Lisa Jewell has become one of my go-to authors. I've not read everything she's written but I've done a pretty good job of knocking them back. Some of Lisa Jewell has become one of my go-to authors. I've not read everything she's written but I've done a pretty good job of knocking them back. Some of her work is family drama, some is creepy-lite, and some are truly haunting. This book was the latter, definitely one of her better novels. And I'll say this up front and again later with explanation...it was made for audio.
On her 45th birthday, Josie convinces her husband Walter to take her out to a trendy pub for dinner. This isn't their normal MO...they are homebodies with two grown daughters (one who lives at home and one estranged). While out, Josie notices another woman celebrating her birthday with a large group. Josie follows her into the bathroom and declares them "birthday twins" after discovering they are the same age. Josie becomes a little obsessed with this woman...Alix...because she's chic, she's a popular podcaster, with everything going for her. Josie suggests Alix feature her in a podcast, because she has quite the life story to tell. Alix is hooked by what she hears come out of Josie's mouth...crazy shit I won't get into. Then Josie shows up on Alix's doorstep in the middle of the night, claiming her husband beat her up. Josie moves in. She needs a safe place. Things get creepy, Alix wants out. Alix wonders if she can believe everything Josie is saying. Little does Alix know, her life will never be the same again.
This was a riveting whirlwind listen. You, as a reader, may be weary of possible unreliable narrators. I know I am. But this was just a little beyond what you normally find in your typical thriller. It's sinister, it's confusing even if you know what clues to look for, and the plot is very cleverly structured. Because Alix is a podcaster (which is the recurring theme in books of late), we hear snippets of the podcast Alix has constructed in the present about her experience with Josie...interviews with neighbors, relatives, friends...that lead us up to the climax. Jewell doesn't tie everything up with a bow, she doesn't make this a happily-ever-after kinda deal. This is my FAVORITE thing in a thriller writer. Don't try to protect me authors, I can handle it!
Because this was narrated in parts by Alix and Josie, and other parts in the form of a podcast, we are treated with a whole cast of voices. Kristin Atherton and Ayesha Antoine drive this train, representing Alix and Josie, and Louise Brealey, Alix Dunmore, Eliot Fitzpatrick, Thomas Judd, Dominic Thorburn, Nicola Walker and Jenny Walser fill in the gaps with the podcast. As I said, if you even toy with the idea of audio, this is the one to give a whirl....more
Ann Patchett is an automatic pre-order (along with Tana French and Kate Morton). These women are a gift to readers and me, consistently. Also from my Ann Patchett is an automatic pre-order (along with Tana French and Kate Morton). These women are a gift to readers and me, consistently. Also from my perspective, I must always experience them via an audiobook, even if I have to wait a little longer. They are the kind of authors that make me sad when it's over. You get the point.
This novel. So simple, so beautiful.
It is 2020 in the heart of the pandemic and Lara, her husband, and three grown daughters are sequestered on the family cherry orchard in Northern Michigan. This setup makes Lara's heart happy, to have her girls around her. Her daughters beg Lara to tell them the story of one summer at Tom Lake, a theater company. Lara was a newly-discovered actress with one movie under her belt. That summer, Lara fell in love with an actor, Peter Duke, who would later become a famous Hollywood star. She learned to smoke, to drink, and had the first real love affair of her life. (She also met her future husband and father of her children there as well!) As she tells the story of this magical and tumultuous time, they all are led to re-examine their lives, the family dynamics, and choices made along the way.
Patchett is such a master at creating memorable and unique characters, clever dialogue, and a feeling of ease...like we've always known these people. This was such a wonderful book to slip into, so easy to read/listen to. But below the surface there are some soul-searching questions and topics worthy of discussion. I immediately turned to Goodreads to find spoilery discussions because I needed to process. And I could very easily see this turned into a movie. Sign me up.
I'm not a fan of Meryl Streep when she's not entertaining me, but holy cow, her narration for this audio was perfection. Truly a superior performance. If you are an audiobook fan, you must experience this....more
Even if you've never read Dennis Lehane, you probably know what he's about because of his movies...Shutter Island, Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone. He's Even if you've never read Dennis Lehane, you probably know what he's about because of his movies...Shutter Island, Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone. He's a Boston boy who pulls all of that culture and working class grit into his dark examination of the human spirit. He is phenomenal on the page and on the screen. Small Mercies is his new gift to us. He calls it his Swan Song.
It is 1974 in the Irish American Boston neighborhood of Southie, and tensions are off the charts as the city starts to implement desegregation in the schools. Mary Pat is struggling to make ends meet, mourning the death of a criminal husband, the divorce from another husband, and the death of her only son to an overdose. Her 17 year-old daughter Jules goes out one night with her friends and never comes back. On that same night a black youth is killed on the train tracks nearby. A coincidence? Not in a Lehane book. Mary Pat turns into mama bear, and tears her town apart looking for her girl, and starts to upset the Southie underworld. But Mary Pat has nothing left to live for except her daughter, and that is a very dangerous thing.
This book. You know when I listened to Shutter Island, I had to stop what I was doing and sit down for some of it. This book is the same. With an unlikely hero in Mary Pat. She is a WICKED BADASS. One that will hold a knife to someone's balls, steal someone's drugs, or run someone over if they have wronged her or her family. The story is dark and gritty and a testament to motherhood. And revenge. Also through Mary Pat we learn about the Way Things Are Done in her 'hood. It's pretty distinct, and I think anyone growing up in Boston at this time is going to relate. It's often hard to verbalize why I give certain books 5 stars, except to say it makes me feel a certain way. Moved. Gripped. This is one of those books.
The narration is also a thing to behold. Robin Miles is at her absolute finest here, which is saying something, as she is a frequent award winner and has been credited as one of the audio narrators that saved the industry. So with that set up, I'll just say that her becoming a smoking, drinking, cussing working class Boston woman was PERFECT. In this case, you must listen to this book.
I added this audiobook to my queue for one reason only...it won the Pulitzer for Fiction this year. Normally I don't fare well with prize winners but I added this audiobook to my queue for one reason only...it won the Pulitzer for Fiction this year. Normally I don't fare well with prize winners but I aspire, you know. This one worked for me...in spades!
Part 1: Our first introduction to this world are excerpts from a tell-all novel (names have been changed to protect the innocent) called "Bonds". It tells the story of a Wall Street tycoon in the 20's, and his eccentric wife. Through clever trades and market manipulation during the roaring 20's, the tycoon becomes extremely wealthy. Bevel is nearly the only financier that profits during the crash of 1929, which causes the world to believe HE caused the crash. Everyone knows this book was really about the rise and decline of Andrew and Mildred Bevel, a couple who were shrouded by secrets and mystery. After the passing of beloved Mildred, Andrew hires a young woman, Ida Partenza, to ghostwrite his life story (skewed to his liking) to preserve the reputation of the family. This figment of Andrew's ego is Part 2. Part 3 gives us Ida's perspective while attempting to do the bidding of Andrew and the "true story". All along she believes something just doesn't ring true about Andrew's version of things, but it is only in Part 4, when Ida comes back to the Bevel mansion in her 70's, does she discover the truth from all those years ago.
I've always loved novels that give the reader different versions of the truth, depending on who is telling the story. This one was epic. And to my surprise, it is about much more than finance and the stock market. It's more about gender inequities, sacrifices made within a marriage, and unreliable narration. I would just throw this out there...no matter what you think about the first section of the book, keep going. Diaz will rip the rug out from under you.
This audiobook was narrated by a dream cast...Edoardo Ballerini, Jonathan Davis, Mozhan Marno and Orlagh Cassidy. All award winning voices, all doing this audio all kinds of justice. ...more
Although Verghese has written other books, his most notable work was Cutting For Stone, published in 2009. I think that novel may be still on the bestAlthough Verghese has written other books, his most notable work was Cutting For Stone, published in 2009. I think that novel may be still on the best seller list, and it was extraordinary. Even knowing this, I was intimidated by this one, clocking in at 31 hours (or 736 pages). I saved it for a road trip.
The story starts out in 1900 with a destitute 12 year old girl who has been married off to a 40-something widower. Her intended is hard-working and wealthy, but is not considered to be an attractive match because of a family curse. In each generation of his family, someone always drowns. He lives on the Southern coast of India, so water is EVERYWHERE. Still the young girl, soon deemed "Big Mamma" by her husband's young son, finds a soul mate in her husband, and dedicates her life to serving him and loving his kid. We follow this matriarch, and two generations of her lineage, through 1977. They suffer loss after loss (as if there really is a family curse), wars and unrest in their country, epic love stories, medical advancements, mental illness and deep familial love.
Abraham Verghese is a doctor, and like Cutting for Stone, this novel includes pretty amazing medical "stuff", but he is also a creator of a world and it's characters, which is why the man is so gifted. You laugh and cry with these people, who in their hearts, are good people. He also is a storyteller, and expertly pulls the emotional rug out from under you. My reaction, while driving, was visceral and truly touched me. I kept thinking "this is why I read". We need more books like this in our lives.
The author also narrates the audiobook. Normally this is not good news, but Verghese, with his beautiful Indian accent, does a really good job for what I would think of as an amateur. ...more
For those of you who did not read The Martian by Andy Weir (Anybody? Anybody?) let me just lay out a few things. Yes it is Science FictSource: Audible
For those of you who did not read The Martian by Andy Weir (Anybody? Anybody?) let me just lay out a few things. Yes it is Science Fiction (NOT my genre) and yes it is geeky, but it is brilliantly accessible to anyone and everyone. This guy has a gift to delight all with his wit, his sarcasm, and his ordinary nerd dude-turned-hero plots. This is also exactly what you get with Project Hail Mary. Except it's even better.
With some of the best narration I've ever heard, bar none. This must be said.
Ryland Grace wakes up in a space ship, presumably from a coma. He has no idea how he got here. He has no idea WHY he's here. There are two others in pods next to him, both dead. Through bursts of memory, things slowly come back to him and we are brought up to speed through his flashbacks. He was a molecular biologist phenom with some crazy ideas, and soon gave up all the naysayers to become a junior high science teacher. He was recruited to assist in determining why the sun is dimming at an exponential rate and guaranteeing a mass extinction within 30 years. A worldwide consortium is formed, and they see one distant star, 12 light-years away, that hasn't been infected. This is where Ryland is sent, with two crew members, to figure out why, and save humanity. But now that he finds himself alone, he's not sure he's up to the task. Until he learns that he may actually not be alone after all...
There is a whole lot of science going on here, ridiculous amounts. But like I said, it is Weir's super-power to make it accessible to everyone. To the point where I even found myself listening to the physics and the experiments and problem-solving, nodding my head and thinking "yeah that makes sense". Ryland Grace is a very likable guy, and humble despite his intelligence. And all of this is fascinating stuff, but the real fiber of the story comes after we learn the backstory, and Ryland is out in the Tau Ceti solar system experiencing a very believable First Contact. I'll say no more, but it's an adventure you will not want to put down.
Which leads me to the narration of Ray Porter. He has and always will be a favorite of mine. He brings a unique performance to anything he touches. His characterizations are so individual, you might even question if it's the same guy. Even if you're not an audio person, this listening experience should be on your bucket list....more
I'm not necessarily an apostle of Barbara Kingsolver. Up until this novel, I'd only read The Poisonwood Bible but that isSource: Library Digital Audio
I'm not necessarily an apostle of Barbara Kingsolver. Up until this novel, I'd only read The Poisonwood Bible but that is enough for me to know the talent of this woman. And with the recent awarding of Demon Copperhead the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, let there be no doubt. Just so you know, I give this book my highest rating with a disclaimer...it is epic, I often laughed out loud, yet the entire time I listened, my stomach and heart hurt.
Damon Fields was born to a single addict mom on the floor of her trailer in Appalachia. He inherited his dead father's good looks, red hair and nickname "Copperhead", but his mother's tendency to addiction. Orphaned at 11, he earned a reputation for being difficult (aka Demon), and he made his way through various horrific foster homes, abuse, drug use and child labor. The years don't get easier for Demon, in fact his addictions take down those around him one by one. But with his tenacity, wise ass sense of humor, and practicality, he manages to survive. And ultimately thrive.
Kingsolver has stated this story was inspired by David Copperfield, but she has turned it into a coming-of-age classic of modern day. HIs surroundings, his choices, his self-fulfilling prophecy...this just devastated me. But the very unique personality that Kingsolver created made me laugh (it reminded me of Angela's Ashes), even things were awful, just because of his approach to life. It also provides just a tiny bit of hope at the end, which kept me from taking to my bed LOL.
I believe the narrator, Charlie Thurston, brought Kingsolver's character to life. He was the perfect choice to present Demon's Appalachian twang, and his innocence yet world-weary frustration. An actor and playwright by trade, he may have found another day job.
Source: Audible purchased with a full-priced credit
It's probably not entirely wise to trust me when I review Kate Morton (as well as Tana French). I aSource: Audible purchased with a full-priced credit
It's probably not entirely wise to trust me when I review Kate Morton (as well as Tana French). I am extremely biased with these two because they are STORYTELLERS. I would also add John Irving and Stephen King to the list, just off the top of my head. Some of Morton's novels are better than others. But she infuses all of them with her winding, mesmerizing, lose-all-track-of-time storytelling. And this is why I love everything she writes.
On Christmas Eve in 1959 in South Australia, a local delivery man makes a terrible discovery. Under a large shade tree, he finds a mother and three of her four children dead, the baby missing. There are no signs of injury, the father is away on business, so what the heck happened? The police investigate but the answers aren't satisfying, the primary one being a murder suicide. The husband's sister, Nora, who was staying with the family at the time, insists this could never have happened. Nearly 60 years later, Nora's granddaughter Jess (who Nora raised) returns home from London when she learns that Nora has fallen and is ill. Jess finds a true crime book in Nora's home that documents the mysterious deaths of 1959, and because Jess is a journalist, she begins digging. She is not prepared for the connections this story has with her family.
Sprawling estates, lush gardens, long-buried secrets, tragic heroines...you can get lost in this stuff, and it's what Morton delivers. She also doesn't skimp on the deep dives into a character's history, frailties, and emotions. This one was a slow-burn as most of them are, and ends with a bow on top, but it did not lessen my absolute joy in consuming it.
Like the other great storytellers, Morton (or her publishers) never fail to cast an amazing narrator to present her story. In this case, it was Claire Foy (best known for her portrayal of the young Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown) and she was absolutely superb. Delicate, fluid, expressive and engaging, I can't imagine anyone else doing a better job of this performance.
It is known that I love unsolved mysteries and I love true crime. Real life drama that you can Google, and often even folSource: Library Digital Audio
It is known that I love unsolved mysteries and I love true crime. Real life drama that you can Google, and often even follow while it's happening. One perfect example of this was the Golden State Killer. This piece of shit committed at least 13 murders, 51 rapes and 120 burglaries between 1974 and 1986. In 2018, after I'd read all kinds of books about him, they tracked him down through FORENSIC GENETIC GENEALOGY! They had his DNA from his crimes but he was not in system, so they were never able to catch him...until now. Because of companies like 23 and Me, over 40 million people have their DNA registered in a database, and through autosomal testing can use this database to potentially track down birth parents, unidentified bodies, and unapprehended criminals. If this interests you, you will love this book.
"Genetic genealogy...was the source that never lied, never faded with time, never forgot. It was the forever witness."
In 1987, a young couple left on an overnight trip from Vancouver Island to Seattle and vanished without a trace. Weeks later, their bodies were discovered in different locations, and had both been brutally murdered. There were virtually no witnesses or clues and the case quickly went cold. Thirty years later, cold case investigator Jim Sharf teams up with genetic hobbyist CeCe Moore to use genetic genealogy to successfully track down the young couple's murderer. (They went on to solve dozens more.) While this provided some closure to the families, it opened up a Pandora's box of questions regarding the rights and privacy of those 40 million who have shared their DNA unknowingly for purposes of research and investigation.
There's so much good information in this book to chew on. The unsolved crime by itself was devastating, and the work to investigate the crime was fascinating and extensive. Then to pick up such a hopeless cold case thirty years later...who would want that job? Only the righteous few. When the science of genetic genealogy presented itself to this case, it was clear that this could be an absolutely gift to law enforcement. So much good can be done by providing answers to long-grieving family members. The questions about rights and privacy seem to take a backseat to victims of unsolved crimes, but not everyone felt this way. Even as I write, states are debating on how much access to these databases should be banned. This is all great topics of discussion for a book club.
The author, Edward Humes, narrated this audiobook. Ordinarily I would cringe when I see this. Authors should not be allowed to narrated their own stuff. But he did a good job. Maybe it could have done better? But he obviously knew the material well, and kept the narration flowing and passionate....more
Well I've found my first "best of 2023" book just a couple weeks in. I bought it in an Audible sale last year, and there it sat until ISource: Audible
Well I've found my first "best of 2023" book just a couple weeks in. I bought it in an Audible sale last year, and there it sat until I started seeing the title on so many year-end lists. Folks, it's a charmer.
Thirty years ago, Tova lost her 18 year old son in an accident, and recently lost her husband. She has a strong friend group (they call themselves the "Knit Wits" LOLOLOL) but takes a job at the local aquarium as a night shift cleaning lady to keep herself occupied. She develops a connection with a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus, who IS remarkably bright and likes to escape his tank at night to chow down on sea cucumbers. A hapless young adult named Cameron wanders into Tova and Marcellus's life as well, after a string of failed jobs and relationship and searching for his biological father who lives in town. Tova and Cameron come to terms with the disappointments in their lives, and Marcellus helps in his own octopus kinda way.
The story is brought to us from the perspective of Tova, Cameron and best of all, brilliant and posh Marcellus. Frankly, I found Cameron to be an immature dolt but I believe that is the way the author intends. His effort to grow up, his newly-formed friendships, and his sad childhood softened my heart. And yes of course it is a stretch of the imagination to believe an octopus able to solve problems, reason with and communicate with humans, but this is something I can absolutely sign up for. I finished this book with a happy, soggy heart.
And as usual, the narration by Marin Ireland makes it perfect. Michael Urie pops in to present us with Marcellus and he was equally as perfect, with slightly snobby cultured personality. ...more
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