Suddenly, the Cider Didn't Taste So Good

Adventures of a Game Warden in Maine

By: John Ford

Narrated by: Michael A. Smith

Retired Maine Game Warden John Ford has seen it all. He's been shot at by desperate prison escapees, been outwitted by wily trappers, and rescued scores of animals. As a tenacious and successful warden, he was always willing to spend the time needed to nab violators of the state's fish and game laws. At the same time, though, he wasn't a cold, heartless, go-by-the-book enforcer; he usually had a good quip ready when he slipped the handcuffs on a violator, and he wasn't above accepting a lesson learned as sufficient penalty for breaking the law. Ford is also a very gifted storyteller and he writes of his adventures in Suddenly, the Cider Didn't Taste So Good, a collection of true tales, both humorous and serious, from the trenches of law enforcement, and also includes heartwarming accounts of his rescue of hurt or abandoned animals.

©2012 Islandport Press (P)2016 Anaba Publishing LLC

wicked

very inspiring story. Loved the stories, laughter, and emotion of this novel. wicked good book!

Great authentic Maine stories

I really loved this book and so did my kids (ages 11 and 13). Audio production is well done and fun. I live in Maine and wish I had met John Ford before he passed. Wonderful stories.

Game Warden Adventures!

What made the experience of listening to Suddenly, the Cider Didn't Taste So Good the most enjoyable?

The stories were great. I laughed at some and others made me sad, like the Who family.

What other book might you compare Suddenly, the Cider Didn't Taste So Good to and why?

Can't compare the books to others. This one opened my eyes to this job.

Have you listened to any of Michael A. Smith’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first time I've listened to one of his books. He did not disappoint. His reading kept me interesting and wanting to hear more.

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

Adventures with the Game Warden

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author/narrator/publisher free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review.

Perspective, Entertaining

I thought this book was awesome and great listen. The predicaments he got himself into were hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud. The narrator was great as well. I can only imagine the other adventures of his career he didn't share. Please share more of the experiences. I can say I listened in one listen. I have listened a couple more times. I would recommend especially if you enjoy first person books. Nice job and thank you for sharing.

"This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."

Better than North Woods Law!

An easy listen especially as it was here in Maine. Better than what's shown on tv.

Great story teller, fun stories.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a perfect book for audio; it's just like listening to a great storyteller.
The stories are told from the perspective of a plain-spoken, decent, likable, self deprecating, regular guy. Plus, his love for the outdoors, and concern for the wildlife he's charged to protect is endearing without being sappy. He tells stories about the fascinating and the mundane events of a long career as a Maine game warden. In some of his adventures he comes out on top, and in some, not so much, and he's happy to poke fun at himself when he deserves it. It was read well, the reader basically gets out of the way and lets the stories come through. It's not easy to do a rural Maine accent without sounding clownish or mocking, but the reader does a variety of Maine accents for different characters in the book, does them with subtlety and it sounded authentic to me, who's lived in Maine for over 15 years. The performance added to the written word.
I do a lot of solo driving, and this book made me feel like I was riding with a great storyteller every time I got in the car.

Who was your favorite character and why?

If it's not the narrator, it maybe his pilot friend. He was described with equal parts admiration and fear.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the construction worker felt a need to point out the passenger in John's car TO JOHN, who would obviously have been aware of who was in his own car.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed countless times. I was pretty close to tears in one scene.

Any additional comments?

My recommendation is stronger if you love Maine.

Love the inside look of the Life of a Game Warden

This book went very fast. It was a great look into the Life and trials of a game warden. Gives me a whole new respect for the jobs these people do. I am glad I purchased this Audio book.

Worth a listen!

Great story telling that got "preachy" only a couple of different times. I don't blame the author, as it relates to things that are important to him, and by God, it's his story! If an audio book can keep my attention on long drives here in Montana, that has to say something about the content.

This was just a lot of fun

Northwoods Law fans will really love this. Warden Ford's adventures are everything from hilarious to sublime (jumping accidentally into a lake out of a plane to raising baby owls), and a twenty year career gave him a lot of stories, and these are great ones. We felt right in the woods with him, and this is one of the boys' favorites.

Funny and Exciting

Great stories of adventure and humor. The narrator nails the northern accent. Good quick book.