Audio Review – Page 6

Twisted Fate by Norah Olson

Published on March 5, 2015March 5, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)12 Comments

The Tate sisters could not be more different. Allyson is all about fashion and appearance and Sydney likes punk rock music, skate boarding and hanging out with her friends.

When a new mysterious boy moves in next door, both girls take notice. Graham is cute and quiet and takes his camera wherever he goes, always documenting people and life. Allyson is instantly intrigued but Sydney feels something is off about Graham and worries about her sister. Graham in turn, takes interest in both girls.

When the unthinkable happens, it is Graham and his camera who may be able to save the day, but at what cost to everyone involved?

This book had great potential. The synopsis was good, however the first part was a lot about Sydney and her pot smoking friends which I did not find to fit into the main story line at all. About mid way through the book the narration changes to the adults and it started to get interesting and that lasted through the end of the book which then felt hurried and not satisfactory.

Ugh.

Ok, to explain what I just wrote, Twisted Fate is told from multiple narratives. Both Ally and Sydney narrate, as well as Graham, and his parents. There is a lot going on in the book and I think that might just by the problem. The book lays out in too many directions and nothing felt finished to me. Where it starts out with Sydney and the pot smoking (which nothing ever comes of this although she is supposedly wicked smart and going to be class valedictorian) and suddenly shoots to Graham and the story changes to something else. It felt choppy.

I think the makings of a good read was there, it just did not execute right. Oh, and on another note.. the overuse of any descriptions or words in a book always gets me going. In this book, “skinny jeans” were mentioned often and on the audio I started repeating it every time they talked about it I would say out loud “Skinny jeans!.” It could have been a drinking game. 😉

I don’t mean for this to be a harsh review. Clearly it wasn’t a great read for me, yet as I did mention, the Graham story line is very interesting. Perhaps if the story could have focused a little more on that and flushed it out, it had real potential.

Narrated by Emma Galvin (Narrator), Tara Sands (Narrator), Michael Crouch (Narrator), Rachel F. Hirsch (Narrator), Dan Bittner (Narrator), Peter Ganim (Narrator), Tavia Gilbert (Narrator), Ellen Archer (Narrator), Jason Culp (Narrator) . It was a great cast of narrators, surprisingly many for a fairly short audiobook.

Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (January 20, 2015)
Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 5 hours and 43 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Harper Audio
Audible.com Release Date: January 20, 2015

Last Time We Say Good Bye by Cynthia Hand

Published on March 1, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)6 Comments

It has only been a few months since Lex’s brother Ty committed suicide. Since that time Lex feels as though she has been in a long tunnel trying to reach towards the light and the air that has to better in the light than it is in this darkness. Her mother is deeply depressed and her part-time father doesn’t know how to reach either of them… or perhaps his absence when his son needed him makes him not invited to this level of grief.

As Lex begins to move forward trying to rebuild her broken life she also knows that she will not be able to be complete until she admits to someone…

anyone..

about the text that she received… and how if she could turn back time, maybe; just maybe she could have changed everything.

Drawn into this book by that synopsis, I could not wait to know more. Lex is an excellent protagonist. As a highschooler, Lex has all the exposure of being the girl whose brother committed suicide. She sees the sympathetic sad looks on the other students faces, some are her friends feeling awkward, but many she doesn’t really know and almost resents their grief.

I like how this book goes back and forth. Assigned by her therapist to write down her feelings, Lex remembers her brother through her journal giving us a full view of who Ty was. Raw and emotional this is a good picture of a family dealing with the worst possible scenario and trying to hard to find a way to go on.

In the end there is an important lesson about grief and forgiveness. Seriously the last few chapters made me a pool of tears, but – in a good way. They were tears of awe and maybe on a more personal note… memory. Well written. As I listened to this on audio, the narration of Julia Whelan was just the right voice for this book.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 9 hours and 19 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Harper Audio
Audible.com Release Date: February 10, 2015

American Sniper by Chris Kyle

Published on February 19, 2015February 19, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)17 Comments

Navy Seal Chris Kyle has recorded the most kills in US history during his time-serving 4 tours between 1999 and 2009. His job was to protect his fellow comrades as they traveled on the ground throughout war-torn areas, and Chris had a bird’s eye view from roof tops. While Americans nicknamed him “Legend”, the enemy called him al-Shaitan (“the devil”) and had a bounty out for his death.

In 2013, after Chris had served his country for tn years and had returned home to be a husband to his wife and a father to his two children, Chris was killed while working with war vets.

This book, written by Chris himself and includes chapters by his wife Taya is their story of a deep love and a war that never ended.

Note – this is not my genre at all. I avoid war books and anything political like the plague. (And the plague is something definitely to avoid!)

However –

If you know Chris’s story… you know there is more to this book than war. It is a passionate story of a man who wanted to protect his country. It is also about his meeting his wife, having children, and her fears every time Chris left to go back into the war. It is a first hand account from Chris himself of what it was like from the rooftops, working to save his team… it is about love and it is about loss.

My husband and I went to see the movie when it came out. Again, not something I would normally do, but I had heard amazing things from people whose opinions I trust – and many of these opinions were female friends of mine who also would not get into a war movie. We went… and it was powerful.

This is what led me to the audio version of this book. I wanted to know more of the story, and the book definitely does that. American Sniper is told mainly first hand by Chris with occasional thoughts and dialogue by his wife Taya. The book I found to be harsher than the movie. While interesting, Chris is very proud of his killings, even to the point of discussing using different ways to kill (rifles, etc…) to see what works best.

It is hard for me, for someone who has never experienced war and is a life long member of the “why can’t we all just get along” club, to understand taking pride and talking in detail of killings. I am not judging, just explaining a feeling.

The audio book is still an impressive take of what it would be like to be in the center of the war. Nearly killed many times during battle, it is a sad ending to know that Chris was killed while back in the states not far from his home, trying to help others. *Note – this is not covered in the book.

Narrated by Jim Defalice who was an excellent voice for Chris. I struggled when he narrated the chapters written by Taya as his voice did not change at all and sometimes it was hard to tell in the audio format when the narration had changed to her. The book would be talking about falling in love with him, and I would have to think, “Chris fell in love with a man? Oh no – this is Taya talking.”

Overall, I recommend this book or audio for anyone who would like to know more as I did. It is a piece of our American history that I like knowing a little more about. I recommend the movie as well.

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishing

Length: 10 hours and 21 minutes

I Was Here by Gayle Forman

Published on February 14, 2015February 14, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)11 Comments

Cody and Meg were best friend. Considered inseparable all through their school years the girls were constantly together until Meg receives a full scholarship and goes away to college. They still communicated by email and phone calls but life gets busy… and the calls are more infrequent…

Then Cody is shocked when an email arrives from Meg telling Cody that by the time she read the message, it is already too late.

And it is.

Cody is confused by her friends suicide. What signs did she miss? When Cody goes to Meg’s college to collect her things she learns a lot more about the girl she thought she knew. As Cody looks through Meg’s laptop she finds things that may be clues, including an encrypted file in the recycle bin that may hold more that Cody bargained for.

I enjoyed listening to I Was Here on audio. This book deals with the hard subject of suicide and what happens after to those who are left behind. Jorjeana Marie was an excellent narrator for this book, she held the right voice.

The basic story line of this book is good and I think author Gayle Forman in on the right track with Cody discovering a side to her friend she didn’t know existed, however some things did not work for me in the story.

Meg’s parents come off as distant and I get grief, but the fact that they did not go to the college themselves to pick up Meg’s things seemed odd.

Cody’s actions throughout the book are off as well. I felt as though in the end I knew Meg more than I knew Cody.

Do not get me wrong, I did like I Was Here as a whole. It tells a good story of a major loss. I was very impressed with the epilogue which included the author giving a statement on suicide as well as help lines(including phone numbers!) for those who are having suicidal thoughts.

While I did not fully connect with the book, it was a good listen.

Gayle Forman is also the author of the book If I Stay which this last year was a major motion picture.

Listening Length: 7 hours and 42 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Listening Library
Audible.com Release Date: January 27, 2015

One Step Too Far by Tina Seskis

Published on February 13, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)12 Comments

Emily and Caroline are surprise twins. By surprise, I mean that their mother did not know that she was going to have twins until… they were here. Emily slips from her mother perfect and easy, shortly after along comes Caroline, blue and not breathing… a struggle from the moment she is born.

As the girls grow to adults, Caroline who knows she is not loved by her mother as Emily is, lashes out in her own ways with respect for no one’s time and a liking to the shocking as well as to alcohol.

Yet as the story opens, Emily is fleeing her life and her husband. She is changing her name, picked up a new job, and remaining hidden… although we do not know why. What has happened to this girl who by all outward looks seemed to be the one that had it together?

Told in alternating voices and in flash backs, slowly the puzzle begins to clear… and that one step too far… means so much more than you think.

Side story. I love the Renaissance Festival. My very first time I went as I walked down a narrow wooded dirt path to the entrance with my friends a costumed man sitting up in a tree above me hollered down with an accent, “DO NOT STEP IN IT!”

I of course stopped and looked at him. Then I glanced around. There was nothing there but trail. “What?” I responded.

“DO NOT STEP IN IT!” he cried again more urgently.

I giggled, this being my first introduction to the Renaissance and it was a fun exchange. “I do not see anything to step in,“ I responded.

“IT! IT”, he said loudly with anxiety in his voice and pointing at the ground. “DO NOT STEP IN IT!”

I then looked down and seen right where I stood in the trail, the word “IT” was scratched into the dirt.

I was not even in the front gate yet and already loved the Renaissance Festival.

That may seem like a random story for a review, but it actually fits. I thought of that story as I listened to this book on audio, mainly because as I listened I could not help but feel as though I had stepped in IT. And… like that day at the Renaissance, I loved it.

One Step Too Far starts out with a lot to take in. You have the girls and their mother… you see that Caroline is a bit of a struggle. So when Emily is the one who seems to go a bit nutty… it is shocking and you spend much of the book learning what has happened.

And when you know…

whoa.

I really enjoyed listening to One Step Too Far. I admit I was a bit nervous when the audio started and it seemed as though I had found my way to yet another read that is told from multiple perspectives, flashes back and forth… and quite honestly, I have had enough of that style for a bit. Yet, One Step Too Far pulled away from that format by engaging me fully into the story. In the end, I was impressed.

Elizabeth Knowelden and Paul Fox are excellent narrators for this book. Flawlessly, they complimented each other.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 9 hours and 8 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Harper Audio
Audible.com Release Date: January 27, 2015

Forever Odd by Dean Koontz

Published on February 8, 2015February 8, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)3 Comments

Odd Thomas is indeed properly named.

While having maintained a job as a fry cook in a desert town of Pico Mundo, Odd also communicates with the dead.

Seriously.

He sees dead people. In particular, he sees Elvis a lot, who for some reason hangs out in Odd’s apartment weeping and pacing. While Odd does see dead people, the dead can not speak back so he has no idea why Elvis is so upset. Sometimes he is not upset… sometimes Elvis is funny. He pretends to pick his nose and flick it at Odd. A ghost has no reason to pick its nose. The dead, often come to Odd. Especially after they have just died… sometimes looking for comfort, somehow they know that Odd is able to see them.

Such is this particular morning.

When the father of his childhood friend Danny appears before Odd, Odd knows something has gone wrong. He follows the man back to his home wondering what he will encounter, but knowing for sure he will find this man’s body. What he finds is the man has been murdered, and Odd’s handicapped friend Danny, has been taken. Odd never knows how he gets himself involved in these things, but he knows it is up to him to make things right if only he can.

A little note about me and Dean Koontz…. I adore his writing and have for years. Koontz writes like Stephen King, but at a lesser creep level. He is not as intense, and more so, something I appreciate, he has a great sense of humor that shows up in his books.

I have read a few of the Odd Thomas books along the way. Not consistently, but they are the type of books that you do not need to follow all along. What I like about them is that I imagine they are like desert to Dean Koontz. Odd is a different character than you will find in his other books. He not only sees dead people, but he has a dry sense of humor, as well as everyone else who pops up in the book. They are fun reads. They are funny reads.

I like that.

In Forever Odd, I just had to smile at the familiarity of the character, the unwilling passage to the dead. Odd didn’t ask for this gig… but it is his. The whole Elvis line (that follows through all of the Odd books) is a fun one. At the end of this book Odd explains why he feels Elvis will not continue his journey to the after world…

I think what he says is spot on.

If you have not experienced Odd Thomas, I suggest you give him a try. They are fun reads with a mystery mixed in.

The audio is narrated by David Aaron Baker. He was the right voice.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 8 hours and 37 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Random House Audio
Audible.com Release Date: November 28, 2005

Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins (not the review you are expecting)

Published on February 3, 2015February 3, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)73 Comments

Rachel takes the same train every morning. While on the train she spends the time watching out the windows; the places, the people, making up stories of their lives. Often she sees a couple sitting on their deck having breakfast. Their life together looks wonderful and Rachel imagines that they live this glorious existence, she even gives then names; Jess and Jason.

Then one morning on the train Rachel sees something shocking. It is there for a moment and then the train moves on. Suddenly everything is moving too fast. Rachel feels The following days unravel into a mess as though Rachel’s life is a ball of yarn that someone threw on the floor.

Rachel has to say something. But to who? And with her reputation… who would listen?

I honestly read The Girl On The Train because I seen it EVERYWHERE. When people are talking about the next great read, you certainly do not want to be the one who passed it up, so I listened to it on audio.

I found the book to take a while to get into. Rachel is not what I would call a likable protagonist. She is heavily flawed and her constant excuses for her behavior honestly weighed on me. I know this is going to put me in the minority on this one, but I know I would have enjoyed this more if Rachel would have had it more together. I did not want to spend my time slogging through her issues every step of the way. I have heard this book compared to Gone Girl and I did not see it. I am pretty sure I have a post coming up about why that is. 🙂

Overall, Rachel’s issues aside, the book takes off and keeps you guessing. The narrators Clare Corbett (Narrator), Louise Brealey (Narrator), India Fisher (Narrator) were wonderful. I do like twists and turns and the ending was not one I had seen coming.

I believe my issues with this book are because I like strong protagonists. I do understand that some would argue that it is Rachel’s flaws that add to the book. I do not agree. This opinion on this one is all me. Do not let it discourage you from reading a book that I think will do well overall.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 10 hours and 59 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Audible.com Release Date: January 13, 2015

Witches Of Echo Park by Amber Benson

Published on January 29, 2015January 28, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)12 Comments

Unknown to the modern world, witches still exist in the gray areas of our vision, appearing quite like mere mortals… and all the way keeping our world balanced. Yet their existence is in danger and therefore, putting the world as we know it is danger as well.

When Elyse hears that her great-aunt Eleanor is deathly ill, Elyse rushes to be by her side in Los Angeles. What Elyse finds is not only the aunt who raised her, but also secrets that Elyse would never have guessed. Now, heir of her aunts estate, Elyse is also to take the place of her aunt in the Coven. To do so, Elyse must put herself in danger as the world in under attack and Elyse is not sure if she is strong enough to do everything she needs to do.

Very character driven, Witches of Echo Park has everything I enjoy in a good listen. I thought the characters were well-developed and interesting. Inheriting a coven of witches? Brilliant and unique! I also absolutely loved that the author Amber Benson narrated this audiobook as well. AND did an excellent job.

My only grumble is that the book was a little slow-moving to my liking. This is the start of a trilogy so maybe as the series goes on it will pick up speed. Definitely interesting – I would have initially thought this was a YA read (I think it was the book cover that led me to that) , but due to some content, I would say older YA to New Adult.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 9 hours and 21 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Audible Studios
Audible.com Release Date: January 6, 2015

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

Published on January 28, 2015January 27, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)20 Comments

Retired Cop Bill Hodges was pretty proud of his career record. Most of the crimes he was involved in solving were brought to completion.

Most.

One crime, still unsolved, still haunts Bill. Months earlier, a group of people waiting in line at a job fair were plowed down by a man driving a Mercedes. Not only did he run over the people with no mercy… he backed up and hit them again leaving 8 dead and 15 wounded. The driver was never caught.

Now, Bill has received a letter. A letter from the man who claims he committed this crime and egging on Bill about leaving this crime unsolved.

Well… retirement was boring anyways.

Stephen King is an author that I seem to be surprised that I still read. I read him often in High School, but after graduation found him to be a bit too much for me and I moved on. In recent years, mainly due to his surprise hit of 11-22-63 (so good – do not miss it!), I tend to drift back to his newer writing… cautiously testing the waters. While his writing is still King, his writing seems some what smoother… still spooky topics, but either I have mellowed…. or he has.

Perhaps… it is both of us.

I think Mr. King tested me a bit on this one. While a pretty good story line (hit and run criminal contacts retired cop and taunts him about being unable to find him), I struggled with some of the actual situations in the book. Think Norman Bates awkward relationship with his mother but more…more. Ugh more.

The story line is what held me to this audio, I did want to know what would happen in the end. Yet even more than the story line, Will Pattons narration was a home run for this audio. I am pretty sure if not for the excellent narration I would have probably let this one go as a DNF. Will Patton had just the right voice for narrating a retired cop. I really enjoyed listening to him.

Over all… Mr. Mercedes is not a win for me. This is supposed to be a trilogy buy I can not imagine that I will carry on with the story line… however, I never say never.

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 14 hours and 22 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Audible.com Release Date: June 3, 2014

A Plague Of Bogles by Catherine Jinks

Published on January 8, 2015January 8, 2015 by Sheila (Book Journey)4 Comments

Jem Barbary spent most of his early life picking pockets for a wily old crook named Sarah Pickles—until she betrayed him. Now Jem wants revenge, but first he needs a new job. Luckily Alfred the bogler, the man who kills the child-eating monsters that hide in the shadows of Victorian London, needs a new apprentice. As more and more orphans disappear under mysterious circumstances, Alfred, Jem, and Birdie find themselves waging an underground war in a city where science clashes with superstition and monsters lurk in every alley.

This is a fun Middle Grade (MG) read of life on the street, and these young people, Jem, and Birdie, make there way by searching out bogles. This book (or listen in my case) reminded me a bit of the Bloody Jack series. Told in a strong accent that is fun and I think would engage young listeners, A Plaque of Bogles would be excellent for a family road trip.