Jackie Cross

Every American Should Read This Book!

Revisado: 03-23-17

Would you listen to Foreign Enemies and Traitors again? Why?

Yes, I would! I absolutely plan to listen to the entire trilogy again, probably this summer while I am gardening. You get over 20 hours of excellent listening for one credit, so it is a great value. I sometimes get distracted and miss parts, plus I would understand the characters better if I listened to the whole thing again.

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

It totally kept me on the edge of my seat! I couldn't wait to find out if and how the plans would succeed or fail. There were foils to each plot that kept you guessing. Bracken doesn't make characters do ridiculous things as a lazy way to advance the plot like many authors do. He advances plots realistically based on what we already know about the characters and their archetypes.

Have you listened to any of Mike Kemp’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is Mike's best performance of the Trilogy. The parts where he is explaining the patriotism that motivates the military men had me crying several times. Even though I am a woman, I rarely cry during books or movies; so this isn't a small feat. The best scene was when Phil Carson puts the flag, beret and book on the table in the middle of the group of men and asks who is in. I know that we have many Patriots like that in our country, and being reminded of that gave me hope for the future.

If you could rename Foreign Enemies and Traitors, what would you call it?

The Darkest Hour Is Just Before Dawn

Any additional comments?

I have been listening to this trilogy as the election of Donald Trump, his inauguration, and the mainstream media making itself obsolete have played out in the real world. While Trump is not able to fix everything, I can't help but think that if Hillary (aka Henrietta) had been elected, we may have gotten to some of the darkest points in this book playing out in the real world. Many of the things explained in the book are 100% true, so we still have a long way to go. We aren't on the darkest timeline, but this book may get you motivated to get working on a plan for your family and your country.

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Riveting Story and Important Warning for America!

Revisado: 03-23-17

Would you consider the audio edition of Domestic Enemies: The Reconquista to be better than the print version?

Yes, I started reading the print version but I wanted to find out what happens sooner. I don't have much time to sit down and read, so it was good to be able to listen while doing other chores, etc.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ranya is my favorite character. She is a strong woman, a patriot, and a mother. Many bad things have happened to her, but she continues on with life and pursues her vision. She refuses to be a victim.

What about Mike Kemp’s performance did you like?

I love his accent. He obviously cares about the story and the characters. Sometimes it sounds like he is tearing up while reading, which I was doing at times also. He is a great narrator. I read in a forum where Bracken said that he offered to do this, so he obviously feels that the message of this book needs to get out to more people. So his critics need to shut their mouths.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, I laughed and cried at times. There are very few books that are as realistic as this one and that aren't afraid to be politically incorrect. This book inspired me to get more serious about preparation for my family and gave me the confidence to ignore the current nonsense in the media. Every American who is currently in favor of "welcoming refugees" should be required to read this book.

Any additional comments?

As mentioned at the beginning of the book, you can read this without reading the first in the trilogy but there is a major spoiler if you do. This book is focused on the invasion from Mexico and problems in the Southwest. It's like the "Empire Strikes Back" of the Star Wars trilogy, and thus probably the darkest of the three books. It is definitely worth reading, but then go on and read the third one!

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Excellent and Compelling Story in Every Way!

Revisado: 03-23-17

Would you consider the audio edition of Enemies Foreign and Domestic to be better than the print version?

It is better in that I can listen to it while gardening, doing chores, or going to bed. I don't have time right now to sit down and read a book, although I would love to re-read this in print this summer when I have more time. It is a little hard to keep track of all the characters in the audio. I would love to make a list of the characters while reading a print edition, to which future readers could refer.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Enemies Foreign and Domestic?

There are many memorable scenes, but the ones that stick out the most are the scene at the gun store toward the beginning with Ranya's father, the rescue in the middle with the machine gun back-up, and the scene at Malvone's house and on the Potomac.

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

I absolutely love this narrator! I read some reviews criticizing the narrator. Get over it! If you want more conservative and patriotic books on Amazon, you aren't going always going to get a Hollywood-type narrator. It's surprising at first, but I have listened to all three books of the trilogy now. After sixty hours of one of the best stories I have ever heard in my life, the narrator is like a friend, and I want to know even more about what happens to the characters. It's great to hear a southern accent, and it totally fits in with the theme.

Who was the most memorable character of Enemies Foreign and Domestic and why?

Brad is the most memorable. He exemplifies the reluctant patriotic Everyman. While he wants to escape the nonsense like so many of us, when it comes down to the wire he knows he has to do what is right for his family and country.

Any additional comments?

This is one of the best uses of a credit I have ever spent on Audible. Give it a try! I have heard of Bracken's books for years, but somehow it took me until now to get around to reading them. This trilogy clearly reflect the pre-Obama and Obama years, but everything set into motion then is still going on now. It's coming to a head in a different way than in the book, but this represents one possible future of America. It could still go down this way, depending on how things shake out.

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Explores Christianity in an Open-Minded Way

Revisado: 07-25-13

Would you listen to The Gnostic Mystery again? Why?

I might listen again. It had some interesting ideas I may want to revisit. I am a Christian, so before purchasing I was hoping it wasn't too anti-Christian. I would say that it is not anti-Christian overall. It certainly didn't shake my faith in any way. The author obviously has somewhat of an anti-Christian bias, as the most "enlightened" character is the professor who exposes possible historical inaccuracies in Bible stories.

The Christian character is portrayed as naive and uninformed, and this makes him unrealistic. He's a successful businessman, but he's never heard of eating hummus or the Church making its' official holidays coincide with the dates of already established Pagan holidays? I mean I have probably heard this pagan connection hundreds of times in my life. It's no big revelation, as the book portrays. You might be able to find a ten-year-old who hasn't heard of the pagan roots of some Christian practices, but certainly not an otherwise intelligent grown man. He wouldn't have his world shaken so much by some professor he just met telling him her perspective on things as if it were the gospel truth (pun intended). I think he would need to be bit more worldly and confident to be a successful business owner. Perhaps the main character could have had a young nephew accompanying him on the trip to fulfill the role of the Blank Slate in order to make some of the scenes more believable. News Flash: Hummus is regularly served at social and business events in America!

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

The side-plot of the Palestinian cousins was actually much more interesting than the main plot of Jack visiting his jaded friend.

If you could take any character from The Gnostic Mystery out to dinner, who would it be and why?

It would be the two cousins who find the scroll. They are the most realistic and interesting characters in the book, and I would want to know more about their background and experiences.

Any additional comments?

Worth a listen for anyone interested in the history of Christianity and/or spiritual growth

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Amazing Story for Anyone Who Loves Books

Revisado: 04-02-13

Would you listen to Insurgent again? Why?

Yes, I will listen to it again right before the third book comes out. It is an excellent tale, and I will need to refresh my memory.

What other book might you compare Insurgent to and why?

I have never read a book that so flawlessly interweaves observation of human nature with mystery and action. The only somewhat similar authors I can think of would be L. Frank Baum, C.S. Lewis, and Agatha Christie.

Any additional comments?

The fact that this author is only in her twenties is just stunning to me. She is a truly gifted writer, definitely touched by the Muses. My daughter and one of my students recommended this series to me. Readers of any age should not be turned away by the Young Adult label.

Of course you should start by reading the first book, Divergent. Once I borrowed that first book from the library, I couldn't wait to read the next one, so that is why I ended up purchasing the second book from Audible.

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If you don't mind crude language, you might enjoy

Revisado: 04-02-13

Would you try another book from Jonathan Safran Foer and/or the narrators?

No, this book is obviously overrated. Try to get it from the library if you must read it.

Has Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close turned you off from other books in this genre?

Not necessarily, but it would be nice to know how graphic the language is before purchasing

Do you think Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. Didn't like the first one.

Any additional comments?

I know that these days people enjoy potty humor and rude terms for pieces of female anatomy, but I find them offensive. If you are like me, don't bother purchasing this book.

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Great Story, Excellent Narration, Classic Poirot!

Revisado: 03-20-13

What did you love best about Mrs. McGinty's Dead?

Colorful characters, Quirky Poirot

What did you like best about this story?

It's got all the fun twists, intrigue, and dry humor you expect from Agatha Christie.

Which scene was your favorite?

Poirot's summation, of course!

Any additional comments?

It's hard for me to find an Agatha Christie novel I haven't already read. Even though I think I read this novel many years ago in print, the audio version was thoroughly enjoyable.

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Personal Life Coach At A Reasonable Price!

Revisado: 03-15-13

If you could sum up Unstuff Your Life in three words, what would they be?

Motivating, Practical, Energizing

What was one of the most memorable moments of Unstuff Your Life?

Each of the times when Andrew says something like "Go do this. Now. I'll wait."

What does Andrew J. Mellen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He has a way of making it seems like he is really talking to you through the book, so it is inspiring to try to complete the tasks laid out.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Unstuff Your Life?

I've already revamped several systems in my house. My pantry is organized with labels, and my mail is all in one place. This book is a good jump start to getting organized.

Any additional comments?

It's a little difficult to apply his time frame of thirty days, when you have young children like I do. I just had to adapt the time frame to my situation. He occasionally makes concessions for the concept of other people living in the house, but it is mostly geared toward single people. It is still possible to make this book apply to people with families, but if the author has children, I would be shocked! It's more of an attitude that the author gives off, but not an insurmountable barrier!

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Compelling Story, Excellent Narration

Revisado: 03-15-13

Would you listen to Desperate Passage again? Why?

Yes, it is one of the few audiobooks that I have already listened to several times. Once you reach the end, the information about the main characters at the beginning becomes more interesting. The imagery that is evoked by the narration is powerful.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tamsen Donner was my favorite character. She tried to keep the semblance of a normal life for her daughters, telling them stories and fixing their hair, amidst great tragedy.

Any additional comments?

Inspiring story about all aspects of human nature.

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Worth listening to, but nothing spectacular

Revisado: 03-31-11

This was a fairly interesting book, with some good insights. It seems like the real-life examples could have been better. The author at the beginning states that the examples are "composites" and not actual persons. This takes away from the authenticity and seems like an unnecessary precaution.

The author is so biased against Christianity and the West that it is almost laughable. For example, she laments the fact that a certain socipath may not have killed frogs if he were raised as a Buddhist. However, she blames the Romanian orphan crisis on an abortion prohibition. So apparently she can see the conscience issues in killing frogs, but not unborn children. She brings up modern pop-culture Eastern philosophers such as Thich Nhat Hanh, when discussing conscience, but completely ignores Western giants on conscience such as St. Augustine and Sophocles. Her writing would be more authentic if this bias were at least acknowledged. If the reader goes into this book realizing that they are only getting about half the story on conscience at best, then something could be gained.

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