Christina

Entertaining, but lacked depth in characters

Revisado: 11-20-24

I enjoyed listening to the lives of each character unfold via voice recordings. The emotions of the characters for the most part felt believable. The vastly different character personalities made me feel as though the family dynamic was unbelievable however. I also noticed not a single female character was likeable throughout the entire piece. They were all perceived as being successful and passionate and beautiful, yet somehow those were negative qualities from the perspective of the many male charcters. They were disliked and associated with discomfort. I'm left wondering about the author's purpose for writing this.

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Game Changer

Revisado: 12-01-22

Since I started listening about a month ago, I've been able to change my perspective on how I navigate the world and my perfectionistic tendencies. My partner has even noticed that I've mellowed out somewhat. This book was exactly what I needed. For reference, a month ago I would find myself stress crying in a small closet in my home about dishes and things not being done the way I'd planned or liked them to. I've learned to let things go. Before this book, I already knew that I needed to learn to let things go and accept that I can't be perfect (no one can; it doesn't exist). However the many real life examples, powerful imagery, and thought-provoking questions really stuck with me. Of course, as the authors remind us in the end, the tools help but it's up to the reader to practice using them every day. I hope to buy a physical copy of this book as a reminder that I CAN change and lead a happier life led by values that truly matter to me and not by what I think I should be doing. I know this book won't work for everyone and some parts will be less useful than others, but it's worth a listen at the very least if you're considering how to manage your perfectionism. I was initially hesitant about getting this one because I don't consider myself to be an anxious person or to have anxiety, but don't be misled by the title. Perfectionism is indeed anxiety-filled and it's okay. Give this book a shot.

I'll also add that the narrator does a phenomenal job of emoting and adding meaningful tone to the words. This book is a new favorite of mine that I have already mentioned to a number of my friends and colleagues.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Best described as "okay"

Revisado: 09-01-22

Somewhat tongue and cheek. None of the stories were ones that I would describe as must reads. It made me really uncomfortable when the word "oriental" was used (multiple times, across two stories I believe). I couldn't tell if it was intentional, a word that was only used in the vocabulary of a specific type of character, or just a word that was used in Sedaris' common speech. I guess I'd give more leniency if the former were the case. Overall, the voices were entertaining. It was an good collection of short stories.

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Not Worth It

Revisado: 05-02-22

There were parts where the narrator repeated phrases, as though this was an unedited reading. Five very short stories doesn't seem worth one credit to me. Especially when two of the stories (the sorority and the fire fighters) feature rape/non-consent. Those made me uncomfortable and I had to skip through. I shouldn't have expected much. There's little to no diversity except in the first one about a college roommate who is really tan. Unfortunately there weren't any stories about committed lesbian relationships; that's what I was looking for.

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Not My Tea for Romance

Revisado: 04-01-21

The narrator is very flat toned - not sure if that's to represent Matt's superficial personality. Overall, it's a bit smutty and definitely has swears. I was not expecting to hear about Matt touching himself in the shower. I personally just don't think I related to the character Matt very well, and since he is half of the story, I didn't really care for the entire piece.

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The Director's Interview Helped

Revisado: 04-01-21

I first was going to rate it an overall 3. I'd never heard this play before and the sounds of it, particularly the animal/crowd/commotion sounds of Blanche's episodes, was very distracting and confusing. Normally, I appreciate the addition of some sounds. Hearing the director's perspective and passion for the play helped me understand it exponentially. Interesting take that Mr. O'Hara took on it. Would've loved to see it in person.

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

Enjoyable, I Guess.

Revisado: 01-20-21

This felt like a grandmother sharing a rambling monologue of her proudest achievements which, in fact, are amazing. There are no breaks; it is not divided by chapters or events. It goes from how she got into tennis to playing to professional career to the original 9 group to how to be an activist. It felt too long specifically because it's edited to be one LONG story. I really like the activist portion but the entire piece feels like it has no end. I had to pause it and write this review because it felt like it could've naturally ended four times already. Great points of advice though.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Very Entertaining

Revisado: 12-28-20

I occasionally like an audiobook with sound effects edits, it helps my mind's eye visualize a bit more. Also, specifically for this story, maybe that was a director's choice to highlight what the world might be like from the protagonist Emma's perspective - she is blind and her hearing is hypersensitive after all... just a thought.
Overall, the story was very entertaining. I agree with other reviews that the main characters were all terrible people. Emma's family specifically, they treated each other like crap. Maybe that's just what it might be like living in an abusive household? I don't know. Drawing out more interactions with the "good" characters, like Emma's favorite teacher and Nurse Rose may have balanced it out a bit more.

Sure, the main characters' excessively moody teenage attitudes and consistent poor decisions (for the adults) left a bad taste for me, but it was worth it just for the few hours of entertainment.

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Veronica Mars Fan

Revisado: 10-18-20

So great to find one of my favorites on Audible!!! I used to love watching the show when it was on TV, and I was thrilled to discover this audiobook - particularly one with Kristen Bell narrating. The love atory between Logan and Veronica is still unresolved, but I guess that's just their story. It was entertaining to hear the story contunue after the movie. I'd listen again.

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Have a Glass..

Revisado: 07-11-20

The story was entertaining, especially considering I've never read the original. I grew tired of the protagonist John's constant questioning very quickly. I also didn't care for "having a glass" and drinking alcohol to be in just about every scene. I could do without the echoing voices of flashbacks too. Still, the narrators were skilled; I felt like I was listening to the lives of real people. Overall, it was alright. It was a free listen. Meh.

Next time I listen to it, maybe I'll playing a drinking game. Take a sip every time someone else has a drink, tops it off, or has a cup of tea.

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