blackcatsx

Utterly superb and inspirational!

Reviewed: 13-08-2020

This is a wonderful book. If you really listen and take it on board, it has the potential to completely change your life (and those around you) for the best it can possibly be. Simple ideas, yet such total sense. Peter Coyote narrates it beautifully and the length of it is perfect to get the message across succinctly and yet allow you to absorb its wonderful messages. I can't recommend this enough. It isn't often I get a 'buzz' from a book but I am buzzing now. Do yourself a favour....

Fantastic! Has the potential to change your life!

Reviewed: 21-07-2020

Once I had begun this book, it was very difficult to stop. So many "a-ha!" moments and clues to self-understanding. Brilliant for your emotional well-being and understanding of self and the workings of current, past and even future partnerships. Attachment Theory is fascinating in any case, but this is presented in a really clear and concise way. The first couple of chapters are a little irritating in that they contain a lot of lists being read out (included with the book purchase), but after that, the book comes into its own. Anyone who enjoyed Dr Susan Johnston's "Hold Me Tight" or "Love Sense" should enjoy this (or else start here and move onto those...). I'm sure I will listen to this again.

Meandering drivel.

Reviewed: 07-01-2020

Normally I am a fan of Mary Kubica's work but this was really painful. Told from two different perspectives, the story takes a really long time to gain any momentum at all and when it does, it is quickly lost again. Much of one of the perspectives is like a never-ending description of a bad drug trip which is not only monotonous but leaves the listener with such a diminishing care factor that you would give almost anything for it to be over. The more it goes on, the more you realise just how little you care what happens to the character. Julia Whelan does a good job (as usual) of narration, as does Jayme Mattler, but this is ultimately just directionless piffle. I only made it to the end because I was on a long drive and had little else to occupy me. Now it's finally over, I feel drained and gun shy of more books by this author. If you need a cure for insomnia, look no further.

It was delightful getting to know Eleanor...

Reviewed: 28-10-2019

This is a beautiful listen. The story unfurls gently and delicately, rather like a lovely flower. The delightfully quirky Eleanor can teach everyone a thing or two about living life simply, absorbing life's more prosaic adventures to the maximum, how good vodka is, the way cats are way more fun than houseplants and how simple friendships can blossom (I must be in a floral mood!) into the most enduring and precious relationships. Most of all, Eleanor educates us that to work on our inner selves is one of the most painful, yet absolutely and utterly rewarding things we can do for ourselves. I was delighted to learn that this is the author's first book, meaning hopefully that she might have now 'caught the bug' and will write another. I must also give praise to the simply wonderful narrator, who gave the book wings in so many ways... Just superb.

An intriguing, easy listen.

Reviewed: 26-03-2019

Helen has provided an honest and fairly light-hearted account of a very interesting three year period of her life. It shows us "how the other half live" while capturing the highs, lows and dilemmas of this intriguing lifestyle. Helen has narrated her own story which works well apart from when she attempts accents! This story is of a journey which would not be taken by many and this makes listening very easy as Helen winds her way from innocent to all-knowing and eventually self-development. I'd have been interested in the exploration of what in her life led her to so fiercely fight the notion of love in deference to such a material world, but I enjoyed the book anyway.

A completely gripping page turner...

Reviewed: 30-08-2016

A thrilling listen, very hard to stay away from. Clare Mackintosh has created a real masterpiece with twists and turns and real depth of subject matter. Both narrators are also excellent. Treat yourself to a book that will carry you away and allow you to experience the whole gamut of emotions...

A wonderful movie, a wonderful book.

Reviewed: 17-09-2015

My son and I really enjoyed listening to this story. We had seen the movie together a few months prior and this brought it all to life again.

David Wenham is one of the actors in the movie. He is a wonderful actor and a great narrator. This is terrific for long journeys with the kids bored in the car. It's a great Australian story and adults and kids will enjoy it.

1 person found this helpful

Worth a listen.

Reviewed: 17-09-2015

This is interesting to listen to on its topic, but I have to stop short of wholehearted recommendation. While there are some good perspectives on there for general self respect, it is told in such a way that comes across as a bit bitter in parts. I can't work out why, either, there just isn't the need. She apologises in the beginning, in advance, because she feels she may offend some readers. She swears (the f*&^ word) for emphasis, when really, it would be so much more intelligent to deliver the point without doing that. I wasn't 'offended' per se, just felt she could have delivered more impact and commanded more respect without.

There are several parts to the book which come across as man-hating, even though the point of the book is apparently to find a relationship with mutual respect. There's an example given from the author's own experience, for example, when she found her date 'rude'. She left him in the restaurant and wholeheartedly recommends the reader do the same. Perhaps many would find this good advice? I found it a little immature. There are also a few occasions where she makes assumptions about women in general. As I didn't fit her mould, it suddenly didn't feel as though she was talking to me anymore.

I have listened to Evan Marc Katz and Matthew Hussey who write on the same topic. Both manage to do so without sounding petulant. Both of their books left me feeling positive and energised. Once again, this is not a total bomb, but lacks the lustre it needs to be considered really great.

4 people found this helpful

Mary Kubica is a master story-teller.

Reviewed: 17-09-2015

This is a book presented from three different points of view, with three different, and very good, narrators. The story is gripping from the start and just gets better and better. The lives of the three characters all expertly intertwine. I've had trouble stopping listening this week. I'll be finished it in record time.

This is the second book I have listened to by Mary Kubica and though it's hard to pick, I think this is even better than the other (The Good Girl). The performances in both are extremely good. I hope she's written more. I'll be looking.

So good I listened to it twice, back to back.

Reviewed: 17-09-2015

I hadn't heard of Matthew Hussey before this. He is very good at what he does. This book not only gives you a better outlook on life and boosts your own self-confidence, it has the power to change your attitudes and positivity about many different aspects of your day-to-day.

The book comes with access to bonus videos which reinforce the message he is trying to send. They are very helpful. Overall, this is really good value. You can also sign up for email tips which come regularly and ensure that the messages stay fresh in your mind.

I'm pretty sure I'll be buying something else of Matthew's soon. Highly recommended.

1 person found this helpful