Tag: Audio

First Drop Of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)2 Comments

Denise MacGregor knows all to well about the things that go bump in the night.  Her husband has been killed by a demon.  So have several of her other relatives as the demon is in search of one man… and he is using Denise as bait.

Denise in a frenzy wonders who she can turn too.  She makes a call to her best friend Cat who is half vampire, half human, but instead of Cat, it is Spade who answers her call for help.  Spade is a not too painful on the eyes vampire.  He is kind and generous and agrees to help Denise with hardly any questions asked. 

Yet Denise is unsure what her dept to Spade may become.  He has paid for people to get out of her way.  He has protected her… and he has discovered that her blood has been possessed by the demon making it as hard to refuse as a drug to other vampires.  As Spade works to hide the truth about Denise’s blood… he also works to control himself around this grieving girl who makes his once beating heart… feel alive again.

Ok... this really has nothing to do with anything except that this is Timothy Hutton and I think the dude in the cover shot looks like him. 🙂

O.K.

I listened to this on audio.

Note:  I am more willing to stretch my genre tastes with audio…. 1.  because I can listen to an audio that is not always captivating much longer that I can tolerate a book that does not grab me and 2.  I thirst (ha ha… vampire humor!) for good audio

So yeah, First Drop Of Crimson is more than likely a book I would have never picked up.  Just not my thing… even the cover is not to my tastes.  HOWEVER, this one of the audio offered at the Blackstone Audio booth at BEA this year and I wanted to give it a try.

I can’t say I disliked the audio.  It was interesting.  I found it to be a cross between the Sookie Stackhouse series (which annoyed me to no end) and the Twilight series, which I enjoyed.  The “Twilight” side of this audio saved it.  Denise reminded me a little too much of Sookie, mainly the narrator’s voice gave off a simpleton southern twang that had me thinking… oh no… it can’t be…. Sookie reincarnated…  BUT as the read went on, I discovered that Denise was smarter than Sookie.  Not always… but occasionally.

There are some pretty steamy and graphic sex scenes in this audio – fair warning for young readers.  It was a little too hot for me, and that’s not saying much as I do not like that in books anyway. 

I did not learn until after I finished this read that this series – while being book one, is actually a spin-off from another series of Jeaniene Frost, and the characters in this audio, have already been developed well in another series – which is great for those who have read the series, but for a newcomer like me… confusing.   Knowing this now explains a lot about the beginning of the book when cat is mentioned but does not actually show up until the middle and Spade seems to have a familiarity with Denise prior to this book.

I will not continue on with this series, it is not what I am drawn too, however I do think many YA readers will enjoy this and find it fits in well with the paranormal reads that are in huge demand today.

Goodreads review

I have updated the 2011 WHERE Are You Reading Map to include First drop Of Crimson

I picked up this audio at the Blackstone Audio booth at BEA

Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)27 Comments

Anthony Bourdain, the star of the series No reservations on the Travel Channel, and the author of Kitchen Confidential now releases his sharp tongue, never apologizing ways in this new collection about the chefs in the industry, the economy, the best places to find a good burger… it reads like we are sitting and talking about cooking and food…. Anthony Bourdain flies from topic to topic, while occasionally hard to follow – it almost always is interesting.

If you have seen his show, you pretty much know what you are in for.  At least… I thought I did.

 

Here is a little sample (or two) of Bourdain’s show, No Reservations:

 

 

 

Anyway – you get the picture.  Food is what Boudain does.  And for the most part he does it well.  This was also the draw for me to this audio, narrated by Anthony Bourdain himself.

I admit it.  I like the tone of Anthony’s voice.  He is level and matter of fact.  he has a quick wit, a knack for sarcasm – and he tells it like it is.  Even, when I necessarily do not need to know to that extent of “what it is”.

What do I mean by that?  Well, while I do enjoy Anthony Bourdain’s show, No Reservations… I have come to realize that they clean his words up quite a bit.  In this audio, there is none of this and you can plan on being encased in everything that is on Anthony’s mind and without any sensors, all of this will come right out of his mouth.  You will hear the “F” word… frequently.  You will hear pretty much every other word as well.

So why, a person that usually avoids such books and audio, why would I put myself through this?

Honestly… I like to hear about the food behind Anthony’s language.  If you can filter (and you will need a heavy-duty one at that) through that, the audio is quite interesting. 

I enjoyed hearing how the economy changed the look and feel of some of New Yorks higher class restaurants forever – and even possibly for the better.  Anthony shares that while some restaurants may no longer be able to afford to serve the salmon they once did, they have found ways to serve delicious lesser priced fish just as well.  In some cases – they are thrilled to do so as chefs have known that some of the fish that normally would not grace their menu, is actually very good – and the economy has given them the opportunity to show this.

I also learned – that the economy has made the classy restaurants friendlier.  There was a time you would be snubbed for walking up to a high-class eatery without a reservation.  If you called to get a reservation without weeks and weeks notice, you would practically be hung up on.  These days are gone.  People are now encouraged to come in anytime.  The phone service has greatly improved and the wait staff is considerably friendlier.  Well – yay for all of that.  😛

I also enjoyed hearing about other big named chefs.  Bourdain is not easy on any of them.  He takes no prisoners. Some he admires.  More, he does not, and he is not shy to tell you why.  Names are tossed on the chopping block.  He even goes into detail about his time as a judge on Top Chef.  Bourdain will share, occasionally at great lengths about the importance of the great chefs actually being at their restaurants – actually cooking meals instead of relying on their name alone to get people in the door. 

The chapter talking of the great detail that chefs go to prepare the fish for our meals – astounded me.  I had never thought about what the big name restaurant may pay for a pound of fish and that would be including – head, innards, scales etc… much of which they paid for is thrown away in the cleaning process and they pay a very talented chef with a knife to do just that long before we ever see it on our plate. 

At times I applauded Anthony Bourdains’ boldness.  At other times I cringed at his references, language and crudeness.   I am well aware that some of what make me cringe… are part of what has made him the success he is today.

The over all thing I have to admit here is that despite his great flaws…. I like him.  

 

This review is linked to Beth Fish Reads Weekend Cooking.  Pop on over and see what others are cooking or reading about food this weekend!

 

Amazon Rating

Goodreads Review

 

The 2011 WHERE Are You Reading Map has been updated to include Medium Raw

I purchased this audio from audible.com

Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)21 Comments

Meet James Bond.  He is charming, sophisticated, handsome, ruthless, and licensed to kill.  In this first of the Bond stories, James’ mission is to take out a lethal high rolling Russian Operation called ‘Le Chiffre’ by ruining him at the baccarar table, forcing him into an early “retirement” so to speak.

Lady luck seems to have sides with 007 as Le Chiffre hits a losing streak… but you never know what will happen when playing such high stakes and a beautiful female agent by the name of Vesta may just turn the roll of the dice a different way…

First off… we need a little theme music:

This is my first experience with James Bond.  Yup.  It’s true.  I have never watched a movie, well, maybe caught glimpses but enough to know I had no read interest, and I have never read a book about 007.  From what I knew going into this challenge (more on that in a minute) is that James Bond was some sort of FBI, spy, or vigilante…. I was not sure.  I also thought from the little I knew, that he was a lady’s man – there was always a new girl in every movie, and so in his spare time, he drank his signature drink with the ladies, and then occasionally killed a bad guy.

So in recap…. never committed to a woman, killed people, wore uptight suits everywhere, cocky attitude, cheesy theme music….

Yup.  Not really my thing…

Now wait.  before you go thinking, “whoa Sheila, did you just write the anti – review?”, hear me out.  I am telling you what I thought prior to my Shaken Not Stirred experience.

Ok – whats Shaken Not Stirred?  This is a Challenge started by the wonderful Jennifer of Literate Housewife, working with the wonderful Blackstone Audio.  Our challenge is, if we choose to accept it, is to listen to the 007 audio, one per month – and we also gather each month at a Twitter party under the hashtag #shakennotstirred and watch the movie that goes with the audio together.

I am always interested in stretching my audio taste buds… I have said before I tend to be more daring in my audio choices, then I am in my reading.  A book is easy to put down and my mind will just drift away if it is not holding me.  Audio however I usually give a longer chance to suck me in.  I am usually driving or doing something while listening so it is not always convenient to take it out and choose another – not saying that I haven’t just that audio tends to take me longer to say “nah” too.

Ok enough background info as I am already late on this review.  This was our June selection, the kick off to the challenge, and while I did join in on the Twitter party and the watching of the movie, I missed out on the June review date as I was not done with the audio.  I actually started listening to it late and well…. just finished now.

There are a few pleasant surprises I found in Casino Royale.  One is that when I listened (and watched the movie) tot his audio, I seen the story behind James Bond and for some reason that really made a difference to me.  Seeing how he got his start, and how he handled himself in this early book made all the difference to me.  Actually, and I shared this with Jennifer, Literate Housewife, I now felt as though I understood him.  The little glimpses of what I knew of him, and my pre judgement of him changed and suddenly – I felt I knew the man behind the gun. 

I know, totally cheesy right?  😛

Casino Royale turned out to be a pleasant listen, a good story line.  By starting at the very beginning I was able to understand that Bond was an agent (not the vigilante I had thought…. although that would have been super cool!) and I was able to learn about the agency he worked for.  I also learned that the “00” or double O stands for agents with a license to kill.  James Bond, becomes 007.  The 7th in the agency with this license.

Bond never quite shook the “ladies man” label I had given him prior to this audio.  He obviously is, and not always the nicest one either.  He has a few lines that made me think I was right about these books/movies, but then he would turn it around to a softer side of him that has left me still uncertain.  The jury is still out on this one.

I ended this audio impressed with myself for taking on this challenge into an area I never though I would go, as well as for the fact that it really wasn’t that bad.  I found the story line interesting, and now having listened to this audio and see the Casino Royale movie, I feel as though I understand Bond a bit better as we go forward.  I think I may know now why he has a new woman in every book.

Simon Vance was an amazing narrator.  He did an excellent job on the Bond vibe and I can see why he had won awards for his readings.  Wow. 

I look forward to our July discussion and review of Live and Let Die. 

Good Reads Review

The 2011 WHERE are you reading map has been updated to include Casino Royale

I won my copy of this audio book from Blackstone audio

Candyfreak by Steve Almond (yes, that’s really his last name)

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)24 Comments

Yes, author Steve Almond is truly a candy freak.  In a witty, candy obsessed, and even informative ways, Candy Freak takes us through the world of candy making, candy packaging, and how the candy that tantalize us at the check out counters earns that prime spot.  All of this through the experiences of Steve Almond.

Like Steve Almond… I have a sweet tooth.  I am drawn to chocolate almost daily.  If there is not chocolate in the house, I have been known to settle for chocolate chips.  I am kind of chocolate snob and LOVE a good chocolate piece to go with my evening cup of coffee.  Mmmm…. chocolately bliss. 😛

As a child, I remember quite well, candy hording.  This practice took place after a big candy holiday like Christmas, Easter, or Halloween.  I would hide my candy for months in dresser drawers and in my Barbie playhouse.  I would ration it out to myself… savoring each and every piece.  Some times… I just liked to look at it, knowing it was all MINE.   Of course, eventually, mom or dad always discovered my stash, I would get a lecture about ants, and my candy would be thrown away.  In this case, while disappointed, I knew another holiday would come and I would start the process again.  (You will be relieved to know that I have outgrown that for the most part.  Now I have a lone candy bar or two stashed in a desk drawer, purely there for comfort.  😛

Even Steve himself starts his book off admitting his addiction:

Some Things You Should Know About the Author

1. The author has eaten a piece of candy every single day of his entire life.

I want you to look at this sentence and think about it briefly and, if you’re so inclined, perhaps say a little prayer on behalf of my molars. This would not be unwarranted, and for supporting evidence, I refer you to Elizabeth Gulevitch, a highly competent doctor of dental surgery who spent most of the early Seventies numbing my jaw. I doubt Dr. Gulevitch is the sort to have established a hall of fame in her waiting room (she was more the Ansel Adams type) but I would like to believe that my run of seven cavities during the infamous campaign of 1973 stands as some kind of record.                                                                                                

~ Prologue, Candy Freak

I listened to this on audio and found it filled my heads with the memories of my favorite candies growing up.  Steve covers everything from Pop Rocks and the urban legends that went with Pop Rocks, the laws of supply and demand when it came to Bubblicious gum (oh wow…. I had forgotten how much I loved Bubblicious!),

For some reason I found myself fascinated by this telling of candies that were described to the point of how they dissolved in your mouth – enough to make my own mouth water at the thought of them! 

The first half or so of this audio is all about these “candyhood” memories, retellings, and the ones that were loved but discontinued.  In some cases, Steve stock piles candy bars he knows are no longer going to be produced by buying them by the case loads.  I found this walk through candy land very interesting and fun.

Then last half of the book is more about Steve’s discovery that he can tour candy companies and watch the bars being made.  At first this is interesting, listening to the history of the company, many times handed down from generation to generation… people upholding the candy making quality year after year.  And it was even interesting to hear how the machines worked and how the actual process of making goodies, oh lets say like Twin Bing, or the Idaho Spud are produced.  But then, the next story and tour seemed a bit the same, and by the third tour I was wondering where this was all going and how it would wrap up. 

There are some interesting tid bits in between…. for instance, I did not know about shelving fees, that the big name candy companies pay a substantial price for those prime checkout counter spaces in our grocery stores and big name retails companies like Wal-Mart.  (You would think as someone who worked as Management at Wal-Mart for 14 years would have known this but I had not!)

I was also thrilled to hear that Steve also thinks Peeps are horrible (they are my personal candy nemesis).

 

 

Recently at the dollar store in my town I found…. Bubblicious.  I was just finishing this audio so snatched it up with the brilliant idea to blow a bubble for this review.  Well…. let’s just say, Bubblicious is not what it used to be.  It took two pieces and about 20 outtakes before I got this picture.  The gum would not form a bubble (and yes I totally blame the gum… not me… :razz:)

Was this audio worth my time?  Absolutely!  I had a lot of fun reminiscing about the candy of my youth, and learned a little something along the way too. 

Amazon rating

Good reads review

The 2011 WHERE Are you reading map has been updated to include Candyfreak

I purchased this audio from audible.com

thanks to Jill from Fizzy Thoughts who’s review made me want to know more!  😀

Bloody Jack by L.A.Meyer

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)14 Comments

London.  1797.  The plague is hitting full force and Mary “Jacky” Faber can do nothing as her parents and her only sibling are soon counted among the dead.  Alone and penniless, eight year old Mary takes to the streets with a gang of orphans, doing her best to learn the way of the streets and how to survive.  When the leader of the orphans is killed, Mary once again finds herself alone and struggling to find her way.

When an idea strikes, Mary cuts her hair short, dresses in men’s clothes, changes her name to “Jack” Faber and finds her way to employment as a ships boy on the HMS Dolphin.  During the first battle with a pirates ship, her bravery saves the life of a fellow ship boy and earns her the nickname ‘Bloody Jack’. 

As time goes on and “Jack” learns the way of the sea… she also turns her eye to Jaimy, the boy she saved.  But what is a girl to do who is dressed as a boy, but so desperately wishes she could just be herself.  If anyone finds out her true identity, she will certainly be thrown overboard…

yet she can not keep this charade up forever. 

I have seen this series floating around for about a year now around the blogs.  My first peek of interest was the raving of this series on audio.  Good audio raving always peeks my interest.  But really – a whole series around a young girl on a ship?  Would I really find that interesting?  Would I?

But the blog buzz continued and time and again I seen this title come up and my curiosity grew…

so….

I jumped on board.

(Get it?  A little ship humor…)

At first listen, Katherine Kellgren’s narration of a rough voiced orphan girl with a thick accident takes a little getting used to.  I honestly had to wonder if I would get into this…

It did not take long to change my mind.

Bloody Jack is an amazing story.  Mary “Jacky” Faber tells her take of life on the streets to life on this ship in humorous detail. 

“He’s got muscles like a horse and looks to have a brain to match”

With a variety of voices, narrator Katherine Kellgren covers everyone from the Irish sailor Liam, a Jamaican seaman, creepy and sinister Jacob Sloat as well as the other ship boys, including Jamey, the one who has stolen Mary’s heart – but he thinks she is just another ships boy. 

Before I was done with this audio I had already requested and received the next book in this series, as I wanted to know more about the adventures of Bloody Jack! 

Do not drag your feet like I did on this one, I highly recommend the audio version and sit back and enjoy a tale that I think will surprise you!

Amazon rating

Good Reads review

The 2011 WHERE Are You reading Map has been updated to include Bloody Jack

 

 

 

I borrowed this audio from our local library

The Maltese Falcon – Radio Theater Group

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)12 Comments

When a beautiful woman begs for Sam Spade’s help, well what’s a San Fransisco detective to do but risk his tough guy reputation to help her? 

Sam is a real man’s man and tough enough to bluff confessions out of the thugs.  When Sam’s partner is murdered on a stakeout the cops all but blame Sam… no wait, they actually do blame Sam for the death.  Sam knows people in low places and has the pull to get people working to assist him in solving the crime , as look for the payoff that everyone wants – a valuable gold statuette of a falcon.

Who has the falcon?

What will it take to get it back?

As a motley crew of characters gather in Sam’s hotel room, all searching for the same answers, you have to wonder – can Sam, Mr. Cool, Mr. Smooth Talker himself, solve this crime and mystery?

 

 

Ok…

Hee hee.

I picked this audio up from the amazing Tanya of Blackstone Audio (can I get a WOOT!) as well as the great blog, Dog eared copy.  I met Tanya at BEA this year and always interested in dipping my listening ear into different genres and mixes, I jumped at the chance to listen to this audio. 

I find that I am more experimental in my audio then I am in books.  Something about listening to an audio… I usually give it more of a chance to grab me then I will a book. 

In this case, The Maltese Falcon was a surprise in many ways.  For one, I didn’t pick up on the fact that this was Radio Theater.  Or if I did, I did not really think what that meant.  When the audio started with this dramatic  music, sound effects and voices… I was well, take a moment and listen for yourself:

 

Ok…. so now you see where I am at.  😛

So – I will admit I was surprised, not necessarily pleasantly so as I thought I was going to hear this book read by an assortment of narrators…

The second way this audio surprised me was…. it grew on me.  Suddenly, I got into the way this one played out and I would be in the kitchen laughing to Sam Spade’s over the top solving of the crime, and the search for the maltese falcon.

Que the scary music soundtrack….

 

Ok I jest…. it really turned out to be a unique experience – one that I really did enjoy.  I have never seen the movie, so I went into this knowing title alone and nothing else.  Both readers, Michael Madsen and Sandra Oh did a wonderful job.  This was actually quite fun.


I have updated the 2011 WHERE Are You Reading map to include Maltese Falcon

Thank you to Tanya and Blackstone Audio!

 

Every Last One by Anna Quindlin

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)16 Comments

Mary Beth Latham really has it all.  A loving and devoted husband, three teenage children – the twin boys Alex and Max, and her sweet outgoing daughter Ruby.  Their home is filled with the joys of family and Mary Beth wouldn’t want it any other way.

When Ruby one day announces that she is breaking up with her long time friend and boyfriend Kirenen, Mary Beth feels sad for both her daughter and Kirenan who has really become like one of the family.  Yet, at the same time her son Max is sinking into a depression over his much more athletic and popular brother Alex. A popular daughter, a depressed son and an over-confident son.  In a way, this is what life with teens can be like…

And then one night after a New Years Eve party everything changes.  An incredible act of violence throws Mary Beth’s life into the blender and when she comes out the other side, she is nowhere near the same… nothing is… NOTHING is.

Left with almost nothing, Mary Beth struggles to make a life again for herself, grasping at anything that can be considered “normal” and wondering when the floor will  drop out from under her again.

Powerful read.  I actually have to take pause as I write that.  Having just finished this book I am now of an author who has astounded me  with this well written novel, and her profound knowledge of grief.  As I listened to this on audio, I had to nod my head as the level of despair is so correctly described that I have to believe if Anna Quindlin has not experienced this level of grief herself, then she did a lot of research to understand it well.  Just listening to it made my heart beat faster in a sense of my own grief of what I was hearing. 

The “happening: in this book is blind siding… when it hits it hits hard and only an experienced author could pull off such a plot and be able to maintain the story beyond that. 

The narration itself reminded me a bit of Elizabeth Berg novels, the narrator, Hope Davis is almost monotone, but in this case, as the story is told from Mary Beth’s perspective – it should be, as grief takes you to a level of going through the motions of life… one foot in front of the other, and no emotion is really safer.

Intriguing, passionate, thought provoking…I am left feeling a sense of loss now that the book is over.  I will be visiting author Anna Quindlin again.

Amazon Rating

Good Reads

I updated the 2011 WHERE Are You Reading map to include Every Last One

I borrowed this audio from my local library

which I ♥

Love You More by Lisa Gardner

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)23 Comments

Tessa Leoni is happy with her life.  Having raised her daughter Sophie as a single parent for the early years of her life, Tessa loves nothing more.  To better herself and give Sophie a good life, Tessa works as a state trooper.  The hours are not the best, but the money is good, and the benefits give both Tessa and Sophie security in their future. 

When Tessa is introduced to Brian Darby by a fellow officer, Tessa proceeds cautiously into a relationship.  She realizes soon enough that Brian loves Sophie as his own daughter and soon after Tessa and Brian are married and start a happy life together.

Yet why is it that Detective Bobby Dodge of the Massachusetts State Police Department, is now standing in Tessa Leoni’s home looking at a very battered and bloody Tessa, Brian’s dead body on the floor, and six-year-old Sophie nowhere to be found?  Tessa is taken to the hospital – but Tessa is not talking.

What has happened?  Was there a lovers quarrel?  Was Tessa an abused wife?  Was Brian killed in self-defense or cold-blooded murder?  And most importantly of all, where was Sophie?

 

Bobby Dodge looks at her partner D.D. Warren with a look of resignation.  It is going to be a long, long day.

 

I read Lisa Gardner a bazillion years ago when I read The Survivors Club (way…. pre blogging).  I loved it, loved the strong female characters, the story line, the quick never dull pace.  Which leaves me sitting here now in the after math of Love You More wondering what took me so long to get back to reading this author.

From my first reading of Lisa Gardner to this now recent one, I find nothing has changed.  Lisa still knows how to write a fast paced twisting and turning novel that leaves you out of breath with every turn of the page.

Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I turn the page and discover that can’t be right, and off we go again in a completely different direction.  I feel like I am on the Tilt a Whirl at the fair, you are rapidly going one way – spinning, spinning, and then you stop and do an about-face and go just as fast int he other direction.

For the record – I can not do the Tilt A Whirl anymore, makes me sick – however I absolutely plan to read more of Lisa Gardner! 

 

Tessa Leoni is just the kind of character I enjoy.  She is strong-willed, tough, and is a quick thinker.  Love You More is told in some parts from the perspective of Detective D D Warren, and at other times from the point of Tessa.  This makes for an exciting read as D D tries to figure out what sort of person Tessa is – a  loving mother, or a heartless monster…. all the while I was also getting Tessa thoughts too, which lead for an exciting – EXCITING story line!

It wasn’t until the end of this read that I discovered that this is actually book 5 of the DD Warren Detective series, but readers, do not moan, as I did not notice this was a series and am willing to believe that each of the books while having familiar characters are written as stand alone reads.  Of course, now I want to read more about these characters…..  😉

Towards the end a couple of the “happenings” felt a bit too much to me and I admit being a bit disappointed as I was thinking the book was so fantastic.  Then… as I thought about it, I wondered if it really was over the top.  How far does a mothers love extend?  What extremes would I myself go to so my child was safe?

Over the top or not, Love You More is a book (audio) that I recommend highly to those of you who love a good thriller…. you will not be disappointed. 

 

Amazon Rating

Good Reads Review

The 2011 WHERE Are You Reading map has been updated to include Love You More

I listened to this on the audio I purchased through audible.com

 

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)13 Comments

 

 

Randy Pausch was young, an inspiration, hard-working, family man.  He was a computer scientist at Carnegie Mellon… and he had terminal cancer.

When asked to give a lecture about life and act like it is your last lecture… Randy did not have to pretend.  He knew very well this would be his last lecture.  Yet instead of lecturing about dying, he chose to talk about LIVING.  Randy’s lecture included dreams from his childhood, over coming obstacles, not taking no for an answer when you really want something, enabling others to dream, and seizing each moment as none of us know which will be our last. 

With humor, brutal honesty, and a sprinkle of intelligence, Randy pours his heart into a lecture he hopes will be a life lesson for his small children who would grown up without him, but not without what he stood for and believed in.  Randy’s lecture, is a love letter to his family – and a message of hope and strength to the world.

 

What I love about my book club, response #2049.  😛  I jest, but you all know I love my book club.  Smart, incredible women who gather once a month to talk on one of  my favorite subjects…. books. 

In May, this was the book that was chosen for our June read.  What I love about this is that a few years ago… this group of

Part of the Bookies Book Club (14 of us total)

women would not have touched this book.  It would have never won the vote.  Why?  One its non fiction and we do not do a whole lot of that as a group.  Two, it is a pretty serious and the potential to be a sad read and my book club – at least a few years back, would have avoided that for something lighter.

By review time – I did not have this book read.  Since they picked it I had been to New York for a week for BEA, two large bike rides on the weekends, and a nasty injury that threw me off my game.  I also could not find it in my library and really did not want to order it, not knowing much about it.  When it did come in for me at the library it was in audio and it was also the day of the review. 

There is always food at Book Club :)
There is always food at Book Club 🙂

Their discussion… made me want to read it all the more.

So finally – after a crazy trip to Chicago, I had time to tune in and catch up and here is what I thought of The Last Lecture.

My thoughts…

Randy Pausch has a gift of words.  I entered into this read knowing very little about Randy, or this lecture which apparently is now quite famous.  What I learned quickly is that Randy did not lack for self-esteem.  He saw what he wanted and went after it.  End of story.  He speaks of this in The Last lecture as “brick walls”, advising that when we come up against a brick wall we are to keep on trying to get over it, be it a personal opportunity, a job deeply wanted, or, as in Randy’s case – a death sentence.Randy and his three children

Yes, I can see where Randy may come off as arrogant, but as I ended this reading…. I didn’t think so.  It’s probably a fine line between arrogance and drive and Randy rode it right down the middle.  Where most of us would probably wilt under the weight of Randy’s diagnosis, Randy seemed to be energized.  In the 18 months from diagnosis to passing, Randy used this time to prepare his family for life without him, including moving the family to a home closer to his wife Jai’s family so she would have help with the kids after he was gone. 

This book was a firm reminder that life is what we make of it, we choose our responses in every situation… Randy lived life to the fullest as long as he was able.  With a quick wit and sharp mind he reminds us to never give up on our dreams, seize the moments, overcome all obstacles. 


I laughed a little, I cried a little and am glad to now know a little of who Randy was.

 

Pausch died from pancreatic cancer at his family’s home in Chesapeake, Virginia on July 25, 2008, at the age of 47. He is survived by his wife, Jai, and their three children, Dylan, Logan, and Chloe

Good Reads Review

I have updated the 2011 WHERE Are You Reading to include The Last Lecture

 

Borrowed from my local Library

A Change In Altitude by Anita Shreve

Published on by Sheila (Book Journey)33 Comments

Newly married Patrick and Margaret decide to make a trip to Kenya.  Patrick a doctor, is busy with his practice and Margaret a photography novice, finds she has much idle time on her hands.  When her car breaks down, Margaret finds herself being helped by an English couple Arthur and Diana.  The couples quickly become friends and Arthur and Diana offer Patrick and Margaret a nice cottage to use on their property.  In short time it is discovered that Arthur and Diana are planning a trip up Mt Kenya and invite the other couple along.  Margaret is unsure, but Patrick is excited and encouraging so the trip is planned.

The trip turns out to be a big mistake in more ways than one and a tragic accident where Margaret plays a role, changes the dynamics of life for Patrick and Margaret forever. 

I have read and enjoyed Anita Shreve before.  Her book Testimony, blew me away.  However I have to say this story eked me in so many ways and does not rate more from me than an unfortunate rant, in which I apologize for before I even begin.

First off… I listened to this on audio and it seemed to take forever for the story to get moving.  I believe it was disc three before it became interesting and that was actually the highlight of the audio/ book… the actual climbing of Mt. Kenya and the moments before and after the big plot drop.  I actually loved that part and thought ok…. now we are going….

but…

shortly after the big happening the story dropped off for me again.  While more interesting than the beginning (as now there was the *happening* to deal with), it just overall fell flat.

Margaret was extremely unlikable.  And no I do not have to love all my main characters, but they do need to have something behind the unsuitableness and Margaret was just… bland.  She had no fire or spunk.  Se also had no sense of right and wrong, and no conscience (ok… maybe that’s the same thing…).  I also felt I really never knew Patrick.  Margaret mainly takes the center stage and Patrick pops in and out of the picture.  I never felt the urge to cheer him on or yell at him to wake up.  he was kind of “ehhh”.

With all that said, in the end it felt like the story line just stopped.  No big triumphant “ah ha” moment… just kind of end of the journey.  Period.  The End.  Roll Credits.  Thank the academy.

It was really a “meh” read.  Errr…. listen (audio).

I will certainly venture my way back to Anita Shreve as she touches on some powerful subjects ands gives me the feeling of a stronger personalitied Jodi Piccoult.  And of course, check out other opinions on this one.  I could certainly be in the minority here.  But my two cents are that Shreve has done better and I think if you were new to this author this would not be the one I suggest you start with. 

 In recap this book was an “ehhh”, “meh, “errrrr” read.

Amazon Rating

Good Reads Review

The 2011 WHERE Are You Reading map has been updated to include A Change In Altitude

I picked this one up at my local library