Yolanda

Disappointing

Revisado: 04-24-17

For a novel based on a true story of a pioneering woman pilot it does not touch enough on the experience of flying except for naming planes and pilots living at that time. It spends more time describing the mother/daughter relationship as well romantic ones but that could have been depicted in any other novel. The cover illustration adds to the misleading direction of the novel.

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Like Mixing Oil and Water

Revisado: 12-11-15

This story attempts to combine the viewpoint of three charming, chipper English village children living with an alcoholic, whoring mother, a depressed divorcee, along with the description of their dire circumstance. We are not amused. It is not possible to believe that children would accept their mother's behavior so matter of factly as described in this story, much less go about trying to remedy the situation with the humor and lightness they exhibit. Comedy and tragedy can co-exist in literature perhaps, but not in this case.

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Elusive

Revisado: 12-06-15

A curiously elusive portrayal of a man who seemingly feels deeply about his life and the people in it, according to the words spoken. Does he, or does he not? The narrator's audio voice does not help with its overall flatness -- or is it the fault of the material the reader was given? There is also the the odd juxtaposition of he protagonist's professed love of past traditional art greats with the avant-garde art he promotes during his day job. An opportunity to inject some satire was missed here; if it was meant to be subtle, O.K., but his reaction could have been explored more clearly. All in all: disappointing.

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Illuminating (no pun intended)

Revisado: 01-02-15

The writing and performance splendidly brings to life the people and times that surrounded the creation of Gutenberg's printing press innovations. The descriptions of the physical and artistic effort involved in the first mass printing of the bible were particularly interesting for me. Not so much details of the intricacies of the political/religious turmoil of the times, although of course those conditions influenced nearly all of the behaviors of the central characters, outside of their personalities, while also providing suspense that drives the "plot" for this book. A thank you goes to the author for providing an Afterword in which the known true facts of his story are furnished.

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Incredible Letdown

Revisado: 08-06-14

The truth about "The Truth . . ." is that the reading of it was an extreme disappointment, especially right after listening to the beautifully written A Spy Among Friends. The Truth, etc., sounds as though it was written by a high schooler for a middle schooler's reading level (apologies to all literate high schoolers and middle schoolers out there). It turned an interesting plot and OK characters into an excruciatingly long display of dreck.

Cravens' narration was as competent as could have been expected, given the material he had to work with. Unfortunately, his youthful voice only added to the juvenile quality of the book. His voice could be used to better advantage narrating well written young adult novels.

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Top Rate True Spy Telling

Revisado: 08-04-14

Thoroughly researched bringing in a multitude of viewpoints about the Kim Philby affair. Beautifully written with much delightful English wit and humor tossed in the telling, or quoted from the participants in this incredible (true) yarn.

One confusing annoyance, created by Audible.com describing the contents of the audiobook: they list the narrator as John LeCarre. It is narrated (elegantly) by John Lee. LeCarre provides a postscript but to my ears it sounds like John Lee reading it.

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Emotional Depth

Revisado: 04-08-13

Yes, it is too wordy for the number of events covered in the life of Anne Morrow Lindberg depicted here but, as was said in the author's notes about her intent, Benjamin's main goal was to shed light on what the emotions of Anne may have been as she reacted to a remarkable life married to a hero. Some themes are repeated over and over (with different, well written words to be sure).
As one who grew up during the early hero worship phase of their lives, I was familiar with the outlines of their story. However, I did not fully appreciate what their lives must have been really like. What Benjamin does is to pull off a masterful job of providing the reader/listener a thorough appreciation of what Anne must have felt felt as she went through the years as the wife of the flawed aviator-hero.
Spoiler Alert: I heard only passing references to Lindberg's "other families" now and then. They only are touched upon slightly in this book. Sequel, please. Another book would be interesting, illuminating the lives of the other families he had, with chapters about the children of Anne and Charles with their reaction to learning about their extended family.

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Enjoyable Romp Though the Hollywood of Yesteryear

Revisado: 01-08-13

If you could sum up Beautiful Ruins in three words, what would they be?

Romantic, fanciful and fun

What did you like best about this story?

Well drawn characters, many unique.

Which scene was your favorite?

The reaction of the assistant producer as she listened to wanna-be story lines pitched.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The almost lost connection between the would be actress, aging and dying, and her profligate son.

Any additional comments?

The story loses credibility with the introduction of real life characters such as Richard Burton. It could have been just as strong a tale without him.

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Quirky Protgonist & Plot

Revisado: 12-05-12

If you could sum up The Language of Flowers in three words, what would they be?

Behaving badly understandable.
Fairy tale ending not quite believable.

What other book might you compare The Language of Flowers to and why?

None that I have "read."

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

No.

If you could take any character from The Language of Flowers out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The person who planned to adopt the protagonist, I believe her name was Elizabeth.

Any additional comments?

Well written and great reader.

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