twl

Poor narrator choice.

Revisado: 07-21-24

I loved Old Country. It was one of my most fun reads of 2023. The actual story here is fine, but still nowhere as good.

A big issue here is the narrator. It's not only that's he's really bad at the accents--though he is--but that many of the characters are very young, and he sounds, well, old. He'd be perfectly suited reading a historical book about World War II for example, but not one about teenagers.

There were parts of the story that seemed to drag. I feel like a good third probably could have been cut out. The ending was fairly exciting and fun though.

Overall though, I did pretty much enjoy the book. Perhaps this is a sophomore slump and the next one will be better.

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A cute little book.

Revisado: 04-26-23

I’m not in the demographic for this book, but I had to snatch it up because I was hungry for some 90s nostalgia.

The story takes place over four different time periods. 1997, 1998, 1999, and the present day. We follow our protagonist Quinn and her adventures at a summer camp from 1997-99, and explore her current life as a renowned true crime writer. Something happened in 1999 to shut down the camp. Now someone wants to reopen it, and Quinn has been invited back.

I will say that this is one of those rare instances where the book could have actually been longer. We have a lot of set up, and then boom, it’s over. Structurally, it probably would’ve worked better had the author just made it about one summer at the camp instead of three.

There is a twist at the end, which was pretty cool, but it also came out of nowhere. If the author had just gone back and planted a few more seeds, it would’ve been *chef’s kiss.*

The narrator is good, and has a soft, cutesy voice which was entirely appropriate for the role. Anyway, definitely worth checking out for an easy listen and a trip back to the late 90s. I’ll also check out more of J.L. Hyde’s works.

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very interesting

Revisado: 03-14-23

fascinating and quick study of the influence of and personalities in cabinets across US history. this course would be rated my much higher but for the hurt feelings of conservatives, as the professor describes the humanitarian atrocities committed by the Trump administration.

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Authors, stop narrating your own work!

Revisado: 11-30-22

There’s a reason why you write, and voice actors read. Just because you can write, doesn’t also mean you’re a good narrator.

To begin with, Durham is clearly a very good writer. I’ll probably pick up a physical copy of this because I am intrigued by the story. But the performance. I just cannot. The author’s monotone delivery actually makes it difficult to keep track of the different characters. Again, this is why you hire a professional.

The idea of the animals in Winterset Hollow being real is very interesting, but I had to DNF it because of the very poor narration.

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It's good, but...

Revisado: 10-31-22

The Sun Down Motel starts off good. Young Carly decides to take some time off from school to investigate the disappearance of her aunt thirty-five years ago. Her mother has just died, and never wanted to talk about the incident. So here's her chance.

The book has dual storylines: Carly in 2017, and the days following up to her aunt Viv's disappearance in 1982. These two are essentially the exact same character, and spend the first 80 percent of the book investigating a series of murders and contending with the ghosts in the motel.

So far, so good. No spoilers, but the book just kind of falls apart in the finale. Still, it was a highly entertaining listen and performed great by the two narrators.

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it's fine

Revisado: 03-11-22

3 stars in reality.

(Rated five stars since five stars here means worth a read and anything below that indicates strong disapproval.)

I was surprised to see this book rated as highly as it was. Well, it was free, anyway.

The Grand Hotel starts off with an interesting premise. There are guests at a mysterious hotel. The manager gives them a tour, and each guest they visit has a story to tell the group.

Some of the stories are pretty good. Others are stinkers. Some I just skipped. Mostly though, it was like the author came up with an interesting idea, didn't know how to finish it, so just ended it abruptly.

The ending was pretty good though. You'll probably see what's going on, but the same ending also seems to contradict parts of the story as well.

Worth a listen I suppose.

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An arresting story

Revisado: 03-11-22

3 stars in reality.

(Rated five stars since five stars here means worth a read and anything below that indicates strong disapproval.)

Under Color of Law is the story of Detective Trevor Finnegan, a young Black cop in the LAPD.

When a police academy cadet is murdered, Detective Finnegan is assigned the case. As he investigates, he discoverers that murder may have to do with the deep corruption of the racist police department itself.

It's an interesting read. Though protagonist is an outright jerk. Part of that is understandable given his situation, but it's not backed up by any humor or charm.

The end of the book skews right into action movie silliness, but overall, it's well-written and you'll never be bored.

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Good, but silly at times

Revisado: 02-08-22

3.5 stars.

We Sold Our Souls is the story of has-been heavy metal guitarist Kris Pulaski. Far from basking in rock glory, Kris is now in her late 40s, working as a night clerk at a Holiday Inn.

The story bursts out of the gates, and will be especially enjoyable for fans of classic heavy metal. The first half of the book is great fun as we learn more about Kris and her bandmates, and what tore the band apart.

Which leads us into an odd conspiracy that strains credulity even by the generous standards of fiction. The later half veers into outright silliness at times, then comes to an ending that kind of makes you go, "Okay, so that's it?"

It's never a boring listen though and is definitely worth your time.

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Slow burn

Revisado: 12-23-21

Outstanding, so long as you know what to expect.

Next is like a modern day Ulysses. We follow the life a middle aged man for one day in Austin, Texas. The story is two-fold, that of what happens to Kevin on that day, and his reflections on his past.

Next may not quite be for everyone. It can be a slow roll at times, but it's contemplative pace is actually one of the things I like about it. Our protagonist is a bit immature and shallow, but also quite funny and witty at times. You're never quite sure whether or not you should like him.



Hynes is an exceptional writer. I know that sounds a bit tautological, but there are great writers who struggle with story. Great storytellers whose prose leaves a bit to be desired. And then there are those who can write prose and plot.

You will enjoy Next if you enjoy books that take a meandering path to their conclusion. A slow burn if you will. If you enjoy stopping along the way to do some site seeing if you will. And, if you stick with it, you're in for quite the ending.

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Silly, fun time

Revisado: 12-14-18

The Impossible Fortress is a fun, lighthearted book about being a kid in the 80s and falling in love for the first time.

The book combines the patently absurd - the boys' plan to steal the Playboy - alongside a surprisingly touching story of the two kids who don't quite fit in united by a common interest. Perhaps this should feel somehow incongruent, but it doesn't.

I'd highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a healthy dose of 80s nostalgia and fun, quick listen.

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