This is a great short story about John Muir and another mans dog named Stickeen who he bonds with. They trek through icy terrain and snowy woods togetThis is a great short story about John Muir and another mans dog named Stickeen who he bonds with. They trek through icy terrain and snowy woods together. This is the story of their dangerous brush with death over a deadly crevasse. It’s a touching story of a man’s love for a dog and also gripping adventure. 4 1/2 stars. ...more
This was an incredibly disturbing account of one woman’s life as a survivor of sexual abuse inflicted upon her by her father throughout the majority oThis was an incredibly disturbing account of one woman’s life as a survivor of sexual abuse inflicted upon her by her father throughout the majority of her life. The story is horrific, shocking, heartbreaking and utterly disturbing. Many reviewers seem to think that the book was made up or written in a way to draw out shock value. I don’t think that’s the case. I think the person who wrote the book is an obvious abuse survivor. People who endure the type of suffering she did cope in many different ways. She clearly states that she knows that her feelings are twisted and confused about her father. She knows that because of what he has done to her she has never had and never will have a normal sex life. She has attempted therapy but never for long because it doesn’t seem like she thinks anyone truly understands her. Though she has told family and friends over the years what her father has done to her they have all either not believed her, blamed her or brushed her off. I can’t imagine having to go through something even close to as traumatic as this, asking the people closest to you for help and being denied or even blamed. I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator was not the best. It was like listening to a middle aged woman who had just smoked a carton of cigarettes. Then again maybe that’s who I was supposed to be listening to. Though I understood the trauma of the author I couldn’t truly connect with her or get a real feel of who she was. I never was able to create a mental image of her. I don’t really know how to rate this. As I said, it was shocking and sad but not necessarily something I enjoyed reading. I’m just going to give it 3 stars. ...more
Enjoyable summer read. This is the story of John and that one epic summer among friends where he truly discovers who he is. It’s a coming of age storyEnjoyable summer read. This is the story of John and that one epic summer among friends where he truly discovers who he is. It’s a coming of age story and a coming out story. The book was well written and It had sort of a Gatsby feel to it which I enjoyed. I have been to Montauk many times and know it well. I love the accuracy in which it’s described. Listening to this book was like hearing news of an old friend. All of that being said, there was something that just kept me from becoming really emotionally invested in John. There wasn’t anything wrong with him. I just didn’t connect with him like I should have. He seemed like a nice guy and maybe that was the problem. He was too nice. Just a boring, make no waves, bland guy. 3 stars....more
How do you rate someone’s story of their experience being kidnapped, repeatedly raped and held captive for months as a young girl? I don’t feel like yHow do you rate someone’s story of their experience being kidnapped, repeatedly raped and held captive for months as a young girl? I don’t feel like you really can. Not the day way you can rate and judge other stories. I can get into the writing and all that but it wasn’t really about that. It was her story and how she was able to overcome the horrible things done to her. I listened to the audiobook and yeah the way it was told seemed a bit chipper for the subject matter but this is also someone who was traumatized beyond belief and is trying to show others that not only she can rise above it but give inspiration to others that have had other experiences. I can’t really fault her for that. Props to you Elizabeth Smart. You went through some shit and made it out the other end able to not only tell the tale but use it to help others. You’re a stronger person than I. You’re unwavering positivity and faith are inspirational, even to me and I’m pretty hard to inspire. You go girl! 3.5 stars. ...more
I’ve read at least half of Sarah’s SciFi books and have loved every one of them so when I saw that she had written a book about her life in LA I jumpeI’ve read at least half of Sarah’s SciFi books and have loved every one of them so when I saw that she had written a book about her life in LA I jumped at the chance to read it. It was not at all what I was expecting (in a good way!) and it totally did not disappoint. I got the audiobook version and it probably made it even better. The start was a bit slow but in no time the narrative was moving at a steady pace. Sarah’s style is dry, witty, sarcastic and funny. She’s judgey, foul-mouthed and full of amazing jabs at everyone and everything. She wears yoga pants like a uniform and drinks wine while watching Netflix alone on her couch. She is a woman after my own heart! She has lots of dating advice that many people wouldn’t even think of but makes sense after she says it! There are stories about her friends and her ex husband that are hilarious too. All in all this was a really great book. It was snarky and comical. There were times I was even laughing out loud. I can’t wait to hear about what Sarah comes up with next. 4 stars. ...more
RBG is not a woman to be underestimated. Despite her diminutive stature she has no qualms about speaking her mind and standing up for what she believeRBG is not a woman to be underestimated. Despite her diminutive stature she has no qualms about speaking her mind and standing up for what she believes in. Her willingness to dissent is legendary and her effectiveness has at times been epic. She is a woman of determination. She has not only overcome many political hurdles but several serious health problems. This is a woman of incredible steadfastness. Not even cancer has kept her off the bench. I both listened to the audiobook version and read through the print edition of this book. It gave me the opportunity to not only learn more about RBG but to gain insight into the way she works. Though precise and to the point her words always hit home. They have their simplicity has an impact that more embellished ones would not. Whether you agree with her views or side with her politically RBG is a woman to be respected, admired and learned from. I enjoyed listening to one of the authors narrate her own book. It gave a sense of familiarity to the content. I also thought that the photographs, charts and other tables included within the print version of the book really helped to give a clearer of RBGs accomplishments. Overall this book was greatly informative and extremely interesting. Very enjoyable 4 stars...more
Meh. Not the worst memoir I’ve listened too but not the best. I don’t think Ellie Kemper is a person who is much different from the characters she porMeh. Not the worst memoir I’ve listened too but not the best. I don’t think Ellie Kemper is a person who is much different from the characters she portrays on tv or in movies. She pretty much always seems like a cheerful, confident, ditzy, nerd who’s super positive about everything. She is basically Kimmy Schmidt on tv and in real life. This is actually kind of funny (interesting funny not actual funny!) because she goes into this whole thing about how she turns into her Bridesmaids character and I was just thinking hmmm but all of your characters are pretty much the same. Anyway, there were a few times that I laughed during this book but not too many. 2.5-3 stars (I’m having trouble deciding)...more
This is basically a memoir written by someone just like myself. The author connects with animals in an emotional way that many people just can’t underThis is basically a memoir written by someone just like myself. The author connects with animals in an emotional way that many people just can’t understand. She is lucky to have found a husband who seems to be one in the same. In this book she shares the stories and experiences she has had with the animals that have most influenced her life and made her the person she is today. It’s a really enjoyable book to listen to if you’re an animal lover. It’s read by the author which adds to the emotion behind each of the stories. 4.5 stars...more
Interesting story of a woman’s ability to overcome her abusive, underprivileged upbringing to get a higher education. This book was interesting yet diInteresting story of a woman’s ability to overcome her abusive, underprivileged upbringing to get a higher education. This book was interesting yet difficult to swallow because of the many abuses and hurdles Tara suffered along the way to get where she is today. It’s hard to stomach listening to someone going back to an abusive and brainwashing situation time and time again. I’m aware this is not an easy thing to get past and seeing it from the outside always makes it seem like and obvious thing to escape but I know it’s not but it’s sad and frustrating to know and hear about. I truly felt for Tara and the members of her family who suffered at the hands of her father and brother. Her mother often had some good intentions but was no better in the end. I’m glad that she was able to leave and get away and fulfill her goals and make a life for herself away from the mountain. Overall the book was a good and enlightening read. It shows a clear picture of what it’s like to grow up in an emotionally suffocating and abusive household. It also shows one woman’s strength to get out and push past it. 3.5 stars. ...more
I love the Duplass bros movies and tv shows but I have to say it. They are the dorkiest, sappiest two people on earth. They are almost too nice for thI love the Duplass bros movies and tv shows but I have to say it. They are the dorkiest, sappiest two people on earth. They are almost too nice for they’re own good. What two grown ass brothers cry and sleep in the same twin bed. I get it they’re comfortable with themselves and their masculinity but really. They’re kinda pussies. Sorry but I could pick some much worse words. I love their stuff. Don’t get me wrong. Togetherness, The League and so many of their movies are gold but they are big time dorks. Sorry guys. So over all the book was a lot of I love you man and I need to tell you something but I hope it doesn’t hurt your feelings and yeah it did hurt my feelings and then crying and more I love you and then some you did a great job and pats on the back. Blah blah blah. Why it was real talk and pitches about stories they had it was great. Their dorky emo interactions not so much. ...more
I don’t know why people are bitching and complaining about Tiffany Haddish having a filthy mouth in this audiobook. Did they just pick up this book atI don’t know why people are bitching and complaining about Tiffany Haddish having a filthy mouth in this audiobook. Did they just pick up this book at random without having a clue who she was or did they know who she was and just expect her to be a different person because this is a book? I knew who Tiffany Haddish was before reading the book so I knew what I was getting into and I was thoroughly entertained. She talked about growing up and her real life experiences. Sure she throws in a ton of shits and fucks and she makes light of lots of things but that doesn’t make her experiences any less real. Her constant ability to laugh at herself is what makes her seem so genuine when telling a story of being in foster care or of dating a man with a disability. Overall this was a quick listen that was funny and gave insight into how Tiffany Haddish became the woman she is today....more
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