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Thursday, June 11, 2020

Audible Book Review: Extracted by R. R. Haywood

I liked the plot and characters but not the language in this.
Extracted
By: R. R. Haywood
Narrator: Carl Prekopp

Series: Extracted, Book 1
Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 03-01-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.


Publisher's Summary
In 2061 a young scientist invents a time machine to fix a tragedy in his past. But his good intentions turn catastrophic when an early test reveals something unexpected: the end of the world.
A desperate plan is formed: recruit three heroes, ordinary humans capable of extraordinary things, and change the future.
Safa Patel is an elite police officer, on duty when Downing Street comes under terrorist attack. As armed men storm through the breach, she dispatches them all.
'Mad' Harry Madden is a legend of the Second World War. Not only did he complete an impossible mission - to plant charges on a heavily defended submarine base - but he also escaped with his life.
Ben Ryder is just an insurance investigator. But as a young man, he witnessed a gang assaulting a woman and her child. He went to their rescue and killed all five.
Can these three heroes, extracted from their timelines at the point of death, save the world?
©2016 R. R. Haywood (P)2017 Audible, Ltd


Review:
Three distinct characters are pulled through time to be asked to save the future. ‘Mad’ Harry Madden is a large, tough soldier in WWII who was willing to take on a suicide mission for the cause against the enemy Germans. He succeeded in his mission and apparently survived. When he wakes up in a bunker he thinks he has been taken as a prisoner.

Ben Ryder is an insurance investigator who has twice acted with untrained precision to foil attacks. He was only a teenager when he defeated gang members in the midst of an assault on a woman and child. Years later he steps out of an investigation scene to discover a terrorist attack about to kill thousands. He quickly accesses the problem and takes action. He wakes up in a bunker and has trouble accepting the situation he finds himself he is in.

As Ryder was trying to thwart the terrorists his heroism was seen by a young enforcement officer, beautiful Safa Patel. With the inspiration of a man like Ryder Safa pushes through the training to become an elite officer. She has to suffer through horrific exploitation, but she is intent on preforming her job. When her vile boss is threatened by an attack she does all she can to protect him, facing the enemy single-handed. Safa wakes up in the bunker with two heroes she knows and reveres from history. She makes it her personal goal to prepare Ryder for the fight ahead even as he resists her efforts.

The three heroes struggle with their training, even facing a crisis. Meanwhile, there are sources in the real timeline closing in on the location of the time machine. Can the team be ready for the assignment before the secrets are uncovered?

When you have a print book you can go back and check the timeline but that is difficult in audio. Once I figured out the characters were coming from different dates, I was able to settle into the plot. Interestingly enough, this book is as much character-driven as it is plot focused. The three “heroes” who have been extracted to save the future are unique individuals who don’t necessarily see themselves as heroes. I really enjoyed the characters and the tense suspense built in the story. I suspected it would end in a cliff hanger and it did. I would plunge on to the next book except for one problem: the foul language is pretty free-flowing. Additionally, there are several rather raw scenes of sexual content and misogyny. I am just not sure that I am comfortable going on with the extent of rawness and foul language. I do recommend this to readers who can manage the language and enjoy the twists that come with time travel. And don’t forget that it is an incomplete story in book 1.

Audio Notes: I found the narration by Carl Prekopp to fit the story. His British accent works for the narration and the character voices. I would be willing to listen to more of his narration provided I could confirm there isn’t a lot of raw language. I am glad I listened to this in audio as I am not sure I would have read through the language and raw scenes.

Source: September Audible Daily Deal $2.95. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Monday, June 8, 2020

MBS May 2020 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2020 Reading List - MAY
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 2020
Favorites for the month:
5 Stars = none
4.75 Stars = Promises to Keep and After it Happened
4.5 Stars = Quack, Deal with the Devil, and Paradise

  1. NG2019- #NetGalley Book Review: Leo's Monster by Marcus Pfister; Genre: Children, Emotions, Preschools; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
  2. A2020- Audible Book Review: Through the Flames by Bonnie R. Paulson; Genre: EOTW, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
  3. A2020- Audible Book Review: Out of the Ashes by Bonnie R. Paulson; Genre: EOTW, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.0.
  4. NG20- #NetGalley Book Review: The K Team by David Rosenfelt; Genre: Canine, Cozy, Mystery, Private Investigator; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.
  5. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Promises to Keep: After the EMP (Disruption Trilogy) by R.E. McDermott; Genre: Alternate History, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.
  6. NG20- #NetGalley Book Review: Quack by Anna Humphrey; Genre: Children, Emotional Support, Middle Grade; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  7. ATBR- Audible Book Review: After It Happened by Devon C. Ford; Genre: Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.
  8. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Memory Man by David Baldacci; Genre: Crime Action, Detective, Mystery; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
  9. NG20- #NetGalley Book Review: Deal with the Devil: A Mercenary Librarians Novel by Kit Rocha; Genre: Action Adventure, Post-apocalyptic, Romance, Sci-Fi; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
  10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Paradise, Expeditionary Force, Book 3 by Craig Alanson; Genre: Adventure, Military Space Sci-fi; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.75.
  11. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Ayiti by Roxane Gay; Genre: Anthology, Collection, Short Stories; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Total read = 11; TBR = 6; New to Me Authors = 5
Audio/Audible = 7 (5 TBRs)
eBook = 0
NetGalley = 4 (1 TBRs)
Review books (other than NG) = 0 ebook/2 audio
Print = 0
• Series: 8
• New to me Series: 4 (3 to continue, 1 maybe)
• Continuing for me Series: 2
• Finished for me Series: 2

Goal Progress (Year to date meaning through the end of the given month):
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 61
TBR to Date: 47 of 100 total
TBR ebooks: 2 of 24
Audio to Date: 40 of 75
NetGalley to Date: 19 of 40
Author Reviews: 7 of 12
Nonfiction: 4 of 12
Series to Date: 37 (23 New and 14 Continued) 4 Finished
• Seasonal title: Winter 1, Spring 1,
• Alphabet letters covered: 10 Jan; 7 Feb; 5 March; 0 April; 0 May

Sunday, June 7, 2020

Sunday Post June 7, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 8, 2020

Sunday Post #318 Chairs, Compliance, and Storms
I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)?
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.


Another week of work. It just goes on.
Not much new at home either.
Oh - One good bit of news is that we have final architect for plans to start the rebuilding of my offices!
These doves didn't seem to mind the rain this morning.
This picture is a crop from a distance taken from our bedroom so it is not the best.
Our temperatures have been in the 80s and even 90s this past week. I didn't go into the office this weekend and I am afraid there may be some wet spots when we go in tomorrow. We had the outer bands of hurricane rain today.
I had to push to finish the third book but I liked the reading. I finished three books: two audiobooks and one ebook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 18 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to Discover Deanne's Book Thoughts. Deanne says: "I am a voracious reader. Reading is my relaxation."

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:
  • ATBR- Audible Book Review: Ayiti by Roxane Gay; Genre: Anthology, Collection, Short Stories; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)



Extracted
By: R. R. Haywood
Narrator: Carl Prekopp
Duration: 12 hrs and 40 mins
I liked the plot and characters but not the language in this.
Source: September Audible Daily Deal $2.95.
Click on book title for full description.



2. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)
The Other America - A Speech from The Radical King (Free) audiobook cover art


The Other America - A Speech from The Radical King
By: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Cornel West - editor
Narrated by: Wanda Sykes
Length: 25 mins
Release date: 02-01-18
I thought this would be timely to listen to and it is.
Source: 1/21/19 Audible Free.
Publisher's Summary
In a rousing speech on race, poverty, and economic justice - given less than a year before his assassination - Martin Luther King Jr. drives home the mission behind his Poor People's Campaign. It is a clear-eyed look at the disparity of wealth in America, what it means for people of all colors - and a message of inspiration dedicated to the power of the people.
"And I say, if we will stand and work together, we will bring into being that day when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. We will bring into being that day when America will no longer be two nations but when it will be one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Wanda Sykes' powerful performance delivers King's compassion, outrage, insight, and vulnerability like few others could - and reminds us all of the relevance his words still have today.
"The Other America" is one of 23 speeches and essays from The Radical King, curated by Dr. Cornel West, including words never recorded in public - a revelation for his legacy.
The Martin Luther King Estate has allowed, for the first time, a dramatic interpretation of King's words, by some of the most charismatic and activist actors working today: LeVar Burton, Mike Colter, Colman Domingo, Danny Glover, Gabourey Sidibe, Wanda Sykes, and Michael Kenneth Williams.
"The Other America" excerpt from The Radical King is free of charge to all listeners until Monday, April 2, 2018. To preorder the full, revealing collection, visit www.audible.com/TheRadicalKing.
©2018 All material copyright Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr; all material copyright renewed Coretta Scott King and the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr. Introductions 2015 Cornel West (P)2018 Audible, Inc.



3. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)
36441275


Vanishing Girls: A totally heart-stopping crime thriller (Detective Josie Quinn Book 1)
by Lisa Regan
This is a tough and engaging thriller.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Click on book title for full description.



Currently Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)
The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant


The Utterly Uninteresting and Unadventurous Tales of Fred, the Vampire Accountant --
Written by Drew Hayes
Narrated by Kirby Heyborne
7hrs 2m
I looked for something on the lighter side this time.
Source: September 2019 Chirp Purchase $.99.
Publisher Description
Some people are born boring. Some live boring. Some even die boring. Fred managed to do all three, and when he woke up as a vampire, he did so as a boring one. Timid, socially awkward, and plagued by self-esteem issues, Fred has never been the adventurous sort.
One fateful night-different from the night he died, which was more inconvenient than fateful-Fred reconnects with an old friend at his high school reunion. This rekindled relationship sets off a chain of events thrusting him right into the chaos of the parahuman world: a world with chipper zombies, truck driver wereponies, maniacal necromancers, ancient dragons, and now one undead accountant trying his best to “survive.”
Because even after it’s over, life can still be a downright bloody mess.



2. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)
51163725. sx318 sy475


The Finders
A Mystery (Mace Reid K-9 Mystery Book 1)
by Jeffrey B. Burton
I do like mysteries with canine dogs.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Jeffrey B. Burton's The Finders marks the beginning of a fast-paced new mystery series featuring a heroic golden retriever cadaver dog named Vira and her handler, Mason Reid.
Mason "Mace" Reid lives on the outskirts of Chicago and specializes in human remains detection. He trains dogs to hunt for the dead. Reid’s coming off a taxing year—mourning the death of a beloved springer spaniel as well as the dissolution of his marriage. He adopts a rescue dog with a mysterious past—a golden retriever named Vira. And when Reid begins training Vira as a cadaver dog, he comes to realize just how special the newest addition to his family truly is…
Suddenly, Reid and his prize pupil find themselves hurled into a taxing murder case, which will push them to their very limits. Paired with determined Chicago Police Officer Kippy Gimm, Mace must put all his trust in Vira's abilities to thwart a serial killer who has now set his sights on Mace himself.


I hope I'll get to a third book but I don't know what yet.

I'm keeping track of my Alphabet here as I finish the books. The cross-outs aren't easy to see, so I made the completed letters blue.
NETGALLEY: C  D  E  F  G  H  K  L  M P  Q  R  S  T  U  W X  Y  Z
AUDIO:            A  B  C  D  E  F G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z

June 7, 2020 - I got behind a couple days but caught up this morning. I am again enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I considered changing but this is the reading group that is closest to my husband's reading so we can sometimes discuss the same passages.
I haven't started a new study yet. I haven't picked which.


I completed three books and posted three reviews to keep me up to date.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 7, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I still have one carry over author ebook and two new author ebooks. I expect to pull one of these soon. I have one audiobook from an author and now I have 1 other new audiobook left of four. I need to get caught up on these books.
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
No review books again this week.

I still have to check the email requests I have been receiving. {Sigh.}
I had to use one Audiobooks.com credit by 6/3 and I liked the current 2 for 1 deal choices. I will probably pull more 2 for 1 credit titles this month. I also found one Chirp title for $.99.
I added only 1 free Kindle titles this week. I haven't taken time to view the free offerings due to work and limited energy at night.
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.) Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles
NONE


Won
NONE

Purchased
6/2/2020 Audiobooks.com - 2 for 1 credit deal.
48 Hours, William R. Forstchen48 Hours
By William R. Forstchen
Narrated By: Bronson Pinchot
Date: January 2019
Duration: 11 h 12 min

Family Gathering, Robyn Carr
The Family Gathering
By Robyn Carr
Narrated By: Therese Plummer
Date: April 2018
Duration: 10 h 10 min


6/7/2020 Chirp Purchase $.99.
Book cover for Serial Cortex by Chris Yee with limited-time offer bannerSerial Cortex
Written by Chris Yee
Narrated by Stephanie Dillard
Run Time: 6h 47min
Release Date: March 31, 2020


Free
I plan to borrow the two Audiobook SYNC files from Week 6.
June 4 – June 10
LIKE NO OTHER by Una LaMarche, narrated by Phoebe Strole and Leslie Odom, Jr. (Listening Library)
INTO WHITE by Randi Pink, narrated by Adenrele Ojo (Listening Library)

Dinosaur Lake
Kathryn Meyer Griffith

I added only 1 free Kindle titles to my Kindle library this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 7, 2020

My hubby and I continue to attend our church services online. The church has opened for service only with plans for Sunday School and children’s church to start up again in July. Our Pastor continued his series: Better Together. The church people who gathered as mentioned in Acts 2 were able to spread the message because they were of one mind and one purpose. Not just in times of trouble, but in all circumstances we should give our very best, not just an afterthought.

We are told in Colossians 3:11-17 that we shouldn’t focus on differences but recognize that we are one in Christ. We are encouraged to ‘clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience….’ And to make allowance for each other.

It is better when we live like the only thing that matters is Jesus. Imagine how the world might be if we ran all responses through that filter. In the early church, there was no hierarchy of leaders but rather each one helping each other.

To understand this attitude, we each need an encounter with Jesus, the beginning and end.
Are you bringing your best to each of your circumstances – at home, work, church, and out in public? Are you bringing your best attitude, contagious joy, kindness, and gratitude? We are better with unity together in one body.

I wish we could have been at church to share communion. I'm looking forward to next month.


I found this song this morning and it spoke to me.
Verses for Today:
Colossians 3:11-17 (NIV)
11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.


Lord, I am praying for calmness, compassion and kindness; open ears to open dialogues of solutions and ideas beyond accusations and demands.


 

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Audible Book Review: Ayiti by Roxane Gay

This was not what I expected, but very interesting in its own right.
By: Roxane Gay
Narrated by: Roxane Gay
Ayiti
   
    bc-image-inset-border
Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-17-18
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Anthology, Collection, Short Stories
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.


Publisher's Summary From New York Times best-selling powerhouse Roxane Gay, Ayiti is a powerful collection exploring the Haitian diaspora experience. Originally published by a small press, this edition will make Gay’s debut widely available for the first time, including several new stories. In Ayiti, a married couple seeking boat passage to America prepares to leave their homeland. A young woman procures a voodoo love potion to ensnare a childhood classmate. A mother takes a foreign soldier into her home as a boarder, and into her bed. And a woman conceives a daughter on the bank of a river while fleeing a horrific massacre, a daughter who later moves to America for a new life but is perpetually haunted by the mysterious scent of blood. These early stories showcase Gay’s prowess as "one of the voices of our age” (National Post, Canada). ©2011, 2018 Roxane Gay. Recorded by arrangement with Grove Atlantic, Inc. (P)2018 Audible, Inc.


Review:
Ayiti: meaning Haiti.  This is an interesting collection of stories that are mostly not easy listening. Ms. Ayiti tells the tales of various Haitians or their children showing their experiences in Haiti and beyond. After I started listening I looked up the meaning of diaspora: A diaspora (/daɪˈæspərə/) is a scattered population whose origin lies in a separate geographic locale.

The experiences are at times distressing, horrifying, haunting, and touching. One particularly striking story tells of a grandmother’s experience at Massacre River, a river that divides Haiti and the Dominican Republic which the author describes as a border between two geographies of grief.” The tales describe the horrors of the past, the memories of her grandmother, and the lifelong impact the event had on her.

I almost didn’t get too far along because the language is very raw (foul) and graphic (rape and sex). I didn’t realize that the stories have been included as erotica, which is a genre/material I don’t generally read. Provided the raw language and sexual content wouldn’t bother the reader, I recommend this to readers who enjoy history and immigrant experiences.

Audio Notes: Roxane Gay narrates her own collection and does a good job. Not only does her voice fit the work, but she brings her own energy. It is likely I would not have read this in print so I am glad I picked up the audible on Daily Deal.

Source: 05/25/2019 Audible Daily Deal $.99. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

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