Jennifer

I really wanted to like this book ....

Reviewed: 06-22-15

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I'm always on the lookout for Buddhist-themed novels and so downloaded this one despite it's mixed reviews. It's been in my library for a while and I've dipped in and out of it from time to time - wanting to like it and wanting to give it a full chance. I don't seem to be able to get into it. The story is a bit thin; the protagonist a bit 'in your face'. I like the idea of the novel, but don't feel that it is pulled off and have decided not to persevere with trying to finish it..

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Gentle but fun

Reviewed: 06-22-15

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This is a 'sweet' book about a newbie doctor encountering the ways of a rural town and learning from an 'old dog' local doctor. Whilst it is gentle and easy listening, there are also plenty of lessons to be learned as you follow the newbie's need to learn some humility. Pleasant narrator. Good listen.

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So-so

Reviewed: 06-22-15

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I was looking for a new detective novel and downloaded this one which promised to be excellent. The narrator is good, the story limps a little and didn't keep me riveted. So-so; not great.

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3 people found this helpful

When suburbia and a guru meet - great!

Reviewed: 01-28-15

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As one reviewer noted, keep going beyond the first 10 minutes and you will have a great book. In a nutshell, a story of someone resistant to spirituality told in a humorous enough way that you want to hear more. I'm sure many listeners will find sections that make them laugh because they can relate to the situations in question. The 'clash' between real life and spirituality are unpacked brilliantly. Underneath the humour there are many insightful and serious messages. I found myself thinking long after listening... Great narrator.

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1 person found this helpful

Didn't live up to expectations

Reviewed: 01-28-15

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Audible sales provide a great opportunity to try something new. After buying books on sale, I have often become a fan and bought others in the series or by the same author. This was not one of them. The editor's summary caught my eye and suggested a fascinating insight to the emotional and spiritual issues that crop up when dying. The book does deal with that but in a very superficial way. It felt like a teenage author writing for a young adult audience. Alternatively it may have been written by someone who had been through or encountered a situation that they had found difficult and decided to write it down and that it was a path of personal healing. Whatever the background, I doubt that many adult readers would gain any insights or be persuaded to adopt new ideas. I also felt that since 95% of the book involves male dialogue, a female narrator was a poor choice. She seemed to be grappling with the pitch and I found her a little monotone and not credible.

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The "hook" is missing

Reviewed: 09-24-14

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The book got many great reviews and I was looking forward to a story about covert operations in World War II. There were some interesting sections on the training of operatives, but it felt more like a romance in a wartime setting - with neither angle being developed in much depth. The story is a bit thin and predictable. I listened to the end because the narrator was really good .

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1 person found this helpful

Worth adding to your Pema Chodren library

Reviewed: 08-05-14

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Early in the book Pema Chodren tells you that the talk is not a prepared one. Compared to her other books, it does feel less fluent. However, her usual skill at explaining how buddhist concepts apply in everyday life - often with humour - is there. I suspect that this book is better listened to after being exposed to some of her other books and not as an introduction to her talks.

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11 people found this helpful

A must listen

Reviewed: 07-14-14

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I knew almost nothing about Genghis Khan before listening to the book. After lsitening, the narrator/ story left me wondering why I didn't know more. As the story is told one waivers between awe at Khan's leadership ability comming from the background that he did, horror at some of the tactics and disbelief that his story is not a main theme of histry lessons. Fascinating listen.

The narrator has a voice that is very easy to listen to.

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3 people found this helpful

Accessible and informative

Reviewed: 07-14-14

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This a really good introduction to the subject. The narrator has a clear skill in making some of the complex cencepts of Buddhism (at least to a western mind) understandable. He is passionate about the subject, speaks clearly and his lectures have a good balance between 'story telling' and theory. I will be keeping this audiobook in my library to listen to again.

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17 people found this helpful

Excellent!

Reviewed: 05-06-14

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One of my first listens on audible. Many books down this one still has one on the best narrators and a great plot. Very worthwhile listening to.

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