David Hall has a lot of free time on his hands after he loses his job for whistle-blowing on some heavy water his company sold somewhere it shouldn't...moreDavid Hall has a lot of free time on his hands after he loses his job for whistle-blowing on some heavy water his company sold somewhere it shouldn't have. With a high settlement for wrongful termination in his bank account, Hall decides to go to Israel and see if he can prove an ex-girlfriend's theory about hidden treasures at Masada. He's not exactly forthcoming to the officials as to what he's doing there and, when he's given a minder, he has to work around Dr. Judith Ressner, a beautiful archaeologist and ancient languages scholar in mourning, to find the truth. Hall is under suspicion from the start, however, from the scarred and scary Colonel Skuratov and there's a lot of intrigue.
If you like Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon series, this might be for you.(less)
Enjoyed this better than the first in the series. The troubles seemed to be dealt with a little more realistically, even if the premise is unlikely. Y...moreEnjoyed this better than the first in the series. The troubles seemed to be dealt with a little more realistically, even if the premise is unlikely. Young woman gives birth to twins. Nurse switches one for another newborn who died. Five years later, the woman moves back home and comes across a little girl the spitting image of her surviving child. To get her daughter back and to make sure they're both safe and happy, she marries the man who raised her daughter.
There were some loose ends. Or, perhaps they were red herrings. The dead man in the barn when she shows up. Was there a point here? Just heightening the sense of danger? The fire jumper . . . does he feature in a later book? I was wondering what he was doing in there, otherwise. The treasure . . . it seems odd that Tucker wouldn't make some play for that. Guess he's more decent than everyone thought. (less)
Hoped for more, but I don't know why. It was a newspaper report, after all, not a book. By it's very nature, it can't be as in-depth as the issue migh...moreHoped for more, but I don't know why. It was a newspaper report, after all, not a book. By it's very nature, it can't be as in-depth as the issue might call for. Still, interesting to see a snapshot from the time period.(less)
Coble writes a romantic-thriller with a Christian perspective. You wouldn't think it was Christian to begin with and never gets preachy, so I thought...moreCoble writes a romantic-thriller with a Christian perspective. You wouldn't think it was Christian to begin with and never gets preachy, so I thought it was well done. The thriller part not so much. I guess the difference between "thriller" and "mystery" is what's catching me up. I want a chance to figure it out, but the story gives no clues (I still knew who it was pretty early on). I guess that's supposed to help with the tension ("Who could possibly want to harm me?!?"), but instead it felt almost unrealistic.
A stalker is after a woman barrel-racer. He blames her for ruining his life, but she has no idea who he is. He's killed her parents and her sister and is threatening to take away everything she loves. Her daughter witnessed her parents' plane crash and stopped speaking. To get her daughter help, and to hide from the stalker, she heads to Bluebird Ranch, a sanctuary for troubled kids she heard about from one of the ranch hands. However, she has some connections to the ranch. Her mother told her something about the man who owns it and her husband served in the military with the manager. Already my suspension of disbelief is stretched. It's a little too "small world" for me.
To keep her daughter out of a custody battle with her in-laws, she marries the range manager and he adopts the girl. He'd promised the woman's husband to look after his family. The manager is guilt-ridden over the part he played in the husband's death and struggling with his personal demons. The woman doesn't want anything to replace her husband's memory with her or her daughter.
Oh, right, and someone's trying to kill her. Other than the manager's talking to law-enforcement, border patrol, and his friend in "intelligence", there's no real search to identify the guy. They make no moves to protect the ranch or the family other than locking the doors. Attempt after attempt is made on their lives and they just go about their business with a little hand-wringing.
But, if you can ignore all that, it's still an entertaining story, which is why it's getting three stars instead of less.(less)
Continuing the story, Reggie Heath returns to his chambers after hieing off to LA after his brother and girlfriend (not together, though they once wer...moreContinuing the story, Reggie Heath returns to his chambers after hieing off to LA after his brother and girlfriend (not together, though they once were). His investments are gone, his business is in tatters, and he's showing up way too often in the tabloids, and so is his girlfriend, especially with someone else's hands all over her. So, when he's offered a criminal defense case, he's ready to take it. And so begins his troubles. A delusion person is writing Reggie letters and signing them Moriarty. Black cabs, the safest form of transportation in London, are being used for crimes. Reggie's client is accused of perpetrating these crimes, ending in the murder of an American couple.
When Reggie's client ends up murdered, Reggie is the prime suspect. His brother flies back to England and, with Reggie's girlfriend who might be engaged to another man, pitches in to help figure out what's going on.
A muddle and a mess, but we know what's going on pretty much the whole way through. There are a few little leaps in logic (We know the doctor's selling prescriptions for his high-profile clientèle, but we never hear about him selling secrets until Reggie's spelling everything out for us), but it's a fun book that moves right along at the end.(less)
A tale of survival. We follow a group of men, later joined by one girl, who escape from a Soviet work camp in Siberia by hiking South to India. I wond...moreA tale of survival. We follow a group of men, later joined by one girl, who escape from a Soviet work camp in Siberia by hiking South to India. I wonder, if they had a map would they have attempted it? Or, at least, they would have better provisioned themselves. It takes almost a year for the group to make it to their destination, and not all do. The delivery is sparse, but the sketches of description are enough. I enjoyed listening to this book. I'm not sure I would have read it. The reader also helps to differentiate the men who might have otherwise just been a conglomeration of strange names.
I look for a moral of the story, but I don't know what this one would be. The strength of people. The kindness of strangers. The stealth of death.(less)
Before this audiobook, I knew that Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a theologian. I knew where to find his books in my library (and thought we needed more), bu...moreBefore this audiobook, I knew that Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a theologian. I knew where to find his books in my library (and thought we needed more), but that was about all. This biography was intimidating due to its sheer size (18 discs, 22 1/2 hours is a long time when you're listening only during a 25 minute commute) but I'm glad I put in the time.
Other reviewers have pointed out that the book seems stuffed with quotes from other people, but you don't notice it as much in the audiobook. The accents used clearly let you know you're hearing something from someone rather than Metaxas' narrator but it adds to the story. So, if you're having trouble with the book, try the audiobook!
It does start with a bit of a sputter as Metaxas establishes Bonhoeffer's bona fides as an aristocrat. As his background does effect his position in the future, I can understand why Metaxas does it, but it's a bit like the "Begats" for Jesus, important but causes glazed eyes in the reading. From a seemingly blessed childhood (though I imagine it wasn't an easy upbringing in some respects), Bonhoeffer's life becomes one dedicated to doing the will of God, even unto death.
I find I'll have to read more of Bonhoeffer's works for myself, though this offers an overview of his main themes. Good introduction to the man, I think.(less)
Timely book, what with popular uprisings throughout the Middle East. A lot of truth. Guess that's why it's a classic. Surprised to enjoy Dickens this...moreTimely book, what with popular uprisings throughout the Middle East. A lot of truth. Guess that's why it's a classic. Surprised to enjoy Dickens this much, though I think the reader had a lot to do with that. Not sure I would have read the book, but I enjoyed listening to it. Funny how the beginning and ending were familiar to me, though I wouldn't have known the end was from A Tale of Two Cities. (less)
A woman "remembers" something from her past but can't convince her family of its truth. A look at how relationships develop and change, or fall apart....moreA woman "remembers" something from her past but can't convince her family of its truth. A look at how relationships develop and change, or fall apart. (less)
Nicely written. I liked how I thought I knew what happened, but it didn't work out quite that way. Strong main characters, interesting story (though i...moreNicely written. I liked how I thought I knew what happened, but it didn't work out quite that way. Strong main characters, interesting story (though it takes a lot of setting up to make it believable). Four children stick together after the death of their parents by pretending their mother is still alive. As the years pass, however, the repercussions of their decisions comes back to haunt them.(less)
Started reading this and didn't get into it, then watched the movie. It had an alternate ending and I had to come back to see what Sparks had written....moreStarted reading this and didn't get into it, then watched the movie. It had an alternate ending and I had to come back to see what Sparks had written. Listened instead of reading and found it an enjoyable story. Great reader.(less)
Actually hated this book, and yet it's pretty awesome. To write characters so awful and flawed, but write it so well, that's impressive.
How people cal...moreActually hated this book, and yet it's pretty awesome. To write characters so awful and flawed, but write it so well, that's impressive.
How people call this a great romance, I don't know. Maybe it's Romantic. The only character I really cared for was young Hareton Earnshaw and so was happy with the ending. Heathcliff could have made much more of himself, should have. I could almost admire his strength, but twisted as it was, I can't pity him. Guess he wouldn't have wanted anyone's pity, anyway.(less)
Read by Jim Dale (Harry Potter fame), this book, translated from the French, appears at first to be a child's tale of a boy born with a non-functionin...moreRead by Jim Dale (Harry Potter fame), this book, translated from the French, appears at first to be a child's tale of a boy born with a non-functioning heart. To keep him alive, the midwife/tinkerer/witch stitches on a clock to help his heart beat.
We follow the boy from the moment of his birth as he finds love and follows it from Edinburgh to Paris to Grenada, even though he's been warned that his clockwork heart won't survive the pain that love lost will bring.
The language is great, the story intriguing, the historical people woven in are fun to see (though the word choice seems a bit too modern occasionally, not sure if that's due to translation or was the author's intention. Fantastical, through and through.(less)
Not particularly interesting story (pretty easy to figure out) and crudely drawn characters. First in a series that feels like the author expected me...moreNot particularly interesting story (pretty easy to figure out) and crudely drawn characters. First in a series that feels like the author expected me to have known the people before.
Garano's sent to a Tennessee forensic summer program, then pulled back to Boston where he finds out a new assignment. . . to solve a cold case from Tennessee as part of a new program the DA and the Governor are pushing. Garano's not happy, the DA is attacked, and his friend down in TN works the case from that end. Messy business that ties up neatly in the end.(less)
A woman is hired to complete a book from a first chapter found in Jane Austen's handwriting. In desperate straits, she takes the job, then struggles t...moreA woman is hired to complete a book from a first chapter found in Jane Austen's handwriting. In desperate straits, she takes the job, then struggles to complete the task.
Difficult to care about due to her mulish insistence and procrastination, I wanted to kick the girl. Interesting, sort of, to see someone else's take on the writing life, however. The parallels between the book and Jane Austen's writing was funny (country parties and everything). But it turns out all right in the end.(less)
A ghost story that would probably be scarier if I wasn't able to tell ahead of time everything that was going on. Decent story, though. I enjoyed the...moreA ghost story that would probably be scarier if I wasn't able to tell ahead of time everything that was going on. Decent story, though. I enjoyed the reading despite a couple of the accents that seemed wonky to me. Then again, never having spent time on an island in the Great Lakes, maybe they do speak like New Englanders.
Woman gets a letter from a mother she thought died 30 years ago and returns home to figure out her history.(less)
So THAT'S how you say Riordan name! Listened to the book that was recently a movie and a bunch of friends had already read. Figured I wouldn't read it...moreSo THAT'S how you say Riordan name! Listened to the book that was recently a movie and a bunch of friends had already read. Figured I wouldn't read it, but the book on cd was available so I went for it.
The story was interesting, wondering what myth Percy Jackson would next face. I laughed a couple of times. Not going to rush right out and read the rest of the series, but might pick them up.(less)
I really ought to read this book rather than just listening to it, though I enjoyed Simon Vance's performance. There's just too much beautiful languag...moreI really ought to read this book rather than just listening to it, though I enjoyed Simon Vance's performance. There's just too much beautiful language to not see it for myself.
I don't know where to begin, other than, "Wow." It's a full little book: morality, philosophy, social commentary, religious themes, art and beauty, writing and the writer.
I couldn't help but think how little the world changes. I think we are better at understanding that beauty, comeliness, does not equate goodness, but we still let beautiful people get away with things others wouldn't. Beauty and youth are still of paramount importance.
I like the idea of a visible conscience. If we could see what we are, would we be better or worse? Dorian faces a couple of turning points where he could have saved himself, acted differently.
I was a little disappointed with the ending, though I wasn't sure how Wilde was going to finish the book, since Dorian seemed to have avoided all accountability for his actions. I guess it's the psychological response from which he couldn't hide that best suited the story. Still. . . I would have preferred someone else finding the portrait and doing the deed. That would have been retribution. As it is, it seems stupid, accidental.(less)
Grace, a lapsed Catholic, faces her faith when her boyfriend develops brain cancer. A look at family and faith and personal morals. It's a sad and upl...moreGrace, a lapsed Catholic, faces her faith when her boyfriend develops brain cancer. A look at family and faith and personal morals. It's a sad and uplifting book.(less)
A lot of swearing, but a decent story, well read/voiced.
The day a bank-robber gets out of jail, his son, a cop who hasn't had anything to do with him...moreA lot of swearing, but a decent story, well read/voiced.
The day a bank-robber gets out of jail, his son, a cop who hasn't had anything to do with him since the boy was young, is killed. Max Holman won't rest until he figures out what happened to his son, even in the face of a police cover up. He turns to the FBI agent who put him in jail for help. Even though she's out of the service, she decides to help him.(less)
Grandin bases the discussions in this book on the idea that we can improve animals' lives by paying attention to the "blue ribbon" emotions. She belie...moreGrandin bases the discussions in this book on the idea that we can improve animals' lives by paying attention to the "blue ribbon" emotions. She believes that instead of trying to correct or control an animal's behavior, we should understand the emotions behind the behavior, ameliorate situations that increase unhelpful emotions and promote stimulation of good emotions.
In particular, Grandin talks about Seeking, Fear and Frustration, with Frustration being a mild form of Rage. Throughout the book, Grandin suggests ways to pique the Seeking emotion to counteract Fear and Frustration in various animals.
Some chapters will be more interesting to some people than others. She begins with dogs and cats and then moves into livestock (horses, cows, chickens, pigs) and lastly into zoo and wild animals. However, there is some cross-over in the stories as she compares and contrasts behaviors. While most of the livestock discussions are on large-scale farms or ranches, some of the concepts could help small or hobby farmers to understand their animals more.
Also interesting is the discussion of how people act around and react to animals.(less)
Bilie Letts' books aren't always about the nicest things happening to people, but they're generally fun. By the time the swing came for Lut...moreDepressing.
Bilie Letts' books aren't always about the nicest things happening to people, but they're generally fun. By the time the swing came for Lutie McFee, I almost gave up. A 15 year old clueless girl, alone with her 11 year old brother Fate in Las Vegas, is not heading for good things. I'm sure things like this happen all the time, hopelessness setting in, one horrible circumstance leading to another, but I didn't grab this book on cd for more reality. Was hoping for some escape, instead.
If you do make it through, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, though I don't believe it as much as I believed the tunnel. The turn around for the girl was a little too quick. Maybe finding something at which she can excel is all she needs, but she leaves behind a burgeoning drug habit pretty easily.(less)
A pretty awful story, actually. Everyone's family life implodes. Affairs, lies (to others and to self), regrets, manipulation. Yuck. But it all has a...moreA pretty awful story, actually. Everyone's family life implodes. Affairs, lies (to others and to self), regrets, manipulation. Yuck. But it all has a happy ending, so that makes it all right, right?
Set in Nantucket, but written by an Englishwoman, there are a few spots that don't quite ring true if you're familiar with British idioms. Not exactly distracting, but it supplied me with some "gotcha" moments as I listened. Wouldn't recommend it, but I'm sure some people would really like it.(less)
Maarteen writes of his travel to China to check out the possibility of raising his boys there. The idea is to give them a step-up in a world that may...moreMaarteen writes of his travel to China to check out the possibility of raising his boys there. The idea is to give them a step-up in a world that may one day be run by the Chinese (business-wise, at least). Knowing how to say three things (Hello, Thanks, and I don't want that), he finds his way around the vast country. His writing is funny and witty, though with a definite political bent. Informative and entertaining.(less)
Campbell Scott as narrator worked really well, I thought. He plays it laid back, but not unfeelingly.
The story I've been avoiding. I keep picking it...moreCampbell Scott as narrator worked really well, I thought. He plays it laid back, but not unfeelingly.
The story I've been avoiding. I keep picking it up as I browse through our books on cd, but putting it back. I'm not sure I would have read the book and I get the feeling I may have missed something by listening rather than reading.
Snowman's love of language, if you can call it that, touches me. As possibly the last of his kind, the words that were falling from use before and which will now be lost, haunt him. He's a "word" guy, in contrast to the "math" people around him.
This is Snowman's story, and I think it's interesting that he survives when those more talented and more worldly around him fall away. As with any retelling, what's known at the time and what's understood later is always in contrast. That's one of the sayings quoted, "Man knows more than he understands."
Crake's motivation I'm not clear on. I have an idea, but it's my own, not clearly spelled out in the book (or if it is, I missed it). Oryx, it seems to me, is a figment of Jimmy's imagination. Not that she does not exist, but that we do not know her.
There's a lot going on in the book. You might be able to see that I'm having trouble formulating a coherent review. The best science fiction is what could be and I think this ranks right up there, though I don't know how this is classified. Genetic-modification, global warming, a widening gap between haves and have-nots, brain drain, a deadening moral reflex. . . it's all in there.
We get Crake's answer to it all, but I find myself wondering what the point of being human is. When he describes his solution to the world's problems, I have to wonder what's the use of people. The Children of Crake have no need to work, no need for desire, supposedly no need for God, or art. . . no strife, but also no purpose.
If Crake wanted to get back to "nature" (he doesn't being in God or Nature), then why not just do away with people all together? Because it isn't a challenge for him? Or because for all his brains, even he can't imagine a world without us?(less)
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