R Cravey

I loved this story...until I didn't...

Reviewed: 11-24-23

Thrity Umrigar has been one of my favorite authors...until this book. Her stories stay with me, the countries, the people, all so complex and interesting. I was really enjoying the story in this book, the plot, the characters, were all so interesting like her previous books. But, then, she had to go political. In the middle of an interesting story, she interjects her dislike for Trump's "Make America Great Again" and make known of her swooning love of Barak O. It added NOTHING to the story. She had a platform and she chose to use it. There was absolutely no reason to do this. I stopped reading and will return the book and will not read this author again. I wasn't here to learn of her politics; I was here to be entertained by her gift of writing stories. It does make me sad.

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34 people found this helpful

So much honesty and insight.

Reviewed: 10-16-23

I'm surprised there aren't more reviews here. Nadia is very generous in sharing her story with readers. Every adult, young and old, needs to read this book because they will most likely resonate with one or more of her stories. Even if you don't resonate with the level and depth of her story (because she has many tragic tales to share) you will resonate on some level. There were a few times when I asked myself why she did what she did but we have to remember that our mind is a powerful thing and it can be hard to understand why our brain works the way it does, especially with such immense trauma.

Honestly, if I had known that Nadia and her husband were powerful Democrats from California I wouldn't have purchased this book. I'm really glad I didn't know because she never makes this a platform for Democrats and I would have missed out on a powerful story otherwise.

Nadia's story is moving, heartbreaking, insightful and at times difficult to hear. But we must hear her story in order to attempt to make a difference somehow.

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Heartbreakingly Beautiful....

Reviewed: 06-15-21

Both the story and the narration. As someone who has lost a parent to cancer, I related word-for-word in her description of her mother's battle and ultimate death. How difficult it must have been for Michelle to have written, and then read, this story.

Michelle's voice is so beautiful. I kept thinking it sounded familiar and then I remembered who she reminded me of...Mary Karr. Both of their voices are so poetic and beautiful. This is a wonderful story told from the heart.

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Once I was hooked, I was hooked.

Reviewed: 04-18-21

Initially, I had trouble staying with this book. I would stop listening, listen to another book, and then return to this one. However, half way through I was hooked and then I couldn't stop listen. I loved the ending. I totally did not see it coming. The story, the narrator, all great!

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Loved this book!

Reviewed: 10-27-20

The story, the narration, the poems and Green Lights - All exceptional! Matthew’s love of his family is heart warming. As I was listening, I thought, you cannot take Uvalde out of a Uvaldean, and that’s a very good thing. You make your Hometown very, very proud!

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Inspiring and Uplifting!

Reviewed: 07-14-20

This is an inspiring story about the author (and her boyfriend) and their goal of turning their passions into their careers. A must read for anyone that has read Bex's first book, A Happier Hour, and a must read for anyone who needs motivation and encouragement to follow their dreams. Absolutely loved listening to the author narrate the book.

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1 person found this helpful

Well told story...Excellent listen!

Reviewed: 07-14-20

I literally devoured this book. The story is very well told and definitely causes the reader to consider their own story. I am so glad I purchased the Audible version of the book because it was a delight to listen to the author narrate; her voice (absolutely love her accent) is so soothing and genuine. A Happier Hour was even more meaningful after reading the author's second book, Up All Day.

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Amazing on Audible!

Reviewed: 05-22-20

This is not a book I would pick up on my own but it was recommended by What Should I Read Next podcast. I absolutely loved this book. The story was captivating and the narration was incredible. Great book; especially on audio.

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Excellent research about the world of the Library.

Reviewed: 01-26-19

This story is about so much more than just the fire at the LA library. The author did an incredible amount of research into the history of libraries, current state of libraries and the future of libraries. I found it utterly fascinating.

The author did an excellent job reading the book. Overall, great read/listen!

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1 person found this helpful

Hard work pays off....

Reviewed: 11-12-17

I don't think I could have continued listening to this book if I had not known the ending. What they went through was tough. Incredibly tough. But they persevered and their story is motivational and encouraging to new businesses.

I hate to go political but I couldn't help but be reminded of a previous president who made the remark to businesses that "if you've got a business, you didn't build that." The guy's at Nike built Nike. Their lives and futures were on the line. They built it. And, in the process they created a lot of jobs. After reading the book, I was so very impressed by their hard work and the end results.

Whether you are building a business or just need motivation for your personal life, buy this book and soak up the wisdom.

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