Ugvaja's bookshelf: all en-US Sun, 15 Sep 2024 08:25:39 -0700 60 Ugvaja's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty]]> 43868109 The highly anticipated portrait of three generations of the Sackler family, by the prize-winning, bestselling author of Say Nothing.

The Sackler name adorns the walls of many storied institutions: Harvard, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Oxford, the Louvre. They are one of the richest families in the world, known for their lavish donations to the arts and sciences. The source of the family fortune was vague, however, until it emerged that the Sacklers were responsible for making and marketing OxyContin, a blockbuster painkiller that was a catalyst for the opioid crisis.

Empire of Pain is a masterpiece of narrative reporting and writing, exhaustively documented and ferociously compelling.]]>
535 Patrick Radden Keefe 0385545681 Ugvaja 5 provides a riveting investigation into the Sackler family and their role in the opioid epidemic. Patrick Radden Keefe, a master of long-form journalism, delves deep into the aggressive manufacturing and marketing of OxyContin by Purdue Pharma. Keefe's exhaustive research, including extensive court records and other documents, reveals the family's denial of the drug's addictive nature despite mounting medical evidence. The Sacklers' use of their wealth to secure complicity from federal agencies, the legal and medical systems, and their attempts to buy immortality through philanthropy paint a picture of amoral greed.

Audiobook version:

The audiobook is narrated with a compelling intensity, making the complex and often overwhelming amount of material accessible and engaging. Keefe’s skillful storytelling turns what could be dry facts into a gripping narrative. The book's examination of the devastating impact of the opioid crisis, which has claimed more American lives than the Vietnam War, is both chilling and thought-provoking. If you're interested in a deep, narrative-driven exploration of a major contemporary issue, this audiobook is a must-listen.]]>
4.54 2021 Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty
author: Patrick Radden Keefe
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.54
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/09/15
shelves:
review:
This provides a riveting investigation into the Sackler family and their role in the opioid epidemic. Patrick Radden Keefe, a master of long-form journalism, delves deep into the aggressive manufacturing and marketing of OxyContin by Purdue Pharma. Keefe's exhaustive research, including extensive court records and other documents, reveals the family's denial of the drug's addictive nature despite mounting medical evidence. The Sacklers' use of their wealth to secure complicity from federal agencies, the legal and medical systems, and their attempts to buy immortality through philanthropy paint a picture of amoral greed.

Audiobook version:

The audiobook is narrated with a compelling intensity, making the complex and often overwhelming amount of material accessible and engaging. Keefe’s skillful storytelling turns what could be dry facts into a gripping narrative. The book's examination of the devastating impact of the opioid crisis, which has claimed more American lives than the Vietnam War, is both chilling and thought-provoking. If you're interested in a deep, narrative-driven exploration of a major contemporary issue, this audiobook is a must-listen.
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<![CDATA[The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz]]> 51187948
On Winston Churchill's first day as prime minister, Hitler invaded Holland and Belgium. Poland and Czechoslovakia had already fallen, and the Dunkirk evacuation was just two weeks away. For the next twelve months, Hitler would wage a relentless bombing campaign, killing 45,000 Britons. It was up to Churchill to hold the country together and persuade President Franklin Roosevelt that Britain was a worthy ally-and willing to fight to the end.

In The Splendid and the Vile, Erik Larson shows, in cinematic detail, how Churchill taught the British people "the art of being fearless." It is a story of political brinkmanship, but it's also an intimate domestic drama set against the backdrop of Churchill's prime-ministerial country home, Chequers; his wartime retreat, Ditchley, where he and his entourage go when the moon is brightest and the bombing threat is highest; and of course 10 Downing Street in London.

Drawing on diaries, original archival documents, and once-secret intelligence reports-some released only recently-Larson provides a new lens on London's darkest year through the day-to-day experience of Churchill and his wife, Clementine; their youngest daughter, Mary, who chafes against her parents' wartime protectiveness; their son, Randolph, and his beautiful, unhappy wife, Pamela; Pamela's illicit lover, a dashing American emissary; and the cadre of close advisers who comprised Churchill's "Secret Circle," including his lovestruck private secretary, John Colville; newspaper baron Lord Beaverbrook; and the Rasputin-like Frederick Lindemann.

The Splendid and the Vile takes readers out of today's political dysfunction and back to a time of true leadership, when-in the face of unrelenting horror-Churchill's eloquence, courage, and perseverance bound a country, and a family, together."--]]>
546 Erik Larson 038534872X Ugvaja 0 deeply engaging, offering a rich exploration of Winston Churchill and those around him—his friends, family, and cabinet members. The narration vividly brings these historical figures to life, making you feel like a firsthand witness to pivotal moments rather than just a passive reader. The level of detail and research is impressive, creating a vivid picture of Churchill's life and influence.

I particularly appreciated the British perspective on historical events, which provided a fresh lens on the US response and the German view of Britain during WWII. It was enlightening to experience this well-researched biography through a different historical viewpoint.

For anyone interested in Churchill, British history, or WWII, this audiobook is a must-listen. The performance adds depth to the already fascinating content, making it an excellent choice for history enthusiasts and Anglophiles alike.

Audiobook format:




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4.30 2020 The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz
author: Erik Larson
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/09/15
shelves:
review:
I found this deeply engaging, offering a rich exploration of Winston Churchill and those around him—his friends, family, and cabinet members. The narration vividly brings these historical figures to life, making you feel like a firsthand witness to pivotal moments rather than just a passive reader. The level of detail and research is impressive, creating a vivid picture of Churchill's life and influence.

I particularly appreciated the British perspective on historical events, which provided a fresh lens on the US response and the German view of Britain during WWII. It was enlightening to experience this well-researched biography through a different historical viewpoint.

For anyone interested in Churchill, British history, or WWII, this audiobook is a must-listen. The performance adds depth to the already fascinating content, making it an excellent choice for history enthusiasts and Anglophiles alike.

Audiobook format:





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Leonardo da Vinci 34684622 600 Walter Isaacson 1501139150 Ugvaja 5
Audiobook:

The author draws heavily from Leonardo’s extensive notes, which provide a treasure trove of insights into his goals, interests, and inventions. These notes are a key asset for the biographer, offering clarity on Leonardo's diverse pursuits, from art to science. The portrayal of Leonardo as a polymath, despite his self-described 'unlettered' status, showcases his impressive intelligence and creativity.

The audiobook narration highlights Leonardo’s profound engagement with empirical experimentation and observation, making his multifaceted genius accessible and engaging. If you enjoy deep dives into historical figures with a rich audio experience, this biography will be well worth your time.]]>
4.19 2017 Leonardo da Vinci
author: Walter Isaacson
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/09/15
shelves:
review:
This biography is a bit longer than it probably needed to be, as the author's conclusion tends to re-emphasize points already made in the narrative. However, it's still a very intriguing listen. Narrated with a thoughtful tone, the audiobook effectively brings Leonardo da Vinci’s life to vivid detail.

Audiobook:

The author draws heavily from Leonardo’s extensive notes, which provide a treasure trove of insights into his goals, interests, and inventions. These notes are a key asset for the biographer, offering clarity on Leonardo's diverse pursuits, from art to science. The portrayal of Leonardo as a polymath, despite his self-described 'unlettered' status, showcases his impressive intelligence and creativity.

The audiobook narration highlights Leonardo’s profound engagement with empirical experimentation and observation, making his multifaceted genius accessible and engaging. If you enjoy deep dives into historical figures with a rich audio experience, this biography will be well worth your time.
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Life and Other Love Songs 202468449 A father’s sudden disappearance exposes the private fears, dreams, longings, and joys of a Black American family in the late decades of the twentieth century, in this page-turning and intimate new novel from the author of The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls.

It’s a warm, bright October afternoon, and Ozro Armstead walks out into the brilliant sunshine on his thirty-seventh birthday. At home, his wife Deborah and daughter Trinity prepare a surprise celebration; down the street, his brother waves as Oz heads back to his office after having lunch together.

But he won’t make it to the party or even to his briefcase back at his desk. He’s about to disappear.

In the days, months, and years to follow, Deborah and Trinity look backward and forward as they piece together the life of the man they love, but whom they come to realize they might never have truly known.

In a gripping narrative that moves from the Great Migration to 1970s Detroit and 1990s New York, we follow the hopes, triumphs, losses, and secrets that build up and tear apart an American family.]]>
352 Anissa Gray 198480247X Ugvaja 5 . It’s an audiobook of powerful, impactful stories that will keep you connected well beyond the time you spend between the covers.

Gray’s gift for storytelling shines in her characters, who are grappling with needs and challenges of their own. From family dynamics, to the search for personal fulfillment, Gray’s storytelling is deep and rich with meaning and emotion.

In the performer narrates with warmth and depth, tenderly inviting the audience to feel the story as it unfolds in all its beauty and in all the ways that we all are connected through stories of grace and resilience and the power of love to make things right.

From powerful, to narratives of resilience and hope, the raw magic of “Life and Other Love Songs� provides an engaging, emotional performance that is sure to entertain readers who are particularly drawn to stories of personal growth, familial bonds, and the heart’s connection in the tangled threads of relationships. Anissa Gray’s audiobook is sure to have multiple readers.Listeners are sure to be uplifted by the emotionally charged stories that have been developed by the powerful storytelling decisions that Gray has made.]]>
3.71 2023 Life and Other Love Songs
author: Anissa Gray
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/08/09
shelves:
review:
"For a genuine, intimate exploration of love, loss, and the threads that bind us all together, pick up a copy of . It’s an audiobook of powerful, impactful stories that will keep you connected well beyond the time you spend between the covers.

Gray’s gift for storytelling shines in her characters, who are grappling with needs and challenges of their own. From family dynamics, to the search for personal fulfillment, Gray’s storytelling is deep and rich with meaning and emotion.

In the performer narrates with warmth and depth, tenderly inviting the audience to feel the story as it unfolds in all its beauty and in all the ways that we all are connected through stories of grace and resilience and the power of love to make things right.

From powerful, to narratives of resilience and hope, the raw magic of “Life and Other Love Songs� provides an engaging, emotional performance that is sure to entertain readers who are particularly drawn to stories of personal growth, familial bonds, and the heart’s connection in the tangled threads of relationships. Anissa Gray’s audiobook is sure to have multiple readers.Listeners are sure to be uplifted by the emotionally charged stories that have been developed by the powerful storytelling decisions that Gray has made.
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<![CDATA[The World in a Grain: The Story of Sand and How It Transformed Civilization]]> 36950075 The gripping story of the most important overlooked commodity in the world--sand--and the crucial role it plays in our lives.

After water and air, sand is the natural resource that we consume more than any other--even more than oil. Every concrete building and paved road on Earth, every computer screen and silicon chip, is made from sand. From Egypt's pyramids to the Hubble telescope, from the world's tallest skyscraper to the sidewalk below it, from Chartres' stained-glass windows to your iPhone, sand shelters us, empowers us, engages us, and inspires us. It's the ingredient that makes possible our cities, our science, our lives--and our future.

And, incredibly, we're running out of it.

The World in a Grain is the compelling true story of the hugely important and diminishing natural resource that grows more essential every day, and of the people who mine it, sell it, build with it--and sometimes, even kill for it. It's also a provocative examination of the serious human and environmental costs incurred by our dependence on sand, which has received little public attention. Not all sand is created equal: Some of the easiest sand to get to is the least useful. Award-winning journalist Vince Beiser delves deep into this world, taking readers on a journey across the globe, from the United States to remote corners of India, China, and Dubai to explain why sand is so crucial to modern life. Along the way, readers encounter world-changing innovators, island-building entrepreneurs, desert fighters, and murderous sand pirates. The result is an entertaining and eye-opening work, one that is both unexpected and involving, rippling with fascinating detail and filled with surprising characters.]]>
294 Vince Beiser 0399576428 Ugvaja 5 audiobooks delves into the mysterious world of sand and its profound impact on human civilization. In this audiobook, author Vince Beiser explores the history and significance of sand, unveiling its unexpected and worldwide effects that have altered the course of civilization.

Following Vince Beiser's journey across continents and eras, his describes the ways in which sand has had an impact on fields as diverse as architecture, technology, environmental degradation and geopolitical conflict. Beiser's informative book is also a captivating one, shedding light on the overlooked aspects of this seemingly banal, essential resource.

Narrated with captivating precision, this book offers an engaging narrative of the people, places, and processes that contribute to the global sand industries. By offering both scientific and narrative insights, Beiser has made big issues personal and made them understandable to a 21st-century audience.

Whether you have an interest in the environment, cultural studies, or studying the relationship between human society and natural resources, "The World in a Grain" offers an audio journey that will enrich your understanding of the environment around you. Beiser's book becomes—disturbingly—visible in our world where sand is helping to shape our future, in both beautiful and threatening ways.]]>
4.05 2018 The World in a Grain: The Story of Sand and How It Transformed Civilization
author: Vince Beiser
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/08/09
shelves: audiobooks
review:
delves into the mysterious world of sand and its profound impact on human civilization. In this audiobook, author Vince Beiser explores the history and significance of sand, unveiling its unexpected and worldwide effects that have altered the course of civilization.

Following Vince Beiser's journey across continents and eras, his describes the ways in which sand has had an impact on fields as diverse as architecture, technology, environmental degradation and geopolitical conflict. Beiser's informative book is also a captivating one, shedding light on the overlooked aspects of this seemingly banal, essential resource.

Narrated with captivating precision, this book offers an engaging narrative of the people, places, and processes that contribute to the global sand industries. By offering both scientific and narrative insights, Beiser has made big issues personal and made them understandable to a 21st-century audience.

Whether you have an interest in the environment, cultural studies, or studying the relationship between human society and natural resources, "The World in a Grain" offers an audio journey that will enrich your understanding of the environment around you. Beiser's book becomes—disturbingly—visible in our world where sand is helping to shape our future, in both beautiful and threatening ways.
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<![CDATA[Airplane Mode: An Irreverent History of Travel]]> 50831138
For Shahnaz Habib, an Indian Muslim woman, travel has always been a complicated pleasure. Yet, journeys at home and abroad have profoundly shaped her life. In this inquiring and surprising debut, Habib traces a history of travel from pilgrimages to empires to safaris, taking on colonialist modes of thinking about travel and asking who gets to travel and who gets to write about it.

Threaded through the book are inviting and playful analyses of obvious and not-so-obvious travel artifacts: passports, carousels, bougainvilleas, guidebooks, expressways, the idea of wanderlust. Together, they tell a subversive history of travel as a Euro-American mode of consumerism—but as any traveler knows, travel is more than that. As an immigrant whose loved ones live across continents, Habib takes a deeply curious and joyful look at a troubled and beloved activity.]]>
288 Shahnaz Habib 1646220153 Ugvaja 5 , is now available for purchase to listen to on the go. This audiobook tells the colorful and rich history of travel from ancient pilgrimages to the modern era's travel of cross-continent distances. Habib's tale is both insightful and sharp, bringing an unexpected view to how travel influenced societies and cultures over time. From the rapid rise of commercial airlines to the emergence of lower-cost travel, “Airplane Mode� investigates the changes, characters, and revolutions that have made travel a fixture of the global ebb and flow.

This is more than just words � the warmth with which the narrator speaks the words really allows you to experience the comical, and historical content. For each chapter is a combination of history and entertainment, the book “Airplane Mode� delivers to those who love adventure, history, cultural history, and the world. This book is a successful benefit of the education of travel, complete with full-on entertainment you can put on full blast. This audiobook is an amazing and historically reverent audiobook that explores the joy and frustration of travel globally.]]>
3.85 2023 Airplane Mode: An Irreverent History of Travel
author: Shahnaz Habib
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/08/09
shelves:
review:
, is now available for purchase to listen to on the go. This audiobook tells the colorful and rich history of travel from ancient pilgrimages to the modern era's travel of cross-continent distances. Habib's tale is both insightful and sharp, bringing an unexpected view to how travel influenced societies and cultures over time. From the rapid rise of commercial airlines to the emergence of lower-cost travel, “Airplane Mode� investigates the changes, characters, and revolutions that have made travel a fixture of the global ebb and flow.

This is more than just words � the warmth with which the narrator speaks the words really allows you to experience the comical, and historical content. For each chapter is a combination of history and entertainment, the book “Airplane Mode� delivers to those who love adventure, history, cultural history, and the world. This book is a successful benefit of the education of travel, complete with full-on entertainment you can put on full blast. This audiobook is an amazing and historically reverent audiobook that explores the joy and frustration of travel globally.
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<![CDATA[Chasing the Sun: How the Science of Sunlight Shapes Our Bodies and Minds]]> 43811264
What we are losing when we sever this ancient biological tie to the sun by spending more and more time inside during the day and surrounded by screens at night? Informed by cutting-edge scientific research and sparkling with memorable characters â€� from the modern druids who worship at Stonehenge each solstice to the Amish farmers who may have the right idea about healthy sleep patterns â€� Linda Geddes’s Chasing the Sun analyzes all aspects of our relationship to the sun, which continues to shape our bodies and minds in the twenty-first century. Ěý

The fascinating stories, innovative science, and unique perspectives in this book make it clear that the ancients were right to put the sun at the center of our world, and it is crucial that we remember this bond as we shape our lives today. Ěý]]>
256 Linda Geddes 1643132172 Ugvaja 4 . From the impact sunlight has on our circadian rhythms to its broader effects on our mood and well-being, in this audiobook Geddes investigates the science behind the benefits of sunlight.

You will discover how the sun impacts your sleep habits, mood, and yes, even cognitive performance. Geddes manages to present her information clearly and informatively without getting too heavily bogged down in the scientific aspects.

The is filled with Geddes' extensive research on the topic and the enchanting delivery of the narrator, making for an engaging and accessible journey. The audiobook will likely intrigue biology and psychology fans but also gives every listener a new appreciation for the world around them.

If you're looking to learn more about the effect of the sun on our lives, behaviors, and experiences every day, then definitely consider checking out "Chasing the Sun." Linda Geddes' well-written exploration will enlighten your perspective and give you a new appreciation for the sun and how it shapes our day to day experiences.]]>
3.89 2019 Chasing the Sun: How the Science of Sunlight Shapes Our Bodies and Minds
author: Linda Geddes
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/08/09
shelves:
review:
Experience an eye-opening journey into the effects of sunlight on our bodies and minds in . From the impact sunlight has on our circadian rhythms to its broader effects on our mood and well-being, in this audiobook Geddes investigates the science behind the benefits of sunlight.

You will discover how the sun impacts your sleep habits, mood, and yes, even cognitive performance. Geddes manages to present her information clearly and informatively without getting too heavily bogged down in the scientific aspects.

The is filled with Geddes' extensive research on the topic and the enchanting delivery of the narrator, making for an engaging and accessible journey. The audiobook will likely intrigue biology and psychology fans but also gives every listener a new appreciation for the world around them.

If you're looking to learn more about the effect of the sun on our lives, behaviors, and experiences every day, then definitely consider checking out "Chasing the Sun." Linda Geddes' well-written exploration will enlighten your perspective and give you a new appreciation for the sun and how it shapes our day to day experiences.
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<![CDATA[Don't Make Me Pull Over!: An Informal History of the Family Road Trip]]> 36374016 Don’t Make Me Pull Over! offers a nostalgic look at the golden age of family road trips—before portable DVD players, smartphones, and Google Maps.

The birth of America’s first interstate highways in the 1950s hit the gas pedal on the road trip phenomenon and families were soon streaming—sans seatbelts!—to a range of sometimes stirring, sometimes wacky locations. In the days before cheap air travel, families didn’t so much take vacations as survive them. Between home and destination lay thousands of miles and dozens of annoyances, and with his family Richard Ratay experienced all of them—from being crowded into the backseat with noogie-happy older brothers, to picking out a souvenir only to find that a better one might have been had at the next attraction, to dealing with a dad who didn’t believe in bathroom breaks.
In hundreds of amusing ways, he reminds us of what once made the Great American Family Road Trip so great, including twenty-foot “land yachts,� oasis-like Holiday Inn “Holidomes,� “Smokey�-spotting Fuzzbusters, twenty-eight glorious flavors of Howard Johnson’s ice cream, and the thrill of finding a “good buddy� on the CB radio.
Don’t Make Me Pull Over! reveals how the family road trip came to be, how its evolution mirrored the country’s, and why those magical journeys that once brought families together—for better and worse—have largely disappeared.]]>
288 Richard Ratay 1501188747 Ugvaja 0 , is a perfect audiobook. The way Ratay presents his narrative and how this fun and informative topic is narrated will make his exploration of American travel culture educational and delightful.

Ratay doesn’t only give fascinating history, but displays the humor and the challenges that present themselves when road tripping with family. The way that the narrator delivers Ratay’s story, enhances Ratay’s stories and examples, and consequently, my experience of listening to it.

I have a love for history and traveling, and the narration of thisbook landed on my ears amazingly well. It makes me think about the intimate, memorable experiences and the crazy moments that one only gets to have on a family road trip. This has insightful and funny anecdotes that will reverberate with your own memories of family road trips.

For those who have road trips in their near future, or who just enjoy a good story, Richard Ratay's work will entertain you and teach you all in one book. Richard has made a glistening, and playful, and, at times, a moving, story of the road trip, and the audiobook will leave you feeling good, and possibly looking for keys to get on your own road trip.]]>
3.79 2018 Don't Make Me Pull Over!: An Informal History of the Family Road Trip
author: Richard Ratay
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/08/09
shelves:
review:
For anyone interested in being taken back thought time while listening to a fun and informative tale of the heritage of family road trips, , is a perfect audiobook. The way Ratay presents his narrative and how this fun and informative topic is narrated will make his exploration of American travel culture educational and delightful.

Ratay doesn’t only give fascinating history, but displays the humor and the challenges that present themselves when road tripping with family. The way that the narrator delivers Ratay’s story, enhances Ratay’s stories and examples, and consequently, my experience of listening to it.

I have a love for history and traveling, and the narration of thisbook landed on my ears amazingly well. It makes me think about the intimate, memorable experiences and the crazy moments that one only gets to have on a family road trip. This has insightful and funny anecdotes that will reverberate with your own memories of family road trips.

For those who have road trips in their near future, or who just enjoy a good story, Richard Ratay's work will entertain you and teach you all in one book. Richard has made a glistening, and playful, and, at times, a moving, story of the road trip, and the audiobook will leave you feeling good, and possibly looking for keys to get on your own road trip.
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<![CDATA[Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life]]> 18693910 A deeply rendered self-portrait of a lifelong surfer by the acclaimed New Yorker writer

Barbarian Days is William Finnegan’s memoir of an obsession, a complex enchantment. Surfing only looks like a sport. To initiates, it is something else entirely: a beautiful addiction, a demanding course of study, a morally dangerous pastime, a way of life. Raised in California and Hawaii, Finnegan started surfing as a child. He has chased waves all over the world, wandering for years through the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, Africa. A bookish boy, and then an excessively adventurous young man, he went on to become a distinguished writer and war reporter. Barbarian Days takes us deep into unfamiliar worlds, some of them right under our noses—off the coasts of New York and San Francisco. It immerses the reader in the edgy camaraderie of close male friendships annealed in challenging waves.

Finnegan shares stories of life in a whites-only gang in a tough school in Honolulu even while his closest friend was a Hawaiian surfer. He shows us a world turned upside down for kids and adults alike by the social upheavals of the 1960s. He details the intricacies of famous waves and his own apprenticeships to them. Youthful folly—he drops LSD while riding huge Honolua Bay, on Maui—is served up with rueful humor. He and a buddy, their knapsacks crammed with reef charts, bushwhack through Polynesia. They discover, while camping on an uninhabited island in Fiji, one of the world’s greatest waves. As Finnegan’s travels take him ever farther afield, he becomes an improbable anthropologist: unpicking the picturesque simplicity of a Samoan fishing village, dissecting the sexual politics of Tongan interactions with Americans and Japanese, navigating the Indonesian black market while nearly succumbing to malaria. Throughout, he surfs, carrying readers with him on rides of harrowing, unprecedented lucidity.

Barbarian Days is an old-school adventure story, an intellectual autobiography, a social history, a literary road movie, and an extraordinary exploration of the gradual mastering of an exacting, little understood art. Today, Finnegan’s surfing life is undiminished. Frantically juggling work and family, he chases his enchantment through Long Island ice storms and obscure corners of Madagascar.]]>
447 William Finnegan 1594203474 Ugvaja 5 audiobooks was a magnificent experience of being taken into the surfing world. The memoir, read by Finnegan himself, vividly shows the excitement and obsession of chasing waves worldwide.

Finnegan's memoir goes beyond surfing as a sport, engaging deeper with the sport of surfing as a way of life and spiritual practice. His writing style and expressive storytelling of the audiobook narrator bring to life the spirit of each surfing escapade and interior reflection with emotional depth and a sense of genuineness.

Reading or hearing the is an invitation into Finnegan's adventures and reflections, providing a fascinating mix of biography, travel writing, and liturgy. It is an intriguing exploration of surfing and its own profound connections with nature, the developing self, and substantial relationships.

Readers and listeners interested in adventure and self-exploration will not want to miss this amazing audiobook experience. Finnegan has beautifully written a memoir that recognizes the joy of surfing and cosmic themes related to exploration and a rootedness in the natural world.]]>
4.27 2015 Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life
author: William Finnegan
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/08/09
shelves: audiobooks
review:
Hearing was a magnificent experience of being taken into the surfing world. The memoir, read by Finnegan himself, vividly shows the excitement and obsession of chasing waves worldwide.

Finnegan's memoir goes beyond surfing as a sport, engaging deeper with the sport of surfing as a way of life and spiritual practice. His writing style and expressive storytelling of the audiobook narrator bring to life the spirit of each surfing escapade and interior reflection with emotional depth and a sense of genuineness.

Reading or hearing the is an invitation into Finnegan's adventures and reflections, providing a fascinating mix of biography, travel writing, and liturgy. It is an intriguing exploration of surfing and its own profound connections with nature, the developing self, and substantial relationships.

Readers and listeners interested in adventure and self-exploration will not want to miss this amazing audiobook experience. Finnegan has beautifully written a memoir that recognizes the joy of surfing and cosmic themes related to exploration and a rootedness in the natural world.
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<![CDATA[The Blue Machine: How the Ocean Works]]> 123979539 446 Helen Czerski 1324006714 Ugvaja 5 , it was a stunning dive into oceanography. The book's accessibility and Helen Czerski's knowledge, coupled with engaging narration, allowed me to understand the complexities of the ocean.

Throughout in this book the author discusses the profound web of the ocean, and walks readers through the world from the biology of marine life to how ocean currents function, highlighting the ocean's importance to our planet. Helen Czerski and the narrator's clean and engaging sciencemanship made the book approachable and interesting to listen to.

This book captivated me because it was able to synthesise science with a good story. Czerski harmonizes research, the author's own comments in the book, and history, which makes for a narratively rich and clear portrait of how the ocean influences the behaviors of the planet and affects weather systems, habitats, and society.

As a science and environment enthusiast, this book felt like a refresher of the knowledge we know about the ocean; it made me realize how fascinating the ocean can be and reminded me of the magical and mysterious side of the ocean. From a conservation and sustainable point of view, the book made it clear to me how valuable the ocean truly is. The audiobook format to me is the most comfortable way to absorb new and interesting information and is a tool to inform anyone curious about the ocean.

For anyone who is excited to learn more about how the ocean shapes this world, "The Blue Machine" is indispensable. Helen Czerski has put together an that is informative and fun and makes the ocean seem even more spectacular, and underscores the influence the ocean has on the planet.]]>
4.17 2023 The Blue Machine: How the Ocean Works
author: Helen Czerski
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/08/09
shelves:
review:
When I heard , it was a stunning dive into oceanography. The book's accessibility and Helen Czerski's knowledge, coupled with engaging narration, allowed me to understand the complexities of the ocean.

Throughout in this book the author discusses the profound web of the ocean, and walks readers through the world from the biology of marine life to how ocean currents function, highlighting the ocean's importance to our planet. Helen Czerski and the narrator's clean and engaging sciencemanship made the book approachable and interesting to listen to.

This book captivated me because it was able to synthesise science with a good story. Czerski harmonizes research, the author's own comments in the book, and history, which makes for a narratively rich and clear portrait of how the ocean influences the behaviors of the planet and affects weather systems, habitats, and society.

As a science and environment enthusiast, this book felt like a refresher of the knowledge we know about the ocean; it made me realize how fascinating the ocean can be and reminded me of the magical and mysterious side of the ocean. From a conservation and sustainable point of view, the book made it clear to me how valuable the ocean truly is. The audiobook format to me is the most comfortable way to absorb new and interesting information and is a tool to inform anyone curious about the ocean.

For anyone who is excited to learn more about how the ocean shapes this world, "The Blue Machine" is indispensable. Helen Czerski has put together an that is informative and fun and makes the ocean seem even more spectacular, and underscores the influence the ocean has on the planet.
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Why We Swim 52905471 Ěý
We swim in freezing Arctic waters and piranha-infested rivers to test our limits. We swim for pleasure, for exercise, for healing. But humans, unlike other animals that are drawn to water, are not natural-born swimmers. We must be taught. Our evolutionary ancestors learned for survival; now, in the twenty-first century, swimming is one of the most popular activities in the world.

Why We Swim is propelled by stories of Olympic champions, a Baghdad swim club that meets in Saddam Hussein’s palace pool, modern-day Japanese samurai swimmers, and even an Icelandic fisherman who improbably survives a wintry six-hour swim after a shipwreck. New York Times contributor Bonnie Tsui, a swimmer herself, dives into the deep, from the San Francisco Bay to the South China Sea, investigating what about water—despite its dangers—seduces us and why we come back to it again and again.
Ěý]]>
288 Bonnie Tsui 1616207868 Ugvaja 5 explores the relationship that human beings have with water. She dives into the subject more than superficially (pun intended), by investigating the theme of swimming that is not just a sport, but also a transformative experience that is shared among human beings as a species. Using a fascinating and unique blend of science, history and personal stories, the book looks into how you can receive mental, physical and emotional benefits from swimming.

Tsui’s approach in this book is to illuminate her audience on how swimming is bigger than just swimming. She creatively discusses how therapeutic it can be, the richness that is found in the communities that engage in swimming, and the universal human connection to water. The benefit of plunging into water and feeling the unknown is compared to the camaraderie that swimming communites share across the globe. Through Why We Swin, Tsui celebrates the power to which water heals, connects, and inspires.

For the sports enthusiast, the one who studies the mind in psychology, and the person who finds curiosity in cultural anthropolgy, Tsui will take you on a journey through the lens of human nature and our connection as humans to water. To engage in Why We Swim, Tsui and her audience will invite the reader, guest, or novist to think about their own connection to water and how swimming has shaped their lives deepening your human experience.]]>
3.94 2020 Why We Swim
author: Bonnie Tsui
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/08/09
shelves:
review:
explores the relationship that human beings have with water. She dives into the subject more than superficially (pun intended), by investigating the theme of swimming that is not just a sport, but also a transformative experience that is shared among human beings as a species. Using a fascinating and unique blend of science, history and personal stories, the book looks into how you can receive mental, physical and emotional benefits from swimming.

Tsui’s approach in this book is to illuminate her audience on how swimming is bigger than just swimming. She creatively discusses how therapeutic it can be, the richness that is found in the communities that engage in swimming, and the universal human connection to water. The benefit of plunging into water and feeling the unknown is compared to the camaraderie that swimming communites share across the globe. Through Why We Swin, Tsui celebrates the power to which water heals, connects, and inspires.

For the sports enthusiast, the one who studies the mind in psychology, and the person who finds curiosity in cultural anthropolgy, Tsui will take you on a journey through the lens of human nature and our connection as humans to water. To engage in Why We Swim, Tsui and her audience will invite the reader, guest, or novist to think about their own connection to water and how swimming has shaped their lives deepening your human experience.
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The Happy Couple 63834978 An intimate, sharply funny novel about a couple heading toward their wedding, and the three friends who may draw them apart

Meet Celine and Luke--for all intents and purposes the happy couple. Luke (a serial cheater) and Celine (more inter­ested in piano than in domestic life) plan to marry in a year. Archie (the best man) should be moving on from his love for Luke and up the corporate ladder, but he finds himself utterly stuck. Phoebe (the bridesmaid and Celine’s sister) just wants to get to the bottom of Luke’s frequent unexplained disappearances. And Vivian (a wedding guest), as the only one with any emotional distance, observes her friends like ants in a colony. As the wedding approaches and these five lives intersect, each will find themselves looking for a path to their happily ever after--but does it lie at the end of an aisle?]]>
240 Naoise Dolan Ugvaja 4 audiobooks
Dolan’s prose is observant and insightful, with an emphasis on the nuance of human conversation. Readers experience a world from Ava’s eyes and that world is one where one might not always be what gesture could suggest. The writer is brave in her interweaving of of themes of desire, social class, and vitality in The Happy Couple, in a way that invites observation of convention and wanting the best outcome for its characters.]]>
3.34 2023 The Happy Couple
author: Naoise Dolan
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.34
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/07/03
shelves: audiobooks
review:
The enhances the immersive experience with its engaging narration - superb, and her ability to produce a convincing speech easily. She masterfully gives personalities to Dolan’s characters with her portrayal of Ava’s and Julian’s wit and conventional gesture and timely delivery. Even further than the writer’s rewarding story, an audience should enjoy this narration of The Happy Couple if they have an interest in complicated character compositions and their interactions.

Dolan’s prose is observant and insightful, with an emphasis on the nuance of human conversation. Readers experience a world from Ava’s eyes and that world is one where one might not always be what gesture could suggest. The writer is brave in her interweaving of of themes of desire, social class, and vitality in The Happy Couple, in a way that invites observation of convention and wanting the best outcome for its characters.
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<![CDATA[A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2)]]> 50659468
Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she's now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people.

As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre's hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future-and the future of a world in turmoil.

Bestselling author Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her dazzling, sexy, action-packed series to new heights.]]>
626 Sarah J. Maas 1635575583 Ugvaja 0 to-read 4.65 2016 A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2)
author: Sarah J. Maas
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.65
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/07/03
shelves: to-read
review:

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Mrs. Everything 41592780 Alternate cover for ISBN# 9781501133503

Do we change or does the world change us?

Jo and Bethie Kaufman were born into a world full of promise.

Growing up in 1950s Detroit, they live in a perfect “Dick and Jane� house, where their roles in the family are clearly defined. Jo is the tomboy, the bookish rebel with a passion to make the world more fair; Bethie is the pretty, feminine good girl, a would-be star who enjoys the power her beauty confers and dreams of a traditional life.

But the truth ends up looking different from what the girls imagined. Jo and Bethie survive traumas and tragedies. As their lives unfold against the background of free love and Vietnam, Woodstock and women’s lib, Bethie becomes an adventure-loving wild child who dives headlong into the counterculture and is up for anything (except settling down). Meanwhile, Jo becomes a proper young mother in Connecticut, a witness to the changing world instead of a participant. Neither woman inhabits the world she dreams of, nor has a life that feels authentic or brings her joy. Is it too late for the women to finally stake a claim on happily ever after?]]>
416 Jennifer Weiner Ugvaja 5 Jennifer Weiner's was entertaining and thought-provoking for me. The storytelling was powerful and the narration was engaging, making it a significant listening experience for me. It left me with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities of women's lives and relationships.

Positive Effects of "Mrs. Everything" as an Audiobook:

Emotional Impact:
Listening to the audiobook version of Mrs. Everything allowed me to experience Weiner's narrative in its full emotional depth in a way that was impactful. The narrator's voice performance for Jo and Bethie's characters, and their struggles breathed life into their characters, making their journey vibrant and relatable. The impression of their voices and emotions remained with me after I was done listening, so my engagement with the story continued afterward.

Narrative Immersion:
The audiobook format of Mrs. Everything allowed me to completely immerse myself in Weiner's detailed world. The narrator created a sensory experience of 1950s Detroit and the following decades, providing me with an appreciation of time and place. While the Kaufman sisters navigated their complex lives as both children and adults, every moment was compelling and current.

Educational Insight and Reflection:
Mrs. Everything as an audiobook taught me details about the changes and challenges for women in different decades. Weiner's investigation into feminism, identity, and family dynamics gave me pause for thought about my own perspectives on these topics. The experience inspired me to read more about women's rights movements and think more deeply about how far we have come.


Listen to this book here:

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3.81 2019 Mrs. Everything
author: Jennifer Weiner
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/07/03
shelves:
review:
Jennifer Weiner's was entertaining and thought-provoking for me. The storytelling was powerful and the narration was engaging, making it a significant listening experience for me. It left me with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the complexities of women's lives and relationships.

Positive Effects of "Mrs. Everything" as an Audiobook:

Emotional Impact:
Listening to the audiobook version of Mrs. Everything allowed me to experience Weiner's narrative in its full emotional depth in a way that was impactful. The narrator's voice performance for Jo and Bethie's characters, and their struggles breathed life into their characters, making their journey vibrant and relatable. The impression of their voices and emotions remained with me after I was done listening, so my engagement with the story continued afterward.

Narrative Immersion:
The audiobook format of Mrs. Everything allowed me to completely immerse myself in Weiner's detailed world. The narrator created a sensory experience of 1950s Detroit and the following decades, providing me with an appreciation of time and place. While the Kaufman sisters navigated their complex lives as both children and adults, every moment was compelling and current.

Educational Insight and Reflection:
Mrs. Everything as an audiobook taught me details about the changes and challenges for women in different decades. Weiner's investigation into feminism, identity, and family dynamics gave me pause for thought about my own perspectives on these topics. The experience inspired me to read more about women's rights movements and think more deeply about how far we have come.


Listen to this book here:


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<![CDATA[A Day of Fallen Night (The Roots of Chaos, #0)]]> 60766189 A Day of Fallen Night, Samantha Shannon sweeps readers back to the universe of Priory of the Orange Tree and into the lives of four women, showing us a course of events that shaped their world for generations to come.

Tunuva Melim is a sister of the Priory. For fifty years, she has trained to slay wyrms � but none have appeared since the Nameless One, and the younger generation is starting to question the Priory's purpose.

To the north, in the Queendom of Inys, Sabran the Ambitious has married the new King of Hróth, narrowly saving both realms from ruin. Their daughter, Glorian, trails in their shadow � exactly where she wants to be.

The dragons of the East have slept for centuries. Dumai has spent her life in a Seiikinese mountain temple, trying to wake the gods from their long slumber. Now someone from her mother's past is coming to upend her fate.

When the Dreadmount erupts, bringing with it an age of terror and violence, these women must find the strength to protect humankind from a devastating threat.]]>
868 Samantha Shannon 1635577926 Ugvaja 4 audiobooks Audiobook Experience
One of the top aspects of the audiobook is Shannon’s exceptional capacity to establish an atmosphere that is both familiar and fantastic. Shannon’s ability to create an emotive world is complemented by the narrator’s voice, which succeeds in conveying the dark lanes and hidden corners known for concealing both ancient secrets and current dilemmas.

Get the best experience by listening to this book: ""

A Day of Fallen Night includes Shannon’s meticulous charactercrafting which is another notable element. Protagonists must navigate supernatural dangers, as well as internal and emotional conflicts as well as the ethical and moral implications, adding layers of depth to the story. Through the alignment of each character's personal journey, it is possible to create a web of alliances, betrayals, and unexpected alliances that will keep listeners asking questions.

Shannon has woven a fascinating narrative with the novel, a blend of action and introspection. The novel interweaves discussions of power and identity in a world that mixes elements of fantasy with those rooted firmly in reality. With the variety of narrative arcs or unexpected alliances and character dynamics from Shannon's narrative, the novel is an immersive investigation of the power of any narrative of identity and power to define us when we experience adversity.

One of the most captivating and riveting audiobooks on offer for fans of urban fantasy or anyone interested in experiences that mix fantasy and reality. A Day of Fallen Night promises to be an interesting experience for those who are interested in Samantha Shannon.]]>
4.34 2023 A Day of Fallen Night (The Roots of Chaos, #0)
author: Samantha Shannon
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/07/03
shelves: audiobooks
review:
Audiobook Experience
One of the top aspects of the audiobook is Shannon’s exceptional capacity to establish an atmosphere that is both familiar and fantastic. Shannon’s ability to create an emotive world is complemented by the narrator’s voice, which succeeds in conveying the dark lanes and hidden corners known for concealing both ancient secrets and current dilemmas.

Get the best experience by listening to this book: ""

A Day of Fallen Night includes Shannon’s meticulous charactercrafting which is another notable element. Protagonists must navigate supernatural dangers, as well as internal and emotional conflicts as well as the ethical and moral implications, adding layers of depth to the story. Through the alignment of each character's personal journey, it is possible to create a web of alliances, betrayals, and unexpected alliances that will keep listeners asking questions.

Shannon has woven a fascinating narrative with the novel, a blend of action and introspection. The novel interweaves discussions of power and identity in a world that mixes elements of fantasy with those rooted firmly in reality. With the variety of narrative arcs or unexpected alliances and character dynamics from Shannon's narrative, the novel is an immersive investigation of the power of any narrative of identity and power to define us when we experience adversity.

One of the most captivating and riveting audiobooks on offer for fans of urban fantasy or anyone interested in experiences that mix fantasy and reality. A Day of Fallen Night promises to be an interesting experience for those who are interested in Samantha Shannon.
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<![CDATA[10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World]]> 43706466 An intensely powerful new novel from the best-selling author of The Bastard of Istanbul and Honour

'In the first minute following her death, Tequila Leila's consciousness began to ebb, slowly and steadily, like a tide receding from the shore. Her brain cells, having run out of blood, were now completely deprived of oxygen. But they did not shut down. Not right away...'

For Leila, each minute after her death brings a sensuous memory: the taste of spiced goat stew, sacrificed by her father to celebrate the long-awaited birth of a son; the sight of bubbling vats of lemon and sugar which the women use to wax their legs while the men attend mosque; the scent of cardamom coffee that Leila shares with a handsome student in the brothel where she works. Each memory, too, recalls the friends she made at each key moment in her life - friends who are now desperately trying to find her. . .]]>
312 Elif Shafak 0241293863 Ugvaja 5 audiobooks The performance of the reader transmits the hints of poetry in the prose rendering the tone of the audiobook more impacting.

For best experience, listen to this book:

In addition, the power of the author’s ability to combine the personal and the political, permits that we speak of identity, friendship or social outcasts in a delicate reflection of their respective complexity, or that Leila has a circle of friends where every character is with a story that is fascinating, makes the story be more thoughtful and that includes in a diminution of becoming alone in a big city and being willing to strike up a relationship with anyone who provokes a smile.

This book is yet another testimony of Shafak’s ability to narrate a story, to make it intimate, universal and all a revelation for any type of reader or listener. From the rhythm of the text to the fluidity of the story, it is the moment of release of the audiobook, at all, since the narration of the novel is still inviting you to be present after you have finished reading/interacting with it.]]>
4.08 2019 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World
author: Elif Shafak
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/07/03
shelves: audiobooks
review:
One of the main strengths of the audiobook is its descriptive narration, embodying Leila’s world with vivid detail and emotion. The narrator’s verbal rendering of the poetry of Shafak encapsulates the odors, tastes, sounds and feel of Istanbul and the story of Leila’s fragmented life. The split structure of the audiobook lets us get to know each of the characters and listen to each of their stories without pauses or stoppages. The performance of the reader transmits the hints of poetry in the prose rendering the tone of the audiobook more impacting.

For best experience, listen to this book:

In addition, the power of the author’s ability to combine the personal and the political, permits that we speak of identity, friendship or social outcasts in a delicate reflection of their respective complexity, or that Leila has a circle of friends where every character is with a story that is fascinating, makes the story be more thoughtful and that includes in a diminution of becoming alone in a big city and being willing to strike up a relationship with anyone who provokes a smile.

This book is yet another testimony of Shafak’s ability to narrate a story, to make it intimate, universal and all a revelation for any type of reader or listener. From the rhythm of the text to the fluidity of the story, it is the moment of release of the audiobook, at all, since the narration of the novel is still inviting you to be present after you have finished reading/interacting with it.
]]>
<![CDATA[Chain of Iron (The Last Hours, #2)]]> 17699855 The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Iron is a Shadowhunters novel.

Cordelia Carstairs seems to have everything she ever wanted. She’s engaged to marry James Herondale, the boy she has loved since childhood. She has a new life in London with her best friend Lucie Herondale and James’s charming companions, the Merry Thieves. She is about to be reunited with her beloved father. And she bears the sword Cortana, a legendary hero’s blade.

But the truth is far grimmer. James and Cordelia’s marriage is a lie, arranged to save Cordelia’s reputation. James is in love with the mysterious Grace Blackthorn whose brother, Jesse, died years ago in a terrible accident. Cortana burns Cordelia’s hand when she touches it, while her father has grown bitter and angry. And a serial murderer is targeting the Shadowhunters of London, killing under cover of darkness, then vanishing without a trace.

Together with the Merry Thieves, Cordelia, James, and Lucie must follow the trail of the knife-wielding killer through the city’s most dangerous streets. All the while, each is keeping a shocking secret: Lucie, that she plans to raise Jesse from the dead; Cordelia, that she has sworn a dangerous oath of loyalty to a mysterious power; and James, that he is being drawn further each night into the dark web of his grandfather, the arch-demon Belial. And that he himself may be the killer they seek.]]>
656 Cassandra Clare 140635810X Ugvaja 5 audiobooks
Listening to this book provides the best experience!

For fans of audiobooks, this book particularly shines with the voice acting performances of the narrators. Listening to the places a listener in the world of the Shadowhunters, immediately setting a mood and infusing the story with the voices of the individual characters in a way petrified words on a vanished page might not. The voice actors enhance the emotional complexity of key moments and discussions, each intonation adding additional nuance and depth.

At its core, this book is still a tale of friendship and betrayal, love and sacrifice, all presented with Clare’s customary blend of magic and mystery; Clare adds to her larger Shadowhunter universe’s lore while inviting readers to further speculation about Cordelia’s character development in the future. The second installment in her Last Hours series, Chain of Iron leaves the reader thrilled without being unsatisfied and ready for book three. Chain of Iron is, at its most simple, a fun and interesting story for young adult genre readers. ]]>
4.41 2021 Chain of Iron (The Last Hours, #2)
author: Cassandra Clare
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/07/03
shelves: audiobooks
review:
Against the backdrop of a delightful historical setting infused with the supernatural elements that inspire her Shadowhunter series, Clare’s storytelling shines in Chain of Iron. The larger story remains suffused with its historical setting, the characters less scheming but every bit as ambitious, each wavering in loyalty and resolve.

Listening to this book provides the best experience!

For fans of audiobooks, this book particularly shines with the voice acting performances of the narrators. Listening to the places a listener in the world of the Shadowhunters, immediately setting a mood and infusing the story with the voices of the individual characters in a way petrified words on a vanished page might not. The voice actors enhance the emotional complexity of key moments and discussions, each intonation adding additional nuance and depth.

At its core, this book is still a tale of friendship and betrayal, love and sacrifice, all presented with Clare’s customary blend of magic and mystery; Clare adds to her larger Shadowhunter universe’s lore while inviting readers to further speculation about Cordelia’s character development in the future. The second installment in her Last Hours series, Chain of Iron leaves the reader thrilled without being unsatisfied and ready for book three. Chain of Iron is, at its most simple, a fun and interesting story for young adult genre readers.
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We Used to Live Here 199798006
As a young, queer couple who flip houses, Charlie and Eve can’t believe the killer deal they’ve just gotten on an old house in a picturesque neighborhood. As they’re working in the house one day, there’s a knock on the door. A man stands there with his family, claiming to have lived there years before and asking if it would be alright if he showed his kids around. People pleaser to a fault, Eve lets them in.

As soon as the strangers enter their home, inexplicable things start happening, including the family’s youngest child going missing and a ghostly presence materializing in the basement. Even more weird, the family can’t seem to take the hint that their visit should be over. And when Charlie suddenly vanishes, Eve slowly loses her grip on reality. Something is terribly wrong with the house and with the visiting family—or is Eve just imagining things?

This unputdownable and spine-tingling novel “is like quicksand: the further you delve into its pages, the more immobilized you become by a spiral of terror. We Used to Live Here will haunt you even after you have finished it� (Agustina Bazterrica, author of Tender Is the Flesh).]]>
312 Marcus Kliewer 1982198788 Ugvaja 5 audiobooks This book is a journey worth taking, and a book worth reading, in print form or through its audiobook, as it brings us back to the best places we remember.

The experience of the audiobook version of is also enriched through the act of listening. The narrator masterfully captures the mood and tone of Kliewer’s writing, conveying through their voice a deep sense of longing and nostalgia. We are taken through each of the book’s chapters with rhythm and poise, mirroring the act of remembering itself, and propelled to the heart of the story, the heart of the shared memories of the characters.

At the heart of this book is the relationship between home and its people, and the message of the lasting connection between them. Kliewer tells this story with the quiet urgency that a small town runs on, and asks the listener to consider time and remembrance. There is a shared humanity in Kliewer’s narrative, and a shared beauty in the moment one can reflect upon: something beautiful, whether the directions of memory or nostalgia, or feeling the weight of our remembered best days.]]>
3.67 2024 We Used to Live Here
author: Marcus Kliewer
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.67
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/07/03
shelves: audiobooks
review:
This book is a journey worth taking, and a book worth reading, in print form or through its audiobook, as it brings us back to the best places we remember.

The experience of the audiobook version of is also enriched through the act of listening. The narrator masterfully captures the mood and tone of Kliewer’s writing, conveying through their voice a deep sense of longing and nostalgia. We are taken through each of the book’s chapters with rhythm and poise, mirroring the act of remembering itself, and propelled to the heart of the story, the heart of the shared memories of the characters.

At the heart of this book is the relationship between home and its people, and the message of the lasting connection between them. Kliewer tells this story with the quiet urgency that a small town runs on, and asks the listener to consider time and remembrance. There is a shared humanity in Kliewer’s narrative, and a shared beauty in the moment one can reflect upon: something beautiful, whether the directions of memory or nostalgia, or feeling the weight of our remembered best days.
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The Details 63313297 An acclaimed Swedish author makes her English language debut with this intoxicating novel in the vein of Rachel Cusk and Sheila Heti, about a woman in the throes of a fever remembering the important people in her past, her memories laid bare in vivid detail as her body temperature rises.

A woman lies bedridden from a high fever. Suddenly she is struck with an urge to revisit a novel from her past. Inside the book is an inscription: a get-well-soon message from Johanna, an ex-girlfriend who is now a famous television host. As she flips through the book, pages from the woman's own past begin to come alive, scenes of events and people she cannot forget.

There are moments with Johanna, and Niki, the friend who disappeared years ago without a phone number or an address and with no online footprint. There is Alejandro, who gleefully campaigns for a baby even though he knows their love has no future. And Brigitte, whose elusive qualities mask a painful secret.

The Details is a novel built around four portraits; the small details that, pieced together, comprise a life. Can a loved one really disappear? Who is the real subject of the portrait, the person being painted or the one holding the brush? Do we fully become ourselves through our connections to others? This exhilarating, provocative tale raises profound questions about the nature of relationships, and how we tell our stories. The result is an intimate and illuminating study of what it means to be human.]]>
144 Ia Genberg 0063309718 Ugvaja 5 audiobooks
For fans of psychological thrillers who are looking for an audiobook that will not only maintain the suspense but also get deeply into the content, is a great exploration of the deep crevices of the human mind. For readers and listeners who are doing this for commutes or just want to pass some time from the comfort of their own home.]]>
3.94 2022 The Details
author: Ia Genberg
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/07/03
shelves: audiobooks
review:
This book delves deep into the roles of identity, deception, and what is real versus perceived. Each of the characters in the book is created intelligently with both their actions and what motivates them being swathed in ambiguity and intrigue. With the , we are able to get an inward look into the thought processes of the characters and the mystery that is unfolding.

For fans of psychological thrillers who are looking for an audiobook that will not only maintain the suspense but also get deeply into the content, is a great exploration of the deep crevices of the human mind. For readers and listeners who are doing this for commutes or just want to pass some time from the comfort of their own home.
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<![CDATA[The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change]]> 36072 372 Stephen R. Covey 0743269519 Ugvaja 0 to-read 4.16 1989 The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
author: Stephen R. Covey
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.16
book published: 1989
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/05/08
shelves: to-read
review:

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<![CDATA[Playing for Keeps (Neighbor from Hell, #1)]]> 11381643
The last thing Jason expected was for his little shy neighbor to go Rambo on him over some ruined flowers. After he decides to take her under his wing he can't help but that notice that she fits very nicely in his life. Now the only thing left is to convince her that this is anything but a game.



©2011 R.L. Mathewson]]>
330 R.L. Mathewson 0983212546 Ugvaja 0 to-read 4.02 2011 Playing for Keeps (Neighbor from Hell, #1)
author: R.L. Mathewson
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/05/08
shelves: to-read
review:

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Sabotage (L.O.R.D.S., #4) 60481939 Raylee Lexington Adams is my stepsister and the one woman in the world who can make my blood boil.

She’s vindictive, a lot of crazy, and absolutely stunning.

I hate everything about her except for when she’s on her knees begging me to use her as my own personal toy.

We’ve been playing a game of cat and mouse for far too long. We have used each other for our own sick pleasure.

I’ve ruined every relationship my little princess has ever had. A sure way that she’ll come crawling back to me, begging me for what only I can give her when another man fails her.

But I’m tired of watching others get a piece of what is mine. So, I did what any rational man would do—I staked my claim, showed the world that she belonged to me, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to make her believe it too.

RAYLEE
Colton Remington Knox is a man I despise but can’t say no to.

He’s what any girl would call a walking red flag. But I’ve never claimed to be a smart woman when it comes to men. Why should he be any different?

I’ve always managed to hold my own against him. But this time, he’s gone too far. Posting a video of me on my knees for him, for what? To brag? Embarrass me? He’s acting like he doesn’t know me very well.

Colt wants to play a game? I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure I win. No matter what it costs me.

People already think I have no dignity, so why let them down now?


Things to know about Sabotage
It is MF with an MFMM scene (no MM interaction. They are focused on her)
TW (Please see the WARNING/author's note posted at the beginning of the book. If you have no triggers and want to go in blind, please skip to the prologue.)
OTT (over the top) H
J/P (jealous & possessive) H
A dark college/stepbrother romance
Told in multiple POV's]]>
229 Shantel Tessier Ugvaja 0 to-read 3.72 2022 Sabotage (L.O.R.D.S., #4)
author: Shantel Tessier
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/05/08
shelves: to-read
review:

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<![CDATA[Daughter of No Worlds (The War of Lost Hearts, #1)]]> 49826643
Ripped from a forgotten homeland as a child, Tisaanah learned how to survive with nothing but a sharp wit and a touch of magic. But the night she tries to buy her freedom, she barely escapes with her life.

Desperate to save the best friend she left behind, Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the most powerful organizations of magic Wielders in the world. But to join their ranks, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius Farlione, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder who despises the Orders.

The Orders� intentions are cryptic, and Tisaanah must prove herself under the threat of looming war. But even more dangerous are her growing feelings for Maxantarius. The bloody past he wants to forget may be the key to her future� or the downfall of them both.

But Tisaanah will stop at nothing to save those she abandoned. Even if it means gambling in the Orders� deadly games. Even if it means sacrificing her heart.

Even if it means wielding death itself.

Fans of epic romantic fantasy like Sarah J. Maas and Raven Kennedy will devour this tale of dark magic, passionate romance, vengeance, and redemption.]]>
520 Carissa Broadbent Ugvaja 0 to-read 4.03 2020 Daughter of No Worlds (The War of Lost Hearts, #1)
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/05/08
shelves: to-read
review:

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Crush (Crave, #2) 52778479
Just when I start to feel safe again, Hudson is back with a vengeance. He insists there are secrets I don’t know about, threatening to drive a wedge between Jaxon and me forever. But far worse enemies are at our doorstep.

The Circle is caught in a power play and the Vampire Court is trying to drag me out of my world and into theirs. The only thing Hudson and Jaxon agree on is that leaving Katmere would mean my certain death.

And not only am I fighting for my life, but now everyone else’s is at stake—unless we can defeat an unspeakable evil. All I know is that saving the people I love is going to require sacrifice.

Maybe more than I’m able to give.

The Crave series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Crave
Book #2 Crush
Book #3 Covet
Book #4 Court]]>
704 Tracy Wolff Ugvaja 0 to-read 4.18 2020 Crush (Crave, #2)
author: Tracy Wolff
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/05/08
shelves: to-read
review:

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<![CDATA[Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail]]> 18527222 Winner of the 2014 National Outdoor Book Awards for History/Biography

Emma Gatewood told her family she was going on a walk and left her small Ohio hometown with a change of clothes and less than two hundred dollars. The next anybody heard from her, this genteel, farm-reared, 67-year-old great-grandmother had walked 800 miles along the 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail. And in September 1955, having survived a rattlesnake strike, two hurricanes, and a run-in with gangsters from Harlem, she stood atop Maine’s Mount Katahdin. There she sang the first verse of “America, the Beautiful� and proclaimed, “I said I’ll do it, and I’ve done it.�

Grandma Gatewood, as the reporters called her, became the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail alone, as well as the first person—man or woman—to walk it twice and three times. Gatewood became a hiking celebrity and appeared on TV and in the pages of Sports Illustrated. The public attention she brought to the little-known footpath was unprecedented. Her vocal criticism of the lousy, difficult stretches led to bolstered maintenance, and very likely saved the trail from extinction.

Author Ben Montgomery was given unprecedented access to Gatewood’s own diaries, trail journals, and correspondence, and interviewed surviving family members and those she met along her hike, all to answer the question so many asked: Why did she do it? The story of Grandma Gatewood will inspire readers of all ages by illustrating the full power of human spirit and determination. Even those who know of Gatewood don’t know the full story—a story of triumph from pain, rebellion from brutality, hope from suffering.]]>
288 Ben Montgomery 1613747187 Ugvaja 5 As I listened to the audiobook, narrated with warmth and reverence, I was transported to the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Trail and felt as though I was walking alongside Emma every step of the way. Her resilience and tenacity left me in awe, and her story served as a powerful reminder of the boundless potential that lies within each of us. You can get audiobook version here:

In this captivating biography, Montgomery paints a vivid portrait of Emma Gatewood, a remarkable woman whose courageous journey along the Appalachian Trail captivated the nation and forever changed the course of history.

What struck me most about this book is Emma's indomitable spirit and unwavering determination. Despite facing countless obstacles and societal expectations, she fearlessly embarked on her solo trek, proving that age and gender are no barriers to adventure and achievement.

]]>
4.03 2014 Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail
author: Ben Montgomery
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2014
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/21
shelves:
review:
This is a truly inspiring tale that touched my heart in more ways than one.
As I listened to the audiobook, narrated with warmth and reverence, I was transported to the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Trail and felt as though I was walking alongside Emma every step of the way. Her resilience and tenacity left me in awe, and her story served as a powerful reminder of the boundless potential that lies within each of us. You can get audiobook version here:

In this captivating biography, Montgomery paints a vivid portrait of Emma Gatewood, a remarkable woman whose courageous journey along the Appalachian Trail captivated the nation and forever changed the course of history.

What struck me most about this book is Emma's indomitable spirit and unwavering determination. Despite facing countless obstacles and societal expectations, she fearlessly embarked on her solo trek, proving that age and gender are no barriers to adventure and achievement.


]]>
Top Secret 45280797 Bestselling authors Sarina Bowen & Elle Kennedy return with their first Male / Male romance in 3 years.

LobsterShorts, 21
Jock. Secretly a science geek. Hot AF.

LobsterShorts: So. Here goes. For her birthday, my girlfriend wants…a threesome.

SinnerThree: Then you’ve come to the right hookup app.

LobsterShorts: Have you done this sort of thing before? With another guy?

SinnerThree: All the time. I'm an equal opportunity player. You?

LobsterShorts: [crickets!]


SinnerThree, 21
Finance major. Secretly a male dancer. Hot AF.


SinnerThree: Well, I’m down if you are. My life is kind of a mess right now. School, work, family stress. Oh, and I live next door to the most annoying dude in the world. I need the distraction. Are you sure you want this?

LobsterShorts: I might want it a little more than I’m willing to admit.

SinnerThree: Hey, nothing wrong with pushing your boundaries...

LobsterShorts: Tell that to my control-freak father. Anyway. What if this threesome is awkward?

SinnerThree: Then it’s awkward. It’s not like we’ll ever have to see each other again. Right? Just promise you won’t fall in love with me.

LobsterShorts: Now wouldn’t that be life-changing...

Q&A about Top Secret:

Q: Have we met these characters before in another book?
A: No! These guys are brand new, and we can’t wait for you to meet them.

Q: Is this story MM? Or is it a MMF / MFM / menage?
A: This book is MM.

Q: Is this a love triangle story?
A: Not really. You’ll see.]]>
318 Sarina Bowen 1942444796 Ugvaja 5
As I listened to the audiobook, narrated with passion and emotion, I found myself completely immersed in the story. Bowen's writing is both heartfelt and steamy, delivering a romance that's equal parts sweet and spicy. You can find audiobook here:

What drew me in immediately was the chemistry between the characters. The banter, the tension, the undeniable attraction � it all kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to see what would happen next.

But what really sets Top Secret Book apart is its exploration of identity and acceptance. As the protagonists navigate their budding relationship, they're forced to confront their own biases and preconceptions, ultimately learning valuable lessons about love, respect, and authenticity.

Whether you're a fan of steamy romance or just looking for a captivating read to escape into, this book is sure to satisfy. Start listening and embark on a whirlwind romance that will leave you breathless.]]>
4.05 2019 Top Secret
author: Sarina Bowen
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/21
shelves:
review:
In this captivating novel, Bowen takes us on a journey of forbidden love and hidden desires as two college students find themselves falling for each other against all odds.

As I listened to the audiobook, narrated with passion and emotion, I found myself completely immersed in the story. Bowen's writing is both heartfelt and steamy, delivering a romance that's equal parts sweet and spicy. You can find audiobook here:

What drew me in immediately was the chemistry between the characters. The banter, the tension, the undeniable attraction � it all kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to see what would happen next.

But what really sets Top Secret Book apart is its exploration of identity and acceptance. As the protagonists navigate their budding relationship, they're forced to confront their own biases and preconceptions, ultimately learning valuable lessons about love, respect, and authenticity.

Whether you're a fan of steamy romance or just looking for a captivating read to escape into, this book is sure to satisfy. Start listening and embark on a whirlwind romance that will leave you breathless.
]]>
She's Not Sorry 140111148
Meghan Michaels is trying to find balance between being a single mom to a teenage daughter and working as a full time nurse. While on duty at the hospital one day, a patient named Caitlin arrives in a coma with a traumatic brain injury, having jumped from a bridge and plunging over twenty feet to the train tracks below.Ěý

But when a witness comes forward with shocking details about the fall, it calls everything they know into question. Was CaitlinĚý pushed Ěýand if so, by whom and why?Ěý

Meghan has always tried to stay emotionally detached from her patients, but this time, she mistakenly lets herself get too close until she’s deeply entangled in Caitlin’s and her family’s lives. Only when it’s too late, does she realize that she and her daughter could be the next victims.]]>
330 Mary Kubica 0778308065 Ugvaja 5
What captivated me from the start was Author skillful storytelling and her ability to create a sense of unease that lingered throughout the entire book. With each twist and turn, I found myself questioning the motives of every character, trying to piece together the puzzle before it was too late.

But what truly sets She's Not Sorry Book apart is its exploration of guilt and redemption. As Meghan grapples with her past and struggles to uncover the truth, she's forced to confront her own demons and reckon with the consequences of her actions.]]>
3.77 2024 She's Not Sorry
author: Mary Kubica
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/21
shelves:
review:
In this intense novel, Mary weaves a tale of secrets, deception, and betrayal as the protagonist, Meghan, finds herself embroiled in a web of lies that threatens to unravel her life. This book it is best if you listen to it, you can find audiobook format here:

What captivated me from the start was Author skillful storytelling and her ability to create a sense of unease that lingered throughout the entire book. With each twist and turn, I found myself questioning the motives of every character, trying to piece together the puzzle before it was too late.

But what truly sets She's Not Sorry Book apart is its exploration of guilt and redemption. As Meghan grapples with her past and struggles to uncover the truth, she's forced to confront her own demons and reckon with the consequences of her actions.
]]>
<![CDATA[There Is No Devil (Sinners, #2)]]> 62907306 I Couldn’t Kill Mara�

But that doesn’t mean Shaw won’t.

She’s living in my house, always with me, always under my control.

The more I push her, the more she pushes back.

She’s peeling away my secrets, one by one. And I’m tempting her to do things she never thought she’d do�

Shaw won’t stop hunting her.

When the time comes to act, will Mara be ready?


The Lark Notes:
I was so pleased how many women identified with Mara’s character - with her sensory issues and history of trauma. It sounds crazy to call this an “inspirational story of murder�, but at the end of part two, I hope you will indeed feel inspired by Mara’s journey. � Sophie

"There Is No Devil� is the second half of the Sinners Duet. Reader be warned: this is a dark and steamy serial killer romance that may be triggering to some.]]>
376 Sophie Lark Ugvaja 0 to-read 3.78 2021 There Is No Devil (Sinners, #2)
author: Sophie Lark
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/04/17
shelves: to-read
review:

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<![CDATA[The Case for Christ, Revised and Updated: A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus]]> 60850961 11 Lee Strobel Ugvaja 5 Well, my friends, I just finished listening to "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel, and let me tell you, it's a real eye-opener. As an audiobook listener, I was captivated by the narrator's delivery! You can check here

This book is a thought-provoking exploration of the evidence for Jesus, presented in a way that's accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Strobel's journalistic approach to investigating the claims of Christianity is both compelling and informative, making this audiobook a must-listen for anyone seeking answers to life's big questions.

As someone who's seen a few more decades than most, I appreciate a book that challenges me to think critically and examine my beliefs. This book does just that, offering a well-reasoned argument for the existence of Jesus and the truth of the Christian faith.

So, if you're looking for a book that will stimulate your mind and deepen your understanding of Christianity, I highly recommend giving "The Case for Christ" a listen. You won't be disappointed.

]]>
4.61 1998 The Case for Christ, Revised and Updated:  A Journalist's Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus
author: Lee Strobel
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.61
book published: 1998
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/16
shelves:
review:
Rating: 5 stars!
Well, my friends, I just finished listening to "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel, and let me tell you, it's a real eye-opener. As an audiobook listener, I was captivated by the narrator's delivery! You can check here

This book is a thought-provoking exploration of the evidence for Jesus, presented in a way that's accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Strobel's journalistic approach to investigating the claims of Christianity is both compelling and informative, making this audiobook a must-listen for anyone seeking answers to life's big questions.

As someone who's seen a few more decades than most, I appreciate a book that challenges me to think critically and examine my beliefs. This book does just that, offering a well-reasoned argument for the existence of Jesus and the truth of the Christian faith.

So, if you're looking for a book that will stimulate your mind and deepen your understanding of Christianity, I highly recommend giving "The Case for Christ" a listen. You won't be disappointed.


]]>
<![CDATA[The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning]]> 35297297 A charming, practical, and unsentimental approach to putting a home in order while reflecting on the tiny joys that make up a long life.

In Sweden there is a kind of decluttering called »ĺö˛őłŮä»ĺ˛Ôľ±˛Ô˛µ, »ĺö meaning “deathâ€� and ˛őłŮä»ĺ˛Ôľ±˛Ô˛µ meaning “cleaning.â€� This surprising and invigorating process of clearing out unnecessary belongings can be undertaken at any age or life stage but should be done sooner than later, before others have to do it for you. In The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, artist Margareta Magnusson, with Scandinavian humor and wisdom, instructs readers to embrace minimalism. Her radical and joyous method for putting things in order helps families broach sensitive conversations, and makes the process uplifting rather than overwhelming.

Margareta suggests which possessions you can easily get rid of (unworn clothes, unwanted presents, more plates than you’d ever use) and which you might want to keep (photographs, love letters, a few of your children’s art projects). Digging into her late husband’s tool shed, and her own secret drawer of vices, Margareta introduces an element of fun to a potentially daunting task. Along the way readers get a glimpse into her life in Sweden, and also become more comfortable with the idea of letting go.]]>
117 Margareta Magnusson 1501173243 Ugvaja 5

Magnusson's approach, rooted in the Swedish tradition of »ĺö˛őłŮä»ĺ˛Ôľ±˛Ô˛µ (or "death cleaning"), offers practical advice and gentle wisdom for streamlining your possessions and simplifying your living space.

As someone who's seen a few decades, I can attest to the importance of decluttering and simplifying our lives, especially as we age. Magnusson's insights resonate deeply, reminding us of the value of living with intention and leaving behind a legacy of order and peace.

Her writing style is both warm and straightforward, making it easy to digest her advice and put it into practice. Whether you're facing the daunting task of downsizing or simply looking to lighten your load, "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning" is a must-read or must-listen.]]>
3.39 2017 The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning
author: Margareta Magnusson
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.39
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/16
shelves:
review:
This book offers invaluable wisdom on decluttering and simplifying life. If you're ready to free yourself from clutter, Highly recommended! This audiobook had me absolutely hooked from the first chapter -

Magnusson's approach, rooted in the Swedish tradition of »ĺö˛őłŮä»ĺ˛Ôľ±˛Ô˛µ (or "death cleaning"), offers practical advice and gentle wisdom for streamlining your possessions and simplifying your living space.

As someone who's seen a few decades, I can attest to the importance of decluttering and simplifying our lives, especially as we age. Magnusson's insights resonate deeply, reminding us of the value of living with intention and leaving behind a legacy of order and peace.

Her writing style is both warm and straightforward, making it easy to digest her advice and put it into practice. Whether you're facing the daunting task of downsizing or simply looking to lighten your load, "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning" is a must-read or must-listen.
]]>
Left Behind (Left Behind, #1) 27523 470 Tim LaHaye 0842342702 Ugvaja 4 As I listened to the audiobook, narrated with passion and emotion, I found myself completely immersed in the story. You can find audiobook version here
We're talking about faith, morality, the whole shebang. It really makes you stop and think about life, you know?]]>
3.86 1995 Left Behind (Left Behind, #1)
author: Tim LaHaye
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.86
book published: 1995
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/04/16
shelves:
review:
"Left Behind" is a gripping tale of biblical prophecy and the end times, expertly narrated to keep listeners or readers on the edge of their seats.
As I listened to the audiobook, narrated with passion and emotion, I found myself completely immersed in the story. You can find audiobook version here
We're talking about faith, morality, the whole shebang. It really makes you stop and think about life, you know?
]]>
<![CDATA[Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion]]> 28815
You'll learn the six universal principles, how to use them to become a skilled persuader—and how to defend yourself against them. Perfect for people in all walks of life, the principles of Influence will move you toward profound personal change and act as a driving force for your success.]]>
320 Robert B. Cialdini 006124189X Ugvaja 0 to-read 4.21 1984 Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
author: Robert B. Cialdini
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.21
book published: 1984
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/04/16
shelves: to-read
review:

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The Psychology of Money 41881472 242 Morgan Housel 0857197681 Ugvaja 0 to-read 4.27 2020 The Psychology of Money
author: Morgan Housel
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/04/16
shelves: to-read
review:

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<![CDATA[Outliers: The Story of Success]]> 3228917 Learn what sets high achievers apart � from Bill Gates to the Beatles � in this #1 bestseller from "a singular talent" (New York Times Book Review).

In this stunning book, Malcolm Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of "outliers"—the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful. He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different?

His answer is that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, and too little attention to where they are from: that is, their culture, their family, their generation, and the idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing. Along the way he explains the secrets of software billionaires, what it takes to be a great soccer player, why Asians are good at math, and what made the Beatles the greatest rock band.

Brilliant and entertaining, Outliers is a landmark work that will simultaneously delight and illuminate.]]>
309 Malcolm Gladwell 0316017922 Ugvaja 0 to-read 4.19 2008 Outliers: The Story of Success
author: Malcolm Gladwell
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2008
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/04/16
shelves: to-read
review:

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Sugar Daddies 30816428
Two hot guys seeking their Little Miss Right.
Someone who can entertain them, amuse them, fit in with their corporate schedule.
And sex. They want sex.
Lots of sex.
Bonus, right? One major dose of epic win.

Of course, guys like Carl and Rick have their conditions. One being that they come together, or not at all.
Hell, I can live with that.

And there are no skeletons in their designer closet, none that I can find.
Just two hot sugar daddies, with particular tastes, nothing to worry about.

Until Carl and Rick spill the big one, the one that sends the girls running. A whole string of them before me, running to the hills without so much as a backward glance.

Maybe I should run, too. Thanks but no thanks, see you around, guys, nice knowing you.
But I’m already in way too deep for that.

Warning � as with every other Jade West book, reader discretion is highly advised. This novel contains vivid depictions of MMF / MM relationships, and Jade’s characters, as always, have very filthy mouths. Mature readers only, please.]]>
442 Jade West 1535154020 Ugvaja 0 to-read 3.69 2016 Sugar Daddies
author: Jade West
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/04/14
shelves: to-read
review:

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The Salt Path 38085814
They have almost no money for food or shelter and must carry only the essentials for survival on their backs as they live wild in the ancient, weathered landscape of cliffs, sea and sky. Yet through every step, every encounter, and every test along the way, their walk becomes a remarkable journey.

The Salt Path is an honest and life-affirming true story of coming to terms with grief and the healing power of the natural world. Ultimately, it is a portrayal of home, and how it can be lost, rebuilt, and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.]]>
288 Raynor Winn 0241349648 Ugvaja 5

Through hardship and uncertainty, Raynor's words painted a picture of strength in adversity, of finding solace in the simple beauty of the natural world. With each step, I felt the wind on my face, tasted the salt in the air, and reveled in the freedom of the open road.

Moth and Raynor's unwavering bond, their determination to keep moving forward despite all odds, touched my heart in ways I never expected. Their resilience became a beacon of inspiration, reminding me of the indomitable spirit within us all.

"The Salt Path" isn't just a memoir; it's a testament to the human spirit, a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is light to be found if we only keep moving forward.

If you're seeking a tale of adventure, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit, I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in the audiobook edition of "The Salt Path". Let Raynor's voice guide you along the rugged cliffs and windswept shores, and let her story remind you of the beauty and resilience that lies within us all.]]>
3.97 2018 The Salt Path
author: Raynor Winn
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2018
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/11
shelves:
review:
As I listened to Raynor's own voice narrate her and her husband Moth's remarkable story, I felt like a companion on their extraordinary trek along the South West Coast Path.

Through hardship and uncertainty, Raynor's words painted a picture of strength in adversity, of finding solace in the simple beauty of the natural world. With each step, I felt the wind on my face, tasted the salt in the air, and reveled in the freedom of the open road.

Moth and Raynor's unwavering bond, their determination to keep moving forward despite all odds, touched my heart in ways I never expected. Their resilience became a beacon of inspiration, reminding me of the indomitable spirit within us all.

"The Salt Path" isn't just a memoir; it's a testament to the human spirit, a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is light to be found if we only keep moving forward.

If you're seeking a tale of adventure, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit, I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in the audiobook edition of "The Salt Path". Let Raynor's voice guide you along the rugged cliffs and windswept shores, and let her story remind you of the beauty and resilience that lies within us all.
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<![CDATA[Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It]]> 123857637 A former FBI hostage negotiator offers a new, field-tested approach to negotiating � effective in any situation.

After a stint policing the rough streets of Kansas City, Missouri, Chris Voss joined the FBI, where his career as a kidnapping negotiator brought him face-to-face with bank robbers, gang leaders, and terrorists. Never Split the Difference takes you inside his world of high-stakes negotiations, revealing the nine key principles that helped Voss and his colleagues succeed when it mattered the most � when people’s lives were at stake.

Rooted in the real-life experiences of an intelligence professional at the top of his game, Never Split the Difference will give you the competitive edge in any discussion.]]>
288 Chris Voss 1847941494 Ugvaja 5

What sets in this book apart is its emphasis on empathy and active listening as key tools in negotiation. Voss's approach, rooted in human psychology and real-world negotiation scenarios, offers valuable insights for both professional and personal interactions.

From the concept of "mirroring" to the power of "tactical empathy," Voss shares actionable techniques that have the potential to transform your negotiation skills. As someone who has honed his craft over decades, I appreciate Voss's practical advice and nuanced approach to communication.

With a wealth of positive reviews, it's clear that Voss's methods resonate with readers from all walks of life. Whether you're a business executive, a parent, or simply someone looking to improve your communication skills, this book is an indispensable guide to achieving success in negotiation.]]>
4.33 2016 Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It
author: Chris Voss
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/11
shelves:
review:
Voss's years of experience as a former FBI hostage negotiator shine through in this insightful book, providing practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes. This audiobook edition brings his expertise to life with clarity and authority. Here you can get audio book edition

What sets in this book apart is its emphasis on empathy and active listening as key tools in negotiation. Voss's approach, rooted in human psychology and real-world negotiation scenarios, offers valuable insights for both professional and personal interactions.

From the concept of "mirroring" to the power of "tactical empathy," Voss shares actionable techniques that have the potential to transform your negotiation skills. As someone who has honed his craft over decades, I appreciate Voss's practical advice and nuanced approach to communication.

With a wealth of positive reviews, it's clear that Voss's methods resonate with readers from all walks of life. Whether you're a business executive, a parent, or simply someone looking to improve your communication skills, this book is an indispensable guide to achieving success in negotiation.
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<![CDATA[How to Win Friends & Influence People]]> 4865
Since its release in 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People has sold more than 30 million copies. Dale Carnegie's first book is a timeless bestseller, packed with rock-solid advice that has carried thousands of now famous people up the ladder of success in their business and personal lives.

As relevant as ever before, Dale Carnegie's principles endure, and will help you achieve your maximum potential in the complex and competitive modern age.

Learn the six ways to make people like you, the twelve ways to win people to your way of thinking, and the nine ways to change people without arousing resentment.]]>
288 Dale Carnegie Ugvaja 5 The audiobook edition brings Carnegie's insights to life with a level of warmth and authenticity that resonates deeply with listeners. It's best book ever!

What truly resonates with me about this book is its practicality. Carnegie's principles, though simple in concept, offer profound insights into the art of building genuine relationships and influencing others positively.

From the importance of showing genuine appreciation to the power of active listening, Carnegie's teachings have had a transformative impact on how I navigate both personal and professional interactions.

With thousands of positive reviews and a 5-star rating, it's evident that Carnegie's principles continue to stand the test of time and resonate with readers of all ages.]]>
4.22 1936 How to Win Friends & Influence People
author: Dale Carnegie
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.22
book published: 1936
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/11
shelves:
review:
As a seasoned individual who has benefited from the timeless wisdom of this book. I can attest to its enduring relevance in today's fast-paced world.
The audiobook edition brings Carnegie's insights to life with a level of warmth and authenticity that resonates deeply with listeners. It's best book ever!

What truly resonates with me about this book is its practicality. Carnegie's principles, though simple in concept, offer profound insights into the art of building genuine relationships and influencing others positively.

From the importance of showing genuine appreciation to the power of active listening, Carnegie's teachings have had a transformative impact on how I navigate both personal and professional interactions.

With thousands of positive reviews and a 5-star rating, it's evident that Carnegie's principles continue to stand the test of time and resonate with readers of all ages.
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<![CDATA[The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life]]> 30646587
Since money is the single most powerful tool we have for navigating this complex world we've created, understanding it is critical.

"But Dad," she once said, "I know money is important. I just don't want to spend my life thinking about it." This was eye-opening. I love this stuff. But most people have better things to do with their precious time. Bridges to build, diseases to cure, treaties to negotiate, mountains to climb, technologies to create, children to teach, businesses to run.

Unfortunately, benign neglect of things financial leaves you open to the charlatans of the financial world. The people who make investing endlessly complex, because if it can be made complex it becomes more profitable for them, more expensive for us, and we are forced into their waiting arms.

Here's an important truth: Complex investments exist only to profit those who create and sell them. Not only are they more costly to the investor, they are less effective.

The simple approach I created for her and present now to you is not only easy to understand and implement, it is more powerful than any other.

Together we'll explore:

•Debt: why you must avoid it and what to do if you have it
•The importance of having f-you money
•How to think about money, and the unique way understanding this is key to building your wealth
•Where traditional investing advice goes wrong and what actually works
•What the stock market really is and how it really works
•Why the stock market always goes up and why most people still lose money investing in it
•How to invest in a raging bull or bear market
Specific investments to implement these strategies
•The Wealth Building and Wealth Preservation phases of your investing life and why they are not always tied to your age
•How your asset allocation is tied to those phases and how to choose it
•How to simplify the sometimes confusing world of 401(k), 403(b), TSP, IRA, and Roth accounts
TRFs (target retirement funds), HSAs (health savings accounts), and RMDs (required minimum distributions)
•What investment firm to use and why the one I recommend is so far superior to the competition
•Why you should be very cautious when engaging an investment advisor and whether you need to at all
•Why and how you can be conned, and how to avoid becoming prey
•Why I don't recommend dollar cost averaging
•What financial independence looks like and how to have your money support you
•What the Four Percent Rule is and how to use it to safely spend your wealth
•The truth behind Social Security
•A case study on how this all can be implemented in real life]]>
286 JL Collins Ugvaja 5 , provides an immersive experience that captures the essence of his timeless advice.

What struck me most about Collins' philosophy is its simplicity and effectiveness. He cuts through the noise of complex investment strategies and offers a clear roadmap to financial freedom through index fund investing. It's a strategy that I wish I had discovered earlier in life, but nonetheless, I'm grateful to have stumbled upon it now.

With a 5-star rating and over 23000 ratings, it's evident that Collins' message resonates with many others seeking financial independence. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to optimize your investments, this book is a timeless guide that offers practical advice and peace of mind.]]>
4.43 2016 The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life
author: JL Collins
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/11
shelves:
review:
I must say this book it's a refreshing breath of financial wisdom. Collins' straightforward approach to achieving financial independence resonates deeply with someone like me, who has seen the highs and lows of economic cycles. The audiobook edition , provides an immersive experience that captures the essence of his timeless advice.

What struck me most about Collins' philosophy is its simplicity and effectiveness. He cuts through the noise of complex investment strategies and offers a clear roadmap to financial freedom through index fund investing. It's a strategy that I wish I had discovered earlier in life, but nonetheless, I'm grateful to have stumbled upon it now.

With a 5-star rating and over 23000 ratings, it's evident that Collins' message resonates with many others seeking financial independence. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to optimize your investments, this book is a timeless guide that offers practical advice and peace of mind.
]]>
<![CDATA[The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus, #3)]]> 12127750 Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can't blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon figurehead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket, Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving command: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close—the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader—but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare. . . .]]>
586 Rick Riordan 1423140605 Ugvaja 5
Picture this: a motley crew of demigods setting sail to face ancient enemies and save the world from chaos. Sounds like a recipe for excitement, right? Well, Rick Riordan takes that excitement and cranks it up to eleven! From heart-pounding battles to jaw-dropping revelations, this audiobook had me hooked from the get-go.

And let's talk about world-building. Riordan's knack for blending ancient mythology with modern-day settings is nothing short of genius. Every detail feels meticulously researched, drawing you deeper into a world where gods and monsters walk among us.

So, if you're up for a thrilling adventure that'll have you on the edge of your seat until the very end, "The Mark of Athena" is a must-listen. Trust me, you won't regret joining Percy, Annabeth, and the rest of the gang on their quest to save the world!
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4.47 2012 The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus, #3)
author: Rick Riordan
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2012
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/06
shelves:
review:
I recently dove headfirst into the audiobook version of "The Mark of Athena," and let me tell you, it's one wild adventure you won't want to miss! If you're itching for some mythological escapades, you can snag the audiobook right here:
Picture this: a motley crew of demigods setting sail to face ancient enemies and save the world from chaos. Sounds like a recipe for excitement, right? Well, Rick Riordan takes that excitement and cranks it up to eleven! From heart-pounding battles to jaw-dropping revelations, this audiobook had me hooked from the get-go.

And let's talk about world-building. Riordan's knack for blending ancient mythology with modern-day settings is nothing short of genius. Every detail feels meticulously researched, drawing you deeper into a world where gods and monsters walk among us.

So, if you're up for a thrilling adventure that'll have you on the edge of your seat until the very end, "The Mark of Athena" is a must-listen. Trust me, you won't regret joining Percy, Annabeth, and the rest of the gang on their quest to save the world!

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<![CDATA[Astrophysics for People in a Hurry]]> 32191710
But today, few of us have time to contemplate the cosmos. So Tyson brings the universe down to Earth succinctly and clearly, with sparkling wit, in tasty chapters consumable anytime and anywhere in your busy day.]]>
223 Neil deGrasse Tyson 0393609391 Ugvaja 5 , just waiting for you to dive in.

Tyson's storytelling had me feeling like I was cruising through space, witnessing stars being born and galaxies colliding. And let me tell you, he's got this knack for explaining crazy complicated stuff in a way that just makes sense, you know? It's like chatting with a super smart buddy who's really good at breaking things down.

The way he describes the universe is downright beautiful, like poetry almost. From the tiniest atoms to the mind-boggling expanses of space, every chapter had me going, "Whoa, I never thought about it like that!"

And let's talk about passion. Tyson's enthusiasm for astrophysics is contagious! You can tell he's just itching to share all this mind-blowing stuff with you. It's like listening to someone talk about their favorite hobby—you can't help but get sucked in.

So, if you're up for a cosmic adventure that'll leave you feeling like you've just unlocked the secrets of the universe, "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" is the way to go. Get ready to have your mind blown, my friend!
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4.07 2017 Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
author: Neil deGrasse Tyson
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2017
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/04/06
shelves:
review:
Hey there! So, I recently got hooked on the audiobook version of "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" by Neil deGrasse Tyson, and let me tell you, it was like blasting off on a mind-blowing journey! If you're itching to dive into the cosmos, you can snag the audiobook right here: , just waiting for you to dive in.

Tyson's storytelling had me feeling like I was cruising through space, witnessing stars being born and galaxies colliding. And let me tell you, he's got this knack for explaining crazy complicated stuff in a way that just makes sense, you know? It's like chatting with a super smart buddy who's really good at breaking things down.

The way he describes the universe is downright beautiful, like poetry almost. From the tiniest atoms to the mind-boggling expanses of space, every chapter had me going, "Whoa, I never thought about it like that!"

And let's talk about passion. Tyson's enthusiasm for astrophysics is contagious! You can tell he's just itching to share all this mind-blowing stuff with you. It's like listening to someone talk about their favorite hobby—you can't help but get sucked in.

So, if you're up for a cosmic adventure that'll leave you feeling like you've just unlocked the secrets of the universe, "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" is the way to go. Get ready to have your mind blown, my friend!

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Landlines 59831617 Some people live to walk. Raynor and Moth walk to live . . .

Raynor Winn knows that her husband Moth's health is declining, getting worse by the day. She knows of only one cure. It worked once before. But will he - can he? - set out with her on another healing walk?

The Cape Wrath Trail is over two hundred miles of gruelling terrain through Scotland's remotest mountains and lochs. But the lure of the wilderness and the beguiling beauty of the awaiting glens draw them northwards. Being one with nature saved them in their darkest hour and their hope is that it can work its magic again.

As they set out on their incredible thousand-mile journey back to the familiar shores of the South-west Coast Path, Raynor and Moth map the landscape of an island nation facing an uncertain path ahead.

In Landlines, she records in luminous prose the strangers and friends, wilderness and wildlife they encounter on the way - it's a journey that begins in fear but can only end in hope.]]>
288 Raynor Winn 0241484561 Ugvaja 4
If you're yearning for a tale that will whisk you away to another time and place, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into the audiobook edition of "Landlines". Let Raynor's voice guide you through the twists and turns of this captivating story, and let yourself be swept away by its timeless charm.

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4.26 2022 Landlines
author: Raynor Winn
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/04/02
shelves:
review:
"Landlines" isn't just a novel; it's a journey of the heart, a reminder of the power of love to transcend time and space. Raynor Winn's poignant narrative touched my soul, leaving me with a renewed sense of gratitude for the connections that bind us all.

If you're yearning for a tale that will whisk you away to another time and place, I wholeheartedly recommend diving into the audiobook edition of "Landlines". Let Raynor's voice guide you through the twists and turns of this captivating story, and let yourself be swept away by its timeless charm.


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<![CDATA[The Last Ranger (Ranger of the Titan Wilds, #1)]]> 62808198
Leiyn “Firebrand� is no stranger to a fight. A brash ranger of the Titan Wilds, she takes up her bow to ward against the colossal spirit creatures known as titans, ever a threat to the colonies she has sworn to protect.

But no amount of skill can guard against treachery.

When tragedy strikes the rangers� lodge, Leiyn vows to avenge the fallen. But if she is to succeed, she must embrace a power within her she has long denied.

Power to move mountains and rivers.

Power over life and death.

She did not choose this path, but Leiyn knows her duty. For if she fails, the legacy of the rangers dies with her—and all the Titan Wilds will fall into shadow.]]>
462 J.D.L. Rosell 1952868181 Ugvaja 5
Set in a fantastical world brimming with magic and peril, "The Last Ranger" swept me away with its captivating storytelling. The narrator skillfully brought to life the vibrant characters and awe-inspiring landscapes, making me feel like a part of the adventure alongside the protagonist as they embarked on their daring quest.
The author's world-building is nothing short of extraordinary, with every detail carefully crafted to immerse listeners in the enchanting realm of the Titan Wilds. Through the book, you can fully appreciate the intricacies and wonders of this mesmerizing setting.

Our protagonist, the last of the legendary Rangers, is a character of depth and complexity, making their journey one that resonates deeply. Filled with heart-pounding action, unexpected turns, and moments of profound self-discovery, I found myself cheering them on every step of the way.
If you're on the hunt for an audiobook that will transport you to a realm of wonder and excitement, look no further than this book. Get ready to be swept away on an exhilarating adventure that will leave you spellbound from start to finish.

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4.27 2022 The Last Ranger (Ranger of the Titan Wilds, #1)
author: J.D.L. Rosell
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/03/27
shelves:
review:
Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of diving into the audiobook rendition of "The Last Ranger" and let me tell you, it was a breathtaking adventure from the first sentence to the very end.

Set in a fantastical world brimming with magic and peril, "The Last Ranger" swept me away with its captivating storytelling. The narrator skillfully brought to life the vibrant characters and awe-inspiring landscapes, making me feel like a part of the adventure alongside the protagonist as they embarked on their daring quest.
The author's world-building is nothing short of extraordinary, with every detail carefully crafted to immerse listeners in the enchanting realm of the Titan Wilds. Through the book, you can fully appreciate the intricacies and wonders of this mesmerizing setting.

Our protagonist, the last of the legendary Rangers, is a character of depth and complexity, making their journey one that resonates deeply. Filled with heart-pounding action, unexpected turns, and moments of profound self-discovery, I found myself cheering them on every step of the way.
If you're on the hunt for an audiobook that will transport you to a realm of wonder and excitement, look no further than this book. Get ready to be swept away on an exhilarating adventure that will leave you spellbound from start to finish.


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<![CDATA[The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1)]]> 100915
Lucy is the first to find the secret of the wardrobe in the professor's mysterious old house. At first her brothers and sister don't believe her when she tells of her visit to the land of Narnia. But soon Edmund, then Peter and Susan step through the wardrobe themselves. In Narnia they find a country buried under the evil enchantment of the White Witch. When they meet the Lion Aslan, they realize they've been called to a great adventure and bravely join the battle to free Narnia from the Witch's sinister spell.]]>
206 C.S. Lewis Ugvaja 0 to-read 4.24 1950 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1)
author: C.S. Lewis
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.24
book published: 1950
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/03/04
shelves: to-read
review:

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<![CDATA[Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms]]> 57468025 Discover simple habits and easy-to-implement daily rhythms that will help you find meaning beyond the chaos of family life as you create a home where kids and parents alike practice how to love God and each other.

You long for tender moments with your children--but do you ever find yourself too busy to stop, make eye contact, and say something you really mean? Daily habits are powerful ways to shape the heart--but do you find yourself giving in to screen time just to get through the day? You want to parent with purpose--but do you know how to start?

Award-winning author and father of four Justin Whitmel Earley understands the tension between how you long to parent and what your daily life actually looks like. In Habits of the Household, Earley gives you the tools you need to create structure--from mealtimes to bedtimes--that free you to parent toddlers, kids, and teens with purpose. Learn how to:


Develop a bedtime liturgy to settle your little ones and ground them in God's love
Discover a new framework for discipline as discipleship
Acquire simple practices for more regular and meaningful family mealtimes
Open your eyes to the spirituality of parenting, seeing small moments as big opportunities for spiritual formation
Develop a custom age chart for your family to more intentionally plan your shared years under the same roof
Each chapter in Habits of the Household ends with practical patterns, prayers, or liturgies that your family can put into practice right away. As you create liberating rhythms around your everyday routines, you will find your family has a greater sense of peace and purpose as your home becomes a place where, above all, you learn how to love.]]>
226 Justin Whitmel Earley 0310362938 Ugvaja 0 to-read 4.58 2021 Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms
author: Justin Whitmel Earley
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 4.58
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/03/04
shelves: to-read
review:

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<![CDATA[12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos]]> 30257963 What does everyone in the modern world need to know? Renowned psychologist Jordan B. Peterson's answer to this most difficult of questions uniquely combines the hard-won truths of ancient tradition with the stunning revelations of cutting-edge scientific research.

Humorous, surprising, and informative, Dr. Peterson tells us why skateboarding boys and girls must be left alone, what terrible fate awaits those who criticize too easily, and why you should always pet a cat when you meet one on the street.

What does the nervous system of the lowly lobster have to tell us about standing up straight (with our shoulders back) and about success in life? Why did ancient Egyptians worship the capacity to pay careful attention as the highest of gods? What dreadful paths do people tread when they become resentful, arrogant, and vengeful? Dr. Peterson journeys broadly, discussing discipline, freedom, adventure, and responsibility, distilling the world's wisdom into 12 practical and profound rules for life. 12 Rules for Life shatters the modern commonplaces of science, faith, and human nature while transforming and ennobling the mind and spirit of its listeners.]]>
409 Jordan B. Peterson 0345816021 Ugvaja 0 to-read 3.90 2018 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos
author: Jordan B. Peterson
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/03/04
shelves: to-read
review:

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The God Delusion 14743
With rigor and wit, Dawkins examines God in all his forms, from the sex-obsessed tyrant of the Old Testament, to the more benign (but still illogical) Celestial Watchmaker favored by some Enlightenment thinkers. He eviscerates the major arguments for religion, and demonstrates the supreme improbability of a supreme being. He shows how religion fuels war, foments bigotry, and abuses children, buttressing his points with historical and contemporary evidence.

The God Delusion makes a compelling case that belief in God is not just wrong, but potentially deadly. It also offers exhilarating insight into the advantages of atheism to the individual and society, not the least of which is a clearer, truer appreciation of the universe's wonders than any faith could ever muster.]]>
374 Richard Dawkins 0618680004 Ugvaja 0 to-read 3.89 2006 The God Delusion
author: Richard Dawkins
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2006
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/03/04
shelves: to-read
review:

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<![CDATA[God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything]]> 43369 307 Christopher Hitchens 0446579807 Ugvaja 0 to-read 3.94 2007 God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything
author: Christopher Hitchens
name: Ugvaja
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/03/04
shelves: to-read
review:

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