Audible Book Review: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

This is a charming story.

The One and Only Ivan
By: Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao (Illustrator)
Narrated by: Adam Grupper

Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 03-14-13
Publisher: HarperAudio
Genre: Animals, Children
My Rating: 4.50 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.
Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he's seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.
Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home - and his own art - through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it's up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.
Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan's unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope.
©2012 Katherine Applegate (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

Review:
Ivan, a silverback gorilla, has lived most of his life in a small, uninspired mall mini circus. Ivan barely remembers his old home and family as those memories bring a poignant sadness. Ivan has a gentle friendship with the other animals and Julia, the young daughter of the mall maintenance man. Ivan and Julia share a love of art although Ivan’s efforts are much less clear than Julia’s. Ivan's other friends are Stella, an elephant with a damaged leg, and Bob, a stray dog who snuck in off the streets of the world and who sleeps on Ivan’s belly. Then the mall owner purchases Ruby, a baby elephant, in hopes of picking up business. But Ruby is untrained and the owner's methods of training makes all the animals unhappy.

As Stella becomes ill from her infected foot, she makes Ivan promise that he will take care of Ruby. Ivan isn’t sure how he can help Ruby and struggles to accomplish a plan once he comes up with one.

Ivan, and the other animals, are lovely characters and the story is charming. I don’t agree with the statement that we evolved from Apes, but other than that, this shares interesting details about apes, particularly silverbacks. It also shares a wonderful message of compassion, caring, friendship and hope. There are painful moments and scenes that made me cringe at the callousness of men. Fortunately, these are overshadowed by the sweet caring shown by Ivan and his friends. The story evokes empathy for the plight of animals taken out of their natural homes to live in cages for human entertainment. This may be written for children but it is a lovely read for adults too.

Audio Notes: Adam Grupper does a wonderful job with the narration. The voices fit and the reading is seamless with no distraction from the story. I recommend this in audio although I note that the kindle and print versions have awesome illustrations.

This was from my Audible library purchased through Kid’s Sale in summer 2017. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Audible Book Review: Of Treasons Born by J. L. Doty

This is an engaging sci fi - character profile.
Of Treasons Born
A Novel of the Treasons Cycle
By: J. L. Doty
Narrated by: Noah Michael Levine

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 05-03-16
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci Fi, Space Military
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
A gripping military science fiction adventure starring the hero of A Choice of Treasons.
As a lifer in the Imperial Navy fighting in a war that has lasted for generations, York Ballin's only hope for an honorable discharge is the grave. But what events led up to his reluctant enlistment? What spawned York's almost fanatic loyalty to his friends - and his doubts regarding the imperial uniform he once wore with such pride?
York rarely recalls his childhood, which began with a mystery and ended at age 11 when he was given a harsh choice: Join the navy or face certain death on a prison asteroid. The navy has its own code of justice, but a youngster with curiosity and grit is able to rise in the ranks...if he's given a fair shot.
A few rigorous years later, as a newly commissioned ensign, York is assigned to the hunter-killer ship The Fourth Horseman. But when an unexpected foe kills his superior officer and leaves the crew stranded in enemy territory, the young ensign must do whatever he can to save the ship - even if it means he'll be court-martialed for treason.
Of Treasons Born is a novel of the Treasons Cycle; the series was written so that it can be listened to in any order.
©2016 J. L. Doty; published in 2016 by Open Road Integrated Media, Inc. (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Review:
York Ballin was mostly raised on the streets. He was pressured by the wrong sort of friends and at age 11 he ended up with a conviction for murder. He is sentenced to a prison asteroid where he will no doubt be dead soon. He is surprised when he is confronted by naval officers who “offer” him a place in the space navy. It isn’t really a choice.

York has to start at the bottom swabbing floors – he learns they are called ‘decks’. He is smart and picks up quickly… if only someone is willing to train him. He learns that there are bullies in the navy too and he ends up caught in a bad situation again. He takes the punishment and is sent to the Marines for further discipline. They figure he is a loser who will wash out but soon discover that he learns quickly and is willing to take risks for others. Bit by bit York makes friends and shows himself as more than a loser.

He is sent to Naval Academy where he bunks with three others of totally different backgrounds. One comes for power, one from money and one from influence. They realize that York is the one from experience. There are superiors who feel that street kids have no business in the Academy – they aren’t smart enough to learn and not worthy of the training. These men make trouble for York but fortunately there are others who see the potential for leadership in York and want him to succeed.

I found this story very engaging. I liked how Doty develops York’s character and how friends and staff along the way contribute to that character. York is a sympathetic character who is able to rise through the ranks even when he doesn’t even know what the space war is all about. There is a suitable balance between the strong action and human elements. I have the next book in the series (although this was actually shown as book 2) and I am looking forward to reading/listening to more. I recommend this to fans of space military tales.

Audio Notes: Noah Michael Levine does a great job on the narration. The voices are varied and the inflections are conveyed to share the nuances of the situations. I really enjoyed the listen.

I picked this from my Audible Library. It qualifies for Mount TBR and Audio Challenge.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway November 3, 2017

Happy Friday!
I am exhausted tonight (Thursday) as we hosted a taco dinner party for 20 or so friends from church. It was a lovely time of fellowship.

It is November and this is the month I celebrate when I first started this giveaway. The end of the month will be EIGHT years. For the four weeks in November I select FOUR random winners! So be ready to make your picks to give books a new home or get a GC to spend toward book purchases!

I have a new box of books I picked up last month at an event sale. I have a picture but I couldn't get my home computer to read the picture card. I will try at the office on Friday.
(We did not get the won books mailed yet as I was out of office on Monday and my assistant was out on Tuesday. I think she works half a day on Friday so hopefully we can get some of them out.)

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the October 27 Pick. There were TWO automatic wins this week! Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There were no titles blocked.
AUTO: CarolL gets House of Dreams;
and CarolNW gets The Painted House- Cassettes.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from October 27 Pick:
ELIZABETH gets Kissed by Shadows
and 
MARYP gets a GC..

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

This is a good sentiment to make about books!
Image found at Quotespill.

New Book Group #76 November 3, 2017 (37 titles)
24 in the top picture and 13 in the lower picture. Not sure that you can read the titles so I will try to list these soon.

New Book Group #75 September 29, 2017

To be listed on Saturday soon. (The Painted House is cassette tapes)
PAIRS:
Rachel Lee: Snow in September and Ever Princess
JoAnn Ross: Legacy of Lies and Confessions
Aunt Erma's Cope Book
Morning Song
 The Trophy Wife 
The Painted House is cassette tapes
Daring
Something Special
Named of the Dragon
Whispers at Midnight
The Inquisitor
Rehabilitation
Secret Blessing

New Book Group #74 August 25, 2017

PAIRS:
Suzanne Brockman: Flashpoint and Over the Edge
Lisa Gardner: Hide and The Survivor’s Club (spine wear)
SINGLES:
Treasure Me by Robyn DeHart
Cold Blooded by Lisa Jackson
House of Dreams by Brenda Joyce (slight spine wear)
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Surrender My Love by Johanna Lindsey (slight spine wear)
204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber
The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson – Audio Cassettes
The Duchess Diaries by Barbara Dawson Smith
To Conquer a Highlander by Mary Wine
Cain by James Byron Huggins (Hardback)
The New Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman
Reader’s Digest Large Type: At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks and Consigned to Death by Jane K. Cleland

New Book Group #73 June 16, 2017
I was looking for Summer titles but that didn’t really work.
SINGLES:
The Cowboy by Joan Johnston
A Dragon Prince by Mary Gillgannon
A Kiss Before Dawn by Kimberly Logan

New Book Group #72 May 12, 2017
PAIRS:
Brenda Joyce: The Third Heiress and The Rival
Jayne Ann Krentz: Dangerous Affair and True Colors
SINGLES:
Rainbow Mars by Larry Niven
Bound by Destiny by Rayka Mennen
The Fireman’s Fair by Josephine Humphreys (Hardcover)

New Book Group #71 March 10, 2017
Mysteries and Thrillers
SINGLES:
There Was A Little Girl by Ed McBain (Audio Cassettes)

New Book Group #70 January 27, 2017
Thought I’d share some romances for February:
SINGLES:
Kissed by Shadows (Get Connected Romances) by Jane Feather
Love's Brazen Fire by Betina Krahn

New Book Group #69 November 18, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #68 October 28, 2016
SINGLES:
Plan of Attack by Dan Brown

New Book Group #67 September 9, 2016

(*Three more very old books from my Gothics box.)
SINGLES:
*The Man in the Garden by Paule Mason (1969 - yellowed)

New Book Group #66 June 25, 2016

(I will post a picture later. *Four of these books are very old; pulled from a box of gothic novels I have had for many years. They may not be wanted by anyone and if so, I will donate elsewhere in time.)
SINGLES:
*Maggie – Her Marriage by Taylor Caldwell (1953 very old, yellowed pages, some stain damage doesn't effect reading)
Fire Dancer by Ann Maxwell


New Book Group #65 April 29, 2016-- All Gone
The Champion by Heather Grothaus

New Book Group #64 March 4, 2016
SINGLES:
First Things First by Stephen R. Covey- Audio Cassette

New Book Group #63 January 22, 2016 -- All Gone

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

SINGLES:
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)

New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015 -- All Gone

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014 -- All Gone

BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty by Vickie Kennedy
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.

BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost EIGHT years I have posted 75 groups of 16 (1,200) books to find new homes! (as of November 2, 2017).

I am happy to say that so far about 1,115+ books have found new homes through this feature! YAY. [A month or so ago I posted I had reached 2000 books given away. As I calculated the numbers tonight I realized that had to be an error. I realized I went from 1098 to 2001 instead of 1101. Guess I was tired; sorry for the error.] I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Audible Book Review: Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15 by J.D. Robb

I enjoyed the plot and character interaction in this addition to this highly entertaining series.

Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15
Written by: J. D. Robb
Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Series: In Death, Book 15
Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 05-15-13
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: Female Detective, Mystery, Police Procedures
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Louie Cogburn had spent three days holed up in his apartment, staring at his computer screen. His pounding headache was unbearable - like spikes drilling into his brain. And it was getting worse. Finally, when someone knocked at his door, Louie picked up a baseball bat, opened the door, and started swinging...
The first cop on the scene fired his stunner twice and Louie died instantly. Detective Eve Dallas has taken over the investigation, but there's nothing to explain the man's sudden rage or death. The only clue is a bizarre message left on his computer screen: Absolute Purity Achieved.
And when a second man dies under nearly identical circumstances, Dallas starts racking her brain for answers and for courage to face the impossible... that this might be a computer virus able to spread from machine to man....
©2013 J. D. Robb (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Review:
Eve begins a new investigation when called to the scene of a brutal killing. The killer was violently bludgeoning his neighbors with a baseball bat. Officer Trueheart took a few hits before he shot the man to stop him. The investigation quickly reveals that the killer, Louie Cogburn, was a sleaze bag criminal who spent hours on the computer which held the last message on the screen: “Purity has been achieved.” The case expands as more computer deaths are called in with the same screen message.

Eve pulls together her core team - Peabody, McNab, Feeney, and her husband, Roarke, as a civilian consultant - and begins the hunt for the Purity terrorists. News reporter Nadine adds to the tension and psychiatrist/profiler Dr. Mira steps in to help calm things when needed and even zany Mavis has a surprise to offer.

As usual, I enjoyed the well laid out plot and the teams work to get the conspirators. There is a nice blend of human life in this story as Eve deals with injured officers and shows a bit of the warmth and caring that lies hidden but fuels her drive to be a cop for the people.

The only thing I didn’t care for in this book was it seemed to be filled with anger. It opens with frustration and annoyance enhanced by the heat of summer. There is a lot of shouting and I was thankful for Roarke stepping in at times with his cool confidence that helps to center Eve.
I recommend this highly entertaining series to mystery lovers who like a tough female cop with great sidekick characters.

Audio Notes: Susan Ericksen does her usual superb job of narrating these characters. I think the angry/heat tone was part of the story and Susan captured it in the narration… for good or bad. Her voices are filled with personality and it makes listening to the series that much more enjoyable.

This is from my Audible TBR and qualifies for Mount TBR and Audio Challenge.

MBS October 2017 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2017 Reading List - OCTOBER

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABJ = Audiobook Jukebox; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2017

1. eNG- Book Review: Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost ; Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth; my rating 4.25.
2. A-TBR- Audible Review: Blood in the Water: Destroyermen Series, Book 11, by Taylor Anderson; Alternate History, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5.
3. eNG- Book Review: Crown of Souls by Ronie Kendig; Christian, Military, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.
4. P/eB-LBC- Book Review and Giveaway: A Matter of Character by Robin Lee Hatcher; Historical, Inspirational, Romance; my rating 4.25.
5. A-Narrator- Audible Book Review: Breakthrough: The Great Martian War, Book 2 by Scott Washburn; Alternate History, Sci Fi; my rating 4.25.
6. eAuthor: Book Review: Wild Justice by M.L. Buchman; Military, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.
7. A-Author- Audio Book Review: The Case of the Cursed Dodo by Jake G. Panda; Animals, Children, Mystery, Noir; my rating 4.25.
8. eTour- Book Review and Tour Giveaway: The Fabergé Entanglement by Lesley Meryn and Elle Brookes; Action & Adventure, Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.25.
9. eTP- Tender Hearts by Noelle Jane Myers (eTreasures book for NetGalley and Kindle release)
10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Purity in Death: In Death, Book 15 by J.D. Robb; Female Detective, Mystery, Police Procedures; my rating 4.25.
11. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Of Treasons Born by J. L. Doty; Sci Fi, Space Military; my rating 4.5.
12. A- Audible Book Review: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate; Animals, Children; my rating 4.5.
13. ATBR- Goodreads/Audible Book Review: To Die For by Alice Clark-Platts; Mystery, Drama; my rating 4.0.
14. eNG- Book Review: The Christmas Room by Catherine Anderson; Holiday, Romance, Second Chance Romance; my rating 4.0.

Total read = 14; TBR = 5; New Authors = 7
Audio/Audible = 7 (4 TBRs)
eBook = 3: 1 Author, 1 Tour, 1 eTP
NetGalley = 3
Print = 1