Space Station Mir

24. The Queen's Lover by Francince du Plessix Gray, Narrated by Edoardo Ballerini and Tandy Cronyn I don't often listen to audio books, but this may be the book that changed my mind. The Queen's Lover had been on my TBR list since I read this review . Although after having read (listened to) the book, I disagree with the reviewer's conclusion. Don't read this book for its "wistful romance." Read it for its incredibly detailed, nuanced account of the French Revolution and Europe's response! Edoardo Ballerini and Tandy Cronyn voice the roles of Count Axel von Fersen and his sister Sophie, respectively. The division of the two voices in the book may have suited it particularly for audio. I also noticed that du Plessix Gray tended to repeat facts and recount moments. The effect was realistic, as that of an older man reminiscing, but may have proved too dull in a book, whereas the reminders proved less tedious when listened to. Sort of like the ...

Just Finished: Eggs by Jerry Spinelli I wasn't as impressed with Eggs as I have been with Spinelli's other children's books. It's written in Spinelli's characteristically reader-oriented style, but is altogether not as winning or profound a tale as Stargirl , nor as relatable as Loser . David and Primrose, ages 9 and 13, are both missing a parent and, consumed with their respective losses, fail to appreciate the adults who are in their lives. Fortunately, they do learn to appreciate each other and oddball Primrose inaugurates the younger David into a world of trash-picking, flea markets, and childish pranks. I could see a child who relates to the particular characters appreciating this book, but the protagonists lack the more universal appeal of Spinelli's other outcast characters. Currently Reading: The Queen's Lover by Francine du Plessix Gray The Queen's Lover has been on my TBR list since I read an intriguing review in The Washington Po...