Friday, December 11, 2015

That's Entertainment: Audiobooks

Well if I haven't completely taken hold of the holiday spirit, the sentimental side of me has kicked in.

I'm pensive but not completely restless. I'm busy, but not too busy to find some time for escapism.



Crenshaw


From the author of The One and Only Ivan (which The Kid is still upset I haven't read) is a story of about a Cat friend and what it feels like to have homelessness a factor in one's childhood. The pace can be slow, but it works. I enjoyed listening to this and felt like the narrator captured the imaginative quality of the story very well. It is heart warming and sad at the same time. Be prepared to have a case of the feels. Thumbs up.

All the Light We Cannot See


I know a lot of Knitters have been diving into this book and I have to say I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would've. As hopeless as it made me feel at times I thought the story was very beautiful. I really realize how much I want things to be OK from it. I think I am one of those people in the focus group that wants a happy ending without knowing they want a happy ending. This book makes me think, "quiet strength." I could see this story as it was read aloud. Good stuff.


The Son of Neptune


This is the second book in the Heroes of Olympus series. I told you I wasn't that excited about the first book, The Lost Hero. My son assured me it would get better and he was right. He said The Son of Neptune was his favorite and I see why, it was a much more exciting pace than the previous book and the characters were more likable. We listened in the kitchen a bit doing some test kitchen baking. I thought it was good enough that I will continue checking the audiobook series out from the library.

Insert some book here that I stopped in the middle of it, because OMG I could not pay attention. As you can see, it was so memorable I can't even remember the name of the book. Remember there are NOT enough hours in the day to suffer on ... the insufferable.

The Regatta Mystery


I liked this collection of stories. They weren't as flashy as some of the episodes from PBS but still very enjoyable if you like Agatha Christie. If you are a fan of the PBS shows a huge treat is who this audiobook is narrated by. It's narrated by a bunch of different people! The actors that played Hastings, Hercule Poirot and Ms. Marple herself take turns in a reading, along with another I could not place. Very fun, indeed.

I'm currently in the middle of Station Eleven and enjoying it, though I'm at a part that has required a lot of rewinding. The narrative flips in timeline and character. My husband says that it might be easier to follow if reading, but that's a luxury I don't have right now. I have socks to knit.

Lastly, I can't write that line, That's Entertainment without singing in my head ...


Happy knitting, listening, reading and just about everything else to you.

20 comments:

  1. For the first time ever I had a book put on hold for me at the library thinking I would have time to curl up in front of the fire with a good holiday read. I haven't touched the thing AND it's been 70 here all week and will remain so for at least another week. I'm starting to feel a bah humbug attack coming on.

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    1. We must persist and keep our spirits up! You are going, going lady with your baking and crafts and your show, my good gosh golly gee goodness (my attempts at not swearing like a sailor). If you can curl up by the fire and take a nap, I'd endorse that more than the read! You're on holiday fire! I admit, I love to watch your adventures on your blog!

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  2. Is the Rick Riordan readable without having read the first (not-so-good) one? I agree about not pressing on with something you're not enjoying, I've given up on a couple of things lately, and to be honest I'm wishing I'd finished the (Robert Galbraith) book I'm on at the moment. I want to find out whodunnit, but at the same time I'm a bit bored. Swansea City today, will you be watching? CJ xx

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    1. I've been thinking about this CJ. I would have to say, you need the storyline of the first one. Ideally, you'd have read the first series to acquaint yourself with Percy and his gang, though that first book (the not as good book) introduces a whole new set/camp of characters.

      I woke up super early to watch the match on Sat. and then promptly fell back asleep when I sent the boys off to the restaurant. ha! But a win for us!

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  3. Thanks for the recommendations. I'm eager to find The Light We Cannot See.

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  4. Oh, you must read Ivan! It is so beautifully written and moving.

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    1. Okay you and The Kid ... it's in the kitchen ... waiting.

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  5. I love a good book review or two! I am reading the Maisie Dobbs series-on the last two.

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    1. I love the Maisie series, my library does not have them all in order on audiobook, so I might actually have to read one in order to maintain ... well order!

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  6. I was surprised how much I liked All The Light We Cannot See. That is not my usual genre, but it was gifted to me. I was glad I read it.

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    1. Surprised! Yes, I was very much surprised how this book digested and how it made me feel.

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  7. I have heard a few folks say they coudlnt get into ALL THE LIGHT. Im glad you liked it. Im always up for a good book review.
    Im going to read a knit book!

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    1. Kathy, secret truth, I have a little water closet bathroom where I keep a sock knitting book. I won't go into detail, but there is nothing like a good knit read.

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  8. Oooh, you have listed some good ones! I was in the market for some good audio books. :)

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    1. Thanks Andi, all the lovely inspiration you provide me. I hope there is a story in one of these posts you enjoy some day, one day as there are zillion stories to read and a kajillion things to do!

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  9. I have a long list of books I hope to get through next year. I use goodreads, do you? I read on the kindle and audio, I had to update goodreads with my audio books do that I wouldn't re-purchase the print jot realizing I already had the audio ... its getting a little ridiculous!!

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    1. I will be honest I don't really use goodreads. I'm very pedestrian and check out things from the library. I purchase from Amazon and most of my reviews if they aren't from wide distribution publications (i.e. Magazines online or not) are from bloggers or Amazon's reviews :)

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  10. That movie was one of Russell Crowe's best. He was good in Noah too. I'm intrigued about Crenshaw. I've seen it around online and in stores lots. I'll see if I can find the audiobook. Another great book that touches on issues kids face is one I taught long ago: Tails of the Bronx by Jill Pinkwater. I wish the author would write more as I was a big fan.

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    1. I really enjoyed Gladiator. In all honesty, I couldn't get through Noah. I am however a HUGE fan of Master and Commander! So many books Stef! I know this name Pinkwater, I will have to go investigate. Thanks for sharing!

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