Category: Audible



Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and LibertySomething Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty by Hillary Rodham Clinton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m glad I got to read/listen to this as a Libby audiobook. Libby makes sure those of us with meager salaries can still afford to read currently popular books. Unless there is a hold. I didn’t know this had a timeline. Sadly, many like me will read it after the fact. Not that it would have changed my mind. And I doubt those who think differently than me would have changed their minds. Tribes seem set with their own.

I rarely give five stars to autobiographies. Mainly because it feels like I am being judgmental about the author’s life. It was what they lived and what they remembered; what was important in the moment.

What I liked about this book was it felt like we were having a conversation and she was relating her thoughts. And as with anyone you might have a cup of coffee or tea, you feel close. There are times you laugh. And there are times that are deep and honest. And the strong emotions that can crop up. Forgiveable with anyone.

If you have the curiosity, you may enjoy, even if you don’t politically agree, her work with women, here and abroad. Give her and her chat a chance.

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How to Be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful LovingHow to Be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving by David Richo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have read/listened to other books by David Richo and felt this would be up my alley. Sadly, it is twenty-five years too late. I am in a good relationship now. We already follow a lot of the concepts Richo presents.

Still, I think there is a lot for everyone in this book. Having the author lead the listener through meditations as an audiobook is nice.

So many truths from scriptures, history, and other sources take more than one listen. It might be great to have the book and the audio, as I would have loved to go through and highlight those I felt were appropriate for me.

I was fortunate to pick this copy up on Libby, the library app.

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In Gad We Trust: A Tell-SomeIn Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some by Josh Gad
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First of all, is there a connection between wishing for snow, singing to my husband, ‘Do you want to build a snowman?’ He and I laughed and and ‘pht-no’ And cold temps and snow that lasted more than a week so far, and listening to Josh Gad narrate his book? Okay, probably no connection. Still…

This was a fun book. I felt maybe one of the best autobiographies I’ve read. For a young man I feel Josh has the wisdom of an old soul. His sense of humor keeps it light even when discussing less than best times.

I highly recommend Josh’s book, especially the audiobook.

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The Inherited Mind: A Story of Family, Hope, and the Genetics of Mental IllnessThe Inherited Mind: A Story of Family, Hope, and the Genetics of Mental Illness by James Longman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I rarely give autobiographies five stars. Not because I don’t like them, but because I feel weird saying that a life in writing is the best or worst. It seems like a judgment of the person and not the writing. But in this case, the science and research make this review easy to praise. James Longman’s life was tough, but this book searches for answers about his father and how that applies not only to his own life but to all of us who have had mental illness touch our lives.

Mr. Longman’s courage to attack long-held beliefs about schizophrenia, bipolar, depression and other mental illnesses and owning his own issues in the process make this a marvelous read, worth owning. I did pick up the audible version and felt the author narrated quite well. Now I am thinking about getting the paper version so I can see charts or research more easily.

I highly recommend this book.

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Noa's Ark (Archangel Project, #2)Noa’s Ark by C. Gockel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the continuation of a fun Sci-fi series. In the first, the main characters are planet-bound for the most part. In this book, we are space traveling. It is very much a space opera. I could almost see this as a television or movie series.

Emily Woo Zeller (Narrator) changes voices seamlessly. She is amazing. Never once did I wonder who was talking or from whose point of view we were looking.

I can’t wait to listen to the next book.

If you like sci-fi, especially space travel, please seek out the Archangel Project.

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Hi! It’s time for our twentieth prompt for Just Jot it January 2025. Today, we have a prompt gifted to us by the incomparable Kim. Thank you, Kim! Please be sure to visit Kim’s blog to read her posts and say hello. And follow her while you’re there if you’re not already.

Your prompt for JusJoJan January 20th, 2025 is “antipodean.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

If a review of sci-fi that speaks of planets couldn’t use the word “antipodean,” what could. But the main characters never got to the other side of the planet. Oh, but look! I used it anyway! 🤪


The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in CrisisThe Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis by George Stephanopoulos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For a non-fiction, history type book, this was very interesting. George Stephanopoulos wrote the book and narrated most of it. He is a quiet unassuming man, who knows from experience about the subject matter. He was even able to insert a bit of humor now and then. Not as well as his wife, Ali Wentworth does humor, but, lightened the heavy subject matter a bit.

Lisa Dickey was a contributing author.

Peter Ganim, Elisabeth Rodgers also narrated. That brought the possible tome to something to keep connected.

I highly recommend this book if you are curious about the workings of such places as The Situation Room. Why is it there? When did it start? Who has used it and why? It is intriguing.

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Your prompt for JusJoJan January 17th, 2025 is whatever you want it to be. Have fun!

Hence, a book review does well here.


Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your NarrativeMaster of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative by Keke Palmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Keke Palmer has quite the personality. I remember seeing her as a child actress. Her energy was terrific. And I remember her in Grey’s Anatomy as a pregnant teen. She has always been a great actress with a lot to say.

Though I wanted to love this book it seemed Ms. Palmer couldn’t decide if she was writing an autobiography or a self-help book for herself. Either way was okay. I still enjoyed her take on life and trying to make it a good place for everyone.

Probably teens or young adults will connect to this best. But if you like Keke, you’ll enjoy it, too.

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This post is part of Just Jot it January, and the prompt word, “personality,” comes to us from Astrid. Check out her blog here!


My Sister's Keeper: A NovelMy Sister’s Keeper: A Novel by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Finishing a book early on at bedtime, I was left shuffling. Libby had a Jodi Picoult. I thought I could never go wrong with anything of hers. Yet, within the chapter, I realized I had already read Small Great Things. I enjoyed that book, but I wanted something new. So I searched Libby and found My Sister’s Keeper.

This one immediately intrigued me. The younger daughter shows initiative in fixing her problems.

Richard Poe, Julia Gibson, Barbara McCulloh, Tom Stechschulte, Carol Monda, Jennifer Ikeda, and Andy Paris narrate this book, keeping the reader/listener engaged. However, I could not get to sleep at a decent hour.

I loved hearing the characters’ separate points of view.

I’m trying not to give spoilers. There is a great blurb on GoodReads and Amazon if you are interested. But make sure the Kleenex is near the end of the book.

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his post is part of Just Jot it January, and the prompt word, “initiative,” comes to us from Fandango. Check out his blog here!

See what I did there?

okay

Archangel Down (Archangel Project, #1)Archangel Down by C. Gockel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a fun space adventure. Most of it is planet-bound, but quick spoiler: there will be space.

Look, this is a fast-paced book. The narrator, Emily Woo Zeller, seamlessly switches characters and emotions. I’m sure the paper book is good, but I have to admit that I can’t imagine not hearing it. But it made a bad bedtime book. I didn’t want to put it away. I probably should have been a book for three nights, but I couldn’t stop.

The main character, Noa, is quite persnickety, but that is required of the movement leader and the spaceship’s pilot. But it gets in her way. She doesn’t know who to trust. All she knows is she needs to save people from being tortured or killed. Noa is flawed but likable. I found myself rooting for her.

If you get the chance to read/listen to the book, I think you will love it, too. It is on Audible. Please give it a try.

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Your prompt for JusJoJan January 7th, 2025 is “pernickety.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

Simon Fayter and the Doors of Bone (Simon Fayter, #1)Simon Fayter and the Doors of Bone by Austin J. Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading some depressing, serious books, this charmer landed in my Libby to borrow. I read/listened to it in one night.

If you are looking for a fun read, perhaps one you could share with the rest of the family, this is it. The author narrates so you don’t miss any nuance.

Finally, you have got to love a good footnote. I always have!

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Don’t you love a good story that? It’s like getting an invigorating cup of coffee. Time to get one. Sorry this was a bit of a cheat.

Your prompt for JusJoJan January 6th, 2025 is “invigorating.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

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