my books. my life.

Title: A Good American
Author: Alex George
Narrator: Gibson Frazier
Genre: Historical Mystery
Pages: 400
Audio: 11.3 hours
Year: 2012
Publisher: Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam
Source: Library
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary:

When Frederick and Jette Meisenheimer set out for America from Germany, they intended to go to New York, like most immigrants. But fate brought them through New Orleans instead, eventually settling in a small Missouri town. What follows is their life – the ups and downs and everything in between.

My Thoughts:

This is one of those great, multigenerational family sagas. The one problem I find with this kind of story, and one that I found here, was that it sometimes felt like it was just a long obituary. I was starting to get really depressed with everyone dying. The story spans many years. Of course people are going to die. But sometimes it seemed like that’s all that was happened. Death. Cute story about a raccoon. Death. Death. Wedding. Death.

But, this was the story of an American family. How they came to this country, how they settled where they settled, and what happened after that. Death aside, it’s nice to be reminded of what the “American Dream” looks like and experience history through the Meisenheimers.

Alex George is a fantastic writer, peppering the story with unique characters and heartfelt emotion. I enjoyed spending time with the Meisenheimer family (which is probably why I got so depressed when everyone kept dying). So many people loved this book that I feel perfectly comfortable recommending it despite my seemingly-ambivalent review. I wish I loved it as much as everyone else. Amy Einhorn and I just don’t seem to be getting along quite as well as we used to. But we’re still cool. I promise.

Audiobook Thoughts:

Gibson Frazier did a fine job narrating this. He has a unique voice and puts a lot of emotion into his narration (as opposed to those who step back and let the story handle that).

Others’ Thoughts: Mrs Q Book Addict; Whimpulsive; Devourer of Books

Title: Birds of a Feather
Author: Jaqueline Winspear
Narrator: Kim Hicks
Genre: Historical Mystery
Pages: 360
Audio: 10.3 hours
Year: 2004
Publisher: Sound Library
Source: Library
Rating: 5/5

Summary:

In this sequel, Maisie is hired to find the daughter of a successful business man. But while looking for Charlotte, Maisie stumbles upon a bigger mystery, one that has left Charlotte’s three school friends dead. Now Maisie must solve these murders in time to save Charlotte.

My Thoughts:

While the first Maisie Dobbs was largely dedicated to backstory, Birds of a Feather is focused on the mystery at hand. However, there is still much living-in-the-past going on. A decade later, The Great War continues to play a large role in who people are and why they act the way the do. This book, while offering a compelling mystery, also paints a detailed picture of life at the time. This combination is what leaves me unable to put these books down.

Birds of a Feather is a worthy follow-up to Maisie Dobbs and I am looking forward to continuing the series.

Audiobook Thoughts:

My first reaction was disappointment when I realized this was not the same narrator as the first Maisie Dobbs. But Ms. Hicks won me over. She did an excellent job narrating this and I continue to enjoy experiencing Maisie Dobbs on audio.

Others Thoughts: The Adventures of the Intrepid Reader; Literate Housewife

Title: The End of Everything
Author: Megan Abbott
Narrator: Emily Bauer
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 256
Audio: 8.4 hours
Year: 2011
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Source: Library
Rating: 2/5

Summary:

When 13-year-old Lizzie’s best friend, Evie, goes missing, the community reacts. The adults are afraid. The kids are curious. But Lizzie knows that Evie will come back and that somehow she will help find her.

My thoughts:

I kept thinking that there was going to be more. After I finished this book, I sat there trying to figure what I was missing. This is not really the story about a girl that goes missing and how the mystery gets solved. It’s about what happens to the people who are left behind. Which could really be interesting, but the people are all pretty creepy and unlikeable. And they all seemed to have this weird crush on the missing girl’s dad. Even his own daughter. It confused me.

At the end of the day, I’m not sure WHY I read this book. I know we have story for story’s sake, but sometimes I just can’t really figure out what a book was going for. This book was like that.

I am making little sense. I realize this. I am struggling for the words to adequately describe why this book didn’t work for me. Which really isn’t fair to the book or you but it’s what I have.

So please go read my good friend Jen’s review as well. Not only does she have a better grasp on language than I apparently do, but she really liked this audiobook, so it will be a good contrast.

Audiobook Thoughts:

The narrator got on my nerves. She had to be a 13-year-old girl, so I tried to cut her some slack, but something about it rubbed me the wrong way. It was like every sentence had to have so. much. feeling. It made the actual dramatic moments indistinguishable from the unimportant ones. Everything was emphasized. It led me to expect more than I was getting from the story. If you are going to read this one, I’d probably recommend trying the print.

Title: The Invisible Ones
Author: Stef Penney
Narrator: Dan Stevens
Genre: Mystery; Fiction
Pages: 416
Audio: 11.4 hours
Year: 2012
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Source: Personal Collection
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary:

Ray Lovell, who is half-Gypsy himself, is hired to find Rose Janko, a Gypsy woman who went missing 7 years earlier. The search causes him to become intimately involved with the family Rose married into before her disappearance, learning about their “curse” and trying to dig up their secrets.

My Thoughts:

The Invisible Ones is told through alternating narrators: Ray Lovell, the half-Gypsy investigator, and JJ, the young nephew of the missing Rose.  The two different points of view keep the story from getting boring or slow. I loved both parts.

I probably have to stop telling you that I am not a reader of mysteries/detective stories since I seem to be reading a lot of them lately, but this one stands out from a normal mystery. The Gypsy culture gave the story an extra layer of intrigue. And the story unravels in a surprising way. The characters are complicated and you never know exactly what anyone is going to do.

I recommend this one both for the story but also for the glimpse into Gypsy culture.

Audiobook Thoughts:

Dan Stevens (of Downton Abbey fame) is an absolutely fantastic narrator. Even if the story weren’t as interesting as it was, I would have been compelled to keep listening. He did a great job with the two very different narrators.

Title: Maisie Dobbs
Author: Jacqueline Winspear
Narrator: Rita Barrington
Genre: Mystery; Fiction
Pages: 294
Audio: 10 hours
Year: 2004
Publisher: Sound Library
Source: Library
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary:

Maisie Dobbs is a “psychologist and investigator” in post-WWI London. Trained for years by her mentor, Maurice, she’s hanging up her own shingle and ready for her first case: a simple suspected adultery turned into something much more.  In the midst of this story, we learn about Maisie – from housemaid to WWI nurse – and how she came to be the Maisie we see today.

My Thoughts:

I am only one book in and I totally understand why the world is in love with Maisie. I’ve never been much of a mystery reader, but I’m sold on Maisie. She’s a charming character, surrounded by wonderful family and friends, and I can’t imagine many readers fail to fall under her spell.

I had heard that the first Maisie Dobbs was not the strongest, mostly because of the large amount of backstory squeezed in the middle.  While I’m not sure that devoting such a big chunk of the book to the back story (maybe it deserved a book of its own?) was the best story-telling decision, I actually really enjoyed learning about young Maisie. If this is the weakest book in the series, I can’t wait to keep reading.

Audiobook Thoughts:

I was able to get completely lost in the story and I believe much of this was due to the narration. Rita Barrington has this wonderfully lyrical voice. I definitely recommend reading (or revisiting) this one in audio.

NOTE: This is the second book in the Fallen series. While I would never intentionally spoil the book I am reviewing, you may not want to read this review if you haven’t read the first book.

Title: Torment
Author: Lauren Kate
Narrators: Justine Eyre
Genre: Young Adult; Paranormal; Romance
Pages: 464
Audio: 9.7 hours
Year: 2010
Publisher: Listening Library
Source: Library
Rating: 4/5

Summary:

The angels have a truce for 18 days. But there are still people – lots of people – after Luce. For her protection, she’s sent to Shoreline, a boarding school that caters (unbeknownst to its human attendees) to Nephalim, part-angels. Shoreline is unlike Sword and Cross. It’s sunny and Luce is given freedom. But what she wants most – to be with Daniel – she can’t have.

My Thoughts:

Although this book takes place over a relatively short period, a lot happens. And Luce develops some new relationships with the students at Shoreline (but don’t fret – our old characters return as well).

This book really develops the fallen angel story due to the addition of the Nephilim and the classes they attend at Shoreline. I found myself fascinated and doing my own research on the Book of Enoch (because I can be super nerdy like that).

I was annoyed with Daniel in this one. How is Luce supposed to know she needs to be careful if she isn’t being told anything? Daniel started to get an Edward Cullen vibe here. And Miles is so sweet. I do like that another potential love interest is thrown in the mix and that she considers whether her destiny really is her destiny or if she can change it by choosing Miles over Daniel this time.

My biggest issue was how awful Luce and Daniel made it seem that they had to be apart for the duration of the truce. It’s 18 days for crying out loud. I know they’re star-crossed soulmates, but seriously. Plus, they end up seeing each other ALL THE TIME.

Overall, I was impressed that the action continued as second books in series are often dull. I can’t wait to keep going with this series and I hope to catch up for the latest book this summer.

Title: Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandries
Author: Neil deGrasse Tyson
Narrators: Dion Graham
Genre: Nonfiction; Popular Science; Astrophysics
Pages: 384
Audio: 12.2 hours
Year: 2007
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Source: Personal Collection
Rating: 5/5

Summary/Thoughts:

Actually a compilation of previously published essays, Death by Black Hole explores various topics around our universe. From what would actually happen if you were to be sucked into a black hole, to the possibility of life on other planets, to the future of our solar system, this book covers it all.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is probably the most entertaining scientist out there today. He is super smart but manages to explain things to us lay people in an understandable and interesting manner.  I’ve read book with similar topics before, and even when he wasn’t teaching me anything new, I found myself intrigued by the way he presented it.  If you have any interest in astrophysics (scary word, amazing topic), I highly recommend Death by Black Hole. I can’t wait to get my hands on his other books.

Audiobook Thoughts:

While I would have loved to have Tyson himself narrating this one, Dion Grahame certainly did the book justice. He captures Tyson’s enthusiasm and humor. I definitely recommend the audio version of this one.

Title: When Elves Attack
Author: Tim Dorsey
Narrators: Oliver Wyman
Genre: Fiction; Comedy
Pages: 208
Audio: 5.1 hours
Year: 2011
Publisher: Harper Audio
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4/5

Summary:

When kindhearted, psychopathic Serge Storms and his sidekick, Coleman, decide to spend Christmas in Tampa, Jim and Martha Davenport are in for quite the surprise. Serge takes his role in the war on Christmas seriously by punishing those criminals taking advantage of the season. At the same time, he decides to settle down like his “good friend” Jim. Jim just wants to survive the holiday season and Serge seems to be doing everything he can to ruin it. In short, hilarity ensues.

My Thoughts:

I am new to Tim Dorsey so I am necessarily new to Serge Storms. Most reviews I read discussed how newcomers would be lost. But I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Serge and I’m looking forward to going back and reading the books I missed.

When Elves Attack is a comedy of errors. Good intentions go wrong, coincidences abound, and Christmas appears to be quickly derailing. It was a fun read, even in January when I was all Christmas-ed out.

It was especially entertaining to me as a local Tampa Bay resident. It’s always fun to read about places you know, but Dorsey tackles Florida’s quirkiness like only a true native can. Anyone who has spent some time here would enjoy this aspect.

Audiobook Thoughts:

Oliver Wyman was a great narrator for this story. He transitioned through the various characters with ease. I am hoping he narrates the other Serge books, too.

Title: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (And Other Concerns)
Author: Mindy Kaling
Narrators: Mindy Kaling
Genre: Memoir; Humor
Pages: 240
Audio: 4.6 hours
Year: 2011
Publisher: Random House Audio
Source: Audible
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary/Thoughts:

Mindy Kaling, best known in her role as writer and actor on The Office, offers a refreshing perspective on life. In Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me, Kaling talks about her life, her family, and her career, as well as sharing her thoughts on random matters like the funniest moments in comedy and the list of things her character Kelly Kapoor would do that she would not.

The thing I liked the most was how real Kaling seems. She doesn’t hide behind any type of Hollywood glamour. She worked hard to get where she is and doesn’t seem to have lost any of herself along the way. I kind of just want to hang out with her (and I also want to hang out with Amy Poehler even more than I did before Kaling described how awesome she is).

This book will naturally be compared to Tina Fey’s Bossypants, but I think Kaling holds her own even in that comparison. This book is entertaining, smart, and funny. I only wish it were twice as long.

Audiobook Thoughts:

Mindy Kaling narrates this herself. That’s really all I need to say. Fabulous audio production.

Others’ Thoughts: Anna Reads; Book-A-Rama; The 3R’s Blog; Reeder Reads

Buy It Now: IndieBound

Title: The Poisonwood Bible
Author: Barbara Kingsolver
Narrators: Dean Robertson (not to be confused with Robertson Dean which may be why I picked it up…)
Genre: Fiction; Family Saga
Pages: 560
Audio: 15.3 hours
Year: 1999
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Source: Library
Rating: 3/5

Summary:

In 1959, Nathan Pierce uproots his family (his wife –  Orleanna – and his four daughters – Rachel, Leah, Adah, and Ruth Mae) from Bethlehem, Georgia and moves them to a small village in the Belgian Congo where he will continue his evangelical ministry. The family arrives just in time for major political upheaval they don’t really understand. Told from the perspective of the five females in the family, The Poisonwood Bible is a tale of the family’s time in the Congo and how it forever changed each of their lives.

My Thoughts:

I’ve heard many wonderful things about The Poisonwood Bible. And throughout the first half of the novel, I found myself agreeing with them. Unfortunately, the second half of the novel happened.

This really could be two distinct books. In the first half, time moves slowly, and the family struggles together to adjust to life in the Congo. It is interesting to see it differently through each character and put the pieces together to see how the family as a whole is doing. I really did enjoy this part of the book very much. However, in the second half, time moves quickly and the family is less of a family. All of a sudden Rachel is 50 and I wasn’t really sure how that happened. I think it is the difference in how quickly time moves that is the most jarring but the whole book really becomes something different. It is less about the characters and more about the politics. There is an event that happens that can be seen as the impetus for the change in the story’s direction but I just never adjusted.

Kingsolver is clearly a talented writer who is not afraid to tackle some controversial issues, and I look forward to reading her again. I am glad that I finally got to this one, which has been sitting on my shelf for a long time (never mind that I ended up listening to the audio). I always find books set in the Congo to be fascinating because it has such a volatile political background. Perhaps if I’d known to expect the change in the novel, I would have enjoyed it more.

Audiobook Thoughts:

First point: Dean Robertson is a woman. She is not Robertson Dean. But she did a good job narrating this book. I thought the choice to use one audio narrator for all four narrators of the story was odd at first and was a bit confusing. But once I got to know the characters a bit, it worked. Her matter-of-fact narration allows the listener to interpret the book for herself.

Others’ Thoughts: Erin Reads

Buy It Now: IndieBound