Category: Audible


Review: In Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some by Josh Gad

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February 11, 2025

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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Review: The Inherited Mind: A Story of Family, Hope, and the Genetics of Mental Illness by James Longman

Filed under: Audible, Mental Health/Personality — Leave a comment
February 2, 2025

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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Review: Noa’s Ark by C. Gockel

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January 20, 2025

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! 🤪

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Review: The Situation Room: The Inside Story of Presidents in Crisis by George Stephanopoulos

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January 17, 2025

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.

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Review: Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative by Keke Palmer

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January 16, 2025

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!

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Review: My Sister’s Keeper: A Novel by Jodi Picoult

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January 14, 2025

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
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Review: Archangel Down by C. Gockel (+JJJ)

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January 7, 2025

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!
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Review: Simon Fayter and the Doors of Bone by Austin J. Bailey

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January 6, 2025

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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Review: Three Women by Lisa Taddeo (JusJoJan)

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January 5, 2025

Three WomenThree Women by Lisa Taddeo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The dangers, frustrations, and excitements of being female are explored through the lives of three women. I found myself relating completely to some situations, yet I could not relate to others. What was made clear is that just because we are all women, we are all so different. And honestly, viva that difference! The one sure thing that can be learned here is we are not to judge. Maybe we can learn lessons from the mistakes or the successes of others.

I feel some of my readers may want the warning that the book is sexually explicit, but knowing how closely sex is to a depth of relationships, you learn why the women have such difficult choices in their lives.

I am now interested in watching the series on Starz.

Feminism is clearly seen here, where we can claim our strengths and weaknesses to work on. If you like strong open books about contemporary women, this book is for you. I must admit that listening on the Libby audiobook to the four narrators, one for each of the main characters, helped the reader to feel their story deeper. They are Tara Lynne Barr, Marin Ireland, Mena Suvari, and author/narrator Lisa Taddeo. Great work, all.

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See the Just Jot It January rules here. Today’s prompt brought to us by Barbara. Check out her blog here!
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Review: A Cream of Passion by Nancy Warren

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January 3, 2025

A Cream of Passion (Great Witches Baking Show #7)A Cream of Passion by Nancy Warren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Once again, the book came to me out of order, so I’ve yet to read the first four novels in the series. Still, the author keeps the reader up-to-date on the main character’s goals and needs.

Hollis McCarthy (Narrator) acts out the characters flawlessly. Between the writing and the audio, the reading went quickly. It is a good book if you want something fast between larger reads.

Between cooking and murder, this book is not nearly as fun as Nancy Warren’s Vampire Knitting Club series. I don’t like cooking. I’m forever on a diet of gluten-free or carbs so that these pastry-rich stories may be invoking a murderous feeling. Still, I like meandering between books of differing subject matters.

I will keep reading the series and other books by Nancy Warren. This just wasn’t a favorite. By the way, I was happy to listen to it on Libby’s audio version.

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Your prompt for JusJoJan January 3rd, 2025 is “meander.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

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