Audiobook Review: The Black Flower by Howard Bahr

The Black Flower by Howard Bahr

Completed: January 30, 2014
Length: 10 Hours, 23 Minutes
Narrated by: Brian Emerson

Synopsis from Audible:

At 26, Bushrod Carter is already an old soldier, a veteran of all his regiment's campaigns since Shiloh. Now, on an Indian summer afternoon in 1864, Bushrod finds himself in the line of battle once again, on a plain below the obscure village of Franklin, Tennessee. The dark flower of his destiny is opening in the twilight, just as it has on other fields, and Bushrod must pass once again under its shadow if he is to see tomorrow.

In the madness and violence of a great battle and its aftermath, Bushrod Carter tries to act his part as well as he can. He must confront his soul and learn from his comrades and from a young girl struggling with her own harsh past.

This timeless portrait of a young man's suffering in war has already won praise for its originality and power. The Black Flower is a story not only of war, but of men and women seeking redemption, who are stripped of all that anchors them, and who at last turn to honor and courage and love.

Fiction or Non-Fiction? Genre?: Historical Fiction set during the American Civil War.

What Lead you to Pick Up This Book?: This book was a selection for the Literature & War Read-along hosted by Caroline at Beauty is a Sleeping Cat. Apparently American Civil War books are not popular in Canada. This book was out-of-print and my library didn't have it. I, very randomly, could only find it as an audiobook on Audible.

Summarize the Plot: This novel takes place during the American Civil War. The novel primarily centres around 26-year-old Bushrod Carter and his friends, but the book also jumps around to other characters. There is even a section told from the point-of-view of a wasp. The book gives you a glimpse in the strain that is put on these young men who are veterans at such a young age. There is one part of the book where a doctor says they push so hard, hardly sleep, and get little nourishment, so anything that happens to them they are unlikely to recover from because of the strain all ready put on them. Bahr even manages to put a girl in the midst of everything without making it a romance.

What Did You Like Most About the Book?: Honestly, there were moments where I didn't want to stop the audiobook. When there was action, it was high action. And I was really impressed about his decision to write from the view-point of a wasp and me actually like that scene. I don't really know a lot about the American Civil War, this may be the first book I have ever read about it, but I felt it was a good look at the people. All wars are hard on the people. How many people just think American Civil War or WWI and don't think a 26 year-old man went through hell. He was not perfect. He did things that in other contexts would be horrible, but we see the world from his eyes and understand that he has been through a lot. I am not sure I am articulating what I am trying to say very well! Basically, this book is about the people who make up the war instead of the huge entity that was the war itself.

What Did You Like Least?: There were sections that kind of dragged. I found that when things were good, they were very good, but when things started to wan they got a bit dull. I also didn't enjoy the jumping around at first. There were too many people and I was having a hard time keeping everything straight. I don't think I really got in the groove of that until later in the book and then I started to appreciate this writing style.

What Did You Think of the Writing Style?: I think I basically answered this all ready by saying that when it was good; it was really good, and when it was bad; it was really dull. It all works in the frame of the story, though. There has to be down moments and I think it makes you appreciate the story even more because of the unevenness.

What Did You Think of the Main Character?: I wasn't sure what to make of Bushrod. For starters, what a very unfortunate name. Initially I wondered if it was in fact his last name, but, nope, his first. Even though Bushrod is there from the beginning, I think it was almost halfway through the book, or maybe even more, before I really felt like he was the main character and I knew anything about him. And, I felt really bad for him. Near the end of the book he had just been through so much and was having a hard time keeping it together. This is where those 'little' moments and page-turning moments came together to show who this man really was and what he has gone through.

What Did You Think of the Ending?: I think the ending worked. I think the last half of the book was my favourite part of the overall story, anyway. That doesn't mean I necessarily liked the ending, but if I elaborate on why I will spoil it for others and that's not fair.

Frankly, if I wasn't participating in this read-along I don't think I ever would have had a reason to read this book. I had never even heard of it before! I am glad I gave it a chance, though. It was a good look at a war I knew very little about. Recommended!

Thoughts on the audio: This book was narrated by Brian Emerson. He did a pretty good job. I didn't really pay any attention to who was narrating it when I grabbed a copy of the book, but I was happy with the listen. He told the story well and wasn't boring. If I got distracted from it it was because the story slowed down and not anything against the narrator.

This book counts for the Audiobook Challenge and the Historical Fiction Challenge.

Audiobook Review: Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Completed: January 22, 2014
Length: 10 Hours, 2 Minutes
Narrated by: Shelly Frasier

Synopsis from Audible:

When Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert of Green Gables send for a boy orphan to help them out at their farm, they mistakenly get Anne Shirley, a feisty, independent but warm-hearted 11-year-old girl. Fortunately her sunny nature and quirky imagination win the hearts of her reluctant foster parents and everyone in the community. But not a day goes by without some memorable adventure or prank in the tragicomedy of her life. Early on she accidentally dyes her "cursed" red hair green. Later, in an effort to impress a neighbor, she bakes a cake, but with liniment instead of vanilla.

Lucy wrote that Anne is an extension of herself and represents the independent, "new" woman of the emerging 20th century. Individualistic, resourceful, and of a great humanitarian heart, she remains a great role model for girls and women today.

In 2014 I made it my goal to read all of Lucy Maud Montgomery's books. In some cases these are rereads, like with this book, but in other cases I am going to be reading them for the very first time. It's a great project for my TBR in that sense because I have had many of them sit on my shelves for years unread. A few years ago I purged all my classics because you can get them for free as e-books. I kept my Montgomery's, though. I remember when I was about 10 I collected the entire Anne series and read them all. It was university before I read Emily and I STILL haven't read that trilogy entirely.

Fiction or Non-Fiction? Genre?: Classic Canadian Fiction.

What Lead You to Pick up This Book: Well, the project all started because I saw a few bloggers rereading Montgomery last year and it made me want to revisit her. I am sort of reading in order of publication. The deviation from this is that she only wrote short stories between 1896 and 1908 when this book was published. I read short story collections slowly, so I will work them in as the year progresses. I chose to listen to Anne, instead of read it, because Shelly Frasier narrates, and I really liked her narration of Stiff by Mary Roach.

Summarize the Plot: It's pretty simple, really. Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert make plans to adopt a little boy to help Matthew out with the farm. Wires get crossed, though, and a little girl is sent instead. Matthew was too shy to tell her they didn't want a girl and takes her back to Green Gables. At first Marilla had planned to send her back, but Anne wins them both over. The rest of the book is Anne growing up and having unique adventures.

What Did you Like Most About this Book? I love Anne. I know that some people like Emily better, and if I actually finish her books this year my opinion could sway, but ultimately Anne represents my childhood. I read the books, remember buying each book with my own money, and watched the shows. Anne is such a strong, vibrant character that even now I felt like I was just revisiting old friends. (It helps that I have actually been to Prince Edward Island and saw a lot of what is mentioned in the book.) I am pretty sure this series of books, with Marilla, Matthew, Diana, Gilbert, etc, has stayed with me more than anything else I have ever read.

What Did you Like Least? I have read this book so many times over the years that I can't really say anything bad about it.

What Did You Think of the Writing Style? What I always do with Montgomery... She is big on simplistic settings, morals, and the idea of right and wrong. It is definitely a view of her up-bringing and place in the world. To be honest, Montgomery is not a writer I would generally like at all. I just discovered her when I was young, I guess, and can overlook the syrupy writing that I would be less likely to ignore with other authors.

What Did you Think of the Main Character? I love Anne! She is vibrant, imaginative, and captivating. She definitely comes to life in these books. She is one of my favourite literary characters.

What Did you Think of the Ending? There are no cliffhangers in Montgomery's book. At the end everything is tied up nicely and if there was never another book you wouldn't really feel you were missing anything.

Thoughts on the Audio: Well, this was a hard one to get into in the beginning. First, Stiff and Anne of Green Gables are so completely unrelated that it was a bit weird at first. And then there was the fact that I have seen the mini-series too many times and had different voices in my head for the characters. At first I even thought the audio was a bad idea, but once I got going I was fine. I plan to listen to Anne of Avonlea, too, because Shelly Frasier narrates that one as well.

Overall, I am glad I tried out audio for something different. I still love this book and am glad it is not one of those books that loses something when you are older.

Audiobook Review: Henrietta's War by Joyce Dennys

Henrietta's War: News from the Homefront 1939-1942 by Joyce Dennys

Completed: January 11, 2014
Length: 3 Hours, 47 Minutes (158 Pages)
Narrated by: Mandy Gasson

Synopsis from Audible:

Spirited Henrietta wishes she was the kind of doctor's wife who knew exactly how to deal with the daily upheavals of war. But then, everyone in her close-knit Devonshire village seems to find different ways to cope: There's the indomitable Lady B, who writes to Hitler every night to tell him precisely what she thinks of him; the terrifyingly efficient Mrs. Savernack, who relishes the opportunity to sit on umpteen committees and boss everyone around; flighty, flirtatious Faith who is utterly preoccupied with the latest hats and flashing her shapely legs; and then there's Charles, Henrietta's hard-working husband who manages to sleep through a bomb landing in their neighbour's garden.

With life turned upside down under the shadow of war, Henrietta chronicles the dramas, squabbles, and loyal friendships that unfold in her affectionate letters to her "dear childhood friend" Robert. Warm, witty, and perfectly observed, Henrietta's War brings to life a sparkling community of determined troopers who pull together to fight the good fight with patriotic fervour and good humour.

Henrietta's War is part of The Bloomsbury Group, a new library of books from the early 20th-century chosen by readers for readers.

What Lead You to Pick Up the Book?: I was curious. I have heard good things about this book for ages and planned to buy it at Christmastime, but there was a reason that I couldn't. So, I went the audiobook route instead. I still would like to own the paperbacks at some point.

Summarize the Plot: The novel is entirely told from Henrietta's point of view through letters that she writes to her friend Robert. Robert is serving in the war, and Henrietta is keeping up to date on life on the home front. Through her letters, we learn about her husband and the cast of colourful characters that make up her community. By the end of the book, you feel as if you have been visiting with old friends.

What Did you Like Most About the Book?: I think my favourite part of the book is how everything comes to life during Henrietta's letters. Henrietta herself is the focal point, but she describes others so well that you feel as if you know them. There is Lady B, for example, who writes a letter to Hitler every evening telling him what she thinks of him. Then there is Faith, who has the choir master wrapped around her little finger. The choir master himself comes to life by visiting Henrietta in her bedroom to lament about his fate in the world. 

What Did you Like Least?: I wanted more. The book is very short, and I wish it wasn't. There is a sequel, though, and I may feel better once I have read that. (I am just disappointed that it is a different narrator for the audio because now Henrietta won't sound right.)

What Did you Think of the Writing Style: Well, I love books told through letters. I know there are many people that don't feel it gives enough to have a book written that way, but I am a huge fan and some of my favourite books are written through letters, diaries, etc. (This is why I joined the Postal Reading Challenge this year). I think that Dennys does a very successful job of telling what life was like on the Home Front during World War II.

What Did you Think of the Main Character?: Henrietta was very human. When there was something to be scared of, she was scared. When there was action going on, she got in the midst of it when it was necessary and ran away when it wasn't. Dennys made her seem like a real person instead of attempting to create a larger than life or impractical British woman. There was one scene where she gives blood that was particularly well-done and believable.

What did you think of the ending?: The book only covers the first part of the war, so I tend to think of the sequel as the real ending. That being said it ended fine and with no compulsion to have to read the sequel, but I want to see how things play out for Henrietta, her family, Robert, and the members of her community during the rest of the war.

Strongly recommended!

Thoughts on the Audio: I liked Mandy Gasson. She did a very good job talking in the conversational tones of the letters that Henrietta was writing to Robert. I went to see what else she has narrated, but this is her only book. As I mentioned above, I am disappointed she doesn't narrate the sequel.

Audiobook Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell


Completed: January 7, 2014
Length: 12 Hours, 48 Mins (433 Pages)
Narrated By: Rebecca Lowman and Maxwell Caulfield

Synopsis from Audible:

In Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl, Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan, but for Cath, being a fan is her life - and she's really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow Series when they were just kids; it's what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath's sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can't let go. She doesn't want to.

Now that they're going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn't want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She's got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words...And she can't stop worrying about her dad, who's loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this? Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories? Open her heart to someone? Or will she just go on living inside somebody else's fiction?

In 2013 I read Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. I started seeing it around the blogosphere, was having a hard time reading anything, and thought I would splurge and take a chance on it. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it and it made my Best of list for 2013. This meant I was going to have to try Rowell's other books. Fangirl sounded like a 'me' book, so I went with that one next.

I haven't used this reviewing method in years and thought I would dust it off:

Fiction or non-fiction? Genre?: Fiction. I don't know, I would say Young Adult, but I guess there is also something called New Adult now. Contemporary whichever one it is.

What Lead You to Pick Up This Book?: Well, like I said above I really liked Eleanor & Park, but also I started seeing this one around everyone and was hoping to make it my last read of 2013, but my audiobook before it was a chunkster and took longer than I planned.

Summarize the Plot: Well, the book mostly centres around Cath. She is in her first year of university and dealing with many changes. She is a twin and is used to always having her sister around, but her sister, Wren, decides she wants her freedom this year. This means she now has to deal with a room-mate, a new school, etc. all on her own. She is also obsessed with Simon Snow, which is the major fandom in Rowell's world. She writes a very popular fan fiction called "Carry On" re-imagining the relationships and storyline of the popular series. This book details what it is like to strike out on your own, but also has those connections that keep you grounded.

What Did You Like Most About The Book? I don't even know what it was that called to me with this book... The characters all come to life on the page. Cath loves fantasy novels and doesn't know how to 'think' in the real world. She is a writer that I would read. I liked the relationships presented in this book. It actually covers a lot: boyfriend/girlfriend, boyfriend/boyfriend, sisters, friends, mother/daughter, father/daughter... Honestly, a lot happens in this book. I could go on and on.

What Did You Like Least? There was nothing that really jumped out at me. I don't think the book was necessarily perfect, but it worked and I have no major complaint.

What Did You Think of The Writing Style? Rainbow Rowell is an awesome writer. She is engaging, witty, and her words definitely fly off the page. She can make what doesn't seem like it should be a page turner a page turner.

What Did You Think of the Main Character? I loved Cath. She was a flawed character, written really well, and I loved her for who she was. This was in many ways a bit of a coming of age novel and I enjoyed watching Cath grow through the novel.

What Did You Think of the Ending? I loved it. I think it summed up the novel very well. I was sad to see the story end, but I can't complain about how it ended.

Strongly recommended! (So much so that I bought the paperback just so I can reread it!)

Thoughts on the Audio: I really liked Rebecca Lowman's narration. It really felt like she was telling you a story and had a very listenable voice. I believe she narrates all of Rowell's books, so I predict I will be listening to the others even though I own them in paperback.

2014 Reading Challenges

I didn't do any reading challenges last year... Well, this year. I decided to do a couple in 2014, though. Nothing too stressful. We will see how it goes! The ones I picked out are below: 

Hosted By Teresa's Reading Corner.

January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014

There are five levels to the challenge: 

Flirting-Listen to 6 Audio Books
Going Steady- Listen to 12 Audio Books
Lover- Listen to 25 Audio Books
Married-Listen to more than 25 Audio Books
You Define the Relationship- Create your own challenge (choose your own name and level starting as low or going as high as you’d like) 

This challenge is completely laid back. I want it to be as enjoyable as possible.
Audio Books can be any genre
You can cross challenges
You don’t have to be a blogger to participate. You can tell us about what you are listening to in the comments of the monthly link up.

My Thoughts: In a dream would I would like to listen to two audiobooks  a month, but we will see how that goes... To start with I will go with Going Steady - Listen to 12 Audio Books.

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Hosted at it own dedicated blog.

January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014

Wondering what’s a chunkster? A chunkster is an adult book, non-fiction or fiction, that’s 450 pages or more.

Rules for this challenge:

Audio books and e-books are now allowed. You want to listen to a chunkster on audio? Be my guest.
Essay, short story, and poetry collections are allowed but they have to be read in their entirety to count.
Books may crossover with other challenges.
Anyone can join.
You don’t have to list your book ahead of time.
Graphic novels don’t count. Sorry guys but reading a chunkster graphic novel isn’t the same as reading a non-graphic chunkster.

I’ve been thinking long and hard about the levels of participation that have always been a part of this challenge. This year we’re going to try something new: there won’t be any levels.

My Thoughts: I am not going to stress about it. I just want to clean some of the chunskters off my shelves.

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Hosted at its own dedicated blog.

January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014

Here’s the schedule:

Jan./Feb.: Gulf Wars (Gulf War/Operation Desert Storm and Iraq War/Operation Iraqi Freedom)
March/April: French and Indian War
May/June: Korean War
July/August: WWI (100th Anniversary)
Sept./Oct.: WWII
Nov./Dec.: Vietnam War

Level of Participation:

Dip Your Toes: Read 1 book for any war
Novice: Read 1 book per war throughout the year for a total of 6 books on 6 different wars
Intermediate: Read 2+ books for 1 war, and 1 book for each of the others for a total of 7 books
Expert: Read 2+ books for each war for a total of 12 books

My Thoughts: I really like the idea of this challenge. I should do it more! I am not sure what level to go with just because I have no idea what to read for some of the wars. I normally read primarily WWI and WWII, so I will have to see what the options are for the other wars and take it from there.

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Hosted at its own dedicated blog.

January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014

Here is how the Challenge will play out this year:

Levels:

Modern Age: read and review 12 books during the year (that's only 1 book a month)
Bronze Age: read and review 24 books during the year (Can you handle 2 books a month.)
Silver Age: read and review 52 books during the year (Are you up to a book a week!)

You must sign up for a level, but once you complete that level you may move up and try for the next one.

My Thoughts: I am behind on my graphic novel reading. I need to catch-up! I am going to go with the Modern Age. I would have to start going back to the library to do better than that. We will see how it goes.

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