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A True Masterpiece

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 08-06-23

This epic tale is at once heartbreaking, heartwarming, and funny, sometimes all in the same sentence. Kingsolver's artful language and love of Appalachia shines through all of the difficult realities of broken homes, foster children, and a region that has suffered tremendously from the opioid crisis. Painful and poignant, it's a must read for anyone who wants to better understand the culture of this region.

I'm a longtime fan of Barbara Kingsolver's novels, and this is one of her best works. The narrator is pitch perfect and brings the entire book to life. I strongly recommend this book!

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Humorous and endearing

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-20-23

This surprisingly touching memoir was well worth the listen. Steve shares the human side of comedy, including the long road to becoming famous, and the lonely aspects of success. I particularly loved his descriptions of working at Disneyland in its early days, and the poignant recap of the time he spent with his parents in their final days.

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Loved it!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-17-23

Loved how unexpectedly interwoven the characters lives were and their possible motives for the crime. The deeper dive into some of the characters' histories plus the houseboat setting made the story even more interesting. The audio performance was very engaging and really enhanced the experience.

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A Remarkable Life Story

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-05-22

With clear eyes and often brutal honesty, Huma weaves all of the aspects of her life story together into a truly American story. The daughter of immigrants who spent much of her childhood in Saudi Arabia, she shares what it is like to be a Muslim woman in the US, ultimately serving at the highest levels of government. Her hard work and extreme dedication in her roles at the White House and the State Department are especially noteworthy. This "mystery woman" who staffed Hillary Rodham Clinton so faithfully for 25 years endured many heartbreaks including her husband's (Anthony Weiner) infamous scandals. She writes unsparingly about some of her most intense personal and professional experiences and how they affected her. She emerges a stronger and more resilient person, describing what it took for her to get there. A deeply satisfying read.

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Powerful Story, Beautifully Written

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 09-09-22

A powerful story of survival, love and loss, beautifully written. I like how the author wove the two time periods together and kept us guessing until the end. Definitely recommend.

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Strong Women, Strong Story

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 08-08-22

Truly epic. One of Kristin Hannah's finest works! This beautiful (and tough) story meets our present moment of climate change and political crisis by bringing history to life. It was inspired by the memoirs of women who were Dust Bowl refugees during the Great Depression. Often forgotten by history, they fought devastating losses and persisted to save their families. I particularly liked the mother/daughter themes. These womens' strength reminds us of how resilient we can be, as we work for a better future.

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Shaping a Meaningful Life

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 07-28-22

A reflection on what shapes our lives and makes them meaningful before and during the era of Covid. This memoir-like series of essays from Ann Patchett is a wonderful blend of humorous and poignant moments. She opens herself up to her readers and shares her vulnerability, which makes her insights very relatable. I loved her authenticity!

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A Timely Story

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-22-22

This book beautifully captures the agony a young mother faced to save herself and her family when abortions were illegal in the 1950s. This (and stories like it) are based on lived experience and need to be told. As we stand on the cusp of Roe v Wade being overturned, we risk going back to this difficult era. Sadly, this story couldn't be more timely. May it increase our collective understanding with its heartfelt, pro-woman approach.

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A National Treasure!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 05-23-22

What a gift that Justice Sotomayor has given us by sharing the richness of her remarkable life story! She is a national treasure: smart, principled and hard working. A true role model. I thoroughly enjoyed the details she provided throughout, including the threads that connected her impoverished childhood with her desire to become a lawyer and her ultimate ascent to the Supreme Court. Her warmth and tremendous capacity for self reflection help to explain her personal growth and her career trajectory. She also gives credit and tells wonderful stories about all of the people who guided and supported her along the way. I loved this book! (An added bonus is Rita Moreno's narration - her voice is pitch perfect for this role.) I highly recommend this listen.

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Nancy Pelosi: Setting the Record Straight

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 09-22-21

I had long suspected that Nancy Pelosi hasn't gotten the credit she deserves for her political leadership and legislative accomplishments. This book sets the record straight. Eminently readable, I found the story of her transition from being a mother of 5 to building her political career, all of which took an extraordinary amount of grit and determination, to be inspiring. Her courage and strength of character are unparalleled. She was the only person who stood up to Trump, time and again. She also deserves tremendous credit for passing the Affordable Care Act, the legislation she is proudest of. As the most powerful woman in government, she was easily vilified. Unfairly so. I'm proud to be a member of Pelosi's fan club, and I invite others to read this book and join me!

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