The Last Days of Stalin

By Joshua Rubenstein

The Last Days of Stalin by Joshua Rubenstein is an amazingly detailed and in-depth look of Stalin’s last days on earth were and the also the days after. Rubenstein just does not take the daily agenda of Stalin and add fluff. He takes you deep behind the Iron Curtain to give you an account of every individual around him and even his politics at the time.

In my honest opinion, as an individual that had American schooling, we learn a lot about World War II and a little bit about life post-WWII. We learn of the evil of Hitler and the fierceness of the Empire of Japan as well. However, we never had a chance to learn of the atrocities that were happening under Stalin’s reign of Russia. This book should be given to every individual either in middle school or high school. Especially when they are learning of how the countries of the world were supposed to heal after the war, not to continue in atrocities against the Jewish people or even those that may have an opinion on their country’s politics.

Arthur Morey is the narrator of the audiobook and he does a phenomenal job of maintaining a very strong voice that contains authority, knowledge and calmness. Very well done!

In conclusion, if you have any curiosity about Russian history in the 20^th century or are curious about Russia post WWII, get this book. My mind was blown away by the great detail that Rubenstein was able to pack in this book. I recommend also that if you’re a parent and have a teen taking world history, they need to read this book and so do you! Highly recommend!

Story: 5/5

Narration: 5/5

Overall: 5/5

Pros: Very well balanced writing that has a very clear and concise road map. Extremely knowledgeable as well.

Cons: Some slow parts here and there, but are quickly erased by either the next sentence or paragraph.

Bare Bones

By Bobby Bones

 

I’m going to begin this review by saying that I don’t ever listen to the radio. Ever. I’m a firm believer that everything on the radio is the exact same song and exact same “dj” everywhere in the country. There’s nothing I enjoy more than changing the station to hear the exact same song playing almost at the same time as the last station. So when I decided to listen to Bare Bones by Bobby Bones, I was definitely not expecting what I was hit with.

Bare Bones is the autobiography of Bobby Bones, the national radio syndicate host of The Bobby Bones Show. Again, to be honest, I have no idea who he is. I figured, he’s about the same age as me and has his own radio show plus narrated his own autobiography? Now I’m curious. Well, I was pleasantly hit with an honestly funny and tender autobiography. Bones covers everything from his poor upbringing, schooling, college, his first radio host shot, and all of his interesting quirks.

For me this was probably the most hilarious autobiography I’ve ever listened to. I grew up poor, just like Bones. So I can relate to his “four major food groups” that he describes early on into the book. Let’s just say it involves Manwich and also Sunny Delight. Ironically, I did the exact same thing he did with the Sunny D as he describes in his book. When you’re poor, you do what you have to do in order to get more.

Bobby Bones narrates his own autobiography as well and does a fantastic job as well! I literally felt as if he was sitting across from me at a restaurant telling me his story!

All in all, Bare Bones is an excellent autobiography about a very interesting man. Growing up the way he did and seeing how he worked very hard to be where he is now, you have to give the man a lot of respect. Rising from poverty to where he is now and how he talks about his past with humor allows me to give him a lot of respect to see where he goes the next 10-20 years. Get this book! Preferably the audiobook version!

Story: 5/5

Narration: 5/5

Overall: 5/5

Pros: Honest and hilarious at the same time!

Cons: I feel I could have used more interesting stories. Yet this “con” is not enough for me to ding the book overall.

The Loney

By Andrew Michael Hurley

 

Before I delve into this review, I want my readers to know that I am in no shape or way a fan of thrillers of mysteries at all. You have been warned.

The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley is a fresh take upon British horror/mystery/thriller genre. The Loney is an area of Lancashire coastline (near Liverpool) that is known for its dangerous tides. Hurley instantly hits the reader with the dangers of said tide and the most recent flood that has hit the area. That is when Hurly sets you up with the gut punch of something bad is going to happen or has happened.

All throughout The Loney you can instantly envision every character and location and even the mood of each scene. I could easily feel the tension as if I was actually there. Brilliant descriptions are littered throughout the entire book. In no shape or way does Hurley take two or three pages to describe a house or an individual, yet he does it in a manner of two or three sentences.

Richard Burnip is narrator for the audiobook version and does a great job of keeping the characters individuality constant and the moods heightened.

In conclusion, if you are a fan of thrillers, mysteries, or horror, definitely get this book! I would reveal more. However, seeing how this is a mystery, I do not want to spoil anything for potential readers/listeners. But if you’re looking for an early summer thrill, go and get this book. You will not be disappointed.

Story: 4/5

Narration: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

Pros: Great descriptive environments and characters. Deep emotions.

Cons: Some fluff here and there that seems mysterious as to why the author put them in. Far and few in-between though.

Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?

By Frans de Waal

Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? is an extremely fascinating book taking a look into the intelligence of animals and how their minds are more complex than what we originally thought. The question of, “How intelligent are animals really?”, has been debated for quite a while. All while experts in their respective fields have battled restlessly to prove that their hypothesizes are correct and others are not.

Waal takes an excellent and calm approach to present his theories to the reader/listener. Waal even splashes quite a bit of humor throughout the entire book to keep the reader actively engaged. Throughout Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? Waal gives incredible examples of studies that either he himself has done or solid experiments that his fellow scientists have done in order to prove his point. And boy does he drive his point home at 200 miles per hour!

This is my first time listening to the narrator, Sean Runnette and damn was I impressed. Runnette’s voice is that of your favorite teacher or professor. Very calm and yet very exciting at the same time. There was never a time during the entire book that I felt bored or falling asleep and that was in large part due to Runnette’s excellent narration.

In conclusion, if you consider yourself an “animal person” or even a fan of the animal kingdom, get this book! If you ever have seen an animal doing something amazing that you’ve never seen done before, get this book! Even if you are skeptical of the intelligence of animals, get this book! I guarantee that your opinion will change by the end of Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?.

You can purchase this title from Blackstone Audio’s digital site, downpour.com and the great thing is that it is DRM free!

Story: 5/5

Narration: 5/5

Overall: 5/5

Trespassing Across America

By Ken Ilgunas

 

Trespassing Across America by Ken Ilgunas takes one man’s journey of hiking along the proposed XL Pipeline from Canada to Texas and turns it into a deep philosophical journey at the same time. As crazy as Ilgunas’s journey seems, it also has the appeal of a romanticism of the solo journey. The battle of wild threats, territorial ranchers, and the weather alone is enough to read/listen to this book.

Ilgunas, while working in Alaska, gets a wild hair to trek along the proposed XL Pipeline to see what would be impacted by the environmental damage from said project. Along the way he runs into quite a few friendly individuals, hillbilly teenagers shooting their guns around his tent, preachers, and close minded police. One sheriff officer even escorts him outside of the county lines. The star of Trespassing Across America is Ken’s deep thoughts upon the damage the pipeline would cause and how the people and environment would be effected.

Andrew Eiden is the narrator for the entire hike. He does a good job keeping all the stories engaging and calm at the same time. Allowing the listener to focus on the deeper meaning behind the text.

In conclusion Trespassing Across America makes the reader/listener take a deeper look into how America’s greedy thirst for energy consumption could ultimately lead to a fallout of a future. With all the battles that Ilgunas faced during his hike, he keeps his thoughts and opinions very honest. Allowing the reader/listener to take away a different understanding of the environment and everyone’s views.

You can download the audiobook from downpour.com here. Plus the book is DRM free!

Story: 4/5

Narration: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

Pros: A brave adventure with a deep philosophical thought process makes the reader/listener think.

Cons: I wanted to hear more about the adventures and the people Ken came across.

Homer Box Set: Iliad & Odyssey

By Homer

Produced by Blackstone Audio

 

I decided to take a look back at a few of my favorite classic tales. The Iliad and the Odyssey are definitely the great classics in literature. Hero’s that perform valiant deeds but are met with the reality of human consequences due to their human nature. Blackstone Audio did an excellent job of combining the two into one box set allowing listeners to not miss a beat between the two stories.

The Iliad takes place during the Trojan War and the ten-year siege of Troy and the battle between King Agamemnon and everyone’s favorite anti-hero, Achilles. What most people do not understand is that The Iliad takes place within the last two weeks of the Trojan war. So, if you didn’t have to read this in high school or college, you will be disappointed as this does not have Brad Pitt’s over glorified version.

The Odyssey, in a way, is the sequel to The Iliad. Your hero is Odysseus and it follows his story of his ten-year journey back to his home from the Trojan War that took place in The Iliad. During his adventures, his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus attempt constantly to side step potential suitors due to rumors that Odysseus may have died during the Trojan War. During Odysseus’ trip home, he is met with constant struggles around every single turn. He does however have Athena on his side. Unfortunately, his greatest enemy is the god of the sea, Poseidon.

Anthony Heald does a phenomenal job at narrating both books. Easily making you feel as if you are listening to Homer himself telling you the story.

All in all, if you are a fan of classic western literature, go and get this audiobook as soon as possible. It is my personal belief that all bookworms should have both books on their library shelves. Both books combined come in at just over 25 hours in length. It is a great value in audiobook format as you can listen to it at work, on a car drive or just around the house.

You can purchase this title from Blackstone Audio’s digital site, downpour.com and the great thing is that it is DRM free!

Story: 5/5

Narration: 5/5

Overall: 5/5  

Nothing but the Dead and Dying

By Ryan W. Bradley

I decided to review a title that came out towards the end of 2015 called, Nothing but the Dead and Dying by Ryan W. Bradley. Mainly due to the impressive nature from all the short stories that are packed within a short listen/read. All of the stories contained in NBTDAD take place in Alaska, which some would call the last great frontier of North America.

Bradley does not take it easy on his audience. Instead, he quickly sucker punches you with the realities of blue-collar life in the Alaskan frontier. Each short story is unique on its own with the only constant being the backdrop of Alaska. Every single story is definitely not for the faint of heart for the casual reader or for those who follow/believe in the romanticism of isolated life and harshness. Bradley keeps his stories on the knife’s edge of fiction and non-fiction. Easily having you think, “Is this a real story or just good fiction?” The frustrating blessing is that you never will know.

There are two narrators for the audiobook version, Elijah Alexander and Tamara Marston. Both do an excellent job at keeping the stories exciting and dark at the same time. Both narrators do a great job at approaching each story with its own independence and uniqueness.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a collection of short stories that break the mundane mold of typical stories that are produced now… get this book and get it now! Ryan W. Bradley, like his works before, sucker punches you, takes your dignity, and then has you thank him for doing so. Trust me, you will thank him for his stories once you are done.

Stories: 5/5

Narration: 5/5

Overall: 5/5

Pros: Quick and hard hitting short stories and excellent narration.

Cons: Bradley leaves you hanging with each story making you want to know more about each character.

The Greeks

By Diane Harris Cline

Have you ever wanted to learn about the Greeks but didn’t want to read a 2,000 page book? Were you ever curious about how the Greeks integrated their mythology in their every day life? Have you wondered how the Greeks used their inventions and technology? Well, buckle up because The Greeks by Diane Harris Cline is the right book for you!

The Greeks by Diane Harris Cline is the companion to PBS series, The Greeks and wow is it great! The Greeks is a quick listen, coming in just past six hours in length. The Greeks does not bore you with dusty history that makes everyone fall asleep, including history majors. Cline hits you with very quick history lessons based on Greek history and mythology. Cline does an excellent job as well to mix humor and seriousness to keep you fully engaged all the way to the end.

Pam Ward does a fantastic job narrating The Greeks and keeps you fully engaged all the way through the closing credits. I look forward to more books that she will narrate.

As I said above, The Greeks is a quick hitting history lesson. If you’re a history buff and are on the fence about learning more about the Greeks, get this book. Heck, even if you’re just a fan of history, get this book! Actually, just get this book period.

Story: 5/5

Narration: 5/5

Overall: 5/5

Pros: Quick listen and filled with excellent history.

Cons: I wanted more!

The 10% Entrepreneur

By Patrick J. McGinnis

The 10% Entrepreneur takes the modern question of, “How do you become and entrepreneur without jumping headfirst?” McGinnis takes a very simplistic approach to give you the first stepping stone. By dedicating only 10% of your time, energy, and even money in order to diversify your portfolio and to also, hopefully, make wise investments that will pay off.

The 10% Entrepreneur is a quick read/listen coming in at around six hours. McGinnis gives a great and quick biography of who he is and how he started his 10% philosophy while also giving you examples of other individuals who did the same thing. By giving the examples of other individuals, it helps provide a breakup from other “typical” investment books and I greatly appreciated his approach.

In no shape or way is The 10% Entrepreneur a “step by step, how to get rich, follow my lead and you can be a millionaire too” book. McGinnis quickly lets you know that there are risks and that you should only invest in industries that you actually know about or are passionate about. Which is a very simple approach. However, for those of us who know very little about investing, it was an eye opening and a “Well that makes perfect sense!” approach.

Elijah Alexander is the narrator and he does a great job at keeping you engaged fully throughout the entire audiobook. I definitely look forward to listening to more books that he has narrated.

In conclusion, if you are interested in starting to invest, definitely get this book. As I said, this isn’t a blueprint of a book for everyone to follow. Patrick McGinnis just nudges you to the right direction on how to approach being an entrepreneur and how to be serious about it as well while keeping your day job.

Story: 4/5

Narration: 5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

Pros: Quick read, great examples, great advice, and not a dusty investment book compared to the other 99.98% investment books out there.

Cons: I feel like I would have liked more of direct data as to how to actually begin. Reason being, I live in a small town and feel that investment opportunities are slim to non-existent here. However, not enough of a negative for me to ding this book.

The Long List Anthology: More Stories from the Hugo Awards Nomination List

Edited by David Steffen

Skyboat Media

The Long List Anthology is a wonderful idea from Skyboat Media! Taking the stories that did not make the top five for each ballot from the Hugo Awards and turning them into a quick and wonderfully put together audiobook for all to listen to!

The short stories included in this collection are:

“The Breath of War” by Aliette de Bodard

“When It Ends, He Catches Her” by Eugie Foster

“Toad Words” by T. Kingfisher

“Makeisha in Time” by Rachael K. Jones

“Covenant” by Elizabeth Bear

“The Truth about Owls” by Amal El-Mohtar

“A Kiss with Teeth” by Max Gladstone

“The Vaporization Enthalpy of a Peculiar Pakistani Family” by Usman T. Malik

“This Chance Planet” by Elizabeth Bear

The novelettes in this collection are:

We Are the Cloud by Sam J. Miller

The Magician and Laplace’s Demon by Tom Crosshill

Spring Festival: Happiness, Anger, Love, Sorrow, Joy by Xia Jia, translated by Ken Liu

Each story is very unique each of in itself. Each story is just shy of an hour in length, save for a few, but packs enough punch to immediately draw you in and immediately forces you to want to know more of each and every story. I am still wanting to listen to more of each story causing much frustration on my end. However, that’s how I feel about great short stories.

The narrators definitely knocked it out of the park. Each narrator does such an excellent job basically taking you in from the cold and wrapping you in a warm blanket of their voices. If you’re a fan of audiobooks, you know the importance of an excellent narrator and The Long List Anthology is not missing a single one.

In conclusion, get this audiobook! You can easily listen to one story a day or you can be like me and get sucked into the excellent storytelling and narration and listen to it in one go.

Stories: 5/5

Narration: 5/5 ( I would give more if I could)

Overall: 5/5

Pros: Excellent stories and excellent narration. Also, excellent cover art!

Cons: The stories leave you wanting more, leading to frustration.

Beer Money by Frances Stroh

Book Review

Beer Money is a memoir by Frances Stroh about the fall of her family’s brewing business in Detroit, Michigan. Stroh takes you on an a realistic journey of the high and luxurious times of when the business was good and the low times when the business started to decline, later in her teenage/early adult years. You follow Stroh from her childhood to adulthood with quick glimpses at certain life events.

Beer Money is a very quick read/listen that offers you a glimpse into the wealthy stature of American high class. Interesting choices of memories from her past fill this book. Some of the memories are somewhat easy to relate to. However, a majority of them can be a coin flip if the reader/listener can relate to it or not.

This is the first book I’ve listened to that has been narrated by Erin Bennet and she does a great job. In my honest opinion Bennet is the one that saves this book completely. Adding a somber mood throughout definitely helps the listener stay engaged.

In conclusion, Beer Money is an interesting take on the life of the privileged losing it all. However, the direction and point of the memoir at this time is unknown. With how damaged this country is with the divide between the wealthy and the not so wealthy, I can see how this book lacking a common interest. Especially with the success of the author being an installation artist, I find it hard to feel any concern or interest for the Stroh family.

Story: 1/5

Narration: 4/5

Overall: 2.5/5

Pros: Great narration.

Cons: Misguided story that attempts to make you feel sympathy for the Stroh family.

Jungle of Stone by William Carlsen Book Review

Jungle of Stone is an intriguing adventure of John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood in the deep jungles of what is now Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras for the search of the lost civilization of the Mayans. Dripping with grave details of the adventures of Stephens and Catherwood, you will easily feel as if you are discovering the ancient ruins yourself.

Jungle of Stone is put together extremely well and is based off of research from Stephen’s well detailed journals and Catherwood’s amazing illustrations of the journey as well. The simple concept of wondering into an aggressive jungle in the mid 1800’s to look for a lost civilization is either mad or brave. William Carlsen does an excellent job of surrounding you in the depths of the jungle. Carlsen quickly has you feeling every emotion that the adventurers felt and you can’t help but feel inspired by their determination.

Paul Michael Garcia does a wonderful job as the narrator. Garcia quickly sets the tone of the adventure and also changes it up to have you feel every emotion that Carlsen is attempting to portray. Again, Garcia does a wonderful job of separating each and every character and is flawless with giving the appropriate accents.

If you’re a fan of adventures, lost civilizations or even South America in general, get this book! You will not be disappointed. The only complaint I have is towards the end of the book. I understand what the author was attempting to do by giving a sense of closure and updates about Stephens and Catherwood’s life after the jungle discoveries. However, the closure drags on way too long in my honest opinion.

Story: 4/5

Narration: 5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

Pros: Great detail of the environment and of the adventures.

Cons: The ending drags on too long.

You can obtain the audiobook from downpour.com by clicking here.

The Cartel by Don Winslow Audiobook Review

Don Winslow does it again! He delivers a direct punch to your gut with the brutal realities of the brutal war on drugs against the Mexican Cartel. Dragging you by the back of your shirt throughout the entire book and then throwing you out the door when you’re done.

The Cartel continues off of Don Winslow’s book, The Power of the Dog. Winslow has you follow DEA agent Art Keller and his obsession to take down the drug lord, Adan Barrera. Winslow also has the reader/listener follow Barrera’s side of the war as well. Creating an excellent view of both sides of the war. Is Keller obsessive compulsive on taking down Barrera? Or is he so “institutionalized” in the war on drugs that he does not know how to get out of government work?

Ray Porter narrates the audiobook and does an incredible job as always. I may be a little biased since Porter is definitely one of my favorite narrators. Regardless of my favoritism, Porter does an excellent job of giving each character their own voice and he also nails the accents of the many characters within the book.

Don Winslow plays out the drama of the battle between Art Keller, Adan Barrera, government red tape, corrupt governments, and the drama and stress that each character is going through. There are a few slow parts throughout the book. However, they do not last long and Winslow hits you with more excitement quickly.

My only complaint about the book is that is seems as if the ending was somewhat rushed for a conclusion. Other than the ending, if you’re a fan of special agents, special forces or government drama. You need to read or give this book a listen immediately! You will not be disappointed!

Story: 4/5

Narration: 5/5

Overall: 4.5/5

Pros: Fast paced story with a very interesting cast of characters.

Cons: A few slow parts (nothing bad) and (what feels like) a rushed ending.

You can obtain the audiobook, DRM free from downpour.com by clicking here.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R.R. Martin Review

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms by George R. R. Martin is definitely a quick and easy listen/read for any fans of the Game of Thrones series. AKSK takes place well before the GoT series as you follow the hedge knight, Dunk and his squire Egg.

Dunk comes by knighthood when the knight he was serving passes away and while on the knights deathbed, inducts Dunk into knighthood. However, as a newly found hedge knight Dunk must now find a way to make his mark in the seven kingdoms. Dunk hears about a knight tournament not too far away and so begins his journey as a new found knight. Along the way Dunk comes across an inn in which he meats a boy named Egg. I am not going to put any spoilers in this review. However, Egg does eventually become Dunks squire.

For those of you who are fans of GoT, Egg is actually Aegon Targaryen. If you need a reminder, Aegon is the "Mad King". However, this book shows you more of his youth and his position within the Targaryen family.

The book is narrated by none other than Harry Llod, who plays Viserys Targaryen on the GoT series. Harry does such an excellent job with all the characters and offers such great and robust fluidity of the narration that I could listen to him narrating all day. He never misses a beat even during hectic scenes.

George R. R. Martin gives us a well timed book to somewhat hold off his fans until the next Game of Thrones book comes out... whenever that may be. Martin gives you a sliver of what the time before GoT was like in the seven kingdoms.

Story: 5/5

Narration: 5/5

Overall: 5/5

Pros: Excellent story met with an excellent narration.

Cons: As always, we want more Game of Thrones! Too short (about 10 hours).

Final Decision: If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, go and listen to this book now!

You can obtain a copy of this audiobook at downpour.com by clicking here.