Rob S.

A Cautionary Tale of a Life Misspent

Revisado: 03-16-17

What made the experience of listening to Inside Alcatraz the most enjoyable?

Obviously the authors perspective. This was his life told in an unvarnished monologue. I felt his words and descriptions were personal and authentic. His observations on incarceration vs rehabilitation were interesting and note worth.

What other book might you compare Inside Alcatraz to and why?

I'm not a big reader of this type of book, but having recently toured the famous or infamous facility was compelled upon returning home to explore some of the books that were featured in the gift shop as you exited the tour.

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

I didn't think Jeff brought anything to the story. His reading was sort of flat and monotone, don't get me wrong it was competent and sincere - but it he certainly didn't add any flash or drama.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No not really. It was entertaining and had me shaking my head as this man's life spiraled out of control from one stupid mistake to another. His use of gangster language made me laugh out loud at times. "I got the drop on the store clerk before he could signal the cops." It sounded like terminology out of an old James Cagney movie...

Any additional comments?

The story of a man who put himself on the path of self-destruction. You are the company you keep is indeed true. But fate put him in the position to witness and experience one of the most notorious places on earth. I think it has a redemptive quality to have him share his experiences and unique perspective.

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A well crafted tale blending the occult and rock.

Revisado: 03-16-17

If you could sum up The Final Reconciliation in three words, what would they be?

spellbinding, compelling, entertaining

Who was your favorite character and why?

For me it was Adian (which mean means 'little fire, no coincident I'm sure). As the survivor/witness he was my anchor in this story. Told in flash back you could only be certain that he would be in it to the end. The other's fate was uncertain at best. The author did an amazing job of painting pictures and sound with words. I had to stop and realize I hadn't heard any music, but I felt like I had. And that would be different for each reader/listener.

What about Joe Hempel’s performance did you like?

Joe did an very competent job of narration. His voices and inflections were well done. His intonations added a nice dimension to the narrative of the story without lapsing into prose. Adian's country drawl was just enough.

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

I typically do not listen to this genre of books. I stay mostly with historical dramas, or biographies. But this kept my attention and give me chills at times. The pacing kept me coming back and looking forward to the next chapter.

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I GAVE UP

Revisado: 11-28-16

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I gave up, I'm not a quitter when it comes to reading or listening to a book and I LOVE John Irving's books, I've read almost all of them - which is what lead me to purchase this one as I'm running out of titles. But as much as I tried I couldn't relate or learn to care about this story line or these characters. It dragged on and on, I don't care about hookers or tattoos or this woman's obsession with a worthless man who fathered her child then left. Give it UP! And the dregs of society - please. As an artist myself I realize they can't all be winners, but life is too short to waste time listening to this pointless tome.

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Dreadful

Revisado: 07-07-16

What would have made The Stranger's Child better?

I was 12 chapters into this tome and was still trying to find a reason to care or continue! Between the readers droning oration and the authors gun shy approach to this subject, ugh, I gave up and started skipping chapters just to finish it - i gave up during Daphne's insipid interviews at the end - I DIDN'T CARE anymore.

What could Alan Hollinghurst have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I wasn't expecting a torrid beach burner of a book, but his guys approach to writing about gay love was irritating to say the least. It was never written but every way implied to the point of madness.

What didn’t you like about James Daniel Wilson’s performance?

This man had the flat monotoned voice of a Penn station train announcer.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Listening to this book took my mind off the current election news - if only briefly.

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Soap Opera

Revisado: 09-24-12

Would you try another book from Rowan Speedwell and/or Paul Morey?

I find I have little patience for dime store romances gay or straight. I get tired of dialogue that seems purposely mundane and pointless. Example: "What's wrong Zack?" "I dunno..." now repeat that every chapter a dozen times.

What was most disappointing about Rowan Speedwell’s story?

The constant "one step forward, two steps back" exchanges between the two principle characters. Toward the end I was skipping chapters just to get this torture over with. I didn't care any more.

What three words best describe Paul Morey’s voice?

Just one - competent.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

If the unexamined life is not worth living the OVER examined life is certainly not worth listening to...

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Pleasant Diversion

Revisado: 08-20-12

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This was a nice book to listen to, kept my attention. The characters were believable and interesting. I kept wondering where/how Felicia did her research for this book. A few weeks after listening I found myself at the point in Pittsburg - it's still under construction.

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Classic in every respect

Revisado: 08-20-12

Would you consider the audio edition of Moby Dick to be better than the print version?

The reading of this book is a performance! I've began looking up book specifically read by William Hootkins. The store is rambling and fragmented at times, you sense Melville has a destination but is in no hurry to get there. His side bar chapters of sailor stories and whale descriptions were like commercials for products I didn't want to buy. But it was all part of the lush tapestry he was weaving so I didn't mind. Overall I loved it! I'd give it a 10>

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