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The Lions of Fifth AvenueThe Lions of Fifth Avenue, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Davis, FionaDownloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
Available
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Nov 19, 2020
Quotations
- "Really?" Harry blushed, "Trust me, my boy. I know these things." Jack was a good father, a good provider. Now that his book was nearly finished they could move on to the next phase of their lives. Maybe move out of the library somewhere farther uptown nearer to her parents. Not downtown. That dream had died."Really?" Harry blushed, "Trust me, my boy. I know these things." Jack was a good father, a good provider. Now that his book was nearly finished they could move on to the next phase of their lives. Maybe move out of the library somewhere farther…
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Nov 10, 2020
Comment:
I found this very compelling until near the end. The big question of why Sophie was left to be brought up by humans remains unanswered until later in the series.
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Quotations
- Fitz stopped in front of a bedroom fit for a princess – huge, canopied bed, crystal chandeliers, and glass walls overlooking the lake. “this is you. If you need anything, my room’s just down the hall.” Her heart did that weird fluttery thing when their eyes met, and she had to look away to speak clearly. “thanks for your help today. I don’t think I coud’ve gotten through all this without you.” He cleared his throat. “I don’t deserve your thanks,” “Why?” He kicked the ground, “Because – I knew what was going to happen and I didn’t tell you when I ae you come with me. I never realized it woud be hard for you to move here – not until I found you there on the floor. I feel like I ruined your life.” “Fitz.” She paused to find the right way to explain the crazy emotions spinning through her. “Today was hard. But you were right about what you said yesterday. This is where I belong.” Fitz stopped in front of a bedroom fit for a princess – huge, canopied bed, crystal chandeliers, and glass walls overlooking the lake. “this is you. If you need anything, my room’s just down the hall.” Her heart did that weird fluttery thing when…
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Nov 01, 2020
Comment:
Not for every reader, this historical novel takes place almost entirely in a single, makeshift room in a Dublin hospital in 1918. But for those who will be fascinated by the details of women’s lives, especially labor and delivery, during the Spanish Flu epidemic of the early 1900’s this will be a compelling and moving read.Not for every reader, this historical novel takes place almost entirely in a single, makeshift room in a Dublin hospital in 1918. But for those who will be fascinated by the details of women’s lives, especially labor and delivery, during the…
Quotations
- When had that spark between us first caught, glowed, begun to singe? I hadn’t noticed; I’d been too busy. With births coming pell-mell after deaths, when would I have had time to wonder at something as unimportant as my own new feelings, much less worry about them?When had that spark between us first caught, glowed, begun to singe? I hadn’t noticed; I’d been too busy. With births coming pell-mell after deaths, when would I have had time to wonder at something as unimportant as my own new feelings, much less…
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Oct 21, 2020
Comment:
The political and the personal share center stage in this timely story of teenage social consciousness and personal connections. Told in the first person by the two main characters in alternating chapters, this novel explores issues affecting our society as it portrays the growing relationship between two Black 18-year olds. Set during a single day the characters Marva and Duke struggle to find the correct polling site, wait in line, share life stories, meet each other's parents, and take a break from serious issues with a visit to the beach and a search for Marva’s lost cat. Racism, voter suppression, Black on Black crime, abortion rights, police brutality, healthcare, if something is causing human suffering Marva is passionate about it.
I found the characters more sympathetic in the text version. In the audio version at times the dialog/narration struck me as cliched or as the characters playing their parts too perfectly, e.g. the perfect serious teenage girl, the perfect mom admonishing her kids not to be late.The political and the personal share center stage in this timely story of teenage social consciousness and personal connections. Told in the first person by the two main characters in alternating chapters, this novel explores issues affecting our…
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ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Sep 25, 2020
Comment:
I love hearing each character’s voice tell the story from their own experience and perspective! The contradictory accounts are life-like and thought-provoking. I kept asking myself who really are “the other Americans.”
Quotations
- ‘Why are you wearing a wig?’ I asked from the bed. Elena’s hair was black and glossy... ‘Can’t the good fairy have black hair?’ ‘Fairies have blond hair, Papa,’ Elena said. …'Fairies are supposed to have hats,’ Marisela said, ‘but the teacher ran out of them, so she gave us the wig instead.’ ‘Why are you wearing a wig?’ I asked from the bed. Elena’s hair was black and glossy... ‘Can’t the good fairy have black hair?’ ‘Fairies have blond hair, Papa,’ Elena said. …'Fairies are supposed to have hats,’ Marisela said, ‘but the teacher ran…
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Sep 17, 2020
Comment:
This dystopian novel set in the United States 55 years from now is so convincing it haunts me days after finishing it. There is nothing extraneous; every scene and piece of dialog contributes. What emerges is a powerful and sympathetic narrative of a life-loving curious child as she endures loss and hopelessness growing up in a refugee camp . The reader is left pondering the attractions of loyalty, revenge and destruction versus healing and new life.This dystopian novel set in the United States 55 years from now is so convincing it haunts me days after finishing it. There is nothing extraneous; every scene and piece of dialog contributes. What emerges is a powerful and sympathetic narrative…
Quotations
- He had pasted on his face a smirk with which Sarat was well acquainted….It was the smirk of knowing he’d left her with an impossible choice – step into the river of filth or be labeled a coward. Even then, at such a young age, she understood that smile for what it was: a mask atop fear, a balm for the crippling insecurity of childhoods deeply damaged. They were fragile boys who wore it, and their fragility demanded menace. Pg. 127He had pasted on his face a smirk with which Sarat was well acquainted….It was the smirk of knowing he’d left her with an impossible choice – step into the river of filth or be labeled a coward. Even then, at such a young age, she understood that…
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Sep 11, 2020
Comment:
I read this sweet novel as part of an experiment. I wanted to see if (the database) Novelist’s suggestions for fans of the Netflix series “Schitt’s Creek” were on the mark. Yes! A lighthearted presentation featuring well-drawn characters with distinct, likeable personalities. There’s the “collision of two cultures” theme Involving a gay American and his birth father’s aristocratic British family.I read this sweet novel as part of an experiment. I wanted to see if (the database) Novelist’s suggestions for fans of the Netflix series “Schitt’s Creek” were on the mark. Yes! A lighthearted presentation featuring well-drawn characters with…
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Aug 26, 2020
Comment:
With rave blurbs from prominent authors, this turned out to be a terrific book and book club choice! The narrator, Benjamin, wins the reader’s heart with his earnestness, integrity, and (sometimes unintentional) comic understatement and humor. The other characters are compelling in their own ways, the plot is fast paced, and there are thought-provoking themes to follow. Beginning in 1863 and spanning 6 decades, the story is greatly enriched by the historical setting and all the elements at play in that time and place. I enjoyed both the print and audio versions.With rave blurbs from prominent authors, this turned out to be a terrific book and book club choice! The narrator, Benjamin, wins the reader’s heart with his earnestness, integrity, and (sometimes unintentional) comic understatement and humor. The…
Quotations
- As the night deepened Benjamin...spoke of his struggle between hope for her and despair for her...his voice could not hold back his emotion...I shared with him my belief that she is all right in the way G-d intended her to be. (last page)
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Aug 26, 2020
Comment:
Korman does a great job developing the strong personalities of his two main characters. The dialog rings true and the several narrators’ confidences to the reader add depth and provide comic relief. Not only do we know these kids, we see them change and mature in realistic and satisfying ways. Even the dog discovers a hidden part of his personality. Plots involving peer and family conflicts, two mysteries, and a couple of villains ensure those in grades 3-7 will find this a compelling read as I did. I enjoyed both the digital print and audio versions of this book.
Our book club felt the party scene was not realistic for 12 year olds (more like teen behavior) and that the mischief (throwing crab-apples off a bridge at cars, etc.) was realistic behavior for 12 year olds but unnecessarily gave kids ideas for trouble-making. We also felt the scene with the poisoned woodland animals might be upsetting for readers.Korman does a great job developing the strong personalities of his two main characters. The dialog rings true and the several narrators’ confidences to the reader add depth and provide comic relief. Not only do we know these kids, we see them…
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True GritTrue Grit, Downloadable Audiobook
by Portis, CharlesDownloadable Audiobook - 2006Downloadable Audiobook, 2006
Available
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Aug 18, 2020
Comment:
Donna Tartt brings a lifelong love of Charles Portis novels and an authentic Arkansas dialect to her first-person narration as Mattie Ross. Looking back, the elderly Mattie slips into character as the bright, opinionated, determined 14-year-old she once was, weaving a spell as she recounts her quest to avenge her father’s death.Donna Tartt brings a lifelong love of Charles Portis novels and an authentic Arkansas dialect to her first-person narration as Mattie Ross. Looking back, the elderly Mattie slips into character as the bright, opinionated, determined 14-year-old she…
Build & CreateBuild & Create, DeviceBuild Me Up!
Device - 2020Device, 2020
Added Aug 07, 2020
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ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Jul 04, 2020
Comment:
In “Cloudstreet,” the acclaimed Australian writer Tim Winton powerfully evokes the city of Perth and the nearby countryside during the last years of WWII to the mid 1960’s. There is a knowing, prophetic voice that occasionally speaks of another reality in this gritty novel of two families struggling with bad luck, poverty, family strife, and loneliness. The characters persevere in their own quirky ways and life improves over the twenty years we follow them. Winton’s writing is original, rhythmic, and poetic.In “Cloudstreet,” the acclaimed Australian writer Tim Winton powerfully evokes the city of Perth and the nearby countryside during the last years of WWII to the mid 1960’s. There is a knowing, prophetic voice that occasionally speaks of another…
Quotations
- Sink and glide to where the light comes down like a vine. It’s all calling, softbottomed and the colour of food, the rich saucy look of a meal you’ll feast on forever Samson Lamb, so down you fly, to the sky beneath, we are the firmament below and can’t you see the light coming up from the darkness, it seems to say. Cool goes to cold, but now there’s a heat to it, a joy here you didn’t expect, growing in you all the time so the thrashing back up there where the night sky growls down doesn’t matter anymore, and the true faces are smiling. See this, boy. The fish are coming to you; they are letting you aside. You will pass. This is joy. You don’t struggle. Go down into the light. Soft fat bubbles tickle you now. You begin to recognize. Oh, boy. pg.130Sink and glide to where the light comes down like a vine. It’s all calling, softbottomed and the colour of food, the rich saucy look of a meal you’ll feast on forever Samson Lamb, so down you fly, to the sky beneath, we are the firmament below and…
The King at the Edge of the WorldThe King at the Edge of the World, BookA Novel
by Phillips, ArthurBook - 2020Book, 2020
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Jun 22, 2020
Comment:
An interesting perspective of life and political intrigue in Elizabethan England from the point of view of a Muslim doctor from Constantinople. There is a compelling theme of life as the plot of a play and the suggestion that events unfold randomly, in an indifferent universe.An interesting perspective of life and political intrigue in Elizabethan England from the point of view of a Muslim doctor from Constantinople. There is a compelling theme of life as the plot of a play and the suggestion that events unfold randomly,…
Quotations
- On his knees, hunched over the tiny shoots he was cutting and laying in his bag, he spied a rabbit and then a second and then a constellation of them, either newly gathering or visible only now that his eyes were adjusting to the planes of brown as the sheets of mist retreated. Thatcher remained still as the creature nearest him stood guard, watching him sideways as the others grazed the same land the doctor had come to graze. The beast rapidly calculated the distance, the terrain, and Thatcher's age, and determined that there was no immediate danger. Passing greener choices, the rabbit, with one eye still on the kneeling man, pulled small, jagged-edged brown leaves from a branch...And so Thatcher stood and walked slowly to the branch they rapidly fled, tasted a leaf himself. It resisted his bite and then yielded with a slight bitterness. He gathered as much as he could find, annoying the creatures who had taught him of its importance. pg. 191On his knees, hunched over the tiny shoots he was cutting and laying in his bag, he spied a rabbit and then a second and then a constellation of them, either newly gathering or visible only now that his eyes were adjusting to the planes of brown as…
Crazy for the StormCrazy for the Storm, eBookA Memoir of Survival
by Ollestad, NormaneBook - 2009eBook, 2009
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Jun 06, 2020
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Jun 04, 2020
Comment:
Ivan is a sweet, complex character who will win your heart!
The Night WatchmanThe Night Watchman, Downloadable Audiobook
by Erdrich, LouiseDownloadable Audiobook - 2020Downloadable Audiobook, 2020
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Jun 01, 2020
Comment:
By one of my favorite authors, this book captures the reading experience at its best! The writing is fresh, accessible, thoroughly engaging. I especially appreciated the way Erdrich brings the reader into the Chippewa culture as embodied in the characters, their language, customs, attitudes. This is a terrific historical novel with three or so absorbing subplots, distinctive, believable characters, and a beautiful community in danger of being lost to assimilation.
Erdrich narrates the audio version in her sweet, patient, and engaging voice.By one of my favorite authors, this book captures the reading experience at its best! The writing is fresh, accessible, thoroughly engaging. I especially appreciated the way Erdrich brings the reader into the Chippewa culture as embodied in the…
Redhead by the Side of the RoadRedhead by the Side of the Road, Book
by Tyler, AnneBook - 2020Book, 2020
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added May 28, 2020
Comment:
With spare prose Tyler beautifully captures her characters, their manner of speaking, thoughts, physicality. As she confides her doubts about her protagonist's life the reader is drawn in. This short novel is sweet in the best sense of the word. I don't recommend the audio version.With spare prose Tyler beautifully captures her characters, their manner of speaking, thoughts, physicality. As she confides her doubts about her protagonist's life the reader is drawn in. This short novel is sweet in the best sense of the word. I…
Quotations
- Accelerating, he dutifully pictured an egg beneath his gas pedal; braking he glided to an almost undetectable stop. And whenever some other driver decided at the last minute that he needed to switch to Micah's lane, you could count on Micah to slow down and turn his left palm upward in a courtly after-you gesture. "See that?" the guys at Traffic God would say to one another. "Fellow's manners are impeccable."Accelerating, he dutifully pictured an egg beneath his gas pedal; braking he glided to an almost undetectable stop. And whenever some other driver decided at the last minute that he needed to switch to Micah's lane, you could count on Micah to slow…
Scrappy Little NobodyScrappy Little Nobody, Downloadable Audiobook
by Kendrick, AnnaDownloadable Audiobook - 2016Downloadable Audiobook, 2016
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added May 19, 2020
Comment:
Oscar nominee, Anna Kendrick, is also an engaging and funny memoirist and narrator. Her neurotic musings ring true and her anecdotes reveal a glimpse of life in the world of theater and movie making. In this audio book her delivery is hilarious; she might not be as entertaining on the written page. Some listeners may not be comfortable with her experiences and language.Oscar nominee, Anna Kendrick, is also an engaging and funny memoirist and narrator. Her neurotic musings ring true and her anecdotes reveal a glimpse of life in the world of theater and movie making. In this audio book her delivery is hilarious; she…
Down the River Unto the SeaDown the River Unto the Sea, Downloadable Audiobook
by Mosley, WalterDownloadable Audiobook - 2018Downloadable Audiobook, 2018
Available
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added May 19, 2020
Comment:
The confiding tones of award-winning audio-book narrator and actor (The Wire) Dion Graham bring the listener into the mind and world of private investigator Joe King Oliver. Oliver is an ex-cop struggling to find a moral stance in a corrupt and treacherous society. It is a twisting and satisfying journey as Oliver uses friends and manipulates foes to uncover the truth and impose a kind of justice.The confiding tones of award-winning audio-book narrator and actor (The Wire) Dion Graham bring the listener into the mind and world of private investigator Joe King Oliver. Oliver is an ex-cop struggling to find a moral stance in a corrupt and…
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added May 14, 2020
Comment:
This science fiction story is equally strong on character and setting. The reader is sympathetic to the narrator but recognizes her flaws as she does. Lots of fun to read and lots of food for thought.
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Quotations
- The dentist locked the door behind us. Then he looked at me. "Your mom is a lawyer?" "Sort of." Okay. We'll just sit tight until she gets here."... They knocked, and the dentist called out, "Sorry, I have my hands full here. It'll be a minute." I was wondering what we would do when a minute was up. The dentist just sat there reading his paper. Marcus looked at his palms. "I wish I'd brought my book," he said, turning to me accusingly.The dentist locked the door behind us. Then he looked at me. "Your mom is a lawyer?" "Sort of." Okay. We'll just sit tight until she gets here."... They knocked, and the dentist called out, "Sorry, I have my hands full here. It'll be a minute." I…
Added May 03, 2020
Comment:
Our book group didn't love, didn't hate, this book; we were puzzled by the numerous fabulous reviews from prestigious papers. The setting is an old family villa on the Italian coast, a cook, chauffeur, gardener, erudite visitors at meals, lots of sun and food and drink, tennis and swimming. The plot is a lustful, erotic relationship between the 17 year old son of the family and their 24 year old scholar house guest. Recommended as a mirror for readers going through a similar awakening.Our book group didn't love, didn't hate, this book; we were puzzled by the numerous fabulous reviews from prestigious papers. The setting is an old family villa on the Italian coast, a cook, chauffeur, gardener, erudite visitors at meals, lots of…
Quotations
- Maybe it started soon after his arrival during one of those grinding lunches when he sat next to me and it finally dawned on me that despite a light tan acquired during his brief stay in Sicily earlier that summer, the color on the palms of his hands was the same as the pale, soft skin of his soles, of his throat, of the bottom of his forearms, which hadn't really been exposed to much sun. pg. 5Maybe it started soon after his arrival during one of those grinding lunches when he sat next to me and it finally dawned on me that despite a light tan acquired during his brief stay in Sicily earlier that summer, the color on the palms of his…
Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's LibraryEscape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library, Book
by Grabenstein, ChrisBook - 2013Book, 2013
Added May 02, 2020
Comment:
Although mainly a suspenseful mystery, with clues placed in library books or from the book titles themselves, the characters are distinctive and have engaging relationships.
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Added Apr 15, 2020
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ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Apr 15, 2020
Comment:
This 2015 Newbery Medal winner is written in free verse. The author uses different font sizes and spacing on the page, as well as the energetic voice of the 12 year old narrator, to quickly engage the reader. The basketball and school slang and similes, metaphors, and analogies will create a vivid experience for middle graders, ages 9 and older. The ALD Koelbel YA/Teen Book Group agreed it is a realistic coming-of-age story that we would be comfortable recommending. It brings up interesting issues such as the importance of sports, of family loyalty, and the helpless feeling of watching a loved one neglect their health.This 2015 Newbery Medal winner is written in free verse. The author uses different font sizes and spacing on the page, as well as the energetic voice of the 12 year old narrator, to quickly engage the reader. The basketball and school slang and…
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Quotations
- I've seen him launch it from thirty feet before, ALL NET. That boy is special, and it doesn't hurt that Chuck "Da Man" Bell is his father. And mine too. JB bounces the ball back to me. JB's a shooter, but I'm sneaky and silky as a snake ___ ... pg. 27 I love this game like winter loves snow. pg. 31 I've seen him launch it from thirty feet before, ALL NET. That boy is special, and it doesn't hurt that Chuck "Da Man" Bell is his father. And mine too. JB bounces the ball back to me. JB's a shooter, but I'm sneaky and silky as a snake ___ ... pg.…
ArapahoeAnnaL's rating:
Added Apr 15, 2020
Comment:
This story of resilience and ambition is narrated by a middle-schooler who must use a wheelchair due to a car accident that killed his parents a year earlier.
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