Kristina S

Completely Different Adventure

Revisado: 07-30-24

Will they make this book into a movie? Very unique and captivating all the way through.

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Clarifying the Start of the Civil War

Revisado: 07-22-24

Not a big Civil War history buff, I am a fan of Erik Larson and his amazing true history books. This one gave me insight into the minds, motives and personalities of people of the time, especially those of the Confederate leaders who called for secession and wanted to keep their slaves. We are often told that the Civil War was not about slavery, perhaps to deflect the reasoning and blame, but indeed, according to this book, it was.

Sadly, the war was just one step in the long journey of protecting all humans and their rights, because we know that racism against African-Americans is still present. The book makes me appreciate the heroes who understood that all humans are equal.

I also was able to draw some parallels between our present sense and sensibilities (or lack thereof by many) with regard to the upcoming election, and how a nation is so unfoundedly divided when seeing the logic of good conquering evil. As the book points out, the secessionists were very prideful and staunch on chivalry, yet they treated human beings like a subclass while all the while raping, using and abusing them for their own benefit.

Thank you, Mr. Larson, for educating me once again. And Will Patton is the perfect narrator for this lengthy chronicle.

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Devastated it's over!

Revisado: 07-11-24

When the music played indicating the end of this book, I was saddened. What a great story, with so much research! I highly recommend this book, having chosen it upon recommendation after reading all the books in the Ripley series by Patricia Highsmith. What an amazing true tale.

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Lengthy Autobiographical Montana Tales

Revisado: 06-29-24

This book was free with my Audible subscription, and I loved THE WHISTLING SEASON (still my favorite) by Ivan Doig, so I gave it a listen.

It's interesting and factual, and incredible in parts with the struggles the three main characters in the book go through.

I love the common threads in Doig's books (this is my third) and now see where he gets some ideas for his novels.

It's a long listen. Sometimes I wonder if listening to the book is less impactful than reading it in the hand, because a narrator can unintentionally change the meaning and impressions we get from the words.

Having lived in the country for at least a third of my life, the trials farming and ranching present - as in the book - remind me of how difficult it can be for those trying to make a living off of the land. Doig nails this.

It's somewhat "specialized," but Doig tells in his introduction (at the end of the audiobook in this case) how this book is used in classrooms and referenced for family discussion.

It's quite an accomplishment and teaches me who one of my new favorite authors is and how he came to be that way.

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Slow and Steady, But Fulfilling in the End

Revisado: 06-07-24

I'm reading (not listening to) another and my first book by Ivan Doig - THE WHISTLING SEASON - which was a gift given as my going-away present before I moved to Japan. I'm enjoying that book very much, but read only a few pages at a time. (It's in my bathroom.) I listen to books more now, because I fall asleep when reading, and I also get distracted by my phone.

Because it's so good, I downloaded THE BARTENDER'S TALE. I didn't care for the narrator's voice, though he does a great job on different characters. His voice sounds a bit "unsophisticated" to me, so the first person point of view in the book - told by Russell, who is 12 years old for most of it - sounds childish and hollow somehow. When the narrator does the father's voice, he gets a rich, lower, consistent voice that fits better.

I just think the characters are more profound - especially the father - and they deserve a voice that reflects that. It's petty, I know, but I think I would have enjoyed reading this book more than listening to it because of the boy's voice as interpreted by the narrator. There is also a young female child in the story, and her presence makes the story sound even less sophisticated, immature somehow. I believe she detracts from the tale. and the lives of the father and son, but again it might be better to read than listen to another human's interpretation.

The story is slow going for most of the book, but I stuck it out, and it was worth it. There were some surprises that woke me up. The ending was also very good, and surprising, too. All in all, it was a good listen, but for other Ivan Doig books, I think I'll do the reading myself and let my head imagine the voices based on the author's presentation.

Finally, the book is historically-based, with facts about some New Deal construction projects that failed. I checked to make sure the places mentioned in the book are real, and they are. l do appreciate historical fiction! Thank you, Mr Dog, for feeding my brain with your fine works. I'm happy I was allowed to discover you. Your books will be shared withmy sisters, and this Bartenders Tale applies to three of the four of us who have worked the same job as Tom (Pop).

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The facts behind the film

Revisado: 04-19-24

This book will take at least two listens to get all the information, places, and people straight. There's so much to digest, but the book tells the truths behind the looting of art during WWII, and those who fought to save it. Thank goodness for them, and for this book, which brings so much to light, albeit too many years later.

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An unexpectedly great listen!

Revisado: 03-21-24

This is a great book for any hiker, adventurer, or earth lover. Mother Nature has great lessons to teach us and this book is all about that. Loved it! Thanks, Audible!

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Romantic & Funny Christmas Story

Revisado: 12-21-23

I enjoyed listening to this in the days leading up to Christmas. It helps put one in the mood, and entertains as well. Well done!

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Very helpful!

Revisado: 06-13-23

I've employed many of the suggestions made in the book with regard to my first. It's a great help to amateur authors!

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I need a routineologist!

Revisado: 06-13-23

Started this book, then came back to it. it's helpful, but unbelievable. Adds to a collection of self-help books and is unique in its approach. Routine (and negativity) can be incredibly depressing... this book gives a whole slew of pointers.

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