This began as an engaging, fast-paced thriller. But after a couple of hours of listening, I began to lose interest in the characters. My mind would wander. I could not stay engaged. Yes, there was action, but I really had to push myself to continue reading. And then in the end, there was no ending. I really dislike books that are part of a series that can't stand alone.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Crown of Stars continues the story a few months after we left off in Book One, Love is Red. While it’s possible to read this one first, there is a lot of backstory that would be missed, so I recommend starting with the first book in this trilogy.
The story alternates between Katherine, in the present, and Margaret hundreds of years ago, in a medieval English village. Katherine is trying to rebuild her life after the horrible events of last summer when she was attacked and her roommate murdered. Her boyfriend has left her and now she discovers she is pregnant. Margaret has just left her village after her father remarried, but she has inherited her mother’s talents, and there are rumors she is a witch.
Like the first novel in the trilogy, this is a blend of genres including elements of horror, fantasy, and the supernatural. The story was well-written and the book difficult to put down. I’m always leery of “middle book syndrome” in a trilogy, but this was a pleasant surprise, as good as the first book with lots of suspense and unexpected twists. And for the few times I became a little confused, answers were revealed as the story progressed. However there is a big cliffhanger at the end, so I am anxiously anticipating book three!
The story alternates between Katherine, in the present, and Margaret hundreds of years ago, in a medieval English village. Katherine is trying to rebuild her life after the horrible events of last summer when she was attacked and her roommate murdered. Her boyfriend has left her and now she discovers she is pregnant. Margaret has just left her village after her father remarried, but she has inherited her mother’s talents, and there are rumors she is a witch.
Like the first novel in the trilogy, this is a blend of genres including elements of horror, fantasy, and the supernatural. The story was well-written and the book difficult to put down. I’m always leery of “middle book syndrome” in a trilogy, but this was a pleasant surprise, as good as the first book with lots of suspense and unexpected twists. And for the few times I became a little confused, answers were revealed as the story progressed. However there is a big cliffhanger at the end, so I am anxiously anticipating book three!
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
After only a few weeks together, Lila and Perry elope. Their story is told in the first person by Lila using photos, drawings, notes, correspondence, newspaper/magazine clippings, illustrations, advertisement – all types of memorabilia. An original concept that I enjoyed reading.
This is a love story and also historical fiction; a realistic glimpse of what life was like in the early 1940s. It’s not only a book to read, but one to experience. It’s a form of graphic novel, but uses a multimedia scrapbook format rather than illustrations.
I have tried to read graphic novels with some success but often find them frustrating. As a scrapbook, this is different. It’s not just a story with pictures. It immerses you in the time period. It’s engaging. Interesting. Authentic. It was an enjoyable break from a regular print novel.
This is a love story and also historical fiction; a realistic glimpse of what life was like in the early 1940s. It’s not only a book to read, but one to experience. It’s a form of graphic novel, but uses a multimedia scrapbook format rather than illustrations.
I have tried to read graphic novels with some success but often find them frustrating. As a scrapbook, this is different. It’s not just a story with pictures. It immerses you in the time period. It’s engaging. Interesting. Authentic. It was an enjoyable break from a regular print novel.
InStyle Parties : The Complete Guide to Easy, Elegant Entertaining All Year Round by The Editors of InStyle
What’s it about . . .
The editors of InStyle Magazine share their tips and tricks on everything you need to know about planning, preparing, and hosting a successful party.
In the first part, the guide takes the reader through all the basic steps of planning an event: Sending out invitations, planning a menu for food and drinks, creating the table, and establishing a mood. In the second part, which is the bulk of the book, plans for fifteen different types of parties are detailed from start to finish, including shortcuts and a timetable for ahead-of-time prep.
What did I think . . .
This is a useful how-to guide for proper party planning. With help, I might be able to pull off hosting a party like this, but alone, it would be a lot of work. The recipes are almost all made from scratch and require some cooking experience. I wouldn’t want to try many of these dishes for the first time on the day of a party. Most of my entertaining is more relaxed, but this type of book is useful as inspiration to add a touch of elegance to one of my casual affairs.
The editors of InStyle Magazine share their tips and tricks on everything you need to know about planning, preparing, and hosting a successful party.
In the first part, the guide takes the reader through all the basic steps of planning an event: Sending out invitations, planning a menu for food and drinks, creating the table, and establishing a mood. In the second part, which is the bulk of the book, plans for fifteen different types of parties are detailed from start to finish, including shortcuts and a timetable for ahead-of-time prep.
What did I think . . .
This is a useful how-to guide for proper party planning. With help, I might be able to pull off hosting a party like this, but alone, it would be a lot of work. The recipes are almost all made from scratch and require some cooking experience. I wouldn’t want to try many of these dishes for the first time on the day of a party. Most of my entertaining is more relaxed, but this type of book is useful as inspiration to add a touch of elegance to one of my casual affairs.
This is a nice story about the value of friendship and inclusion. Squirrel is shy and needs some encouragement to attend a party hosted by Bear. Squirrel wanted to go, but didn't feel right about just showing up. Owl is going to the party and convinces Squirrel to come along with him. The illustrations are wonderfully drawn and quite detailed.
What’s it about . . .
White Houses is a fictionalized account of Eleanor Roosevelt’s relationship with Lorena Hickok and is written from Lorena’s perspective.
What did I think . . .
I was intrigued by the possibilities of this book. However, as much as I enjoyed the writing, I couldn’t get into the relationship, couldn’t feel a connection to the characters, and felt I learned little about Eleanor. Before hearing about this book, I knew nothing about a relationship between Eleanor and Hicks, which is probably why I was having trouble separating fiction from fact. Much of the book is about Lornea and we do learn a lot about her, especially her abusive childhood. But I didn’t much care for her character. In the end, this was just OK for me.
Audio production . . .
The audio was performed by Tonya Cornelisse, a new-to-me narrator. Her rough, throaty voice was just what I imagined the worldly Hick would sound like. The novel is not written in linear style; it jumps around a lot making the story choppy at times. Attention to detail is needed to avoid confusion.
White Houses is a fictionalized account of Eleanor Roosevelt’s relationship with Lorena Hickok and is written from Lorena’s perspective.
What did I think . . .
I was intrigued by the possibilities of this book. However, as much as I enjoyed the writing, I couldn’t get into the relationship, couldn’t feel a connection to the characters, and felt I learned little about Eleanor. Before hearing about this book, I knew nothing about a relationship between Eleanor and Hicks, which is probably why I was having trouble separating fiction from fact. Much of the book is about Lornea and we do learn a lot about her, especially her abusive childhood. But I didn’t much care for her character. In the end, this was just OK for me.
Audio production . . .
The audio was performed by Tonya Cornelisse, a new-to-me narrator. Her rough, throaty voice was just what I imagined the worldly Hick would sound like. The novel is not written in linear style; it jumps around a lot making the story choppy at times. Attention to detail is needed to avoid confusion.
What’s it about . . .
If you are a birder, aka bird watcher, you will likely enjoy this short book of 37 essays, many of which were written by people well-known in the birding world. They share their experiences and talk about the joys of birding. The essays encompass a variety of topics but all convey a passion about birding.
While the target audience for this book is birders, it’s written in a very accessible style and can be enjoyed by anyone who likes birds.
The essays are about personal experiences, but also contain helpful information for new birders, and even those with experience might learn something new. The end of each essay includes a few tips and a paragraph about the author. Each essay is accompanied by a cute, cartoonish drawing which adds a bit of light humor and whimsy.
What did I think . . .
Some of these experiences I could instantly relate to, like being unable to remember the songs and calls of some of the less frequently seen birds. I need all the tips I can get. Not as enjoyable was reading about a birder who felt it was ok to kill a house sparrow because he killed a bluebird. I agree it’s sad, even frustrating, when that happens, however all bird’s lives have value and there are other ways to handle it, including taking down the nestbox altogether.
Overall, an enjoyable little book that could be read in snippets or all in one sitting.
If you are a birder, aka bird watcher, you will likely enjoy this short book of 37 essays, many of which were written by people well-known in the birding world. They share their experiences and talk about the joys of birding. The essays encompass a variety of topics but all convey a passion about birding.
While the target audience for this book is birders, it’s written in a very accessible style and can be enjoyed by anyone who likes birds.
The essays are about personal experiences, but also contain helpful information for new birders, and even those with experience might learn something new. The end of each essay includes a few tips and a paragraph about the author. Each essay is accompanied by a cute, cartoonish drawing which adds a bit of light humor and whimsy.
What did I think . . .
Some of these experiences I could instantly relate to, like being unable to remember the songs and calls of some of the less frequently seen birds. I need all the tips I can get. Not as enjoyable was reading about a birder who felt it was ok to kill a house sparrow because he killed a bluebird. I agree it’s sad, even frustrating, when that happens, however all bird’s lives have value and there are other ways to handle it, including taking down the nestbox altogether.
Overall, an enjoyable little book that could be read in snippets or all in one sitting.
I read this for my bookclub, otherwise I would have stopped by one-third the way through. I love science fiction and rarely want to throw down a book in frustration, but this one was so tedious it fit the bill!
Interesting premise that was never really developed because there was way too much physics. Characters were unlikable and the plot was difficult to follow. And then at the end . . . there really wasn't one! This is book one in a trilogy. Ugh. No thanks.
Interesting premise that was never really developed because there was way too much physics. Characters were unlikable and the plot was difficult to follow. And then at the end . . . there really wasn't one! This is book one in a trilogy. Ugh. No thanks.
This was an enjoyable, engaging novel about two childhood friends, Bonny and Lainey, who reunite in Watersend, the small southern town where they spent their summers many years ago. Using multiple narrators and occasional flashbacks, their story unfolds as Lainey solves a mystery from the past and Bonny resolves a crisis in the present.
This is the type of women’s fiction I enjoy. The plot was multi-layered and believable enough to hold my interest; an overall entertaining, easy read, and nice change of pace from my usual genres. The characters were realistic and by the end, I felt like I knew Bonny and Lainey. The secondary characters were not as highly developed, but that could leave room for a welcome sequel that I will be eager to read.
This is the type of women’s fiction I enjoy. The plot was multi-layered and believable enough to hold my interest; an overall entertaining, easy read, and nice change of pace from my usual genres. The characters were realistic and by the end, I felt like I knew Bonny and Lainey. The secondary characters were not as highly developed, but that could leave room for a welcome sequel that I will be eager to read.
Monique Grant is a little known writer. Logically, she should not be Evelyn’s first choice to write her biography. It soon becomes apparent that Monique is not only her first choice but her only choice. She will give Monique all the rights to story, and it is only to be published after her death. Monique has no idea why she was chosen and is conflicted about taking the assignment, but it is too big a coup to pass up.
Evelyn begins the fascinating story of life beginning with her arrival in Hollywood in the 1950s through three decades and seven husbands. Along the way we realize that nothing was as it appeared in the tabloids or the official accounts.
This was one of the more engaging stories I’ve read this year. It kept me entertained until the very end.
Evelyn had many secrets and much to hide. As hard as I tried to figure out the connection between her and Monique, it was not apparent until the end what Evelyn wanted to keep secret until her death. There were a few clues, but I didn’t catch them.
It’s not necessary to be a fan of Old Hollywood to enjoy this book, but it just might turn you into one!
Audio production . . .
Narrators: Alma Cuervo, Julia Whelan, Robin Miles
The story was told in alternating perspectives interspersed with readings from the tabloids of each time period. The two different voices made it easy to detect when a change of perspective occurred. And Julia Whelan’s snarky tone for the tabloid readings was a delight.
Evelyn begins the fascinating story of life beginning with her arrival in Hollywood in the 1950s through three decades and seven husbands. Along the way we realize that nothing was as it appeared in the tabloids or the official accounts.
This was one of the more engaging stories I’ve read this year. It kept me entertained until the very end.
Evelyn had many secrets and much to hide. As hard as I tried to figure out the connection between her and Monique, it was not apparent until the end what Evelyn wanted to keep secret until her death. There were a few clues, but I didn’t catch them.
It’s not necessary to be a fan of Old Hollywood to enjoy this book, but it just might turn you into one!
Audio production . . .
Narrators: Alma Cuervo, Julia Whelan, Robin Miles
The story was told in alternating perspectives interspersed with readings from the tabloids of each time period. The two different voices made it easy to detect when a change of perspective occurred. And Julia Whelan’s snarky tone for the tabloid readings was a delight.
How Not to Kill Your Houseplant: Survival Tips for the Horticulturally Challenged by Veronica Peerless
The book begins with a section called “The Basics”, which covers how to buy the plant, where to put it, how to water it, how to feed it, and how to spot pests and diseases. Don’t know the name of your plant? The beginning of the section has an eight page index of illustrations for you to look at to identify your plant and find it in the book. Each plant has several pages of information including full color photos and details on what that plants requires to survive indoors. My advice: Keep the little stick that comes in the starter pot. It has valuable information on it about food, light, and watering needs.
So will this book help the noobie? Yes, but it is not going to cover every scenario. However, it will help people give their plant a fighting chance by giving it the right amount of light, the correct room temperature, and a proper watering schedule. In my experience, overwatering is the biggest killer of plants. The roots can survive a lack of light, less than ideal temperatures, and even underwatering, but too much water causes the plant to rot and die.
The book is also a handy quick-reference guide. I consider myself to have a green thumb and a lot of what I do is instinctive. But once in a while I don’t know a plant’s name and the index of illustrations has already proven helpful. Will it solve all your problems? No, but it’s a good start for the horticulturally challenged and is written in an approachable, friendly manner.
So will this book help the noobie? Yes, but it is not going to cover every scenario. However, it will help people give their plant a fighting chance by giving it the right amount of light, the correct room temperature, and a proper watering schedule. In my experience, overwatering is the biggest killer of plants. The roots can survive a lack of light, less than ideal temperatures, and even underwatering, but too much water causes the plant to rot and die.
The book is also a handy quick-reference guide. I consider myself to have a green thumb and a lot of what I do is instinctive. But once in a while I don’t know a plant’s name and the index of illustrations has already proven helpful. Will it solve all your problems? No, but it’s a good start for the horticulturally challenged and is written in an approachable, friendly manner.
It’s 1997 and NCIS Agent Shannon Moss is assigned to a case involving the murder of a Navy SEAL’s family. Shannon is part of a secret group that works outside of conventional law enforcement to investigate crimes by using time-travel into the future. But time travel is tricky – upon your return, the future you visited is only a possibility and blinks out of existence upon your departure. And if someone from the future is taken back to their past, well, that can cause a lot of new problems.
During their travels, investigators have also learned about The Terminus, an event that may cause the end of the world. Things become even more complicated as we discover that there are others traveling to the future for their own purposes. It isn’t until the end when all the pieces come together that we understand what is happening.
What did I think . . .
This is a dark, complex science fiction thriller that I enjoyed immensely. Not only because it combines two of my favorite genres, but because it was so well-written and plotted, especially the time travel concept. It did get a little complicated at times, and I sometimes felt like I needed a spreadsheet to keep things straight, but I don’t mind a mind-bending plot in good speculative fiction.
This book is not going to work for everyone, but it will be sure to please fans of the genre and those that don’t mind going a little outside of their comfort zones.
Audio production . . .
The book was narrated by Brittany Pressley and her show more performance was superb. Her vocals were very expressive and she effortlessly changed tone, inflection, and accents for the many different characters. I could easily believe I was listening to multiple narrators.
While the audio performance was excellent, I would recommend it only for experienced listeners. With a complex plot, jumps in time and place, and more than a few characters, it required a high degree of concentration. show less
During their travels, investigators have also learned about The Terminus, an event that may cause the end of the world. Things become even more complicated as we discover that there are others traveling to the future for their own purposes. It isn’t until the end when all the pieces come together that we understand what is happening.
What did I think . . .
This is a dark, complex science fiction thriller that I enjoyed immensely. Not only because it combines two of my favorite genres, but because it was so well-written and plotted, especially the time travel concept. It did get a little complicated at times, and I sometimes felt like I needed a spreadsheet to keep things straight, but I don’t mind a mind-bending plot in good speculative fiction.
This book is not going to work for everyone, but it will be sure to please fans of the genre and those that don’t mind going a little outside of their comfort zones.
Audio production . . .
The book was narrated by Brittany Pressley and her show more performance was superb. Her vocals were very expressive and she effortlessly changed tone, inflection, and accents for the many different characters. I could easily believe I was listening to multiple narrators.
While the audio performance was excellent, I would recommend it only for experienced listeners. With a complex plot, jumps in time and place, and more than a few characters, it required a high degree of concentration. show less
People love dinosaurs. We are fascinated by them. The more we learn about them the more we realize that dinosaurs achieved feats unparalleled by any other group of animals. They were adaptable and fascinating creatures that deserve a lot more respect than we give them. They did not die out because they were too slow or stupid to adapt, but instead were wiped out by a calamitous event that left them little time to adjust and recover.
This was especially interesting to me because it delves into the subject of why birds are dinosaurs, and that dinosaurs are not truly extinct – they live on as birds. The author explains how birds are descended from the theropod group, also known as avian dinosaurs, the ones that had feathers.
This is a well written and interesting book by an author who is passionate about the subject. So why do dinosaurs matter? The lesson here is that no species lasts forever. Humans take for granted that we are invincible when in reality our time on this planet could be just as fleeting; we are far more fragile than the dinosaur. And in the end, an asteroid took down a mighty species.
Audio production . . .
This was read with enthusiasm by the author – maybe a little too much at times! It was a quick, enjoyable listen, read in a manner that the entire family will enjoy listening to.
This was especially interesting to me because it delves into the subject of why birds are dinosaurs, and that dinosaurs are not truly extinct – they live on as birds. The author explains how birds are descended from the theropod group, also known as avian dinosaurs, the ones that had feathers.
This is a well written and interesting book by an author who is passionate about the subject. So why do dinosaurs matter? The lesson here is that no species lasts forever. Humans take for granted that we are invincible when in reality our time on this planet could be just as fleeting; we are far more fragile than the dinosaur. And in the end, an asteroid took down a mighty species.
Audio production . . .
This was read with enthusiasm by the author – maybe a little too much at times! It was a quick, enjoyable listen, read in a manner that the entire family will enjoy listening to.
What’s it about . . .
Two women, strangers to each other, each experienced a horrific trauma in their past.
Claudia Bishop’s life fell apart after a brutal assault left her with constant anxiety and a crumbling marriage. She is now rebuilding her life and has immersed herself in a home restoration project.
Zoey Drake experienced trauma as a child when her parents were murdered and she barely survived the attack. The crime was never solved. She has spent subsequent years training in the martial arts hoping to someday find the people responsible for killing her parents.
The two women are destined to meet. The house that is providing Claudia with the hope of rebuilding her life is the same house where Zoey’s parents were murdered. And urban legend says that a million dollars is hidden somewhere in that house – money stolen from drug dealers.
What did I think . . .
I enjoyed this psychological thriller. It had lots of action, a tight plot, fast pacing, and a tense storyline. The narration switches between Claudia and Zoey in what first appears to be two unrelated stories. Gradually, connections are revealed, secrets are exposed, and their stories converge in an exciting ending.
I read a lot of psychological fiction and although I guessed the twist at the end, I still found it very entertaining.
Audio production . . .
The audio was read by Julia Whelan. Excellent performance. She is a pleasure to listen to. Because the point of view switches and occasionally recounts the past, show more the listener needs to pay a little extra attention, but overall a fine performance and one that audio listeners both new to the format and experienced will enjoy. show less
Two women, strangers to each other, each experienced a horrific trauma in their past.
Claudia Bishop’s life fell apart after a brutal assault left her with constant anxiety and a crumbling marriage. She is now rebuilding her life and has immersed herself in a home restoration project.
Zoey Drake experienced trauma as a child when her parents were murdered and she barely survived the attack. The crime was never solved. She has spent subsequent years training in the martial arts hoping to someday find the people responsible for killing her parents.
The two women are destined to meet. The house that is providing Claudia with the hope of rebuilding her life is the same house where Zoey’s parents were murdered. And urban legend says that a million dollars is hidden somewhere in that house – money stolen from drug dealers.
What did I think . . .
I enjoyed this psychological thriller. It had lots of action, a tight plot, fast pacing, and a tense storyline. The narration switches between Claudia and Zoey in what first appears to be two unrelated stories. Gradually, connections are revealed, secrets are exposed, and their stories converge in an exciting ending.
I read a lot of psychological fiction and although I guessed the twist at the end, I still found it very entertaining.
Audio production . . .
The audio was read by Julia Whelan. Excellent performance. She is a pleasure to listen to. Because the point of view switches and occasionally recounts the past, show more the listener needs to pay a little extra attention, but overall a fine performance and one that audio listeners both new to the format and experienced will enjoy. show less
This is much more than a history of the grocery store; it is also a behind-the-scenes look at how a modern grocery store is operated and managed, and the industry’s continuous evolution.
Through interviews with the owners of Heinens, a Midwestern grocery chain, we learn about the workings of different departments and even learn the real reason why the dairy and freezer cases are at the rear of the store. (I always thought it was to make me walk past the snack aisle!) There is an entire section on avoiding the center aisles of the store and why you should shop the perimeter. I found it amazing that we are headed towards a society where almost no one cooks anymore. Entire prepared Thanksgiving dinners can be purchased from the local grocery store, something almost unheard of a decade ago.
The author’s personal stories and memories combined with his extensive research of the grocery industry make this an interesting and absorbing read. His description of the grocery store in the 1960s brought back my own childhood memories of grocery shopping as a Saturday morning family outing.
Audio production . . .
The narration was performed by Jonathan Todd Ross in a pleasant, clear voice with smooth pacing. This was an easy-to-follow narrative and a good selection for audio. Non-fiction is a good choice for new audio listeners or for listening in the car as there is no complex plot or characters to remember.
I read both print and audio and found my time listening to be a perfect choice show more for multitasking. show less
Through interviews with the owners of Heinens, a Midwestern grocery chain, we learn about the workings of different departments and even learn the real reason why the dairy and freezer cases are at the rear of the store. (I always thought it was to make me walk past the snack aisle!) There is an entire section on avoiding the center aisles of the store and why you should shop the perimeter. I found it amazing that we are headed towards a society where almost no one cooks anymore. Entire prepared Thanksgiving dinners can be purchased from the local grocery store, something almost unheard of a decade ago.
The author’s personal stories and memories combined with his extensive research of the grocery industry make this an interesting and absorbing read. His description of the grocery store in the 1960s brought back my own childhood memories of grocery shopping as a Saturday morning family outing.
Audio production . . .
The narration was performed by Jonathan Todd Ross in a pleasant, clear voice with smooth pacing. This was an easy-to-follow narrative and a good selection for audio. Non-fiction is a good choice for new audio listeners or for listening in the car as there is no complex plot or characters to remember.
I read both print and audio and found my time listening to be a perfect choice show more for multitasking. show less
The Thing with Feathers: The Surprising Lives of Birds and What They Reveal About Being Human by Noah Strycker
What’s it about . . .
The book is divided into 3 Parts – Body, Mind, Spirit – and contains essays on thirteen different species of birds. For each bird, the author highlights a feature that is similar between avian and human behavior: Parrots that can dance, self-awareness in Magpies, cooperative nesting in Fairy Wrens, and pecking orders in chickens to name a few.
What did I think . . .
I love birds and have been watching and observing them in the wild for many years. Just the ability to fly makes them amazing creatures, but they have many other attributes. Some species can navigate their way across water or continents, you can take them far from home and they can find their way back, some are self-aware, and many are highly intelligent.
As a longtime birder, I was already aware of many amazing bird qualities, but there was still much to learn. In addition to facts and information on bird behavior, the author included his own experiences and short stories from a lifetime of observing birds.
This book will appeal to birders old and new, and even those remotely interested in birds.
Audio production . . .
The audio production was narrated by Paul Boehmer. His pleasant voice and good pacing made for easy listening.
This is the type of book that is made for audio. I often recommend non-fiction to new listeners, and this is no exception. With thirteen separate, engaging essays, the listener can find convenient points to stop and start, or listen in the car over a period of time.
The book is divided into 3 Parts – Body, Mind, Spirit – and contains essays on thirteen different species of birds. For each bird, the author highlights a feature that is similar between avian and human behavior: Parrots that can dance, self-awareness in Magpies, cooperative nesting in Fairy Wrens, and pecking orders in chickens to name a few.
What did I think . . .
I love birds and have been watching and observing them in the wild for many years. Just the ability to fly makes them amazing creatures, but they have many other attributes. Some species can navigate their way across water or continents, you can take them far from home and they can find their way back, some are self-aware, and many are highly intelligent.
As a longtime birder, I was already aware of many amazing bird qualities, but there was still much to learn. In addition to facts and information on bird behavior, the author included his own experiences and short stories from a lifetime of observing birds.
This book will appeal to birders old and new, and even those remotely interested in birds.
Audio production . . .
The audio production was narrated by Paul Boehmer. His pleasant voice and good pacing made for easy listening.
This is the type of book that is made for audio. I often recommend non-fiction to new listeners, and this is no exception. With thirteen separate, engaging essays, the listener can find convenient points to stop and start, or listen in the car over a period of time.
What’s it about . . .
George Orr doesn’t want to sleep, because when he does, he dreams. Most of his dreams are meaningless, but occasionally he dreams that something has changed in his life or the world he lives in, and when he awakens, he finds his dream world has become reality. No one around him senses anything different, but he knows people have disappeared and history has changed.
George has been taking drugs in an attempt to suppress his dreams, but eventually he seeks help from a psychiatrist. Soon the doctor begins to realize that George really can change the future with his dreams and attempts to covertly influence him to make changes for the benefit of mankind. But the results are not what he intended.
What did I think . . .
The Lathe of Heaven was first published in 1971 and is set in Oregon in the year 2002. In this future, there is much poverty, racism, overpopulation, and despair. The climate has altered and it rains all the time. LeGuin was remarkably prescient in many of her visions and description of a future earth, including a changing climate.
This is a short novel with only three main characters – George, his girlfriend, and Dr. Haber. Using alternating points of view, the author sends a thought-provoking message about the consequences of playing god. And what can happen when you get what you wish for.
Audio production . . .
This is a newly recorded version of the book and is narrated by George Guidall. As always, Guidall gives a believable show more performance. We feel Orr’s anxiety as he fears each new dream and the doctor’s arrogant attitude as he attempts to manipulate Orr. Other than the need to pay attention for the changing points of view, this is an easy and enjoyable listen. show less
George Orr doesn’t want to sleep, because when he does, he dreams. Most of his dreams are meaningless, but occasionally he dreams that something has changed in his life or the world he lives in, and when he awakens, he finds his dream world has become reality. No one around him senses anything different, but he knows people have disappeared and history has changed.
George has been taking drugs in an attempt to suppress his dreams, but eventually he seeks help from a psychiatrist. Soon the doctor begins to realize that George really can change the future with his dreams and attempts to covertly influence him to make changes for the benefit of mankind. But the results are not what he intended.
What did I think . . .
The Lathe of Heaven was first published in 1971 and is set in Oregon in the year 2002. In this future, there is much poverty, racism, overpopulation, and despair. The climate has altered and it rains all the time. LeGuin was remarkably prescient in many of her visions and description of a future earth, including a changing climate.
This is a short novel with only three main characters – George, his girlfriend, and Dr. Haber. Using alternating points of view, the author sends a thought-provoking message about the consequences of playing god. And what can happen when you get what you wish for.
Audio production . . .
This is a newly recorded version of the book and is narrated by George Guidall. As always, Guidall gives a believable show more performance. We feel Orr’s anxiety as he fears each new dream and the doctor’s arrogant attitude as he attempts to manipulate Orr. Other than the need to pay attention for the changing points of view, this is an easy and enjoyable listen. show less
What’s it about . . .
Adam is an IT Consultant and Musician (and music trivia expert) living in the UK with his partner, Claire. Seemingly out of nowhere, Adam receives an email from Angelina, an actress he had a relationship with 20 years earlier while working as a consultant in Australia. She is the one that got away, his soulmate, and he never forgot about her.
After a series of flirty emails, Angelina says she wants to see him again and invites Adam to visit her in France where she lives with her husband. Adam doesn’t know what to expect, but it doesn’t take him long to decide to make the trip. And besides, things aren’t going very well with Claire anyway.
What did I think . . .
The first half of the book was cute and quirky as we get the details on how Adam and Angelina met and their ensuing romance. The second half got a little weird as I struggled to figure out what Angelina wanted and why was Adam going along with this.
I enjoyed the writing and the many musical references from the past and felt that the book was aimed at the over forty, nostalgic for the past crowd. I couldn’t relate to Angelina, but I found Adam charming, and it was interesting to read a romance from a male perspective. While the story had humor and appeal, it was not a comedy like The Rosie Project, but still likable in its own way.
Audio production
I switched between print and audio. The narration was performed by David Barker using a British accent and a smooth, flowing pace to bring the show more character of Adam to life. The story is easy to follow and a pleasant listen. A good choice for both new and experienced listeners. show less
Adam is an IT Consultant and Musician (and music trivia expert) living in the UK with his partner, Claire. Seemingly out of nowhere, Adam receives an email from Angelina, an actress he had a relationship with 20 years earlier while working as a consultant in Australia. She is the one that got away, his soulmate, and he never forgot about her.
After a series of flirty emails, Angelina says she wants to see him again and invites Adam to visit her in France where she lives with her husband. Adam doesn’t know what to expect, but it doesn’t take him long to decide to make the trip. And besides, things aren’t going very well with Claire anyway.
What did I think . . .
The first half of the book was cute and quirky as we get the details on how Adam and Angelina met and their ensuing romance. The second half got a little weird as I struggled to figure out what Angelina wanted and why was Adam going along with this.
I enjoyed the writing and the many musical references from the past and felt that the book was aimed at the over forty, nostalgic for the past crowd. I couldn’t relate to Angelina, but I found Adam charming, and it was interesting to read a romance from a male perspective. While the story had humor and appeal, it was not a comedy like The Rosie Project, but still likable in its own way.
Audio production
I switched between print and audio. The narration was performed by David Barker using a British accent and a smooth, flowing pace to bring the show more character of Adam to life. The story is easy to follow and a pleasant listen. A good choice for both new and experienced listeners. show less
I am familiar with Amy Stewart's writing from her non-fiction books, The Drunken Botanist and Wicked Plants, so I wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked up her first novel. In Girl Waits With Gun, what I discovered was an engaging and entertaining novel based on real people and a real event.
Set a century ago, the story is based on a real person, Constance Kopp and her two sisters, and a buggy vs car traffic accident. The buggy was driven by an unsavory character who refused to pay for the damages to Constance's car, but the ladies don't back off, despite his threats and attempts at intimidation.
The story is fun, fast-paced, and filled with historical detail. There is also a little bit of mystery and family secrets/drama thrown in.
Set a century ago, the story is based on a real person, Constance Kopp and her two sisters, and a buggy vs car traffic accident. The buggy was driven by an unsavory character who refused to pay for the damages to Constance's car, but the ladies don't back off, despite his threats and attempts at intimidation.
The story is fun, fast-paced, and filled with historical detail. There is also a little bit of mystery and family secrets/drama thrown in.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Gave up about a quarter of the way through. I had high expectations after reading all the positive reviews but this was going nowhere for me. There were too many narrators, but most of all, there was no story and nothing to ground me. I enjoy biographies and historical works, but this book just isn't for me.
What’s it about . . .
Felix, an aging baby-boomer, turned 60 this past year. He is a film scholar and runs a film club in an old vaudeville theater.
One evening while setting up for a film, Felix is visited by the ghost of Lois Weber, a little known but innovative silent film director, and Billie Dove, an actress from the same era. They invite Felix to relive scenes from his childhood as they are magically projected on the screen.
The ghostly ladies return again and again, and these encounters help Felix gain a better understanding of the women in his life. He begins to look forward to his visits with Lois and her other ghostly friends.
What did I think . . .
I enjoyed the writing, and the ghosts were an interesting technique to allow Felix to travel back in time to visit with three important women from his life, but this story never really took off for me. There were some family secrets and drama revealed, and a look at feminism and the politics of the past, but nothing earth shattering or new.
I couldn’t decide if this book was intended as a nostalgic trip for baby boomers, or an education aimed at millennials. Either way, it was a pleasant read but not as engrossing as some of the author’s other novels.
Felix, an aging baby-boomer, turned 60 this past year. He is a film scholar and runs a film club in an old vaudeville theater.
One evening while setting up for a film, Felix is visited by the ghost of Lois Weber, a little known but innovative silent film director, and Billie Dove, an actress from the same era. They invite Felix to relive scenes from his childhood as they are magically projected on the screen.
The ghostly ladies return again and again, and these encounters help Felix gain a better understanding of the women in his life. He begins to look forward to his visits with Lois and her other ghostly friends.
What did I think . . .
I enjoyed the writing, and the ghosts were an interesting technique to allow Felix to travel back in time to visit with three important women from his life, but this story never really took off for me. There were some family secrets and drama revealed, and a look at feminism and the politics of the past, but nothing earth shattering or new.
I couldn’t decide if this book was intended as a nostalgic trip for baby boomers, or an education aimed at millennials. Either way, it was a pleasant read but not as engrossing as some of the author’s other novels.
This is much more than just another cookbook of healthy recipes. It’s a tribute to life on a small farm and the passion that the author has for the life that she and her husband have created in their small community in Oregon.
The introductory essay to each season is as much a part of the book as the recipes and provides an enlightening look at farm life. Recipes are divided into section by season rather than food types, emphasizing the fresh, local, whole foods one would find in season at a farmer’s market or your own garden. Most of the recipes are simple one dish meals or breads, soups, vegetables, pizza, and desserts. There are a few meat dishes but many are vegetarian.
Each recipe begins with its own introduction such as why it’s a favorite or its origin, and sometimes a few helpful tips. Almost every recipe has a photo of the finished dish, something I find very helpful. I enjoy a good presentation and I like to be able to duplicate it.
Even though these are simple recipes, the author does not skimp on the instructions. Both ingredient lists and directions are detailed making this an excellent book for both new and experienced cooks.
Regular visitors here know I have a passion for gardening and, in addition to my wildflower garden, also have an organic herb and vegetable garden. And while I don’t have the space to add all the veggies used in these recipes, the book has inspired me to change the garden around a bit and add a few new ones.
The introductory essay to each season is as much a part of the book as the recipes and provides an enlightening look at farm life. Recipes are divided into section by season rather than food types, emphasizing the fresh, local, whole foods one would find in season at a farmer’s market or your own garden. Most of the recipes are simple one dish meals or breads, soups, vegetables, pizza, and desserts. There are a few meat dishes but many are vegetarian.
Each recipe begins with its own introduction such as why it’s a favorite or its origin, and sometimes a few helpful tips. Almost every recipe has a photo of the finished dish, something I find very helpful. I enjoy a good presentation and I like to be able to duplicate it.
Even though these are simple recipes, the author does not skimp on the instructions. Both ingredient lists and directions are detailed making this an excellent book for both new and experienced cooks.
Regular visitors here know I have a passion for gardening and, in addition to my wildflower garden, also have an organic herb and vegetable garden. And while I don’t have the space to add all the veggies used in these recipes, the book has inspired me to change the garden around a bit and add a few new ones.
What’s it about . . .
With no survival training and little preparation, 20-year-old Christopher Knight abandoned his car and walked into the woods. He did not speak to another human for almost 30 years. He lived in a tent and would break into local cottages to steal supplies – food, clothes, books, watches. There were rumors about the hermit, but no one really believed it was the same person breaking in for all those years. And besides, who could survive the frigid Maine winters living outside. The answers came when the cost of surveillance equipment dropped in price, and residents began to capture images of a man breaking into their cottages.
What did I think . . .
This is a true story and one that I had never heard about. I love nature but I could never, ever exist solely in the woods. Through his persistence, the author was able to get Knight, a reluctant interviewee, to answer many of his questions. I was instantly absorbed in Knight’s story.
When Knight was finally caught by the local park service, he went peacefully. He admitted he had stolen and felt bad about it. He took as little as he could, never the most expensive items, and only what he needed. The interviews with Knight were fascinating. He was not the ‘crazy’ unkempt person you would imagine a hermit to look like. He was soft-spoken and intelligent. And he managed to survive all those years but never built a real campsite, living only in a tent!
This is a quick read; an amazing, compelling story.
Audio show more production . . .
The audiobook is read by Mark Bramhall who performed the narration with empathy in soft, soothing tones. I switched between audio and print, and finished the book in only two days. This was an easy listen and one I would recommend to those interested in trying an audiobook for the first time. show less
With no survival training and little preparation, 20-year-old Christopher Knight abandoned his car and walked into the woods. He did not speak to another human for almost 30 years. He lived in a tent and would break into local cottages to steal supplies – food, clothes, books, watches. There were rumors about the hermit, but no one really believed it was the same person breaking in for all those years. And besides, who could survive the frigid Maine winters living outside. The answers came when the cost of surveillance equipment dropped in price, and residents began to capture images of a man breaking into their cottages.
What did I think . . .
This is a true story and one that I had never heard about. I love nature but I could never, ever exist solely in the woods. Through his persistence, the author was able to get Knight, a reluctant interviewee, to answer many of his questions. I was instantly absorbed in Knight’s story.
When Knight was finally caught by the local park service, he went peacefully. He admitted he had stolen and felt bad about it. He took as little as he could, never the most expensive items, and only what he needed. The interviews with Knight were fascinating. He was not the ‘crazy’ unkempt person you would imagine a hermit to look like. He was soft-spoken and intelligent. And he managed to survive all those years but never built a real campsite, living only in a tent!
This is a quick read; an amazing, compelling story.
Audio show more production . . .
The audiobook is read by Mark Bramhall who performed the narration with empathy in soft, soothing tones. I switched between audio and print, and finished the book in only two days. This was an easy listen and one I would recommend to those interested in trying an audiobook for the first time. show less
What’s it about . . .
Celine is a private eye who specializes in tracking down missing persons. Gabriella is searching for her father, a National Geographic photographer, who was thought to have been killed by a grizzly bear, although no body was ever recovered. Celine, a complex, feisty woman now in her 80s, is very selective about the cases she takes, but agrees to help Gabriella.
What did I think . . .
I would call this a mystery, but not a typical who-done-it. The story is very literary and beautifully written, and the mystery itself takes a back seat to the life story of Celine. Using frequent jumps back in time, we alternate between the past and the present to learn about Celine’s backstory. Celine is the most developed character, and while we do learn a little about Gabriella, I would have liked more.
While I enjoyed the story, I didn’t like it as much as one of the author’s previous books, The Dog Stars, but maybe I have set the bar too high. I loved Dog Stars and it is a favorite of mine. The writing is what made this novel especially enjoyable. Descriptive scenes, particularly Yellowstone Park, were captivating.
By the end of the novel, the mystery is solved and Gabriella has her answers: Perhaps a little too neatly, but an ending that should satisfy most. But there are still many unanswered questions about Celine. Perhaps a sequel?
Audio production
The audio was read by Kimberly Farr. Using a fair amount of emotion, smooth pacing, and appropriate inflection show more made this a pleasant book to listen to.
The audio format is a good choice for both experienced listeners and those new to the format. The story is easy to follow even with the jumps back and forth in time. show less
Celine is a private eye who specializes in tracking down missing persons. Gabriella is searching for her father, a National Geographic photographer, who was thought to have been killed by a grizzly bear, although no body was ever recovered. Celine, a complex, feisty woman now in her 80s, is very selective about the cases she takes, but agrees to help Gabriella.
What did I think . . .
I would call this a mystery, but not a typical who-done-it. The story is very literary and beautifully written, and the mystery itself takes a back seat to the life story of Celine. Using frequent jumps back in time, we alternate between the past and the present to learn about Celine’s backstory. Celine is the most developed character, and while we do learn a little about Gabriella, I would have liked more.
While I enjoyed the story, I didn’t like it as much as one of the author’s previous books, The Dog Stars, but maybe I have set the bar too high. I loved Dog Stars and it is a favorite of mine. The writing is what made this novel especially enjoyable. Descriptive scenes, particularly Yellowstone Park, were captivating.
By the end of the novel, the mystery is solved and Gabriella has her answers: Perhaps a little too neatly, but an ending that should satisfy most. But there are still many unanswered questions about Celine. Perhaps a sequel?
Audio production
The audio was read by Kimberly Farr. Using a fair amount of emotion, smooth pacing, and appropriate inflection show more made this a pleasant book to listen to.
The audio format is a good choice for both experienced listeners and those new to the format. The story is easy to follow even with the jumps back and forth in time. show less
What’s it about . . .
Dustin Tillman, a psychologist in his 40s, is haunted by the murder of his parents, aunt, and uncle in the 1980s. Convinced his step-brother Rusty, a boy with an already troubled past, committed the murders, Dustin and his cousin testify that Rusty was involved with satanic cults. Even without physical evidence, their testimony was enough to convict him of the murders. Thirty years later, with the help of The Innocence Project and DNA analysis, Rusty is exonerated and released from jail.
Recently, Dustin has lost his wife to cancer and is probably not thinking clearly when he befriends a patient and crosses a professional boundary to help him investigate a serial killer who preys on local college boys. Meanwhile, Rusty, newly released from prison, has made contact with Dustin’s son, who is dealing with drug abuse problems and the recent death of his best friend.
What did I think . . .
I enjoyed this immensely; however, this is not a book for everyone. Besides being a rather dark story, it is also creepy and, at times, scary. Plus it’s not the easiest book to read or listen to. Using three narrators, shifting points of view, two time lines that span three decades, and a unique writing style makes this novel, at times, challenging. But it was so worth it!
The story is multi-layered and complex, but also a compelling mystery. It isn’t until the very last section that everything comes together. And at that point I asked myself why I didn’t see it show more coming! If you like Stephen King style creepiness or Hitchcockian suspense, you will probably enjoy this unique novel. This is already one of my 2017 favorites.
Audio production . . .
I began by listening to the audiobook, but soon switched to print until I became oriented. There was no problem in the performance of the narrators, which includes Ari Fliakos, Edoardo Ballerini, and Michael Crouch, who did a superb job.
I have an easier time keeping frequent time shifts straight in my mind when I read, rather than hear, the dates. Plus points of view were often shifting. Once I became familiar with the many characters and the author’s style, it became easier to listen. It was also not easy to multi-task while doing anything distracting as the story requires a bit of concentration. Unless one listens to a lot of audio, I recommend going with the print. I listen to a lot of audio, but still needed to keep the book nearby to re-read some passages for clarification. show less
Dustin Tillman, a psychologist in his 40s, is haunted by the murder of his parents, aunt, and uncle in the 1980s. Convinced his step-brother Rusty, a boy with an already troubled past, committed the murders, Dustin and his cousin testify that Rusty was involved with satanic cults. Even without physical evidence, their testimony was enough to convict him of the murders. Thirty years later, with the help of The Innocence Project and DNA analysis, Rusty is exonerated and released from jail.
Recently, Dustin has lost his wife to cancer and is probably not thinking clearly when he befriends a patient and crosses a professional boundary to help him investigate a serial killer who preys on local college boys. Meanwhile, Rusty, newly released from prison, has made contact with Dustin’s son, who is dealing with drug abuse problems and the recent death of his best friend.
What did I think . . .
I enjoyed this immensely; however, this is not a book for everyone. Besides being a rather dark story, it is also creepy and, at times, scary. Plus it’s not the easiest book to read or listen to. Using three narrators, shifting points of view, two time lines that span three decades, and a unique writing style makes this novel, at times, challenging. But it was so worth it!
The story is multi-layered and complex, but also a compelling mystery. It isn’t until the very last section that everything comes together. And at that point I asked myself why I didn’t see it show more coming! If you like Stephen King style creepiness or Hitchcockian suspense, you will probably enjoy this unique novel. This is already one of my 2017 favorites.
Audio production . . .
I began by listening to the audiobook, but soon switched to print until I became oriented. There was no problem in the performance of the narrators, which includes Ari Fliakos, Edoardo Ballerini, and Michael Crouch, who did a superb job.
I have an easier time keeping frequent time shifts straight in my mind when I read, rather than hear, the dates. Plus points of view were often shifting. Once I became familiar with the many characters and the author’s style, it became easier to listen. It was also not easy to multi-task while doing anything distracting as the story requires a bit of concentration. Unless one listens to a lot of audio, I recommend going with the print. I listen to a lot of audio, but still needed to keep the book nearby to re-read some passages for clarification. show less
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
What’s it about . . .
This is mostly a coming-of-age-story set in Spencerville, Virginia, in the 1970s. The story goes on to span a lifetime including lots of family drama, small town entanglements, and a mystery.
Our narrator is eight-year-old Rocky Askew. He adores his older half-brother, Paul, a rebellious teen with a cool car and a hot girlfriend. One day Paul disappears with his girlfriend and doesn’t return for seven years. During that time Rocky becomes a teenager and begins his journey toward adulthood, but never forgets about Paul.
What did I think . . ..
This is a nostalgic read for those of us who grew up in the 70s. There are many cultural references and Neil Young songs are mentioned often. But even if one can’t relate to the times, the book is well-written, very readable, and with a host of interesting, although often troubled, characters. There was a lot going on, sometimes too much, but still a worthwhile read.
Audio production . . ..
I listened to the audio book which was narrated by Peter Berkrot. His performance was very enjoyable and a pleasure to listen to with excellent pacing good character vocals.
This is mostly a coming-of-age-story set in Spencerville, Virginia, in the 1970s. The story goes on to span a lifetime including lots of family drama, small town entanglements, and a mystery.
Our narrator is eight-year-old Rocky Askew. He adores his older half-brother, Paul, a rebellious teen with a cool car and a hot girlfriend. One day Paul disappears with his girlfriend and doesn’t return for seven years. During that time Rocky becomes a teenager and begins his journey toward adulthood, but never forgets about Paul.
What did I think . . ..
This is a nostalgic read for those of us who grew up in the 70s. There are many cultural references and Neil Young songs are mentioned often. But even if one can’t relate to the times, the book is well-written, very readable, and with a host of interesting, although often troubled, characters. There was a lot going on, sometimes too much, but still a worthwhile read.
Audio production . . ..
I listened to the audio book which was narrated by Peter Berkrot. His performance was very enjoyable and a pleasure to listen to with excellent pacing good character vocals.
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
In the near future, a brain implant has been developed called an EED which would allow couples to sense each others emotions – a type of telepathy. Briddey’s boyfriend suggests that they have the procedure done. She agrees, convinced that a marriage proposal would soon follow. But things don’t go as planned, and Briddey ends up with a wrong connection. The law of unintended consequences!
This was a fun book with a bit of a slow start. Like most Connie Willis books, it’s a little longer than need be, but that is her writing style and I have learned to enjoy it. There are lots of characters, including Briddey’s crazy family and co-workers, and a few subplots. Once those are set up, the story takes off.
The plot is clever and timely. Briddey live in a world that already has too much connectedness, and since she got the EED, she can’t turn off the noise. Now Briddey needs to find out what happened, how to fix it, and not let her boyfriend know the procedure has not worked the way they planned.
This is not serious science fiction, it more of a comedy with lots of techy gadgets, a romance, fun characters, and farcical situations.
This was a fun book with a bit of a slow start. Like most Connie Willis books, it’s a little longer than need be, but that is her writing style and I have learned to enjoy it. There are lots of characters, including Briddey’s crazy family and co-workers, and a few subplots. Once those are set up, the story takes off.
The plot is clever and timely. Briddey live in a world that already has too much connectedness, and since she got the EED, she can’t turn off the noise. Now Briddey needs to find out what happened, how to fix it, and not let her boyfriend know the procedure has not worked the way they planned.
This is not serious science fiction, it more of a comedy with lots of techy gadgets, a romance, fun characters, and farcical situations.
Operation Happiness: The 3-Step Plan to Creating a Life of Lasting Joy, Abundant Energy, and Radical Bliss by Kristi Ling
The author draws from her own experiences, at times giving this the feel of a memoir. Struggling through a divorce, an illness, and a career change, she discovered that happiness was not only a choice, but a skill that could be learned. She outlines three steps to take on the road to happiness: Change your view, change you mornings, and create new habits.
I wasn’t feeling unhappy when I decided to listen to this book, but when I received a copy for review I figured everyone can use a little extra happiness, so I gave it a try.
I was pleasantly surprised to find many of her life-changing suggestions are very doable for most people. Sure, buy a new house, take a month off of work, or go on a solo vacation are not an option for everyone, but hiking, escaping through reading, volunteering, or going to a movie alone are within most people’s reach.
The advice to ask yourself “what speaks to your soul” resonates with me and is something I had already done. Regular visitors here know I love birds and nature. When I’m out on the nature trails monitoring or photographing birds, I am blissfully happy and unaware of the passage time. My pet birds give me joy. Gardening is my therapy.
I enjoyed this inspirational and uplifting book. While I am already doing some of steps to happiness, I found several more that I will incorporate, notably, a change in mindset (anything is possible) and creating new habits (reinvent my sluggish morning routine).
Audio production . . .
The book was show more narrated by the author, Kristi Ling. I’m not always a fan of author’s reading their own books, but not in this case. Her cheerful, uplifting tone is very listenable, and her enthusiasm for the subject is inspiring. show less
I wasn’t feeling unhappy when I decided to listen to this book, but when I received a copy for review I figured everyone can use a little extra happiness, so I gave it a try.
I was pleasantly surprised to find many of her life-changing suggestions are very doable for most people. Sure, buy a new house, take a month off of work, or go on a solo vacation are not an option for everyone, but hiking, escaping through reading, volunteering, or going to a movie alone are within most people’s reach.
The advice to ask yourself “what speaks to your soul” resonates with me and is something I had already done. Regular visitors here know I love birds and nature. When I’m out on the nature trails monitoring or photographing birds, I am blissfully happy and unaware of the passage time. My pet birds give me joy. Gardening is my therapy.
I enjoyed this inspirational and uplifting book. While I am already doing some of steps to happiness, I found several more that I will incorporate, notably, a change in mindset (anything is possible) and creating new habits (reinvent my sluggish morning routine).
Audio production . . .
The book was show more narrated by the author, Kristi Ling. I’m not always a fan of author’s reading their own books, but not in this case. Her cheerful, uplifting tone is very listenable, and her enthusiasm for the subject is inspiring. show less
Tom Barren comes from an alternate year 2016. The world he lives in is the one people in the 1950s imagined we would have — flying cars, moving sidewalks, moon bases, unlimited energy and resources, and time-travel. When Tom makes a trip to the past to observe a historic occasion, he accidentally interferes and changes the future. He activates the emergency recall back to 2016, but when he gets back he finds himself in our 2016 instead of the one he came from.
This is a clever twist on the time-travel theme. Once Tom returns to the present, he needs to adjust to a lot of changes. The timeline had diverged with some subtle changes and some quite drastic. There is some science and techo stuff, but this is also a story about relationships – Tom’s family, his girlfriend, his career.
The story is told mostly in the first person and had the feel of a memoir. The book does switch to the third person a few times and we get a summary or recap of what has happened to Tom. The beginning was a little slow but picks up once we get past the initial world building. Most of the book takes place in our timeline, but we need to know about Tom’s world in order to understand him.
I found the story lighthearted, entertaining, and at times humorous. While this is definitely scifi, it’s not confusing or difficult to follow, and there is enough story about relationships and even a few romances to keep other genre readers entertained.
Audio production
I read the eGalley and also listened to show more the audio. The narration was performed by the author. While it very listenable and pleasant, and he gave the character Tom a lot of feeling, at times the pacing was uneven.
I am not usually a fan of author’s reading their own books unless they are a professional speaker or actor. I listen to a lot of audio so I notice the difference right away. However, despite the uneven pacing, this was good, and I would recommend giving the audiobook a try for those who enjoy the format. show less
This is a clever twist on the time-travel theme. Once Tom returns to the present, he needs to adjust to a lot of changes. The timeline had diverged with some subtle changes and some quite drastic. There is some science and techo stuff, but this is also a story about relationships – Tom’s family, his girlfriend, his career.
The story is told mostly in the first person and had the feel of a memoir. The book does switch to the third person a few times and we get a summary or recap of what has happened to Tom. The beginning was a little slow but picks up once we get past the initial world building. Most of the book takes place in our timeline, but we need to know about Tom’s world in order to understand him.
I found the story lighthearted, entertaining, and at times humorous. While this is definitely scifi, it’s not confusing or difficult to follow, and there is enough story about relationships and even a few romances to keep other genre readers entertained.
Audio production
I read the eGalley and also listened to show more the audio. The narration was performed by the author. While it very listenable and pleasant, and he gave the character Tom a lot of feeling, at times the pacing was uneven.
I am not usually a fan of author’s reading their own books unless they are a professional speaker or actor. I listen to a lot of audio so I notice the difference right away. However, despite the uneven pacing, this was good, and I would recommend giving the audiobook a try for those who enjoy the format. show less
This is a fun, colorful cookbook filled with enticing recipes. Visually pleasing with lots of photos, the text is also cheerful and consists of several different fonts and colors. There are arrows and scripted notes off to the side which are made to look like they were added by hand. Many of the recipes have a photo of the finished dish and scattered throughout the book are photos of the author.
The book is divided into categories such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks along with an introductory chapter about the author. At the end of the book there is a list of power food ingredients, their active properties, and interesting facts on each. Also, a section on food as medicine plus an index.
All of the recipes in Power Food are healthy, tasty, and use natural ingredients. Most of the recipes are not too complicated, and many of them use familiar, common ingredients, although a few use ones that may be difficult to find, even if you live near a large city. I have never seen Laos Powder or Lucuma Powder at my grocery store.
Preparation time, ingredients, supplies, and yield are clearly listed along with directions for each recipe. However, I found the directions to be vague at times. Experienced cooks will have no problem with this, but new cooks might have a few questions.
An example: For pistachio ice cream we are told to toast a handful of chopped pistachios in a dry frying pan. No mention of how hot and for how long. From personal experience I know it is low show more heat, about 2 minutes, and move the pan every 20 seconds of so.
Another example: The directions for Pesto say, “Finely grind all the ingredients in the blender or food processor.” That’s it; that’s all we are told. Do I grind them all at once, or do I grind them separately and then combine? And for how long do I grind them?
Nutritional information is not given for each recipe, although it is discussed for individual ingredients in the author’s list of power food ingredients at the end of the book.
I also noticed we are not offered any substitute ingredients. When the grocery store doesn’t have that odd ingredient, when I can’t find Lucuma Powder or when pine nuts are priced sky high, what else could we use for a similar taste. Yes, I know there is google, but it would be nice to know what the author would do.
Despite the few flaws, I really like the recipes in this cookbook. They are, for the most part, quick and easy with tasty ingredients. There are yummy noodle and pasta dishes plus many healthy snacks and spreads. The Guacamole is on my list to try and Lasagnette, a vegetarian lasagna, and Stuffed Zucchini Boats sound wonderful for main dishes. show less
The book is divided into categories such as breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and drinks along with an introductory chapter about the author. At the end of the book there is a list of power food ingredients, their active properties, and interesting facts on each. Also, a section on food as medicine plus an index.
All of the recipes in Power Food are healthy, tasty, and use natural ingredients. Most of the recipes are not too complicated, and many of them use familiar, common ingredients, although a few use ones that may be difficult to find, even if you live near a large city. I have never seen Laos Powder or Lucuma Powder at my grocery store.
Preparation time, ingredients, supplies, and yield are clearly listed along with directions for each recipe. However, I found the directions to be vague at times. Experienced cooks will have no problem with this, but new cooks might have a few questions.
An example: For pistachio ice cream we are told to toast a handful of chopped pistachios in a dry frying pan. No mention of how hot and for how long. From personal experience I know it is low show more heat, about 2 minutes, and move the pan every 20 seconds of so.
Another example: The directions for Pesto say, “Finely grind all the ingredients in the blender or food processor.” That’s it; that’s all we are told. Do I grind them all at once, or do I grind them separately and then combine? And for how long do I grind them?
Nutritional information is not given for each recipe, although it is discussed for individual ingredients in the author’s list of power food ingredients at the end of the book.
I also noticed we are not offered any substitute ingredients. When the grocery store doesn’t have that odd ingredient, when I can’t find Lucuma Powder or when pine nuts are priced sky high, what else could we use for a similar taste. Yes, I know there is google, but it would be nice to know what the author would do.
Despite the few flaws, I really like the recipes in this cookbook. They are, for the most part, quick and easy with tasty ingredients. There are yummy noodle and pasta dishes plus many healthy snacks and spreads. The Guacamole is on my list to try and Lasagnette, a vegetarian lasagna, and Stuffed Zucchini Boats sound wonderful for main dishes. show less