Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Did Not Finish (DNF)

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.    

Welcome back to Tuesday. This might be a tough one for me. Though I have improved over the years, I still don't like not finishing a book. Mostly, I stop listening to audiobooks that don't capture my attention, but rarely a printed book.

Top Ten Books I Did Not Finish (DNF)

This first one is cheating, because I grabbed the book listed on a site as a Kindle freebie, but I returned it the same day when it wasn't. 

This is just a book I started but then had to break off to continue with my reviewing schedule. I hope to get back to it this year. 

What I read of this book, I enjoyed. Simply don't like the genre enough to read such a big novel. 

These next two are simply because I am horrible about reading books about writing and the writing business. 

I think this was a NetGalley download when it first came out. This book explores Laura and Rose's complicated relationship and their writing partnership. Tried a few times to read it, but couldn't. 

I think this one is simply a great book at the wrong time. I read another book by these authors, but I never seemed to read much more than a few pages of this. Ultimately ended up giving it to the library book sale. 

This is a book I know I will read one day. Benjamin's work is amazing. It's the content that I struggle with. Knowing what this is about, I really need to work up to it. That's the same reason I have started the nonfiction account of the same title by David Laskin three times and have not gotten past the first chapter. 

I wanted to like this book, but I couldn't get into it even after three chapters. The author as narrator didn't help me enjoy it. Most of the reviews are good, so it might be me. 

Honestly, this is what I really work to do with my real estate business. Maybe not as hyperlocal as I could be, but relationship building is a skill of mine. Thought I might gain some new ideas. Some were outdated considering this was published in 2017. Hung in there for a while, but didn't mesh with me. 

Looking forward to visiting your blogs today. 

Chirp Book Review: 1864: Lincoln at the Gates of History by Charles Bracelen Flood

 

As a lover of early American history and a Civil War buff, I downloaded 1864: Lincoln at the Gates of History by Charles Bracelen Flood. This is an account of the last year of Lincoln's presidency as the war dragged on, he faced a re-election campaign challenged by a member of his cabinet seeking the Republican nomination, peace talks appeared to be on the horizon that would leave the Confederacy a separate slave-holding American nation, and threats to his life increased. 

Originally published in 2009, this well-written and thoroughly researched account clocks in at just under 20 hours of audio. Flood dives deep into this last year of Lincoln's presidency, exposing his challenges, exploring his triumphs, sharing thoughts and concerns from Mary Lincoln and members of his cabinet, and accounts from the battlefield. Thanks to Flood's in-depth look into Lincoln as president and person, along with narrator Mel Foster's superb delivery, readers come to know Lincoln during that time on a deeper level. 

I found myself going back to re-listen to certain passages, because I didn't want to miss a minute of what was being said. 1864 is definitely a book I would like to add in hardcover to my collection. 

Lovers of early American history, Civil War and Lincoln buffs, and those who appreciate military and political accounts will want to read 1864: Lincoln at the Gates of History. 

Listening Length	19 hours and 56 minutes
Author	Charles Bracelen Flood
Narrator	Mel Foster
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	February 23, 2009
Publisher	Tantor Audio

I downloaded this book from Chirp. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Chirp Book Review: The Christmas Stories of Louisa May Alcott

 

Journey back in time with children's Christmas stories of old from beloved author Louisa May Alcott. The Christmas Stories of Louisa May Alcott have been compiled by Dreamscape Media and are performed by an award-winning narrator.

Let me say, though I know the work of Louisa May Alcott, I didn't recall that she wrote so many Christmas stories. Yet, here they are, compiled in one delightful audio collection for middle graders on up. Some of my favorites from this collection are:

• "Bertie's Box,"
• "A Hospital Christmas,"
• "A Christmas Turkey," and
• "A Merry Christmas."

With audio books, the narrator can make it or break it for me. This narrator did an amazing job!

If you are a fan of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott, or classic children's literature, you will want to listen to this charming collection.

Release Date: October 1, 2013

Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Unabridged Audiobook

I downloaded a copy of this book from Chirp. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Chirp Book Review: Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories by L. M. Montgomery from Dreamscape Media

 

Lovers of Anne of Green Gables will be enchanted with this delightful collection of holiday stories from Lucy Maud Montgomery. 

Based upon story excerpts from Montgomery's most famous book series and other short stories published in magazines and newspapers, Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories features 16 holiday stories that will warm your heart and remind you of Christmases from a simpler time.

Readers of the Anne of Green Gables series will blissfully relive the story of Anne receiving a dress with puffed sleeves from Matthew. They will learn how three sisters inadvertently end a family feud by arriving at the wrong uncle's house for Christmas dinner. They will witness how Lucy Rose comes to love her Aunt Cyrilla's quirky old basket while they travel out of town. They will remember the surprising results when Anne invited sour Katherine Brooke to Green Gables for Christmas. They will rejoice as Bertie's invitation to New Year's dinner turns into something much more meaningful. Every story will remind you why Montgomery's books still attract new readers.

I own a paperback copy of Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories, and thanks to Dreamscapes Media, I can enjoy these stories anytime I want while I am driving around on appointments. 

If you're looking to spend time with some of Montgomery's characters at the holidays, then Christmas with Anne and Other Holiday Stories is the perfect choice.

Release Date: October 1, 2013

Publisher: Dreamscape Media

Unabridged Audiobook

Highlights: Christmas

I purchased a copy of this audio book from Chirp. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Chirp Book Review: Classic Christmas Stories from Dreamscape Media

 

Do you enjoy classic Christmas stories from days gone by? Do you appreciate the works of Mark Twain, O Henry, Willa Cather, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Hans Christian Andersen, and more? Then Classic Christmas Stories by Dreamscape Media is a book to which you should listen. 

While looking for affordable and quick Christmas reads, I found Classic Christmas Stories published by Dreamscape Media, which features numerous holiday tales from well-known authors. With classical piano music playing before and after these delightful stories, various narrators read:

• "A Christmas Inspiration" by L. M. Montgomery,
• "The Gift of the Magi" by O Henry,
• "The Burglar's Christmas" by Willa Cather,
• "The Fir Tree" by Hans Christian Andersen,
• "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle,
• "Susie's Letter from Santa" by Mark Twain,
• "Christmas in Poganuc" by Harriet Beecher Stowe,
• "How Santa Claus Came to Simpson's Bar" by Brett Harte,
• and "Christmas at Thompson Hall" by Anthony Trollope.

The narrators did a fine job recording these stories, and many were just as charming as I remember them. Montgomery's, O Henry's, and Twain's were some of my favorites. Though I had never read/heard "Christmas at Thompson Hall" before, I had the plot figured out by the middle of the story. Mrs. Brown was especially annoying, but she is made a great character because of it. 

The reader should keep in mind the times in which these Classic Christmas Stories were written, as gender roles were specifically noted in a story or two and some words or phrases may not hold up well with our more enlightened generations. It's still nice to appreciate the storytelling abilities of these authors in their seasonal short stories. 

Authors: Anthony Trollope, Arthur Conan Doyle, Bret Harte, Hans Christian Andersen, Harriet Beecher Stowe, L. M. Montgomery, Mark Twain, O. Henry, Willa Cather

Release Date: November 20, 2012

Publisher: Dreamscape Media

Unabridged Audiobook

Highlights: Christmas

I purchased a copy of this audio book from Chirp. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Spotlight: Food Junkies by Vera Tarman, MD and Phil Werdell

Is it possible to be addicted to food? When does indulging in 'comfort' food become substance abuse? Is it possible that there is more than a lack of will power at work when someone can't stop eating? In Food Junkies, Vera Tarman and Phil Werdell explain what is - and isn't - food addiction, tackling this complex and poorly understood problem through the stories of many survivors and from the perspectives of medical researchers/practitioners. They break down the science behind the research so that anyone can understand it, and take a fresh look at obesity, overeating, binge eating, anorexia and bulimia. For people struggling with these issues — and their families — recognizing the condition is the first step to gaining the kind of support and advice they need.

Food Junkies (finalist in the 2016 Voice Arts Awards) offers hope and guidance. Read by Lisa Bunting, according to one audible customer review, her "calming voice assists with decreasing the shame so often found with addiction and can open the listener up to actually hearing," while another noted the audiobook version "brought the science to life in a different way than the book. It made it even more real as one can't 'skim' or 'rush' through the life-changing content."

AUDIO EXCEPRT: https://soundcloud.com/post-hypnotic-press/audiobook-food-junkies-the-truth-about-food-addiction

BOOK:

http://addictionsunplugged.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Addictions-Unplugged-115629771844679/
https://twitter.com/FoodJunkiesBook

Buy links for the book:

http://www.dundurn.com/books/food_junkies

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IAMIG06/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/food-junkies-vera-tarman/1118611721

Vera Tarman is a medical practitioner who focuses on addictions. She is the medical director of Renascent, an addictions treatment centre. Dr. Tarman conducts workshops and speaking engagements on the science of food addiction and "comfort food" abuse. She has reached audiences across the world. She lives in Toronto.

Phil Werdell is a recovering food addict, a social work clinician, and an educator. He is the primary organizer of the Food Addiction Institute and the International Society of Food Addiction Professionals, and is Director of ACORN’s Professional Training Program. Phil currently teaches Addictions Studies at Springfield College, School of Human Services, Tampa. He lives in Florida.

NARRATORS BIO:

Lisa Bunting is a stage, screen and voice actor, drama instructor, audition coach, and professional skills development simulator. For Post Hypnotic Press, she has narrated the non-fiction self-help titles The Woman Who Changed Her Brain, The Remarriage Blueprint, Voice Arts Awards-nominated Food Junkies and the forthcoming i-Minds. She was named Best Supporting Actress at LA’s Focus International Film Festival, Winter 2015. She is a member of Canadian Actors’ Equity and ACTRA.

Vera Tarman:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/925163.Vera_Tarman

Phil Werdell:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8591529.Phillip_Werdell

Lisa Bunting:

https://twitter.com/foodaddictman

Post Hypnotic Press:

http://www.posthypnoticpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/PostHypnoticPress
http://www.twitter.com/Post_Hypnotic