Audiobooks discussion

I'm finishing up Murder at Queen's Landing, last year's story in the outstanding Wrexford & Sloane series, just as the latest is being released.

I finished two recently released stories in the Mydworth series by Matthew Costello and Neil Richards: Secrets on the Cote d'Azure and A Distant Voice. I enjoy these short mysteries, no matter how improbable they sometimes become, and have mostly gotten used to Nathaniel Parker's American accent for Cat. ;P It's a little odd that these stories are within a similar time frame as the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes books I recently caught up on. They both had stories on the french Riviera and a glancing reference to the presence of "Scott and Zelda" at one of the parties... and a Picasso reference too. I enjoy the '20's as a time setting and hope they don't run into the market crash and Great Depression any time soon!

i'm still chugging through Don Quixote - its ok...

also alternating between Waistcoats & Weaponry and Daughter of the Blood

Jeanie wrote: "I finished two recently released stories in the Mydworth series by Matthew Costello and Neil Richards: Secrets on the Cote d'Azure and A Distant Voice. I enjoy these short mysteries, no matter how ..."

I like the '20's as a setting also. When I am reading a book set in England or France at that time and they are happy the Great War is over, I often feel bad for them, knowing they and their children have to go through a worse one. There was some list of drawbacks to being an avid reader and one is feeling sorry for people who don't even exist!

Still listening to Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty narrated by Anderson Cooper. It's a bit disappointing in his choices of what to include. Lots of descriptions of the fancy clothing and a long chapter on yacht racing. He also tends to start with an event like a death or wedding and then go back to what led to it. This happens a lot in literary fiction these days. I don't mind playing around with timelines, but there is something to be said for plain old chronological order! Cooper, as you probably know, has a rather flat style of delivery. In an interview recently he said that he is able to interview people who say outrageous things without showing reaction because he grew up with a mother who did that all the time!

I'm struggling thru "Apples Never Fall" by Liane Moriarty. Keep hoping it is going to get better.

I just finished a re-listen to The Fiery Cross (aka Outlander #5) by Diana Gabaldon - read by Davina Porter. I'm a bit of an Outlander superfan, and have read each book multiple times. However, it has been at least three years since the last time I read / listened to it.

I am always amazed at how well Davina narrates the Outlander saga. She is so beloved by the author and most fans that the author actually included her as a character in the novels (although a dead character, but her name is in the family tree LOL). And even though Davina is officially retired, the author talked her into narrating the next Outlander book which comes out Nov 23.

Next up - The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett.

How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them Jason F. Stanley

Living in Texas this book really hits home. Fascism is the process of villainizing the other and using propaganda to do so. This book is a detailed analysis of how that works.

The Story of Earth: The First 4.5 Billion Years, from Stardust to Living Planet Robert M. Hazen

Just started this one. Hazen is the real deal. So far the text is well written and the narration is easy to listen to. From the intro:

"With time, my view expanded to the grander spatial and temporal tapestry of geology. From the deserts of North Africa to the ice fields of Greenland, from the shores of Hawaii to the peaks of the Rockies, from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to ancient fossilized coral reefs in a dozen nations, Earth’s natural libraries reveal a multibillion-year story of coevolution shared by elements, minerals, rocks, and life. As my research program shifted to the plausible roles of minerals in life’s ancient geochemical origins, I have reveled in studies that suggest that the coevolution of life and minerals through Earth history is even more striking than previously imagined—that not only do certain rocks arise from life, as evident in limestone caverns across the continent, but that life itself may have arisen from rocks. Over four billion years of Earth history, the evolutionary stories of minerals and life—geology and biology—have intertwined in astonishing ways that are only now coming intofocus. "

This is going to be an interesting journey.

The Evolution of Everything: How New Ideas Emerge Matt Ridley

Oh geez. The author says evolution as biology is only a specialty of general evolution that applies to everything. So the whole world must develop bottom up in culture and ideas as well. It is an attempt to apply the science of evolution to Libertarianism. When one tries to make everything simple, the result is often simply stupid. So it is with this book which I returned after Chapter 1.

I bought all 3 in the last sale. Looks like 2 are keepers.

Robin P wrote: "Still listening to Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty narrated by Anderson Cooper. It's a bit disappointing in his choices of what to include. Lots of descriptions..."

Would you recommend it as I was looking at this to read/listen to.

Many thanks x

My review of Wildland: The Making of America's Fury by Evan Osnos

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

Faith wrote: "My review of Wildland: The Making of America's Fury by Evan Osnos

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

I do non fiction. I will put this on my wish list. Very nice review. I too wondered why people were the way they are. So I started reading about the brain and how the brain works and also looking at what research says about the brains of the various tribes. And the about human evolution itself. I appreciate the author offered no solution. In this age of social media there isn't any. Look at the nation's covid response. Nuff said.

I finished witching for Moxy, fifth book in the PWF series Premonition Point by deanna Chase. I had been wary of this series' tendency toward melodrama, but now I'm having a bigger problem with this series in that it isn't fully developing the newer stories or characters, appears to have redefined the whole world as magical mid-series, and doesn't seem to take into account logic or realism in character motivation or plot development. I'll give this one more book and then I'm done if these problems persist. Too bad because it had been a fun little PWF series.

Fiona (Titch) wrote: "Robin P wrote: "Still listening to Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty narrated by Anderson Cooper. It's a bit disappointing in his choices of what to include. Lots..."

Overall, I wouldn't recommend it if you want what I did, which is the story of the rise and fall of the family. Instead, he has individual scenes, like a huge party in the Gilded Age, a fancy wedding, a yacht championship, the Vanderbilt who went down with the Lusitania. He doesn't actually explain how the fortune was built up and lost (although he shows lots of frivolous spending, including by his mom, Gloria Vanderbilt. Maybe he figured other books already talk about the family. He has a whole chapter on Truman Capote, his famous black and white ball (which Gloria attended with Anderson in utero) and how Capote later trashed all the society people.That seemed like an unnecessary diversion. He also didn't write much about his mom and her 4 husbands, but she has written her own book in the past so I guess he thought that wasn't necessary.

Robin P wrote: "Fiona (Titch) wrote: "Robin P wrote: "Still listening to Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty narrated by Anderson Cooper. It's a bit disappointing in his choices of..."

By the sounds of it, think I will skip it. Thanks for getting back to me though.

Robin P wrote: "Fiona (Titch) wrote: "Robin P wrote: "Still listening to Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty narrated by Anderson Cooper. It's a bit disappointing in his choices of..."

Anderson Cooper's style is more family story teller than historian or biographer and while I read more history than other non fiction I enjoy listening to Cooper's storytelling.

I finished The End of All Things and I'm glad it's the end. I loved the first 3 books, but the last two were a departure and not as good. All books were full of Scalzi's snark. Which is getting a bit tiresome.

I will start Under the Whispering Door.

i finished up Waistcoats & Weaponry - it had been hanging out on my started/not finished shelf for a few years - but it fit a challenge I was doing and I really enjoyed it this time...

now on to To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Bill (Just a) wrote: "Faith wrote: "My review of Wildland: The Making of America's Fury by Evan Osnos

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

I do non fiction. I will put thi..."

Thanks Bill. I wish that he had at least tried to suggest a solution. It's too depressing to think that there is none.

Faith wrote: "Thanks Bill. I wish that he had at least tried to suggest a solution. It's too depressing to think that there is none."
..."

You might read/watch something by Stephen Pinker. He has creds and he is forever optimistic. Best world ever for Pinker. I saw him lecture live and am not buying what he is selling. Technology doesn't alter our tribalism and irrational brain. It can even make it worse. But Pinker won't make you feel bad about the future.

Bill (Just a) wrote: "Faith wrote: "Thanks Bill. I wish that he had at least tried to suggest a solution. It's too depressing to think that there is none."
..."

You might read/watch something by Stephen Pinker. He has ..."

Thanks, I was unconvinced by Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress.

Haven't posted in a while, listening time was reduced, but back to a commute and getting more time with audio in. This last week finished one, then listened to a few short ones:

Finished up Buses Are a Comin': Memoir of a Freedom Rider by Charles Person & Richard Rooker. Well told book about the first Freedom rides by the youngest member Person. Five stars for me.

Turbulence by David Szalay was next. A short book, with connected short stories. Left me wanting more, which is typical for short stories.

Then Lessons from Plants by Beronda L Montgomery. Somewhat academic in parts but also informative. I probably went through it way too quickly. It's a little under 4.5 hours, but the narrator also had a bit of a speech issue with the "SH" sounds. It worked better for me at a faster than normal speed.

Then had to get to something fun so I've started Big Damn Hero by James Lovegrove. I'm about a quarter the way though, enjoying the return to this universe.

I FINALLY finished The Time Traveler's Wife and boy it was a struggle to finish it. Has anyone read this book? on GR there are many people who gave 4+ stars and I'm wondering if we read the same book? Premise was interesting and it started fine then went to downhill because there are many plot holes.

I need some fun books for next reading!

Kaoru wrote: "I FINALLY finished The Time Traveler's Wife and boy it was a struggle to finish it. Has anyone read this book? on GR there are many people who gave 4+ stars and I'm wondering if we ..."

Read it years ago as my job duties included reading things like best sellers, top award books, etc. I would have liked to quit on it because unexplained plot holes and continuity errors irritate me (want blue pencil) but some people like confusing books.

I am listening to The Scarpetta Factor - Patricia Cornwell

Kaoru wrote: "I FINALLY finished The Time Traveler's Wife and boy it was a struggle to finish it. Has anyone read this book? on GR there are many people who gave 4+ stars and I'm wondering if we ..."

Interesting how different we are! I read the book in print and seriously considered calling in sick to work so I could stay home to finish it! I had no sense of plot holes and no interest in trying to figure out chronology, I just went with it.

Robin P wrote: "Kaoru wrote: "I FINALLY finished The Time Traveler's Wife and boy it was a struggle to finish it. Has anyone read this book? on GR there are many people who gave 4+ stars and I'm wo..."

I'll have to keep this strategy in mind... I've had this on my TBR for forever and will eventually read it, so I'll have to remember to just go with the flow rather than analyze it.

Kaoru wrote: "I FINALLY finished The Time Traveler's Wife and boy it was a struggle to finish it. Has anyone read this book? on GR there are many people who gave 4+ stars and I'm wondering if we ..."

I read it and just considered it an entertaining romance. I gave it 3 stars.

Escape from Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West by Blaine Harden - My Review

The author tells the life story of Shin Dong-hyuk, a young man born in one of North Korea’s labor camps. Most of the people in the camps are political prisoners or their family members, and they are basically imprisoned for life. The conditions in the camps are nightmarish – forced labor, short rations, brainwashing, snitching, beatings, torture, rapes, executions. This is a gruesome book in terms of the human agony described within. There is not a lot of analysis, but Shin’s story is important in understanding the human rights violations occurring in North Korea.

The audio book is read by the author. You can tell he is not a professional reader. I recommend reading this one in hard copy or e-book if possible.

Robin P wrote: "Kaoru wrote: "I FINALLY finished The Time Traveler's Wife and boy it was a struggle to finish it. Has anyone read this book? on GR there are many people who gave 4+ stars and I'm wo..."

I bailed on it.

Robin P wrote: "Kaoru wrote: "I FINALLY finished The Time Traveler's Wife and boy it was a struggle to finish it. Has anyone read this book? on GR there are many people who gave 4+ stars and I'm wo..."

I loved it but a friend of mine found it disturbing that a middle aged man appeared naked to a child. That would never have thought of that!

Finished Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

My Review: www.goodreads.com/review/show/4240988514

Margo wrote: "I loved it [The Time Traveler's Wife] but a friend of mine found it disturbing that a middle aged man appeared naked to a child. That would never have thought of that!

reply | flag *
..."

It was one of our first books to listen to on a trip. I liked it a lot. Time travel books is a genre I really like.

Kaoru wrote: "I FINALLY finished The Time Traveler's Wife and boy it was a struggle to finish it. ... I need some fun books for next reading!..."

Any particular genre? Fun books run the gamut. I think "Born a Crime" is a fun book and it is nonfiction. I think the "White Trash Zombie" books are fun and it is sort of urban fantasy. I think the "Bob Universe" books are kind of fun - science fiction. Detective books can br fun - "The Impersonator" by Mary Miley or perhaps "The Barkeep" by William Lashner. Mythology? That could be Neil Gaiman's book.

What are you in the mood for?

BTW - if you want to stay with time travel, "11-22-63" is my personal favorite but not sure I would call it fun.

for fun - i like the Chronicles of St Mary's series - time traveling historians (although they would tell you they observe significant historical events in contemporary time) - Just One Damned Thing After Another is the first one

Margo wrote: "Robin P wrote: "Kaoru wrote: "I FINALLY finished The Time Traveler's Wife and boy it was a struggle to finish it. Has anyone read this book? on GR there are many people who gave 4+ ..."

What do you think if the girl also will have the same problem when she time travel?

Bill (Just a) wrote: "Kaoru wrote: "I FINALLY finished The Time Traveler's Wife and boy it was a struggle to finish it. ... I need some fun books for next reading!..."

Any particular genre? Fun books ru..."

Actually I read Born a Crime and have Bobverse series. I haven't finished vol 3 of Bobverse so I can try (I love the narrator, Ray Porter).

And 11-23-63 is on my TBR but I heard it's super long. I'll keep it for my long trip!

I finished Instructions for Dancing over the weekend. It was quick and cute - a YA novel with some interesting twists. Evie doesn't believe in love after her parent's divorce. The plot of the story tracks that change of belief. Really well narrated and it was a sweet story.

I started Summer on the Bluffs yesterday. It's very disjointed so far and I'm trying really hard to stick it out.

I Am a Girl from Africa by Elizabeth Nyamayaro - 4 stars - My Review

Elizabeth Nyamayaro’s memoir of growing up in a small village in Zimbabwe and her experiences that eventually led to working for the UN and World Health Organization. This is an uplifting story about a woman who overcame many hardships to achieve her dreams. Her book is founded on the concept of ubuntu, an ancient African philosophy that recognizes the connectedness of humankind. One of the common themes running through her story is the need to develop a sense of community. She has also formed an organization that advocates gender equality, an inclusive movement that includes men and boys, HeForShe. She truly believes that transformative change is possible through working together. It is a wonderful example of a woman overcoming many obstacles to make a difference in the world.

The audiobook is competently read by the author.

Kaoru wrote: "I FINALLY finished The Time Traveler's Wife and boy it was a struggle to finish it. Has anyone read this book? on GR there are many people who gave 4+ stars and I'm wondering if we ..."

I would recommend The Eyre Affair by Jasper fforde

I finished my first spooky book The Girl in the Locked Room: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn narrated by, Rachel Dulude this was a good little middle grade ghost story.

Now starting No One Goes Alone by Erik Larson narrated by, Julian Rhind-Tutt I don't know why search won't find this book but here is the link
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

My review of How to Find Your Way in the Dark by Derek B. Miller

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

I'm powering through the last 4 hours of Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton this morning. I'm not especially interested in the romance aspect just now so I've sped up the audio to 1.5x. I like the overall story well enough, but I think I might appreciate Cleeton better in print.

Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey - 2 stars - My Review

I enjoyed the first half, the depth of the Sci Fi world-building, and the search across the galaxy for a missing woman. Then we meet the “vomit-zombies.” I was not prepared for this abrupt shift in focus. Vomit-zombies, or any zombies for that matter, are not my thing. If you like a combo of supernatural and SciFi you may like this book more than I did.

I listened to the audio book, competently read by Jefferson Mays.

No One Goes Alone by Erik Larson narrated by, Julian Rhind-Tutt was a bit disappointing not near as spooky as I had hoped.

Now listening to The Raven's Tale by Cat Winters narrated by, Michael Crouch & Nicole Wood this was one of the books from this summers YASync program.

I've started An Irish Nature Year, where I understand the print editions have excellent drawings, but the narrator is a perfect fit for the material!

Finished two audios:

The Zombie Ball by John Gaspard, the sixth in the Eli Marks series and my least favorite so far. The first half of the book was pretty slow and very little happened.

Also finished The Shadows We Hide by Allen Eskens. This is the sequel (#2) to The Life We Bury which I absolutely loved. This one was good and I enjoyed the continuing story of Joe, but it didn't leave me wowed like the first one. The book is also listed as #5 in the Max Rupert series but Max did not appear in the story at all.

Started The Death of Dulgath and I hate to say that I'm bored and am considering stopping.

Today I finished the last three books in the Tales of the Five Hundred Kingdoms series by Mercedes Lackey: The Snow Queen, The Sleeping Beauty, and Beauty and the Werewolf. I've enjoyed all the books in this series and wish Lackey would write more. The only glitch in this series was in the fourth book, The Snow Queen, because Gabra Zackman--the narrator who did a wondergul job in every other way--somehow decided mage should be pronounced like maj... disconcerting for anyone who knows better. I had been forwarned by the reviews so it didn't bother me as much as it might have--forewarned being forearmed. All of these books are good bedtime re-listens and these last three will go into that bedtime rotation as well.

Jan wrote: "Finished two audios:

The Zombie Ball by John Gaspard, the sixth in the Eli Marks series and my least favorite so far. The first half of the book was pretty slow an..."

I own the Eli story, not listened yet - thanks for the info!

John wrote: "I've started An Irish Nature Year, where I understand the print editions have excellent drawings, but the narrator is a perfect fit for the material!"

That sounds like an fun read/listen!

I finished The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury. I've had this one in my Library for quite some time but knew nothing about it other than many consider it a classic of the genre. I didn't even know it was a collection of short stories tied together loosely in a framing narrative. What I now know is that I'm not likely to read another Bradbury, October is a good month to read this one, and this kind of SF isn't for me. Most of the stories were pessimistic or cautionary tales. The Velt holds up a little too well and even today's reader can see an application of the moral to modern times. The narrator, Paul Michael Garcia, did a really good job on this one and kept me going even when I was feeling overwhelmed with the bleakness of some of the futures. At least I'm done!