Audible Book Review: Plan Z: How to Survive the 2009 Financial Crisis by Robert Pagliarini

With people out of work and the market down (well - up and down) I thought I'd listen to this book.

Plan Z: How to Survive the 2009 Financial Crisis (and even live a little better)

by Robert Pagliarini

Published 2008 by Skyboat Productions
Genre: Financial, Non-Fiction, Self-Help
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Plan Z is a FREE audiobook by number-one best-selling author Robert Pagliarini. It will show you exactly what you need to do to survive this recession....

Review:
This is a short work that presents practical suggestions for addressing finances and assets during a recession. The author recommends minimalizing ‘things’ when possible and also budgeting for everyone. I think these suggestions are good for everyone in all times and I recommend it accordingly.

Audio Notes: The narration was presented by the author and was clear and direct. I am glad I had this available to listen to.

Source: Free 2009 Audible. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Audio Book Review: Seven by Multiple Authors

This is an informative and heart-wrenching work.
Seven
Written By: Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Susan Yankowitz
Narrated By: Anna Deavere Smith, Alex Kingston, Shannon Holt, Sarah Shahi, Annet Mahendru, Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris, Emily Kuroda, Jossara Jinaro
Publisher: LA Theatre Works

Publisher: LA Theatre Works
Date: May 2017
Duration: 2 hours 11 minutes
Genre: Drama, Radio Theatre
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0; Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Summary:
Seven women give voice to the voiceless. Seven is a documentary play created with the support of Vital Voices Global Partnership and is a collaboration between the playwrights and seven female activists from around the globe, telling inspiring stories of overcoming adversity to effect real change and improve the lives of women.
Includes panel discussions with Russian activist Marina Pisklakova-Parker, and playwrights Paula Cizmar and Susan Yankowitz. The moderators are René
Jones, Executive Director of the United Talent Agency Foundation, and Alyse Nelson, the president, CEO, and co-founder of Vital Voices Global Partnership.
An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance, featuring:
Shannon Holt as Marina Pisklakova-Parker
Jossara Jinaro as Laura Alonso
Alex Kingston as Inez McCormack
Emily Kuroda as Mu Sochua
Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris as Hafsat Abiola
Annet Mahendru as Farida Azizi
Sarah Shahi as Mukhtar Mai
Directed by Judyann Elder and recorded live in performance in January 2017 at UCLA's James Bridges Theater.
Sound Effects Artist and Additional Voices, Jeff Gardner. Production Manager, Tori Burnett. Post-Production Coordinator, Ronn Lipkin. Associate Producer, Anna Lyse Erikson. Recording and Mixing Engineer, Sound Designer and Editor, Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood....

Review:
I felt the need to be more aware of the oppression of others. This book tells the struggles of women from seven countries who sometimes didn't even know that freedom and education were available to women. Their oppression often comes with physical and sexual abuse and in one case it seemed to be directed by the community elders in order to punish the woman trying to protect her family. The community’s attitude was to shun and shame the abused woman and I was glad to hear that she was brave enough to tough it out.

Those of us who have been blessed to be born and raised in free societies need to be more aware of oppression around the world and find ways to help and support through education and other programs such as Vital Voices. I think all women should listen to this to get a perspective and information of the struggles of the abused and downtrodden and an appreciation for our better circumstances.

Audio Notes: This was presented by a panel of women with accents that fit the authors. It was particularly effective to hear the stories shared int the appropriate accents, and emotions. I am glad that I had the opportunity to listen to this.

Source: 7/5/2018 One of Eight titles won from Audiobooks.com through Beth Fish Reads. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

No Friday Pick July 3, 2020

No Friday Pick today. We arrived in Illinois (with no trouble during the travels) but I was tired last night. Today I have been feeding, swimming, and sharing reading time with our grandchildren. So I decided not to post a Friday Pick today.  I'll have one ready for next week. Thanks for understanding.

Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July to those celebrating America's Independence. 
We also celebrate my husband's birthday although he insists he is still 39, he is double that this year.

Book Review: Justice in an Age of Metal and Men by Anthony W. Eichenlaub

I enjoyed reading the first book in this futuristic western lawman series.

Justice in an Age of Metal and Men
(Metal and Men #1)
by Anthony W. Eichenlaub

File Size: 2139 KB
Print Length: 212 pages
Publisher: Oak Leaf Cemetery (March 4, 2014)
ASIN: B00ISKWNC2
Genre: Cyberpunk, Sci-Fi, Western
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0.

Does victory mean justice, or is J.D. staring down the barrel at revenge? There was a time that might have been a simple question, but not anymore.
Nothing's easy in the small town of Dead Oak, Texas where the outlaws scour the skies on flying motorcycles, tech warps the minds of witnesses, and a person can't even trust the metal parts of his own body.
But a rancher's been murdered, and J.D. is determined to find the killer. Whether that's revenge or justice, well, probably best to let the bullets decide.

Review:
Jasper Davis Crow, known as J.D., is an old-time sheriff – sort of. He does have a modified metal arm but he doesn’t have all of the high tech that many of the younger officers have. Most who have the ability, take advantage of the body enhancing nanos and tech. J.D. likes his small-town job where crime is mostly manageable even with tough country outlaws. He is faced with a dead rancher that appears to be death by stampede. But his new deputy, Contrisha (Trisha), a highly teched young woman, convinces J.D. to investigate further. After walking the scene more carefully J.D. agrees that there is a murder to solve.

Soon he and Trisha are interrogating corrupt businessmen and outlaws on flying motorcycles. They will be dodging bullets and J.D. will be branded an outlaw himself before he can solve the case. Behind the scenes is a strange child, the son of the murdered rancher. J.D. tries to shield the young boy but he goes through a good deal of trauma which causes consequences for the future.

The story is set in a west where dust storms have destroyed communities as we know them. There are plenty of brawls and chases to keep the story moving along at a fast pace. I listened to part of the book on my Kindle and found that I had to stop and re-read a bit to keep track. I like the well-developed character of J.D. who leans to the past even as the times race forward. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading book 3, Honor, which I have through NetGalley.

Source: 2019 Kindle Purchase. This qualifies for 2020TBR goal.

Sunday Post June 28, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 29, 2020

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.

It is hard to realize it is the end of June already. How did that happen?
I have been churning out work trying to have things done before I travel up north.
Our daughter-in-law's surgery went well. Sounds scary though. They did get clear margins and were able to work around the nerves in her tongue and shoulder. However, they had to cut a piece of nerve from her leg to replace one they cut in the side of her face. The doctors say it will be a very long recovery time. We are still planning to arrive about the time she will be coming home this week.

No photo today. I wish I had taken a picture mid-day. I went to the mailbox to get the mail. Ususally the dogs love to jog out to the edge of the road with me. Today they sat by the car and watched me. I guess it was too hot for them.

We had several days in the mid 90s this week and it was 95 today. I am hoping the weather won't be too hot for our drive and that all will be safe. This is one of the first times I have felt some fear traveling across our own country. 

I finished 4 books again this week: three audiobooks and one ebook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to BookerTalk. BookerTalk is self-described as: "It’s a melting pot of reviews, discussions and interviews. A space where as avid readers we can indulge in our favourite topic."

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:

• Sunday Post June 21, 2020/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 22, 2020.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin; Genre: Teen; Sci-Fi & Fantasy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• NG2020- #NetGalley Book Review: The Finders (Mace Reid K-9 Mystery Book 1) by Jeffrey B. Burton Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Canine, Mystery; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 26, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/2/2020.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: Radiance, Wraith Kings, Volume 1, by Grace Draven; Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #398 Comment Giveaway June 27, 2020. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/11/2020.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 28, 2020.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Seven
Written By: Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Susan Yankowitz
Narrated By: Anna Deavere Smith, Alex Kingston, Shannon Holt, Sarah Shahi, Annet Mahendru, Sameerah Luqmaan-Harris, Emily Kuroda, Jossara Jinaro
Publisher: LA Theatre Works
Duration: 2 hours 11 minutes
I appreciated this for increasing my awareness of the struggles of other wormen. This book tells the struggles of women from seven countries who sometimes didn't even know that freedom and education were available to women.
Source: 7/5/2018 One of Eight titles won from Audiobooks.com through Beth Fish Reads
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Plan Z: How to Survive the 2009 Financial Crisis (and even live a little better)
by Robert Pagliarini
This has some good recommendations.
Source: Free 2009 Audible.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Vanguard
The Genesis Fleet, Book 1
By: Jack Campbell
Narrated by: Christian Rummel
Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
I really enjoyed this colonization sci-fi.
Source: 12/6/2019 Audible Free Titles for Settlement.
Click on book title for full description.

4. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

The Jumpgate
by Robert Stadnik
I enjoyed this space exploration adventure too.
(I made the mistake of having two space sci-fis going at the same time as that does call confusion.)
Source: NetGalley 2019.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:

1. Audible/Smartphone (ATBR)

Orion Colony
An Intergalactic Space Opera Adventure
By: J.N. Chaney, Jonathan Yanez
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Orion Colony, Book 1
Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins
I was ready for another space sci-fi story and this is being a fast listen.
Maybe I'm always ready for space stories.
Source: 11/2/2019 Audible Daily Deal $2.95.
Publisher's Summary
Humanity's Exodus is about to begin.
When half of mankind revolts and demands more opportunity, those at the top decide on a compromise: They will build the first colony ships and allow the rest to discover new worlds and start over.
Twelve ships are built. The first is called the Orion.
Many are eager to go, but only 100,000 are chosen for each vessel. Far from Earth, a new life awaits, and it promises the prosperity they've always wanted.
But still, resistance stirs.
There are those who are eager to sabotage this new expansion effort, threatening the promise of a new life. As Orion moves through the void of space, towards a distant world, its passengers must fight for survival in an unprecedented conflict.
Win or lose, their future will be forever changed.
Experience a sprawling galactic tale in this first entry to The Orion Colony series. If you're a fan of Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, or Indiana Jones, you'll love this epic, space opera adventure.
©2018 Variant Publications (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG2020)

The Crushing Depths (Coastal Guardians Book #2)
by Dani Pettrey
I like this author for romantic suspense with faith elements. This has started with good suspense.
Source: 2020 NetGalley book for July Partners in Crime Tour: My posting date 7/8.
When an accident claims the life of an oil-rig worker on the first drilling platform off the North Carolina coast, Coast Guard investigators Rissi Dawson and Mason Rogers are sent to take the case. Tensions surrounding the oil rig are high and the death has everyone on edge. Environmental activists are threatening to do whatever it takes to stop the structure from being completed, while rumors are being whispered about ancient curses surrounding this part of the ocean.
Mounting evidence shows the death may not have been an accident at all. Was he killed by one of the activists or, perhaps more frighteningly, a member of his own crew? Rissi and Mason have to sort through not only a plethora of suspects, but also their own past and attraction to each other.
Just as the case seems like it'll break open, worse news arrives. A tropical storm has turned their way and soon they're cut off from any rescue--and right where the killer wants them. It's a race to discover his identity before he eliminates the threat they pose.

I know I will pick up more audios this week but I haven't decided what yet. Maybe a couple of shorts to finish out June.
When I get with the grandkids I expect to be reading/listening to children's books.

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: A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z
AUDIO:            A  B  C  D  E  F G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W X  Y  Z

June 28, 2020 - I need to do better to keep up daily. I keep going two days behind and then catching up. I need to be in the word every day. 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 am now doing a six-day study: Ordinary Moments: Small Prayers That Can Change The World.

I completed four books and posted three reviews, putting me one behind.
My NetGalley shelf is now at 5, plus the four titles from 2012-13 which I still hope to read this year.
I'm resisting adding any more NetGalley titles until I get some of my review titles done. 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 picked out my VIP free title at Audiobooks.com. 
I chose one June Credit at Audible and bought one book at Chirp. Then I picked up 5 free Audibles and 2 at SYNC.
I only added 1 free Kindle titles this week. I haven't taken time to view the free offerings due to work and trading studies 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

6/28/2020 One June Credit at Audible
From Here to Equality
Reparations for Black Americans in the Twenty-First Century
By: William A. Darity Jr., A. Kirsten Mullen
Narrated by: JD Jackson
Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins
Release date: 04-20-20
I've been looking for resources that offer background and solutions. This one seemed like it would suit those requirements.

6/28/2020 Chirp purchase $4.99
The Relic of Perilous Falls
Will Wilder
Written by Raymond Arroyo
Read by Raymond Arroyo
Run Time 7h 54min

Free

I borrowed the two Audiobook SYNC files from Week 9.
June 25 – July 1
THE SILENCE BETWEEN US by Alison Gervais, narrated by Chloe Dolandis (Blink)
MEXICAN WHITEBOY by Matt de la Pena, narrated by Henry Leyva (Brilliance Audio)

6/28/2020 June VIP Choice from Audiobooks.com
The Crown Tower
Written By: Michael J. Sullivan
Narrated By: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: August 2013
Duration: 12 hours 51 minutes
I like this author, these characters and the adventures they have.

6/28/2020 Free title at Audible.
Beginning with Gratitude
By: The Big Quiet
Narrated by: Jesse Israel
Length: 6 mins
Release date: 06-22-20

Free for June Audio month at Audible:
In Search of Black History with Bonnie Greer
By: Bonnie Greer
Length: 5 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 12-19-19

Once More upon a Time
A Novella
By: Roshani Chokshi
Narrated by: Rebecca Gibel, Shiromi Arserio, Vikas Adam
Length: 3 hrs and 26 mins
Release date: 06-04-20

Nut Jobs: Cracking California's Strangest $10 Million Dollar Heist
An Audible Original
By: Marc Fennell
Narrated by: Marc Fennell
Length: 3 hrs and 59 mins
Release date: 06-01-20

Beyond Strange Lands
An Audible Original
By: David Peterson, Simon Taylor
Narrated by: Amy Ingram, Michael Fryer, Lisa Hickey, Kevin Spink, Liam James, Sacha Horler, Peter Phelps, Anna McGahan, Richard Davies
Length: 5 hrs and 31 mins
Release date: 06-04-20

June First Reads through Amazon Prime (there were several good ones so it was a hard choice).
Find Me (Inland Empire Book 1)
by Anne Frasier




One free kindle this week:
Promotions & Poisons: A Presley Thurman Cozy Mystery Prequel
Laina Turner
I picked up only 1 free Kindle title 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.