Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Jason7

Jason7

Joined July 2018

audiobook addict
review
Jason7
Utopia Avenue | David Mitchell
post image
Pickpick

I've listened to much longer audios than this one, but this one took me longer to finish than any of the others. There are parts of it that I really liked, and other parts that kind of dragged. I was never in a rush to get back to the audiobook, so I would set it down for days at a time. It's one of those novels that I like better now that it is over. The book is above average, and I'm still glad I listened to it. Overall rating: 4.09 stars

SamAnne Just finished reading. Similar review for me. I‘m a big David Mitchell fan but I wanted a little more. Although he sets the perfect 60s scene. 3y
13 likes1 comment
review
Jason7
Anxious People: A Novel | Fredrik Backman
post image
Pickpick

This audiobook is about what you‘d expect from this author. It‘s pretty entertaining. However, Beartown is by far his book in my view. This is more in line with his other works. Overall rating: 4.18 stars

review
Jason7
Bubblegum: A Novel | Adam Levin
post image
Pickpick

This novel is quite the journey. It‘s long and winding and bizarre at times. The audiobook is about 40 hours long, but it‘s worth the time if you‘re willing to invest. It‘s definitely one of the best books I‘ve read. Not for the casual reader/listener. Overall rating: 4.72 stars

review
Jason7
East of Eden | John Steinbeck
post image
Pickpick

What a classic. There‘s really no Downside to reading or listening to this book. Great writer. Great story.

Overall rating: 4.70 stars

review
Jason7
post image
Pickpick

This year's National Book Award winner, Trust Exercise, shares a similar theme to 2018's winner, The Friend by Sigrid Nunez.

While the two are very different books, both authors take a look at what is fact and what is fiction in novels. 2 of the 3 narrators sound very similar to one another, but overall they do a respectable job narrating the audiobook. I can't say I loved this book, but I liked it.

Overall rating: 4.01 stars

review
Jason7
The Remains of the Day | Kazuo Ishiguro
post image
Pickpick

A very strong character study of a butler at the end of his esteemed career. The Remains of the Day certainly won‘t be for everyone, but it was for me. Highly recommended for the patient reader/listener. Overall rating: 4.38 stars

Bradleygirl Kazuo Ishiguro always delivers, after a slow build, usually with extreme heartbreak 💔 4y
20 likes1 comment
review
Jason7
post image
Pickpick

This one won‘t grab you from the beginning. I started it and put it down a few times, but once I committed it got better as it went on. By the end I was invested in the characters and could have listened to their story for another 26+ hours. This isn‘t my favorite Pulitzer winner, but it‘s one I‘ll remember. Overall rating: 4.39 stars

review
Jason7
post image
Mehso-so

The concept for this novel is interesting, and the author provides a number of thought provoking insights, but there‘s too many instances of unconnected filler in my opinion. The audiobook narrator has a heavy accent, which is fine for this story, though it may not be for everyone. All things considered, it was a middle of the road story with a few sections that outshined the rest. Overall rating: 3.93 stars

review
Jason7
The Glass Hotel | Emily St. John Mandel
post image
Pickpick

This story caught my attention from the very beginning. The narrator is really good and matches the tone of the novel. I think anyone who liked Station Eleven will probably like this book as well. This subject matter is different but the writing is good. There are numerous characters in the book, and I liked the first half better than the second half, but overall it was a quality work.

Overall rating: 4.19 stars

16 likes1 stack add
review
Jason7
This Tender Land: A Novel | William Kent Krueger
post image
Pickpick

This book ended up being about what I expected it to be. It‘s a tale about 4 orphans facing numerous challenges. The story is pretty good. The narrator is pretty good. There‘s nothing new or fantastic about it, but it‘s a solid story if it sounds like it‘s something you‘re interested in.

Overall rating: 4.00 stars

review
Jason7
Borne: A Novel | Jeff VanderMeer
post image
Mehso-so

This is just another average sci-fi novel. It revolves around the concept of destructive biotech in a post-apocalyptic scenario. The premise seemed interesting at first, but it fell flat for various reasons. I keep looking for a good sci-fi novel, but the last few I‘ve picked haven‘t been that great. Overall rating: 3.69 stars.

review
Jason7
Lock In (Lock In, #1) | John Scalzi
post image
Mehso-so

This is a middle of the road sci-fi novel that starts off a little confusing. It gets easier to understand after the first few chapters but lags in places and never fully takes off in my opinion. There‘s are better options out there. Overall rating: 3.74 stars

review
Jason7
Wise Man's Fear | Pat Rothfuss
post image
Pickpick

Fans of The Wise Man‘s Fear already know what to expect since it is Book 2 of the Kingkiller Chronicle series and picks up where The Name of the Wind leaves off. Fans have been waiting on Book 3 to be released for about 10 years now, though signs point to the third book being released this year. I‘ve invested close to 70 hours on this series and look forward to the conclusion. The narrator is top notch. Overall rating: 4.51 stars

review
Jason7
post image
Pickpick

Fantasy isn‘t usually my preferred genre, though The Name of the Wind kept me entertained. It seems most of the novel is designed to set up future events, as there‘s a lot world building and character development. It‘s a long novel, but I wasn‘t bored and enjoyed most of it. This trilogy doesn‘t have an ending, as fans have been waiting on book # 3 for over a decade, but I‘ll move on to book # 2 anyway. Overall rating: 4.29 stars.

MaddestMax Yes, the waiting game. Rothfuss, Butcher and Martin fans unite! I loved this book and it‘s sequel. Glad I waited to read them though. I‘ve only been waiting 3 years for the third. 😝 4y
Jason7 I‘m just now starting the second one. I‘ve heard rumors he may not even finish or release the third book. I guess we‘ll see 4y
TheSpineView @MaddestMax @Jason7 The third book is going to be released this year. I think the date is in August. 4y
See All 10 Comments
Jason7 Hopefully that‘s the case. I like the series so far 4y
TheSpineView @MaddestMax IKR! Amazon and Book Depository says the date is August 20th. The Doors of Stone is the title. 4y
Jason7 Yes I saw that on Audible too. 4y
Follow.my.read Just bought these!!! Saw the third is coming in the fall of 2020? 4y
MaddestMax @TheSpineView @Jason7 Very cool! I‘ll have to keep my schedule light for the end of August! 4y
Jason7 I‘ve heard contradictory reports about the August release, but hopefully it happens as planned. 4y
21 likes1 stack add10 comments
review
Jason7
Inherent Vice | Thomas Pynchon
post image
Mehso-so

I spent a lot time on this novel, though it turned out to be less than appealing to me. This is an unpopular opinion no doubt, as there are many who like this novel, and Pynchon, very much. Sometimes it felt like a chore to return to this story, but I finished it anyway. There are many characters to keep up with, which wouldn‘t be so bad if they were all relevant to the story. Overall rating: 3.88 stars

review
Jason7
Pop. 1280 | Jim Thompson
post image
Pickpick

This old style country noir certainly won‘t be for everyone, but if you like offensive humor and disturbing characters, this is a story for you. I‘ll definitely read more from this author. Overall rating: 4.27 stars

review
Jason7
Lonesome Dove: A Novel | Larry McMurtry
post image
Pickpick

This is the best western I‘ve read. I‘ve heard the others in the series aren‘t as good, but I‘ll give them a chance at some point based off of Lonesome Dove. It‘s the story cattle drive, which doesn‘t sound like much, but it‘s a long, epic tale with great characters. Overall rating: 4.68 stars

Mdargusch This is one of my all time favorite books! 4y
Jason7 How about the others in the series? Have you read any of those? 4y
16 likes2 comments
review
Jason7
post image
Bailedbailed

I rarely give up on a book once I choose it but this one doesn‘t interest me. After about 15 hours of audio I don‘t think that‘ll change. While many people admire this novel and this author, it‘s not a story for me. Overall rating: 2.77 stars

review
Jason7
post image
Mehso-so

This is a long novel, packed full of allusions, metaphors, similes, and any other type of figurative language you can think of, and author often digresses from the main storyline. This, along with countless references & citations, leads to a fragmented reading/listening experience. At one point I thought I was going to like this novel a lot, but it never caught up to the potential I saw in the beginning. Overall rating: 4.07 stars

debra_a I enjoy your reviews. 4y
Jason7 Thanks. Where are your reviews? I thought you were reading Commonwealth? 4y
7 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
Jason7
The Dutch House | Ann Patchett
post image
Pickpick

Patchett is one of my favorite authors, so I‘m probably a bit biased. I liked this audiobook a lot. That being said, if someone else had written it, I may not have liked it as much. It may not be her best, but average Patchett is still better than most. The Dutch House seems like a work for those who are already Ann Patchett fans, rather than a place to start with her work, which is fine with me. Tom Hanks does a great job narrating.
4.37 stars

TheBookStacker I love her books! Ive only read bel canto and commonwealth but I loved both! 4y
Jason7 Same here. She‘s one of my favorites. If you like those 2 books, you will probably like this one too. Check out State of Wonder. It‘s really good 4y
18 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
Jason7
post image
Pickpick


As advertised....This novel is extremely dense, and it‘s slow moving at times, like a company of killers plodding through a dessert wasteland.... well, it‘s exactly like that. At other times, it‘s bloody, violent, and cruel. There‘s many types of beasts, thousands of mules (dead, alive, and at various stages of decomposition), and a whole hell lot of riding and moving on. Not for the casual reader. Overall rating: 4.25 stars

review
Jason7
Randomize | Andy Weir
post image
Pickpick

This is a short, entertaining little story. There's nothing overly complex or fantastic about it, but I was engaged by it for the entire 40 minutes. I'm one of the few listeners who didn't care all that much for Weir's The Martian, but I did like this short work.

Overall rating: 3.99 stars

review
Jason7
Testaments | Margaret Atwood
post image
Pickpick

It‘s almost impossible for this book to live up to the hype it‘s received, but it‘s still a good book, and it bridges together Book 1 and the television show. The audiobook is well narrated and features some of the cast from the television show. Testaments has more of a YA feel to it than the Handmaid‘s Tale, but that‘s ok because 3 of the main characters are young women. It‘s well worth a read/listen for fans of series. Overall rating 4.41 stars

quote
Jason7
Testaments | Margaret Atwood
post image

I imagine there‘s a number of people beginning this one today. Aunt Lydia, from the show, is one of the audiobook narrators.

review
Jason7
post image
Pickpick

Scout and Dill are two of my favorite literary characters. I like this novel even more as an audiobook, narrated by Sissy Spacek. Overall rating: 4.48 stars

28 likes2 stack adds
review
Jason7
The Shadow of the Wind | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
post image
Pickpick

This is a Good book about books. Many people go on and on about this novel, and while I did like it, I‘d lose interest at times and have to go back and repeat sections. For the first half, it was difficult to keep the characters straight, but I finally became familiar with most of them. The novel is pretty good, though I probably won‘t continue with the series any time soon. Overall rating: 4.19 stars.

review
Jason7
post image
Pickpick

This story is consistently good from beginning to end. The tale interested me at the very beginning, and unlike many novels, held my interest the entire time. It‘s not the type of story that will blow you away, but I don‘t think it was intended to be. I‘ve enjoyed both of Ng‘s novels, and I look forward to her works to come. Overall rating: 4:38 stars

review
Jason7
Unknown Book 7535597 | Unknown Unknown
post image
Pickpick

This is a newer series that‘s only available on audiobook. It‘s not in the Litsy database, but it was entertaining. I gave it a shot because I‘m a fan of the narrator, Ari Fliakos. I got it as a Daily Deal and wasn‘t expecting much, but I was surprised. This book has some edge to it. I enjoyed the dark humor. Overall rating: 4.18 stars

review
Jason7
Geek Love | Katherine Dunn
post image
Pickpick

Notes for Now: Geek Love is said to have somewhat of a cult following, and I can see why. It‘s bizarre, original, and quite good. After reading some books, they fade into the background, and I rarely think of them again. This is not one of those books. Whether you love it or hate it, you‘ll remember Geek Love after you‘ve read it. Overall rating: 4.52 stars.

14 likes1 stack add
review
Jason7
The Nickel Boys: A Novel | Colson Whitehead
post image
Pickpick

This audiobook is pretty good, and the narrator is pretty good. While I didn't love The Nickel Boys, it held my attention, and I was interested in the outcome. To me, it felt like a shortened version of a much longer tale, as if the original story had been hacked in to snippets by an overzealous editor. I found Whitehead's previous novel, The Underground Railroad, to be much better. I guess it‘s a pick, tho not a fave.

Overall rating: 4.08 stars

review
Jason7
post image
Pickpick

This audiobook takes the listener back to 1930s New York City, and does a fantastic job of it. The language and scenery feel completely authentic. I was dazzled by the narrator, Rebecca Lowman, who couldn't have done a better job, and I was engaged from beginning to end. Rules of Civility is a winner.

Overall rating: 4.54 stars

Samplergal Loved this. I thought much better than A Gentleman in Moscow. 5y
BarbaraBB @Samplergal Even better than that? I‘ll stack! 5y
Cathythoughts I‘m looking forward to reading this soon 👍🏻♥️ 5y
Jason7 It‘s tough for me to choose. The narrator for this audiobook is fabulous and adds a lot to the story. I think I may prefer this one as well. 5y
13 likes4 comments
review
Jason7
post image
Pickpick

While this audiobook might not blow you away, it‘s quite good. The story focuses on characters and relationships. The plot is not a fast moving one, if that's what you're into, but it‘s interesting and should keep your attention. Plus, the narrator is really good. Judging by this novel and her latest release, The Female Persuasion, listeners can expect consistent, high quality work from Meg Wolitzer.

Overall rating: 4.41 stars

review
Jason7
The Epiphany Machine | David Burr Gerrard
post image
Pickpick

I stumbled across this audiobook because the narrator, Ari Fliakos, is one of my favorites. I was surprised by how good it was. The Epiphany Machine is one of the better novels I‘ve come across. Overall rating: 4.61 stars.

review
Jason7
Fall; Or, Dodge in Hell | Neal Stephenson
post image
Mehso-so

This novel is a sequel to Reamde, which I didn‘t love but liked enough to try this one. Twelve hours into this novel, I would have said this was a much better audiobook than Reamde. Then, it started to lose steam and slowly petered out. By the end, I wasn‘t interested in the outcome. Some of the interesting storylines were abandoned, and there was a lot of filler. Still, I stuck with it til the bitter end. Overall rating: 3.82 stars.

review
Jason7
Eileen: A Novel | Ottessa Moshfegh
post image
Pickpick

Eileen is a bit darker than Mosfegh‘s latest novel, My Year of Rest and Relaxation, and it‘s not as funny, but the dark humor is still there. I‘d consider this novel a character study with a slow moving plot. This novel certainly won‘t be for everyone, but it was for me. I really like this writer. The audiobook version features a great narrator. Overall rating: 4.30 stars.

review
Jason7
post image
Pickpick

My journey to The Dark Tower has finally come to an end. The series is at its best in books 4 and 5. This last installment is good, though there are many new characters introduced as the series comes to an end. Still, it‘s a great series. Overall rating: 4.21 stars

review
Jason7
Swing Time | Zadie Smith
post image
Mehso-so

I love Zadie Smith's first novel, White Teeth, though I can‘t say the same for Swing Time. I try not to give up on an audiobook, but I considered abandoning Swing Time more than once. Bennett-Warner's stellar narration, and Zadie Smith's reputation, kept me listening. I kept waiting for the book to take off in the second half, but I just kept waiting. Maybe I expect too much from Zadie. I still love her work.

Overall rating: 3.88 stars

review
Jason7
post image
Pickpick

I don‘t really know what to say about this book. I knew nothing about it beforehand because I don‘t read blurbs much of the time. Some readers will no doubt be offended by its premise. But, there‘s a really good story here, which I think is the point of a novel. I found this story of love, hardship, and growing up too fast to be a very good one. Overall rating: 4.38 stars

review
Jason7
post image
Pickpick

This is a funny and entertaining novella. It‘s probably fine for kids too. Saunders also narrates this audiobook, and he‘s a really good narrator. It‘s hard to believe he wrote this in back 2005. This novel is probably more relevant today than when he first released it. Overall rating: 4.11 stars

review
Jason7
Dark Places: A Novel | Gillian Flynn
post image
Pickpick

I‘ve seen Flynn‘s work adapted for television but never read her work. I had assumed her work was similar to that of other mystery/thriller novels typical of the genre, but I was wrong. Flynn is a really good writer, and this is a good book. It‘s dark, but that‘s evident in the title. There were a few minor problems towards the end, but nothing big. This audiobook includes a talented cast of narrators. Overall rating: 4.27 stars

review
Jason7
No Country for Old Men | Cormac McCarthy
post image
Pickpick

Everyone has heard of this novel, or at least the movie. It‘s a western noir type story. The audio version has a great narrator, performing each character differently, which is important here because the dialogue is where the books shines most. Overall rating: 4.29 stars.

review
Jason7
Outland | Dennis Taylor
post image
Pickpick

Don‘t read this book‘s blurb. It gives away a major plot point, and this event doesn't occur until about 5 or 6 hours into the audiobook. I would have liked this story more if I hadn‘t known this spoiler. I didn't read the entire blurb, but the spoiler is revealed in the first sentence! All in all, this is a good first installment in D.E. Taylor's new series, featuring Ray Porter, the narrator from the Bobiverse. Overall rating: 4.15 stars

review
Jason7
The Great Believers | Rebecca Makkai
post image
Pickpick

This book is being mentioned as a possible Pulitzer winner. I wouldn‘t be at all surprised if it won, though it may not be my first choice. It‘s described as a “page turner” in the book‘s summary. I wouldn‘t necessarily classify it as such, but it is quite good. Half of the novel takes place in the 80s, the other half in 2015. The 80s storyline is where the book shines most. The audiobook narrator is really good. Overall rating: 4.48 stars

AmyG I loved this book. Not a page-turner...more if a slow burn for me. The end tied it all together. (edited) 5y
Jason7 Yes. Definitely more of a slow burn. Reminded me of A Little Life at moments. I think it will probably win The Pulitzer. 5y
15 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
Jason7
On the Come Up | Angie Thomas
post image
Mehso-so

This novel has more of a YA feel to it than The Hate U Give. While both novels are classified as YA, I feel that On the Come Up is geared more towards teens. This isn‘t typically my genre of choice, but I figured I‘d give it a go since I did like The Hate U Give. Bahni Turpin‘s voice performance is good, as always. Overall rating: 3.77 stars.

review
Jason7
post image
Pickpick

I downloaded this one because I recently listened to and enjoyed Normal People, Sally Rooney‘s most recent novel. Rooney has a distinct writing style, which is descriptive and insightful. If you like one of her books you‘ll surely like her other. But, You have to like character driven stories. That doesn‘t mean the plot isn‘t interesting. It is. The narrator is also really good. I‘m impressed by this lady‘s writing.
Overall rating: 4.34 stars

review
Jason7
post image
Mehso-so

This novel has its moments. Powers explores some complicated concepts as he speculates on the future of science, genetics, mental health, and reproduction. There‘s a narrator who breaks into the story at various intervals, and I never did figure out who this person was. Maybe I wasn‘t supposed to. Generosity: An Enhancement is good for stretches, but it has a pattern of losing momentum just when it gets going. Overall rating: 3.96 stars

review
Jason7
post image
Pickpick

Many people love this novel based on all the five star reviews, and while it is a good audiobook, I‘m not sure it lives up to all the hype. Boyne is one of the best at writing dialogue, and much of the story is told through dialogue. The narrator was the perfect choice for this audiobook. While I enjoyed Boyne‘s latest work, A Ladder to the Sky, more than this one, The Heart‘s Invisible Furies was still good. Overall rating: 4.36 stars.

suvata I loved this book and rounded it up to 5-stars. LOL 5y
Jason7 I did like the book. Maybe I was expecting too much since a few people told me it was better than A Ladder to the Sky. 5y
10 likes2 comments
review
Jason7
Reamde: A Novel | Neal Stephenson
post image
Pickpick

Reamde is especially long, which I don‘t mind if the length is warranted. It seems like I‘d have more to say about a book I spent over 2 weeks on, but it‘s not incredibly complex. Some of the coincidences are a bit improbable, verging on the outlandish. Events take a long time to unfold in this mystery/thriller. If I was to recommend a Stephenson novel, I‘d go with one of his others. Still,it wasn‘t bad. Overall rating: 4.07 stars

review
Jason7
Middlesex: A Novel | Jeffrey Eugenides
post image
Pickpick

Eugenides spends a lot of time laying the groundwork in this Pulitzer Prize winner. The first half of the audiobook, which is over ten hours, isn‘t all that compelling, but it is necessary to fully understand this family saga that covers 3 generations of a closely knit Greek-American family. The second half is much more engaging. The narrator is above average. Overall rating: 4.30 stars.

Jason7 It is a good one, though I liked his other novel, The Marriage Plot, even more. 5y
14 likes2 comments
review
Jason7
The Fourth Monkey | J. D. Barker
post image
Mehso-so

Pretty disturbing mystery that starts off a bit slow. It does have some twists, some you may see coming and some you may not. The 2 audio narrators are a talented pair. It‘s a pretty good audiobook. Overall rating: 3.96 stars.