Joanne1953

Too depressing

Revisado: 11-13-24

What were once riveting, but straightforward murder mysteries have become convoluted mass murder conspiracies. There were too many suspects, too many far-fetched connections, and waaaay too many unbelievable plot points when going directly to Gamache and telling him all was the only logical thing to do. Where once Gamache MIGHT have faced Death once in a novel, in this tome, I lost track of how many times he was almost killed. Really, Ms. Penny? Are you writing for Hollywood with its unrealistic portrayals of murder and mayhem? Her writing is still top-notch, but her foray into depressing, widespread terrorist conspiracies and attacks is just not for me. I gave this two stars overall because she is such a good writer. But my groans at the twisted story-telling lost her my admiration.

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Second time listening Just as good as the first time

Revisado: 11-04-23

I have read many books on NDEs and this is my favorite. I deeply appreciate Dr. Greyson’s scientific approach and keeping his personal reactions muted. We are allowed to listen and draw our own conclusions based on the personal experiences presented as well as the focus on scientific study and interpretations.

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Beautifully Written, Best Narration

Revisado: 09-17-23

Everything I hope for in historical fiction - engaging main character, enlightening historical framework, and a well-crafted story.

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Very Little on War, much on ‘ Debauches’ and Brig Rats

Revisado: 08-22-23

I did not find the author a sympathetic character. He struck me as very full of himself and considered himself superior in intelligence to almost everybody else. If his book learning and vocabulary intelligence extended to his boastful life, he might not have become a “brig rat” and remained a private during his war years. Additionally, as awful as his time on Guadalcanal and Pelilieu were, he didn’t seem to be in the thick of the fighting. Rather, it sounded like most of his war experience was sitting around and waiting, albeit in dreadful, stress-filled situations. Perhaps that is why he got the moniker ‘Lucky’. Additionally, a significant part of this memoir is filled with his ‘debauches’, as he calls them, in Melbourne, Australia. Not a hero’s tale.

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First Half good, last half no interest

Revisado: 06-29-23

I am happy I bought the book, but by chapter 20 or so I quit listening. My interest is in documented cases of past lives and near death experiences, not mediums and ghosts and poltergeists.

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Satisfying

Revisado: 06-18-23

Other reviewers don’t believe this book measures up to other biographies of Teddy Roosevelt. I don’t suppose it does if one already knows everything there is to know about the man. However, knowing very little about this President, I found this novelized account of his life excellent. The author doesn’t pretend to present a thorough dive into Roosevelt’s political life and presidency, and I am thankful for that. What we do learn is what kind of man he is, and highlights of his life such as his early days as a wanna be rancher in the Dakota’s, his war experience in Cuba, some of his accomplishments as President, and his Amazon River expedition. All is written in an engaging, easily flowing style. I highly recommend this book for this who are curious why so many hold this President in high esteem, The narrator was excellent.

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Superb

Revisado: 06-10-23

One of the best books I have listened to since signing up to Audible over ten years ago. The writing is lyrical and the narrator matches that tone, seemingly effortlessly. Providing one doesn’t mind detailed descriptions of medical conditions and operations, this book should pull you in with its sweeping story of twins growing up in Ethiopia in the turmoil of the second half of the 20th century.

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Excellent

Revisado: 05-09-23

This is one of the best historical fiction novels I’ve listened to in a long time. The author seamlessly weaves the stories of four disparate characters into a cohesive and believable whole. There is high drama, suspense, heroes and cads. There are different narrators for each of the characters and each tells their story exceptionally well. Highly recommend.

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Not one good Mom in the bunch

Revisado: 03-21-23

Narration superb, writing superb, character development top notch, plot line complex with many different story lines and characters that eventually tie together perfectly, despite my initial doubt. With that said, Wow, Mothering sure takes a kick to the head in this novel. Three different mothers who are all mightily screwed up and a fourth mother in the outer circle who is no prize. It makes me wonder what Elizabeth George’s mother was like. If you are looking for an Ode to Motherhood, this isn’t it! However, her writing and knowledge of her characters, their motivations and actions are by far the best I have read in a very long while.

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The Gritty Truth

Revisado: 03-12-23

Superb telling of the Donner story with wonderful digressions into related areas of interest such as malaria and other diseases that were common at that time, how women could try to avoid pregnancy (a crucial consideration for such a journey west), life expectancy in that era and a host of other information that fully informs this history. I appreciated the author’s explicit description of the lice and bedbugs that infested the trapped group, as well as the filth and smells they had to endure. This is a stark, no sugar-coating retelling. So often, history writers ignore the ugly parts of daily life while focusing on the glorious parts… the acts of bravery or the victories of battle.
As others have said, this was not the ideal narrator for this book, but the writing and the story itself kept me listening. I highly recommend this book.

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