Kathryn

STRAIGHTFORWARD ENTERTAINMENT

Évalué le: 2019-02-20

After struggling through a slew of multi-layered British mysteries and suspense, this was a refreshing change. What I liked about it was the conversational tone of the dialogue. It does lack intricate subplots and nuanced character, however. Like a lot of American mysteries, it's one-dimensional, simplistic, straightforward and easy to read. I was ready for a non-intellectual experience that was purely entertaining. I did object to the bad mother/villain stereotype, leading poor innocent men to their downfall. That's simplicity for the simple. But, I liked it, anyway.

What's to love?

Évalué le: 2018-08-11

I found this book to be a great disappointment after the reviews. The plot was improbable.( SPOILER ALERT: How did the narrator bury the bodies of two large, grown men all by herself, in record time, with a head injury? ) The characters were one-dimensional, shallow and completely unlikable, with not one redeeming quality. The only thing that motivates these characters is greed. Much of the plot is left unexplained, such as, what, specifically, was encrypted on that USB. The only good thing I can say about it is that the performance is excellent and made me want to like the narrator, which, in the end, I just couldn't. It was easy to listen to, and I kept expecting something significant to occur, or some wisdom to surface, but it was completely plot-driven and very unsatisfying.

10 les gens ont trouvé cela utile

A straightforward look at grief

Évalué le: 2018-07-08

This is not the kind of book that generally interests me, but I found the child's perspective compelling and believable. The narration is clear and crisp. The devastation at the senseless killing of school school aged child among members of a family is realistic., complete with the break up of parents, who in their grief, struggle to communicate. The religious prespective that comforts the child was somewhat off-putting to myself , as is the lack of social and political context for school shootings. That is why I give it 3 stars. The family's final act of forgiveness of the shooter's father is a first step toward resolution, but left me somewhat disappointed. An easy read and realistic look at PTSD, but somewhat unsatisfying without a look at what leads to these mass tragedies.

1 personne a trouvé cela utile

Horrifying and brilliant

Évalué le: 2018-07-02

Difficult to listen to but a timely reminder of the inhumanity of slavery. Beautifully read.

Amazing book that confronts the difficult

Évalué le: 2018-06-23

A difficult book for those who want easy answers. I see it as a serious exploration of death and life. Don't expect to not feel the pain of life. This book is much needed in such heartbreaking times.

Actual Help for the Chronically Ill

Évalué le: 2018-05-09

It is rare that a self-help book would capture my attention as this one has. It provides a Buddhist perspective on enduring and living well with chronic illness. The author, herself, is chronically ill and mindful of the way this affects our lives. I have been reticent to really speak about what it is like to live this way, as it causes me shame and I experience rejection if I am too forthcoming. Bernhard breaks those silences, which, in itself, is comforting. She offers real direction in adopting the very practical methods that Budhhists have learned about dealing with both pain and suffering. The techniques aren't new, but put into the context of helping us live through medical difficulties, this book helps break the stigma we often attach needlessly to our suffering selves. It is not a pill one can take to feel better instantly; one must internalize and practice this very different way of speaking, thinking and acting. I recommend this book to all people I know are dealing with chronic illness.

Three tries before getting into this , but ...

Évalué le: 2018-03-08

It was well worth my patience. Fascinating irony upon irony. Intelligent and thoughtful crime drama.

Heartbreakingly Tragic and Whimsically Humourous

Évalué le: 2018-02-16

This is a truly brilliant work, both in writing and performance. The narration, by deeply traumatized children, and their unchanging perspective as they grow into adults, is so completely True on the deepest level. The tone reminded me of the sweet, searing ice-pick sound of the electric mandolin. The reading is sublime and totally in keeping with the tone of the novel. The most horrific crimes of abuse by orphanage nuns are told from an almost whimsical perspective, as children so realistically try to interpret the horrors inflicted upon them into stories that explain the egregious behaviour of adults, at whose mercy they survive. It is startlingly beautiful, heartbreakingly honest, and oddly hilarious at times. Those who survive into adulthood are forced into lives of poverty, disenfranchisement, crime, and constant exploitation, and rarely acknowledged as the resourceful and creative survivors that they are. A unique work of art, read with love and understanding of complex characters. Yet, there are few sentimental moments and it is never too difficult to read. The best book I have heard in years, and totally engrossing. I read it in 1 day, then had to go back and read it again. Congratulations, Audible for this production of a great contemporary work of art.

A hard won account of truth telling

Évalué le: 2018-01-04

Thank you for this excellent and very useful insight into how the mind works. It is not only in line with contemporary science, but also with ancient Buddhism.

Narration destroys anything of value in this book

Évalué le: 2017-12-27

I think many ideas in this book are very exciting. However, I could not get past the terrible narration. The reading is far too fast and monotone. Not at all what is needed in an academic history of myth. I want to return it.