Book Nerd

Unlikely Friendships and Real-Life Heroes

Reviewed: 02-08-25

In "The Rose Code," Kate Quinn masterfully crafts compelling characters and storytelling that truly resonate. The character development of Osla, Mab, and Beth is impressive. Osla, with her cheeky, posh demeanor, is incredibly likable. Mab’s resilience through unimaginable heartbreak and Beth’s transformation from fragility to strength, finding her calling at Bletchley Park, are deeply compelling.

The novel’s highlight is the touching, unlikely friendship between these three strong women. Additionally, the interweaving of real-life figures like Prince Philip, Dilly Knox, Winston Churchill, and Alan Turing with the fictional characters enriches the narrative, making it even more immersive.

Saskia Maarleveld's narration, in the words of Osla, is absolutely topping, Her masterful narration and command of different voices made the characters even more vivid and engaging.

In addition to its evocative characters and intertwining of historical figures, "The Rose Code" is a captivating page-turner. The suspenseful storytelling had me eagerly anticipating each twist and turn, while simultaneously dreading the inevitable revelations. It's a masterful blend of tension and intrigue that keeps the reader fully absorbed to the very end..

I highly recommend this book – and of the five books I've read this year, it’s my favorite read so far for 2025. This book is one you won't regret spending a credit on.

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Eyewitness to the Past

Reviewed: 01-25-25

The Barn by Wright Thompson captured my interest from the very beginning with its subject matter. I thought I knew the story of Emmett Till, but this book revealed so much more than I ever realized.

Wright Thompson sets the stage by delving into the history of the Mississippi Delta, even before the United States was formed. Every detail was new to me, enriching my understanding of the region's past and its influence on the tragic events that unfolded.

The book is filled with an array of characters, making it hard to single out just one to connect with.

Thompson seamlessly weaves historical facts into the narrative, walking the reader through the past as if hand in hand, vividly describing the scenes. Despite knowing about Emmett's murder, reading about it in this context shook me deeply. The book was so emotionally powerful that I found myself discussing it with my students today.

The Barn not only deepened my understanding of Emmett Till's murder but also provided a comprehensive history of the Mississippi Delta and the events leading up to that fateful moment. I'm still processing my emotions from finishing the book just yesterday, but I can say with certainty: a resounding YES, I would recommend this book to anyone.

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A Riveting and Emotional Journey

Reviewed: 11-06-24

When I first read the premise of "A Calamity of Souls," I was immediately intrigued. The concept alone was enough to prompt me to add it to my Audible library. Having read numerous reviews, both positive and less so, I was curious to see where my own opinion would land. Without a doubt, I find myself firmly in the camp of enthusiastic readers. What an extraordinary book.

From the moment I began listening, I was captivated. "A Calamity of Souls" takes the reader on an emotional journey that is both heart-wrenching and thrilling. The narrative kept me on the edge of my seat during some parts, while other moments moved me to tears. Baldacci masterfully sets the scene, immersing the reader in the historical period with such vivid detail that it felt as though I had a birds eye view into the era.

The characters are crafted with authenticity and depth, making them relatable and evoking genuine empathy. Jack Lee, the protagonist, exemplifies courage and resilience in the face of harrowing adversity. His parents are portrayed with a profound sense of humanity and support, adding layers of warmth and wisdom to the narrative. Desiree DuBose stands out with her fiery determination. The story is further enriched by the endearing and heartbreaking characters like Jerome, his wife Pearl, and Pearl’s grandma, who all tugged at my heartstrings. On the flip side, the despicable actions of the bad cops that arrested Jerome invoked a strong sense of injustice and anger.

The narration of the audiobook added an extra layer of depth to the experience. The phenomenal narration brought the characters and the historical setting to life, making the listening experience even more immersive and engaging.

This novel showcases Baldacci's adeptness at storytelling, seamlessly blending suspense with emotional gravity.

In conclusion, "A Calamity of Souls" is not just a story; it's an experience. It's an incredible book that I enjoyed immensely, and it has undoubtedly earned a spot among my top reads (listens) of 2024. For anyone looking for a compelling, emotional, and immersive read, I highly recommend giving this book a listen.

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Oh My! Incredible

Reviewed: 04-17-24

What an incredible book! Julia Whelan outdid herself with her first book. I'm not even sure what to say at this moment as I just finished it. Only that this book captivated me with a full cast of endearing characters, deeply touching story, and reminders about life and love. Truly incredible. Julia Whelan's narration effortlessly weaves this endearing story altogether. Well worth a listen, a credit, and a place in your heart.

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Love it! Truth

Reviewed: 04-11-24

When you think you're listening to a rom-com that turns out to be so much more in the best ways, it doesn't get much better than that. Claudia Jessie does a fantastic narration, making the characters come to life. This story- wow! Its laugh out loud funny in some place. I was listening on my way home from work the other day and stopped at a light. A funny part came on and I was dying laughing in the car. The car in front of me was watching in their side mirror. I couldn't help myself I had tears in my eyes I was laughing so hard. But then I had tears in my eyes again, but not because I was laughing. But for the emotion of this story. It left me guessing how it was all going to end. Would there be my definition of a happy ending.
I really enjoyed listening to Kitty's growth. How she came into herself (won't say much more than that without spoiling it). It was a wonderful part of the overall story.
If you couldn't tell already, I really enjoyed this book.

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1 person found this helpful

Incredible

Reviewed: 01-10-24

I finally got around to this book and now ask myself why I waited so long. An incredible story of the bonds of sisterhood and the horrific life events that tried to break them. It brought me to tears. The narration is excellent and added to the wonder of this story. My first book of 2024. It will take a really really good one to top this book for my top listen of this year.

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Enlightening

Reviewed: 09-16-23

As a historian, and one who enjoys this period of American history, Decision in Philadelphia is a fascinating and engaging examination of the arguments and ideals that lead to the development of the US Constitution. I loved learning more about the specific men who wrote these words that would form our government.

Lastly, Bronson Pinchot does a phenomenal narration of this book. Its a good book overall, but his narration made it even more engaging.

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Quite a Surprise... and Very Good

Reviewed: 07-02-23

I was curious when I saw that this was book 2 of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. I had not known there was a follow-up. I was not disappointed. Gretel's story is a compelling one told from the present and the past. I especially love the narration of Gretel in the present.

Gretel's friendship and affinity for Henry will move her to action - to do what she could not do in the past. It won't right the wrong of the past, but it will set to right the present. The story is captivating and will sit with you long after you finish. I do not regret spending a credit on this book, and I don't think you will either if you give it a listen.

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Bittersweet ...but?

Reviewed: 07-01-23

I truly enjoyed this story. It was hard not to love and sympathize for both girls. However, the ending was left unresolved. Would like a follow-up story.

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Better Than Some Reviews

Reviewed: 06-27-23

Initially, I was a little put off by the narrator, but it didn't take long to get more into the story and the narration wasn't that bad. While listening to the story I peeked at some of the reviews and was disheartened by some of the negative ones. I personally found the story very interesting and the characters very engaging. I could visualize the town and the character and by the time the story came to its end I had bittersweet tears in my eyes. I believe this story is worth a listen.

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