I love Bob Dylan's songs and his eclectic CHRONICLES: VOLUME ONE memoir, but this one...not so much. If Dylan actually narrated it...as he did so wellI love Bob Dylan's songs and his eclectic CHRONICLES: VOLUME ONE memoir, but this one...not so much. If Dylan actually narrated it...as he did so well on THEME TIME RADIO HOUR...bet it would be 5 stars (no fault to the narrator here, but Dylan cannot be duplicated). This is as if read by a 60s beatnik and by the end of the short volume, I was so over it, man.
Merged review:
I love Bob Dylan's songs and his eclectic CHRONICLES: VOLUME ONE memoir, but this one...not so much. If Dylan actually narrated it...as he did so well on THEME TIME RADIO HOUR...bet it would be 5 stars (no fault to the narrator here, but Dylan cannot be duplicated). This is as if read by a 60s beatnik and by the end of the short volume, I was so over it, man....more
As with other books in this Yorkshire Murder Mystery series, I enjoyed this book and felt I NEARLY put the clues together to solve it - but not quite.As with other books in this Yorkshire Murder Mystery series, I enjoyed this book and felt I NEARLY put the clues together to solve it - but not quite. I like the feeling of noticing little things that are amiss, though.
The setting of a famous writer being murdered at Victorian baths during a crime writing festival provided good atmosphere.
The finale was a Murder Mystery Evening. That fake murder never got solved, which bothered me (although I'm probably in the minority).
The lovable DCI Oldroyd has finally started seeing someone, who calls him "chubby" and "fatty," which I do not find as endearing as he apparently does. Keep looking until you spot someone who doesn't insult or try to change you, Jimbo....more
Another winner for Vera Stanhope. I saw the TV episode about halfway through listening to this audiobook (love the narration) and it made the characteAnother winner for Vera Stanhope. I saw the TV episode about halfway through listening to this audiobook (love the narration) and it made the characters clearer - although the book and TV episode diverge at times. But that didn't take away from the book's enjoyment as Vera puzzles out the mysteries.
Rosie Bell is a new team member and she, like DI Joe Ashworth, spends a LOT of inner monologue time second-guessing Vera - usually coming to the decision that Vera is very successful and probably knows best (duh).
Still - a satisfying book and conclusion - especially the ending explanation that wraps it up....more
I've heard of ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), but had no idea how involved women were in its programming - and how little trainiI've heard of ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), but had no idea how involved women were in its programming - and how little training (almost none) they underwent in order to figure out this complex machine in the 1940s. The author's done an admirable job of tracking down the people and information involved - even changing her schedule so that she worked 4 days a week with her law firm and 1 day on ENIAC.
It must have been amazingly frustrating - although of the times - when these hard-working, very intelligent women attended ENIAC announcements - not as programmers, but as "hostesses" (arghhhh), for example.
The book could use better editing - are a few rough patches - but overall, an enlightening, well-researched read....more
Loved Sidney Poitier's reading of this audiobook when he was about 80 years old - very measured and polished, as might be expected when knowing of theLoved Sidney Poitier's reading of this audiobook when he was about 80 years old - very measured and polished, as might be expected when knowing of the actor's work.
His background of growing up with little schooling (but much love) on Cat Island - "very protective of my shyness" - is enthralling. After leaving the Bahamas at age 16, he didn't communicate with his parents for 8 years. 8 YEARS!! Somehow, they (especially his mother) kept faith that they would see him again, as they finally did.
I found 3/4 of the book terrific, but the last 1/4 a bit tedious and repetitive. Poitier skims over his relationships, acting career, and other accomplishments to focus on topics such as science and faith. Think I would have liked his autobiography, THIS LIFE, better - but appreciate the insights here....more
My interest in this 1894 horror/fantasy classic was because of a tweet from the great Bob Dylan on 10/23/24 - where he called The Great God Pan "...onMy interest in this 1894 horror/fantasy classic was because of a tweet from the great Bob Dylan on 10/23/24 - where he called The Great God Pan "...one of my favorite books."
Alas - I didn't take the shine to it that Dylan did - although I do admire its ability to stand the test of time....more
The book has a smart premise - and per the “Afterword,” is some truth to it. I liked learning more about the Soviets from an expert. Also liked that iThe book has a smart premise - and per the “Afterword,” is some truth to it. I liked learning more about the Soviets from an expert. Also liked that it was not your typical Hollywood ending.
The worst element, to me, is the female characters. They’re beautiful/sexy to a stereotypical, unrealistic degree.
If the sexist stuff were deleted, it would be a much shorter/better book. It gets bogged down as is (could also use better editing). ...more
The "Tell Me Everything" title says it all - and I do mean EVERYTHING. Stories that make little sense, such as barely talking to a stranger on a trainThe "Tell Me Everything" title says it all - and I do mean EVERYTHING. Stories that make little sense, such as barely talking to a stranger on a train and feeling some connection anyway (that's a story?!?). Thinking about adultery as if this were a fine thought. Calling a plant "little Annie" like a child might.
I've enjoyed the author's writing previously and especially her character of spiky Olive Kitteridge (more Olive, please). But guess I just don't like (or care much about) hangdog Bob. ...more
The book is called "Collected Fictions" - but really, it's well-done magical fictions. I especially enjoyed the stories centering around Shakespeare aThe book is called "Collected Fictions" - but really, it's well-done magical fictions. I especially enjoyed the stories centering around Shakespeare and meeting another version of himself....more
I enjoyed the author's writing and the story moved along nicely. I was pleased to notice some clues early on - especially around the locked room murdeI enjoyed the author's writing and the story moved along nicely. I was pleased to notice some clues early on - especially around the locked room murder mystery. I liked the Agatha Christie "let's gather the suspects in 1 room at the end" technique (although even the fictitious suspects themselves thought it over the top).
Too many characters for my taste, though - really easy to confuse them and many of them needless. I'd be surprised if anyone guessed the outcome - came out of the blue to me - but still entertaining....more
The best part about the audiobook is hearing Schwarzenegger read it in his distinctive Austrian voice (which he goodheartedly mocks). It's a joy to heThe best part about the audiobook is hearing Schwarzenegger read it in his distinctive Austrian voice (which he goodheartedly mocks). It's a joy to hear him imitating his pig ("oink oink oink") or laugh spontaneously.
I also like how he emphasizes making choices and not being a victim, the importance of little goals, and the power of visualization.
To me, the biggest miss was the huge focus on white men, which is appalling for a former governor of California (a diverse state). His examples of successful people - especially businesspeople - are almost entirely white men. He even mentions the strength of EUROPEAN immigrants - as if no other areas have American immigrants.
Here's an example of a successful American businesswoman: Madam C.J. Walker. Her parents were enslaved and she was orphaned at age 7. She had little formal education. And yet, she made herself into a hair care entrepreneur. At the time of her death, Madam Walker was considered the wealthiest African-American businesswoman and wealthiest self-made woman in America.
Caring for her 2-year-old daughter after her husband died, it's doubtful that Madam Walker had 5 extra hours/day to lift weights - as Arnold tells us REPEATEDLY that he did (is a TON of repetition in this book - mostly about his achievements). Yet she excelled against great odds, which is worth a mention - as are the many wonderful, often unusual, success stories of female and colored people - should someone take the effort to find and use them.
So - as is often the case with these self-help books - take this one with a huge grain of entitlement salt....more
I read this book because the great Flannery O'Connor wrote in THE HABIT OF BEING (a collection of her letters) that she enjoyed MEMENTO MORI (Latin foI read this book because the great Flannery O'Connor wrote in THE HABIT OF BEING (a collection of her letters) that she enjoyed MEMENTO MORI (Latin for "remember you must die") and author Muriel Spark. I, alas, did not.
Perhaps this is partly because of the times. The book was published in 1959 and I read it 65 years later, in 2024. The author's writing is considered to be delightfully witty - but I found it neither delightful nor witty.
The treatment of older people with dementia (or worse), for example, seems cruel and not funny. My mother died of Alzheimer's disease and I visited several memory care facilities where she stayed - and watched her get progressively worse. It was not a cause for laughter.
As for the rest of it...meh. I didn't find the whole "who's making anonymous phone calls" particularly interesting, for example. ...more
This was my pick for Austria in a "Read Around the World Challenge" (although am sure I've read books by Austrian writers before - but a good excuse tThis was my pick for Austria in a "Read Around the World Challenge" (although am sure I've read books by Austrian writers before - but a good excuse to revisit this treasure). As others note, this is NOT the adorable Disney movie - but a real warning of how humans can mistreat animals, including consequences for ones they've tamed.
The reader on the audiobook was good at producing different voices for the different characters - including an older stag and a young Bambi....more
"On Friday, just past noon, after the sun had rolled past its lofty zenith and begun sliding sedately toward the western edge of the valley, Anatolie "On Friday, just past noon, after the sun had rolled past its lofty zenith and begun sliding sedately toward the western edge of the valley, Anatolie Sevoyants lay down to breathe her last."
That intriguing line is the first in this intriguing book.
I really liked the magical realism in it and the tiny village of Maran, Armenia - where neighbors take care of neighbors and amazing events unfurl. ...more
I listened to - and enjoyed - the audiobook, although I don't see that choice for this review.
I found this an excellent history, covering many unknownI listened to - and enjoyed - the audiobook, although I don't see that choice for this review.
I found this an excellent history, covering many unknown facets to me (I worked in book publishing for about 10 years, but is still so much to learn)...from Benjamin Franklin's involvement to the many varieties of "stores" (including sidewalk stands).
It's pretty New York-centered - which isn't surprising since much publishing and selling is done there - but I was pleased that the author tries to cover many corners and aspects of the U.S. too.
I don't recall that the rise and fall of Crown Books was covered. Robert Haft's once-ubiquitous slogan of "Books cost too much" kept ringing in my ears.
Amazon.com is often portrayed as evil, but I respectfully disagree. Much as I've always loved bookstores, Amazon was literally a lifesaver during the pandemic and has its place. ...more
I love Amy Tan's writing and this contains some prime examples. I particularly enjoyed her description of working on the "Joy Luck Club" movie, "MotheI love Amy Tan's writing and this contains some prime examples. I particularly enjoyed her description of working on the "Joy Luck Club" movie, "Mother Tongue" (about the different kinds of English spoken - such as how she talks to her mother), and the last part, about how her horrifying struggles identifying and dealing with Lyme disease.
It does get to be REALLY repetitious, though, with some topics mentioned nearly verbatim AT LEAST 5 times throughout the book - such as writing about how her grandma killed herself, how her mom threatened to kill herself, how Amy rebelled as a teenager, etc.
Other parts are kinda cringy, especially today. I saw her perform in the Rock Bottom Reminders band, for example - in character as a dominatrix - and it was weird then. I find it even weirder to read about it (in some detail) now.
But if you're an Amy Tan fan, you'll appreciate this book - and possibly even the repetition. ...more
I've read every book in the series and eagerly looked forward to getting this one when it was released (note that Amazon automatically sent me the harI've read every book in the series and eagerly looked forward to getting this one when it was released (note that Amazon automatically sent me the hardcover - I prefer paperback, but don't remember having a choice).
I read the book in a few days and still love Louise Penny's compelling writing style. The wonderful key characters and Twin Pines location are here - although I would have liked bigger doses of both.
The plot is quite complicated and even though I read the book in just a few days, I lost track of characters and had to go back to earlier chapters to figure out who they were. Plenty of red herrings and obtuse clues for your mind to digest (along with the wonderful pastries, cheeses, and breads the author favors...mmmm).
Some things still annoy me, though. Like...the book starts off with Armand's phone ringing and ringing and ringing and he refuses to answer it. It's 2024 - put your phone on silent! Block the call! The author apparently wants to make a point, but that's an irritating way to do it.
Also - at a noncrucial time in the book - Armand can't sleep, has an idea, and summons Jean-Guy and Isabelle to his house. They arrive at 4:15AM. Yes - absurdly, inconsiderately early. Armand is supposed to be kind and empathic. Jean-Guy and Isabelle have families. It can't wait until 8:00AM???
Quibbles aside - I was sorry when the book ended and look forward to the next one....more
I'm a Dylan fan and appreciated the insights that Victor Maymudes (chess-playing friend and often tour manager) provides here. For example, near the eI'm a Dylan fan and appreciated the insights that Victor Maymudes (chess-playing friend and often tour manager) provides here. For example, near the end of Dylan's CHRONICLES: VOLUME ONE, he casually mentions his introversion. Maymudes expands on this, hypothesizing that what Dylan experiences in his head - a sunset, for example - may be more vivid than actually seeing it. Interesting.
I also found it interesting and laudable that when Victor badly needed a job, he called Dylan - who said that although he already had a full staff for the next tour, Victor had a job and he would figure it out. That takes empathy.
Parts of it were slow and, IMO, unnecessary - maybe there to plump up the book length. For example, the co-author, Victor's son Jacob, spends a LONG time at the beginning of the book (10% of the audio) discussing his family's destructive fire. That's a shame - but it's not on topic. Once it gets into Victor's tapes, though, it rolls along. ...more
I love Meredith Maran's writing. Even though not all of this resonated with me, I always looked forward to reading the next part of the book. That kinI love Meredith Maran's writing. Even though not all of this resonated with me, I always looked forward to reading the next part of the book. That kind of compelling writing is really a gift.
She is brutally honest about being an older woman in today's world. Grateful to have a copywriting job at Bellissima, the author unflinchingly writes about how she's often made to feel out of place (some of the company's shenanigans seem unethical if not illegal - working out twice a week on company time? a fat contest? measuring people WHILE NUDE??).
I REALLY admire that when she feels lonely in a new city, she does something to alleviate this HERSELF -such as emailing friends to help or writing a note to unknown neighbors. She can only take her sniveling so long, which is admirable.
She does go on and on about missing her estranged wife, though - which is real, but repetitive and boring after a while. And certain things don't quite click for me - such as how she spent years in the San Francisco Bay Area (which has a ton of traffic) and still doesn't seem to understand this about LA (which has a ton of traffic). You just don't leave at 5:30pm and expect to get anywhere fast. You. Just. Don't.
Still - I was sorry when the book ended and strung out finishing it for a while. An interesting life and an interesting read....more
Well written, short, and angry. I liked the first part of the book and learned a lot about Antigua, which was my goal.
The second part rightfully decriWell written, short, and angry. I liked the first part of the book and learned a lot about Antigua, which was my goal.
The second part rightfully decries racism - but isn't calling white people "human rubbish from Europe" - as she does - feeding into the same kind of stereotyping?
I once worked at a company in which white people (like me) were the minority. It was an eye-opener. One of the milder things I heard was, "You know, white people age badly." I knew the expression that colored people age well - but hadn't thought about an inverse statement.
So I appreciate the author's history, writing, and insights - but please - don't paint us with the same brush, whatever color....more
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