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Title: Not Quite Paradise

Subtitle: An American Sojourn in Sri Lanka

Author: Adele Barker

Narrator: Adele Barker

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-17-11

Publisher: University Press Audiobooks

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 18 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

A chronicle of life on the resplendent island. Adele Barker and her son, Noah, settled into the central highlands of Sri Lanka for an 18-month sojourn, immersing themselves in the customs, cultures, and landscapes of the island: its elephants, birds, and monkeys; its hot curries and sweet mangoes; the cacophony of its markets; the resonant evening chants from its temples. They hear stories of the island's colorful past and its 25-year civil war between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil Tigers.

When, having returned home to Tucson, Barker awakes on December 26, 2004, to see televised images of the island's southern shore disappearing into the ocean, she decides she must go back. Traveling from the southernmost coasts to the farthest outposts of the Tamil north, she witnesses the ravages of the tsunami that killed 48,000 Sri Lankans in the space of 20 minutes, and reports from the ground on the triumphs and failures of relief efforts. Combining the immediacy of memoir and the vividness of travelogue with the insight of the best reportage, Not Quite Paradise chronicles life in a place few have ever visited. The book is published by Beacon Press.

Critic Reviews:

"Rich in the tales of Sri Lanka under colonial British rule as well as coverage of the current civil war, Barker's memoir is an enlightening and captivating read." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

A great education

This was a very heartfelt book that set out to divulge the different factions that have been warring for years on this fantastic island.It also delves into the aftermath of the tsunami that devastated the island.I find myself compelled to want to travel to this country,but think I would simply avoid the north and its myriad of problems.The preserve in the southwest where birds and numerous rare tree species really seemed like a fantastic place to go.

The author really does her best to try and penetrate the complexities of Asian society.I live in China and have studied the language in depth,but often still feel I am on the outside after nearly three years of living here.I felt like she was able to really know the people there better because they were fluent in English.

Sojourn in Serendipity?

It's not often that you come across an author in Audible who reads their entire work with such spirit, courage and conviction. I was lucky enough to have been born there so can appreciate different people's points of view.

In this recording, Adele Barker presents a vivid journal of her time in a beautiful island at a time of relative demographic tensions. The running theme of this recording is not so much on political events that plagued the island for so many years but the humanity and interactions of those that lived there - particularly in the wake of the devastating Tsunami of 26th December 2004. The descriptions of how people lost their lives in the Tsunami are particularly harrowing to listen to.

Whilst I would have preferred a lot more emphasis on the gentle religious and traditional aspects of the island as well as its humble islanders - particularly now that the civil war has thankfully ended - her account is honest and vivid and deserves every one of the five stars awarded.

I also think the title for this book could have been better thought out and doesn't reflect the content.

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Title: Going Loco

Subtitle: Further Adventures of a Scottish Country Doctor

Author: Tom Smith

Narrator: Tom Smith

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-26-11

Publisher: ISIS Audio Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 55 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Part memoir, part travelogue, Going Loco takes us on a dizzying journey around the medical world - from the challenge of a make-shift surgery in the African bush, to the terror of smuggling beagles into Amsterdam on behalf of a global pharmaceutical company. We encounter extraordinary characters on the way - impossible patients, brave souls, and more than a smattering of crazy doctors.

Members Reviews:

Something's wrong with the recording.

Would you try another book from Tom Smith and/or Tom Smith?

Yes. We'd especially like to finish this one!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Going Loco?

The part where we realized that we'd already heard what we were hearing. approximately 7 hours and ten minutes into the story.

Wonderful!!

I've so enjoyed Dr. Tom's stories, wonderfully read by the man himself. His humble courage in the face of the unpredictable world is marvelously heartening. From tears to belly laughs, this and his first book are well worth a listen. I'm onto the third now.

Enjoyable Series

Interesting stories, characters and the right amount of humor and history. Well worth a listen.

Second Best

This second memoir of a Scottish doctor dealt more with the travel and business side of his practice. Well written and well performed in his pleasant Scottish brogue, it has moments of humor and interaction with memorable patients. A nice follow-up to the first and best volume called A Seaside Practice.

What an interesting life!

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the continuation of his experiences. There are fewer stories of his practice and more of his life in industry but he writes and reads with good humour and interest. I loved it.

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Title: 20 Years at Hull House

Author: Jane Addams

Narrator: Elisabeth Rodgers

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-30-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Jane Addams's memoir of her experience running a settlement house on Chicago's West Side includes portraits of people in need and is a model for community service. Addams firmly believed that education and social activity were essential aspects of any program to turn lives around.

Editorial Reviews:

Jane Addams, born with a congenital spinal deformity into a wealthy family, describes her posh upbringing, which paradoxically led to a career devoted to the poor. In a rough part of Chicago, Addams started what she called Hull House, a community workshop for European immigrants. It offered lodging, religious guidance, education, and occupational training. From 1889 to 1911, the institution grew to 13 buildings. Narrator Elisabeth Rodgers interprets the stilted prose composed a century ago into something very listenable, given that Addamss sentences run on in a style rarely seen today. Rodgerss feminine voice keeps the precise language intact, even as she struggles to create a contemporary sound for a story written by the first woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Critic Reviews:

"Narrator Elisabeth Rodgers interprets the stilted prose composed a century ago into something very listenable." (

AudioFile)

Members Reviews:

Time very well spent.

Ms. Adams was an extraordinary human being and she continues to inspire us. I will certainly listen to this book again.

Quite interesting !

Nicely tells one of a different time and day. I would never have thought these experiences happened or existed if I didn't read this. I was blessed to have been given this book as a choice to read in a university class. Good to read it again 25 years later.

Enjoy!

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Title: A Journey

Subtitle: My Political Life

Author: Tony Blair

Narrator: Tony Blair

Format: Abridged

Length: 16 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-02-10

Publisher: Random House Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 219 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Tony Blair is a politician who defines our times. His emergence as Labour Party leader in 1994 marked a seismic shift in British politics. Within a few short years, he had transformed his party and rallied the country behind him, becoming prime minister in 1997 with the biggest victory in Labours history, and bringing to an end 18 years of Conservative government. He took Labour to a historic three terms in office as Britains dominant political figure of the last two decades.

A Journey is Tony Blairs firsthand account of his years in office and beyond. Here he describes for the first time his role in shaping our recent history, from the aftermath of Princess Dianas death to the war on terror. He reveals the leadership decisions that were necessary to reinvent his party, the relationships with colleagues including Gordon Brown, the grueling negotiations for peace in Northern Ireland, the implementation of the biggest reforms to public services in Britain since 1945, and his relationships with leaders on the world stage. He analyzes the belief in ethical intervention that led to his decisions to go to war - most controversially of all, in Iraq.

A Journey is a book about the nature and uses of political power. In frank, unflinching, often wry detail, Tony Blair charts the ups and downs of his career to provide insight into the man as well as the politician and statesman. He explores the challenges of leadership, and the ramifications of standing up, clearly and forcefully, for what one believes in. He also looks ahead, to emerging power relationships and economies, addressing the vital issues and complexities of our global world.

Few British prime ministers have shaped the nations course as profoundly as Tony Blair, and his achievements and his legacy will be debated for years to come. Here, uniquely, we have his own journey, in his own words.

Members Reviews:

History can only ever be accepted judgments

However it is far easier to accept these judgments when they come directly from the man who was, after all, leader of one of the world???s great powers, the United Kingdom, during such a historically significant window of time. This is a book that thoroughly transcends partisan politics. It helps the listener understand the complexities of leadership and realpolitik in our time, at least as Tony Blair saw it. More importantly it is a book about relations and how they are managed at this strategic level. The listener is taken through a first-person account of a range of issues starting with the Royal Family over the death of Lady Diana, and with Heads of State and the UN over the catastrophe in Kosovo, with Sierra Leone???s transition from war to peace, the robust relationship with US President George W. Bush following 9/11 - and the politics of moving into war and a nation-building role in Afghanistan and Iraq; and then dealing with terrorism in his own city of London. This is powerful, serious and thought provoking stuff that should not suffer the indignity of being thought of along party political lines. Naturally it can???t all be about international events, and it would be impractical for Tony Blair to write an autobiography without dealing with domestic political issues, especially the troubled relationship with Gordon Brown.

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Title: Letters to a Young Chef

Author: Daniel Boulud

Narrator: Mario Brassard

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-16-10

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 67 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Written for the professional chef as well as the amateur cook, an invitation into the kitchen from a revered chef who combines traditional technique and modern sensibility.

From the reinvention of French food through the fine dining revolution in America, Daniel Boulud has been witness to, and creator of, our contemporary food culture. A modern man with a classical foundation, he speaks with the authority that comes from a lifetime of experience, and no small amount of passion, about the vocation of creating and serving food.

Part memoir, part advice book, part recipe book, this delicious celebration of the art of cooking will delight and enlighten chefs of all kinds, from passionate amateurs to serious professionals.

Members Reviews:

A great listen

I admit it, I am a fan of any books on cooking, from Bill Buford's Heat to Tony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential. This book is the first one I have listened to rather than read. The narrator is excellent, and I can close my eyes and imagine it is Chef Boulud speaking to me.

It's not a long book, but fascinating to listen to.

Essential Instruction Manuel for Serious Chefs!

Where does Letters to a Young Chef rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Definitely in my top three audiobooks.

What does Mario Brassard bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Mr. Brassard's narration was very good.

Any additional comments?

If you are interested in becoming a chef or just fascinated by those who choose this profession, this book covers all the bases. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about what it takes to become a great chef, the sacrifices one must be willing to make and the passion required to become successful.

incredible

Amazing. only regret not reading this years ago. so motivating and inspiring!! must have for a cooks library

Good one

A good book, well narrated. I would recommend this. Thanks to Audible for having this in their store.

Read Samuleson instead

This book is best enjoyed by those pursuing a life in the kitchen. While Boulud is something of a food god, which I can attest to, having eaten at several of his restaurants, this book was not written for us mere foodie mortals. It really is designed for the future chef and despite my admiration of Boulud, I just really didn't want to listen to a discussion on how salt should be used as a young chef. There were some good nuggets in there for us foodies, but generally, this book should be skipped and go to Samuelson's "Yes, Chef," instead.

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Title: A Captain's Duty

Subtitle: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea

Author: Richard Phillips, Stephan Talty

Narrator: George K. Wilson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-23-10

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 541 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

"I share the country's admiration for the bravery of Captain Phillips and his selfless concern for his crew. His courage is a model for all Americans."President Barack Obama

It was just another day on the job for 53-year-old Richard Phillips, captain of the Maersk Alabama, a United States-flagged cargo ship that was carrying, among other things, food and agricultural materials for the World Food Program. That all changed when armed Somali pirates boarded the ship.

The pirates didn't expect the crew to fight back, nor did they expect Captain Phillips to offer himself as a hostage in exchange for the safety of his crew. Thus began the tense five-day standoff, which ended in a daring high-seas rescue when U.S. Navy SEALs opened fire and picked off three of the captors.

"It never ends like this," Captain Phillips said. And he's right. A story of adventure and courage, A Captain's Duty provides the intimate details of this high-seas hostage-taking - the unbearable heat, the death threats, the mock executions, and the escape attempt. When the pirates boarded his ship, Captain Phillips put his experience into action, doing everything he could to safeguard his crew. And when he was held captive by the pirates, he marshaled all his resources to ensure his own survival, withstanding intense physical hardship and an escalating battle of wills with the pirates. This was it: the moment where training meets instinct and where character is everything. Richard Phillips was ready.

Members Reviews:

Pirates of the ... Gulf of Aden

STORY - (True story) Captain Phillips is a very exciting account of an American cargo ship which was attacked by Somali pirates in 2009. There is a 2013 movie starring Tom Hanks which, as far as I know, is based on this book.

The story opens with a scene which really occurs toward the end, so you get an immediate preview of what's to come. Then it shifts to background of Captain Phillips' life and how he became a merchant marine. Some of this middle portion is a little slow, but some of it is pretty interesting. Once his ship, the Maersk Alabama, is at sea and the action begins, the story becomes fast-moving and intense. I don't want to give too much away, but the book is very good, and I hear the movie is great. (You can Google Maersk Alabama if you want to get a spoiler preview of what happens).

PERFORMANCE - Pretty good narration that neither enhances or detracts from the book.

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Title: In the Presence of My Enemies

Author: Gracia Burnham

Narrator: Pam Ward

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-22-10

Publisher: christianaudio.com

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 66 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

A Gripping Account of the Kidnapping of American Missionaries in the Philippine Jungle

In the Presence of My Enemies, the gripping true story of American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham's year as hostages in the Philippine jungle, was a New York Times best seller and has sold nearly 350,000 copies. This updated audio edition has a new look and contains never-before published information on the capture and trial of the Burnham's captors, Gracia's secret return trip to the Philippines, and updates on recent events in Gracia's life, ministry, and family.

Members Reviews:

A must read

An engaging, moving story that reminds us that each day is held in God's hands. A true story of patience in affliction, love of enemies, and forgiveness.

Very Inspirational

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

I really enjoyed reading this biography of Gracia Burnham. I remember when that took place and so it was great to read the details of the story and her responses to what happened. She did an excellent job of retelling her tale of difficult and painful circumstances and it encouraged me to "walk joyfully" to what is going on at any given time.

Inspirational

Would you listen to In the Presence of My Enemies again? Why?

Yes, to better aquaint myself with the captives and to be inspired by their strength and courage to keep going.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gracia, she reminded me of myself. One minute she's strong & standing up to the captors and the next she's crying wishing it was all over with. You can be strong only so long then you hit your breaking point & emotions just boil over. But I think she handled herself very well.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

This is my 1st audio book, but it seemed to, yes.

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

Follow these missionaries through hell and back.

pretty good

I enjoyed the story which is an inspiring one but found it a little disjointed at times.

Grace

The story was more amazing than I anticipated. Great story for anyone who wonders what Christianity looks like.

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Title: Marriage and Other Acts of Charity

Subtitle: A Memoir

Author: Kate Braestrup

Narrator: Kate Braestrup

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-18-09

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 23 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Kate Braestrup has been married and widowed, betrayed and betrothed, her personal spirituality constantly evolving along the way. How do God and love figure in our everyday lives and bonds with others? In Marriage and Other Acts of Charity she tackles these big questions with stories from her own relationships--romantic and familial, platonic and professional--much as Anne Lamott weaves her spirituality through her tales of parenthood.

With the same compassion and warmth that made Here If You Need Me a New York Times best seller, Braestrup engages readers fully, regardless of their path in life. She tells us about teaching sex education for her daughter's eighth-grade class, and the welcome embrace extended toward her adopted nephew from Africa. She introduces the essential concept that charity--the key to all relationships--is a whole-hearted selfless emotion, which is but a hint of God's immense devotion. Kate Braestrup's very human outlook gives anyone seeking to understand human relationships a fresh perspective on what it is to love and be loved.

Members Reviews:

Humble, theologically orthodox, charming and fun

The author is a Unitarian Universalist and there are many references to her outsider status, some explicit, some subtle.

Aware that her audience is diverse, though, the theology she expounds is modest and avoids controversy. As an argumentative theology major myself, I have grumbled while listening to at least some passages of every theological audiobook I own (around a dozen). Insight after insight is cleverly delivered without the overstatement that it so hard to avoid.

There is one three sentence passage that explains UU theology in a manner that sounds mildly missionary ("God is love. That's it.... Really.) and gay marriage is briefly addressed in a non-polemic manner, but the book would make an excellent text for people looking to return to orthodoxy, or gift from someone hoping the recipient might enjoy an appealing and gentle advertisement for the life of faith that would avoid teaching heresy. Catholics and high church Protestants may find it particularly surprisingly good, but no denomination will find it offensive on issues that the denomination is in the mainstream on, with the exception of the above caveats and the author's position as a female chaplain, a position Catholics will be comfortable with (no mention is made of communion or other sacraments Catholic female chaplains, rather than priests, could not, in extremis, officiate at), and most, albeit not all, Protestants should have even less issue. The question is only implicit, albeit obvious; again Braestrup avoids *advocating* anything that could be felt to be heretical.

Humbled

What did you love best about Marriage and Other Acts of Charity?

I am moved by Kate's transparency in this book. I am inspired to love like she does, despite the foibles of our own humanity.

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Title: A Homemade Life

Subtitle: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table

Author: Molly Wizenberg

Narrator: Mia Barron

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-05-09

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 37 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

After Molly Wizenberg's father died, she traveled to Paris and - amidst its culinary delights - realized her heart was in the kitchen. So she began Orangette, a highly popular cooking and life blog that eventually led her to the love of her life.

©2009 Molly Wizenberg (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic Reviews:

"Wizenberg's debut shares the same basic format as her Orangette blog - favorite recipes interspersed with personal reflection - but constructed around a much tighter family narrative. Memories of her father, for example, begin with his cherished formula for potato salad and an attempt to recreate his French toast, but also include a variation on scrambled eggs that spurred a comforting moment as he was dying of cancer. The second half of the memoir focuses on her blossoming relationship with Brandon, who started out as a fan of the blog, became a long-distance boyfriend and eventually moved to Seattle and married her....Wizenberg's directions are laced with a charming voice that strikes a neat balance with the reflective passages." (

Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Just a nice story

What did you like best about A Homemade Life? What did you like least?

My favorite part about A Homemade Life was how I connected with story. I personally did not have the same experience with food as the author, but I could still relate to the stories, thoughts, and relationships. It was a simple story and a light, but enjoyable listen.

What I liked least was the format of the audio book. I listened to this book for a book club and it wasn't until I saw the hard copy of the book that I noticed the audio book did not have the recipes. While I would not have been able to follow along with the recipe while I was listening to the book, it would have been nice to have at least heard them. I felt like I was missing a part of the book.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Truthfully, I felt like the story just ended. I was really getting into it and then it was just finished. However, I really liked the story that the author used to conclude the book.

Have you listened to any of Mia Barrons other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to Mia Barron's other performances, but I really enjoyed listening to her with this audio book.

Could you see A Homemade Life being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I could see the premise of A Homemade Life being made into a TV series, kind of like a mix between a cooking show and a sitcom, where you learn a recipe from the star of the show, but then scenes are included that show the back story. I don't know who the stars would be, though.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book for the light-hearted feel and the simplicity of the story and I have recommended this book to a couple people, especially to those who have grown up around food and cooking.

A Life of Homemade Food

Reading this book made me hungary. The recipes are really good. The potato salad recipe is my favorite especially with the caraway seeds.

Missing the recipes

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I loved the story, however as a cooking memoir I expect the recipes the stories are based around to be included. An experienced cook can get the feel of the recipe by just the ingredients and the flavor by the cooking instruction.

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Title: The Gift of an Ordinary Day

Subtitle: A Mother's Memoir

Author: Katrina Kenison

Narrator: Katrina Kenison

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-07-09

Publisher: Hachette Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 39 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Personal Memoirs

Publisher's Summary:

Poised on the threshold between family life as she's always known it and her older son's departure for college, Kenison is surprised to find that the times she treasures most are the ordinary, unremarkable moments of everyday life, the very moments that she once took for granted, or rushed right through without noticing at all.

The relationships, hopes, and dreams that Kenison illuminates will touch women's hearts, and her words will inspire mothers everywhere as they try to make peace with the inevitable changes in store.

Members Reviews:

Life's moments.

Thank you for reminding how simple ordinary events are precious to our existence! Much appreciation!

slow

Neat mom, but really slow and drawn out.......not too interesting.

Thought provoking book!

The book was overall great. Perfect for all moms in all stages of parenthood. The author really knows how to paint the perfect picture in your mind!!!

Such a peaceful soulful book

The authors warm steady voice as she reads the beautiful story of her family was like a balm. The story is not at all preachy as she fully shares the good days and the bad, her parenting failures and triumphs. I wanted it to go in and on.

Impressive insights

Beautifully written insights into motherhood. I will breathe in the ordinary days with ease after taking in this book. It is written by a mother who is telling us all to pay attention so we will not miss our children's daily lives. It is the little things that truly matter when we look back on our lives with them. Great book. I would recommend it to all mothers.