Nigel
- 10
- reviews
- 1
- helpful vote
- 357
- ratings
-
Pacific Edge
- The Three Californias Triptych, Book 3
- By: Kim Stanley Robinson
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
- Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 318
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 278
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 276
North America, 2065. In a world that has rediscovered harmony with nature, the village of El Modena, California, is an ecotopia in the making. Kevin Claiborne, a young builder who has grown up in this "green" world, now finds himself caught up in the struggle to preserve his community's idyllic way of life from the resurgent forces of greed and exploitation.
The final volume in Kim Stanley Robinson's Three Californias triptych, Pacific Edge is a brilliant work of science fiction and an outstanding literary achievement.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
No escapism here
- By Pam on 04-14-15
- Pacific Edge
- The Three Californias Triptych, Book 3
- By: Kim Stanley Robinson
- Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
Wonderful glance into a possible future
Reviewed: 12-22-23
I read a lot and this is now one of my top 25 books. This is a credible, better future shared in a way that is very interesting. Relationships, the working of government and really evocative descriptions of the experiences the protagonists are having make this book a real pleasure.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Brain Rules for Aging Well
- 10 Principles for Staying Vital, Happy, and Sharp
- By: John Medina
- Narrated by: John Medina
- Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 158
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 133
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 128
How come I can never find my keys? Why don't I sleep as well as I used to? Why do my friends keep repeating the same stories? What can I do to keep my brain sharp? Scientists know. Brain Rules for Aging Well, by developmental molecular biologist Dr. John Medina, gives you the facts - and the prescription to age well - in his signature engaging style. With so many discoveries over the years, science is literally changing our minds about the optimal care and feeding of the brain. All of it is captivating. A great deal of it is unexpected.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Scientific and practical
- By symya08 on 04-29-18
- Brain Rules for Aging Well
- 10 Principles for Staying Vital, Happy, and Sharp
- By: John Medina
- Narrated by: John Medina
Fascinating and extremely useful
Reviewed: 12-10-23
This book strongly reinforced many of the things that I knew promoted longevity and brain health. It also gave me several excellent ideas about how to further improve my habits. I highly recommend this book.  The only strong disagreement I have with the author is his ridiculous notion that drinking any form of alcohol is acceptable and promoting of good health.  In my opinion, drinking alcohol is one of the best ways to damage your health and shorten your life and there is plenty of data to prove it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Hidden in Plain Sight
- A Detective William Warwick Novel
- By: Jeffrey Archer
- Narrated by: George Blagden
- Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 720
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 598
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 594
William Warwick has been promoted to detective sergeant, but his promotion means that he, along with the rest of his team, have been reassigned to the Drugs Squad. They are immediately tasked with apprehending Khalil Rashidi, a notorious drug dealer who operates his extensive network out of South London. As the investigation progresses, William runs into enemies old and new: Adrian Heath, from his school days, now a street dealer he convinces to turn informer; and financier Miles Faulkner, who makes a mistake that could finally see him put behind bars.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Excellent as Usual
- By sme on 01-07-21
- Hidden in Plain Sight
- A Detective William Warwick Novel
- By: Jeffrey Archer
- Narrated by: George Blagden
Gaping holes
Reviewed: 11-05-23
The book is interesting and the narration excellent but the plot is weak with gaping holes such as forgotten evidence which the reader knows is available but is not used by supposedly professional prosecutor.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Paris
- The Novel
- By: Edward Rutherfurd
- Narrated by: Jean Gilpin
- Length: 38 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,716
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,537
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,534
Internationally best-selling author Edward Rutherfurd has enchanted millions of readers with his sweeping, multigenerational dramas that illuminate the great achievements and travails throughout history. In this breathtaking saga of love, war, art, and intrigue, Rutherfurd has set his sights on the most magnificent city in the world: Paris. Moving back and forth in time across centuries, the story unfolds through intimate and vivid tales of self-discovery, divided loyalties, passion, and long-kept secrets of characters both fictional and real, all set against the backdrop of the glorious city.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Paris: The Novel (is that helpful?)
- By Mel on 05-07-13
- Paris
- The Novel
- By: Edward Rutherfurd
- Narrated by: Jean Gilpin
Wonderful
Reviewed: 04-28-23
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned a good deal about the history of Paris and France while doing so. Highly recommended.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Before & Laughter
- By: Jimmy Carr
- Narrated by: Jimmy Carr
- Length: 6 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 209
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 186
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 186
Written to take advantage of the brief window between the end of lockdown and Jimmy getting cancelled for saying something unforgivable to Lorraine Kelly, this book is as timely as it is unnecessary. Because you might be interested in Jimmy's life but he's damn sure you're a lot more interested in your own, Before & Laughter is about both of you. But mainly him.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
This is one I'll come back to time and time again.
- By Sarah Cowden on 10-08-21
- Before & Laughter
- By: Jimmy Carr
- Narrated by: Jimmy Carr
Absolutely loved this book
Reviewed: 01-09-23
Smart, true, helpful and funny. Lots of respect Jimmy! You really nailed it with this book :)
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Into the Stars
- Rise of the Republic, Book 1
- By: James Rosone
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
- Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 1,601
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,461
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 1,460
Mars and the Moon have been colonized, piracy runs rampant in the asteroid belts, and a thriving society grows in the depths of space. Humanity prepares to embark upon its greatest journey - the colonization of Alpha Centauri. Then, everything changes. A deep space reconnaissance probe discovers a new Earth-like planet 12 light-years from Earth’s sun. The probe also finds something unusual, something unnerving. A new mission is created, a space fleet is formed, and humanity embarks on unravelling the greatest mystery of all - the origins of life itself.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Came for Jonathan Davis, stayed for the story
- By chapmaan on 04-07-21
- Into the Stars
- Rise of the Republic, Book 1
- By: James Rosone
- Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
Annoyingly unbelievable interactions with aliens
Reviewed: 06-05-21
I found this book interesting enough to finish but not interesting enough to go on to the second book as I often do when I read a good series of this kind. The humans acted as though they could not discern when a vicious alien is dangerous and that all reasonable precautions should be taken. It was so annoying that I could not bring myself to go on with the series. There were a few other credibility-stretching omissions here and there but the story did have some interesting aspects such as changing alliances on Earth and, of course, the battles with the aliens. The narrator was excellent. So an adequate but not a great book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Pastwatch
- The Redemption of Christopher Columbus
- By: Orson Scott Card
- Narrated by: Scott Brick, Christopher Cazenove, Gabrielle de Cuir, and others
- Length: 13 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,796
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,387
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,387
In a not-too-distant future that is not quite ours, there has been a major scientific breakthrough. It is a way to open windows into the past, permitting historical researchers to view, but not participate, in the events of the past.
In one of the most powerful and thought-provoking novels of his remarkable career, Orson Scott Card interweaves a compelling portrait of Christopher Columbus with the story of a future scientist who believes she can alter human history from a tragedy of bloodshed and brutality to a world filled with hope and healing.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Thanks Uncle Orson
- By Michael on 04-29-08
- Pastwatch
- The Redemption of Christopher Columbus
- By: Orson Scott Card
- Narrated by: Scott Brick, Christopher Cazenove, Gabrielle de Cuir, Arte Johnson, Moira Quirk, Stefan Rudnicki, Orson Scott Card
This book is a delight
Reviewed: 12-17-20
Such an articulate, heartwarming, uplifting, fascinatingly credible “what if” story. Orson Scott Card has created a wonderful gem here. The world becomes a better place.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Utopia Avenue
- By: David Mitchell
- Narrated by: Andrew Wincott
- Length: 25 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 12
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 7
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 7
Utopia Avenue may be the most extraordinary British band you've never heard of. Emerging from London's psychedelic scene in 1967 and fronted by folksinger Elf Holloway, guitar demigod Jasper de Zoet, and blues bassist Dean Moss, Utopia Avenue released only two LPs during its brief, blazing journey from the clubs of Soho and draughty ballrooms to Top of the Pops and the Top 10; to Amsterdam, Rome, and a fateful American fortnight in the autumn of 1968. David Mitchell's new novel is the story of Utopia Avenue.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Lovely story
- By Susan on 11-08-20
- Utopia Avenue
- By: David Mitchell
- Narrated by: Andrew Wincott
Absolutely Wonderful
Reviewed: 10-11-20
David Mitchel is a genius who can create highly original and engaging characters and remind us very realistically of a past time in the music industry while introducing the occasional delightful fantasy. I enjoyed this book immensely and am in awe of Mitchell’s talent and intelligence.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
The Tea Shoppe
- By: Josie Adams
- Narrated by: Nicola Barber
- Length: 40 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 4,443
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 3,800
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 3,754
Eleanor, the charming manager of a cozy tea shop, enjoys the transportive ritual of making a cup of Masala Chai tea, reminisces about the tea's origins, and delights in the beauty of her quaint English village during the holidays. Bedtime stories are narrated by the world's most celebrated voices and written with no beginning, middle, or end so you don't stay up to hear what happens next. They're interesting enough to give your mind something to focus on, but delivered in a way that encourages sleep.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
British perspective
- By Amazon Customer on 06-17-20
- The Tea Shoppe
- By: Josie Adams
- Narrated by: Nicola Barber
Great to help fall asleep
Reviewed: 06-28-20
I have listened to this story three times. I still don’t know what happens for the last two thirds because I fell asleep every time. Wonderful.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Caffeine
- How Caffeine Created the Modern World
- By: Michael Pollan
- Narrated by: Michael Pollan
- Length: 2 hrs and 2 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 42,687
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 36,781
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 36,613
Michael Pollan, known for his best-selling nonfiction audio, including The Omnivores Dilemma and How to Change Your Mind, conceived and wrote Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World as an Audible Original. In this controversial and exciting listen, Pollan explores caffeine’s power as the most-used drug in the world - and the only one we give to children (in soda pop) as a treat.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
Leaves much to be desired
- By Melody H on 02-02-20
- Caffeine
- How Caffeine Created the Modern World
- By: Michael Pollan
- Narrated by: Michael Pollan
Another great book by Michael Pollan
Reviewed: 06-18-20
Like several of his other books that I have read, this book is informative to the point of being transformative in my appreciation of the subject. A lifelong coffee abstainer, I acquired a new understanding of the historical value of this drug and even a sense of gratitude for its effect on the world. I was impressed by Michael’s telling of his own struggle with addiction to and his relationship with coffee. If I was writing it I would probably have emphasized the negative health effects more but Michael’s more measured approach makes this book accessible to everyone. Well done Michael. PS Michael’s narration hits the spot again. A real pleasure to listen to.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!