Audiobooks discussion

I'm starting the month with The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware, frankly Imogen Church's narration interests me more than the storyline.

John, you asked me what I thought of Signora Neroni, in Anthony Trollope's Barchester Towers......what a character! I assume she will soon be up to shenanigans. Her brother, her elder sister, in fact the whole family are a marvelous creation of characters. It is how Trollope draws his characters that makes the story so very amusing.

I finished up Long Road to Mercy. Typical Baldacci style, there is lots of action and intrigue. I really liked the characters in this one and though the plot seemed a bit far fetched and dramatic, I will grab the 2nd in the series to see what happened next.

I started The Paris Secret this weekend and am liking it so far. The thought of a time capsule apartment in France from WWII is pretty interesting and I'm engaged!

I finished Triptych yesterday. This was the first book I've read by Karin Slaughter. Some points seemed to be a bit problematic so I gave it high 3 stars rounded up to 4. I'm not sure I'll continue with the series since I already have a number of series I'm keen to finish.

I started The Good People set in the early 1800's Ireland.

Starting the month with The Tenant by Katrine Engberg, narrated by, Graeme Malcolm

Finished The Hobbit and now listening to One of Us is Lying. Tomorrow Kazuyo Ishiguro’s new Book Klara and Sun will be released, I’ve pre-ordered it so I’m excited!

Janice wrote: "I finished Triptych yesterday. This was the first book I've read by Karin Slaughter. Some points seemed to be a bit problematic so I gave it high 3 stars rounded up to 4. I'm not sure ..."

I liked The Good People a lot, but Burial Rites even more. The latter is just so perfect! It is atmospheric,, putting you right there. Curious to see how you react.

Kaoru wrote: "Finished The Hobbit and now listening to One of Us is Lying. Tomorrow Kazuyo Ishiguro’s new Book Klara and Sun will be released, I’ve pre-ordered it so I’m excited!"

If you look at the website for Boswell Book Co in Milwaukee, you can register for an online interview in March of Ishiguro about the book. I don't remember if there's a fee. I chose to purchase the book and I was wondering why I didn't receive it yet, but I guess it is because it's not out yet.

Reading now Barchester Towers. I have been introduced to Wilfred and Monica Thorne--what marvelous characters! So of course now I wat to read the next in the series, Dr. Thorne. I like the writing, the characters and the humor evident in almost every line. I think I don't even catch all of it.

Chrissie wrote: "Reading now Barchester Towers. I have been introduced to Wilfred and Monica Thorne--what marvelous characters! So of course now I wat to read the next in the series, [book:Dr. Thorn..."

The character of Dr. Thorne himself I recall being a real hoot!

I've started Martha Wells's Murderbot Diaries, All Systems Red. They're novellas (which I just realized last week) so I'm planning on using them for my morning listens in between listening to Fonda Lee's Jade War.

John, I think it would be a shame to have not rea Barchester Towers before one read Dr. Thorne. There is so much information about the Thornes.

Finished Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy

My Review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/3523263550

Dem wrote: "Finished Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy"

Oh, I'm sorry you didn't like this more. I've been wanting to read it!

Dem, we were both sorely disappointed.

Reading “Brewster’s Millions” followed by Brautigan’s “A Confederate General from Big Sur”

Tyrant: Shakespeare on Politics by Stephen Greenblatt - 4 stars - My Review

The author examines characters from Shakespeare’s Richard III, Julius Caesar, Coriolanus, Henry the VI, King Lear, Macbeth, and The Winter’s Tale. He is interested in how societies fall under the spell of a tyrant, and the manner in which Shakespeare’s writings influenced audiences of his time. At the same time, Greenblatt sheds light on the ways we can learn from the past, as reflected in works of art, to better understand today’s world. This book works well for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of Shakespeare’s writings.

The audio book is nicely read by Edoardo Ballerini. I am torn about the inclusion of the reading of the footnotes. I usually prefer to add them, but in this case, it is a little distracting to have frequent mentions in the format: Play, Act #, Scene #, Line #. (3.5 for the audio)

I unfortunately wasn't a fan of The Tenant by Katrine Engberg, narrated by, Graeme Malcolm.

Now reading After All I've Done by Mina Hardy, Angela Lin , Zura Johnson & Jay Aaseng

I got curious to read more Loretta Chase, so instead of proceeding straight away to another sff book I tried the only other Chase my library has in audio, Dukes Prefer Blondes. It has Chase's characteristic smart writing and interesting characters, but it does go on too long. It could have been improved by some hacking and slashing in the editing. And, of course, Kate Reading is still a pleasure to listen to.

I'm now a couple of hours into Piranesi. It's very puzzling -- and that's a good thing. It's a puzzle to be solved. Very engaging so far. And oh! Such wonderful narration by Chiwetel Ejiofor. Wow. Sadly it looks like he has only narrated three books, but man -- after this one I would listen to him read the phone book. Seriously.

Scratch what I said about giving my mornings to Murderbot, Jade War has sucked up all my attention (much as its predecessor did) and there is very little else I want to do besides read this book right now lol

Ashley Marie wrote: "Scratch what I said about giving my mornings to Murderbot, Jade War has sucked up all my attention (much as its predecessor did) and there is very little else I want to do besides r..."

I get how one book can overshadow anything else for a period of time. Be sure to get back to Murderbot when your mind is more receptive to other books... it's fantastic SF with a very non-standard MC. I have to say, I liked the second Murderbot even better: Artificial condition. Actually, I liked the whole series and can't wait for fugitive Telemetry which comes out next month.

today I finished diamantine, second in the Weapons and Wielders series by Andrew Rowe. I may have a dilemma now... should I read the other two series by Rowe that are in the same world and, now that I've finished the second book, I realize that all three are connected. A little due dilligence on my part might have revealed that sooner, but it's too late for that now. The bigger problem is whether or not I want to continue this series at all. This second book was essentially endless fighting in a tournament. The twist at the very end--literally the last sentence--offers hope that we won't keep going on endlessly in the same direction, but I can't say I'm overly invested in these characters and may not want to invest the time in some of the much longer books in the other series.

To be honest, this series suffered by comparison after reading the eight books of the Cradle series by will wight. They have some superficial elements in common and there's even a tournament, but Will wight's characters, storyline, and writing are simply more compelling, interesting, and fun (especially after the first couple of books).

Chrissie wrote: "I liked The Good People a lot, but Burial Rites even more. The latter is just so perfect! It is atmospheric,, putting you right there. Curious to see how you react.."

I can understand your assessment. The Good People isn't as atmospheric. I have about 3-1/2 hours left in the book and I'm feeling anxious about the dynamics of characters which is a good sign.

Chrissie wrote: "Reading now Barchester Towers. I have been introduced to Wilfred and Monica Thorne--what marvelous characters! So of course now I wat to read the next in the series, [book:Dr. Thorn..."

I enjoy these books so much!

Jeanie wrote: "I get how one book can overshadow anything else for a period of time. Be sure to get back to Murderbot when your mind is more receptive to other books... it's fantastic SF with a very non-standard MC. I have to say, I liked the second Murderbot even better: Artificial condition. Actually, I liked the whole series and can't wait for fugitive Telemetry which comes out next month."

Oh I definitely will! As soon as Jade War's out of the way, I'm going back to Murderbot :)

Contrarius wrote: "I'm now a couple of hours into Piranesi. It's very puzzling -- and that's a good thing. It's a puzzle to be solved. "

Oh joy! I'm cheap so I didn't get "Audible only" Piranesi but read it via kindle and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I usually don't read much Fantasy genre but this one was intriguing. I need to get the audiobook. Hoping for 2 for 1 LOL (still cheap!)

I've finished One of Us Is Lying which is a page turner but I had some issues. I'll still read the sequel though.

I'm a few hours into Klara and the Sun and loving it. I sense Never Let Me Go vibe all over.

I have completed and thoroughly enjoyed Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope. So far, it is my favorite by the author.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I have begun A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin. It's a book of suspense.

Finished Brewsters Millions, A Confederate General from Big Sur and Liminal Thinking... Brewsters Millions was a fun romp. The General was a well written crazy yet believable story! Liminal Thinking was redundant but not badly written. I’m going to start A Kiss Before Dying... I hope it goes well.

Kaoru wrote: "I've finished One of Us Is Lying which is a page turner but I had some issues. I'll still read the sequel though.

I'm a few hours into Klara and the Sun and loving ..."

I got my print copy and started reading it. Ishiguro seems to specialize in unreliable or uninformed narrators, which is something I enjoy.

I finished Piranesi, and it was lovely. I enjoyed most everything about it, and I think it would reward a reread. But I do have to say that I bet it's better in audio than print, because Ejiofor does such a wonderful job with the narration. I can almost sense the beginning of a series -- though there is no cliffhanger or anything like that, the buildup of the character known as 16 (I don't want to spoiler anything) seems too significant to drop it at one book.

I'm now about an hour into (gasp!) Migrations. Some lovely language so far, and I'm enjoying the accents the narrator is doing -- at just an hour in, she's done Irish, Australian, American, French, and one other character that I've already forgotten. I'm a sucker for birds -- I got my first pet birds when I was about 12, and I've worked with them professionally and/or personally for most of my life since then -- so I'm a good audience for this one. We Shall See how the plot develops!

My Jade War paperback came in the mail yesterday, so I'll be switching to that and hopefully getting through a few more Murderbots next week :D

The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee - 4 stars - My Full Review

This book is for those interested in the science and history of genetics. The history portions are rather broad brush, but cover the appropriate basics, going back to Mendel and Darwin, and coming forward to the mapping of the human genome. The science portions form the core of the book. The science is rigorous and detailed. Mukherjee explores the rapid expansion in knowledge of genetic science, ethical implications, some of the ways these discoveries have been misused, and his personal family history of mental illness. Since biotechnology has become part of the medical landscape, I think it is a good idea to be informed.

Dennis Boutsikaris narrates the audio book. He sounds excited about the information he is imparting and does a much better job than the standard “documentary’ style narration found in many non-fiction audio recordings.

Finished After All I've Done by Mina Hardy, narrated by, Angela Lin , Zura Johnson & Jay Aaseng I literally yelled holy crap when I got to the reveal of this book such twisty turny goodness that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Highly recommend!

Now starting Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi narrated by, Mozhan Marnò

I have completed the suspense mystery A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin. It was his first book. Many know the author for his Rosemary's Baby.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I will soon begin The Housekeeper's Tale - The Women Who Really Ran the English Country House by Tessa Boase.

Finished Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro and loved it.

My review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Haven't checked in for a while. January was a bust then got through 4 books last month. This month I started listening to Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. I'm only 1.5 hours in but I'm not feeling it so far. Not connecting with any of the characters or the story line at all.

I read a previous book by him in print (A Man Called Ove) and enjoyed it. Maybe this is the way to go? Not sure if I should just give up or try it in print.

Finished A Kiss Before Dying a nice fast paced noir... light listening. Now reading The Magic Christian by Terry Southern... looks quirky. We’ll see.

Finished The Magic Christian, mind blowing solutions to everyday situations... I’m thinking Homage to Catalonia by Orwell will be next. Orwell is a sure thing.

I finished The Good People and enjoyed it. There is a lot to digest in the book.

Next up is Through Black Spruce.

I read Unsouled (Cradle #1) by Will Wight which happens to be included in Audible Plus. I liked it well enough to continue the series, but I have also started Just After Sunset which are short stories by Stephen King while I waited for The Evening and the Morning by Ken Follett to come in at the library (and it did today). So I will be pausing the Cradle series, and finding a stopping point in the Stephen King stories, so I can get to the most recent Kingsbridge novel I have had on hold for so long (prequel to The Pillars of the Earth).

Kaoru wrote: "Finished Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro and loved it.

My review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..."

Me too! I read it in print but I can see how it would be an excellent audio. It has a lot to say about love, faith, and what it means to be human.

i just finished listening toHis Truth Is Marching on: John Lewis and the Power of Hope - i didn't know a lot about Lewis because i didn't grow up in the US - now I wish I knew more about him - i remember him dying but didn't understand the significance

Stay with Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀ - 3 stars - My Review

I expected a book about a Nigerian couple going against the tradition of multiple marriages. Unfortunately, this is only a small part of the story. The rest of it involves lots of suffering. It is primarily the story Yejide and her husband, Akin, struggling with infertility and loss. I enjoyed the author’s writing style, but there are a few issues with the construction. The characters are somewhat thin. The plot contains numerous holes. I think it would have worked better for me if there were moments of lightness to offset the oppressive misery.

I listened to the audio book, capably read by Andoh Adjoa. The only issue I had with the audio is that there are alternating male and female perspectives, but the reader did not differentiate her voice enough to distinguish between the two characters. I think it would have worked better to have two narrators rather than one.

Content warnings: (view spoiler)[Deaths of children, harm to animals, traditions involving the occult, adultery (hide spoiler)]

My review of The Push by Ashley Audrain

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Finished Homage to Catalonia by Orwell... are capitalism and fascism two sides of the same coin? Did the fight against fascism begin in Spain? Is what happened in Franco’s Spain what would have happened had Nazi Germany won the war? Does war solve anything or is war a racket? Seems like much of war is a waste of time. Seems like the commanders suck at managing war. The beginnings of war like the insurrection at the capital this year was exciting but after the initial battles war is drudgery and drag. Thank you next... I finished The 21st Century Case for Gold by Gilder obviously. Time is money. Knowledge is money. One of my theories is “when you die you can’t take gold with you but you can take knowledge”. So knowledge is more valuable than gold. The value of gold comes from how long it takes and how much it costs to mine it from the earth. Our time on Earth is limited. How are you spending your time?

The Longevity Paradox: How to Die Young at a Ripe Old Age by Steven R. Gundry - 3 stars - My Review

Recommended to me by a medical professional, this book provides information on how to live a longer healthier life. It focuses on a person’s microbiome. He offers some of the latest research on digestive health and how it impacts the other parts of the body. He debunks some of the commonly held dietary myths. Dr. Gundry’s recommendations include limiting animal protein, and avoiding grains, legumes, sugars, and lectins. Many of the foods he recommends are expensive and hard to find (assuming you have even heard of them); however, there are a handful of foods that are easy to incorporate into an already healthy diet. It is worth mentioning that Dr. Gundry is selling supplements.

The audio book is capably read by Dr. Grundy in a somewhat "folksy" style. He is extremely familiar with the material and reads well.

Now reading... Christy Malry’s Own Double-Entry by B.S. Johnson... off the beaten track... apparently Mr. Johnson, an experimental novelist, committed suicide at 40.

I have completed The Housekeeper's Tale - The Women Who Really Ran the English Country House by Tessa Boase.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This morning I began The Natural by an author I like--Bernard Malamud

I finished The Paris Secret over the weekend and really enjoyed it. The premise of an apartment in Paris that has been left untouched for 73 years was fascinating to me. The story unraveled and was so intriguing. Characters were a bit annoying but it was well read and I gave it 4 stars.

Now #2 in the Atlee Pine series with A Minute to Midnight. Am still wanting to find out what happened to the main character's twin sister!