mkduds's reviews
749 reviews

Day by Michael Cunningham

4.0

Audiobook review. The conceit of this book was fascinating and innovative. The characters were interesting and also ordinary. Just a well-crafted novel. 

People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present by Dara Horn

3.0

Audiobook review. This was an interesting book. There was a lot that I found interesting and/or profound. I don’t think I understood how this was all related to the title and premise, but it was thought-provoking nonetheless. 

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

5.0

Audiobook review. This book was so affecting. Patchett has a marvelous way of bringing out the emotions in everyday relationships and Streep is an amazing narrator. In many ways, this was a very ordinary tale, but crafted so beautifully and enough surprises to send to you tears without warning. 

Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland

4.0

Audiobook review. I enjoyed this so much that I read it in two days! The characters were endearing and easy to root for. I loved that this author found a way to honor her family’s story though this book. Highly recommended. 

Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory

2.0

Audiobook review. This is my least favorite Guillory so far, perhaps due to the narration. The female narrator sounded like a 40+ year old and not a 34-year old. I think that made it hard for me to believe the story. The two main characters were very likable though, just not believable to as a couple for me. 

The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner

3.0

Audiobook review. As someone who loves to ride a bike, I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would at the outset. This is only the second book by Weiner that I’ve read, but the setting was right up my alley and made me want to book a bike trip!

The Dog Stars by Peter Heller

4.0

Audiobook review. I really enjoyed this book and the narration of it. It takes place a few short miles from my home and it’s startling that it was published in 2012. I don’t usually like apocalyptic tales, but this one wasn’t futuristic. I could still picture the Colorado I know as I listened. And it was a beautiful story about our need for community and other people in this world. 

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles

4.0

Audiobook review. I really loved this book and the main character. I was intrigued from the start and the author tells a fascinating tale. 

“I know that right choices, by definition are the means by which  life crystallizes loss.”

Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton

3.0

Audiobook review. I enjoyed this book, although Hilton’s voice took me a while to get used to. I did not pay attention to Hilton much when we were both in our 20’s but this was a fascinating story. I was really struck by her perseverance. It made me think about how many kids are not a great fit for school as we’ve designed it but are incredibly talented and driven towards their own passions. I truly hope that others don’t have to experience the pain Hilton had to in order to get to their genius. 

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

4.0

Audiobook review. I have never read a book like this and almost out it down during the first 20 minutes. But, it was very well written. The characters were engaging and you weren’t really sure who to root for. The audio cast and sound design were great. I could never listen to this if it were true or watch it as a movie, but this, as fiction, was gripping.