Anonymous

An incredible story

Reviewed: 06-12-25

I listened to his other book (Familiarus) first and liked it better, because it’s not so sad, but this is also a great book. The narration is outstanding! This is the story of a boy who is born without the ability to speak and his relationship with his dog, and the other dogs his family breeds. And so much more. His mom, his dad, people he meets along the way…and how he navigates the world. The author has a way with words and I listened to much of this book with my eyes closed, because the writing and narration is so good, I could literally “see” the story play out. Be prepared to cry a little. It’s that good.

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I loved this book!

Reviewed: 12-18-24

This book is, at once heartwarming and yet also energetic and gut wrenching. A true life story of a young man whose dream is to become a Navy Seal, who puts in the incredibly hard work to achieve that dream, and who has the opportunity to be a part of one of the most dangerous attacks ever undertaken by the Seals. Couple that with his stint as a Navy dog handler and all that came with that experience and you have a great story that will entertain and educate the reader in a “can’t put down” book! Truly outstanding!

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Loved this book!

Reviewed: 06-22-24

I loved this story. It was so well written and was one I could listen to without feeling overwhelmed or too sad, even though parts of the story were pretty sad. I’ve read many books by this author and I’ve pretty much loved them all. The narration on this one was one of the best. As the mother of a son, I especially loved the point of view of the main character as he wrestled with his feelings about his “not very good” dad. Great book!

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One of the best ever

Reviewed: 03-03-24

I loved every single thing about this book. Every word! Tom Hanks’ narration was absolutely perfect, but he had a wonderful story to read. The timing and pace kept me listening late into the night, even when I knew I’d be exhausted the next day at the office. My only regret is that I will am sad it had to end.

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Loved the book, loved the narration

Reviewed: 12-13-23

I absolutely loved this book. Each of the characters has their own story, which slow wove together in a beautiful tapestry that all came together in the end. The writing, as always with this author, is filled with language that paints a picture and makes you feel as though you are right there with the people in the book. I didn’t want this one to end!!

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Loved this one!

Reviewed: 01-19-19

This book is beautifully written, with many descriptions of nature that are so well done you can close your eyes and see the what the author is describing in full color. The narration is quite good as well. It’s a sad story, overall, so if you’re looking for something to cheer you up, this isn’t it. But I loved the book and would gladly choose another one by this author.

The story of a young girl, abandoned by every person she loves, left to fend for herself in a harsh world at a very young age in the early 1950’s, there are parts that seem a bit hard to believe (actually pretty unlikely). But, if you look past that and just enjoy the lovely storytelling and the author’s way with words, you’ll love this one. A surprise ending (well, maybe not such a big surprise) leaves you wondering if maybe you should have listened just a little more closely a few chapters back.

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Not her usual work?

Reviewed: 12-27-18

I love this author and pre-ordered this book. I couldn’t wait to get it. But sadly, there is something not quite right. I tried to listen. I repeatedly started the book and got as far as about the 10th chapter. But alas, it was not to be. There is something not right. It’s like someone else read one of her books and tried to copy her style. I returned it for a refund. I just couldn’t imagine 70+ chapters of this!!!

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Didn’t finish it

Reviewed: 12-27-18

I returned this book. The very foul language from the very beginning was a surprise to me. I know that kids and coaches use cuss words, but I just wasn’t up to listening to that for hours...

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Wish I could write this well!

Reviewed: 12-27-18

This book has it all. An interesting plot, very strong characters, unexpected twists and turns and an excellent narrator. The story moves from present day to sometime in the past (when the kids were growing up) and back and forth among several of the key characters - and does it very well. Emotions run high, but not in a bad way. If you come from a family where everyone doesn’t quite live up to their potential, where you sometimes wish you could turn back the clock and do things a bit differently, you’ll understand this book and most likely enjoy it. We all know that life can be tough and we all make mistakes. This book walks us through one family’s journey and is very well written. Spoiler alert: there is a suicide of a 16 year old boy in this story. If that is too close to home for you, don’t select this one. Otherwise I highly recommend it!!

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Loved this book!!

Reviewed: 12-18-18

One of the best I’ve listened to in a while! Great characters, unpredictable but not wildly far fetched. Kept me guessing and interested enough that I was eager to get to the next part and resented arriving at my destination when I had to turn off my phone and stop listening. Very good narration. So glad I found this one!!

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