OYENTE

L. B. Kacir

  • 27
  • opiniones
  • 54
  • votos útiles
  • 41
  • calificaciones

A great story makes up for an unbelievable princess/ pauper coincidence.

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
4 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 08-20-24

The narrator/ protagonist Gracie is having a remarkably bad day/ week/ month/ year, when she is fired by the boss who has been harassing her since they ended up in the same department. She is fired for taking a sick day (in order to meet with an employment lawyer) and being pictured in a newspaper and misidentified as a famous Chinese movie star.

Said movie star sees the pic and hires her as a double, so that the star can get rest rather than appearing in publicity events. Gracie, Fong-Wei, and Sam, Fong Wei's closest friend, are all full characters clearly drawn by the author, Lily Chu.

The voice actors, after an initial wooden minute or two, quickly establish voices for characters that are instantly recognizable, distinct, and consistent.

Despite displaying too much distrust of her love interest, (one episode of misreading Sam's motives, another of doubting his story of family dysfunction, and finally "overhearing " a conversation that she thinks is about her.) there is a happy ending for everyone! Mental health is an important part of the story, and this pediatrician was impressed by the good recommendations made for the various characters' wellness.

I was also pleased with the non-prominent emphasis on physical intimacy. I hate to hear myself sound like the old lady I am becoming, but I appreciate the stories where couples kiss passionately outside the bedroom door, stumble inside, and the chapter ends. Next chapter starts "the following day at breakfast..."

[I am appalled with every one of my 61 years at the graphic descriptions of sex in so many contemporary romances. Few writers can find a balance between an anatomical textbook and the classic "heaving bosom" and "throbbing manhood " of yesteryear. Given my druthers, I'll take the latter, thank you.]

Lucy Chu writes a good story and it is performed well in this audible original. I'm about to listen to another!

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Intricate fantasy woven into 1900s NYC

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 02-22-23

Another reviewer stated that it wasn't as good as the first one. I'm not sure whether or not I agree with that. True, I could hardly stop listening to The Golem and the Genie, whereas there were times I had to take a day or two off from this one. I think, however, that my pauses were due to the intensity with which I reacted to some portions. Thus, for me, it was a sign of the power of Helene Wecker's storytelling and multidimensional character building. Her illustrations of the complex nature of human (and other beings') interactions and relationships are insightful and poignant. The struggles of "the other" to find their place, whether because of their supernatural origin or culture or intrinsic nature, is a universal theme. Ms. Wecker depicts those struggles without preaching in favor of one solution or another, and yet gently puts forward the principle of pursuing one's strengths and desires without sacrificing those of other individuals in one's sphere of influence.

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A winner of a series

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 07-12-21

I got the first book of this series because I enjoy the sound of the narrator's voice. (Davina Porter) I think of her accent as British, but it works well as New England. I did not have high hopes about the stories, I mean, a 92 yo protagonist? (Of course, I am now approaching 60 and I squirm to remember thinking that 60 was pretty old...)

I have been pleasantly gratified to enjoy interesting plots, well-rounded, three dimensional characters, and mystery that keeps me listening. And so far, all the books have been included in my membership!

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OK plot, meh mystery, lousy character development

Total
3 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
3 out of 5 stars
Historia
2 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 03-04-21

I was ambivalent about getting this one. I listened to the sample several times, feeling that the interplay between the older and junior Watson was somewhat stilted. I did like the timbre of the narrator's voice, so I eventually downloaded it.

It didn't drag and wasn't painful to listen all the way through, but much of the dialogue was hackneyed and inane. The narrator occasionally misvoiced one character in a scene and the female characters, including the titular one were one- dimensional.

I will not be downloading any more of the series.

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Another Scalzi Winner

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 09-04-20

Fascinating premise, great story, likable characters, and good plot. What more can we ask for?

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5 stars though I disagree!

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 03-13-20

Ms. Zayid 's audible production is the best performance I've never heard of. I was completely unaware of her comedy and would not have sought it out. I am Jewish and unabashedly support Israel's existence and the history of its founding, although the current behavior of its government is indefensible. Ms. Zayid is a champion of Palestinian refugees and dismissive of the way in which Israel was founded as being unfair to their parents and grandparents. I did not, however, retreat into my bubble of resentment against the surrounding nations and stop listening. I wanted to hear her story and opinions more than I wanted to argue.

She is a genius. She illustrates the value of Muslims, people of color, women and those with disabilities, without calling attention to her own case. She does not ever elicit pity for herself. Ms. Zayid narrates her own story as she narrates those of the other characters she describes -- with empathy and comedy. She consistently credits where credit is due and calls out ill behavior with accuracy, without vitriol, and usually with a suggestion of improvement. And she remains amusing!

I did not laugh out loud, but I smiled throughout. I can't even complain (much) about her limited use of expletives. My favorite part was her description of her TV sitcom! I hope that I will someday be able to see it.


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Well written and entertaining!

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 03-03-20

Just the right blend of history, politics, and personal experience. A conversational voice with a good story -- well worth the time!

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interesting plot, execrable dialogue and narration

Total
2 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
2 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 07-29-19

This author has a penchant for stating the obvious and apparently never met a cliche he didn't like. His female characters are one dimensional and relationships between characters struggle to have any dimension at all.

Don't waste a credit on this one.

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I guessed whodunit

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 09-24-18

Even though I thought I knew the murderer, each plot twist convinced me I was wrong until the next one!

Louise Penny creates gorgeous scenes with gorgeous language. She draws her characters to be individuals clearly distinct from one another. The reader cares about each of them as a 3 dimensional being and roots for them to move toward the best possible outcome.

Even her least likable characters inspire me to wish them to see their errors and work out a better plan of action. I am disappointed each time they do not.

Her prose brings beauty to frigid landscapes and culture to tiny rural towns. Her poetry and the poems she quotes lift her murder mysteries toward lyric heights.

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Disjointed and less believable

Total
3 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
4 out of 5 stars
Historia
4 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 09-01-18

My first reaction to this narrative was to wonder if Patricia Cornwell had really written it. The last one had been mostly in the first person and wrapped up in personal analysis and emotional exploration. Blow Fly was all third person and in very short chapters. The shifts in point of view were abrupt and jarring.

The narration was good and the story was gripping, but I was left wondering about a few of the new characters. This novel wrapped up a lot of the loose ends from some of the previous story arcs. In the process, however, a lot of established personalities warped out of recognition.

I hope the next one is less jarring.

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