Carianti

Simplistic but entertaining

Reviewed: 03-17-22

This is a semi-historical story. Indeed there was a real Howard Hughes and a real Preston Tucker (who did dream up a fantastic automobile!). Although fiction, I enjoyed the book if only because it barely brushed by the real story that I was interested in. But it went a little far with the intrigue and even (gulp!) supernatural leavings.

Like I said, entertaining.

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My favorite book

Reviewed: 03-17-22

I am not a professional writer and struggle with expressing myself in words. Add to the fact this was such an emotional story and I would usually just go to my Introverted corner and mindfully sit for hours with what I had just experienced.

But this time, I simply had to state this book had everything that interests me. You really do not want to miss this book!

First of all, I am an animal lover, through and through, but did not know a whole lot about giraffes. As a history nerd, I did know some about the Dust Bowl and the migration of the "Oakies" to California. I am also 75 years old and understand people pretty well but this book was a surprise.

The story was centered in 1938 and caught my interest immediately when I learned it all floated around getting the first pair of African giraffe's transported by truck, across country, to the San Diego Zoo....a favorite haunt for me when I was young. Stir in a very young and inexperienced boy/man from Texas who is running from something (a mystery not understood until much later) and a young, attractive but married curly-haired woman and you've already created questions and more questions.

I dare not go further at this juncture. Let me just say I finished listening to this late last night and when done, gently hugged my little Schnauzer who was deep asleep beside me and with much joy said, "Oh my God, that was the best book I've read in years!" She went back to sleep, of course, but I was smiling for a good long time!

Let it also be said the writing was believable and well structured and the narrator was PERFECT! Heartily recommend!

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Boys to men

Reviewed: 03-05-22

At last, a novel with truth and real life experiences by two young men who went their separate ways after high school. This was in 1968 so, naturally, one went to Vietnam; the other, began his working life with other young men who shared their life experiences from a civilian point of view. Later in the narrative, the time switched to 1979 and the same young men (years later) face other challenges in life. The narrators' understanding of the main characters was perfect. I am female but still wanted to serve so joined the USMC in 1968. I met so many young men who had faced the horror of the Vietnam experience. As I was a very immature 22-year-old, I am afraid I didn't know the questions to ask or grasp the danger and nightmares these men (who were slightly younger than I), at that time. It would take a lifetime to absorb the actual truth the government withheld. We were so vacant, we bought whatever the "authorities" threw at us. Now, looking back, I wonder how I could have been so ignorant.

The other young man who stayed home was more about the dangers of alcohol and driving, crazy and dangerous people and a plethora of scary experiences I am more familiar with.

All in all, one of the best books I have ever read. Why? Because it was fictitious but true. Because I could see myself and my peers taking in the government garbage and when what actually happened revealed itself, the anger and rage as a result of that betrayal had on us.

Highly recommend this.

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Keeps you guessing!

Reviewed: 02-18-22

It had been quite a while since I had found a book that truly caught my interest and held on. This one did just that. Well written and thought out. I was surprised at every turn. Loved the characters and the narration was A+!

Heartily recommend.

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Longer would have been better

Reviewed: 11-17-21

I appreciated the storyline and was just getting comfortable with the suspense when everybody disappeared! I would have appreciated the story much more had it been longer to develop and more about the good things to come.

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1 person found this helpful

Could not hold on to it

Reviewed: 10-29-21

This is the first time this has happened to me. As per usual, I listen to my current book just before turning off the light at the end of the day. This suits me and I've done it for years. Unfortunately for this title, the way it was set up just didn't work for me. The designations of 11 years before after or in-between and present was just too confusing. I just couldn't hold onto the character I was reading about and what status they were in.

Disappointed but better books out there.

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Excellent characterizations and exciting moments

Reviewed: 10-27-21

I have to admit, I am a fan of Mr Grumley's work and keep coming back for more. He is excellent at pulling us in by making the characters believable and, in many cases, likeable. There were quite a few exciting moments within where I got so involved, I stopped breathing! Well written! I will always look forward to a Grumley book.

One small negative. Mention was made quite often of the Egyptian "Boy King", Akhenaten, and his role in the mystery. I have read a bit about this king and know just enough about him to get me in trouble. LOL! I was just a bit confused that this 17-year-old "boy" could actually have had such influence as was mentioned in the book. Perhaps a fictional Egyptian king might have been more believable?

Highly recommend.

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There is always more to learn

Reviewed: 09-10-21

I am a history buff--particularly 19th and 20th century US history. I thought I knew pretty much all that went on about the cruelty and hatred toward African-Americans but I was so wrong. The first chapter was an eye-opener for sure! I am a 75-year-old, educated, white American but until recent years was totally ignorant about this. Thanks to Ms Trump, who writes clearly and has a wonderful voice as the narrator, I am more informed. I also happen to be a Lesbian who served in the military many years ago and throughout my life have faced discrimination and lost some jobs, etc, just being who I am. But what I suffered doesn't come close to what other races have suffered here in the good old USA!

The book is not a nasty tome devoted to her idiot Uncle (although he is mentioned) but rather covers so many issues surrounding our Democracy.

I am so grateful Audible picked this book up as I am sight-impaired and audiobooks still keep me informed.

Without pause, I heartily recommend this book. It is abundantly thoughtful and her analysis of issues is believable.

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1 person found this helpful

Addicted to this story

Reviewed: 09-07-21

Maybe because Ms Wilson covered subjects that have always interested me: Dogs (of course!), the supernatural, small towns and both animal and human psychology but this one grabbed me and held on tight! There was so much in this book to hold onto. The characters were detailed just enough so you thought you knew them. As for the prime character, Ruby, her past experiences came in dribbles and drabs--not frustratingly but you knew there was still more to know about her which added to my addiction. I am already looking over other novels Ms Wilson has written. Can't wait for my next listen by this talented writer!

Christina Delaine, the narrator, did an absolutely perfect voice for all the characters and her talent also contributed greatly toward my being entranced with all of it.

I am and very very picky listener and I was much surprised that I loved this book so much. There were surprises I hadn't expected and actions I didn't see coming. Love that!

Another book by Ms Wilson that I loved was "The Dog I Loved" which was down to earth yet still touched my heart. Recommended too!

Highly recommend this book. If you love animals and he supernatural, you will love this book. I guarantee!

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8 people found this helpful

Believable results of a worldwide pandemic

Reviewed: 08-31-21

I had never heard of George R. Stewart before this but fell upon this book by accident. I am so glad I did as it was more than realistic. Of course it was written in the early '50's so some things are quite different but for the basics, I was totally enthralled with the story, presentation and, as I said above, realism. I totally recommend this book.

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6 people found this helpful