Goldfinch

My favorite audiobook.

Revisado: 08-13-21

This is one of those books that, every time I listen, I get more out of it. Thich Nhat Hanh's words and examples are so simple yet so profound. Particularly his discussions of "interbeing" and impermanence. Absolutely wonderful. Normally, I'm a print reader, less an audiobook listener, but this book is just great to listen to -- especially with Edoardo Ballerini's PERFECT narration. I have never heard a book/narrator pairing that was more perfect. (Although Underground Airlines comes close.)

If you're looking for a book that'll help you understand life, the world we live in, and how to live -- without any catchphrases, or "life hacks," or too-clever-for-itself-snark, or law-of-attraction, or unnecessary religious dogma -- you can stop here. This is the book. Simple. True. Revelatory.

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Every finance employee should listen to this book.

Revisado: 08-13-21

I read this book shortly after the Wells Fargo scandal involving the illegal opening of MILLIONS of fake bank accounts by employees (September 2016). And now the audiobook is out, and listening to Mr. Mayne's well-spoken and heartfelt account in his own voice adds to the experience.

My thought through the entire book was "Every single employee at every single financial institution should be required to read this book." It tells the tale -- yes, literally in diary form -- of Mr. Mayne's personal experience of mortgage business impropriety, the trial process, two-year incarceration, and ultimately freedom. (As well as an epilogue describing his speaking career of helping others in business explore ethical questions -- and avoid his fate.) Written in a very straightforward style, the book makes it easy to put yourself in his everyman shoes, and ask questions like "What would I do in this situation?" and "Could this really happen to regular people like me?"

And surprisingly, it also offers a genuine kind of hope -- that though the world can most definitely throw the book at you, perhaps unfairly, life goes on, and as long as we learn from our trials, use those trials as fuel for doing something positive, we give our lives meaning and hope.

Finally, I applaud Mr. Mayne for sharing such a humbling story, and doing his part to make the world a better place. Bravo, Mr. Mayne.

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WTF did I just listen to?

Revisado: 04-23-21

Wow - I don't know exactly what I expected, but I did NOT expect that! I'm into self-help/spiritual stuff, and I like Russell Brand as a comic/actor, so I figured I'd get his take on the spiritual realm and how to connect with it. But it's not that. It's a crazy, all-over-the-place adventure through addiction, existence, consciousness, and a million other things racing through the nooks and crannies of Brand's mind -- and I LOVED it. For anyone thinking about buying this: the subhead should not be "Connecting with the Sacred in Everyday Life," as it doesn't provide advice really, or any how-tos, step-by-steps, or exercises. Instead, it's kind of a memoir/manifesto/standup-comedy/stream-of-consciousness thing, showing you how HE has connected to spirit, and how you might be inspired in some of the same ways. But if you make the leap, you're in for a fantastic ride. I rarely laugh in my car, and this made me laugh out loud several times, and chuckle to myself constantly, especially his little self-deprecating asides, like he's talking to himself and you just happen to be in on his mental conversation. Yet it also moved me, feeling Brand's compassion, and brokenness, and vulnerability.

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A Rollicking Cowboys and Dinosaurs Adventure!

Revisado: 01-09-19

What a fun story! It's got everything you'd want in a western -- bar brawls, shoot-em-ups, even the assistant who's secretly a sharp-shooter -- and mashes it up with a chase to unearth dinosaur bones across the American west. It's even a bit educational, as the story is inspired by the real lives of paleontologists Cope and Marsh. Lines like "I reckon' they've gone extinct" capture the fun vibe and little bit of camp this story's got going on. The narrator is a ringer for a western, with deep, drawly voices -- an excellent choice.

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Gripping story and flawless performance. Perfect!

Revisado: 11-21-18

Wow. Starting from the setup – that the Civil War never happened, and slavery was still the law of the land in several states – I was hooked. And from the slow-burn beginning, the author ratcheted up the tension, until I "knew" what the story was going to be about. But about halfway through the listen, I realized: WRONG! He introduced so many satisfying twists and turns and revelations, I kept saying "oh my god" in my car. And what a great ending!

And I can't say enough about how perfect the narration was. Every accent, subtle, every nuance of mood, intention, secrets, whispers. I'd have to say it's my favorite narration to date. Absolutely award-worthy.

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