Audible Book Review: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

I learned several useful techniques in this audio.
Dare to Lead
Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
By: Brené Brown
Narrated by: Brené Brown

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
Release date: 10-09-18
Publisher: Random House Audio
Genre: Leadership, Personal Success
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Number-one New York Times best seller.
Brené Brown has taught us what it means to dare greatly, rise strong, and brave the wilderness. Now, based on new research conducted with leaders, change makers, and culture shifters, she’s showing us how to put those ideas into practice so we can step up and lead.
Don’t miss the hour-long Netflix special Brené Brown: The Call to Courage!
Named one of the best books of the year by Bloomberg.
Leadership is not about titles, status, and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas and has the courage to develop that potential.
When we dare to lead, we don’t pretend to have the right answers; we stay curious and ask the right questions. We don’t see power as finite and hoard it; we know that power becomes infinite when we share it with others. We don’t avoid difficult conversations and situations; we lean into vulnerability when it's necessary to do good work.
But daring leadership in a culture that’s defined by scarcity, fear, and uncertainty requires skill-building around traits that are deeply and uniquely human. The irony is that we’re choosing not to invest in developing the hearts and minds of leaders at the exact same time as we’re scrambling to figure out what we have to offer that machines and AI can’t do better and faster. What can we do better? Empathy, connection, and courage, to start.
Brené Brown has spent the past two decades studying the emotions and experiences that give meaning to our lives, and the past seven years working with transformative leaders and teams spanning the globe. She found that leaders in organizations ranging from small entrepreneurial startups and family-owned businesses to nonprofits, civic organizations, and Fortune 50 companies all ask the same question:
How do you cultivate braver, more daring leaders, and how do you embed the value of courage in your culture?
In this new audiobook, Brown uses research, stories, and examples to answer these questions in the no-BS style that millions have come to expect and love. Brown writes, “One of the most important findings of my career is that daring leadership is a collection of four skill sets that are 100 percent teachable, observable, and measurable. It’s learning and unlearning that requires brave work, tough conversations, and showing up with your whole heart. Easy? No. Because choosing courage over comfort is not always our default. Worth it? Always. We want to be brave with our lives and our work. It’s why we’re here.”
Whether you’ve read Daring Greatly and Rising Strong or you’re new to Brené Brown’s work, this audiobook is for anyone who wants to step up and into brave leadership.
©2018 Brené Brown (P)2018 Random House Audio

Review:
The blurb gives a good summary of much of the book content. Ms. Brown has put together down to earth, realistic observances and suggestions for how best to lead successfully. She addresses subjects that include vulnerability and empathy, courage (including the courage to listen openly to criticism), living your values, and rising above past shames, obstructions, and other struggles.

I appreciated the personal stories and examples that were shared. I didn’t feel that all of the techniques would work in a very small business office but there are many strong elements to be aware of and that can be used in business settings.

My son recommended this, and I did find it inspirational and helpful. I do recommend this as a good addition to a library of self-development and leadership training. The author shares links to great resources on her website.

Audio Notes: The author delivers her work with clear and direct presentation. The listener captures a bit of the feel of Ms. Brown as a conference leader. One con on the audiobook version is that the work is broken into long sections (over an hour on several of them) rather than shorter sections to read and think on before moving on.

Source: May 15, 2022 Audible 2 April Credit picks. This qualifies for 2023TBR, 2023Audiobook, and Nonfiction goals.

Audible Book Review: Sleeping Tiger by Rosamunde Pilcher

This is a quick, interesting story.

Sleeping Tiger
by Rosamunde Pilcher,
Narrated by: Carole Shelley

Length: 2 hrs and 59 mins
Published August 1st 2000 by Random House Audio (first published 1967)
Genre: Novella, Romance
My Rating: 3.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.0; Narration 3.25.

For the first time in her life, Selina Bruce wasn't sure what tomorrow would bring. She had impulsively left behind her lawyer fiancé in London and flown alone to a tiny island off the Spanish coast. She was searching for the father she'd never know, but what she found was an unexpected truth about herself and the man she planned to marry. For exotic San Antonio offered Selina more than the penetrating brilliance of the noonday sun. It offered her the mysterious George Dyer, who held the key not only to her past--but to her heart.

Review:
Selina Bruce, at 20 years old, has wondered who her father is. She receives a book and decides the author is her father. Her fiancé’ lawyer tells her to let it go but she is determined.

Selina sets off to a small island off the Spanish coast to meet the man. She arrives in her proper British attire only to discover that her luggage didn’t make it with her. Then, after passing through customs she gets to the taxi cabs and realizes her wallet has been lifted from her purse. The community is small enough so she manages to talk the English speaking cab driver to take her to her destination with the promise of payment on arrival.

George Dyer has had small success with one book, He enjoys a laid-back life and although congenial enough, he doesn’t seem to have much ambition. It was unclear to me if he had a source of funds but they are not currently handy. There is a wealthy socialite in the community who is George’s age and who has set her eyes on him. She is not inclined to accept an alleged daughter getting in her way.

I found Selina to be spoiled, immature and needy - not a character I would admire. I wasn’t really bothered by a 17 age difference between the characters, I just wasn’t particularly interested. Enough of this was familiar so that I am sure it was a re-read but I didn’t quite remember the ending. I was glad it was quick so I could stick with it for my TBR goal count. I wasn't drawn in to a point that I would seek out this author. However, romance readers who enjoy a bit of drama might enjoy this.

Audio Notes: Carole Shelley does an adequate job with the narration. Her voice seemed to fit well with the story. I am inclined to think it was easier for me to listen to this as I might not have stayed with the written book.

Source: 2002 Audible Purchase. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Book Review and Giveaway: The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country by Cindy Woodsmall

This is a delightful story -- good plot, strong characters and well written.
The Sound of Sleigh Bells: A Romance from the Heart of Amish Country

by Cindy Woodsmall

Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook; First Edition edition (October 6, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0307446530
AUDIBLE LINK
Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
Length: 5 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-06-09
Publisher: Random House Audio
Genre: Amish, Inspirational
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Beth Hertzler works alongside her beloved Aunt Lizzy in their dry goods store, and serving as contact of sorts between Amish craftsmen and Englischers who want to sell the Plain people’s wares. But remorse and loneliness still echo in her heart everyday as she still wears the dark garb, indicating mourning of. When she discovers a large, intricately carved scene of Amish children playing in the snow, something deep inside Beth’s soul responds and she wants to help the unknown artist find homes for his work–including Lizzy’s dry goods store. But she doesn’t know if her bishop will approve of the gorgeous carving or deem it idolatry.
Lizzy sees the changes in her niece when Beth shows her the woodworking, and after Lizzy hunts down Jonah, the artist, she is all the more determined that Beth meets this man with the hands that create healing art. But it’s not that simple–will Lizzy’s elaborate plan to reintroduce her niece to love work? Will Jonah be able to offer Beth the sleigh ride she’s always dreamed of and a second chance at real love–or just more heartbreak?

Review:
Beth Hertzler has tried to freeze her emotions since the unexpected, accidental death of her fiancé. She is beyond the time to set aside for mourning but she can’t move on. Her friends and especially her Aunt Lizzy struggle to pull her into social circles again.

Beth works as a sort of sales liaison between Amish Craftsmen and Englishcers. She discovers a beautiful carving and is determined to help the unknown artist find an outsource. Beth’s bishop is not inclined to give approval as he views such carvings as “idols”.

Aunt Lizzy takes it upon herself to find the artist, Jonah. Jonah is a mature young man who learned the carving skills from his grandfather. Jonah has suffered his own traumas as a youth and, although he is happy his siblings have found strong mates, he doesn’t see himself finding someone of his own.

Lizzy secretly nudges the two into a writing exchange where they begin to share their hurts and dreams with each other. Beth believes she is writing to an old grandfather. Jonah at first thinks he is writing to Lizzy, a woman older than himself. When he discovers the truth, he knows that they must reveal the deception but he doesn’t want to lose Beth when she learns the truth.

This is a charming story of the harm of secrets and forgiveness. It is also a well told plot revealing the need to trust – first in God and then in those who love us. The letter exchange is quite beautiful and the author does a wonderful job of developing the characters and their relationship through this connection. I really like both characters who have strength and vulnerability. The supporting characters add to the story too. The story moves at a nice pace and is a quick read.

All my friends in Ladies Book agreed that this was a well written, engaging and wonderful story. We plan to seek more titles from Ms. Woodsmall. We highly recommend this to readers who enjoy Amish stories, and/or clean romance with well-developed characters.

Audio Notes: Although I had this in print, I picked up the Audible to read (listen) quicker.
Cassandra Campbell does a lovely job with the narration. Her voice is soft and fits the tone of the story. Although the male voices are precisely male, Ms. Campbell manages to portray their rougher strength. She also captures the soft gentleness and loneliness of Beth as well as the quiet strength and tenderness of Jonah. I can recommend the print or audio version.

I won this book a number of years ago and picked it up for our Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for Mount TBR and 2016 Audio Challenge.

GIVEAWAY:

One (gently read) PRINT COPY

US or Canada Only

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!
I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)
For 3 Extra Bonus entries
(a) comment on the review, OR
(b) Visit the Author's website and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US and Canada only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) January 21, 2017. Winner will be announced in the Sunday Post on 1/22/17.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Audible Book Review: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

This is an extraordinary story of a WWII hero – and it tells so much more.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Written by: Laura Hillenbrand
Narrated by: Edward Herrmann

Length: 14 hrs
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:11-16-10
Publisher: Random House Audio
Genre: Biography, Memoir
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood.
Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane's bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War.
The lieutenant's name was Louis Zamperini. In boyhood, he'd been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent, breaking into houses, brawling, and fleeing his home to ride the rails. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics and within sight of the four-minute mile. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown.
Ahead of Zamperini lay thousands of miles of open ocean, leaping sharks, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater. Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering with hope, resolve, and humor; brutality with rebellion. His fate, whether triumph or tragedy, would be suspended on the fraying wire of his will.
In her long-awaited new book, Laura Hillenbrand writes with the same rich and vivid narrative voice she displayed in Seabiscuit. Telling an unforgettable story of a man's journey into extremity, Unbroken is a testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit.
©2010 Laura Hillenbrand; 2010 Random House Audio

Review:
This is a biography/memoir portraying the remarkable life of Louis Zamperini. Zamperini was an  uncontrollable scamp of a boy. Although he exasperated his parents and sister, he was greatly loved. His older brother, Pete, was always trying to rein Louis in and direct his enthusiastic energy to better pursuits. Finally, Pete was able to encourage Louis to pour his energies into running. Louis became a running champion and did well at the German Olympics in 1936.

Zamperini was training for the next Olympics when America was drawn into WWII. Zamperini entered the aircorps and was deployed to the Pacific island of Funafuti where he served as a bombardier on a B-24 bomber named Super Man. Zamperini became good friends with the pilot,
"Phil" Phillips. The plane survived one remarkable enemy battle and returned with multiple bullet holes, putting it out of commission. Phil, Zamperini and their crew mates were sent on a rescue hunt in another plane that was known for mechanical problems. The plane had difficulties and Phil was forced to crash in the ocean. Eleven crew mates were killed or lost, leaving only three survivors, Phil, Louis and another young man, Mac.

The story follows their 47-day struggle to survive at sea without food and fresh water. Only Louis and Phil make it to land where they become Japanese prisoners of war under brutal and cruel wardens.

The story is remarkable and brings out a wide range of emotions. The portrayal of the struggle at sea is a frightening tale. The description of the P.O.W. experience is horrifying and heart wrenching. I have heard of these horrors and watched one or two movies. There is no way to read/listen to the abuses and atrocities without cringing. The author presents societal and psychological backgrounds/reasons to explain the treatment. It is still hard to understand, much less swallow.

The summary of this story is stated in the title: “Unbroken”. It made me cry, cringe and smile. It is well researched, richly written and shares the history of a remarkable man and several of his friends. I was impressed with how Zamperini came through the trials and how God used him. I recommend this to any reader who needs a story of courage, strength and forgiveness. Also recommended to any reader who wants to remember the horrors of war and hope that they never occur again.

Audio Notes: Edward Herrmann does a beautiful job with the narration. He shares different accents and voices but, even more impressively, he shares the intensity of the emotions that are portrayed by the story. The narration definitely contributed to the experience of the story for me.

I pulled this from my Audible TBR shelf. It qualifies for Mount TBR Challenge, Audio Challenge and "U" in Alphabet Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

This is a really fun listen! If you have this one in your TBR pile I recommend you get to reading, or listening to, it -- then enjoy!

Ready Player One

     by Ernest Cline

     Narrated by Wil Wheaton 

    LENGTH      15 hrs and 46 mins
    RELEASE DATE      08-16-11
    PUBLISHER      Random House Audio
Genre: Futuristic Fantasy
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
At once wildly original and stuffed with irresistible nostalgia, Ready Player One is a spectacularly genre-busting, ambitious, and charming debut—part quest novel, part love story, and part virtual space opera set in a universe where spell-slinging mages battle giant Japanese robots, entire planets are inspired by Blade Runner, and flying DeLoreans achieve light speed.
It’s the year 2044, and the real world is an ugly place.
Like most of humanity, Wade Watts escapes his grim surroundings by spending his waking hours jacked into the OASIS, a sprawling virtual utopia that lets you be anything you want to be, a place where you can live and play and fall in love on any of 10,000 planets.
And like most of humanity, Wade dreams of being the one to discover the ultimate lottery ticket that lies concealed within this virtual world. For somewhere inside this giant networked playground, OASIS creator James Halliday has hidden a series of fiendish puzzles that will yield massive fortune—and remarkable power—to whoever can unlock them.
For years, millions have struggled fruitlessly to attain this prize, knowing only that Halliday’s riddles are based in the pop culture he loved—that of the late 20th century. And for years, millions have found in this quest another means of escape, retreating into happy, obsessive study of Halliday’s icons. Like many of his contemporaries, Wade is as comfortable debating the finer points of John Hughes’s oeuvre, playing Pac-Man, or reciting Devo lyrics as he is scrounging power to run his OASIS rig.
And then Wade stumbles upon the first puzzle.
Suddenly the whole world is watching, and thousands of competitors join the hunt—among them certain powerful players who are willing to commit very real murder to beat Wade to this prize. Now the only way for Wade to survive and preserve everything he knows is to win. But to do so, he may have to leave behind his oh-so-perfect virtual existence and face up to life—and love—in the real world he’s always been so desperate to escape.
A world at stake.
A quest for the ultimate prize.
Are you ready?

Review:
Wade is a teenager in 2044 where lives are lived primarily in a free virtual computer world known as The OASIS. Wade actually resides in the crowded ‘real’ world – on and off – with his Aunt and her boyfriend in a mobile home in the stacks, where mobile home units have been staked twenty-two high in a precarious community. But Wade actually spends more time in his personal hideout in an abandoned van. Since schools became too crowded, students even attend through the virtual world, being given the minimal gear and choice of an avatar for their id in the OASIS. Friends are made in the virtual world without ever knowing the real person behind the avatar.

Wade explains how James Halliday, the creator of the OASIS, set up a game in the system as a means to distribute his vast billions on his death.  The first player to collect the three keys, play through three gates and find the hidden Easter egg will inherit the entire fortune. Initially there is a system wide frenzy as the treasure game hunters, called Gunters, study Halliday’s favorite games and past-times trying to find the solution. Some people have formed ‘clans’ and there is a massive, villainous corporation, IOI, whose players are called the Sixers, who want to win and control the system. It is feared if IOI gets possession that they will charge everyone for use of the OASIS and change the world situation for the worse. Wade and his best friend, Aech, agree that they are independent players even though Wade struggles with minimal assets and experience.

It has been five years since Halliday died and the scoreboard has shown no progress. Then one day Wade, or his avatar, Parzival, stumbles upon the path to the first key! A new fervor ensues and others quickly begin to show up on the board. Second is a slick female character, Art3mis, on whom Wade has a crush, then Aech, then two Japanese who are believed to be brothers.  After them come the institutional IOI Sixers who basically block anyone behind them.

Now the race is on and the leaders of IOI are not beyond bribery or even murder to get the secrets and prevail in the hunt. As Wade/Parzival plays and searches he shares memories of the early games like D&D, PACman, and early game systems like Atari. The serious players also have to know classic movies that were Halliday’s favorites including Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, War Games, Monty Python’s Holy Grail and more. There is a huge battle to the end between the mega corporation and the young players who finally team together and get a little help just to hide and survive.

This was wonderful fun to listen to, recognizing that the players are computer geeks and this is the only life and hope they have. There are clues and puzzles that Wade must solve and I enjoyed the trip down memory lane hearing about computers, games and movies from the 1980s. I liked the positive messages that were shared with the good v evil set up and with the characters becoming friends through their personalities without meeting. I recommend this book for entertainment and special fun for those who lived through the ‘80s.

Audio Notes:  Wil Wheaton does a wonderful job portraying Wade, his pals and even the evil CEO. I got caught up in the story but it was certainly enhanced by the excellent narration.

I'm really glad I selected this was from my own Audible Library. I picked it for my July "Just For Fun" read.