Tracy

Outstanding! Gonna listen to it again!

Reviewed: 08-17-18

This was my first Stephen King. I've seen movies based on his work, but never read him. AND this was my first Will Patton. My mind is blown! Not only is the story riveting, exciting, and page-turningly awesome, but Will Patton absolutely breathes life, suspense, realism into it like no other narrator I've heard before. Will Patton is so good in fact, I'll pick books in the future just because he's the narrator. He will take you straight into this story, so-much-so, you'll forget it's just a novel.

This is a great suspense crime novel, full of interesting twists and turns. The narration made it for me though - not sure I would have enjoyed it nearly to this level had I read the book instead of listened to it on Audible.

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Where's the Truth? Somewhere in the middle?

Reviewed: 08-07-18

This Casey Anthony case perfectly illustrates that our judicial system is NOT about finding the truth; it's about making a case and selling it to a jury. It also illustrates that the truth is often found somewhere in the middle of the two opposing sides. The 'truth' can be subjective, and in this case, the truth is something I believe we simply do not and will not know in full. We only know it in part, from Ashton, and only in part from Baez. And only in part, from Casey herself. And after all, the whole truth is not what they were after anyway.

I watched the trial in real time, end-to-end. I watched the jail house tapes online, I read Ashton's book, and now Baez's. I watched as Nancy Grace played prosecutor, judge, and jury all without vetting a single fact. And like NG, (even though I can't stand her) I too felt that 31 days of not looking for your child was enough for me to conclude this young woman was culpable - at the very least. I didn't buy the defense's pitch about George incesting Casey. But one thing Baez did in court, and has done again in this book, is introduce a shadow of a doubt. And that's ALL he had to do to win the case.

Facts can be pesky things - especially for lawyers. They certainly nipped at Baez's heels a few times in his book. I was disturbed by one inaccurate account in particular because it was something he could have easily double checked for accuracy. And this one misstep, for me, casts a shadow on every other thing he describes in the book as 'fact'.

It's the August jailhouse visitation with George and Cindy where they were telling Casey about the latest rumor going around: that Caylee had drowned in the pool. Baez claims that Casey responded to them with, "Oh well, oh well." She did not. She clearly said, "Surprise, surprise." It's easy to find this little gem online. Google "Casey Anthony Surprise Surprise" and you'll hear for yourself. I remembered this well because at the time, the media played this tape over and over in a seemingly endless loop.

If Baez can't report this verifiable occurrence with accuracy, what about the other "facts" he presents in his book? The ones we can't check by way of video tape?

After reading his book, I revisited some of the jail house visitation tapes and frankly, in spite of the doubt Baez managed to insert, I'm back to my initial feelings that Casey is clearly fully, entirely, and solely responsible for the death of Caylee. At one point when visiting with her parents she states, "The opportunity was there that I probably could have helped, I'm trying, I was trying, there's nothing more that I can say or do until I'm home...." For me, this could be an incriminating statement. At the very least, it begs more questions.

On those visitation tapes, there is no indication WHATSOEVER that Lee or George did ANYTHING inappropriate. There's nothing in their demeanor in those tapes, nothing in their words, nothing at all in their looks, glances, body language that appears remotely suspicious or creepy or weird. It's a story that simply doesn't add up for me. It's a dysfunctional family, no doubt. What father goes into the birthing room with their daughter, for instance.? But in every video tape of George, he looks like a man trying to piece this mess together. He's lost. He's confused. He's in denial and clearly dreading facing the truth about his daughter in its entirety. The only suspicious behavior is that of Casey.

It was stated from several sources that Cindy was considering vying for custody of Caylee. For me, this should have been a focus and more thoroughly explored because THAT would be motive! Casey could have said to herself, "If I can't have her, no one will." That might help to explain her going on with life normally that 31 days. Maybe. I dunno.

Could also be that an accidental drowning did occur and Casey covered it up, not knowing what to do. But if that's the case, it puzzles me all the more how she could go about a life of partying during that 31 days. I try to put myself there, hearing the deafening tick of the timer, knowing the inevitable end is near. Times up. Under such duress, one would think she'd lose weight from not eating, or have moments of despondency, or even panic. No one reports this having happened. No one reported a nervous note about her. How'd she do that?

This feels impossible. What the h-ll happened??? It's a complicated, multi-faceted, multi-layered tale that the lawyers only muddied with a legal game of chess. Each set the other up to go in for the kill ... winning was all that mattered... truth be da--ed and so ... we still don't know.

I do recommend the book. And Ashton's, and for people like me who get caught up in these things, I recommend re-visiting the jailhouse visits on YouTube. It's a fascinating, difficult tale that just hangs in the air like a bad stink.
The narration was terrific, btw!

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6 people found this helpful

LOVE the narration. The story had potential

Reviewed: 06-15-18

This story has great potential, but it became arduous as it unfolded for one reason: it kept unfolding and unfolding at the speed of smell. The author spent way too much time over-describing unnecessary details, going on and on and on to the point that I took to clicking the forward :30 button... and I did not miss a thing. Hey... I love suspense, but suspense is like anything - there can be too much of it. This story was one long hook after another after another.... and while it has an ending, it was one of those stories I was glad to finish up. I'd prefer to be left wishing a book would go on... but this one needed to just stop.

I chose this book for two reasons. 1. The description of the story intrigued me. 2. I've heard this narrator, Angela Dawe before and she blew my socks off. This was my first experience listening to Arthur Morey, and I loved him, too. They could both read an owner's manual for a microwave and it'd be amazing.

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132 people found this helpful

Jarring, Frightening, Fascinating

Reviewed: 12-21-16

Any additional comments?

Perhaps the most frightening thing about Sue Klebold’s account of life in their home and her understanding of her son is this: The Klebold home could be your home. Dylan Klebold could be your kid.

If she is at all accurate in her description of her son from her vantage point, it could as easily be that of my own son. If she is at all accurate about her evaluation of her parenting, it could be that of my own. She parented responsibly and conscientiously and yet, Dylan kept his dark side completely hidden from everyone except Eric Harris.

And that is another truly frightening aspect of this tragic story: People are capable of hiding their dark sides. So-much-so in this case, even Dylan’s closest friend had absolutely no clue what he and Eric Harris had been planning.

While Sue Klebold’s book is a cautionary tale, I couldn’t help but battle frustration as many of the “signs” of trouble were barely signs at all. A sullen mood at the dinner table, agitation at being asked to do a chore, spending time alone in his bedroom… all of these things were me as a teen sometimes and are my son on occasion. What teen doesn’t occasionally roll their eyes when being asked to feed the cat or occasionally retreat to his room after dinner?

I greatly admire Sue Klebold’s honest look at self and her household. She was able to write this book with respect for those who were murdered and express love for her son at the same time. Her anguish and pain are displayed on the page with raw honesty. Such depth of sorrow laid bare. This took an enormous amount of bravery to write.

Another reviewer pointed out something I want to re-state: Using the term “brain health” instead of “mental health” is truly genius and I vow to change my own language in this regard. The brain is a muscle, an organ, a body part that, like any other body part, can be afflicted with injury or disease. Brain afflictions are often tougher to diagnose, but they are illnesses like any other and should be categorized that way.

I do believe that Dylan knew full well that what he was doing was wrong. The fact that he hid his plans from the world suggests as much. But I also agree with Sue Klebold’s view that he was “not in his right mind.” Depression is debilitating and changes one’s perception on the world. Those with deep depression often feel their doing the world a favor by committing suicide. That is the twisted world of a brain on depression…nothing appears as it truly is.

This book doesn’t answer the question of why Dylan felt that taking others with him was a necessary element of the plan. Sue Klebold doesn’t have that answer for herself ~ She most certainly can’t answer it for me. Dylan was likely unable to calculate the collateral damage of his actions. Who could? The domino effect would be so enormous, I doubt any amount of thinking could build an accurate and complete picture in one’s mind of the aftermath of an act like this massacre. But he had to know his parents and brother would be devastated. Yet, that was not enough to stop this tragedy. Love was not enough to stop it. Family was not enough. What could be? Maybe that’s the biggest unanswerable of all.

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Best Narrator I've ever heard!

Reviewed: 12-16-16

What did you love best about The Insect Farm?

The narration! The story itself was good but the narration made the experience a home run. Each voice was distinctly appropriate and different from character to character nailing each voice with artistry and precision. I'm on the hunt for more books by him.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. All the while I knew something was up with Roger beyond the obvious mental limitations. Throughout the book (I won't give anything away here) but all alone there was this nagging feeling that something was amiss. But I didn't see the ending coming... which I just love!

What about Rupert Degas’s performance did you like?

Oh me. What DIDN'T I like?? This is story telling at its best. He performed Roger so well, I completely see him in my minds eye. It was as if someone was sitting in my living room telling me about his life. Just cannot say enough about this narrator.

Any additional comments?

The author does a wondrous job tapping into the emotions of betrayal, grief and horror. I found myself feeling nervous on behalf of the main character throughout his predicament, as if I had a stake in the whole debacle. Terrific writing! Stellar storytelling.

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Will never forget this story

Reviewed: 09-02-16

Would you listen to Dance with the Devil again? Why?

Yes. But I'll need time to digest this and ponder before listening again. It's quite emotional. From intense sadness to a anger ablaze, I was tossed about with each chapter. At times, I had to stop the book and just think for a minute about what was unfolding.

What about Allan Edwards’s performance did you like?

Excellent, fabulous narrator. I'd not heard him before this but now I'll try to find more books narrated by him. Truly talented. His inflection was spot on all the way through. This story is purely maddening and Edwards captures the anger.

Any additional comments?

I've watched Dear Zachary three times. The first time I saw the film, I'd never heard of the case. For that reason, when the film reveals Shirley Turner's final actions, I literally gasped and covered my mouth in horror. Absolute horror. I did not see it coming. But... the Bagbys did.

Conversely in the film, the viewer is exposed to not only remarkable footage of Andrew, who was clearly one heckuva guy, a gem in every way, but to his parents. From the first time I saw the film I knew they were a cut above. So when I saw this book on audible, I didn't even need to read the reviews or the synopsis. I bought it. I had to see further inside the hearts of these two people. Forget Shirley Turner. It was the Bagbys I wanted to know more about.

The reader will be amazed by the intestinal fortitude of these two. Their resilience, their determination, and even their melt downs are full of strength and full of love not just for Andrew but, for Zachary and for each other. Love of that depth is far too rare.

I've wondered throughout this book about Shirley's children and how they cope with such a horror in their family history. They are victims of her in a terrible way, forever linked with a beast that they likely still love in whatever manner love survives such an atrocity. Can't imagine the twisting and tearing at the emotions for them.

Albeit a dreadful story, it was beautifully written and brilliantly narrated. Like so many other readers, I send my warm, heartfelt wishes of wellness and peace to the Bagbys.

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8 people found this helpful

In-depth, Insightful, Informative

Reviewed: 06-29-16

Any additional comments?

John Sweeney knocked this out of the park. The narration was magnificent! For anyone interested in an in-depth look at what many experience in the Church of Scientology, L Ron Hubbard, and what it's like to 'blow', this is your book. Parts were heart breaking as families are torn to shreds. Most of it is frightening as the leadership of the church will stop at nothing to destroy anyone who dares to leave or defy it.

I've watched the videos of John Sweeney and the "going tomato" episode. I for one felt it was illustrated the tactics they use to break a person down. While Sweeney expresses regret at the melt down, I found it profoundly helpful in understanding how they work a person into utter madness. He didn't look like a madman, he looked like any one of us would in the same circumstance. But now that I've seen it, I feel it might actually have equipped me to manage such an encounter.

Sweeney asks the questions that have been going through my mind since reading Jenna Miscaviage-Hill's book AND Ron Miscaviage's recent release of his book, Ruthless. Both are terrific reads as well and had me asking, "How are Travolta and Cruise able to turn a blind eye to such atrocities in the name of their religion?" And How complicit are they?

After reading Sweeney's book, I'm all the more amazed at the courage it took for Leah Remini to leave so loudly. Her book, another terrific read by the way, is equally eye-opening and disturbing. As an outsider, I kept asking myself why people don't just surround David Miscaviage (literally surround him) and escort him right out the door on his keester. But then, I see the problem at the same time, they are set up to snitch on each other making collaboration a near impossibility.

This is a fascinating read all the way around. Troubling that this cult isn't shut right down here and now. But if people continue to rally and speak up, it's sure to crash at some point.

This still leaves me asking, Where is Shelly?

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Out of the ball park!

Reviewed: 06-06-16

Where does Deconverted rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This audio book ranks toward the top of my life. Excellently narrated by one heckuva buttery voice. Could listen all day long.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Seth tells his story of leaving Christianity. He's lovable and relatable.

Which character – as performed by Seth Andrews – was your favorite?

Doh.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I like the title ... it tells it all.

Any additional comments?

As an ExChristian, I found Seth's story a comfort (I am not alone). His story is very different from my own, which made this truly fascinating. For those of us who have left the faith, we need to hear from others as the transitions out of religion can be quite taxing. I found Seth's story helpful for that reason. Well told, thoughtful and thought provoking.

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Outstanding!

Reviewed: 06-06-16

If you could sum up Undeniable in three words, what would they be?

Enlightening, Rich, Fascinating.

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/A unless you consider Darwin's Theory of Evolution to be a character.

Have you listened to any of Bill Nye’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Never heard Bill Nye narrate anything before but he is TERRIFIC! As a listener, it's clear that Bill Nye LOVES this topic and all the trippy, crazy nuances of science that have brought us to this place in our exploration of life on this planet. He was a joy to listen to!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

From Amoeba to Amazing!

Any additional comments?

As an ExChristian of some 40 years, it seems the further away I get from religion and the more I explore science and specifically the theory of Evolution, the clearer my view of the world and nature becomes. Evolution makes SO MUCH MORE sense than any religious notions of how we came to be on this planet. Sure, there are still lots of holes to fill in, but we're getting there with theories that are falling into place. If we could ditch the god concepts altogether, we'd progress much faster in our knowledge of the world around us.

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Enlightening, Infuriating, Raw, & WHERE IS SHELLEY

Reviewed: 11-04-15

What made the experience of listening to Troublemaker the most enjoyable?

Leah Remini has a fascinating story to tell. She's seen Scientology from the Sea Org side and from the Hollywood fame side - and the perspectives have stark differences to take into consideration. Hollywood stars, given the pampered princess treatment could conceivably be completely unaware of the abuses of those without privilege. The fact that the author has such a wide range of knowledge and experience within this group is very interesting and enlightening for anyone who wants to know more about Scientology.

What other book might you compare Troublemaker to and why?

Going Clear is the obvious choice, which I listened to also by way of Audible. It's yet another enlightening viewpoint on Scientology and what it's like to become disillusioned enough to "blow".

Have you listened to any of Leah Remini’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Nope. Although I'm delighted by her work on King of Queens. Such a talent. Is there anything this woman can't do?

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There are lots of chuckles in this book and Leah Remini does a fantastic job of narrating it. I was uncertain going into it that narrating would be her thing ... but boy howdy! She did a fantastic job! I laughed out loud at many moments throughout the book.

Any additional comments?

What I found admirable in Leah's telling of her story is that she is often self-deprecating with what sounded to be a real and raw humility. She IS raw, she's a tell-it-like-it-is kind of gal and this is so appealing that I really didn't want the book to end. Clearly, leaving Scientology after so many years is a gut-wrenching experience. I found myself relating to bits and pieces as I too, have left my religion. But our similarities are very few. She was subjected to so much abusive, childish behavior ... it's really unfathomable.

It's weird to feel such a sense of pride over someone I don't know at all ... but I am really proud of Leah for plowing through this thing up to this point. Clearly, one doesn't 'heal' overnight from having spent 30 years in a religion, but she's clearly taking steps to move forward every day, and as she puts it, learning to think in a new way.

I hope she writes another book 5 or 6 years from now as her journey progresses. We could learn much as this new world unfolds before her.

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53 people found this helpful