That’s different! Coral Peña and Johnathan McClain, narrators, help make this story feel real. I’m not so sure parts, if not all, are autobiographical for the author, Isabel Allende, even if it seems impossible.
One of my favorite parts of reading fiction is taking voyages to places I’ve never been and living the point of view I don’t inhabit. This book did both for me.
The blurb on Goodreads or Amazon will give you a hint about what to expect, but it would be too lengthy to copy and paste here. Still, maybe you don’t need to, trust me, this is a fun adventure. And guess what? Libby has it to lend! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Don’t read this at bedtime! Perhaps a great read for jogging or biking? It is one of those thrillers that keeps the adrenaline pumping. I don’t often read books as exciting as this. However, I thought the combination of authorship and team of narrators (Mozhan Marnò, Jeremy Davidson, Peter Ganim, Dennis Quaid, January LaVoy) would make this feel like a radio show. Or a mental movie.
I wish there were an occasional random female voice. I find that a male voice imitating a female pulls me right out of the story. However, aside from that issue, this was quite the adventure. I’m eager to read the next book.
Patricia Rodriguez (Narrator) told L.R. Lam’s story expertly. It was a fun ride from the very beginning. The reviews and blurbs seem to draw comparisons to other books of extremes. I think this is more of a cautionary tale proving fault can be found anywhere. True, the patriarchal society makes it seem the men were all wrong and the women were saints. However, what we ultimately see is a need for moderation, the scientific method, and a need to thoughtfully repair the planet, as well as a need to reconsider our rigid thinking.
Philosophy aside, this is fun science fiction with space travel and exploration as a possibility.
I didn’t like the ending. I wanted more exploration and experience elsewhere. That could have been a book two, or at least a nice second part, instead of rushing the ending like the author couldn’t wait to leave the book behind.
Still, it is an enjoyable ride. I found the audiobook on Libby. Thank you, Kay, for another great recommendation.
This was a fun read as it took me through my family’s history of computer ownership, from the Commodore 64 through the Tandy Sensation, and so on. My kids will tell me of another pre-computer, gaming thingie, but I always forget what it was called. I remember my first Bulletin Board note to my friend, both of us mothers of future computer geeks.
Another enjoyable aspect of the book was the geeky, nerdy tone that Wil Wheaton’s voice brings to Bill Gates’s life story. Many of my friends were not part of the “in” crowd, but rather the smarter, more interesting people. We tried to be trendy, but we were more into science, and the ones I envied, math.
I thought Bill Gates’s life was far different than mine, making it a very interesting read.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “drink.” Use it as a noun or a verb, use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
Take a moment. There’s a lot going on. But there are quiet wonders. No politics, no dangers, no stress, or right or wrong, blue or red.
Drink in the calm. Drink in the kindness. Drink in the beauty around you. Even at this moment. Neither future nor past exists. This moment is a gift. The present is a present. Take it in. Breathe.
I think I did a row or two here. After frogging back several rows. I’m sharing the cakes with the socks to show the way it looks knitted or wound. I love these colors.
It may not look like it, but I did spend time on the watermelon socks. I still have an inch or two before the arch ribbing.
This sea turtle is coming along. This one has a lot of black. I find black yarn or diamonds hard on my eyes.
Some things seem harder to see progress.
Milo looks sweet and innocent when he’s asleep, but OMG!!! He takes over my bed and when I try to find my spot on the bed, he gets grumpy. Yet, at times, that cuddle bug feels like Heaven, you know?
He understands outside pee time but comes back in to leave a surprise in the hallway right next to the kitty litter.
Oh, the barking! I remember with Kali, all the energy, many of the same issues. I used to say having a dog was 100% harder than raising 4 kids. Yet with love the issues faded and when she passed… Well, I’m still not over her. So I know Milo will get it and the rest of my heart. Any hints to help with these issues? Cats are easy!
On the plus side, these guys are the best audience, source of laughter, and love in furry suits.
On the piano end of things I surprised myself with a whole hour of fun a couple days this week. AND with the discomfort and lack of sleep, my bike time reduced every day but today. I finally got 40 minutes today. Yay!
I have 3 reviews to write. Yeah, being uncomfortable in bed makes me sit up and read. Lots of reading. I like reading in the quiet of night.
How was your week? What positive progress have you seen in your life?
I put off writing this review because it is so hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful series. I lived with Maisie Dobbs through all her trials and good times. I don’t think it would be easy to write another chapter in this life, but it seemed a good finale.
Libby had all the books ready on audiobooks, so I listened to Orlagh Cassidy narrate all the books. I loved each and every one. I may have to get these on Audible so I can relive the whole story. Jacqueline Winspear’s writing is so compelling that you feel you are right there in Maisie’s head, experiencing everything she sees, feels, and hears.
I have my good friend, Kay, to thank for letting me experience this series. If you get the chance, you will find that truth that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Technology changes a little, but hearts and minds are complex and give each of us so much to learn and love.
Working on my series: Haven.
Doodler (zendoodle.com)
Music major: voice and piano
Mom of four great adults
Reiki II practitioner
I have been on disability/retired for 10 years now from depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia.
Where ancient wisdom meets modern technology. Stories that illuminate the wonders of science, culture, and life — crafted with human creativity and a touch of AI magic.
My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende
Darswords 
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