Carolyn Koerschen

Engaging But Not Deep

Revisado: 04-25-23

I almost gave up on the book after listening to the vapid dialogue in the prelude. I’m glad I didn't because the as the story unfolded the characters, at least from the millennial generation, became more likable. The book was enjoyable but doesn't have any aha moments. It is evocative of BH and the long time residents who send their children to Saint Ann’s and play squash & tennis at Heights Casino. Dialogue is well written and the pace was just right. The theme seems to be, “Ok Boomer,” because the parents are clueless and shallow. They managed to raise kids who, though not perfect, are more self aware. It’s escapist reading but, except for the prelude, never silly.

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Reader Spoiled This Average Book

Revisado: 09-01-21

I selected this title because I am familiar with the setting and appreciate many aspects of rural New England culture. The author failed to convey the charm of the countryside and it’s inhabitants.

The victim was clearly a strong, talented woman but the portrayal of her is sparse. This is partially understandable because her family declined to speak with the authors but a better writer could have better used the recollections of friends and community members to connect the reader with Pen.

The reader’s flat intonation was grating and her voices were so bad they were laughable.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Shallow and Predictable

Revisado: 07-07-19

The dialogue was terrible, characters thinly drawn and plot was trite. If you want a mindless beach book you could probably do worse

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esto le resultó útil a 5 personas

Topic Has Potential But....

Revisado: 10-07-18

The writing is flat and fails completely to create an engaging character. I felt as though someone was reading a 5th grade biography report.

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Engaging Story About Horrible People

Revisado: 08-24-16

As a teenager, living in the middle of the country, I followed the story of Patty Hearst with curiosity and sympathy for Patty. As an adult, who has now lived half my life in the Bay Area, I frequently encounter people and legacies from the unsettling 60's and 70's. I selected this book because I thought it would deepen my understanding of the events and the time which have long held my interest. While I know much more about the chronology and details of the SLA I can't say I have a better understanding of what brought the radicals together. Toobin does not psych-analyze the characters and sometimes I wish he would have because, even though I am familiar with the time and setting, I find myself thinking, "WTF were these people thinking?". Ultimately I had no empathy for the unlikable and bumbling members of the SLA . There is of bay area trivia in this nicely paced story and it was worth my time even though Toobin does not uncover any themes which added to my understanding of the events that fascinated me so long ago.

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esto le resultó útil a 10 personas

Lyrical Memoir

Revisado: 12-05-15

Carly Simon's narrative is as achingly beautiful as her lyrics. Literary allusions and vivid descriptions read in her soothing voice enhance the intimacy between the author and the listener. I don't usually read celebrity bios but, like so many women of my generation, I venerate Carly for her talent and style. and couldn't resist a peek into a life that has included James Taylor, Mick Jagger, Jac Holzmann and many authors, artists and influencers. It was certainly worth the time invested but I was a bit disappointed that the core of this story is her love for and relationship with James Taylor. I was hoping the story would be more like Candace Bergen's, who grappled with aging, fleeting stardom and motherhood, as well as deep love, loss and recovery. Simon's was, to me, more painful and sometimes I found myself worrying about her fragility. By the end of the book I realized her soulfulness is exactly what makes her the writer, the artist and the human who has remained at the top of her craft for over 40 years. The book confirms, probably intentionally portrays, her brilliance and passion. Her story broke my heart just a bit and if you have loved and lost it will break yours too.

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Beautiful, Authentic Story

Revisado: 06-11-15

I usually don't read celebrity bios or autobiographies. Who cares? And I never saw Murphy Brown. But when I was a teenager I wanted to be Candace Bergen and Louis Malle is my favorite film maker so I selected this book. So glad I did! Bergen is humble and hilarious. She writes candidly about her fears, failures and friendships and is full of grace for others and toward herself. Her delivery is perfect- how could it not be? Life is tough, surprising and beautiful and this story captures the layers of complexities that make us who we are.

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