Darlynne

Overwrought

Revisado: 10-21-24

A refusal to quit let me finish this book. The story was interesting, but the dialog was breathless, overwrought and overly dramatic. There was no nuance to the bad guys, they were just bad. The repetitious description/mention of eyes is something I've noted in the author's other books; here, that and the constant reference to mindscape and bonds would have been worthy of a drinking game. Maybe reading the book is a different experience because reviews have been universally ecstatic. Maybe it's just me.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Glorious

Revisado: 08-22-23

I listened to and read this book and on every level it is outstanding. Hearing the native names, learning something of their culture and history, was exactly what I'd hoped. It is heartbreaking and outrageous that the story is not just fiction. Books like TO SHAPE A DRAGON'S BREATH are why I read.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

What took me so long?

Revisado: 07-24-23

Other reviews have raved about this book with much more cohesive thoughts than mine, so I'll just second all of the praise. Communication--talking, listening, growing up--is the answer to so many problems and reliving those awkward teenage years through Elliott, Serene and Luke was excruciatingly painful, also hilarious. I am so glad I started at the beginning of my Audible library instead of automatically choosing the newest addition. An absolute triumph and joy.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

I've waited 40 years for this audiobook

Revisado: 04-20-23

I read Handling Sin when it was first released in 1983 and immediately became one of the few books I joked about being buried with (Good Omens and In This House of Brede, if you're wondering). For a very long time, I scoured Audible's offerings, finally giving up hope that this joyous ode would ever speak out loud. Until a month ago, when a search revealed that several of Malone's books were coming to audio. Fastest pre-order I've ever made.

The short answer: Yes, the audiobook is everything I hoped for. The narrator captured Raleigh Hayes' outrage at the curve ball thrown at his head by his father specifically and life in general, both of which had always disappointed him. By the finale, his forced quest will have reshaped him in unexpected and glorious ways.

The long answer: The world has changed in 40 years or perhaps we've just come to a different understanding of how life was and is now. Readers unfamiliar with the book should expect fat-shaming, racism, sexism, and probably a few more -isms by the end of all 25 hours. That's how we were and I fully expected some cringe-worthy moments today because I cringed a lot in 1983.

Handling Sin is still the funniest book I have ever read, even in the company of some very fine works given that same praise. Malone's wordplay--especially when describing Raleigh's complete and utter breakdown, his new life of crime--is priceless and so precise; it is easy to picture his horrified face in every scene.

In other great news, two of Malone's mysteries in his Justin and Cuddy series will be released in June.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Nuns, New Orleans, Noir

Revisado: 03-28-23

I enjoyed everything about this book: the damaged and finding-her-way Sister Holiday; the sweltering city, which is so much a character here; the brilliant narration by Mara Wilson, such a serene counterpoint to the chaos raining down on the school.

None of this is to say Sister Holiday is particularly likable, forcing herself into situations and on people where she is unwelcome. For me, that makes her much more interesting. I see her trying to do the right things, especially for her students. She genuinely cares about (most of) the sisters, but is frequently thwarted by what they need from her and what she has to give them.

The tension between old and new Holly is relentless and I appreciated how Wilson's even narration never got in the way of that. I used "noir" in my headline as shorthand for morally ambiguous, flawed, angry, self-destructive. Her past is a nightmare, her present only marginally better. Still there is hope for her, the school, and I plan to be around for the next book.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

What a great story!

Revisado: 06-05-22

I had no expectations or information about this title before listening. The story and narration are so good, the dialog between dispatcher and cop is perfect. I enjoyed every minute and now must look for more.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Superb

Revisado: 01-03-22

I loved reading this series of books and have now thoroughly enjoyed Siriol Jenkins' narration. To hear Welsh words spoken is a real bonus.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

I love Murderbot

Revisado: 11-11-21

This is the first time I've listened to this narrator and, astonishingly, his performance made the book even better. Free's snarky, put-upon, long-suffering Murderbot is everything I could have hoped for.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

So great, highly recommended

Revisado: 09-28-21

Not going to lie, it took me three years of listening in fits and starts to finish this book, and that's all on me. Once I had the time to really get into, it's now one of my favorite audio books. I chose it originally because of the Chicago setting and have so enjoyed walking those streets again with these characters. I have special affection for the robots with their distinct personalities and agenda. Is there a sequel? I need to find out what happens next.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

One of my favorite series

Revisado: 08-12-21

This is the first audiobook I've listened to in this series and the experience was every bit as enjoyable as reading the books. Greta is such a great character, so matter of fact and caring in her unusual profession as doctor to monsters. I already have the third audiobook and can't wait to catch up with Greta and the creatures/people around her.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña