audio review – Page 4

Along The Infinite Sea by Beatriz Williams

Published on February 12, 2016February 12, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)15 Comments

Beatriz Williams is an author I was introduced to a little over a year ago. Her books open worlds I have not walked in but love the opportunity to join her rich vibrant characters on their journeys… this book, like her others, is a treasure to embrace.~Sheila

Pepper Schuyler has the world by the tail in 1966. She is beautiful and she knows it. She is confident, and captures side ways glances from most men when she walks into a room. She is also, currently, pregnant. No worries though, Pepper has recently restored a beautiful vintage Mercedes that has just sold for an astonishing price. This, Pepper thinks, will set her and the baby up nicely.

Annabelle Dommerich is thrilled with her new car purchase. Sure, she paid way too much, but this particular car and she have a history and that makes it all worth it. And when she meets the young and vibrant Pepper, Annabelle almost has to laugh, Pepper reminds her so much of herself when she was that age.

Annabelle takes an astounded Pepper under her wing and invites Pepper to stay with her. And as the two women become fast friends, Annabelle’s story unfolds, of house parties, an injured acquaintance, a Nazi husband, a Jewish lover, and a hair raising escape in one Mercedes years ago.

Ahhhhh. Reading (or listening in this case) Beatriz Williams books is something that I find hard to describe. The stories are vivid and of a time I have not lived, but the writing makes me wish I had. I enjoy reading about protagonists like Pepper, strong-willed women of a time when strong women were the exception.

The Infinite Sea is told in the time of Pepper and Annabelle meeting one another in the 60’s, with Annabelle’s story of her own youth being weaved in throughout the book. It is a brilliant read. One I personally devoured every chance I could get.

I listened to this on audio, Kathleen McInerney is a narrator I have enjoyed before and she has the perfect narrative voice for this book. Highly enjoyable.

Note: There are other books featuring the Schuyler sisters (Pepper is one of three). To my understanding this is actually the third book, I believe each book stands on their own and I did not feel that I needed the other two books to make sense of this one. The other books would be: The Secret Like of Violet Grant and Tiny Little Thing. Both books, I hope to enjoy sometime soon.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 15 hours and 43 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Audible.com Release Date: November 3, 2015

Becoming Steve Jobs by Brent Schlender and Rick Tetzeli

Published on February 11, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)4 Comments

Steve Jobs has been called many things from genius to jerk. When it came to his work life and his vision he did not care if you were family, friend, or person who could make his life a whole lot easier. He was focused to a fault. He was outspoken, irritating, irrational, and cocky. So how did such a man who was even fired from his own company, make such a big impact on the way we live today? How did someone like this carry a vision that literally has employed millions of people all over the world and his products become practically a household staple?

Statements taken from those who knew Steve well from family members, friends, co workers and competitors, paint a picture of Steve and it is not necessarily the one you think. Here you will learn about the man who struggled with his failings and worked to maximize his strengths. Always ambitious, always forward thinking, Steve Jobs.

If you have hung around here long you probably know I have been fascinated with Steve Jobs for a long time. I have read many books and listened to many audio about this man. I don’t condone the way he treated people – but much like in my own life, when I see someone acting out or in a way I find aggressive, I always wonder what the underlying story is. I have felt this way about Steve. I believe another reason I like reading about him is that I LOVE the fact that he was not necessarily the brains behind the company. He was the visionary and what he could not do himself, he found people who had the power to take his vision and make it real. I too love to come up with the “what if’s” and bring other people into that vision to make it a reality. I hope I don’t do it as aggressively as Steve, but I sure hope I tap into that passion.

Honestly, no matter how you feel about the man – I think most of us have to admit to owning an Apple product or an IPAD, IPOD, IPHONE, ITunes… Think of how our world has changed around these products…. think about how we connect so much more than we once did, and how Steve’s vision raised the bar for all who follow in his footsteps to make the next big thing.

I did thoroughly enjoy this book. As I mentioned, I have read much on Steve Jobs and this book was not rehashing the same information. This book, personalized him and I really liked that. It gave me more insight in to why Steve was the way he was. I liked hearing about the man behind the hype. This book will take you from the start of Apple, to the competitors he battled as well as friended, all the way to his final battle with cancer, that sadly, he did not win.

I listened to this on audio with George Newbern narrating. It was a wonderful insightful listen that I would encourage anyone to take the time and listen to. No matter what your opinion of Steve, I feel the world suffered a great loss of a man with amazing vision and an ability to have others respond to his vision.

Listening Length: 16 hours and 21 minutes

Publisher: Random House Audio; Unabridged edition (March 24, 2015)

Hardcover: 464 pages
Publisher: Crown Business; First edition (March 24, 2015)

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

Published on February 9, 2016February 8, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)18 Comments

When 14-year-old Audrey is the target of bullying at school, she finds that she struggles to even leave the comfort and security of her own home, finding dark glasses to help her move through day-to-day life. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder, Audrey works with a counselor to help her take steps towards a more normal life style.

One that Audrey could really not care less about.

When her brothers best friend Linus starts to frequent her home. Audrey’s interest is piqued. Linus is not like other boys. He doesn’t seem to be startled by Audrey wearing dark glasses inside or her inability to go out into the world. Instead, Linus seems to enjoy Audrey’s company, even coming over to the house to see her. The connection Audrey makes with Linus is one that not only is helping her, but her entire family.

Finding Audrey was a fun listen. I have read Sophie Kinsella before (I’ve Got Your Number) which was a light fun read. This one is still fun as YA goes, but it also has a more serious undertone to it that makes you really think about what Audrey is going through. You also can not help but cheer on Linus, what a great character! Over all Kinsella comes through again with a heartwarming story that I think will speak well to young adults and all ages alike.

On a personal note: I found with my own life these past 10 months that I could relate to Audrey. I get the desire to feel safe and secure in my own home as well, never knowing what you can be dealing with in the real world. By no means am I at where Audrey is at, I can and do go out and carry on as I used to – I just find it takes more energy to do so. I only mention this because it helped me understand what Audrey is going through a little more.

Age Range: 12 and up
Grade Level: 7 and up
Audio CD
Publisher: Listening Library (Audio); Unabridged edition (June 9, 2015)
Listening Length: 6 hours and 36 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook

in a dark, dark wood by ruth ware

Published on February 7, 2016February 7, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)8 Comments

Lenora ( goes by Nora) is a crime fiction writer. She has found that as the years go on she is quite content to stick to the comforts of home surrounded by all that she loves , typing out stories and meeting deadlines for her publisher. When an invitation arrives from an old friend to join in a pre-marriage celebration at a secluded home in the woods, Nora is hesitant yet feels the pull to perhaps reconnect. Many invites went out but in the end it is six people who make the celebration weekend.

48 hours later Nora wakes up in the hospital with no recollection of how she got there or what had happened. All she knows is that she has a sickening feeling that someone she knows is dead and with a police officer outside her hospital room she has a feeling that whatever happened… somehow she is involved.

Here Author Ruth Ware, explains the book:

With a title like that how could I refuse? In A Dark, Dark Wood drew me in by its synopsis, despite the comparison to Girl On The Train (not a fan). I liked the idea of old friends gathering together and a mystery to be solved…. felt a little like an 80’s thriller!

The book is a fast read/listen but a good one. Nothing felt dragged out, the book moved at a nice pace throughout the story with just enough of a dangle of the mystery throughout the story line to keep you guessing. In the end my guess of the “who did it” was wrong…. and I like it that way.

I listened to this one on audio, Imogen Church narrated and while she is a new narrator to me, I found that I liked how she mastered her way through the multitude of dialogue between the six characters.

Recommended on audio, but I think this one will read well too.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 9 hours and 34 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Audible.com Release Date: August 4, 2015
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press; Later printing edition (August 4, 2015)

Why Not Me? by Mindy Kaling

Published on February 6, 2016April 20, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)16 Comments

Mindy Kaling is on the search for fulfillment in here adult life. She is looking for love, friendships, and trying to be the first person in the world to lose weight without changing any habits. She discusses how to be glamorous for any occasion, dealing with anxiety and more in her life as a star.

Confession… I have never watched Mindy Kaling’s show. I chose this audio mainly because I like autobiographies. I enjoy hearing back ground stories to people’s fame.

Most of the time.

Occasionally I find one that is not really a fit. This would be one of those times.

While Mindy may be a funny actress, I found her to be unnecessarily crude which is something I am never a fan of. This one is entirely on me, I gave it a shot. I am sure fans of Mindy Kaling would find this to be a good listen.

What I can say is Mindy Kaling narrates this book herself, which I almost always find I am drawn to in memoirs. Mindy has an exception narrating voice and comes across clearly with great emotion, wit, and voice expressions. Her narration I felt was spot on… after all who better to tell her story?

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Why Not Me, and Mindy’s narrating performance has been nominated for an Audio Award.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 4 hours and 57 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Random House Audio
Audible.com Release Date: September 15, 2015

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Published on January 25, 2016January 25, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)6 Comments

Simon Snow is The Chosen One.

*Groan*

He, in his opinion, is the absolute worst choice for such a title. He can not keep the spells straight and half the time his wand doesn’t even work. His roommate Baz (who Simon is pretty sure is a vampire) avoids Simon like the plague, and his girlfriend is on the verge of being done with him and quite honestly Simon doesn’t blame her. Relationships are weird and he never knows what he is supposed to do. And now…. it seems that he has been chosen… or drew the short straw… to help solve a murder.

Seriously? Why can’t he just have a normal life?

I was drawn to Carry On because of a blurb I read that said Harry Potter fans were going to flip for this one. I am a pretty easy sell if you tell me a book is going to be like Harry Potter. For the record… it wasn’t- not really, and honestly nothing ever has come close to HP for me so it’s not a big disappointment. There were similarities to the Potter books that I thought were a little too close to a brilliant idea already taken. For example, Simon, like Harry, was an orphan. And Simon, like Harry was considered The Chosen One. There is also a creepy monster like character that had some of the similarities of a Dementor (see Potter books).

That said, Rainbow Rowell does carry off an interesting unique read that while it may have used the Harry Potter books as a jumping off point…. the book then takes it’s own direction. I don’t want to give anything away but I can say that RainbowRowell likes to take her characters in directions you may not expect. Simon surprised me. The book surprised me.

I listened to Carry On on audio and the audio music throughout the listen (don’t worry – it is not continuous or annoying) was brilliant and exciting. I enjoyed the narration very much, even enjoyed hearing some of the wording that is often used through out the Harry Potter books…. the accent brought me back.

I have to agree that Harry Potter fans will find a little dose of happiness in this book.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 13 hours and 42 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Audible.com Release Date: October 6, 2015

Hardcover: 528 pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin (October 6, 2015)

After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Published on January 3, 2016March 31, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)14 Comments

It’s simple but fitting… I do LOVE this cover…. ~ Sheila

When Lauren and Ryan meet in college they instantly feel the attraction. The two become inseparable and a wedding of course is the next step in this match. Now, ten years later the old arguments are no longer funny and are instead pointed. That once was cute is now annoying and Lauren and Ryan can not seem to find their way back to the great love that once was.

Then Ryan lays out a plan to take a year off from each other… no communications whatsoever to see where everything lands once they go out on their own. Heartbroken, Lauren has no choice but to agree. Once Ryan moves out, Lauren is left to sort out her own feelings on her marriage, focus on her extended family and her career.

What does a good marriage consist of? And more importantly is it enough to bring her and Ryan back together or was it really never what was supposed to be?

This was my first dabble into author Taylor Jenkins Reid and I was not disappointing. After I Do is written in a humorous lighthearted way that is engaging, witty, and significant all at once. The one-year-break was a unique way to handle a marriage gone awry. While the story is told mainly from Lauren’s point of view, we as readers are left pretty much as she is… not knowing what Ryan is thinking or doing or if he will even come back. I enjoyed the suspense.

If you enjoy a good not to heavy read I suggest you try this book. I listened to it on audio and found Tara Sands narration to be perfect for this book. In fact, once I finished After I Do, I went on to read two more books by this author.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 9 hours and 11 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Audible.com Release Date: September 10, 2015
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Washington Square Press (July 1, 2014)

The Residence by Kate Andersen Brower (BEST of 2015)

Published on November 24, 2015March 5, 2016 by Sheila (Book Journey)9 Comments

We all see the First Families as they go about what they do on TV. Speeches and events, there to celebrate triumphs and stand tall when the world has been shaken to it’s core…

The Residence gives us a peek into what we do not see. Told from the point of views of those who have worked in the White House, maids, cooks, butlers, florists, doormen and more share their stories of what it is like to work for the First Family.

Who makes their own bed in the morning, or insists on monitoring every meal, who watched personal expenses closely, and who frivolously needed fresh flowers in every room daily. What have these people seen through the years of working for the Presidents and their families? What stories will warm your heart and which ones will make you sad or shocked?

I absolutely devoured this book. I listened to it on audio and so enjoyed the narration by Karen White. Karen hit the ball out of the narration park! Beautifully spoken, each story was so interesting. Author Kate Andersen Brower shares the stories of those who spoke to her about their time working in the White House. Everything from the Kennedy Assassination and who stood alongside Jackie Kennedy as she came back home that evening still wearing the blood stained dress to Nixon’s resignation and how the Clinton household functioned during his impeachment. This book is a side to the stories you have never heard before, quite literally an inside scoop.

While one may think this may read like tabloid tell all, it does not. The Residence is a tasteful close up on the First families in good time and in bad. I learned so much while listening to this book. Highly recommended.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 10 hours and 16 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Harper Audio
Audible.com Release Date: April 7, 2015

The Admissions by Meg Mitchell Moore

Published on November 4, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)10 Comments

Gabe and Nora Hawthorne are living the life. They both have successful careers, Gabe works with a Tech Firm and Nora is a Realtor for the upper class of Marin California. They have three daughters and to the outer world this white-toothed perfect smile family with the right house and the right cars looks as thought they have it all…

Angela is on a straight path to Harvard (it is where her dad went!) her grades are exceptional, there is nothing in her way… but had anyone given any thought to what Angela wants, including Angela herself?

10-year-old Cecily loves to dance but one false move changes everything

Maya is in second grade and can not get the grasp on reading. Could this have anything to do to with the secret that happened to her as a baby?

Nora excels at her job… but her clients can be problematic and sometimes – sometimes,Nora longs for am easier way

Gabe loves what he does but a woman he works with could tear his whole world apart… should he confess what he has done?

Each of the Hawthorne’s have something to admit… and that is what makes Admissions a fun reading adventure. ~ Sheila

I listened to Admissions on audio and thoroughly enjoyed it. The play on the word admission just added to my enjoyment. It is not often I find a book title to be as perfect as this one is to the story line.

Listening to admissions you could imagine the anxiety this family had as they all tried to hold their corner of the picture perfect outlook up to standards. Yet, as in most cases of what appears to be perfect or… those who appear to have it all – not all is as it seems.

I really enjoyed what I thought was going to be a story based mainly on Angela and her admission to Harvard, but it is sooooo much more. With each member of the family having admissions of their own, this witty read is one not to miss.

Narrator Allyson Ryan did a wonderful job of portraying the heart of this story.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 14 hours and 34 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Random House Audio
Audible.com Release Date: August 18, 2015

After You by Jo Jo Moyes

Published on October 20, 2015October 20, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)14 Comments

*Note: Sequel to Me Before You

When Louisa Clark had to say good bye to Will Trayner… her life changed forever. After all, how does one return to a life that no linger feels satisfying? Where the air is almost un-breathable? For three years Louisa has gone through the motions of creating a pretty much solitude life.

When a freak accident causes Louisa to move back in with her parents she feels what little control she was clinging to slip away. As she heals, Louisa knows things need to change. After promising her dad to attend the Moving On support group, Louisa meets Sam, a paramedic who’s very job seems to lay between life and death. As Louisa becomes more comfortable sharing in the group, she wonders if it is possible to have feelings for someone else.

Then, a young girl comes to Louisa’s home one day – and her very existence turns everything upside down once again.

“You’re going to feel uncomfortable in your new world for a bit. But I hope you feel a bit exhilarated too. Live boldly. Push yourself. Don’t settle. Just live well. Just live. Love, Will.”

When my book club read Me Before You in February of 2014, it lead to quite an interesting discussion and strong opinions on both sides of the story. In a nutshell, while we didn’t overall like everything about the book – we did enjoy what the book brought to the table.

In most reads that leave an ending somewhat open, we, as readers are given the liberty to decide what happened next to our beloved characters…. occasionally… we will be lucky enough to have the author chime in on what did happen… and in this case that is what we are allowed to discover in After You.

When I first heard that there would be this follow up book I was so excited. I wondered where Louisa would wind up and how she would go on with her life now having had the incredible experience she just had. In this sense, Author Jo Jo Moyes does not disappoint. In fact, we are taken on yet another roller coaster ride as Moyes churns out events that are not the norm- and for that I am grateful.

As a follow up read, After You is satisfying. I did not find it to be the discussion worthy journey that Me Before You was; and I do not believe I will recommend this to our book club to read and discuss together, however –

if you have read Me Before You and enjoyed it, After You is like an after dinner mint… just a little something nice to complete the meal.

I enjoyed After You on audio and found narrator Anna Acton to be the perfect voice for such a listen.