Margaret Rodenberg

Inspiration and loving practical advice

Reviewed: 06-05-20

This book knocks you down a peg from your high-minded creative quest while inspiring you to do better. And if not better, at least more. Beautifully read. Thank you, Elizabeth Gilbert.

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Highly entertaining w/ lots of depth to the story

Reviewed: 11-12-19

This book really overwhelmed my expectations for a summer semi-thriller read. Instead, it was a deep psychological look at several American microcosms. Suburban helicopter moms but with the twist of children with autism or other disabilities, Korean immigrant culture, mixed Asian-Caucasian marriages in cultural divide, and America’s legal system in action—that’s an incredible burden for a roaring good story, but this author carries it off with grace. And in the end it’s about the power of truth and fate.

As I often do, I read part and listened to the rest on audio. The audio was excellent with great voices and an authentic reflection of the characters.

Bravo!

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Excellent, entertaining sweet & spicy tale

Reviewed: 11-12-19

As I usually do, I half-listened, half-read this book. You know the audio's excellent when the voices feel exactly like you think they should from reading the book. It's a story that works great in audio and feels totally authentic in either audio or on the page.

A Girl Like You immediately drew me into the world of Depression-era Chicago. I loved the main character—beautiful, plucky Henrietta who’s helping support her embittered mother and eight younger siblings after her father’s desertion by suicide. Henrietta’s a wonderful combination of spunk, naiveté, love, and adventurousness. We get to see the dark world of Chicago gambling, prostitution, dance halls, and gangsters through her eyes.

The author has a special gift for describing locations. You get a real feel for her home (with all those siblings), for a fair the family visits, for the street cars she rides, for dance halls, gambling establishments, and even a police station. I actually felt I was in a taxi with her and the police inspector who becomes a love interest. That said, the descriptions never slow the pace of the story which barrels along to a satisfying, heartwarming end.

I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Highly recommended!

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Excellent Western, appealing story, great reader

Reviewed: 04-23-18

Where does The Reckoning rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Ranks near the top of my Audible experiences.This dramatic touching story carries you along through gunfights and romance, with cowboys and Indians that are far deeper than their stereotypes. Sure, the Bad Guys are bad, but all the characters are nuanced and memorable. In post-civil war Kansas and Colorado, that's not easy. Plus the narrator does a great job. His voices enhance the setting and enrich the characters.

What other book might you compare The Reckoning to and why?

I read widely across many genres. Cormac McCarthy's ALL THE PRETTY HORSES is one of my favorite books of all time. What I loved about THE RECKONING is that it, too, is an intimate story about interesting, realistic people struggling to survive and do right by their family and themselves.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked when he confronted the "evil ranch owner" and his ranch hands. I don't want to give the plot away so I'll leave it at that.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Can a wounded Civil War soldier revenge the murder of his parents without sacrificing his sister's and his own life?

Any additional comments?

This writer obviously knows his stuff about the time and places.I partly read the ebook and partly listened to the Audible recording. Both were excellent, entertaining experiences. Definitely enjoyable, highly recommended.

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Fascinating unique story, excellent performance

Reviewed: 03-08-17

Would you consider the audio edition of World, Chase Me Down to be better than the print version?

As I often do, I used Whispersync to move between the e-book and the audio. This was particularly good for this novel because the voice of the protagonist had a great accent and excellent delivery that added to the enjoyment. I found that I continued to hear it in my head while I read. The story itself is fascinating and well-told. You get a real feel for the turn-of-the-century gritty environment. It's amazing how current the protagonist's struggle feels in today's political and social situation. Highly recommended!

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3 people found this helpful

Touching memorable book, excellent audio

Reviewed: 01-15-17

This book has two story lines--one present day told from a woman's point of view, the other a World War l plot told from a young man's point of view. Both are engaging and beautifully written. Both have wonderful endings that make you glad you spent time in the lives of these deeply-felt characters. The WWI story in particular touches your heart. It's a book you won't forget, and a perfect audio performance.

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Fascinating story with great depth, perfect audio

Reviewed: 01-15-17

Simon Vance does a beautiful job bringing Bruce Holsinger's intricate and intriguing story to life. This is a sequel to Holsinger's A Burnable Book, but you don't need to have read the first to enjoy the second. The same historical characters, John Gower and peripherally his friend Chaucer, are solving a crime and conspiracy that could undermine the English throne. No one is better than Holsinger at creating a rich medieval setting and weaving a fascinating mystery that will keep you engaged until the last word. Bravo to both author and performer.

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1 person found this helpful

You won't be able to stop listening

Reviewed: 12-31-16

Make sure you have lots of car time, errands or treadmill miles available before you start this story. You won't want to turn it off. The characters are everyday people in an ordinary town, but they are anything but boring. Each is uniquely and lovingly drawn so that you the reader feel as if they are your family or your neighbors, except you know them better. The plot--thriller and police procedural with family and romance thrown in--keeps you guessing. There's a murder involved but somehow the world feels like a nicer place by the time you finish the book. The narration is excellent.

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The Best

Reviewed: 01-11-15

Superbly presented, inspiring, and content rich course. It doesn't get any better than this. Professor Bucholz's humility and knowledge shine through.

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4 people found this helpful