Linda

Worst ever narrator

Revisado: 03-21-19

When I read reviews on Audible, I usually take the reviews of the narrator with a grain of salt. Sure, a good narrator can make a good book better, but I've never had a book completely ruined by a narrator. Even when the narrators are poor, I've always gotten used to them in the end. Until now.

This has got to be the hardest to understand and get used to narrator I've ever heard on Audible. Give me nasal. Give me screechy. Give me sing-song. But don't give me Bernard Mays.

On the other hand, I read the book long ago, but since at age 67, my eyes don't work as well as in the past, I thought it would be enjoyable to revisit the book through audible. No. I'm returning it, sadly. If I could have given the narrator a "-10," I would have. Stop and starts. Highs and lows. I spent all my effort just trying to understand and failing.

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Classic story/w horrible narration & dramatization

Revisado: 11-25-12

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The narrator and the corny sounding dramatization

What did you like best about this story?

I like the O. Henry story itself.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Her accent was not a pleasant one. Nor was her tone of voice. Then, whenever someone spoke, there was an insertion of a male voice with the vibrato turned up. Very distracting and corny.

Did The Other Wise Man inspire you to do anything?

I love the story but I didn't finish this audio version because of the narration.

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I don't get it

Revisado: 04-18-12

Would you try another book from Francine Rivers and/or Kate Forbes?

I think I probably don't, for the most part, like most historical romances and this book certainly didn't change my mind.

Has Redeeming Love turned you off from other books in this genre?

I don't normally read romance. I do love history but historical romance seems to not be something I care for.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narrator did a good job considering what she had to work with. The writing style was not great.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment, disbelief, offense.

Any additional comments?

This is supposed to be a modern day story of the book of Hosea but so much in this book disturbed me. Really, the guy in the story stalked the woman, a prostitute. Then he basically kidnapped her after she was beaten almost to death by her pimp. While she was still very ill from injuries, he called in a minister to marry them, getting her to say a feeble "Why not?" in place of the "I do" while she was still in bed, injured, confused and not mentally competent due to the beating. H then took her home to his farm and wonders why she wants to get away.

Sorry, the God I know doesn't violate people people's wills.

If you want a book that makes it okay to stalk women, overwhelm them while they are too sick to speak up for themselves because God tells you to do it --- well...you'll like this book. But I suggest you read a little history on women's issues.

BTW, I am an evangelical Christian, and I believe the Biblical story of Hosea is a beautiful story of God's unconditional love for us. But this was not the same story.

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Not up to parr

Revisado: 04-18-12

Would you try another book from M. C. Beaton and/or Graeme Malcolm?

I have read or listened to almost all of Beaton's books - Hamish McBeth and Mrs. Raisin. I liked them all but this one was missing something, besides being unbelievable.

Also, while the narrator isn't bad and I wouldn't mind him in another book, his performance in this one was a disappointment. For one thing, he was just too British sounding for a story in the Scottish highlands. But he also just didn't capture Hamish's personality.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Graeme Malcolm?

I wouldn't listen to another Hamish McBeth book with him. He might be "okay" in other locations.

Was Death of a Kingfisher worth the listening time?

It wasn't horrible... I did listen to it.. but I wouldn't be inspired to read another Beaton book if I didn't know her other books were better.

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so-so

Revisado: 12-06-11

Would you try another book from Stephen King and/or Craig Wasson?

no

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I didn't care much about the characters and I didn't think the book had the

Did Craig Wasson do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

so so

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

probably not

Any additional comments?

I very much dislike horror and have never read a Stephen King novel or seen a movie adaption. I've always heard he was a very skilled story-teller, though, so when this book came out, I thought it would be a great opportunity to enjoy a great writer. I like both history and time travel, and was 11 when Kennedy was assassinated so it also sounded interesting from that point of view as well.

Perhaps I expected too much but i was disappointed.

For me, the most important thing is a book is that I care about the main characters. I didn't dislike the main characters, but neither did I like them or care much if their lives worked out.

A second thing I require in a book is that if it is set in the past, I want to truly feel immersed in that past. In reviews, I read that King had researched the price of groceries in 1958, etc. Well, so what if you get the correct price of groceries but don't create the atmosphere of 1958-63? It

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Great series, great narrator

Revisado: 02-17-11

I usually only buy audible books that have 10 hours plus listening time (more for the money!) but bought The Kalahari Typing School for Gentlemen when I was sick with a cold and wanted to listen to something light (I had read the previous 4 books the old-fashioned way). But after listening to Ms. Lecat's narration, I've ordered the next in the series from Audible too. Both she and Mma Ramatswe rock!

If you haven't listened to a No. 1 Detective Agency Series, i recommend it. Not exciting crime here --just human foibles investigated by a delightful cast led by the traditionally build Mma Ramatswe.

I have never had much interest in visiting Africa but after reading this series (and seeing the HBO/BBC television mini series), I find myself wishing I could go to Botswana and walk the streets of Gabarone, visit the African mall, and drink bush tea on the porch of a nice, traditionally built Botswanan woman, though I doubt if any real person could measure up to Precious Ramatswe.

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Over the top in places but still good

Revisado: 09-06-10

Generally, I enjoyed the book and learned many things.

That being said, before buying this book, you should know: Napolitano is an ardent libertarian, 2)he is, to put it mildly, opinionated 3)in at least one instance, maybe two, in my opinion, his opinions "border" on conspiracist 3)some people will be offended by his treatment of Lincoln and other publicly revered persons - he ignores the tension Lincoln felt between his desire to see an end to slavery and his desire to save the union, saying (incorrectly) that he [Lincoln] was not concerned about slavery prior to the war - he also calls him a tyrant due to his actions re; the press during the War (actually, I'd agree on the latter, but still, some people don't like their idols torn down, so i am warning you) and finally, the Judge seems to use the argument of state's rights when it is convenient and the argument against state's rights when that is convenient.

Nevertheless, with those caviats, I highly recommend the book. You may not agree with Napolitano's opinions but the book is quite helpful for understanding the thinking behind libertarianism and those who believe original intent. It may even convince you.

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If you like Miss Marple and Mrs. Pollifax

Revisado: 08-08-10

I' m sure this kind of book isn't for everyone, but if you like Jane Marple or Emily Pollifax, you'll like Georgie. An amusing cozy mystery/adventure in which a young royal (35th in line for the throne) adjusts to having no money, no household help and tries to survive by doing menial work and special investigations for the queen.

The narrator does an excellent job.

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My favorite as a child

Revisado: 07-05-10

I first checked this book out of my school library in 1961. I was a 10 year old book worm from a dysfunctional alcoholic family who wanted to run away from them all and have total control of my life. I knew I couldn't do so, but did I ever enjoy reading about how Sam did it - and how, in the end, he realized he needed people in his life, too.

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Good but..

Revisado: 07-03-10

Much of this book I found fascinating. I grew up hearing about the death march and reading more details was sobering. I was disappointed that there were several people who figured into the story whose ultimate fates you did not end. Perhaps the authors couldn't get details if they died in the war or even afterwards. But i am sure that even if they couldn't furnish details, they could have at least determined if they survived the captivity itself. I would like to have known.

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