with mistakes and errors of judgment. We see our protagonists, Gamache and Beauvior come to terms their own flaws and strengths as well as those of others. We see the importance of healing and helping others heal. Assholes can be saints, the weak can be strong, the weary can be untiring.

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Comfort reading

Revisado: 10-12-19

I started reading the Gamache novels beginning mid-series and have started reading in order of publication.

There's a huge comfort reading these novels because the narrator's voice is filled with kindness. The world of Three Pines is cozy (despite what will eventually be a surprising large body count). Who doesn't want to spend time at The Bistro surrounded by affable, interesting individuals? So one returns to these novels.

This one is set at an auberge only 1 hour out of Three Pines. Yet another delightful setting to find our hero, Armand, situated, a place of impeccable food and drink, wonderful service and comfort.

Of course, there's the inconvenience of the murder, but it is handily solved. The only problem for me- once we knew who done it and why done it, the murder still made no sense.

But the novel ends with order restored, our faith in Gamache unshaken and a sense that all will be well.

It's a comfort.

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Narrator is painful, but the writing is good

Revisado: 07-24-19

I finished listening to the charming A History of France by John Julius Norwich, read with by the author in his own idiosyncratic manner. I hoped for an equally charming read. Norwich's text was fascinating. Sadly, the narrator was plodding. His pronunciation of French names was grating; he made Shakespeare's words painful to listen to. I put up with it only because I did want to know the history behind the plays, but ouch! I will remember never ever to listen to John Curran again.

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I read it only because of Russian Dolls

Revisado: 03-19-19

This is an oddly disturbing novel. On one hand it seems to be the tale of a misunderstood little girl, suitable for impressionable pre-teens who may sympathize with her dilemna; on the other hand, various situations Emily finds herself in border on the troubling. A 30-something uncle who seems to be grooming her is the most unsettling character.

Montgomery herself doesn't help matters with her descriptions of Emily. She is about 10 years old, yet described by the author as having "come hither" eyes.

But as I read in order to get insights into Nadia in Russian Dolls, I can see why Nadia would prefer this book over Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farms. This is a novel about the adults failing Emily and frankly the other children in her milieu because of their traumas.

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A sprint through history

Revisado: 03-19-19

The author pulls together the historical reasons for building and later abandoning or destroying a building. He doesn't discuss the architectural significance of the building, so much as its place in history.

That said, I'll listen to John Lee read pretty much anything.

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Pleasant enough

Revisado: 09-22-13

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

This novel with its Colin-Firth-as-Mr.-Darcy addled heroine had a bit of fun, but the characters became wearisome after a while. By constantly referring back to Austen's work, the novelist couldn't help but come up short with her own wit, characters, plot.

Would you be willing to try another book from Shannon Hale? Why or why not?

No.

Do you think Austenland needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Oh no!

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