I enjoy a good Agatha Cristie on occasion. This particular one introduces Hercule Poirot and is a quick fun read that keeps you guessing. Sometimes it...moreI enjoy a good Agatha Cristie on occasion. This particular one introduces Hercule Poirot and is a quick fun read that keeps you guessing. Sometimes it's just fun to think, "It's probably her, or him. Actually, it could be that other guy."
**Audio Review: David Sachet, the actor who portrays Hercule Poirot on the t.v. series, narrates this book. He does an excellent job. Knowing what his Poirot voice sounds like, I was positive that it wasn't the same guy until Poirot shows up 30 minutes or so into the story. It was great fun to listen to.(less)
I'm going with three stars because I really wanted some belly laughs. A lot of them. There were a few, but mostly I was just pleasantly smiling throug...moreI'm going with three stars because I really wanted some belly laughs. A lot of them. There were a few, but mostly I was just pleasantly smiling throughout. And that's probably worth more than I'm giving it credit for. Even though this isn't an autobiography, there are enough snippets of Ellen's life. The important part is that her personality shines through and that is a very positive thing. I've always thought of Ellen as an optimistic person who loves to help people and make the world a better place. But I think that I discovered that it really is that simple to her. In whatever way we can we should be kind and try to be a positive influence. She is certainly doing her part. And if it wasn't the most hilarious book I've ever read, it was three hours well spent.
**Audio Review: Ellen narrates and I don't see how it could have been any other way. She definitely tailors her narration for listeners rather than readers, changing the wording to fit an audio version of her book.(less)
This is an essay written and read by Ann Patchett and given to audible.com members as a gift. I absolutely loved it. Patchett tells the story of what ...moreThis is an essay written and read by Ann Patchett and given to audible.com members as a gift. I absolutely loved it. Patchett tells the story of what eventually lead to her happy marriage, even though divorce had plagued her own life and that of generation in her family before her. It is so well written and brought tears to my eyes.
**Audio Review: Hearing Patchett's own story from her own lips is delightful. One thing I thoroughly enjoyed was during her introduction when she spoke of her own enjoyment of audio books and even listed as her favorite, one of my favorites--True Grit.(less)
In picking up this book I was looking for a good scare--and that's what I got. It isn't terrifying, but creepy in an uncomfortably good way. There are...moreIn picking up this book I was looking for a good scare--and that's what I got. It isn't terrifying, but creepy in an uncomfortably good way. There are several horror film moments where the main character incredulously seeks out the source of some unknown sound behind a locked door. But as a reader I came to almost understand the logic behind such seeming stupidity. The ending is horrifyingly satisfying. (less)
As the fifth and last book (as far as I can tell) in the series, The Bookwoman's Last Fling was the weakest and my least favorite. Janeway seems to me...moreAs the fifth and last book (as far as I can tell) in the series, The Bookwoman's Last Fling was the weakest and my least favorite. Janeway seems to meander through the story copping an attitude when it isn't at all necessary. Here's to hoping he'll be back to redeem himself!
**Audio Review: The audio is solid, although I do wish there was a younger sounding voice for Janeway.(less)
I am not much of a reader of autobiographies. And I believe this is the first celebrity autobiography I've ever read, apart from some comedians (which...moreI am not much of a reader of autobiographies. And I believe this is the first celebrity autobiography I've ever read, apart from some comedians (which I mainly read for a laugh, not necessarily for information about their lives) . And it's not that I love Rob Lowe. But I loved The Outsiders (I was a Tommy Howell girl). And this read is well worth it just for the sections about The Outsiders--I can't wait to watch it again. Happily, there is a lot more to it. He has a lot of poignant things to say about life and family. I especially love the way he speaks about politics. I may not agree with him on everything, but he is very respectful, I think, towards all people who are trying to make a difference in the world through politics. It is clear that he is a patriotic American and I find that he makes that point with a lot of grace.
There is a lot of name dropping and most of it is put to good and pointed use. A few small snippets of stories come out of nowhere and seemingly go nowhere, but they must be important to him. If there is ever a second installment to this one, I am there!
**Audio Review: Rob Lowe narrates and he has a great voice. His voice, for me, is partly what makes his stories so compelling. (less)