Morning Meanderings… Dog Surgery and Audio Anticipation (a CRAZY mix)

meme

Good morning!  Thursday and I imagine many of you are making your plans (if you have not already started) for the big 4th of July weekend!

I mentioned yesterday I was taking Mater to the vet.  He was running a fever and acting like Eeyore walking slowly around with this head down.  No energy.  Turns out he had a lymph node infection in his shoulder and it had to be cut open to drain (yes… you may want to put down your breakfast for a few minutes).  They had him in the office for the day but he is home now, doing well and my job is to place a warm wash cloth over the would area several times a day to keep it open so it can drain.  Due to this, there was no strawberry picking as originally planned.

 

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Dog and owner are doing well this morning.

 

I did want to talk about audio.  June as you know was audio month and I did not have my normal posts on how awesome audio is and why you all (yes you too Laurel!  😉 ) should give it a try.  However… this little gem on info from Audible.com crossed my path in email format yesterday and I can not help but share some highly anticipated audio coming in July.

6Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee.  Harper Lee!!!!  Yes the author of To KIll A Mockingbird brings in this long anticipated jewel.  Narrated by…. wait for it… wait for it…. Reese Witherspoon!  I am seriously curious about this one. Originally written in the mid-1950s, Go Set a Watchman was the novel Harper Lee first submitted to her publishers before To Kill a Mockingbird. Assumed to have been lost, the manuscript was discovered in late 2014.   Release date 7/14/15

 

 

 

1Armada by Ernest Cline (author of one of my all time favorite audio books Ready Player One).  I have gushed about this one before.  Another gamer type book, save the world, blah blah blah but also narrated by the great Wil Wheaton who is an EXCELLENT narrator.  Also release 7/14/15.  Can not wait!!!

 

 

 

 

2Circling The Sun by Paula McLain, author of the Paris Wife.  This one is about the British born Kenyan Aviator Beryl Markham, the first woman to successfully cross the Atlantic solo from east to west.  There is  lot more to Beryl than meets the eye, so venture in to this historical treasure.  Released 7/28/15

 

 

 

 

8 Dexter Is Dead.  I never followed the whole “Dexter ” hype.  My son Brad said it was a crazy good series but I don’t think it is for me.  Anyhoo… Dexter is arrested on charges of murder. He has lost everything – including his wife, his kids, and the loyalty of his sister. Now completely alone, Dexter faces a murder charge (for a crime, ironically, he did not actually commit.  Written and narrated by Jeff Lindsay this is probably one to listen to if you are a fan of the series.  Release date 7/7/15

 

 

8Bradstreet Gate catches my eye.  Georgia, Charlie, and Alice each arrive at Harvard with visions of what the future will hold. Then, just before graduation, a classmate is found murdered on campus, they find themselves facing a cruel and unanticipated new reality. Moreover, a professor who has loomed large in their lives is suspected of the crime. Though his guilt or innocence remains uncertain, the unsettling questions raised by the case force the three friends to take a deeper look at their tangled relationship.    Sounds good to me!  Release date is 7/7/15

 

 

There are more on the list that you of course can check out for yourself.  For new audible users, your first audio book is free so take a peek if you have not tried audible before.  I have used it for three years and love it.  The audio downloads right to my phone and I have it everywhere I go.  I also like that if I start listening to something I do not enjoy, I can return it to them and they give me my credit back to choose something else.

 

Today should be a fairly quiet day.   I am running to town this morning to get a few errands done and then working around the house today on a mailing I am working on and the monthly newsletter for the Friends Of The Brainerd Public Library.  I may have a coffee date this morning this will be nice as it is a lovely day to also sit on the deck.

 

Notes To Boys: And Other Things I Shouldn’t Share In Public by Pamela Ribon

notes to boys, pamela ribson, book journey

Notes To Boys is a memoir of the awkward (occasionally cringe worthy) letters that best-selling author and screen writer Pam Ribon wrote to boys when she was growing up…. some sent (she had a tendency to always make a copy), some not sent… and some she hopes she didn’t send but has a weird feeling that she probably did.

Growing up in a small town in Texas and the internet and cell phones still a long way off, Pam spent time writing letters, LONG deep, and teen angst letters that now – years later she share. Pam laughs at herself, filling in the gaps behind the letters, and adds laugh out loud commentary as she questions this younger version of herself’s motives.

Now married with a child, Pam finds “Young Pam” to be at times a little sad, but mostly a strong boy crazy gal struggling to find who she is and who she will be.

 

 

 

To give my thoughts on this particular audio book I think I need to break it down.

Why I listened to this audiobook:  I enjoy memoirs that are read by the author.  While I admit I had not heard of Pam Ribon (remember at times I do feel like I live under a rock), I thought the synopsis of this one sounded interesting.  After listening to the audible sample, I enjoyed Pam’s fast talking fun way of narrating and her occasional cracking herself up.

What I liked:  Pam is a fast talking funny gal.  Impressively so… how she doesn’t stumble on her words sometimes is a wonder. Her stories in most cases are pretty funny. Tiny warning:  occasionally a bit raunchy.  I enjoyed that to “protect the innocent” each of the boys she wrote about had an alias such as “Holly Hunter Boy” (the boy she watched Broadcast News with) and “Super Mario Brothers Boy.”  She has a quick wit and I liked how she would rabbit trail while reading but never to the point that I was lost.

What I didn’t like:  While there are a couple of moments in the book/audio where Pam shares some deeply personal and painful past happenings, it almost doesn’t fit with this style of book.  Her funny moments are so over the top funny that when she switches gears to share something serious it is like a record scratching.  In most cases this works in memoirs and would have if the letters were not so funny and her narration is so over the top fun that the sad parts were a bit “oh… OH… she is serious here.”  I also have to mention the volume of her narration.  At times Pam becomes very loud even shouting and for me, at one point I was listening in the living room after Hubby had gone to bed and I had to keep adjusting the volume lower for when she became loud and turn it up when she spoke softly.  The same thing happened when I was mowing the lawn and had ear buds in – the volume had to be adjusted so I didn’t hurt my ears when she shouted (and she really shouts!)

Overall:  Pam does do a great job at narration and most of the letters are quite funny.  I had to imagine what kind of girl writes long letters to boys and makes copies?  Then I reminded myself that I am the girl who wrote poetry about EVERYTHING (boys included and one about socks too..and placed my poems in photo albums.  (Remember old school photo albums with that sticky top layer?  Yes – those.)  I recommend giving the audio sample a listen.  I think in book format this would come off well, however if this sounds like your kind of listen, even with the volume adjustments, this is a unique listen that reminded me a bit of Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson.

 

 

  • Audible Audio Edition
  • Listening Length: 6 hours and 17 minutes
  • Program Type: Audiobook
  • Version: Unabridged
  • Publisher: Rare Bird Books
  • Audible.com Release Date: June 18, 2015

 

 

 

The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room by Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell

The disaster artist, The Room, Movie, Greg Sesero, Tommy Wiseau

At nineteen, Greg Sestero knew he wanted to be an actor.  Against his mothers better wishes he participated in an acting school in San Fransisco and this is where Greg met the quirky Tommy Wiseau.  Tom had a strange accent, and had a very unique way of doing things and thinking.  He was a huge frustration to all who had to act with him.  Greg however, was memorized by Tommy’s uninhibited ways.. not caring or even acknowledging others opinions.

A friendship developed between Greg and Tommy.  Greg was curious about Tommy’s belief that he would be a famous actor, his avoidance of anything about his past, and apparently a bank account that had no bottom.  As Greg’s career goals start to take off, Tommy still struggles not understanding why his photos he sends out to acting agencies go unanswered.

Then Tommy starts writing his own screen play.  A screen play that eventually Tommy put in over 6 million of his own money into creating throughout a time where many were fired for not agreeing with Tommy’s bizarre vision.  The movie,The Room eventually is finished with crazy plots introduced and not finished, and becomes known as “the Citizen Kane of bad movies” (Entertainment Weekly), which is now an international phenomenon, with Wiseau himself beloved as an oddball celebrity.

 

 

 

Why this audio?  I found this one in an Audible $4.95 sale and thought it sounded interesting.  I had never heard of the movie and after listening to the audio sample (of you must listen to the audio sample and hear how Tommy talks) I was really interested.  Greg Sestero who flawlessly narrates this book, is also the Greg who was with Tommy through all of this so is giving his first hand account.

The craziness of Tommy’s ideas, refusal to change a thing, and how the movie is made and Greg explaining what to watch for in the movie – honestly makes me want to try and watch this movie that sounds painfully ridiculous.  It looks like their are many sites on line that you can stream the full length movie.  (I just watched a think on You Tube called Everything Wrong with the movie The Room in 8 minutes…. I think that is enough of seeing the movie for me).  While the movie looks horrible – the audio was pretty good.

I enjoyed the crazy truth of this non fiction audio. I found that when I wasn’t listening to the audio, I couldn’t wait to get back to see what Tommy would do next.  This is an excellent example of how the truth really is greater than fiction.

 

 

 

  • Audible Audio Edition
  • Listening Length: 11 hours and 38 minutes
  • Program Type: Audiobook
  • Version: Unabridged
  • Publisher: Tantor Audio
  • Audible.com Release Date: May 19, 2014

 

The Astronaut Wives Club (A True Story) by Lily Koppel

The austronaut wives club, Lily Koppel, Book JOurney, audio

Thank you to my friend Gail for recommending this one to me!  ~Sheila

1959.  We have all heard of the astronauts that have graced our history books… the first man in space, the first on the moon, those who followed, those… who did not make it.

Starting with project Mercury behind each of these original 7 men were 7 women who suddenly found themselves the center of the world’s attention.  What did they eat for breakfast?  How did they raise their children?  What were their greatest fears?  Their greatest triumphs?  It was all a bit much to be under this constant magnifying glass by NASA as well as the public.  These wives were expected to be perfect, look perfect.  After all… they were representing America.

Some of them thrived in the lime light, other worked hard to keep the details of their marriage under wraps.  The world expected nothing but perfection.  This led to the women creating the Astronaut’s Wives Club.  Together the women supported one another as each man went into space.  They were their, first and foremost, when as it happened, that the husband did not come back.

The wives from Project Mercury, The Kennedy Years, Gemini Missions, and finally the Apollo program were women who didn’t sign up for this assignment but they received it any way.  Some eventually divorced, and one, can not handle the great price her husband paid.  All….

had a story to tell.

This audio book was amazing.  It was so interesting to learn about the women behind the names we know.  If you think it is hard to be shot into space… imagine being the wife left back here on earth trying to hold it together while cameras and reporters are everywhere (even in your house) can capture your every emotion.

I really enjoyed listening to this in audio format.  Narrator Orlagh Cassidy is a new narrator to me and perfect for this book.  In fact many times I checked the case to read her name trying to submit it to memory so I can look up what else she narrates.  (For the record, it looks like she narrates many David Baldachi books).  Her smooth voice flowed through this listen, never a flaw.

I highly recommend this book or audio to those who enjoy non fiction history.  The book is like reading a fiction novel, it is not a difficult read at all and I enjoy spending time with these amazing women.

Side note:  I just read that this became a series on ABC, Thursdays 8/7c starting on June 18th.   Might be interesting!

  • Listening Length: 7 hours and 46 minutes
  • Program Type: Audiobook
  • Version: Unabridged

 

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; Unabridged edition (June 18, 2013)

Down The Rabbit Hole by Holly Madison

Down the rabbit hole, Holly Madison, Playboy mansion, Book Journey

Ok ok…. if you recently read my review of Suddenly One Summer and I said it was a bit racy for my taste this audio choice may surprise you – but let me say… this audio surprised me in a good way.  Narrated by Holly Madison herself about her time in the Playboy Mansion and beyond, this is actually way less graphic (in fact pretty much graphic free!) . Recommended – Interesting!  ~Sheila

Holly Madison was eventually known as the “#1 girlfriend” of Hugh Hefner after trying hard for quite a while to be asked to live at the Playboy Mansion.  This book is Holly’s story as told by herself, on working her way into the Playboy Mansion, the years of living with many other girls all hoping for their shot in the magazine or on TV,  and her career after.  Holly shares what living in the Playboy Mansion is really like, Hef’s very strict rules for the Bunny’s (like only two nights out a week and they had to be back by 9 pm and no boyfriends other than him- either of these two indiscretions would get you kicked out of the mansion.  Let’s just say – all is not as it seems.  Each girl had an allowance and a leased car that they paid for our of their allowance and was revoked if they decided to leave the mansion.  Plastic surgery and salon needs were unlimited.  The girls were never allowed to go out on their own or stay anywhere else but the mansion.

Holly shares what is was like living at the mansion for ten years, the girls that came and went, and the remaining three (including herself) that were the stars of the TV show, The Girls Next Door.  Down The Rabbit Hole, with fun references to Alice In Wonderland between chapters, is a tell all of one girls dreams to hit it big, what it cost her, and what she learned about herself along the way.

This choice of a read may shock you but I hope it doesn’t.  I chose to listen to this one from Audible.com and Audible has a policy that is you don’t like it, you can return it and get your credit back.

What drew me to this audio?  1.  Cover.  I have to admit I like the cover.  2.  I like true stories and I especially like them when they are narrated by the author.  3.  As long as it wasn’t crude and rude, I was curious about Hef’s amazing way to lure in these poor young girls… was it money he offered?  Was it just the prestige of being a Bunny that was the draw?  What did they all do day to day?  4. I listened to a sample of the audio and was sold.  The few reviews that were up on the audio all raved about Holly’s tell all and I thought why not?

Honestly, I really enjoyed this audio book.  I knew next to nothing about the Playboy mansion other than what it was and of course the magazine.  I didn’t know that Hugh paid rent on each of the rooms he used for himself and each of the girls bedrooms as well as the Magazine owns the mansion, not Hef.  It was also really interesting to hear about all of Hef’s odd rules and angry blow ups including stomping is feet, screaming, and faking tears when he didn’t get his way.

When you hear all of this (including how old the items in the mansion were, that money was not invested in upgrades or new carpet which was stained with dog well you know… ), and a crotchety old man who is truly full of himself, you (I) have to wonder why Holly stayed as long as she did.  Holly covers that topic well and you start to get a real picture of these young girls wanting nothing more than attention and affection and living to be a Playboy Bunny.

The audio goes on to what Holly did after she left the mansion as well including her time with The Girls Next Door (and awkward scenes after she had left Hef), and Dancing With The Stars.

I realize that this is one person’s story – but if even half of what she says is accurate… wow. Very good listen and thankfully, a clean listen.  There is only one mention of what Hef expected from the girls (not as mush as one would think or probably have heard) and it is brief and thankfully not graphic.

Memoir lovers? Like to learn new things?  Add this one to your To Be Read (listened to) list.

  • Audible Audio Edition
  • Listening Length: 10 hours and 51 minutes
  • Program Type: Audiobook
  • Version: Unabridged
  • Publisher: Harper Audio
  • Audible.com Release Date: June 23, 2015

Suddenly One Summer by Julie James

suddenly one summer, Julie James, Book Journey

Victoria Slade prides herself on her “take care of herself attitude”.  As a divorce lawyer, she has seen her share of relationships gone wrong and has interest in adding her name to the list of relationship casualties.  When circumstances shake her stable world and cause her to move into a new apartment she finds her new neighbor Ford’s conquests to be unsettling.  Sure he is easy on the eyes but apparently she is not the only one who thinks so.

When Victoria winds up helping Ford’s sister with a case she finds herself teaming up with Ford who turns out to be an Investigative Journalist.  As Victoria and Ford try to keep a professional distance, they find a growing attraction for each other.  Yet Victoria still carries with her some remains of her past shake up that she is working through, and she wonders if Ford is the right person to put her trust in… and her heart.

 

 

 

Suddenly One Summer is a summer read with a few occasions of “hot writing”.  The story line is simple, predictable, and done before, with a few new twists added to change it up just a bit.  I personally could have lived without the frequent sexual happenings that were described in great detail.  Things seemed to move awfully fast for the neighbors who in the matter of days seem to go from avoidance to a hot passionate relationship.

I think I accidentally stepped into an author that now as I read more about her is known for her steamy romance writing.  I chose this one on the synopsis and the title (love that word Summer!) and probably read this one not realizing it was out of my comfort zone.

I listened to this on audio and the narration by Karen White was fun.  She narrated with a fast paced jaunty tone that I enjoyed giving a “fun feel” to the happenings in Victoria’s life.  I did enjoy that.

 

 

  • Audible Audio Edition
  • Listening Length: 9 hours and 43 minutes
  • Program Type: Audiobook
  • Version: Unabridged
  • Publisher: Tantor Audio
  • Audible.com Release Date: June 2, 2015

 

All The Summer Girls by Meg Donohue

All The Summer Girls, Meg Donohue, Book Journey

Kate Harrington, Vanessa Warren, and Dani Lowenstein were inseparable in their youth.  Then one summer choices that were made, a loss of a beloved friend and brother, and secrets separate the girls.

Now 8 years later, Kate is newly (and surprisingly) dumped by her fiance.  Vanessa loves her life as a stay at home mom but recent circumstances have her thinking about the guy she left behind so many years ago and wondering if she made the right choice.  Dani has a passion for writing but her old party habits of drugs and alcohol make holding down a day job near impossible.

When Kate calls the old friends together for an emergency “forget about him”  weekend at her fathers beach house in Avalon, Vanessa and Dani jump at the chance to reunite and escape their own worlds for a while.  Yet can the girls return to the setting of their unraveling?  Can the secrets that have been hidden all these years remain buried?  Sometimes those you think you know so well you find out you really don’t know at all.

 

 

 

Yes, yes, it is another book with three women looking out over the water… much like the last book I listened to.  I admit it, the covers call to me… they speak of friendships and I like reading about friendships.

All The Summer Girls is a book with teeth.  While at first sight you may think that this is another light beach read that is good but will not really stick you beyond the last page, but I have to say that is not the case.  All The Summer Girls surprised me – a few twists caught me off guard and I was impressed with what I did not see coming.

I listened to this book on audio and enjoyed narrator Heather Henderson’s voice for the book.  A good quick listen/read with a story line that impressed me.

 

One funny happening while listening to the audio that I have to share….  there is a part where the girls go out and are dancing.  A guy approaches Kate and when she introduces herself I thought he responded, “I’m gay.”  When listening I thought, oh good, he is just looking for someone to dance with then.  A couple of chapters later when he comes up again, I catch it this time… his name is Gabe.  😳  That one is on me.  😉

 

 

 

  • Audible Audio Edition
  • Listening Length: 7 hours and 27 minutes
  • Program Type: Audiobook
  • Version: Unabridged
  • Publisher: HarperAudio
  • Audible.com Release Date: May 21, 2013

 

The Girls Of Mischief Bay by Susan Mallery

Susan Mallery, Girls of Mischief Bay, Book JOurney,

Do you just love this cover?  It says so much… warm sunny days, beachy moments, and friendship… all things I value in my heart.  ~Sheila

Nicole Lord does her best to be a good wife but when her husband up and quits his job with no warning because he feels he wants to write a screen play, Nicole is floored.  Now juggling the children and her full-time job at her Pilates Studio as well as managing the household and the bills, Nicole knows something has to give and she feels she has given quite enough.

Shannon Rig prides herself on her accomplishments.  Now Vice President of her company she is a force to be reckoned with, yet now she wonders if the cost for this success was too much. When Shannon has a change to connect with a great guy gives her hope – she discovers that the perfect “have it all” package may look different from what she has planned.

Pam Eiland has the perfect home, the perfect loving husband, and wonderful grown children.  Now, as she looks around her perfect life she wonders what becomes of her now that all she had to do as a stay at home mom is over.  Looking for ways to keep her marriage spicy may be the answer, but life as we all know… is full of surprises we do not see coming.

These three women who meet for Pilate classes and share their hopes and dreams find that friends can truly be like family when life takes you where you never thought you would be.

Author Susan Mallory is one of those authors that you can count on for a pretty smooth experience.  You will meet characters you wish you were friends with and neighborhoods that you wish you lived in.  That is exactly what I found in The Girls of Mischief Bay.  I wanted to grab my mat and join them at the Pilates studio sharing trials and heartaches and knowing they were safe to share.

When I think of Susan Mallory I think “beach read”.  My definition of a beach read is a good solid read that is not over the top with hard topics or twists and turns that cause frown lines in the sun.  A beach read is a book that is kind to your soul and you usually meet characters you would like to be friends with.

The Girls of Mischief Bay turned out to be just an ok read for me.  While I liked the characters well enough and enjoyed the story line it never really wowed me in any way.  Problems arose, and then they were solved.  No more really than a bump in the road.  It is a good book on the power of friendships and much the same plots that you tend to find… guy troubles.

Narrated by Tanya Ebby, I did enjoy the flow of the words.  While I found the audio “listen worthy”, this is the start of a new series by Susan Mallery and I do not feel I connected enough with the book to continue on with whatever comes next.  (not to say it could not happen… I have done stranger things).

  • Audible Audio Edition
  • Listening Length: 10 hours and 23 minutes
  • Program Type: Audiobook
  • Version: Unabridged
  • Publisher: Brilliance Audio
  • Audible.com Release Date: February 24, 2015

 

The Guest Cottage by Nancy Thayer

The Guest Cottage, Nancy Thayer, Book Journey,

Sophie Anderson is dumbstruck when her husband Zach of 16 years comes home and announces he wants a divorce.  He has fallen for his younger and attractive co-worker and feels that Sophie should have known it was coming, after all, she really is more about their two children than she is about Zach.

Is that true?

Zach decides it is best if he moves in with his lover right away and give Sophie the summer to prepare for the divorce.  Sophie totally blindsided needs to get away with the children and have time to think.  She rents a house on Nantucket from a friend for two months.

Trevor Black is dumbfounded on what to do with his 5-year-old son Dylan.  After the sudden loss of Trevor’s wife, Dylan has taken up habits that concern Trevor.  When a friend offers him a chance to stay a couple of months in a home on Nantucket Trevor thinks that may be just the break he needs and time alone with Dylan to help him through the loss.

Turns out, Trevor’s friend is a relative of Sophie’s friend and they have double booked the Nantucket home by accident.

When Sophie and Trevor discover the dilemma they decide that the house is big enough for the two families to both stay, after all neither wants to give up this much-needed break. Sophie and her two children will take one wing of the home and Trevor and Dylan the other.  They agree to try this for a week and see how it goes.

 

 

 

 

I really enjoyed The Guest Cottage.  Yes it was predictable.  Yes some things were a little too convenient.  Perhaps a little too much was put on the age difference between Sophie and Trevor (she was 36 and he was 30 and it is brought up A LOT by Sophie, event referring to herself as “almost 40”.. I can guarantee you when I was 36 I never once said that I was almost 40. ; ) I don’t care I liked it anyway.

Nantucket in literature seems to be the backdrop for many a lovely summer read.  I admit I am a sucker for those “have to get away” books and the characters land in a sweet rental or back in their home town.  I liked Sophie and enjoyed the easiness of the read.  I listened to this on audio and narrator Janet Metzger had a good voice for most of the characters (the children’s voices were sweet), however by the end of the audio I picked up on Trevor having an accent I had not heard earlier.  It could have been me.

Recommended for good summer reading or listening.

 

 

  • Audible Audio Edition
  • Listening Length: 10 hours and 41 minutes
  • Program Type: Audiobook
  • Version: Unabridged
  • Publisher: Brilliance Audio
  • Audible.com Release Date: May 12, 2015

 

The All-Girls Filling Station’s Last Reunion by Fannie Flag

the all girls filling station's ;ast reuniun, Fannie Flag, Book Journey

I have mentioned I am reading a bit lighter than normal and if you know Fannie Flag, that sure fits the bill although I admit to be pleasantly surprised by learning a thing or two while listening to this book.  ~ Sheila

Mrs. Sookie Poole of Alabama has just married off the last of her daughters.  Now the biggest task on her agenda is dealing with the pesky blue birds.  Well, that and her mother the center of her own universe, Lenore Simmons Krackenberry.

When a certified letter arrives at Sookie’s home revealing a secret her mother had kept from her, Sookie’s world is turned upside down.  Everything she thought was true has turned out to be a cover up and now it is up to Sookie to decide what to do with this new information.

I think most of us may recognize the name Fannie Flag from her popular book made into a movie Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.  If you know the book/movie you may recall it is a combination of a great story with a wicked twist of humor entwined.  In fact, just writing about it here makes me want to watch the movie.  This is what drew me to this book, I felt if it was anything like Fried Green Tomatoes I would like it.

I liked it.

Listening to this book on audio with narration by Fannie Flag herself was a real treat.  The characters are delightful and the way that Fannie Flag brings them to life in a humorous tone made the enjoyment of this listen all the more.

Sookie is a fun protagonist.  She wants to be stronger and more independent but she is just not.  When she discovers she is not who she thought she was it sets off a series of events that are what make up this book.  I enjoyed listening to this one with the quirky inhabitants of Sookies world.  Beyond that, there is an interesting back story that runs along in alternating chapters that involves the WASPS (Women Airforce Service Pilots) created in 1942.  I can not tell you how the two stories combine, that is the beauty of this book, but I can tell you that it is a delight to listen to.

I really enjoyed this audio and learning about the WASPS.  If you enjoyed Fried Green Tomatoes I think you will enjoy this one as well.  A good mix of humor, southern living, and a twist of historical reference.