Allen B. Galiza

Kindred spirits

Revisado: 01-11-22

As a guy and fairly adventurous photographer that has traveled through many of the US national parks, I thoroughly enjoyed the relatability of this audiobook and appreciated hearing the wife's perspective. Everything from the couple's travel planning quibbles ("We should have made reservations"), to the light chasing, and to listening to Toby's regular self-reassurance, and then hearing Toby and Mike bond back together. It's a constant ebb and flow of adventures and how they progress through travel, personal, relationship and self-challenges. I'm sure traveling couples can all relate to this book. The only reason I give the story a 4 star is because I'd prefer to be on those adventures myself.

From the performance side, Sara's narration is wonderfully paced with her usual warm tones. Having lived in Hawaii most of my life, it's nice to hear the proper pronunciation of Hawaiian words. There were some slow portions in the book that maybe could have varied in speed, but, overall a solid narration like all the other Toby Neal audiobooks.

Highly recommended, and especially if you're an avid national parks traveler.

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Incredible Profound Testimony

Revisado: 08-15-19

There are testimonies, and then there are TESTIMONIES. Mr. Qureshi’s pursuit of truth, faith and love should serve as an inspiration to us all. Read it. Listen to Mr. Qureshi tell you his difficult story and you will undoubtedly be moved.

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Zero to Hero

Revisado: 08-13-19

This book, for the first few chapters, was a difficult listen because of the abuse and neglect levied on the children by parents too consumed by surfing and marijuana. I almost stopped midway because I was upset at the parents’ selfishness. But by then, I had taken a deep interest and concern in Toby’s growth and development in her abusive home and growing up in Kauai. I admire her strength and grit. I’m not a haole, but I remember some of the cruelty of the locals to haole children.

I recommend this book, especially having grown up mostly in Hawaii, because it helps me to see and sympathize with the unique challenges of growing up in Hawaii with fair skin. I recommend this book because of Toby’s triumphs in spite of the immense odds she faced. Lastly, I recommend this book because the reader tells the story from a connected, personal level with empathy running deep. And that was another huge reason I kept listening when I wanted to stop halfway through. She told Toby’s story, not just read the book.

Congrats to both author and reader on a job well done.

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A great start to a great series

Revisado: 02-05-16

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely, a must listen as it's the first in the series of good audiobooks. Character development most important.

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

yes, thanks to the writing and solid performance

What does Sara Malia Hatfield bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

what doesn't she...really, details, details, details. She adds so much color to everything, especially her local sound, really bring Hawaii to life for me. So glad a local was cast to read this Hawaii series!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The author gives it at the start...."Dying isn't pretty, even in Paradise..." can't get more perfect than that.

Any additional comments?

I used to only listen to podcasts, but this series and Sara Malia Hatfield's work has gotten hooked on audiobooks...although I have listened to some other narrators, and well, chose to read instead. The narrator has to be good for me to listen...and this narrator is great. This book is good, but it get even better...so far Dark Lava is my favorite, but you have to listen to the series in order to fully appreciate the work.

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Dark indeed, but so GOOD

Revisado: 02-05-16

Would you consider the audio edition of Dark Lava to be better than the print version?

Easily, i miss so many details as i read so fast...I started reading the series, but now I'm listening to it because it's honestly performed better than my imagination, ha!

What other book might you compare Dark Lava to and why?

tough, clearly they have similarities to the other books in the series, but this one really stands on it's own...so much happens in this book, i finished it in 3 days as I couldn't stop listening!

What does Sara Malia Hatfield bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

she truly speaks life into the characters, seriously, they seem so real, the relationships even...i see them, hear them, and dare i say feel their emotions, and I'm a dude, ha! And I admit the intimate scenes make me a bit uncomfortable as a guy, but that should be taken as a compliment to both author and narrator, as those scenes are well done, and thankfully not written too girly...steamy yes, but tasteful. Seriously, Sara is an exceptional narrator, love her work and I look forward to listening to more of her work...Fire Beach next. Would be curious to hear what she does with other genres and authors.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, this one's great...one of my favorites so far. Both author and narrator nailed it.

Any additional comments?

Some of the scenes in here are REALLY well written and performed...the audio samples do not do these audiobooks justice. Trust me, especially if you're from Hawaii or love Hawaii...these are the real deal and so is the local narrator. Thanks Audible, Hana Hou!!

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My wife liked this one...so this is her review

Revisado: 02-05-16

Would you listen to Somewhere on Maui again? Why?

Maybe, if i didn't have a new book to listen to...I found it easy listening and great for commuting.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Somewhere on Maui?

The scenes with Adam and his mother were nice and well performed.

Which character – as performed by Sara Malia Hatfield – was your favorite?

The brazilian guy was funny, but I really liked the lead Adam...all around good guy, I'd most definitely say yes to a date with him, after my husband of course, ha!

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

not extreme, more soft smiles or a bit teary...again an easy listen, in many ways a very chill book which i found to be nice.

Any additional comments?

Definitely more of a chick flick type listen, but enjoyable and well performed. Relieved to hear a local narrator performing this, thank you Audible!

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Engaging Story and Fantastic Performance

Revisado: 02-05-16

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

A book about suicide, crime, and humanity...well written, well read, and thought provoking.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lei...always a favorite, well written and performed. Lei's fighter spirit, vulnerability, and various layers make her a great read/listen. New character I liked Clyde Woo, well written and performed.

Which character – as performed by Sara Malia Hatfield – was your favorite?

Clyde Woo was exceptionally performed by the narrator...Sara's attention to detail is great and her local sound is spot on. There's also an old guy on the phone with Lei who mentions Clyde Woo, too funny, i had to rewind to listen again, haha.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, had to lengthen my commute to listen longer, ha! The story coupled with the narrator's performance make it go by too quickly.

Any additional comments?

I hope the narrator keeps narrating, love her work. As long as she does I'm gonna keep listening as she doesn't just read, she performs, and performs very well. It's hard to find a great narrator, most sound like they're just reading or are unfortunately annoying to listen to...and non-Hawaii locals slaughter books set in Hawaii, ugh...but Sara is clearly a local girl and fantastic across the board, easy to listen to with vivid storytelling. I've listened through to Dark Lava and look forward to listening to Fire Beach next. Keep'um coming pls!

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A great listen as usual, Mahalo!

Revisado: 11-05-15

Performance excellent and true to characters...so good it goes by too fast! Glad it's done by a local narrator!! Love her voice and style of storytelling. Looking forward to Dark Lava!

Story both interesting in regards to Hawaii's native birds and feels true to Hawaii's local culture. More relationship stuff in this one though so reading or listening to previous books is kinda necessary for more enjoyment. Keep them coming!!

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Could not stop the listening!

Revisado: 11-26-14

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Book was fast paced, characters intriguing, and audio book narrator is local so I was not detracted from the story when pidgin language and Hawaiian words are spoken in the book.

What other book might you compare Black Jasmine to and why?

Any fast paced, crime book that you can't put down, this book is right up there.

Have you listened to any of Sara Malia Hatfield’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. Sara has a warm voice with a bit of sexiness throughout the books I've heard in her other books. Her narration makes the book a pleasing listen.

If you could take any character from Black Jasmine out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Lei. She's a tough cookie, but still very feminine. I find that very attractive.

Any additional comments?

In addition to the action in the book, I enjoyed the relationship tension between the two main characters, and how the narrator seemed to convey that relationship.

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