Leigh

Ingeniously interwoven plots.

Reviewed: 07-30-12

If you could sum up Beautiful Ruins in three words, what would they be?

facts and fiction

What other book might you compare Beautiful Ruins to and why?

That is a tricky one. nothing really comes to mind offhand.

What does Edoardo Ballerini bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

One of my favorite readers. He manages to read the female characters without sounding too drag. He totally brought the book to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, couldn't stop listening.

Any additional comments?

Very clever plot that links characters across time and distant places. I enjoyed the combination of nonfiction and fiction. Made the whole thing real to me.

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2 people found this helpful

Quaint retro thriller

Reviewed: 07-05-12

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The book was fairly distracting simple thriller.

Would you be willing to try another book from John D. MacDonald? Why or why not?

When I read the advertisement for the Travis McGee books I expected a treat. I must admit that I was disappointed. Found the first book to be a little too stylized and dated.

Did Robert Petkoff do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

He read well and appropriately for the style of book. The characters were well portrayed.

Was The Deep Blue Good-By worth the listening time?

Not really. I could have done better with my money.

Any additional comments?

I had no desire to read the next two.

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Spiritual and philosophical feast

Reviewed: 07-05-12

Where does Life of Pi rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best books I have had this year.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Life of Pi?

After being interviewed by the Japanese, Pi asks which of the two accounts of his story did they prefer. Their answer reinforces Pi's personal feelings on religion and spirituality.

What does Jeff Woodman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His soft Indian accent is very gentle on the ear and brings the characters to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, the book is quite intense.

Any additional comments?

This wonderfully philosophical book was food for thought. I am not especially interested in religious debate, being at peace with my own feelings on the matter. Yann Martel, however, offers such a fascinating and refreshing perspective on certain issues. Really pleased that I read it.

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Most enjoyable mystery and offbeat love story.

Reviewed: 07-05-12

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would. Very clever plot with engaging characters. The heroine is likable and believable. The bad guy is thoroughly despicable.

What did you like best about this story?

Well worked out plot. Reaches a satisfying climax and some element of surprise.

What about Victor Slezak’s performance did you like?

He is a great reader. Does a female voice really well. Could listen to him for hours.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

A bit long for one sitting but i found that i couldn't "put it down".

Any additional comments?

Takes a really good author to make a man in a wheelchair so super sexy and masculine.

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Inspirational for food lovers

Reviewed: 07-05-12

What made the experience of listening to Island Apart the most enjoyable?

The gastronomic descriptions were inspiring. I also enjoyed the the background history and natural history that the author gives of the area. I got out maps and found that the book gave me some insight into a place that is fascinating to me.

Would you be willing to try another book from Steven Raichlen? Why or why not?

Yes, for when I need light easy reading.

What about Susan Boyce’s performance did you like?

Her voice is good but her accents and pronunciation of certain words lets her down. If the author wants to name drop with designer labels or dishes, the reader should say the names correctly.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it is a short simple book.

Any additional comments?

I found that the main character was a little shallow. It may be that the author is male and is projecting the way he thinks a woman would react. Some of it didn't ring true.

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1 person found this helpful

Loose yourself for a day

Reviewed: 07-02-12

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Time well spent. Good escapist holiday read.

What did you like best about this story?

Everyone loves a satisfying plot about revenge.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Dick Hill doesn't do a female voice well. Jade, the main female character, sounded decidedly jaded.

What would have made this romance irresistible?

I feel that the rape scenes were well written in that they were deeply disturbing and moving. The sex scenes were not as good. They were shallow and less authentic in comparison. The story became a little silly at at the end. For goodness sake, how on earth would anyone ever demand that a 14 year old boy donate a kidney to an old dying rapist. The author should have made it rather bone marrow. Would have been less ridiculous.

Any additional comments?

The first book of Sandra Brown's that I read was "Envy". "Breath of Scandal" was a bit of an anticlimax after that. I would definitely read more of her books though.

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Mills and Boon with sex.

Reviewed: 06-02-12

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Just a string of cliches, shallow characters, no plot worth mentioning. One reads on to catch the raunchy although implausible sex scenes.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Envy by Sandra Brown

Would you be willing to try another one of Becca Battoe’s performances?

No, nice voice but her reading gives the wrong emphasis on words. She acts out too much and her portrayal of male voices is embarrassing.

Could you see Fifty Shades of Grey being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Not for TV. Sex is the only interesting part and that couldn't be done on TV.

Any additional comments?

Disappointing as the name held so much promise.

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11 people found this helpful