G. Eggleston

Just what I didn't know I needed

Revisado: 10-23-24

I was on a solo road trip and wanted an enjoyable listen. I'd started three or four different titles from my Audible library but... ehhh

Then I decided -- because of the story's length and trust in the author (never having been disappointed in other works by Annabeth Albert) -- to give "The Geek Who Saved Christmas" a shot.

Normally if I don't get hooked right at the beginning, a story is a no-go for me. And honestly, I almost didn't make it past the first chapter because it seemed so unplausible to me that grumpy Paul and cheery Gideon could ever work out, being such opposites. It was mainly my curiosity to see if I could be persuaded of a scenario that could possibly/realistically bring them together that made me go on listening.

Without giving any spoilers, it was the talent of the author that melted my heart to both Paul and Gideon. Funny thing is, I wasn't even sure, in the beginning, whether I liked either of them. But by the en, I so related to each that I saw myself as almost a composite of them! And there were even points when I was getting tears in my eyes as I was driving damnit! Ha!

There was one line, spoken by Paul, that really struck me (and so I knew I'd have to write this review, after my road trip, and mention it: "He was too much, but just right, all at once". I think I even said, right out loud as I was driving, "Exactly!"

And the same turned out to be true of Paul, as well. I love them both for who they are and how they are and what they are to each other. It was all so... magical. And now I'm thinking I'll have to listen to this title at every Christmas season going forward.

Oh!
And I can't forget to mention the performance of the story by Tim Paige (who is a new-to-me narrator). As a male, he may be the best at convincingly doing women's voices that I've ever heard. He is also a perfect example of how an actual human performer can be better than the best-of-AI readers. He captures the emotions in what the characters are speaking that goes beyond the words being spoken. And he is the best I've ever heard, in stories like this one, when it comes to doing the sex scenes. Only a human who knows what is going on can actually convey it in, for instance, the simple sentence "Yes, yes!" No way could Artificial Intelligence do that sentence as well as the human being Tim Paige did it.

Bravo to Annabeth Albert for the writing and Tim Paige for the performing of this masterful work of art. They have made me believe in Christmas all over again!

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Real

Revisado: 08-08-24

I like that or didn't feel like a script. For instance that sort of sigh of exasperation felt like... real. like I was right there with them. and the end of the scene was great!

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believable and real

Revisado: 06-09-22

I really enjoyed getting to know Einstein and Pax, hearing their story and feeling the feels along with them.
The epilogue was a nice little bonus.
Great job and cudos to the author/narrator.

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The book's cover is not representative of the book

Revisado: 05-20-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

...nor is the first part of the book representative of the genre/story.

OVERALL — 3½ stars
The book begins as a human drama – not a thriller/suspense – as the main character, 16-year-old Josh, deals with the hospitalization of his father and doesn't want his Mom to know he has taken up smoking to cope with it.
And then, in Chapter 2, Josh runs away from home, having listened to his "inner voice", that he feels is his personal "demon".

Chapter 3, more drama. Same with next few chapters. No thriller/suspense vibe and I was thinking the book was listed under an incorrect genre, belonging more to the drama or literary genre (since the writing itself is good).

It just seemed odd to me that I wasn't getting any thriller/suspense vibe, and so I became curious what other reviewers of the book were saying.

NOTE: At my request, I was given a free review copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this honest review of it.
If you find my review helpful, please click Helpful below so that my reviews may be seen by more people.

As I read other reviews of "Dreams of Sharp Teeth" I got the impression the reviewers were reviewing the cover of the book rather than the book itself: "extreme horror", "too graphic", "crazy psychological horror"
I felt like I must've been listening to a whole different book!

But I stuck with it and – a little over 2½ hours in – a guy named Clem enters and the book takes a turn for the better (in the sense of it finally beginning to take on a thriller/suspense tone (which is not to say that all that had come before was not good; it just hadn't been the thriller/suspense I'd expected when I got the book).

So anyhow, introducing Clem is when the Story actually begins (because what follows is the real thriller/suspense aspect of the story). All that came before was Backstory. (All that came before was not even Introduction in that it did not introduce the true story, which is not about Josh and his parents or Josh and his friend Brook, but rather the introduction of Clem into his life with all that follows)

Initially Clem challenges Josh regarding his age.
And then what had merely been literary drama started to get interesting.

PERFORMANCE — 4 stars (I listened at normal speed)
The narration is well done and Charles Mallett's voice is pleasant to listen to. Although the speed could be bumped up a notch, I listened at normal speed and found it sufficient.

STORY — 3½ stars
The latter part of the book is more interesting than the beginning (especially the first hour or two).

Perhaps the overall book would have been better if the author, Brandon Ford, had begun the story where Josh is at in his life 2½ hours into the book (as it is currently written). And then, after thrusting readers right into the good part, relevant snippets of all that came before in Josh's life could be mentioned as flashbacks along the way, readers getting filled in on how Josh came to be in the situation he's in as a runaway—and how he came to be associated with (and how he came to need) Clem.

To be specific, here's what I'm getting at—

"Dreams of Sharp Teeth", as it is, opens word-for-word as follows:

***

Dad had been sick long before I stepped onto this mortal coil. Diagnosed with cysticfibrosis, the disease attacked his lungs.... He'd spent his life suffering a barrage of painful symptoms, frequenting doctors offices and emergency rooms.... He endured an endless list of limitations.... He'd never had a normal life....

In me he'd once confided that he'd spent his first two decades positive he'd die a sad, lonely man who'd never experience love without condition. "I was sure I wouldn't find a suitable mate–" he told me, while offering my mother a loving glance "–who'd purposely devote their life to someone who would never make it past middle age. He took her hand in his.... Inside I cringed at the small but awkward display of affection.... The life expectancy of those affected by the disease.... Dad fervently believed he'd never see 21. That is, of course, until he met my mother, who'd fallen head-over-feet for him.

"The moment we met," she insisted. And miraculously his many symptoms abated. He was by no means cured – miles from it – but Dad claimed his suffering dwindled.... Perhaps he was too distracted by true love to focus on the disease.... Perhaps it was my mother's presence which kept the illness's bleakest moments at bay. I suppose we'll never know.

I can remember accompanying both of my parents on emergency room visits as far back as age 5....
....
He spat bile in such massive volumes that....
...Those mounds of thick, clumpy mucous....

Symptoms like these sickened and disgusted me. I longed for what I perceived to be a normal father.... His behavior embarrassed me and I refrained from bringing home the few friends I had as a preadolescent. But as I matured an acceptance of my father as well as the disease slowly killing him materialized....

***

Anyhow, this opening (besides being somewhat boring) conveys the idea to the reader that the father and his condition has relevance to the story and that the relationships of the family will be the central theme. But that is not so.

So I can't help wonder why Brandon Ford chose to begin the book there.

It would have been more compelling (and set the ominous tone I'm sure he intended) if the 39 chapter book had opened with the words occurring at the end of Chapter 10, "Multiplied Chaos":

***

"[You might be just the person] I'm looking for," [said the man]. "If you really do have nothing left [to live for] then you just might take things a few steps further than the rest."

"The rest?"

He laughed, fell into a seated position on the cold concrete, knees bent. "What—you think you're the fist person to answer that ad? I've been posting it for months, had hundreds of responses, but only chose to meet up with a select few."

He turned to glimpse his Jag, most likely to assess the damage I'd caused.

"What happened?"

He looked back at me. "Tell you what," he said, taking his wallet out of his back pocket and going through a thick billfold. "I'll give you—fifty bucks. That should at least get you through the week, if you budget well."

"Fifty bucks for what?"

"Take a few tests."

Tests. I remembered him mentioning something about tests over the phone but I was so dazed I didn't have time to contemplate what he could've meant. "What kind of tests?"

"Nothing taxing. And don't worry, I won't have you fill out one of those blue examination booklets. Just a few things I have to find out before we set off to Jersey. If I don't like what I see, the fifty is yours and you can be on your merry little way." [Clem] waved the bill, expecting me to take it.

I didn't. "I told you. I'm not interested. Not anymore."

"And I told you that's a story I ain't buying. So get up off your ass and let's go. It's as cold as a hound's pecker in December out here." He extended his arm further and waved the bill again.

This time I took it. But when I did he brought himself to his feet and offered a large hand to help with mine. When my flesh touched his I shuddered. I didn't know if it was the biting winds or if his blood ran icy cold, but his touch was frigid—colder than the concrete beneath me, colder than the steel window frame behind me.

He turned his back to me, headed toward the car.

I looked down at the fifty dollar bill in my hand. I suppose I could have taken it and ran, but after a few days I'd be back here again—hungry, cold and penniless. I owed it to myself to see where this would go. And so I climbed into the car with him."

***

Finally... I don't know who makes decisions for what portion of a book to include as an Audible sample on the book's Audible page. But after I wrote all of the above (and am now about to post this review), out of curiosity I listened to the Sample. And guess what: The Sample ends in Chapter 10 shortly before the section I transcribed above—where I felt the book should have begun! So apparently I am not alone in thinking THIS is where the book should have started, since most Samples are taken from the beginning of books (where, typically, an author focuses the most attention trying to hook a reader). If the beginning is boring or irrelevant, it won't help sell the book. So I guess that's why, for the Sample, a more interesting section of the book than its opening was chosen. And Chapter 10 is when the book really gets going.

Go ahead and get the book. Read/listen for yourself and you'll see/hear that I'm right.

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Does not include a PDF

Revisado: 05-19-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

This is an excellent resource for anyone planning on writing a memoir/biography.

Unfortunately it does not come with a PDF that would have been helpful for going back and reviewing information at a glance. (In a written versus audio book this would not be a problem). To somewhat circumvent this deficiency I recommend that readers bookmark the section numbers with their titles. That way it will be less difficult to go back through to find a section you want to review.

The information is all good.
The narration is also good, with a southern drawl.

"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

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Love blossoms amidst the horror of Nazi death camp

Revisado: 05-15-20

I have a confession.
I am among those who doubt the existence of "true love".
But "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" gives me hope that there is such a thing.
And that it could happen under such circumstances... is almost unthinkable.

What it really was, ironically, about this book that made me a believer wasn't even the story itself (as amazing and compelling as it was) but rather the Epilogue and the Afterward. This grown man got goosebumps! I certainly hope, if this book is ever made into a movie, it incorporates what we find out (no spoilers here) at the end of the book.

Everything about "The Tattooist of Auschwitz" (story and narration) was outstanding.
I purchased it as one of my choices in a Two-For-One Credit deal... but this book alone was well worth a single credit all by itself. It has become a new personal favorite that I will definitely want to listen to again (especially in light of knowing what I now know due to the post-story aspect of the book)

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This book gives new life to zombies!

Revisado: 05-13-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

OVERALL — 4½ stars
Unlike the usual variety of zombies, in "A Thousand Miles to Nowhere" the zombies do not decompose as time goes by. Instead, they perpetually regenerate with a chemical to their makeup that is like a "fountain of youth". If they do not feed, they go dormant. But after they feed—watch out!
The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, yet still feels complete. But by "complete" I do not mean completely satisfying. Anyhow, there is obviously going to be a sequel. The epilogue sets it up.

PERFORMANCE — 5 stars
The narrator (Neill Thorne) has a pleasant voice to listen to and no adjustment of speed (as is usually the case with audiobooks) was necessary. Also, he had a unique voice for the various characters and his voices for females was not embarrassing. Performed (and performed well) versus merely read, as if it was a movie playing in my head as I listened.
A perfect performance. 5 stars!

STORY — 5 stars
The story was great and well-written and kept my interest throughout. I was really impressed. I'm surprised this book has not gained the notoriety of other zombie apocalypse books. It certainly deserves to be included in any discussion of which are the best of the best. This is one I'll want to listen to again, and if there is a sequel I will definitely want to get it. 5 stars!

I was given a free review copy of "A Thousand Miles to Nowhere" at my request, and I am voluntarily leaving this review in hopes of becoming a top Audible reviewer so I can become known through my reviews and get more complimentary audiobooks.
If my review here has been helpful to you, please click "Helpful" below.
My reviews are always honest because I want them to be helpful to potential readers.
Upon submission, this review becomes the property of Audible.com
"A Thousand Miles to Nowhere" is an excellent audiobook and it was my pleasure listening to it.
Thank you so much for reading my review of it!

My rating scale:
1 = Junk! (dumpster worthy) // 2 = Poor // 3 = Good (average) // 4 = Great // 5 = Excellent! (award worthy)

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"Enjoy the last few minutes of your life!"

Revisado: 05-12-20

I requested and received a complimentary review copy of "VICTORY FEVER". My review of it is voluntary, without favor toward the author (whom I have never met nor read the work of) nor am I under any compulsion to write it. I'm writing this review because I really like this book and I heartily recommend it.

I increased the speed (to 1.25) as I often do with audiobooks, since narrators tend to read slow in order to avoid making mistakes, which are not allowed. This is a case, however, where even listening at normal speed is fine. The narrator himself (Bill Nevitt) has a pleasant voice to listen to for the 9 hours of the audiobook and does a great job.

I've always been interested in World War 2, but most of my attention was focused on the European theater. In "Victory Fever on Guadalcanal" I was able to expand my understanding of the war as a whole by learning, in this fascinating account, about the Pacific theater. I like how both sides of the war were presented rather than a one-sided overview. I also like how the personal touch from soldier diaries/memoirs added humor, such as how seasoned Marines would laugh at the new recruits training and say "Enjoy the last few minutes of your life". It makes me wonder how much humor helped them cope with the harrowing times they lived through. I wondered, toward the end of the book, if some of those heroes who died heroically in battle were some of those seasoned Marines who'd laughed about death. Regardless, they were all heroes and I enjoyed hearing their story.

If my review here has been helpful to you, please click "Helpful" below.
It was my pleasure reviewing this book and I thank you so much for reading my review of it!

My rating scale:
1 = Junk! (dumpster worthy) // 2 = Poor // 3 = Good (average) // 4 = Great // 5 = Excellent! (award worthy)

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Began listening with reservation...

Revisado: 04-30-20

...but was pleasantly surprised by the narration.

Note: Since these are classics that readers are already likely familiar with, this review will not rate them. And because they are classics, I will automatically give a 5-star rating for the Story category.

I have a number of books in my Audible library read by John York but was not blown away by any of them. Indeed, they seemed amateurish to me. But in this compilation of classics he does a terrific job. Maybe took a class or something. Something else different is that he uses a British accent (unless this is his natural accent?—in which case THAT may account for his doing so well as compared to earlier attempts at narration)

Here is how I think John York did in his reading of each classic story (listed below in their order of occurrence in the collection):

A Christmas Carol—Strong British accent was great and appropriate and voices of the character done well.

Alice in Wonderland—I was curious how John York would pull off doing an Alice voice, and I found it perfectly acceptable considering it was a male doing the voice (whereas female narrators will obviously do female voices better, for the most part).

The Call of the Wild—A less British/more American accent. And in this reading I hear more of the John York narrations of other books I previously referred to... but better than them in that he doesn't overdo his reading (which was, I think, my major problem with his earlier forays into narration, particularly in how he used to complete sentences)

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde—This may be my favorite of all the narrations. I don't know if it was an intended effect, but the reading had a subtle sinister tone to it that I can't quite put my finger on.

Notes from the Underground—Because this is by Dostoevsky I expected it would be a real challenge for the narrator... but he managed it quite well enough. But no Russian accent. Maybe with an accent pronunciation class? Anyhow, glad he didn't fake it since he obviously didn't know how to do a Russian accent any more than I would have—although he does it pretty good job in pronouncing "Dostoevsky" in the outro of the story, which made me smile, because I certainly wouldn't have been able to do it that good!

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow—This one was my first disappointment. So I checked my library and, sure enough, I already own "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" read by another narrator (Kevin Theis)... and John York's is better! Guess he spoiled my from the readings I have already listed above!

The Metamorphosis—I expected this one (by Franz Kafka) would be no less challenging than his Dostoevsky, but he did fine, giving it an intellectual-sounding flare. I've actually never even heard this story before so now John York has become my only point of reference.

I requested and received a complimentary review copy of SHORT CLASSICS COLLECTION and have written/posted this review voluntarily. If it has been helpful to you, please click Helpful below so that I can achieve my goal of becoming a top Audible reviewer. Thanks!

My rating scale:
1 = Junk! (dumpster worthy) // 2 = Poor // 3 = Good (average) // 4 = Great // 5 = Excellent! (award worthy)

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great stories with Award-worthy performance

Revisado: 04-19-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Following are the stories and their length:

The Viking's Stone (28:20)
Aunt Hester (41:08)
No Way Home (39:38)
The Horror at Oakdeene (1:09:00)
The Cleaner Woman (17:49)
The Statement of Henry Worthy (I-IV)
Darghud's Doll (20:40)
Born of the Winds (1-6)

Anyone who loves creepy stories – and particularly of the Cthulhu Mythos variety – will delight in this collection. The performance, in particular, was stellar. Joshua Saxon has the perfect voice for narrating stories like those in this collection, and to me it was the highlight of the listening experience. I looked up other titles he has narrated and, listening to those samples, was impressed by his range. The nuance he brought was masterful.

I requested and received an audio review copy of THE HORROR AT OAKDEENE.
The following review is written voluntarily by me, with no or requirement or obligation pertaining to the content of my review or whether I would write a review at all.

If my review has been helpful to you, please click "Helpful" below. I want to become a Top Reviewer on Audible.
Upon submission, this review becomes the property of Audible.
It was my pleasure reviewing this book. Thank you for reading it!

My rating scale:
1 = Junk! (dumpster worthy) // 2 = Poor // 3 = Good (average) // 4 = Great // 5 = Excellent! (award worthy)

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