Audible Book Review: On the Duty of Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau

This essay is timely even 173 years from when it was written.

On the Duty of Civil Disobedience
By: Henry David Thoreau
Narrated by: Jim Killavey

Length 1h 3m
Release date: 01-12-12
Publisher: Jimcin Recordings
Genre: History, Nonfiction, United States
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 3.75

Publisher's Summary
This essay by Thoreau first published in 1849, argues that individuals should not permit governments to overrule their consciences. It goes on to say that individuals have a duty to avoid allowing the government to make them the agents of injustice. The quote: "That government is best which governs least," sometimes attributed to Thomas Jefferson or Thomas Paine, actually was first found in this essay. Thoreaus' thoughts were motivated by his disgust with slavery and the Mexican-American War but they are still relevant and resonate today.
Public Domain (P)2011 Jimcin Recordings

Review:
I had not read this essay in years. I was surprised how timely the message is. Thoreau questioned injustice and immorality supported by national government (particularly slavery and the Mexican-American War). Thoreau argues that each citizen must investigate and search out the facts if he believes that the government is acting unjustly. Thoreau espoused less government (see the quote in the blurb) and encouraged taking action to refuse to support unjust situations.

The underlying message of this essay is still applicable in modern day protests. One of the big differences though is that Thoreau did not promote violence, although he did not rule it out. Thoreau did not speak in favor of censorship but encouraged open debate.

It is interesting to learn (from outside research) that Thoreau exercised his right to civil disobedience by refusing to pay taxes for which he was jailed. A friend bailed him out by paying the taxes. I dd note from the essay (and independent research) that it is frustrating to know that civil disobedience might not change the policy or authority. I enjoyed reading this piece of historic writing and recommend it to anyone who finds public debate interesting.

Audio Notes: I found the narration by Jim Killavey to be clear but flat. I would recommend reading the text or looking for a different narrator.

Source: August 2021 Free Kindle and Audible for $.49. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson

This is a creative and good story to share with children.
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
By: Andrew Peterson
Narrated by: Andrew Peterson

The Wingfeather Saga, Book 1
Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 01-05-21
Publisher: Listening Library
Genre: Adventure, Children, Fantasy
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog, Nugget.
Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a tale children of all ages will cherish and families can listen to together.
This audiobook includes a PDF of maps, illustrations, and more.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
©2020 Andrew Peterson (P)2020 Listening Library

Review:
Janner, Tink and Leeli are three children who try to live a normal life but instead have to live under the shadow of evil authorities, the Fangs of Dang, and the threat of being taken off at night in the black carriage. The Igiby children who live with their dignified and loving mother and their ex-pirate grandfather, are not aware of their full history.

Leeli has a damaged leg and walks with a crutch. She is almost always accompanied by their sweet little dog, Nugget. Janner, as the oldest, is always taxed with watching over his younger brother and sister. But the children are curious and although they get to share some exciting and dangerous adventures, they end up in desperate trouble. As they try to get away from the Fangs, they find help from a strange character and betrayal from another.

The story is filled with creative characters and adventures any child might enjoy. There are secrets that aren’t revealed till near the ending and it gives a whole new picture of the Igiby family and their allies. There are footnotes and items set out in a pdf that comes with the audio.

Our grandchildren are reading this series so I decided to listen and be able to share. I enjoyed the characters, the creativity and the adventures in the plot. We have the other books in the series and I will be listening to book two in the near future. I recommend this as a family listen to enjoy.

Audio Notes: I didn’t realize until I finished the story that the narrator is the author! Andrew Peterson  does a wonderful job with the voices, and of course brings the appropriate energy and emotion to the story. The audio enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 2/14/2021 January Audible Credit. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022 Alphabet goals.

Sunday Post March 27, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 28, 2022

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.

I have multiple files to work on-- I am pushing to keep up.

Hubby continues to make it to church events but has had continued dizziness so he has to be cautious. 

We still have scraggly trees since Hurricane Michael in 2018.
Our former yard crew poisoned our azaleas, blueberry bushes, and most of our roses.
I was pleased to notice the white flowers on this little tree that survived the hurricane and the lawn crew.

I continue to pray for the people and situation in Ukraine and for world leaders.
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Today was a beautiful sunny day and we expect four days in the 80s before rain on Thursday.

I was happy with my reading and listening again last week.  I finished three audiobooks and made progress in the eBook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 20 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to THE NERDY NOOK. Jessica fits right in with the Mailbox Monday crowd as “a lover of books, coffee, and good food.”

Audible offerings for free children's titles ended June 30, 2021.
Audiobooks.com is still sharing some free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post March 20, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 21, 2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill; Genre: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Middle Grade; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.

• ebTBR: Book Review: The Fair (Time Box #2) by John A. Heldt; Genre: Historical Fiction, Time Travel Romance; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 25, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/31/2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Zero Tolerance by Jonathan Maberry; Genre: Horror, Suspense, Zombie; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5

• Sunday Words of Encouragement March 27, 2022.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
The Wingfeather Saga, Book 1
By: Andrew Peterson
Narrated by: Andrew Peterson
Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins
Release date: 01-05-21
This is creative and a good story to share with children.
Source: 2/14/2021 January Audible Credit.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

On the Duty of Civil Disobedience
By: Henry David Thoreau
Narrated by: Jim Killavey
Length 1h 3m
This essay is timely even 173 years from when it was written.
Source: August 2021 Free Kindle and Audible for $.49.
Publisher's Summary
This essay by Thoreau first published in 1849, argues that individuals should not permit governments to overrule their consciences. It goes on to say that individuals have a duty to avoid allowing the government to make them the agents of injustice. The quote: "That government is best which governs least," sometimes attributed to Thomas Jefferson or Thomas Paine, actually was first found in this essay. Thoreaus' thoughts were motivated by his disgust with slavery and the Mexican-American War but they are still relevant and resonate today.
Public Domain (P)2011 Jimcin Recordings

3. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Crucible: A Max Ahlgren Story
By: Ryan W. Aslesen
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
Series: Crucible, Book 0
Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins
This is a quick military story to introduce the primary character.
It portrays a very sad state of military politics.
Source: 7/19/2021 Free download from Audible Plus Catalog.
Publisher's Summary
The War on Terror provides the backdrop for the thriller that introduces the roots of ultimate antihero, Max Ahlgren.
Captain Max Ahlgren is proud to be one of the first team commanders in the Marine Corps’ nascent MARSOC detachment. Finally, the Corps’ elite warriors are working alongside those of other branches, battling insurgents, not on the front lines but behind them.
After his first mission, however, Max learns he will be replaced as team commander. The new commander, Major Whitbeck, comes from 8th and I: Marine Barracks, Washington DC. His late father, a revered general, died in a terrorist car bombing. The commander is in Afghanistan for vengeance - and redemption. When the team infiltrates the ancient desert fortress of Kazindrak, hunting an elusive Al-Qaeda terrorist, Whitbeck reveals his ineptitude in combat.
Max’s fury grows as the body count rises. When the actual nature of the mission is revealed, Max gets a good look at the sordid underbelly of the War on Terror and sees firsthand what monsters men can become. If he is to survive, however, he may have no choice but to become one. Sometimes the greatest enemy is within.
©2018 Ryan W. Aslesen (P)2021 Podium Audio

Currently Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle App on Smartphone (Author2021)

Chinook (Miranda Chase NTSB #6)
by M.L. Buchman
I feel like this is moving well. I am at 20%.
Source: March 2021 from Author (through BookFunnel).
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Invasion: Alien Invasion, Book 1
By: Sean Platt , Johnny B. Truant
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Alien Invasion (Platt/Truant), Book 1
It was time for a sci fi although this turned out more anticipating first contact than sci fi. It moved quickly and I expect to finish by Monday.
This is an "I" title for my series alphabet goal.
Source: 3/22/21 Sci Fi title from Audible Plus.
Publisher's Summary
They are coming. The countdown has begun.
First visible only as blips on a telescope image, the discovery of objects approaching from Jupiter's orbit immediately sets humanity on edge. NASA doesn't even bother to deny the alien ships' existence. The popular Astral space app (broadcasting from the far side of the moon and accessible by anyone with Internet) has already shown the populace what is coming. So the news has turned from evasion to triage, urging calm and offering the few facts they have:
The objects are enormous, perfectly round spheres numbering in the dozens, maybe hundreds. They are on an approach vector for Earth. And they will arrive in six days.
©2015 Sean Platt, Johnny B. Truant (P)2015 Podium Publishing

3. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Hide and Seek
By Mary Burton
Narrated By: Christina Traister
Duration: 9 h 57 min
I like this author and this is an “H” title not in a series. Source: 9/22/19 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit.
Summary:
She’s hunting. He’s watching.
Special Agent Macy Crow is a survivor. After a vicious hit-and-run nearly kills her, she gets right back to work, and now she’s gunning for a spot on the FBI’s elite profiling team. As an audition, she offers to investigate the recently discovered bones of Tobi Turner, a high school girl who disappeared fifteen years ago.
While investigating with local sheriff Mike Nevada, a former colleague and onetime lover, Macy discovers a link between Tobi’s case and several others that occurred around the same time as her disappearance. As Macy interviews victims and examines old cases, she uncovers a sinister picture of a stalker who graduated to sexual assault—and then murder.
Macy and Nevada race to put this monster behind bars before he can come out of hiding. But the murderer’s had years to hone his skills, and soon Macy herself becomes a target. She’s no stranger to pain and terror, but will Macy’s first profiling case be her last?

March 27, 2022 - These videos are really good - they help me retain more and help explain plot narrative as well as the underlying story of Jesus. Bible Reading Plan: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. I know it won't match my Hubby's reading but I wanted some different insights/devotions and I am enjoying the devotion video project. I am enjoying keeping up with my reading each day.
No new study although I will probably start looking at an Easter Study soon.

I completed three books for review this week.
My NetGalley shelf is back to the three old ebook titles. I will probably end up letting A Place Called Armageddon go as DNF.
I am reading the last eBook title I had in queue.
(Plus a few that I received from facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
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: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit, me and new to the team, Velvet at vvb32reads. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

No new review books.
I added my March VIP free audiobook at Audiobooks.com and two titles through a 2 for 1 credit.
6 books added to my Kindle TBR library again.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

3/26/2022 March Audiobooks.com 2 for 1 Deal:

Some Danger Involved
Author Will Thomas
Narrator: Antony Ferguson
Duration: 9 h 29 min
I like the sound and the sample on this historical crime fiction.

Breakthrough
Author Michael C. Grumley
Narrator: Scott Brick
Duration: 10 h 4 min
Compared to Clive Cussler, a suspense author, and The Abyss which is a movie we like.

Free

3/26/2022 March Audiobooks.com VIP pick:

Crimson Phoenix
Author John Gilstrap
Narrator: Kate Forbes
Duration: 11 h 51 min
I want to try this Post-apocalyptic.



I added 6 free Kindle titles to my library this week:
Memoirs of a Time Traveler (Time Amazon Book 1)
Doug Molitor

Murder by the Cup: a witch, paranormal cozy mystery (Le Doux Mysteries Book 1)
Abigail Lynn Thornton

Colony One (The Elderon Chronicles Book 1)
Tarah Benner

Eclipse (Dawnbringer, Book 1 prequel)
Elon Vidal

Kilenya Chronicles Books 1-3
Andrea Pearson

Her Unexpected Roommate: a small town, sweet romance (Bulbs, Blossoms and Bouquets Book 1) by Laura Ann

6 Free titles again this week. Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Book Adrenaline, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 27, 2022

We continued our study in Revelation during Sunday School as our teacher reminded us to “Be rapture ready at all times.” We then enjoyed good worship, singing (among other songs) Good, Good Father. A Word of God was shared encouraging us to seek Him and assuring us He would be with us when we seek Him. Our interim Pastor noted: “Jesus is real. Invite Him in.”

Pastor then continued his sermon series on “What Have You Lost?”
He reminded us of the last two lessons from Luke 14 25-35, and he reviewed the six principles he set forth last week. Then Pastor continued in Luke 15. When Jesus engaged with new people, the Pharisees murmured/complained.

Last week Pastor covered the lost sheep in Luke15:3-7. He stated that the mission of the Church (all churches) is to go after the lost. Mark 16:15. But he is concerned that too many churches are built for the 99 who are already saved instead of reaching out to the one that is lost.

Are too many of us self-righteous or self-indulgent? Have we lost our passion for the lost? Jesus continues to seek the lost.

Pastor then shared the second parable of the woman who lost a coin in her own home. Luke 15:8-10. The coin was a drachma or equivalent of a days wage. And she lost one of ten or 10% of her money. It is not a money issue, but lost means because the big picture is lost people. Our means is tied to His mission. Our means are the foundation for funding the mission! All resources belong to God. We all probably have too many things at home gathering dust.

Lost coins can't accomplish their purpose, that is why it is important to find them.
People are hurting financially. Our country is 32 trillion in debt; four out of ten families do not have enough for a $400.00 emergency. The congregations’ tithes and offerings fund the mission. We need to be aware of waste, but some people do not give their tithe to the church. Malachi 3:8. Some argue that the Old Testament was part of the law and done away with by the coming of Christ. But first, the law is being fulfilled by Christ, and second, the principle of tithing existed long before Malachi.

Genesis 14:19-20 tells how Abraham gave a tithe of all that he recovered to the priest, Melchizedek. How did Abraham know? God may have instructed Adam and Eve, as Genesis 4:3 tells us that their sons brought offerings. Or God may have given direct instructions to Abraham.
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New Testament also tells us to support the church: 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8:2-7; 2 Corinthians 9:6-12; and Mark 12:41-44.

Tithing is a Biblical principle. Tithes and offerings help to fulfill the Mission of God. The money is not mine! Have we lost the Mission? Have we lost the means? We don’t give gifts to get anything but to further His Mission.

I found this song called “Offering” that speaks to 'all I have is His.'

Verses for Today:
Malachi 3:8-10 NIV
8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.
“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’
“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.


Thank you, Heavenly Father, for so many gifts and blessings. Make me mindful to always return a portion of Your gifts to help Your Mission!

Audible Book Review: Zero Tolerance by Jonathan Maberry

A quick listen and more ‘worse than a zombie’ action in this gritty series.

Zero Tolerance
By: Jonathan Maberry
Narrated by: Ray Porter

Series: Joe Ledger, Book 1.1
Length: 44 mins
Release date: 07-14-11
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Horror, Suspense, Zombie
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Publisher's Summary
This sequel to Patient Zero brings Joe Ledger back into action.
Zero Tolerance picks up a few weeks after the close of Maberry’s action-thriller Patient Zero. Dropping back into the world of former Baltimore cop Joe Ledger, the Department of Military Sciences, and flesh-eating zombies, fans of the series will finally see the tying up of a few loose ends.
©2010 Jonathan Maberry (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Joe Ledger and his team have to stay ready to fight the new monsters that have been unleashed – flesh-eating and aware zombies. Intelligence has determined that the first encounter and capture was only one of a pair of monsters created to take infect and destroy the ‘infidels’. A report comes in from a team in combat that they have found evidence of more monsters. Ledger and his team are flown onsite to investigate and, more importantly, eliminate the threat.

After finding a buried science lab one of his teams goes silent and Ledge suspects they have found what they are looking for. He leads his remaining team into the trouble and they find more than they quiet expected, especially considering the involvement of military men.

This is another quick story full of action, swearing and violence. I wouldn’t want to listen to a steady stream of this, but it is the nature of the series. I happen to like military action and don’t mind the gory parts. I have to overlook the language as best I can. So far, I have read two novellas in the series and there are more that are free through Audible Plus. I have to decide if I want the first full book which is 14 hours. Different readers will either want to read more or find something that suits them better. I will continue with the novellas for now.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter is an excellent narrator and helps to carry the grit of the story. I am more than happy to enjoy Porter’s narration so that adds to my wanting to listen.

Source: December 2021 free on Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

#FraterfestRat Audible Book Review: Countdown: A Prequel Story to Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry   My Rating 4.25