C. Mitchell

Hang in There! (small spoiler)

Revisado: 03-09-22

I listened to this book only because of Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See. I almost gave up in the first hour or so because of the story line jumping around in time, but I am SO glad I hung in there. The individual stories were great and very well written. The narrator expressed the characters so well, both male and female. *spoiler* I was mesmerized by the way the story lines eventually come together and how the characters' stories end up. I loved it! Even though I've moved on to another book, this one "haunts" me. I'll be buying the hard copy to keep on my book shelf.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

read it, don't listen

Revisado: 08-07-18

I think I would've enjoyed this book much better if I had read it. The chapters that refer to references where the quotes came from are distracting and aggravating! It's organized in an unusual way and frankly bugged the heck out of me! It might be better as a play. I get the gist of it, but it was a little too "artsy" for me.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

*sigh*

Revisado: 05-12-18

I just recently finished listening to this book by VP Joe Biden. It was very good! Occasionally I could hear the emotion in his voice and was touched that he was sharing it with the listener. I enjoyed hearing how close his family is and learning about their traditions. That they went through Beau's treatment and passing as a family with Beau leading the way of how to do it was inspriring. Joe Biden is a relate-able man and doesn't have "high-falutin'" ideas you might expect of someone in his position. I think I would feel right at home talking to him in my family about anything. There were some parts that caused my mind to wander when he was telling about his negotiations with other nations' leaders, but it only showed how stinkin' smart he is! I would recommend this to anyone!

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Joe Morton brings this book to life.

Revisado: 03-27-17

While I still have 9 hours to go in this listen, I realize I could not sit down and read it from a book. Joe Morton makes it come to life and I am enjoying it more than I thought I would. I don't think this is a book that should be read in high school where it is most often required. It is more a college or adult read. High schoolers would not get the layers of emotion and happenings in the 30's where this story is set - unless a great teacher has set it up for them - and it is looonnng. It's difficult to listen to sometimes listening to the attitudes of southern whites and some African Americans, and the injustice and hardships the antagonist encounters. It is a great history lesson to remind us all of the injustices our fellow Americans endured and could be a great jumping off point to help us discuss and understand a rich, surviving culture in our country.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Mesmerizing!

Revisado: 01-30-15

I've not yet finished listening to this book, but have had many "driveway moments" with it! I've not read the original play by Shakespeare, but have seen movies, most memorably the Kenneth Brannagh version. I don't remember being this entranced with the story. Richard Armitage's narration is point-on and enhances the story. The story itself as written by Hartley and Hewson has caused me to gasp, laugh and grumble. Was Yorich this prominent in the original version? He keeps the story in perspective and helps with continuity and understanding. Poor Ophelia. I don't know how it ends, but I'm rooting for her. Voldamon (sp?) Was he the inspiration for Voldermort in Harry Potter? He's evil enough. I just want to smack Claudius up side the head! I remember reading Gertrude and Claudius by John Updike years ago and was piqued with interest. This narration is bringing it all together. I just love it. No more words......

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

What a remarkable life!

Revisado: 09-08-14

Lynn Sherr has done a great job in relating the story of Sally Ride's life. I learned that Sally was intelligent, driven, level-headed, and, among other things, a teacher, an activist, a tennis player, a scientist, an astronaut, an entrepreneur, a friend and a partner. It was interesting to hear about her path to NASA and how she happened to become the first American woman in space. After NASA, she found her mission in life was to excite and encourage girls to pursue interests and careers in science and math, and she made great strides in that direction.

Some of the events related by Ms. Sherr were sometimes tedious and long. But they do show the frustrations and challenges Sally faced as a woman in jobs and studies that have long been dominated by men. It was also enlightening to learn about her private life and the events leading up to her death. It's sad that society, being what it was in the 80's and 90's, caused Sally's to live her life in a closet until her death. Hopefully today, and maybe ideally and naively, no one has to suffer such sacrifice to chase their dreams.

Maybe I imagined it, but Pam Ward's voice sounds very much like what I remember of Lynn Sherr's voice on TV. Her inflection and tones are very good in relating the sentiments of the words she is reading. I highly recommend this book!

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Still Crackin' 'Em Up

Revisado: 08-02-14

I'm almost through with this book and have enjoyed every bit of it. I find myself smiling as I drive to work or home. Crystal is the consummate comedian and entertainer. His love of the Yankees is complete as well as the love of his family and making people laugh. He has a lot of famous friends and has had opportunities that most of us regular joes will never have, but he tells those stories well. I've seen most of his movies and all of his shows on HBO and it's great to hear the back stories. He'll be the grand old man of comedy at some point - if not now! This book is only 8 hours and is a great break from some of the heavier and longer books I've listened to recently. I promise you'll enjoy it.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

"What the.....?!"

Revisado: 07-08-14

I love, love, love Neil Gaiman's books and am reading/listening my way through them. I listened to this one and at some times had to stop and backup to understand what was going on. But it all came together in the end. The narration, acting, etc. was great with the exception of Shadow's voice - I thought it was a little too flat. It's a unique story, as all of Gaiman's books are, and I can't wait to read more.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Interesting, but a tough listen in the car

Revisado: 04-10-14

This is an interesting book, though scattered in its presentation. It ranged from being very detailed and scientific to casual and flip. (Isn't it the female XX chromosome and not the XX gene?) I listen to books in my car to and from work and this book didn't hold my attention very well. I would find my mind wandering and then would have to rewind to catch up. The attempts at humor were short and seemed out of place. I don't know if the author was trying to emulate Mary Roach's books, but it just doesn't fly. I'm sure the narrator is good at what she does, but this being a non-fiction book, I didn't see the need for her to change her voice/accent when quoting researchers. It took away from the experience. I can't say I will recommend it.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 5 personas

No longer confidential!

Revisado: 03-17-13

I had watched Bourdain on TV and loved his outlook on food and his irreverence of all things traditional. So, it was wonderful to hear his voice read his book and learn of his ascent in the restaurant world. On top of learning his story, Bourdain tells the behind-the- scenes story of a chef from the early mornings to the late nights, how unglamorous it can be and how much hard work it is. But, if you're passionate enough about it, you love every minute of it. And Bourdain does. A good listen.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña