Review: The Great War: Stories Inspired by Items from the First World War

The Great War: Stories Inspired by Items from the First World War by David Almond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Great War
Stories Inspired by Items from the First World War
By: David Almond, John Boyne, Tracy Chevalier, Ursula Dubosarsky, Timothée de Fombelle
Narrated by: Nico Evers-Swindell, JD Jackson, Gerard Doyle, Richard Halverson
Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins
Release date: 04-14-15

I’m not sure why I picked up this audiobook, I’ve never been a “War Buff,” but I think the idea of the story being told based on items that had some significant value or importance in the war and the people affected by the item and the war was an interesting perspective.  This gave the book a more personal appeal.  

Some of the items that prompted a story are, a war-effort plate, a helmet with a hole in it, a writing kit, etc.  Each author was given an item and to write the story around/about that item.  My favorite being the helmet.

The story involving the helmet talks about how the helmet (with a hole in it) was used as a planter, and as a toy by a young boy to pretend he was in the war.  This story sticks out to me because of how the helmet came to be in possession of it and how, until a kid doing a project for school, it had served a mundane purpose.  The boy learns of his family member who originally wore the helmet and maybe a bit more about the human condition.

This book about the Great War does have some war stories, but it is much more than that.  It explores not only the war but how it affected regular people.  (wives, mothers, sons, friends)  The book doesn’t glorify or damn war, but merely gives it a human connection.  

A simple pencil in this book, has so much more surrounding it.  I would highly recommend this book to any high school wanting to teach more than just dates and places, but also the philosophy of it all, the human condition.  

Publisher’s Summary

In a powerful collection, eleven internationally acclaimed fiction writers draw on personal objects to bring the First World War to life for listeners of all ages.

A toy soldier. A butter dish. A compass. Mundane objects, perhaps, but to the remarkable authors in this collection, artifacts such as these have inspired stories that go to the heart of the human experience of World War I. Each author was invited to choose an object that had a connection to the war – a writing kit for David Almond, a helmet for Michael Morpurgo – and use it as the inspiration for an original short story. What results is an extraordinary collection, illustrated throughout by the award-winning Jim Kay and featuring photographs of the objects with accounts of their history and the authors’ reasons for selecting them. A blend of fiction and real-life events, this unique anthology provides young listeners with a personal window into the Great War and the people affected by it, and serves as an invaluable resource for families and teachers alike.

©2014 Walker Books Ltd., first U.S. edition published by Candlewick Press. (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved. “Our Jacko” © 2014 by Michael Morpurgo. “Another Kind of Missing” © 2014 by A. L. Kennedy. “Don’t Call It Glory” © 2014 by Marcus Sedgwick. “The Country You Called Home” © 2014 by John Boyne. “When They Were Needed Most” © 2014 by Tracy Chevalier. “A World That Has No War in It” © 2014 by David Almond. “A Harlem Hellfighter and His Horn” © 2014 by Tanya Lee Stone. “Maud’s Story” © 2014 by Adèle Geras. “Captain Rosalie” © 2014 by Timothée de Fombelle; translation © 2014 by Sam Gordon. “Each Slow Dusk” © 2014 by Sheena Wilkinson. “Little Wars” © 2014 by Ursula Dubosarsky.

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Review: The Globe: The Science of Discworld II

The Globe by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Globe: The Science of Discworld II: A Novel
By: Terry Pratchett, Ian Stewart, Jack Cohen
Narrated by: Steven Briggs, Michael Fenton Stevens
Series: Science of Discworld, Book 2
Length: 12 hrs and 46 mins
Release date: 01-20-15

I dabbled in fantasy fiction back in the 80s and part of the 90s. I became curious about the genre after getting addicted to playing the RPG "Dungeons & Dragons." It seemed I should study the characters in the game, so a friend recommended to me the Discworld books by Sir Terry Pratchett. I immediately was sucked into this humorous romp through the fantasy genre that all happened on disc world which was sitting on top of 4 elephants which were forever fixed upon a turtle flying through space. Weird but fun.

A few college degrees later I felt as if I grew out of the fantasy genre and became more interested in biographies and sci-fi. Well, the sci-fi was my return to fun and I remembered the Discworld. I thought, well, that's sci-fi mixed with fantasy. So after a little justification I looked to see what I missed. I then found these Science of Discworld, in which Pratchett and friends started explaining science not just of Discworld but the real world. The lessons in physics and science from these books seemed to soak into my brain better than most of my college classes.

In this book we return to to the library of the wizards in which they have "created" Roundworld, or rather Earth. This time the elves have discovered the roundworld and wish to make it their own. While the wizards were only interested in the science of such a world they forgot about the inhabitants (humans especially). The elves, not so much. The elves quickly learned how to take advantage of the superstitious creatures of Roundworld.

The wizards soon have to travel through time to fix and get humans back on track. In doing so this book soon gives the reader an interesting insight to evolution, creativity and language development.

It's funny that a book such as this can entertain and educate in such a manner that makes learning fun and really, accidental.

The audiobook performers are such great comedic actors that you forget your listening to an audiobook but rather travelling to discworld with the wizards. They make the book so much fun to hear.



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The NerdUp Podcast: Episode # 158 “WEeeee're back, again”

The NerdUp Podcast: Episode # 158 “WEeeee're back, again”: Episode # 158 “WEeeee're back, again” In this exciting episode Gil T. and Tony sit and discuss more nerdy things,  Disney+, The ...

Review: Swing

Swing by Kwame Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This coming of age tells the story of two best friends Noah and Walt (a.k.a. Swing) as they make their Junior year in High School THEIR YEAR. All their lifelong dreams are going to be made real. From Walt finally getting to play on the high school baseball team (he may not be good, but he's got heart) to getting Noah to finally ask out his lifelong crush.

As their year progresses they find the ups and downs of life are not always easily dealt with and soon learn more about themselves than they would have had they just kept going as normal.

My favorite part of this book is the use of Jazz music as their metaphor for life, from listening to jazz vinyl at the local thrift store to hiring of Walt's uncles jazz band to entertain the party at Noah's house, while his parents are on vacation. Everything is better with Jazz.

I will warn you this book is a tear-jerker, so just have the tissue ready.

Read by the author, this audiobook really stands out. Kwame Alexander's delivery is perfect and will keep you in anticipation for the highs and getting those lumps in the throat for the lows. Great read/listen for all ages.

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Review: Lady Death: Treacherous Infamy

Lady Death: Treacherous Infamy by Brian Pulido
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lady Death once wanted to destroy all life and leave Earth as a desolate graveyard. Luckily she has changed her evil ways and is a sort of an anti-hero helping mankind by destroying demons. Until now...

Something has reverted her back to her evil self and she is on her way to destroy the Earth. Unless a group of supernatural super-heroes can stop her, including her children. This is Lady Death at her most evil self.

The battles for mankind take place throughout the United States, picking up more powered individuals to defeat her and even some that come to support her cause.

The artwork in this book is absolutely stunning, the writing will leaving you wanting more (which will be coming since this is an on-going arc in Lady Death's story).

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Review: Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre

Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre by Max Brooks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Max Brooks is at it again, first he told us how to survive a zombie apocalypse, now he's telling the harrowing story of a Bigfoot attack on an isolated "modern" colony. The story is told in a fashion much like the found footage horror films, such as "The Blair Witch Project," "Unlisted Owner," and "Paranormal Activity." Instead of found film/video the journals of Greenlop resident Kate Holland are turned into a pretty cool horror/survival story. From the beginning the reader (or listener in the case of the audiobook) knows no one survives because the journals are said to have been found in the burned out ashes of what remains of Greenlop, but as the story progresses, that is forgotten and the reader finds hope.

Greenlop is an experimental colony where a bunch of rich/progressive folks want to start a community that is 100% off the grid. Their food and supplies are dropped in by drone on a regular basis, their homes are solar powered and very modern. The even have wi-fi. This is all pretty nice until nearby Mt. Ranier decides to become an active volcano and blows. All wildlife flees and the colony is suddenly cut off from civilization. The volcanic explosion destroys all communication access, the drones stop coming and the colony must learn survival skills. Many are rich pretentious folk that couldn't successfully camp out in a four star hotel, without a staff.

Kate, is determined, she soon starts the greenhouse and begins growing some of their food. Her bordering-on-depression husband soon finds a purpose, by helping to clear the solar panels of ash from the volcano. Things seem to be going fairly well until the colony discovers wild animals are attracted to their compost. Could be bears or large cats, either way it is a danger to the people. Soon one of the colonists realizes there have been no wild animals in the area for several days.

The culprit is soon discovered to be a "tribe" of Sasquatch. With all the wildlife gone from the area, due to the volcano, and ash covering everything, the Sasquatch begin a war against the humans for Survival.

Instincts kick in and the colony prepares for war.

The audiobook cast bring this book to life, making it seem even more like a found footage horror story.

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Review: This Is Our Youth

This Is Our Youth by Kenneth Lonergan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“This Is Our Youth”

By Kenneth Lonergan

Narrated by: Mark Ruffalo, Missy Yager, Josh Hamilton

Length: 1 hr and 41 mins

Published September 25th 2009 by LA Theatre Works

This almost could have been me. I was a teen in the Reagan 80s, and well smoking pot was the thing to do. I didn't live in a big city, my dad wasn't rich and well, I guess maybe this couldn't have been me. I never got the chance to steal $15k from my dad when he kicked me out, Instead I joined the Navy. It's official, nope not me.

However I do know these people in this play. But first let's talk about the actors in this performance from L.A. Theatre Works. This is Mark Ruffalo before he was the Incredible Hulk in those Marvel movies. In fact, this production is a reunion of sorts. The original cast from the off broadway original production got back together with the original director to do this show for LATW. I'm sure that when originally performed back in 1996 the actors were closer to the age of the teenagers they portrayed than when getting back together for this performance, but I can tell you that they seemed to fit right back in with those characters.

Warren (played by Ruffalo) is kicked out of his rich dad's house. To get revenge he steals $15,000 from his dad and heads to his friend, Dennis' apartment. The two potsmokers decide they need to get the money back, but Warren has already spent a sizable chunk of the cash. Now they need to get back the money so they can sneak the original amount back into Warren's dads house. The plan is to buy some cocaine and sell enough to make back their money plus the missing amount and do the rest themselves.

While Dennis is out getting the coke, Warren gets a visit from Jessica. Jessic and Warren take another chunk of the money and party on the town, even renting out a ritzy hotel room. This just makes it harder to make the money back so the scheming begins.

I strongly feel this play could be performed even today and still be relevant. If you want a cool theatre audio experience this would be a great choice. If you want to perform a play touching out today's youth, this play would still be a great choice.

Once again LATW has brought to life a play to the audio audience that will put you in the middle of the performance.

Publisher's Summary

Starring Mark Ruffalo, Josh Hamilton and Missy Yager, the original cast was reunited for this exclusive L.A. Theatre Works performance of This is Our Youth.

In 1982, on Manhattan's Upper West Side, three pot-smoking teenagers are resoundingly rejecting the 1960s ideals of their affluent parents. In hilarious and bittersweet detail, This is Our Youth follows 48 turbulent hours in the lives of three very lost souls at the dawn of the Reagan Era.

©2009 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2009 L.A. Theatre Works

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Review: The Explorers Club

The Explorers Club by Nell Benjamin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Narrated by: Jennifer Westfeldt, David Furr, Lorenzo Pisoni, Carson Elrod, John Getz, Martin Jarvis, David Krumholtz, Matthew Wolf
Length: 1 hr and 56 mins
Published June 15th 2014 by LA Theatre Works

I did not expect this to be funny, I was thinking it was some sort of historical play from L.A. Theatre Works. Maybe it was in a way, but I found myself laughing out loud several times and thoroughly enjoyed this performance.

The gist of the play is that it is the late 1800s and a group of snooty explorers have their lodge to go and smoke cigars and drink brandy, oh, and brag about their adventures. (This play also had me craving cigars and brandy.) The traditions are rattled when Phyllida Spotte-Hume wants to join. A woman? A woman in the he-man women hater's club? It is hilarious when they send her out of the room to have cigars and brandy (one of the many times) and to discuss whether she should be allowed. She keeps stepping in talking about how boring the hallway is. This section of the performance had a very Monty Python feel to it and I found some great belly laughs during this scene.

Phyllida has discovered a lost tribe and has brought a male representative to meet the Queen and to back her findings to get into the club. Well the native is allowed to have cigars and brandy, not Phyllida because she is a woman.

Soon the mayhem begins with the native striking the Queen as she offers her hand to help the bowing native. Can the Explorer's club survive? Well one of the members is out to find the East and West poles, so there's that.

Do yourself a favor and at the very least listen to this audio performance of “The Explorer's Club.” A really good live performance would be preferred, but as with all other LATW productions, this one is the next best thing to being in the audience.

Publisher's Summary
It's London, 1879, and the hapless members of the Explorers Club must confront their most lethal threat yet: the admission of a woman into their hermetically-sealed ranks. But the intrepid Phyllida Spotte-Hume turns out to be the least of their troubles, in this hilarious farce starring members of the original Broadway cast.
An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Jack Cutmore-Scott, Carson Elrod, David Furr, John Getz, Martin Jarvis, David Krumholtz, Lorenzo Pisoni, Jennifer Westfeldt, Matthew Wolf. Directed by Kate McAll. Music composed and orchestrated by Laurence O'Keefe. Recordings produced by Mike Croiter and Laurence O'Keefe at Yellow Sound Lab for L.A. Theatre Works. Includes a conversation with essayist, novelist, and cultural critic Eileen Pollack.
The Explorers Club is part of L.A. Theatre Works’ Relativity Series featuring science-themed plays. Major funding for the Relativity Series is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to enhance public understanding of science and technology in the modern world.
©2013 Nell Benjamin (P)2014 L.A. Theatre Works

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Review: The Busy World Is Hushed

The Busy World Is Hushed by Keith Bunin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“The Busy World Is Hushed”
By Keith Bunin
Narrated by: Jill Clayburgh, Hamish Linklater, Luke Macfarlane
Length: 1 hr and 48 mins
Published October 1st 2007 by LA Theatre Works (first published January 31st 2007)

There is a lot unfolding in this play. Religion and relationships seem to be the biggest so I'm going to try to focus on those, however there are a few other topics/feelings/philosophy that I may touch on. Just keep in mind this is a very heady play. I'm probably going to revisit this one soon. Next time I may read the hard copy of the play rather than listen to a performance, but only because there is so much to absorb.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this audio production. Of course it is an L.A. Theatre Works production, and I don't recall ever hearing a bad production from them. The actors are always top notch and the production places the listener right in the middle of the audience. This time around the performance features two of my new favorite actors, Hamish Linklater (I became a fan of his after watching the series “Legion”) and Luke Macfarlane (I bacame a fan of his after watching “Killjoys”). I don't think I ever thought I would picture them doing a love scene together, but surprises are good. Okay it wasn't a love scene but rather an intimacy scene.

This play is full of ups and downs on the emotional rollercoaster and very smart conversations on religion. Jill Clayburgh plays Hannah a minister researching the gospels. She's working on a translation when she hires an assistant, Brant (played by Linklater). Brant notices her work needs some organizing, she doesn't even have bookshelves, and is pretty much hired on the spot. A relationship between Brant and Thomas, Hannah's son (played by Macfarlane). In what in actuality is really a pretty short play, some intense conversations about life, love, religion and purpose are discussed.

My only problem with this play is that it was too short. I was left with a feeling of “Is that all?” But at the same time I enjoyed the conversations and the level of intellect those conversations covered in the play. I would say that there were at least 30 plays that could be developed out of the many topics this one play covers, and I just wanted more.

 

Publisher's Summary

With wisdom, humor and insight, The Busy World Is Hushed examines the contradictions we find in our faith, our families, and ourselves. Hannah, a widowed Episcopal minister, is hoping to translate a long-lost gospel when she is challenged by both her scholarly assistant and her wayward gay son. But when family secrets are revealed, only the intercession of a stranger can help Hannah find peace.

(P)2007 L.A. Theater Works

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Review: Stick Fly

Stick Fly by Lydia R. Diamond
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stick Fly

By: Lydia Diamond

Narrated by: Justine Bateman, Dule Hill, Michole Briana White, et. al.

Length: 1 hr and 50 mins
Published February 1st 2008 by LA Theatre Works

In my latest trend of reading/listening to plays I've been trying to find some that are timely and have a theme that would reflect the current themes we've been forced too endure for the wreck of a year that was 2020. One of those themes is race relations. This play at first seemed to cover this but had a bit of a twist. The race relations are within a single upper-class African-American family. It wasn't quite what I was looking for but it was entertaining none-the-less.

One of the features of this performance that kept me going even though I soon discovered it wasn't what I was looking for was that it was yet another example of the outstanding productions from L.A. Theatre Works. The actors are top notch and the production once again will place the listener in the middle of the audience in a great theatrical performance.

I think one of the funniest parts is that one of the brothers (Flip) brings his girlfriend to the family home and before she arrives tells everyone she's Italian. I got the feeling that Flip was a bit conscientious about the fact his girlfriend is white, so to prepare the family he keeps saying she is Italian when someone says she's white. Flip's family members are all highly education people and when the girlfriend arrives, they all speak to her in Italian. This makes for an awkward hilarious scene.

As for the rest of the story, it finds that there is more to the family than the surface reveals. Strap in for the second half, that's when all secrets are revealed and well I kinda wonder whether this family is strong enough to endure the devastating secrets. I won't go into too much detail because of spoilers, and I really think this play needs to be experienced for one's self not just a simple review/summary.

Review: entertaining, funny, tragic and worth the two hours spent listening.

Publisher's Summary

How well do you know your family? Your social class? Your race? Sensitive "Spoon" LeVay and his brother "Flip" see their weekend at the family home on Martha's Vineyard as a perfect opportunity to introduce their girlfriends to their upper class African American parents. Instead they stumble into a domestic powder keg that exposes secrets of prejudice, hypocrisy, and adultery. This fantastic new play comes from the pen of one of the country's most provocative new playwrights!

©2007 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2007 L.A. Theatre Works

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