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jenbsbooks's Reviews (2.41k)
I think I'll just DNF this, 77 pages in, 40%. 9 of the 20 chapters. I am more picky with my "read" books, as my "eye time" is so limited. This was short, and I figured I'd slip a P&P variation in (I've read a LOT of them) even though I didn't care for the cartoonish cover.
3rd person, we get into the head of several characters (Darcy, Lizzy, Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, Kitty - who gets a little more story time than in other variations). Set historically, different direction for Jane (she married someone else after Bingley left).
Honestly - I just didn't get the whole art exhibition. It was so central to this story, yet I'd never seen/read anything like that before. I didn't really get "the cut" and Lady Tuppence and Lord Rutherford, it all felt so forced and unnatural.
... just not for me I guess ...
3rd person, we get into the head of several characters (Darcy, Lizzy, Fitzwilliam, Georgiana, Kitty - who gets a little more story time than in other variations). Set historically, different direction for Jane (she married someone else after Bingley left).
Honestly - I just didn't get the whole art exhibition. It was so central to this story, yet I'd never seen/read anything like that before. I didn't really get "the cut" and Lady Tuppence and Lord Rutherford, it all felt so forced and unnatural.
... just not for me I guess ...
I liked this a lot. This was recommended in a FB group. I went ahead and put the Kindle copy on hold at the library (a bit of a wait) and the audio was on Hoopla.
There are SO many WW2 books out there, it's refreshing to get one before that time. While WW1 played a large part (with men shipping out, rations, etc), the disaster here wasn't war related, but an accident. It touches on the Spanish flu too. I appreciate historical fiction, where I can learn a little about history in a more easy to absorb fictional setting. There are author's notes (in the Kindle copy, which is just one reason why I always try to get that in addition to the audio) that expound on some of the facts and truth, and what was adjusted and what is complete fiction. There were discussion questions included too.
1st person/Past tense ... two POVs, Nora and Charlotte. Two narrators in the audio (as needed!) The Table of Contents in the audio listed the chronological chapter (32 of them) as well as the POV. In the text, the date (sometimes the location) was listed at the start of each chapter too. The Kindle TOC was bare bones though, neither POV nor date included there. Technically, I guess it 'could' be seen as a spoiler if one looked ahead ...
There was one of those "mystery prologues" ... not set before, but later in the book (here, Oct1918). We don't know who it is, no name given. It is revealed much later as the story catches up to that time in the book and recreates the scene. I don't know that this really added anything to the story though, having this set at the start like this.
No proFanity. Some slight sex, but not at all descriptive/explicit.
Other words I note: cacophony, snuck, ebullient, revivifying ... English (this takes place in Canada) spelling of words, ie manoeuvred.
Not sure the title really captured the book ...
There are SO many WW2 books out there, it's refreshing to get one before that time. While WW1 played a large part (with men shipping out, rations, etc), the disaster here wasn't war related, but an accident. It touches on the Spanish flu too. I appreciate historical fiction, where I can learn a little about history in a more easy to absorb fictional setting. There are author's notes (in the Kindle copy, which is just one reason why I always try to get that in addition to the audio) that expound on some of the facts and truth, and what was adjusted and what is complete fiction. There were discussion questions included too.
1st person/Past tense ... two POVs, Nora and Charlotte. Two narrators in the audio (as needed!) The Table of Contents in the audio listed the chronological chapter (32 of them) as well as the POV. In the text, the date (sometimes the location) was listed at the start of each chapter too. The Kindle TOC was bare bones though, neither POV nor date included there. Technically, I guess it 'could' be seen as a spoiler if one looked ahead ...
There was one of those "mystery prologues" ... not set before, but later in the book (here, Oct1918). We don't know who it is, no name given. It is revealed much later as the story catches up to that time in the book and recreates the scene. I don't know that this really added anything to the story though, having this set at the start like this.
No proFanity. Some slight sex, but not at all descriptive/explicit.
Other words I note: cacophony, snuck, ebullient, revivifying ... English (this takes place in Canada) spelling of words, ie manoeuvred.
Not sure the title really captured the book ...
I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would going in. I picked it up in physical format from a library sale. Meant for my LFL182597, I figured I'd give it a read first, even though it didn't really call to me (not the blurb, title or cover). Sometimes going in with low expectations is a good thing! I was able to get the audio and Kindle copy from the library, and I went primarily with audio. I appreciated the accents in the audio, although some of the voices weren't completely consistent, and a character named Yu (pronounced "you" and me hearing it that way much of the time) made it a tad confusing in parts.
1st person/past tense, very easy/conversational tone. Just the slightest (intentional I think) feeling of "English as a second language" ... some phrasing not exactly as most would put out. I think this is actually where the book really stood out for me, the language Shelly uses, the alliteration and rhyme at times, it just tickled me! Listening to the audio, I probably didn't note them all, but I stopped to find and highlight some of them: Being gangly made me prone to getting tangly. The crease of cajolery, the parabola of persuasion. A pair too proud to parley, too boxed-in to bend. Mischief-making monkey-wrencher. Coming home empty-Henried. MVP , Minimum Viable Politeness. The Chinese groove kerflopped.
These little phrases made me smile and really enjoy the story. It was fun to follow the MC as he thought he was coming to America, to wealth and ease, and found things not exactly as expected. It was enjoyable and there were things that could be addressed for further discussion (bookclub, etc) ...
I've really enjoyed the trend of author's/publishers including "discussion questions" with their books. Just as I've loved joining a couple a book clubs, or even helping my sons through some English class assignments, sometimes being nudged to delve a little deeper can up the appreciation. Discussion question can do that, even on my own ... None were included IN the book, but I found some online:
1. There are multiple clues that Shelley could be an unreliable narrator. How did you feel when Shelley addressed the reader directly? Did it change your feelings toward the novel in any way?
2. The ‘Chinese groove’ has a multitude of different meanings and uses. How would you best describe its meaning?
3. How does Shelley and his story change your perception of modern Chinese immigration in America? What about Yu and Deng’s journeys?
4. Do you feel there’s an equivalent of the ‘Chinese groove’ in your own culture? While reading, did you find yourself thinking of your own familial customs and norms? Or how you might’ve felt in Shelley’s shoes?
5. What is the meaning behind Shelley’s ‘black tummy fish’?
6. How do you feel about storytelling as a theme in the novel? From Shelley’s father’s stories for him and his mother; Aviva’s for the kids at the library; Ted’s freelancing and ghostwriting; to Shelley’s own bedtime stories for Leo and his daughter, how are each of these forms of storytelling connected? How are they different?
7. When Shelley is at his lowest, Cook gives him some powerful insight. Do you agree that genius comes from suffering? What are some other perspectives? Do you see this reflected in any other characters?
8. There are a couple of chapters in the novel that stray from the established format: Chapter 11 “Once Shunned, Chinese American Grocer Now Beloved” and Chapter 18 “The Story of the Peach Blossom Forest.” How do you feel about them? Do you think they help enrich the story? If so, how?
9. The idea of East versus West plays a big role in the novel as Shelley navigates his new life in America while processing his past in China. His world view and the way he lived completely changed. What are some of the biggest changes you saw in Shelley during his time in America? What stayed the same?
10. How do you think the treatment of the elderly differs between the East and the West? How did it make you feel when Henry said, “Old people in America, they turn invisible to the rest”?
11. What do you think about the differences between believing in fate and a higher power versus manifesting your own destiny?
12. Shelley’s Three Achievables are Family, Love, and Fortune. Do you think he ultimately succeeded, and do you think his ideas of success changed throughout the novel?
13. After his two-week stay at Ted and Aviva's, Shelley struggles to find a place to live, finally ending up sleeping in the park. How are the themes of housing and home developed in the novel? Are Shelley's difficulties unique to his situation? At one point, Shelley says, "once a body has a home (you know as well as I), the momentous things in life that one profoundly desires feel within fingertip reach." Do you agree? What might you say to Shelley on this subject?
14. How does Ted’s relationship with Henry compare to that of Shelley’s with his father? Do you think they serve as parallels or foils?
15. In the novel there are many characters dealing with grief. How does loss affect the characters and their relationships with one another?
Credit: https://sfpl.org/books-and-media/read/one-city-one-book-chinese-groove
There was a little proFanity (x6) and some mention of sex, but nothing explicit/descriptive.
There were 31 chapters, listed numerically and they also had headers (included in the Kindle and audiobook). Per the new norm ... the physical copy doesn't even provide a TOC.
1st person/past tense, very easy/conversational tone. Just the slightest (intentional I think) feeling of "English as a second language" ... some phrasing not exactly as most would put out. I think this is actually where the book really stood out for me, the language Shelly uses, the alliteration and rhyme at times, it just tickled me! Listening to the audio, I probably didn't note them all, but I stopped to find and highlight some of them: Being gangly made me prone to getting tangly. The crease of cajolery, the parabola of persuasion. A pair too proud to parley, too boxed-in to bend. Mischief-making monkey-wrencher. Coming home empty-Henried. MVP , Minimum Viable Politeness. The Chinese groove kerflopped.
These little phrases made me smile and really enjoy the story. It was fun to follow the MC as he thought he was coming to America, to wealth and ease, and found things not exactly as expected. It was enjoyable and there were things that could be addressed for further discussion (bookclub, etc) ...
I've really enjoyed the trend of author's/publishers including "discussion questions" with their books. Just as I've loved joining a couple a book clubs, or even helping my sons through some English class assignments, sometimes being nudged to delve a little deeper can up the appreciation. Discussion question can do that, even on my own ... None were included IN the book, but I found some online:
1. There are multiple clues that Shelley could be an unreliable narrator. How did you feel when Shelley addressed the reader directly? Did it change your feelings toward the novel in any way?
2. The ‘Chinese groove’ has a multitude of different meanings and uses. How would you best describe its meaning?
3. How does Shelley and his story change your perception of modern Chinese immigration in America? What about Yu and Deng’s journeys?
4. Do you feel there’s an equivalent of the ‘Chinese groove’ in your own culture? While reading, did you find yourself thinking of your own familial customs and norms? Or how you might’ve felt in Shelley’s shoes?
5. What is the meaning behind Shelley’s ‘black tummy fish’?
6. How do you feel about storytelling as a theme in the novel? From Shelley’s father’s stories for him and his mother; Aviva’s for the kids at the library; Ted’s freelancing and ghostwriting; to Shelley’s own bedtime stories for Leo and his daughter, how are each of these forms of storytelling connected? How are they different?
7. When Shelley is at his lowest, Cook gives him some powerful insight. Do you agree that genius comes from suffering? What are some other perspectives? Do you see this reflected in any other characters?
8. There are a couple of chapters in the novel that stray from the established format: Chapter 11 “Once Shunned, Chinese American Grocer Now Beloved” and Chapter 18 “The Story of the Peach Blossom Forest.” How do you feel about them? Do you think they help enrich the story? If so, how?
9. The idea of East versus West plays a big role in the novel as Shelley navigates his new life in America while processing his past in China. His world view and the way he lived completely changed. What are some of the biggest changes you saw in Shelley during his time in America? What stayed the same?
10. How do you think the treatment of the elderly differs between the East and the West? How did it make you feel when Henry said, “Old people in America, they turn invisible to the rest”?
11. What do you think about the differences between believing in fate and a higher power versus manifesting your own destiny?
12. Shelley’s Three Achievables are Family, Love, and Fortune. Do you think he ultimately succeeded, and do you think his ideas of success changed throughout the novel?
13. After his two-week stay at Ted and Aviva's, Shelley struggles to find a place to live, finally ending up sleeping in the park. How are the themes of housing and home developed in the novel? Are Shelley's difficulties unique to his situation? At one point, Shelley says, "once a body has a home (you know as well as I), the momentous things in life that one profoundly desires feel within fingertip reach." Do you agree? What might you say to Shelley on this subject?
14. How does Ted’s relationship with Henry compare to that of Shelley’s with his father? Do you think they serve as parallels or foils?
15. In the novel there are many characters dealing with grief. How does loss affect the characters and their relationships with one another?
Credit: https://sfpl.org/books-and-media/read/one-city-one-book-chinese-groove
There was a little proFanity (x6) and some mention of sex, but nothing explicit/descriptive.
There were 31 chapters, listed numerically and they also had headers (included in the Kindle and audiobook). Per the new norm ... the physical copy doesn't even provide a TOC.
I've seen a few movies based on NS books, but this is the first book of his that I've read. I got the audio and Kindle copy, and went primarily with the audio. This was for bookclub ... we'll see if discussion makes me appreciate it any more. It was just okay for me.
In audio, it started off with the author (I think? Not credited, but not the same narrator as the male voice in the story) telling us how he discovered the Kindred Spirit mailbox, where apparently people leave letters and anyone can read them. He finds one that he feels like there is a story, tracks down the author, and thus, this book. For privacy, and due to creative license, he's calling it a novel rather than non-fiction.
It felt a little odd to me ... I appreciated that the author voiced the narration himself (always making things more personable) but information like this is more of an "author's notes" type of thing. Here at the front of the book, not even labeled as an "author's note" and written fairly flowery, it felt like part of the book .
... ahhhh. Have you read The Princess Bride's intro?
So ... I know a lot of people don't bother with Author's Notes, sometimes the audiobook doesn't even include them (it was included in the audio here). Some people don't even read prologue/epilogues (but come on, those are part of the book!). The author's note here should be required ... revelation that "the literary device of 'self-insertion' had always felt intriguing ..." that the “story-within-a-story” device involving the author/the bookends I wrote in my own voice added an interesting dimension" and that Tru/Hope, the discovery, the whole story, is complete fiction. I'm sure MANY readers sigh and think this is all based on real people.
I thought the story was quite a stretch. I'm not a fan of "insta love" ... I know in the rare case it can and has happened, but really? Spend a couple of days with someone, fall into bed, and want to spend the rest of your life with them? And if that doesn't work out, spend the rest of your life thinking about them and "what ifs" ...? I was irked at Hope letting her dog run all over unsupervised. I didn't care for the big break/time jump, and the big catchup on their lives.
No numerical chapters, there were the two "parts" and the headers (pretty generic) ... Kindred Spirit. Part 1: Tru, Hope, Sunset Beach, Autumn Afternoons, Dinner on the Deck, A Walk in the Dark, Sunrise and Surprises, A Love Letter, Moments of Truth, Together, Father Time, No More Tomorrows, Aftermath Part 2: Sands in the Hourglass, The Box, Reunion, Dying, Day by Day. Epilogue.
There was mention of Alexander Smith's novels ... I just read [book:The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency|1102099] earlier this month! Co-ink-idink! I'd also watched "A Biltmore Christmas" this last holiday season (wouldn't have even registered that reference otherwise).
In audio, it started off with the author (I think? Not credited, but not the same narrator as the male voice in the story) telling us how he discovered the Kindred Spirit mailbox, where apparently people leave letters and anyone can read them. He finds one that he feels like there is a story, tracks down the author, and thus, this book. For privacy, and due to creative license, he's calling it a novel rather than non-fiction.
It felt a little odd to me ... I appreciated that the author voiced the narration himself (always making things more personable) but information like this is more of an "author's notes" type of thing. Here at the front of the book, not even labeled as an "author's note" and written fairly flowery, it felt like part of the book .
... ahhhh. Have you read The Princess Bride's intro?
So ... I know a lot of people don't bother with Author's Notes, sometimes the audiobook doesn't even include them (it was included in the audio here). Some people don't even read prologue/epilogues (but come on, those are part of the book!). The author's note here should be required ... revelation that "the literary device of 'self-insertion' had always felt intriguing ..." that the “story-within-a-story” device involving the author/the bookends I wrote in my own voice added an interesting dimension" and that Tru/Hope, the discovery, the whole story, is complete fiction. I'm sure MANY readers sigh and think this is all based on real people.
I thought the story was quite a stretch. I'm not a fan of "insta love" ... I know in the rare case it can and has happened, but really? Spend a couple of days with someone, fall into bed, and want to spend the rest of your life with them? And if that doesn't work out, spend the rest of your life thinking about them and "what ifs" ...? I was irked at Hope letting her dog run all over unsupervised. I didn't care for the big break/time jump, and the big catchup on their lives.
No numerical chapters, there were the two "parts" and the headers (pretty generic) ... Kindred Spirit. Part 1: Tru, Hope, Sunset Beach, Autumn Afternoons, Dinner on the Deck, A Walk in the Dark, Sunrise and Surprises, A Love Letter, Moments of Truth, Together, Father Time, No More Tomorrows, Aftermath Part 2: Sands in the Hourglass, The Box, Reunion, Dying, Day by Day. Epilogue.
There was mention of Alexander Smith's novels ... I just read [book:The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency|1102099] earlier this month! Co-ink-idink! I'd also watched "A Biltmore Christmas" this last holiday season (wouldn't have even registered that reference otherwise).
3.5 stars. I liked this. Had no trouble finishing it. Will I remember it? Would I rush to recommend it? Not really. I made a few notes while I listened (I had both the audio and the Kindle copy, went primarily with the audio). I think it found it through a Facebook group recommendation.
1st person past tense with two POVs ... Miss Isabelle and Dorrie (two different narrators in audio, needed, and both were good). Two timelines, as Isabelle recounts her story from back in 1939. I appreciated that the chapters were both numbered, and included the POV/Date in the Table of Contents in both formats.
Dorrie is black, and race plays a big part in the past/Isabelle's story as well, as foreshadowed by the cover image. While yes, race of course was a huge part of the "problem" ... it was also her being underage. I have to wonder if the reaction would have still been somewhat similar if she'd run off with a white boy. Once she was 18, she left and was on her own her parents/brothers didn't seem at all concerned with what she was doing or who she was with
I think I've read a few too many "had sex one time and got pregnant" plot points in recent reads. I know that can happen, but as someone who struggled with infertility, it can come across as annoying and "convenient" for the storyline. So many two-timeline stories, so many "old crotchety lady ends up forming a strong relationship with a younger person" stories ... I guess I felt like I'd heard most of the story before. Little "twist" at the end wasn't a surprise either, I was totally expecting that SPOILER her daughter hadn't died, miscommunications all around, the father ending up helping a little
I really enjoyed the "crossword puzzle" play ... that they were doing puzzles along the way, and that Dorrie was learning (and sharing the words/definitions) with us/the reader. Enjoyed some humor ... after the word "beloved" Dorrie thinks "Maybe Steve was be-loved at one time. Now he’s downright be-noying."
Seemed like there were a few product placements ... I'm not sure if it makes it more "real" and relevant when JC Penny, Walgreens, StateFarm is specified, or if that takes me out of the story, wondering why they are naming names.
Dorrie is a hair stylist, and I had to laugh at her giving "complimentary bangs trims—it made my life easier when they left the damn things alone." I trim my own, ha ha, I'm sure I make a mess of it!
In audio, at the end of chapter 37 ... super long pause. Did my book turn off? My earbud? Just a long break that didn't get edited properly ...
No proFanity. Some other words I note: detritus, katty corner
I would have liked some discussion questions included ... sometimes that makes me stop and think longer on the book, delve a little deeper and up my appreciation.
1st person past tense with two POVs ... Miss Isabelle and Dorrie (two different narrators in audio, needed, and both were good). Two timelines, as Isabelle recounts her story from back in 1939. I appreciated that the chapters were both numbered, and included the POV/Date in the Table of Contents in both formats.
Dorrie is black, and race plays a big part in the past/Isabelle's story as well, as foreshadowed by the cover image.
I think I've read a few too many "had sex one time and got pregnant" plot points in recent reads. I know that can happen, but as someone who struggled with infertility, it can come across as annoying and "convenient" for the storyline. So many two-timeline stories, so many "old crotchety lady ends up forming a strong relationship with a younger person" stories ... I guess I felt like I'd heard most of the story before. Little "twist" at the end wasn't a surprise either, I was totally expecting that SPOILER
I really enjoyed the "crossword puzzle" play ... that they were doing puzzles along the way, and that Dorrie was learning (and sharing the words/definitions) with us/the reader. Enjoyed some humor ... after the word "beloved" Dorrie thinks "Maybe Steve was be-loved at one time. Now he’s downright be-noying."
Seemed like there were a few product placements ... I'm not sure if it makes it more "real" and relevant when JC Penny, Walgreens, StateFarm is specified, or if that takes me out of the story, wondering why they are naming names.
Dorrie is a hair stylist, and I had to laugh at her giving "complimentary bangs trims—it made my life easier when they left the damn things alone." I trim my own, ha ha, I'm sure I make a mess of it!
In audio, at the end of chapter 37 ... super long pause. Did my book turn off? My earbud? Just a long break that didn't get edited properly ...
No proFanity. Some other words I note: detritus, katty corner
I would have liked some discussion questions included ... sometimes that makes me stop and think longer on the book, delve a little deeper and up my appreciation.
I'm really not sure on the rating for this. I liked it, had no trouble finishing it. As I came to write a review ... how much did I even remember though? It's not one I'd rush to recommend, and I didn't stop to make any notes while listening (I had a physical copy, and grabbed the audio and Kindle from the library ... went primarily with the audio). Reading other rave reviews I feel like I SHOULD have been more immersed in it, but I just wasn't really. Thinking back on a few things, I feel like I didn't really get (the altering of the painting, why Greta would lay down in the woods, the "love" for her uncle). Maybe a bookclub discussion would have made me appreciate it more, delve deeper? Maybe I was just distracted while I had this book going? I read the Discussion Questions (included in the Kindle copy, with a Q&A with the author) and I really appreciate extras like that, but even that didn't elevate this as it sometimes does for me.
The title tied in - several connections throughout the book. First person - June's POV. Past tense. Very easy, conversational tone.
The parents were tax professionals, super busy during tax season. A reminder to myself that I need to gather all our stuff and get it to our tax guy.
The look at AIDS in the 80s was an interesting reflection. I graduated high school in 1989, was involved in musical theater (like Greta). Was in Annie in the 80s.
No proFanity.
The title tied in - several connections throughout the book. First person - June's POV. Past tense. Very easy, conversational tone.
The parents were tax professionals, super busy during tax season. A reminder to myself that I need to gather all our stuff and get it to our tax guy.
The look at AIDS in the 80s was an interesting reflection. I graduated high school in 1989, was involved in musical theater (like Greta). Was in Annie in the 80s.
No proFanity.
fast-paced
I found a copy of this book at a thrift store, and while it is short, could be considered a "children's book" I thought I'd include it here on MY Goodreads, and count it toward my "read physical book" tag (I'm almost exclusively digital now). This book I ONLY had in physical format (although I saw an ebook copy on Hoopla). I'll have to check out the live animation next time I have an Apple+ subscription.
There are many RAVE reviews for this ... and it was sweet, with lovely illustrations, but I didn't shed a tear or feel emotional about it. Sometimes I'm a little hard hearted I think, when I read a statement like "you are loved and important and you bring to this world things no one else can" and instead of making me feel good and special, I think "well, that's meant for every person who reads this book, so if everyone is 'special and important' that means no one is really, because it's a blanket statement for everyone".
I guess I also wondered about some of the story ... why was the boy alone, how is he going to survive in the woods with his animal friends. The thought of "Home isn't always a place" is nice, it's the people you are with, but just thinking logically in this case ... hmmmm.
The mole, and his obsession with cake was cute.
I'm wondering if I'd find the original a little "more" ... peeking at a couple reviews and page shares, I think this one is shortened, abridged or changed a bit?
While the font added to the ambience ... it was a little hard to read.
There are many RAVE reviews for this ... and it was sweet, with lovely illustrations, but I didn't shed a tear or feel emotional about it. Sometimes I'm a little hard hearted I think, when I read a statement like "you are loved and important and you bring to this world things no one else can" and instead of making me feel good and special, I think "well, that's meant for every person who reads this book, so if everyone is 'special and important' that means no one is really, because it's a blanket statement for everyone".
I guess I also wondered about some of the story ... why was the boy alone, how is he going to survive in the woods with his animal friends. The thought of "Home isn't always a place" is nice, it's the people you are with, but just thinking logically in this case ... hmmmm.
The mole, and his obsession with cake was cute.
I'm wondering if I'd find the original a little "more" ... peeking at a couple reviews and page shares, I think this one is shortened, abridged or changed a bit?
While the font added to the ambience ... it was a little hard to read.
I'd watched, and enjoyed, the movie a few years ago. I think I knew it was based on a book. When I found a paperback copy at a library sale, I picked it up (for my #LFL182597) and put the book on my TBR. I was able to borrow the audio and Kindle copy from the library.
14 chapters ... 1) Obscurity 2) Running 3)Spiral 4)America 5)Fancy 6)The Morgue 7)Discovery 8)Belonging 9)Attack 10)Scramble 11)Oddball 12)Comfort Zone 13)Word 14)Daddy
In the Kindle/Physical copy, there were some photos as well.
Third person ... female narrator for the audio, which surprised me a little, but it was fine (she was good). A mix of past and present tense. The first chapter starts in the middle of a trial (present tense), then for the next several chapters, it shifts to the past, telling us/the reader not only about Dr. Bennet's childhood, but that of his father as well. It is all part of the background, but I lost some interest there. I wanted more about the current/concussion issue.
While it had been a few years since I'd seen the movie, I remembered some of the most important parts. It was interesting to hear them (instead of seeing them presented as a movie), and get a little more info and background. I might need to watch the film again now!
There was some proFanity (x12) and talk of Bennet in sexual relationships earlier in his history. Some struggles with depression, and of course suicide is addressed several times throughout. I'm not a football fan, but have boys in basketball and have had to read up on concussion protocol for sports. I've had a couple concussions myself (where I knocked myself out/seizures) and had an ironic forgetful episode (totally spaced taking a bag with me) while listening to this!
14 chapters ... 1) Obscurity 2) Running 3)Spiral 4)America 5)Fancy 6)The Morgue 7)Discovery 8)Belonging 9)Attack 10)Scramble 11)Oddball 12)Comfort Zone 13)Word 14)Daddy
In the Kindle/Physical copy, there were some photos as well.
Third person ... female narrator for the audio, which surprised me a little, but it was fine (she was good). A mix of past and present tense. The first chapter starts in the middle of a trial (present tense), then for the next several chapters, it shifts to the past, telling us/the reader not only about Dr. Bennet's childhood, but that of his father as well. It is all part of the background, but I lost some interest there. I wanted more about the current/concussion issue.
While it had been a few years since I'd seen the movie, I remembered some of the most important parts. It was interesting to hear them (instead of seeing them presented as a movie), and get a little more info and background. I might need to watch the film again now!
There was some proFanity (x12) and talk of Bennet in sexual relationships earlier in his history. Some struggles with depression, and of course suicide is addressed several times throughout. I'm not a football fan, but have boys in basketball and have had to read up on concussion protocol for sports. I've had a couple concussions myself (where I knocked myself out/seizures) and had an ironic forgetful episode (totally spaced taking a bag with me) while listening to this!
I finished the Scythe series recently, and saw this book ... 13 short stories in the same universe. Some prequels, giving us a history of some of the characters, other stories were just side stories, others happened after what we'd already read.
My mother saw that I'd enjoyed the Scythe series, but this was the only book the library carried in audio (the trilogy is an Audible exclusive, that I bought during an Audible sale). She thought she might try this, but I had to tell her that this has to be read AFTER the trilogy. A couple of the stories would be okay, although I don't know that a new reader would understand the world without the trilogy as a background. Other stories would be spoilers for the series.
I enjoyed these, but as they are bite-sized bitty books, I used them as palate-cleansers between other books. I didn't listen to them all back to back.
No proFanity. A few words I note: cerulean, bucolic, purloined. Apogee.
My mother saw that I'd enjoyed the Scythe series, but this was the only book the library carried in audio (the trilogy is an Audible exclusive, that I bought during an Audible sale). She thought she might try this, but I had to tell her that this has to be read AFTER the trilogy. A couple of the stories would be okay, although I don't know that a new reader would understand the world without the trilogy as a background. Other stories would be spoilers for the series.
I enjoyed these, but as they are bite-sized bitty books, I used them as palate-cleansers between other books. I didn't listen to them all back to back.
No proFanity. A few words I note: cerulean, bucolic, purloined. Apogee.
I had three "orphan" books ... this one, The Orphan Keeper & The Orphan's Tale. I figured I'd get through them all here in February. This, as with the others, was fine, but not something that will stick in my memory, or would be something I'd rush to recommend.
Here, like with The Orphan Keeper, I had to make sure I got the original, NOT the "adapted for young readers" version ... which I did, for the borrowed Kindle copy from the library. The audio is an Audible Exclusive that I'd picked up during a sale, and I had the physical copy (intended for my LFL#182597). It's a nice paperback with deckled edges. I was SO CONFUSED at the differences in the Kindle copy, until I realized it was the adaptation. Luckily the original was also available for me to borrow.
Two timelines ... one in the present/2011 and one in the past (starting in 1929 going through 1943). Both in PRESENT tense. The 2011 timeline/Molly's was 3rd person, and the present tense felt stilted in it. In the older timeline, it was first person (Viv/Niamh/Dorothy). The shift felt a little random ... yes, in the 2011 they are starting to look through things from the past, but in other "two timeline" books, they are often reading from a journal/letter, or having a story told. That wasn't specifically happening here.
There were no numerical chapters ... the Table of Contents (in Kindle/Audio ... no TOC in the physical copy) showed the headers, which consisted of the location/date. I would have preferred to numbered chapters too. It's too difficult to try to move between formats ... I know in audio I'm in one of the Spruce Harbor/2011 (Molly) chapters, but which one, to find the same spot in the Kindle or physical copy??
I went primarily with audio. Two narrators listed ... the prologue had one woman, older (Vivian, although at that time no name is given, the reader isn't sure who is speaking), then moved to a younger sounding narrator for the Molly sections ... AND the "past" sections. Ummmmm, WHY. Didn't the producer have two narrators? Two different/distinct voices for the two women? Yes, in the "past" sections, the MC is much younger than she is in the "present" sections, but she's telling her story, it should be her voice! The voice we just heard in the prologue. Instead, it's the same voice, Molly's voice, just with a slight Irish accent. Now, Molly's section is 3rd person, so technically it's some omniscient narrator's voice, but to me, the narration almost ruined it for me. I needed more distinction between the past and the present, a different feel. Having "Molly's" voice (as she was Molly when we first hear her, for two chapters before the time shifts) be "young Vivan's voice" too (slightly accented) ... did NOT work for me. I think it would have been a completely different listen/experience if they had the second narrator voice all of the "past" parts in addition to the prologue.
It was a sad story. I've read Before We Were Yours and just finished The Orphan Keeper ... both addressing children being taken to be "sold" to new families. Here, while there was some desire for monetary or personal gain, there seemed to be some desire to get kids into new families ... although not much checking to make sure they would be GOOD families.
There was some proFanity (x8). Other words I noticed ... preternatural, swathe, riffling, cache (narrator pronounced it "cash-ay"), "apropos of nothing" ...
Appreciated the extras - a Q&A with the author and some discussion questions (in the Kindle/Print copies).
Here, like with The Orphan Keeper, I had to make sure I got the original, NOT the "adapted for young readers" version ... which I did, for the borrowed Kindle copy from the library. The audio is an Audible Exclusive that I'd picked up during a sale, and I had the physical copy (intended for my LFL#182597). It's a nice paperback with deckled edges. I was SO CONFUSED at the differences in the Kindle copy, until I realized it was the adaptation. Luckily the original was also available for me to borrow.
Two timelines ... one in the present/2011 and one in the past (starting in 1929 going through 1943). Both in PRESENT tense. The 2011 timeline/Molly's was 3rd person, and the present tense felt stilted in it. In the older timeline, it was first person (Viv/Niamh/Dorothy). The shift felt a little random ... yes, in the 2011 they are starting to look through things from the past, but in other "two timeline" books, they are often reading from a journal/letter, or having a story told. That wasn't specifically happening here.
There were no numerical chapters ... the Table of Contents (in Kindle/Audio ... no TOC in the physical copy) showed the headers, which consisted of the location/date. I would have preferred to numbered chapters too. It's too difficult to try to move between formats ... I know in audio I'm in one of the Spruce Harbor/2011 (Molly) chapters, but which one, to find the same spot in the Kindle or physical copy??
I went primarily with audio. Two narrators listed ... the prologue had one woman, older (Vivian, although at that time no name is given, the reader isn't sure who is speaking), then moved to a younger sounding narrator for the Molly sections ... AND the "past" sections. Ummmmm, WHY. Didn't the producer have two narrators? Two different/distinct voices for the two women? Yes, in the "past" sections, the MC is much younger than she is in the "present" sections, but she's telling her story, it should be her voice! The voice we just heard in the prologue. Instead, it's the same voice, Molly's voice, just with a slight Irish accent. Now, Molly's section is 3rd person, so technically it's some omniscient narrator's voice, but to me, the narration almost ruined it for me. I needed more distinction between the past and the present, a different feel. Having "Molly's" voice (as she was Molly when we first hear her, for two chapters before the time shifts) be "young Vivan's voice" too (slightly accented) ... did NOT work for me. I think it would have been a completely different listen/experience if they had the second narrator voice all of the "past" parts in addition to the prologue.
It was a sad story. I've read Before We Were Yours and just finished The Orphan Keeper ... both addressing children being taken to be "sold" to new families. Here, while there was some desire for monetary or personal gain, there seemed to be some desire to get kids into new families ... although not much checking to make sure they would be GOOD families.
There was some proFanity (x8). Other words I noticed ... preternatural, swathe, riffling, cache (narrator pronounced it "cash-ay"), "apropos of nothing" ...
Appreciated the extras - a Q&A with the author and some discussion questions (in the Kindle/Print copies).