Kelley Ridings

The inside view of horrifying times in the words of an American hero

Revisado: 03-21-25

Years ago when Liz Cheney was first elected to the US House of Representatives, I was no fan of her conservative stance. Since then, my view of her changed 180 degrees with her heroic and determined opposition to the actions of President Donald Trump. She is a rare breed of politician who places her loyalty to country and the Constitution over her political career and unswerving loyalty to policy. Her vocal opposition to Trump cost her her elected position in 2022, even though she knew her opposition had turned most Republican voters against her. Her love of country and her oath of office to defend the Constitution superseded the lure of her elected role. What a rarity in US politics today to see a politician like her who emphasizes principle rather than prioritizing personal gain, politics, and power. This book, gives extensive insight into Trump’s second impeachment. It also outlines the extensive work done on the House Select Committee, for which she served as vice chair, after the tragic attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6. Liz Cheney is an American hero. Hearing her narrate this book gives us even more insight to the kind of person of honor she is. Someday, I hope she will return to government service. She is exactly what the type of politician the US needs.

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How wonderful is that? Plenty with this fabulous book.

Revisado: 12-30-24

I have been an Ina Garten fan for a couple of decades now, going back to when I watched her cooking show, The Barefoot Contessa, so long ago. To this day, I love hearing her talk about food, as her love of cooking shines through with each ingredient she uses to create a delectable masterpiece. Just last night her show was on and I found myself mesmerized by her recipes and her clear thrill at cooking. Here she has been at her food career into her fifth decade now and she still has a genuine air of someone who does what she loves.

When I heard that she had a memoir coming out, I instantly pre-ordered it and eagerly awaited its release. Knowing that she was narrating her audio book herself was an even greater treat, as I love her voice. The raw emotion of her story often shines through in her narration with such power and depth, something I suspect would be a little absent in the written version.

Ina Garten is one of the most successful cooks in modern history. With a bakers dozen of cookbooks (appropriately), iconic cooking shows, and a brand that is internationally recognizable, she personifies hard work, dedication, and openness to new opportunities.

Yet in reading this memoir, one realizes how humble she is as well. She so good yet doesn’t realize that her force of will has carried her through to incredible heights. At the end of this book she reflected on the luck she had in her career. It took the legendary Oprah Winfrey and Lesley Stahl to point out to her that luck can’t explain the kind success she has had. She later heard an anecdote where Liza Minnelli said “Be ready when the luck happens.” That is what Ina Garten has done. She has been open to new opportunities and has been willing to pivot her life and career many times over her life. That style has served her well in her amazing food career.

I loved this book from start to finish. I am thrilled to learn more about her life in this book. And what an inspiration. It is fitting to close with her mantra and catchphrase, “how wonderful is that.”

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2024 has been the year of Leanne Morgan

Revisado: 12-20-24

2024 has been the year of Leanne Morgan. This 58 year old grandmother from very rural Adams, Tennessee hit the big time as the hot “new” comedienne.

Her book is truly heartwarming. Her story personifies persistence, faith, devotion to family, and dedication to growing her craft as a performer. She is truly an inspiration since her “overnight success” was three decades in the making. Never give up!

Reading this book is a true joy. Leanne is so genuine as a human being. If you hear her narrate her Audio book version, you experience her authenticity even more. So many times her voice soars as a narrator. Absolutely no one could narrate her book better.

On a personal note, my dad grew up in Adams, Tennessee, Leanne’s hometown. While many decades separated the two, her voice (both physically and as an author) and her outlook remind me of my dad and our visits back to our Tennessee family when I was growing up.

This book is a brilliant cap off to her year. Leanne Morgan is pure gold!

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Excellent biography of a disgraceful time in US & UN history

Revisado: 12-14-24

What an excellent book! It details the life of Patrice Lumumba who was the first elected prime minister of the newly independent Congo for only three months. Yet in that short time, UN and US intervention was dramatic since they wrongly feared he was sympathetic to the Soviet communists. The US ordered his assassination, but ultimately assented to his capture at the hand of one of his rivals who led a coup against him, Joseph Mobutu, who was backed by the US because he claimed to be pro-American. It is one of the most disgraceful and shameful episodes in US diplomatic history. This book is excellently narrated by Michael Boatman.

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A Tale of the Hunters and Hunted

Revisado: 10-19-24

The Accomplice is a well-crafted tale of hunting Nazis and the hunt has on the children of the hunted and hunters. The story has a good pace and some places that are very well written. But other places the story drags a bit with unnecessary situations. Jonathan Davis’s narration is really quite masterful. Overall a very good story.

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I’m a fan, but this book isn’t a standout

Revisado: 07-13-24

I generally really like Alex Gerlis spy novels. But this one fell short of the mark for me. It was hard to follow and was only mildly interesting. Unlike his other novels which I have throughly enjoyed, this one was ho-hum at best. I wasn’t even that impressed with Rupert Bush’s narration, which in other books is excellent, but fell a bit flat in this book. I also found some of the sound editing in this book to be sub-standard. I remain an Alex Gerlis fan, but this book isn’t a standout.

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Worth conclusion to a great spy series

Revisado: 04-16-24

Alex Gerlis wrote a worthy concluding volume to his World War 2 spy series, Prince of Spies. I enjoyed this book, but loved the series as a whole. This book wasn’t quite as good as number 3 in the series, but I did like it. It dealt with the aftermath of the war and Nazi officials who were taking a hidden route to escape Germany. This is a real-life topic in history that really interests me, but it did fall slightly flat in this book. As a whole, it did seem that Prince played less of a part in this book than in the other books in the series, so I was a little disappointed by that. Still I did enjoy it a lot. Alex Gerlis remains my favorite spy writer, and Rupert Bush is a fantastic narrator.

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Loved this book and the series

Revisado: 03-06-24

The more I read Alex Gerlis’s books, the more I love them. The Prince of Spies series is terrific, and this book, Ring of Spies (#3) is brilliant. Prince is on the hunt for a spy ring in his native Britain. Twists and turns abound. Not only do we see Prince in action, but we also learn about the spies and their motivations. The plot was deftly arranged. I also like the authentic feel to the dialogue of the times. Sometimes authors pick a historical setting yet fail to capture the feel of the time. Gerlis never has that problem.

Again, Rupert Bush narrates the Audible version of this book. His performance skills are exceptional as he brings the book to life. I am a huge fan of his too.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Loved this book. Can’t wait to read the next.

Revisado: 02-13-24

Alex Gerlis has written a gem with Prince of Spies. World War 2 spy novels are a favorite genre of mine. This is the second book of his I have read, and Gerlis is quickly showing he is a master. His protagonist, Police Superintendent Richard Prince finds himself unexpectedly drawn into the world of espionage and skillfully gets himself into and out of hair-raising scrapes.

I loved this audiobook. This format truly made the book much richer than it would have been just reading it. Rupert Bush’s masterful reading of the book was amazing. Gerlis should use him on all his audio books.

This story has it all. A brilliantly evolving story. It’s suspenseful and well plotted. Only one area was a little implausible in my view but still it didn’t detract from the book. I am very eager to start the next book in the series. Bravo, Alex Gerlis!

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Miranda Hart’s book is a comedic gem. Such fun!

Revisado: 01-31-24

What’s not to love about the British comedian, Miranda Hart? She narrates to perfection her magnificent book, Is It Just Me? While I am sure the written book is perfectly wonderful, hearing the Audible version is the way to go with this tome since her unique and quirky style resonates throughout her narration. She muses about all kinds of topics in her 38 years of life all while having an ongoing conversation with her 18 year old self in an absolutely hilarious ongoing dialogue. Miranda Hart is truly a gem of a performer. And this book shows why she is a comedic marvel. Check this book out. Such fun!

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