EZ

Really enjoyed audiobook - proactive and nonjudgmental and GREAT narration!

Reviewed: 12-11-23

I've read (or listened to) at least 12 books on decluttering and organizing within the 1-2 years... 5 or 6 within the last 2 weeks alone, including this book... I keep looking for the one that "sparks" me into decluttering bliss. I *thought* I was looking for more of a "step-by-step on how to" manual, which isn't this book, but maybe that's why the rest aren't working. There are at least 10 other well-known and often-recommended books that focus of the problem of clutter, but this has a different approach. I already knew that my clutter was emotionally difficult and therefore literally and metaphorically closeted (I'm very much a "ladybug" if you've read that one)... it seems like such an obvious perspective shift now, but I hadn't considered "what ELSE is it telling me aside from why I'm avoiding it". Admittedly, I'm not any more motivated to tackle my garage just yet, but I appreciate this more empowered and thoughtful approach.

Also, the author as the narrator is fantastic... she's enjoyable and/or easy to listen to, even when discussing really upsetting or triggering experiences. As long as you are okay with "content that may be triggering for some," I definitely recommend the book. (And, FWIW, I was previously unfamiliar with this author.)

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Might be my fav in the series - many triggers

Reviewed: 10-18-23

I really think this could be best of Strike & Robin or at least a solid tie with The Cuckoo's Calling. That said, there are really grotesque and sensitive topics... it's not at a horror level of disturbing, but really unsettling at times. I do have some lingering plot questions and had to go back to be reminded of some minor character lines, but overall a great story. Not very twisty, but solid fiction.

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You know where's it's going, but now how it's happening

Reviewed: 09-18-23

I cannot imagine how challenging it must be for creative writers to create something new... how do you come up with something original and immersive, without being either overly predictable or eye-rolling outlandish? I think I would have enjoyed this book more without interweaving a fictional documentary... too distracting, would have loved more character depth, less pop-culture fluff. That said, very entertaining - I'd still recommend. Loved the performances.

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Captivating! One of Slaughter's best!

Reviewed: 08-24-22

Girl, Forgotten is a "can't put it down" gem from start to finish! Karin Slaughter is absolutely brilliant at humanizing her characters — and Kathleen Early brings them to life through her narration. I highly recommend this book / audiobook for any fan of the genre!

I applaud Slaughter for not shying away from the reality and rawness of violent crime. This book is no exception and, as per usual for Slaughter, it depicts sexual, physical, and emotional violence (as well as other triggering topics, e.g., anorexia) with honesty. That said, I didn't find Girl, Forgotten to be as graphic or — what some may consider — "disturbing" as some of her other novels/books.

On a much lighter note... I'm a big fan of the "F-word", which made the main characters all the more F'ing endearing.

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59 people found this helpful

A solid B+ and stressfully addictive

Reviewed: 08-13-22

The Choice inevitably didn't disappoint, but I was eager to finish it. There's a somewhat grueling ascent to the storylines' (yes, plural) climax, but the much quicker descent to the end was satisfying. It's technically crime fiction, but psychologically gripping — not a thriller or suspense, but it has hooks.

For the most part, you know what's going on at all times, you just have no idea where it's going. The lead character has immature habits, but is also endearing and painfully relatable. Her character development and trajectory through a barrage of traumas is bittersweet. Still, I rooted for her. However, there are a number of peripheral details that seems completely unbelievable or unlikely, but it's fiction — and, fiction is fictional.

An hour or two in, I bumped up the narration speed to 1.3x ... I was pot committed to the book, but really needed to get to the end. When I returned to 1.0x it sounded like dramatic slow-mo ... the narrator has a very lovely voice, but her style is sloooooow. Usually I'd appreciate that, but not for this book lol.

I had just listened to Wrong Place, Wrong time by Gillian McAllister, which set an extremely high bar — IMO, that book was A++ and probably the only reason I gave The Choice a chance, but glad I did. However, if you've not read / listened to "Wrong Place, Wrong Time" skip this book and find that one.

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3 people found this helpful

Just dive in! Listened to it TWICE - it's that good.

Reviewed: 08-11-22

I absolutely love the narration, especially for a book like this. That said, by chapter 2 I realized I had absolutely no idea what this story was about or where it was going, but I was certainly hook — I wish all readers/listeners could enjoy the same twist and turns out of the gate!

As others noted, the story is twisty, but definitely comes together in a satisfying way. That said, it's important to pay attention to names... there were a couple times I needed to backtrack to clarify secondary characters.

I enjoyed the book so much that I immediately listened to it again. I typically multi-task (albeit, not well) when listening to audiobooks, so I was glad to listen a 2nd time to pick up details that I must have missed during the first listen.

NOTE: There are some very minor plot holes, but they don't distract from the story. Best to just let them be.

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1 person found this helpful

Extremely well done, respectful, not retraumatizing

Reviewed: 08-02-22

I love true crime, but am completely done with podcasts / documentaries that over-focus on the crime itself and overshadow the survivors/victims' stories and the investigation. This podcast was a perfect balance of voices and perspectives — the survivors were especially empowering and compelling. Just WOW.

Emphatically recommend.

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2 people found this helpful

Some of these reviews are delusional!

Reviewed: 02-25-22

Omg. Some of the reviews are nuts and/or clearly written by incels who are pissed that the "no girls allowed" sign came down for this book. To address a couple key red flags: 1) one of the women MM interviews is in a relationship with a married man, but MM is NOT trying to help her stay in and improve this affair... just because he speaks to her respectfully and doesn't outwardly & harshly judge her, doesn't mean it's an endorsement for extramarital affairs... 2) There is mention of a disturbing and VERY in appropriate act involving an animal, but it's part of the interviewee's story and by no means glorified (or graphic, whatsoever). On to the book review...

I had a similar reaction to "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck"... the book is entertaining, relatable, and resonates, but is not especially helpful, at least not for me. This book, much like the Subtle Art, reinforces things I've experienced and believe, but I'm not sure how to apply it in a useful way.

That said, this book is an easy listen and, IMO, really well presented. As others have said, it does have a podcast-like format, but this is WAY more thoughtfully organized and presented than any podcast I've listened to! MM is extremely articulate and has a good sense of listeners' threshold for info.

Bottom line, I liked it! Worth a listen.

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Lauren Ambrose makes this unique story worth a listen

Reviewed: 01-08-22

The main character of this story, Molly the maid, is so unique and painfully endearing... and Lauren Ambrose (apparently an excellent actress AND narrator) truly brings her to life. The Maid is a "page turner" because Molly's nativity is so distressing, but you can't look away and you NEED to know what happens... like watching a train chug toward a crash while being stuck in a paralysis dream.

Of course, the book is fiction... but, it certainly takes some procedural liberties. If you can disregard those and enjoy the book as well-narrated entertainment, it's a light and worthwhile listen.

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FANTASTIC! And the reporter / narrator clearly read your complaints

Reviewed: 10-30-21

This podcast is phenomenally researched and reported. I wasn't surprised, but disheartened to read complaints about the narrator's voice. By the 2nd episode she's clearly trying to control her voice (must have updated sound equipment as well, much clearer audio)... so, everyone happy now?

Love that this podcast is both historically researched and presenter in real time. Not enough podcasts like this, wish there were! I'm hooked, this is really well done.

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