Shopbymail

Balascio’s voice adds authenticity

Reviewed: 12-10-24

I’m always cautious when the author narrates their own book but April Belascio’s voice actually adds to the book’s authenticity.

If I were curating a book list for new teachers, I’d add this. As I was listening, I recalled some students who left suddenly with no forwarding address. April’s willingness to recall painful events gives us insight into the lives of children whose parents neglect and abuse them.

I really appreciated April’s ability to explain how she continued to love her complicit mother because she, too, was a victim.

Thank you, April Balascio.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Loved the character development

Reviewed: 09-03-24

Loved the character development and the story. The strength and resilience of the main character is refreshing.

Compelling story well told. Too bad the narration and story are greatly affected by the lack of an adequate sound engineer. I was CONSTANTLY turning the volume up or down.

If you are not listening through hearing sides or ear buds, you may be ok. It was excruciating listening through my state of the art hearing aides.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Kept my attention

Reviewed: 07-15-24

I’m not usually keen on multiple narrators but this was well narrated. Really enjoyed the story.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Bare. Naked. Honesty.

Reviewed: 04-13-24

Have you ever seen the Lego sculpture of the man exposing his open his chest? That’s how this book feels. Patric Gagne opens up and we are all richer for her daring to expose her life with sociopathy. Myths are dispelled throughout her journey.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Grabbed me

Reviewed: 04-07-24

Ashley Elston grabbed my attention and never let go. I found the whole premise intriguing because the political party whose symbol is a pachyderm used my husband to infiltrate the other political party in CA. He says he learned those liberals were actually caring people who didn’t have horns. He eventually, years later, joined them. This happened when he was still a teenager.

That said, this book is NOT political. When you read it you will realize how my husband’s story is relevant to the subject.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

This story weaves in and out like a tapestry.

Reviewed: 02-29-24

This book weaves in and out like a fine tapestry. The characters are human. I actually may read this book again and I very rarely do that.

(Did Madam really can with metal cans? Or, did she use glass jars?)

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Poignant letters

Reviewed: 01-18-24

Robert Shenkkan, thank you for the honest remembrance of your parents’ correspondence. Also thanks to the production crew and actors for a beautiful performance.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A beautiful compilation

Reviewed: 12-08-23

If you, like me, think you’ve read all the books in this series, but you worry you may have missed one, this book is for you.

It is a lovely summary of the books and the lives of the Herriot family. I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing the stories and learning new facts that tie them all together,

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Slow start

Reviewed: 11-16-23

Slow start but gained momentum. I thoroughly enjoyed it. (Six more words required by me.)

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Thank you.

Reviewed: 10-13-23

James McBride and Dominic Hoffman, thank for one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever listened to. It’s not only what you wrote and read, it’s how you did it. Quality of story all around.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!