Eileen

The title is more interesting than the book

Revisado: 12-28-24

I this was not a good read for me. Though the author endeavored to bring personalities to the surface to make the stories more accessible, there were way too many characters to keep track of and sympathy for many of these historical characters difficult to maintain when there were so very may people suffering, truly suffering in the camps established by the Nazis.

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Second time through, it is an even richer story

Revisado: 10-11-23

I read this biographical saga when it was first published and valued it as much as a clueless college student could. It’s scope was impressive and the stories of the family beautiful and heartbreaking to read. This second time, having it read to me, I was struck with the marvel of the scope of history that Alex Haley obtained in this book. The earliest my ancestors were in this country was in the early to mid 1800’s. By that time, Alex’s ancestors had been entrenched in this country, had contributed to the land and its people for 150-175 years or more. That he was able to trace in historical records what his family had so faithfully recorded through oral tradition is phenomenal. Thank you, Mr. Hayley. Thank you to his family for continuing to keep this book current and available.

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such easy & open sharing

Revisado: 04-09-19

I deeply appreciate Mr. Arkin's ease of sharing & certainty that the universe is so much more than any one of our experiences. Sharing from other lives, who have touched his, helps broaden the promise of possibilities beyond what I might have been tempted to think. Thank you.

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My son called it ChickLit for a reason

Revisado: 03-11-13

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

This book was not for me, but I think I might have enjoyed it in my pre-teen years.

What was most disappointing about Rhys Bowen’s story?

Though it was hypothetically set in an historical era, the breezy way in which the historical figures were handled bordered on farce. I genuinely enjoy historical fiction, but this book does not fall into that category (nor, to be fair, did it claim to).

Additionally, I enjoy a good mystery, but this one took way too long to develop and the characters left me flat.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Katherine Kellgren?

Possibly; she did bring some fine character changes with just her voice.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Her Royal Spyness?

I didn't listen far enough to know.

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Still Life is never dull

Revisado: 11-23-12

What made the experience of listening to Still Life the most enjoyable?

Penny's choice of words and clear imagery makes her stories a joy to hear. All of her characters have such fulness of being.

Which character – as performed by Ralph Cosham – was your favorite?

Chief Inspector Gamache- a genuine gentleman and sympathetic character

Any additional comments?

Thank you, Louise Penny, for books that challenge the brain, make us laugh and give us characters with whom we want to sit and share coffee or a licorice pipe.

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Seeking Becomes Finding

Revisado: 10-02-12

If you could sum up The Forgotten Garden in three words, what would they be?

Who am I?

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Forgotten Garden?

Finding, on her 21 birthday, that she was a foundling and not a birth child or even an adopted one, was Nell's undoing. Feeling abandoned by her birth parents, Nell in turn disconnects from the family who loved and raised her to adulthood. From foundling to floundering, Nell struggles for some sense of identity. In the Epilogue, as she lay dying, she hears Cassandra, the granddaughter who will unravel all the mystery and intrigue of Nell's true identity, call her, "Grandma." In her final moment, Nell finds solidity in that name above all others. In that realization, Nell's greatest doubt is resolved. "Yes, I am loved."

Which character – as performed by Caroline Lee – was your favorite?

Caroline Lee's voice was so varied, often juggling two or three characters in a scene, I just loved the interactions, with each character so distinct and real, and easily recognizable.

If you could take any character from The Forgotten Garden out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would love to be with Eliza Makepeace as she unveils over dinner a new story, reading from her handwritten pages.

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A Great Series Continues

Revisado: 10-01-12

Would you listen to Crucible of Gold again? Why?

Since it is part of a series, in its place, absolutely.

What other book might you compare Crucible of Gold to and why?

Because of the common theme of dragons and riders bonding so deeply, the Dragon Riders of Pern series (Anne McCaffrey).

What does Simon Vance bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His readings are musical in their cadence and intonation, rendering a listener readily engaged and easily lost in the experience.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

If hanging on every word is an extreme reaction, then yes.

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