Brian

Did not want the story to end!

Revisado: 04-24-25

This is the first Rosamunde Pilcher book I’ve ever read. After I finished it, I immediately went looking for another!
I like how she set up the book to be Penelope’s story, but each chapter focused on a character from her life. The only thing that would have helped was a character list because there were changes in time. However, each character was interesting in his or her own right.
There are several locations in England and France, and I enjoyed that. I’ve put Cornwall on my bucket list.

Truly, I did not want the book to end!

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Delightful classic

Revisado: 03-19-25

Sense & Sensibility is one of those delightful classic one can read again and again. As a Jane Austen aficionado, I have to admit that it’s not my favorite novel. In fact, it had been 13 years since I last read it. This time I enjoyed it even more. I really like the variety of characters that Austin has given us. Yes, each one drives me a little bit crazy for different reasons, but that makes the characters even more real. Austen‘s writing is superb even though I disagree with her decision on Marianne’s marriage. (no spoiler!)
Rosamund Pike is an excellent narrator for this novel. At times, I thought I was listening to Emma Thompson when she was reading the lines of Eleanor.

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Fun in France!

Revisado: 10-15-24

4.5 stars for an enjoyable beach book. If you are looking for a light read, and you love France and food like I do, this book is for you.

Someone recommended this book to me, and now I am eager to read more of this authors works when I need a break in between reading classic literature and history.

Most of the characters were well developed, and the others served to support the plot. The whole time I was reading about Fran, I kept picturing Joanna Scanlan (Ma from 2021 “The Larkins”). She’d be perfect in the movie edition. In fact, I think this book would make a great movie! Romance, finding one’s self, drama, and friendship – it has it all.

The delicious food, of course, added to the book as well as the French setting. I wish there really was a cookery school in Provence because I’d sign up in a heartbeat.

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History made fun!

Revisado: 10-15-24

I was excited to read this book after following Alice (the author) on Instagram and watching her history videos.
-She chooses 17 important people in history and looks at their lives leading up to their 18th year. Some I’d never heard of but now I want to know more! Some like Queen Elizabeth I, I knew a little bit about but got a much better look at her youth close-up.
-In between each chapter is a fun, fictional, vignette of interactions between some of the characters.

Alice reads the book herself, which was a real delight to hear her enthusiasm. I’m going to listen to the book again because there were so many compelling details, and I want to remember them better.

If you are at all interested in the history of England, and you enjoy learning about people on a more personal level, this book is for you.

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Compelling character development

Revisado: 10-11-24

This is the third Eileen Garvin novel I’ve read, and I enjoyed it. You will, too, if you’d like characters who develop and draw you in. I didn’t know one of the topics would be autism, but I immediately recognized this in Aiden. This novel is a great way to help people get an introduction to a child with autism, even though every person with autism is different.
I am from the Pacific Northwest, and it was extra fun to have a book set in that area.
I really like the Irish accent the narrator had for Aiden‘s mom. The life in two countries thread for her was also interesting, and I felt drawn to her.
Now I have to wait for Eileen to write another book!

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Reminds me of F. Scott Fitzgerald

Revisado: 07-02-24

This is the third book I’ve read by Amor Towles, and I’ve loved each one even though they are so different from each other.

Rules of Civility reminds me of the writing of F. Scott Fitzgerald, especially his first novel This Side of Paradise.
The characters are compelling, even the minor characters. You have to appreciate a book with great characters in order to love this book, too.
Towles wove in many thought-provoking moments pondering life and the choices one makes.

The narrator was smooth and fit the main character perfectly.

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4.5 stars Kept me intrigued

Revisado: 05-26-24

The book’s title drew me in, and the characters kept me reading. I knocked off 1/2 star because there are so many expletives. This book is not as it first seems, and there were surprises around every corner. Just when I thought the plot was slowing down, a new twist would happen.

The readers for the characters were great, especially Jess. I liked how the author gave different character viewpoints.

If you like a suspense story that simmers below the surface and bubbles up now & then, you will also enjoy this story.

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Heartwarming stories (& sometimes very sad)

Revisado: 01-05-24

The reader did a great job, even though my favorite “All Creatures” reader is Nicholas Ralph. Being cat lovers, we really enjoyed the stories. I do have to say that some of the narratives are very sad and brought tears.

As always, I love the writing of James Herriot - a master storyteller!

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A good beach book

Revisado: 12-26-23

I was looking for a modern book to enjoy and tuck into my listening in between the Classics.
I appreciate that the protagonist is on the spectrum which makes it different than most other books. Overall, it’s a good story and I wish I could give it 3.5 stars.
If you’re looking for a modern book that’s easy to listen to and interesting, but not overly challenging, this is a good one for you. 

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Make a movie in your head

Revisado: 12-26-23

This heartwarming story by Charles Dickens needs to be read/listen to so readers can make a movie in their heads. It’s the best kind of movie because Dickens uses so many sensory images. The sights! The sounds! The smells! Yes, one has to pay attention, but it’s worth the time. Skip films and make your own movie. 
I enjoy Hugh Grant’s acting in films, but frankly, I was worried about his narrating this classic. No need, I was delighted by his performance! I forgot I was listening to Hugh Grant, and I was able to immerse myself in the story.
I’ve listened to many different versions of this masterpiece, and this one has been added to my favorites.

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