Category: Audiobooks

Audiobook Review: Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

Saturday Nite Reader11 Comments

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3.5 disco balls

Published: August 5, 2014 by HarperAudio
Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Category: Nonfiction, Essays, Feminism
Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Nonfiction (2014)

Bad Feminist, a book of essays by Roxane Gay, is more than what the title may portray. There are essays on feminism but actually not as many as I thought. The beginning starts out discussing the author’s love of competitive Scrabble. I kind of was like “where is this going?” but realized this may be the way the author was allowing us to get to know her. (Since I was listening to the audiobook I didn’t have the breakdown of sections or essay titles. I would come to realize later that yes, those essays were her “Me” section.)

Gay’s essays touch upon various subjects such as body image, gender inequality, sexual assault, race, stereotypes in literature and film, and how media presents these subjects.

It is a thought provoking read and a conversation starter. It highlights very important subjects and makes you reflect on your own thoughts: I sometimes found myself thinking “hmm, I hadn’t thought of it that way before” or that she stated more eloquently similar thoughts I had. Read More »

Audiobook Review & Narrator Interview: Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan

Saturday Nite Reader10 Comments

4_DiscoBalls

4 disco balls

Published: May 1, 2017 by Brillance Audio, Narrated by Will Damron
Purchase: Audible  Amazon Kindle unlimited  Barnes & Noble: $9.29 for the audio
Category: Historical Fiction

Beneath a Scarlet Sky, by Mark T. Sullivan, was inspired by the real life story of WWII hero, Pino Lella. This book was 10 years in the making for author, Mark T. Sullivan, whom met Pino by chance and knew he wanted to tell his story. It is a work of fiction, but has been rumored to be about 90% true.

First things first, this audiobook is a commitment. It is 17 hours long! About 25% way through I upped the speed to 1.25x and it cut a few hours off, phew. I am terribly bad at paying attention to audiobooks, but I do find I am most engaged in listening and not being distracted by everything around me (look a squirrel!) when I am taking a long drive. During a long weekend I went to visit friends in CT (about a 2 hour drive) so it was a perfect time to dive into Pino’s story.Read More »

Fun Fact Friday: Social Sciences

Saturday Nite Reader17 Comments

Round V (and probably final round, as I am running out of things to share…yes, I am that boring) of Fun Fact Friday.

I graduated from Providence College with a Bachelors in Social Sciences. Go Friars!

I took primarily Sociology classes and really was a soc major minus the capstone class. If I only knew then what I know now I would have taken the darn class. It wouldn’t have affected my career either way, but still. I should have just done it.

I love the study of sociology and researching/engaging in discussion on things related to culture, social interactions, and group dynamics. Cue in a book review…Read More »

Talk to Me Tuesdays

Saturday Nite Reader18 Comments

1st Tuesday topic I want your input on:  Audiobooks

  1. Do you count them as a ‘read’ book? And, do you also count them as a read book in your goodreads reading challenge?
  2. Could you read a book faster than listening to it?
  3. Do you find yourself constantly rewinding as your thoughts may wander off while you are supposed to be listening?
  4. Are you less invested in a book when you listen to it rather than read it?
  5. Do you find your book reviews for audiobooks have a lower rating average versus books you have read?
  6. Do you think audible is worth $14.95/month?

Tell me all your thoughts on audiobooks!