A story so out there it’s endearing with absurd moments that I could only laugh and get lost in the fun of it all. Scalzi’s style is easy like pullingA story so out there it’s endearing with absurd moments that I could only laugh and get lost in the fun of it all. Scalzi’s style is easy like pulling a trap door and sliding right inside the story. Amber Benson’s narration was an excellent fit.
Sewers, hornet creatures, a rogue chicken, and karaoke night might sound random, but it’s all part of the job for the Third District’s newest community liaison. Meet Ashley Perrin, she’s ready to dive in and serve the alien laden citizenry. Does she have any idea what she’s signed up for? No. Is that going to stop her? Also no.
I’m hoping this isn’t a one off as I would hit play on another Third District story in a heartbeat because I wouldn’t miss seeing what hijinks this bunch gets up to next.
If you go for serious Sci-Fi you’re in the wrong place, but if you’re looking for an alien story that’s funny, fluffy, and far out this might be a perfect fit. ...more
“It’s a hard feeling but as we walk along I begin to settle and let the difference between my life at home and the one I have here be.”
Proof that shor“It’s a hard feeling but as we walk along I begin to settle and let the difference between my life at home and the one I have here be.”
Proof that short stories are capable of packing solid emotional punches, Foster, is a five star read from its startling beginning to its thought provoking end. My heart was in my throat. I felt my eyes well with tears. What the story doesn’t say in its sparse prose is just as important as what it does. The imagery shines within the poignant story studded with hope.
The story is told from a child’s perspective. The voice rang true in its authenticity delivering a lasting impact. I simply cannot stop turning the events over in my mind days after finishing. That is the mark of a great read as far as I’m concerned. Finding an author capable of producing a short story this compelling and of writing a realistic child in dialogue and thoughts is a gold star ⭐️ find.
“This water is cool and clean as anything I ever tasted; it tastes of my father leaving, of him never having been there, of having nothing after he was gone.”
This is the story of a young girl being dropped off with distant relatives because her family is feeling the strain of expecting another baby to add to their ever expanding brood. She’s just another mouth to feed to her parents and so she is sent away with only the clothes on her back. The Kinsella’s who take her in build a synergistic relationship with the girl due to their own past experiences. The small comforts most take for granted such as warm baths, regular care, and no frills love cause this child to grow in mind and body.
“Maybe the way back will somehow make sense of the coming.”
The ending was brilliant and made me emotional.
For those struggling with their circumstances, a glimpse of life’s possibilities can be a double edged sword. Equal parts hope for the future and despair at sinking back into the muck again. The knowledge that we can choose a better path than the one we are born into is vital. The journey there often harrowing and lonely is one worth taking.
Delightful, devious and masterful in its relatable edge, I can’t believe I just stumbled upon this book scrolling while under the weather.
Amor TowlesDelightful, devious and masterful in its relatable edge, I can’t believe I just stumbled upon this book scrolling while under the weather.
Amor Towles’s witty yet, eloquent writing paired with John Lithgow’s brilliant narration makes for a flawless listening experience. The match was divine. Art is fascinating subject matter, and it was pure magic in the hands of this duo. The storytelling beckons to the listener without a wasted word.
Percival Skinner is a retired art appraiser looking to supplement his savings to maintain the Upper East Side lifestyle. As luck should have it, he’s approached with an offer to strike a lucrative deal for a portion of a Renaissance painting passed down in his family for generations.
With charm and intelligence, this story drew me in and warmed my heart.
**This gem is currently available as a freebie in the Audible Catalog**...more
Marie Benedict brings to light another woman of historical significance that time has forgotten in the Audible Original, Agent 355. No one knows the aMarie Benedict brings to light another woman of historical significance that time has forgotten in the Audible Original, Agent 355. No one knows the actual identity of Agent 355, but America owes her a debt of gratitude for her incredible bravery and courage. Agent 355 worked in George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring during the Revolutionary War. Her real historical contributions are no small matter. (I won’t list them in case you aren’t familiar. No spoilers) She was involved in subterfuge, espionage, and general badassery in a time when women were expected to do needlework, giggle, and appear unassuming.
Benedict’s version of Agent 355, is of course fictional, but she did an excellent job capturing the rebellious spirit of this character. I can’t wrap my brain around how difficult it must’ve been for a woman of this time period to accomplish the tasks that she did.
The afterword was so interesting, I listened to it twice. Then I played it for my son, who loves all things historical.
The overall production and narration of this audiobook is excellent.
I hope Benedict continues to tell the stories of these fascinating unsung women of history.
Merged review:
Marie Benedict brings to light another woman of historical significance that time has forgotten in the Audible Original, Agent 355. No one knows the actual identity of Agent 355, but America owes her a debt of gratitude for her incredible bravery and courage. Agent 355 worked in George Washington’s Culper Spy Ring during the Revolutionary War. Her real historical contributions are no small matter. (I won’t list them in case you aren’t familiar. No spoilers) She was involved in subterfuge, espionage, and general badassery in a time when women were expected to do needlework, giggle, and appear unassuming.
Benedict’s version of Agent 355, is of course fictional, but she did an excellent job capturing the rebellious spirit of this character. I can’t wrap my brain around how difficult it must’ve been for a woman of this time period to accomplish the tasks that she did.
The afterword was so interesting, I listened to it twice. Then I played it for my son, who loves all things historical.
The overall production and narration of this audiobook is excellent.
I hope Benedict continues to tell the stories of these fascinating unsung women of history....more
A little Winter Solstice Special/epilogue to give updates following the hectic events in book 3. Not a lot happens to push the plot forward, but thereA little Winter Solstice Special/epilogue to give updates following the hectic events in book 3. Not a lot happens to push the plot forward, but there’s something special about witnessing fantasy characters partaking in normal activities.
I thought they could use a breather and it was fun to be a fly on the wall for the holiday.
There’s some obvious setting up for Nesta’s novel, her PTSD presents in a different fashion than explored previously in the series. It’s realistic to see fear covered in defense mechanisms and a backslide considering her trauma and lack of experience dealing with it.
Alice and Milo take center stage in this friends to lovers novella about two professors who met in college and have remained a constant in each other’Alice and Milo take center stage in this friends to lovers novella about two professors who met in college and have remained a constant in each other’s lives ever since. After fifteen years of friendship, both are ready for more, but neither are sure how to approach the subject.
There’s some less than bright actions in this book. *sighs* I think that’s a requisite move in romance novels to some degree, is it to stretch the word count? These are college professors though, is it too much to expect to see the bar set higher.
There’s not a lot of page time with both main characters together. The reader is teased with their interactions and the build up works in the book’s favor.
Penny Reid walks a tight rope balancing quirky characters with a touch of steam to bring romance to life. ...more
There’s a fine art to writing short stories and Helene Thurston delivers. Her writing style is direct and intelligent. The narrator, Suzanne Toren, waThere’s a fine art to writing short stories and Helene Thurston delivers. Her writing style is direct and intelligent. The narrator, Suzanne Toren, was a perfect choice for the material.
Maud likes her life the way she likes it and hell hath no fury if anyone messes with well….an iota of it.
Don’t make the mistake of trifling with, eighty-eight year old, Maud. She’s devilishly cunning and prone to using murder as her main problem solving technique. She’s one diabolical octogenarian; talk about a memorable character! Maud plays the “elderly lady” role to perfection to cover for her scheming.
As much as, I enjoy solving a whodunnit this was a fresh take on the mystery genre. Instead of the “who” because we know who obviously, the stories focus on Maud, her motives, and the “how”. Maud is quite calculating and is often overlooked by society making it easier for her to be a brilliant villainess
Clearly, this collection features dark humor and isn’t meant to be taken seriously. Will she ever be caught or even suspected?...more
A nostalgic tale of friendship, Summer, 1976, is a short audiobook that grabbed my attention. I felt transported to a simpler time.
The premise of folA nostalgic tale of friendship, Summer, 1976, is a short audiobook that grabbed my attention. I felt transported to a simpler time.
The premise of following a friendship between two moms is exceptional. So often when mothers are main characters families, husbands, or children become the main focus. It was interesting to see their friendship being discussed in the spotlight by the characters themselves.
Two moms, whose five year old daughters are friends, forge a shaky friendship in the beginning from forced proximity thanks to their children, but they quickly become unlikely kindred spirits. These women are opposites and it causes a rocky start, but also makes for genuine laughs.
Laura Linney and Jessica Hecht brought these characters to life through their stunning narration. ...more
It’s no wonder A Christmas Carol is regarded as a timeless masterpiece. This version brings the beautiful language, atmosphere, and stunning characterIt’s no wonder A Christmas Carol is regarded as a timeless masterpiece. This version brings the beautiful language, atmosphere, and stunning characterization to life with Tim Curry’s phenomenal narration.
I’m glad I made time in the busy Christmas season to listen to the journey Scrooge takes from selfish, penny pincher to joyful, generous soul. Stories like this do the heart good and spark the holiday spirit within.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Story and Narration In fact, the narration is so fabulous I’d give it ten stars if I could. ...more
As a light Christmas read, How to Lose a Guy Before Christmas, is middle of the road. The title seems misplaced after reading, while the cover art suiAs a light Christmas read, How to Lose a Guy Before Christmas, is middle of the road. The title seems misplaced after reading, while the cover art suits the story.
The main characters owe a lot to modern day apps.
Lucy is stranded thanks to a winter storm and as a last ditch effort to make it home for the holidays she decides to utilize a ride share app. Who arrives, but the guy she ghosted at Thanksgiving after hooking up via a (you guessed it) hook up app.
Eric and Lucy decide to try to be adults and not allow their awkward past to keep them from sharing expenses on a six hour drive from Chicago to Minneapolis. Car trouble lands them in Tinsel, Wisconsin. Tinsel true to its name is Christmas on steroids. It’s over the top and fun to read about. I wouldn’t mind killing a little time in a town like this.
I preferred the supporting characters over the main characters. Lucy’s sister, Desi, (that’s right) is obsessed with true crime and her texts and phone calls added some great scenes. The senior citizen population of Tinsel alone kept me engaged throughout sections of this audiobook. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have finished it without their comedic input. I don’t have what I’d consider a refined sense of humor. Elderly characters dropping hilarious sexual innuendoes and kicky one-liners had me cracking up and saved the book for me.
I didn’t buy into the main characters as a couple. Eric and Lucy made sure to say they had amazing chemistry, but I wasn’t convinced. Besides it takes more than chemistry, physical attraction, and a few steamy encounters to build a strong connection. There’s miscommunication galore ...more
Written by the talented and witty John Scalzi and narrated by Zachary Quinto I always remember him as Sylar from Heroes. They are a fantastic combinatWritten by the talented and witty John Scalzi and narrated by Zachary Quinto I always remember him as Sylar from Heroes. They are a fantastic combination for this series. I enjoy these Dispatcher novellas they have a definite Sci-Fi feel to them with an undercurrent of noir running throughout.
Scalzi delivers snappy dialogue, interesting twists, and the premise that sounds just wild and out there when you’re listening to this, but it’s just so easy to feel sucked in and completely absorbed. I love his style.
In this world only one out of a thousand murders are successful. People can still die in other ways: accidents, suicide, illness, or error in surgery. The occupation of dispatcher came about to purposely kill someone to give them a 99.99% chance to survive what otherwise might have been fatal. For example, a person is hit by a car and they are dying from their injuries a dispatcher is called in and kills the person on purpose, preventing death from natural causes. The body disappears if they’re successful only to reappear in the person’s home naked, confused, but unharmed. No one knows why it works or how, only that it does. This phenomenon has changed life and death as we know it.
In Murder By Other Means the question of how exactly does one commit murder when there’s a 99.99% failure rate arises.
Tony Valdez is a dispatcher who has to take some sketchy jobs to make ends meet because times are tough and legitimate opportunities are scarce. He is a witness to a bank robbery and soon after people involved as well as investigators start dying permanently. He starts looking into the robbery and the suspicious deaths because he fears he will be wrongly accused, but is there a chance he could be next?...more
I can’t quit you, Murderbot. If Wells decides to write 500 Murderbot Diaries, you’ll find me standing there, fingers crossed hoping for 501. *The eventI can’t quit you, Murderbot. If Wells decides to write 500 Murderbot Diaries, you’ll find me standing there, fingers crossed hoping for 501. *The events in Fugitive Telemetry take place before the previous book Network Effect. ...more
Another solid novella in the Murderbot Diaries, Exit Strategy, grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. There’s never a wasted word or dull moment in tAnother solid novella in the Murderbot Diaries, Exit Strategy, grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. There’s never a wasted word or dull moment in these adventures. The action is smart. The humor is dry, relatable and spot on. Reading about Murderbot’s struggle with emotions and the thoughts that evoked in my mind about what it means to be human felt important. The character growth is outstanding. The science behind everything in these novels is interesting, easy to grasp, and imaginative. I love these books and recommend them wholeheartedly. A quick paced, action packed, thought provoking adventure…I’m gonna need a bigger keeper shelf. ...more
My newest hobby is listening to Murderbot’s inner thoughts and its adventures. These books are action packed and loads of fun to read, but if I’m honeMy newest hobby is listening to Murderbot’s inner thoughts and its adventures. These books are action packed and loads of fun to read, but if I’m honest I’d listen to Murderbot review cookbooks or whatever else. I love the humor that much. A robot with some cloned human material in the mix who is a total badass one moment and hooked on soap operas the next. Just sign me up. I’ll read them all. ...more
The Heron is a short, Audible Original, written by Don Winslow and narrated by Ed Harris. They are one of those perfect pairs when it comes to writer The Heron is a short, Audible Original, written by Don Winslow and narrated by Ed Harris. They are one of those perfect pairs when it comes to writer and narrator combinations. They joined forces on the story, Deep Hole, (highly recommend) also and it turned out excellent as well. Winslow is a top notch author and I could listen to Harris read a grocery list.
“The Heron” is an alias given to a gifted accountant, who has ripped off a vile client.
The accountant, on the run earns the nickname, The Heron, due to his gangly appearance, posture, and his gait.
The client becomes a deadly foe, when he realizes that, not only has The Heron embezzled millions, but stepped out with his mistress also. To save face, the client hires a hitman to track down The Heron.
Winslow writes clever short stories that feel complete with a wink and a nod. It stole my breath a few times. I was glad it was short because it meant I could listen to it all the way through. And I kept wishing it was longer because the world had grit with a dose of intrigue. The Heron held my attention the entire time. ...more
Scalzi’s writing with Zachary Quinto narrating, YES!! I knew the combination would be great, but they exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds. ThScalzi’s writing with Zachary Quinto narrating, YES!! I knew the combination would be great, but they exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds. The Dispatcher is an outstanding audiobook. The Dispatcher is a genre bending novella that, like most great art, doesn’t fit neatly in any box. I love when a story crosses all kinds of lines. Think urban fantasy/noir/sci-fi and that’s still off the mark in my opinion. Tony Valdez is the main character and he’s a dispatcher. In this world, murder victims 999 times out of 1,000 come back to life. Dispatchers legally kill people who are close to death and these people vanish out of existence only to reappear unharmed in their own homes. One of Valdez’s fellow dispatchers goes missing. He reluctantly joins forces with a detective in the hopes of locating his acquaintance. The Dispatcher is a short, but engaging listen. I couldn’t stop listening. It raises a lot of interesting moral questions. The what ifs are boundless when considering the world building. The sequel is definitely going on my TBR list immediately. ...more
I read the synopsis for this ages ago and thought, yep, that sounds like something I’d like. I threw on the audiobook (great narration) yesterday duriI read the synopsis for this ages ago and thought, yep, that sounds like something I’d like. I threw on the audiobook (great narration) yesterday during a time I was trying to run a few errands and knock out chores and it was like I could do all these mindless adulting activities if only I could keep listening to this crazy good story just a little longer. I wasn’t prepared to love this as much as I did or to relate to the Murderbot either, but here I am. Loving every minute of it. The writing is incredible in that way that great books make you feel like you’re right there in the thick of it alongside the characters. Plot, pacing, and world building are all strong throughout. I also liked how the tech was described simply and to the point. Sci-fi, as much as I like the genre, can go way overboard when it comes to tech descriptions. There’s no major tech info dumps that took me out of the story here. My favorite aspect was the humor. I found myself nodding my head thinking same here, Murderbot, same here. I liked the ending. I thought it was fitting and serves as a beautiful set up for future adventures. This one deserves all the stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️...more
Ilona Andrews never disappoints. I’ve read this series from start to finish and decided to reread this novella because I missed the world and the charIlona Andrews never disappoints. I’ve read this series from start to finish and decided to reread this novella because I missed the world and the characters suddenly. Maybe it’s odd to miss fictional characters, but I don’t fuss over odd. I just read on. Diamond Fire takes place in the time leading up to Nevada’s wedding to Rogan. We see Catalina in the driver’s seat for the majority of the story and she’s a strong character with a great voice. The whole series is excellent and I highly recommend it. ...more
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