Audible Review: Good Morning... Processes Must Be Improved by Ray Jay Perreault

This is a quick, ironic portrayal of management concerns.

Good Morning... Processes Must Be Improved
Written by: Ray Jay Perreault
Narrated by: Christopher M. Allport

Length: 59 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:03-01-16
Publisher: Ray Jay Perreault
Genre: Sci Fi, Short Story
My Rating: 4.0 0f 5.0

Publisher's Summary
What happens when a man and a computer is put on Saturn's Titan for a year to mine methane? The relationship doesn't always work out the way everyone plans. The relationship should be based on trust, but what if one member of the team isn't doing what the other expects?
©2015 Raymond J. Perreault (P)2016 Raymond J. Perreault

Review:
Ah – irony strikes again in sci fi. Robert felt shorted at his last posting and it seems the company officials have punished him by sending him to a remote station to work in solitary, except for a computer companion. He is transferred to Saturn’s Titan production station to work with the AI in producing methane for shipment to the corporate overseers. The advanced AI computer has been developed to work with the single human operative and improve production in any way possible. As management, the computer applies different methods to motivate the human operative. The computer is still testing what is the best approach for humans – praise, fear, nagging, comparisons?

The story is told through the dialogue between the two characters. It progresses through the monthly changes and challenges addressed by Robert and "Tessi", the AI. Robert has to deal with typical factory type struggles that include shorted supply requisitions, failed deliveries, and overheard conversations that are shared by Tessi. How successful will the year of work be?

This was a quick, interesting vignette of large company issues. I liked the incorporation of the computer as a character and management tool. Anyone having to deal with quota production might find this humorous .... or at least appreciate the irony. I recommend this to readers who would enjoy a quick, ironic view of a computer in management position.

Audio Notes: It took me a bit to get used to the voices portrayed by Christopher M. Allport. Initially

I thought the computer voice could be more distinctly robotic but then I realized that, like HAL in 2001 Space Odyssey, it was intended to have more of a personality. Then the narration made sense and I appreciated how Mr. Allport succeeded in conveying the escalating tension and frustration between the two characters.

I received this from the author through Audiobook Blast. This qualifies for my Audiobook Challenge and G on Alphabet Soup.

Sunday Post March 20, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 21, 2016

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

This week I stayed in office juggling work as first one employee was out and then the other with sick child and 24 hour bug she caught. We were busy with closings.
We definitely have spring with azaleas and dogwood blooming this week. Our blueberries are full of flowers too! We are expecting a quick cold snap down to 39°F tonight and tomorrow night.

Reading was good and enjoyable. I finished four books (three audios and one ebook this week) and am 50% into another ebook. I posted three reviews and my other usual memes and posts.

Again, I enjoyed visiting other blogs early in the week and a couple mid week.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post March 13, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 14, 2016.

• Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Those Who Walk In Darkness (Jacks Jackson Mystery Book 1) by Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene; Historical Mystery; my rating 4.25.

• Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Breaking the Story (Scottie's Adventures Book 2) by Ashley Farley; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 18, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/24/2016.

• Audible Book Review: Straits of Hell: Destroyermen, Book 10 by Taylor Anderson; Sci Fi, Alternate History; my rating 5.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #244 Comment Giveaway March 19, 2016. Ending 3/26/16.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 20, 2016.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Destroyermen: Straits of Hell: Destroyermen, Book 10
Written by: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris
I love this series.
My review is linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (Tour)

Breaking the Story (Scottie's Adventures Book 2)
by Ashley Farley
I enjoyed this.
My review and tour giveaway are linked above.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/MP3 (ABB)

Good Morning... Processes Must Be Improved
Written by: Ray Jay Perreault
Narrated by: Christopher M. Allport
This was engaging.
I will post the review Monday or Tuesday.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/MP3

Good Fences: A Scorched Earth Novel
Written by: Boyd Craven III
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
I liked this realistic post apocalyptic novel.
I will post my review this week. 
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Chakana: Encounter In The Sacred Valley
by W.E. Lawrence
I am 60% into this adventure - scavenger hunt to a treasure.

Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/MP3 (ABB)

Northern Lights: A Scorched Earth Novel
Written by: Boyd Craven III
Narrated by: Kevin Pierce
I have started this and it is a stand alone in the series.
I received this audio from the narrator through Audiobook Blast.
Publisher's Summary
Tom's a prepper, and with his three friends, they embark on a fly-in fishing trip to northern Canada to have a long, relaxing vacation. Things turn deadly when an EMP leaves them stranded and alone 1,000 miles away from civilization. Winter is coming, and they only brought enough supplies for two weeks.

In a hostile land, there's no room for mistakes or illness. One wrong step can prove to be as deadly as the wildlife that has no fear of humans, and that views them as more than a potential food source. Escape by boat or over land would be near impossible.

So much to do, so ill-equipped, and so little time. Follow the four friends in their journey of survival. Survival isn't just an option - It's life or death.
©2016 Boyd L Craven III

3. eBook/Kindle (Tour)

The Ethical Coach Leader
by Dwight Johnson
This sounds interesting and timely.
I received this title through iRead Book Tours for review on 3/24.
Ethics are a growing concern in all sectors of American culture. From businesses to all levels of schooling, as well as nonprofit companies, the values that guide business and teaching criteria are under scrutiny. But, does it take a scholarly textbook to understand how to create an ethical culture? No, Dwight Johnson has delved into the problems and presents practical solutions in his easy to read book, The Ethical Coach Leader: Developing Honor and Integrity.

A fiction book that has universal application, Johnson creates an intriguing story about a college coach who finds out that his star athlete failed a steroid test, putting the coach in the cross hairs of an ethical dilemma. During a couple of restless nights of sleep, Coach is visited by five ghosts: the Ghost of Example, the Ghost of Education, the Ghost of Experience, the Ghost of E-information, and the Ghost of Environment. Each has different advice for Coach on how to resolve his ethical dilemma. With the dreams haunting his every waking moment, Coach also seeks advice from two of his former mentors. The lessons Coach learns can be applied to any industry, business, school or individual life.

The Ethical Coach Leader challenges cultural mindsets and introduces new ideas on how to apply desperately needed teachings in ethics, integrity, honor and good character. This is a must read book for anyone who has influence on others or is in a leadership role. (Dwight Johnson)

4. Audio/MP3

The Cracked Spine: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery
by Paige Shelton
This fun sounding mystery releases 3/29/16.
I received it through NetGalley.
Wanted: A bold adventurer who wants to travel the world from a comfortable and safe spot behind a desk that has seen the likes of kings and queens, paupers and princes. A humble book and rare manuscript shop seeks a keenly intelligent investigator to assist us in our search for things thought lost, and in our quest to return lost items to their rightful owners.

Never an adventurer, no one was more surprised than Delaney Nichols when she packed her bags and moved halfway across the world to Edinburgh, Scotland to start a job at The Cracked Spine, a bookshop located in the heart of the city. Her new boss, Edwin MacAlister, has given her the opportunity of a lifetime, albeit a cryptic one, and Delaney can’t wait to take her spot behind the desk.

The Cracked Spine is filled with everything a book lover could want, each item as eclectic as the people who work there; the spirited and lovable Rosie, who always has tiny dog Hector in tow; Hamlet, a nineteen-year-old thespian with a colored past and bright future; and Edwin, who is just as enigmatic and mysterious as Delaney expected. An extra bonus is Tom the bartender from across the street, with his cobalt eyes, and a gentle brogue—and it doesn’t hurt that he looks awfully good in a kilt.

But before she can settle into her new life, a precious artifact goes missing, and Edwin’s sister is brutally murdered. Never did Delaney think that searching for things lost could mean a killer, but if she’s to keep her job, and protect her new friends, she’ll need to learn the truth behind this Scottish tragedy.

February 28, 2016- up to date -
Reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church.
I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.

I posted three reviews last week which leaves two (so front) for this week - pretty much up to date.
I don't think I will get too many TBRs this month as I have a month full of scheduled reviews:
Rel 3/1/16 Dear Emma by Katie Heaney - (NG) from Grand Central Publishing
3/5 Ladies Book Club - Talon
3/15 Those Who Walk In Darkness (Jacks Jackson Mystery Book 1)
by Joyce Lavene and Jim Lavene - Great Escape Book Tours
3/17 Breaking the Story (Scottie's Adventures Book 2) by Ashley Farley – (NG) through Caffeinated Book Reviewer
3/24 The Ethical Coach Leader by Dwight Johnson - through iRead Book Tours
Rel 3/29/16 The Cracked Spine: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery by Paige Shelton – (NG)

In addition to March reviews I have five more author reviews committed with no specific dates. My NetGalley shelves are down to 8 books.

This is another new title this week at eTreasure's NetGalley:

 Princess Salina and the Unicorn by Lynne Anne Bendoly.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach.
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I received two new Audio review titles again this week. I'm holding off on more author ebooks/NetGalley right now.
TBR Triple Dog Dare update: It has been 80 days and I only bought one $.99 Kindle book.
I added more free kindle titles to my library.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I picked up two review books at Audible through Audiobook Jukebox:
Derelict
Written by: LJ Cohen
Narrated by: Bill Burrows

Teens accidentally crew a derelict space ship in this sci fi.

Dream Kisses: Romance on the Ranch Series Book 1
Written by: Verna Clay
Narrated by: Wendy Rich Stetson
I thought this sounded like a fun romance when I'm in the mood.

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Over the past week I added another 46 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 20, 2016

Today we celebrate Palm Sunday. We will be having a ‘casual day’ Sunday so that we can enjoy a church pot luck luncheon with games and egg hunt right after the service. I am not sure how late in the day we will get home so I prepared this to post earlier in the day.

As always I view this as a very special day. I am mindful that this day we remember a triumphant beginning to a week that will end in sorrow.

I searched for the song I wanted… 

I came back to an old favorite praise song.

Sometimes I just want to Shout to the Lord.

Verses for Today:
Matthew 21: 8-9 NIV
8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

May you all have a beautiful day!

Sharing Beyond Books #244 Comment Giveaway March 19, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
This seemed like a nice week - not quite so hectic. Bit by bit I get work done.

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

It was nice to hear your memories of Easter. Five had best memories of family gatherings. Another five enjoyed egg hunts or coloring eggs. Four liked new dresses and maybe hats or gloves. Natalija remembers playing "upper" with the eggs where the eggs are tapped together and the winner is the last egg to crack. Faith Hope and CherryTea remembers traveling to Mt. Rushmore and other family visits. After I posted last week I did remember one of the most meaningful things was a few years when we celebrated Maundy Thursday where we washed each others feet.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #243 comments is: #13 Marjorie who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. I'm hoping to update the book choices - maybe the beginning of next year, lol. Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #244

(One Question.)

Marjorie asks: 1) I read many reviews on books that I am interested in and usually buy that book. I have recently read a book that everyone thought was fantastic, a big 5 star. After reading most of it, I did not finish it, I thought wow, what a let down. Has this happened to you??

Yes, it has definitely happened to me. I still have a very popular book (now a movie) that I started but couldn't get into. I do plan to give it a second chance. We'll just have to see.

Image found at Race Ready Coaching.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use.

Your turn to share:
Marjorie asks: 1) I read many reviews on books that I am interested in and usually buy that book. I have recently read a book that everyone thought was fantastic, a big 5 star. After reading most of it, I did not finish it, I thought wow, what a let down. Has this happened to you??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday March 26, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Straits of Hell: Destroyermen, Book 10

I LOVE this series!
Destroyermen: Straits of Hell: Destroyermen, Book 10
Written by: Taylor Anderson
Narrated by: William Dufris

Length: 17 hrs and 34 mins
Series: Destroyermen, Book 10
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-05-15
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: Sci Fi, Alternate History
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Matt Reddy's old Asiatic Fleet destroyer USS Walker has been mysteriously transported to an alternate version of earth. Here, WWII is no longer raging, and Reddy and his crew have been trying to find a new place for themselves in this strange new world.
Now, along with the felinoid Lemurians and Imperial allies, they fight to keep the reptilian Grik, a race growing in supremacy, from reconquering the Lemurians' ancestral home on Madagascar. Reddy and his crew are exhausted, far from reinforcements, and wildly outnumbered. As for the fate of the Americas, Don Hernan and the evil Dominion have gathered to annihilate the forces behind the walls of Fort Defiance as a shadowy power with an agenda all its own rises with chilling resolve.
As the war teeters on a knife-edge, a tipping point may have been reached at last - and cold steel and hot-blooded valor will remain the ultimate weapons.
©2015 Taylor Anderson (P)2015 Tantor

Review:
I was excited to start the latest in this series. Captain Matt Reddy is leading the Alliance, consisting of Americans, Lemurians and Imperial British, in the strange alternate world where he and his Destroyerman battleship, Walker, have ended up. The allies are facing fights on several fronts. They have captured Grik City and have every expectation that the Griks will be back in swarms to try to recapture their “Celestial Home”. Some of the Grik leaders are craftier than when Matt first faced that enemy and they present more of a challenge.

On another front, Don Hernan and the awful bloody monks of the Dominion are trying to retake Fort Defiance. Commander Sinji has set up the defense in preparation of this expected attack, but now the human troops have been weakened by mosquito borne illness. Sinji will have to use brutal strategy and hope for reinforcements to prevail.

Meanwhile a new force has approached Japanese ‘General’ Kurokawa seeking his aid. The madman general had formerly aligned with the Grik but is planning his own revolution so that he can become ‘supreme emperor’ of this strange world.

I love the action and the connections between characters. Even the evil leaders, and their different level of troops, are portrayed with character growths. There is a good bit of military weaponry and multiple battles. Although I may not understand all of the technicalities I still like the strategy and the intensity of the action. I appreciate Mr. Anderson’s wonderful imagination and how he adds in new elements to set up storylines for the next installment. I will be anticipating the next book! I'm glad I only have to wait until June.

Audio Notes: William Dufris does a wonderful job on these narrations. He has multiple voices for the different characters, with some new Scottish brogue and Italian accents added in this installment.

Check out the artwork, plane models, maps and ship silhouettes at the author's new Website.

Also check out my prior reviews:

Into the Storm -- guess I didn't write a review.

Crusade 4.5 

Maelstrom 4.5

Distant Thunders  4.75

Rising Tides 5.0

Firestorm 4.25

Iron Gray Sea  4.25

Storm Surge 4.5

Deadly Shores  4.75

If you like the reviews, please follow this link to Audible and click the yes button on the “was this review helpful”.

I had this title in my own Audible library (credit purchase in 2015). It qualifies for Audio Challenge, S on Alphabet Soup Challenge, TBR Triple Dog Dare and March 2016 TBR Challenge.