Audible Book Review: The Harrows of Spring: The World Made by Hand Novels, Book 4 by James Howard Kunstler

I finished this interesting series for my "Spring" title.

The Harrows of Spring: The World Made by Hand Novels, Book 4
By: James Howard Kunstler
Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

Series: World Made By Hand, Book 4
Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 07-05-16
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Dystopian, Metaphysical Fiction, Post Apocalyptic
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
"From the renowned social critic, energy expert, and bestselling author James Howard Kunstler, The Harrows of Spring concludes the quartet of his extraordinary World Made by Hand novels, set in an American future of economic and political collapse, where electricity, automobiles, and the familiar social structures of the "old times" are a misty memory.
In the little upstate New York town of Union Grove, springtime is a most difficult season, known as "the six weeks want," when fresh food is scarce and winter stores have dwindled. Young Daniel Earle returns from his haunting travels around what is left of the United States intent on resurrecting the town newspaper. He is also recruited by the town trustees to help revive the Hudson River trade route shut down peevishly by the local grandee, planter Stephen Bullock. Meanwhile, a menacing gang of Social Justice Warriors styling themselves as agents of the Berkshire People's Republic appear one evening to camp on the outskirts of town. Their leaders are the imposing Amazonian beauty Flame Aurora Greengrass and the charismatic grifter Sylvester "Buddy" Goodfriend, progressive to a fault in their politics and intent on extracting whatever tribute they can from people of Union Grove.
Romance, politics, bunko, violence, and family tragedy swirl through the thrilling finale to Kunstler's bestselling series. The Harrows of Spring is a powerful, heart-wrenching, and satisfying conclusion to this poignant history of the future."
©2016 James Howard Kunstler (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Review:
Life continues to move forward for the community of Union Grove. Personal issues involving lack of vaccines and medical facilities in this society which has been set back to days of horse and buggy. There are moments of absolute tragedy that bring unique responses from the family members involved.

The local land baron, Stephen Bullock, has decided to go isolationist and stop delivering trade goods to the town. Brother Jobe convinces town members to gather funds needed to send a group of men to buy a boat for the town in order to transfer needed supplies. Daniel Earle, who has returned to town as a wanted man in the south, is starting a newspaper in town. He needs supplies for the business and is recruited to travel with the team to get a boat. It is a dangerous mission but must be done.

Meanwhile a crowd of what appear to be simple, ‘hippy’ type people have been discovered on the outskirts of town. They identify themselves as agents of the Berkshire People’s Republic. It is soon realized that they are actually socialist /social justice warriors in town to exploit people to sell their resources for worthless paper money or be brutally attacked if unwilling to share voluntarily. Can the leaders of Union Grove deal with the threat before infiltrators and imposters cause irreparable damage?

I was pleased to finish this interesting series for my "Spring" title. I enjoyed the character developments and idiosyncrasies as well as the plot themes. This last story still had some strangeness (the metaphysical aspect) and had distinct brutal elements. I am glad that I was able to enjoy this down to earth post-apocalyptic series through Audible’s plus catalog. I recommend the series to fans of the genre.

Audio Notes: Once again, the narration by Jim Meskimen added to the story for me. He provides distinct, fitting and unusual voices. He also conveys the underlying personalities of the characters. I appreciated this series in audio.

Source: 12/21/2020 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Season goals.

World Made by Hand: The World Made by Hand Novels, Book 1
The Witch of Hebron: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 2
A History of the Future: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 3

Sunday Post May 29, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 30, 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 continue to be behind in work although I get some projects done each day and at least one each evening.

I have made it through my first week at home alone. I made my own meals: cauliflower rice and steamed veggies; a hamburger that ended up as scrambled beef with cheese;  tomato soup and bread sticks; and a version of chicken salad. I realized after starting the chicken salad that my cleaning ladies cleaned out the fridge and I didn't have onion or celery so I added a hard boiled egg from the half dozen I made.
I do miss my Bob's companionship and cooking. I have only managed to adjust the banking that was absolutely required the first couple of weeks. There is still much to do as my emotions fluctuate.

A strange, but edible chicken salad mix.

My second try at hamburger was successful.

I continue my previous prayer list and added the families in Uvalde, Texas.
So heart wrenching.
.
We had some very heavy rains for several days. Then it cleared up beautifully. The end of the week ended with nice sunny days in the high 70s to mid 80s.

I enjoyed some listening this week that moved along well. I finished two audio books and 10 hours of CLE courses. that I need to finish for June reporting.  I posted four reviews, and my usual memes.

I was glad to visit 16 blogs again this past week.
A Shout Out today to READING ACTUALLY. Cindy, who has been blogging since 2015 describes herself as "an Avid reader, obsessed with reading actually. I love running, cycling, and all things Mystery/Thriller novels."

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 May 22, 2022/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 23, 2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: The Nothing Girl by Jodi Taylor; Genre: Coming of Age, Fantasy; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Wild Swan: A Story of Florence Nightingale by Patti Callahan; Categories: Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 27, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/2/2022.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Into the Wild Warriors, Book 1 by Erin Hunter; Genres: Action and Adventure, Animal, Cats, Fantasy; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 3.75; Narration 4.25.

• ATBR: Audible Book Review: Prador Moon: A Novel of the Polity, Book 1 by Neal Asher; Genre: Alien, Military, Space Opera; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

• Sharing Beyond Books #445 Comment Giveaway May 28, 2022. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/11/2022.
  

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 29, 2022.

Finished Reading:

1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

A Ripple in Time
Written by Victor Zugg
Narrated by Sean William Doyle
Run Time 7h 26min
This is a fair time travel adventure.
Source: March 2021 Chirp Purchase $2.99.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

You Have the Right to Remain Innocent
By: James Duane
Narrated by: James Duane
Length: 2 hrs and 34 mins
I needed to listen to this book! And it was a "Y" title.
Source: 3/3/22 Audible Sale $3.15.
Publisher's Summary
Law professor James J. Duane became a viral sensation thanks to a 2008 lecture outlining the reasons why you should never agree to answer questions from the police - especially if you are innocent and wish to stay out of trouble with the law. In this timely, relevant, and pragmatic new book, he expands on that presentation, offering a vigorous defense of every citizen's constitutionally protected right to avoid self-incrimination. Getting a lawyer is not only the best policy, Professor Duane argues, it's also the advice law-enforcement professionals give their own kids.
Using actual case histories of innocent men and women exonerated after decades in prison because of information they voluntarily gave to police, Professor Duane demonstrates the critical importance of a constitutional right not well or widely understood by the average American. Reflecting the most recent attitudes of the Supreme Court, Professor Duane argues that it is now even easier for police to use your own words against you. This lively and informative guide explains what everyone needs to know to protect themselves and those they love.
©2016 James Joseph Duane. (P)2016 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

CLE titles finished:

Florida Law Update 2021 - 8 hours
Opportunity Zones - 1 hour
Florida's New Summary Judgment Standard and Rule 1.510 - 1 hour

Currently Reading:

1. Audio Smartphone (ATBR)

Redemption Bay
By RaeAnne Thayne
Duration: 10 h 16 min
I decided to go with a lighter listen
so I picked romance as an "R" title.
Source: 8/31/18 Audiobooks deal - 2 for 1 credit.
Summary:
New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne brings you back to Haven Point-a place made for second chances. McKenzie Shaw would do anything for her hometown of Haven Point. It may be small, but it's never let her down.unlike gorgeous, infuriating Ben Kilpatrick. He was her childhood hero until he closed his family's factory, leaving the town's economy in shambles. Now his tech firm is considering opening a local facility. For Haven Point's sake, McKenzie has to grit her teeth and play nice. What could a town filled with painful memories ever offer Ben? Yet seeing the town through the eyes of McKenzie-its fiery young mayor-he suddenly has his answer. If only he can resolve the animosity crackling between them, Ben may have found the place where he can build ties and find healing.a place where love arrives when it's least expected.

2. Audible Smartphone (ATBR)

Swing Shift
By: William D. Arand
Narrated by: Andrea Parsneau
Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins
I'm in the mood for paranormal and this one looks good for an "S" title.
Source: 12/1/2019 Audible Sale for $5.00.
Publisher's Summary
Reports to write, forms to fill, coffee to drink, leads to run down.
Gus’s life was a tedium and boredom he’d grown comfortable with. One that he sought out after he’d come back from his tour of duty.
A detective in the paranormal investigations department. A job he could work day in and day out in relative peace. One cold and forgotten cup of coffee at a time.
It was an environment that made some sense to him. At least in comparison to civilian life where almost nothing did. On top of that, it gave him a chance to hide what he was from the rest of the world.
An apex predator that made the entirety of the paranormal world fear him. His very species was often killed as soon as they were found out.
By government and citizen alike.
He’s a Boogieman.
A name that made humans laugh, and vampires curse. It was a strange life to be sure.
Now though, Gus’s stable non-life is about to be kicked over. Whether he likes it or not, he’s about to be handed a case that’s going to mess up his already screwed up life.
©2019 William D. Arand (P)2019 William D. Arand

May 29, 2022 - I have always enjoyed the Book of Job and feel like I have been getting more meaning from it after the insight from the Bible Project devotion video. I am still getting caught up on videos I missed while we had no internet at home. The Bible Reading Plan is: BibleProject | One Story that Leads to Jesus. I am enjoying keeping up with my reading each day (actually, I am one day ahead).
I'll look for a new study maybe next month.

I completed two books for review. I now have six outstanding reviews to write and post. 
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 don't have any author reviews in my queue right now.
(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 picked my VIP choice at Audiobooks. com.
I added four ebooks to my Kindle TBR library today.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

5/27/2022 Audiobooks.com May VIP selection

The Secret of Pembrooke Park
Author Julie Klassen
Narrator: Elizabeth Jasicki
Duration: 18 h 6 min

Don't Tell a Duke You Love Him (How to Reform a Rake Series Book 1)
Tammy Andresen

Girl, Alone (An Ella Dark FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 1)
Blake Pierce

Cracked Open (The Dragon Born Academy Book 1)
T.L. Christianson

When Stars Move & Other Stories
Shannon Rampe




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

Sunday Words of Encouragement May 29, 2022

I attended church online this morning. It was announced that the Youth raised over $5,000.00 for Speed the Light at a 5K Color run they hosted yesterday. Great job!

Pastor delivered a Sermon: Hold Fast! The initial test is 1 Thessalonians 5.
A time of rapture will come in the future. No one knows when. It is not necessarily a delay by God because God has a Plan.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11.
In the meantime we build each other up, we rejoice and give praise.
“19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22.

We must be grounded and HOLD FAST. Refrain from even the appearance of evil.
Don’t trust all you hear on social media. Make sure what you hear and apply has Biblical truth. Don’t hold onto things of this world.
Pastor did a mini (Family Feud type) survey: What are things people try to hold onto:
Money                 Youthfulness
Relationships       Status
Traditions            Health
Job                       Bladder

None of the answers were God.
What are you holding on to?
The world has an entitlement mentality. They are holding on to hurts and claiming rights that are not truly rights (someone else is to blame, someone else should pay for my expenses, someone else should pay my debt etc).

Too many people are holding onto things that are not essentials.
We need to hold fast to what is good - valuable and virtuous
What the world thinks is valued: their opinions, their feelings, their rights. Sometimes this is totally different than what God holds as valuable and righteous.

Isaiah 5:20 “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,”
What is good? – GOD is good! The scripture is good.

1. Hold Onto the Word of the Lord

2 Timothy 1:13-14 Hold fast to sound words.

13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

The Word is light and health to us! Proverbs 4:20-22.
Delight in the word of the Lord! Psalm 1:1-3.

Are we people of the Word? If not, you are not healthy and will not be producing good fruit.

Deuteronomy 8:3.

3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Health and Life come from the spiritual food of the Lord.

Friends can give you advise
Lawyers can give counsel.
Doctors can give diagnosis and treatment.
But only God and God’s word can give you true life and health.

God’s Word is never wrong and never off target, It is perfect
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Psalm 119:105 The word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path.
Psalm 107:20 He sent His Word to heal them…

2. Hold onto Salvation!

You have a living inheritance in eternal life! 1 Peter 1:3-5.
If you walk away from God, where else are you going to turn?
Hold fast to your profession of faith, without wavering. “23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23.

Endure to the End – The Son of God will set you free! 1 Timothy 6:12.
Stay with your relationship with the Lord. He is your salvation, your provider, your hope, your healer, your firm foundation, …
Don’t give up now! Hold fast. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
Hold fast to your Hope. Hebrews 3:1-6.

I was looking for a good song video this morning.
This was not on my list but I was led to it! He Always Provides.

Verses for Today:
2 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV
13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Oh Lord. I am grieved by the evil in our world. And you must be ever more greatly grieved. Help me to Hold Fast to You and Your Word. Help me to share Your love and Your word with a world that needs Your light!

Too much of this is apparent in our world today:

Sharing Beyond Books #445 Comment Giveaway May 28, 2022

Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books.

Thanks to everyone who commented on the last question.
Last post SBB#444 Natalija asksed Which movie have you watched the most times??
I really enjoyed seeing your favorite movies. Pride and Prejudice got 2 picks, otherwise we had a variety including: comedy (Meet the Parents and Meet the Frockers), romantic comedy (While You Were Sleeping, The Proposal, and You've Got Mail). crime drama (The Godfather), classics (The Sound of Music and Blue Hawaii), Action Thriller (Die Hard), historical fiction (Robinhood and The Gladiator), sci fi (original Star Wars), and post-apocalyptic (The Postman).

The Winner from SBB#444 comments is #9 Life's Simple Pleasure who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated (**Finally!) ARC/Review titles or (recently updated) Love and Christmas titles - all linked near the end of the post. -- [9-18-2021 I have added a new box and crossed off books no longer available through August 2021.]

Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #445

(One Question.)

Faith Hope and Cherry Tea asks: How about annotated books? Do you like to know what local language, customs, dialogue are referring to in annotations? preferred or not?

I'm not sure I have seen too many fiction books that are annotated. Sometimes they have a glossary of words. I do like that when there are unusual words, customs, or places that would benefit with that information.

Image found at Struggling Bookaholic.

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 1/2 book choice or $2.50 towards 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 them.
NATALIA and FHCT get the $2.50 credit for the questions in May.

Your turn to share. Faith Hope and Cherry Tea asks: How about annotated books? Do you like to know what local language, customs, dialogue are referring to in annotations? preferred or not?

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Updated ARC and Other books, including the "Love" and Christmas titles all in one post.

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, June 11, 2022, at 5 PM central.

Audible Book Review: Prador Moon: A Novel of the Polity, Book 1 By: Neal Asher

This is creative military space opera.
Prador Moon: A Novel of the Polity, Book 1
By: Neal Asher
Narrated by: David Marantz

Series: Polity, Book 1
Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 10-22-13
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Alien, Military, Space Opera
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.

Publisher's Summary
Neal Asher takes on first contact, Polity style. This original novel recounts the first contact between the aggressive Prador aliens, and the Polity Collective as it is forced to retool its society to a war footing. The overwhelming brute force of the Prador dreadnaughts causes several worlds and space stations to be overrun.
Prador Moon follows the initial Polity defeats, to the first draws, and culminates in what might be the first Polity victory, told from the point of view of two unlikely heroes.
©2006 Neal Asher (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Review:
The Polity is the Earths’s societal government entity that is led by AI with humans often integrated. Polity has been in space but over many years only found one other intelligent species. Now they have met another – the Prador.

The Prador are a species comfortable on land and in the sea. They resemble standing shrimp with a hard carapace and crab claws. They have technologically advance ships that appear to be undefinable as they proceed to annihilate worlds. The creatures themselves are led by Captains who breed children who are the soldiers. Only the best of the young live to become Seconds or Firsts and the Captain will kill and sometimes devour those who don’t make the grade.

Vortex is a First Child of Captain Immanence. When he leads a party of Prador to a meeting with the Polity he has no intent of friendship. Instead, he and his smaller soldiers attack the human and partially human hosts leaving a bloody room.

Jebel is a Polity, enhanced-human soldier who has been fixed with AI technology and parts. He suffers under the initial attack of Vortex, but lives to face the enemy again.

Moria is a brilliant scientist, technician, who has been promoted to a level beyond her capability to understand the gate technology she is tasked to study. The only way to manage is to accept augmentation in the form of AI nano tech inserted to connect with her own brain synapses. After surviving the aug installation, Moria begins to advance in her understanding to a point where she is able to comprehend the gate technology that will allow new leaps in space travel. Can she use her new knowledge to help stop the Prador?

Captain John Varence remembers vaguely when he was once only human, now he is mostly AI on (or part of) the ship Occam Razor. They have been in stasis for years but now awaken to the call of danger. They are ready to fight the Prador and make the first successful blow against the impenetrable Prador ships. But they can’t fight the enemy alone.

These three characters and their comrades must find a way to work together if they want to keep the Prador from taking out another Polity world.

This book jumps quickly into an alien bloody attack. There is plenty of action that moves the story along. The Polity characters are interesting although shallowly developed. On the other hand, Asher gives more depth to the Prador species. The world building is creative. There is some political commentary twisted into the story but that can be overlooked if the reader chooses.

The story is entertaining but did not pull me into committing to the Polity world of space sci fi. I will probably get another Asher title at some point, but I am not rushing. Space Opera fans should check out other reviews and consider reading/listening to this title.

Audio Notes: The narration by David Marantz is mixed. At times I thought Marantz was doing a good job delivering the energy with the underlying excitement and humor of the text. Other times I cringed at the mispronunciation of terms. Still, I am glad I had the chance to listen to this audio from the Plus Catalog.

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