AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - AFTERWARD - BY JENNIFER MATHIEU

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

When Caroline's little brother is kidnapped, his subsequent rescue leads to the discovery of Ethan, a teenager who has been living with the kidnapper since he was a young child himself. In the aftermath, Caroline can't help but wonder what Ethan knows about everything that happened to her brother, who is not readjusting well to life at home. And although Ethan is desperate for a friend, he can't see Caroline without experiencing a resurgence of traumatic memories. But after the media circus surrounding the kidnappings departs from their small Texas town, both Caroline and Ethan find that they need a friend--and their best option just might be each other

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I don't know what it is with me and the sad books I have been reading.  They are like train wrecks, I cannot stop reading.  I find myself trying to wrap my head around the feelings I am having on this book.

Caroline's little brother goes missing, and she thinks it's all her fault.  She was suppose to be watching him.  When Dillon is found, he is found with another kidnapped victim.  The difference is Dillon was gone for just a few days but Ethan has been gone for 4 years.  What happens afterward is where this story takes us.

How often do we get to read a story of what happens after a kidnapped victim returns home.  Now, that I have said that, I don't think I want to ever dive inside the head of a kidnapped victim (fictional or real).  It's horrifying and scary.

Ethan's parents make sure he never leaves their site.  Taken at age 11 he is finally found after his kidnapper decided they needed another boy.  Four years had passed for Ethan.  His mom cannot seem to believe that Ethan is really home.  She keeps hugging him, crying with joy, and watching his every move.  Ethan is just trying to figure out how to live life now that he is back with his family.  He is starting to remember sounds, and smells from when he was a child.  He meets with a counselor but isn't ready to really face what horrors happened to him while he was gone.

Dillon is autistic, and had been missing for just a few days.  He doesn't know how to communicate what has happened to him, he only repeats the same words all the time.  Caroline is Dillon's older sister, and she is riddled with guilt.  She was suppose to be watching her brother when he was taken.  Caroline and Dillon's parents don't know how to deal with the tragedy.

Caroline get up the nerve to visit Ethan to see if he has answers.  I wish I could go on from here, but you must read this for yourself.  It is heart breaking, horrifying, sad, and beautiful all at the same time.  

If you like stories of over coming hard ships, and trauma, this is a great book to read.  Just be prepared for the emotional roller coaster that this book will take you on.  You will experience fear, anger, hope, and healing.   This was such an intense read.

Source:  I bought this audio book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Content:  Some language including the "f' word.  Talk of sex, not too descriptive and innuendo of sexual abuse.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

I'm an English teacher, writer, wife, and mom who writes books for and about young adults. My debut novel, THE TRUTH ABOUT ALICE, was published by Roaring Brook Press on June 3, and my second book, DEVOTED, came out in June of 2015.

My third novel, AFTERWARD, about two small town Texas teenagers whose lives are linked by a terrifying crime, will be out in September 2016.

My favorite things include chocolate, pepperoni pizza, and this super hilarious 1980s sitcom about four retired women called The Golden Girls. I can basically quote every episode.

I live with my husband, son, one rescue dog, and one old kitty cat.

When it comes to what I read, I love realistic young adult fiction (duh), creative nonfiction, super scandalous tell-all memoirs and unauthorized biographies, and basically anything that hooks me on the first page.

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - LUKIEST GIRL ALIVE - BY JESSICA KNOLL

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

As a teenager at the prestigious Bradley School, Ani FaNelli endured a shocking, public humiliation that left her desperate to reinvent herself. Now, with a glamorous job, expensive wardrobe, and handsome blue blood fiancé, she’s this close to living the perfect life she’s worked so hard to achieve.

But Ani has a secret.

There’s something else buried in her past that still haunts her, something private and painful that threatens to bubble to the surface and destroy everything.

With a singular voice and twists you won’t see coming, Luckiest Girl Alive explores the unbearable pressure that so many women feel to “have it all” and introduces a heroine whose sharp edges and cutthroat ambition have been protecting a scandalous truth, and a heart that's bigger than it first appears.

The question remains: will breaking her silence destroy all that she has worked for—or, will it at long last, set Ani free?

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I am going to be completely honest, I almost deleted this book off my audible.  I didn't like how graphic it started out.  Okay, that might not be all true, but it didn't start out good for me.  

I started it, then put it away for a long time.  I decided to give it another chance and I am glad I did.  This is definitely an ADULT book.  That deals with very real, and very hard issues.

Ani thinks her whole life is going to work out now that she has the rich boyfriend, and living the "high life".  Many things have happened to Ani, that she never wants to relive.  When Ani is invited by a film crew to tell her side of the story of her teenage years, she gladly accepts.  She is apprehensive, but she wants everyone to hear her side.

What unfolds in this book is horrifying.  I still don't even know how to put it in words.  This story deals with issue of rape, and school shootings.  It is very graphic at times, and it's a little too real. 

This story goes back and forth between past and present.  You can feel the pain that Ani went through.  You can feel her fear.  It's real.  It's palpable.  It hit way too close to home for me at times.

What this girl goes through is something no woman or man should ever have to go through.  School shootings should never happen.  Ever.  Unfortunately they do.  It's horrible that any human thinks that is the only way they can "fix" things.  The fact that their own peers make them feel as though there is no reason to live should NEVER happen.  Unfortunately it does.

Although this book was very hard for me to read, I thought it was handled well.  There are times in the book when you want to scream, cry, and times when you want to crawl into the book and make it better.  

I don't quite know how to rate this.  It was so good and so bad at the same time.  I know that doesn't make any sense, but it is what it is.

Content: There is a lot of language including the 'f" bomb.  There is talk of sex, actual sex, rape, and explicit at times, bullying and school shootings.

Source:  I bought this book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thought on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Jessica Knoll has been a senior editor at Cosmopolitan, and the articles editor at SELF. She grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and graduated from The Shipley School in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and from Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. She lives in New York City with her husband.

  

MINI CHILDREN BOOK REVIEWS - FOR CAROLE P. ROMAN'S BOOKS

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Join Carole P. Roman when she visits Poland in the newest book of her informative series. Learn about the varied customs and cultures. Travel to Eastern Europe to discover what you would eat and do for fun. See the land through the eyes of a youngster like you and understand what life is like in this exciting place. 

Don't forget to look at the other books in the series so that you can be an armchair world traveler.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I love these little books.  Roman's does a great job of educating little ones about different countries and cultures.  I wish I could say they were just for kids, but I learn something new every time I read another one of these books.  

If you have little kids and want to expose them to some culture, and countries, these are some great resources.   In my opinion it's our job to embrace all the different cultures we are surrounded by and teach our children to love everyone.  

Source:  I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

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pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Hop in our time travel machine and join Carole P. Roman as she visits a Viking settlement in the year 890 AD. Learn what your name could be and the kind of food you might eat. Read about the different levels of society, how they affect where you would live, and the type of clothing you might wear. Mateya Arkova's beautiful illustrations illustrate what Vikings ate and their children did for fun. If You Were Me and Lived in.. Viking Europe is an exciting trip that shows a colorful culture through the eyes of a child. 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I love these books.  I especially loved this one.  Who doesn't love a viking?  This was a fun story about the Vikings, informative, and fun to read.  

I cannot wait to have grand kids and read these stories to them.  It's such a great way to educate them, with out it being "boring".  Although I don't know if the word reading and boring can be used in the same sentence.  

I love how Roman puts a glossary at the end of the books, that allow children to see how they are pronounced.  I just love these books.  They are fun.

Source:  I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Award winning author Carole P. Roman is a former teacher turned businesswoman. She has successfully run a family business with her husband that employs close to five hundred people. Her most favorite job is being grandmother to her many grandchildren. Roman has two wonderful sons and hit the jackpot in the daughter-in-law department. She currently lives on Long Island with her husband.

Her first book, Captain No Beard - An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life has been named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 as well garnered the star of remarkable merit. It was named in the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Fiction 2012. Captain No Beard has developed in a series of 6 more books. She is the author of the best selling book, I Want To Do Yoga Too. Currently, she is working on her educational series that explores different cultures from a child's point of view. If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico, received the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's non-fiction 2012. If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya received 5 Stars from the ForeWord Clarion Review. She just completed Russia with the help of her five year old grandson and loved every minute of it.

BOOK REVIEW / TOUR FOR - THE SHERIFFS OF SAVAGE WELLS - BY SARAH M. EDEN

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

He's the most fearsome sheriff in the West. A force to be reckoned with. The stuff of legend.

So is she. . . . May the best sheriff win.

Paisley Bell knows the eccentric people of Savage Wells. From the absentminded shopkeeper who always thinks she's been robbed to the young man who has returned shell-shocked from the war, Paisley has compassion for them all. When the sheriff up and leaves town, Paisley steps up and assumes the responsibility, partly because she loves the work, but also because she needs the income to take care of her sick father. So when the town council decides that the position of sheriff should really go to a man, Paisley finds herself fighting to prove that she's the perfect candidate for the job, even though she wears a skirt.

Cade O'Brien is heartily sick of shooting people. In his many years as a lawman, Cade has seen his share of blood and violence. So when he answers an advertisement for a sheriff job in the sleepy town of Savage Wells, he believes he's found the peace and quiet he's always desired. But when he discovers that his biggest competition for the job is a woman, he begins to question his decisions.

Tension between the two begins to sizzle when both Cade and Paisley realize the attraction they have for each other, but when Paisley's former beau shows up in town, along with a band of bank robbers, the blossoming relationship between the two sheriffs is tested. They will have to work together to thwart the bank robbers and keep the town safe. 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

First and foremost, Sarah Eden is hands down one of my favorite authors of all time.  Her writing is beautiful.  Sarah draws you in from the very beginning.  Once you have picked up one of Eden's books, there is no putting them down.  She is just brilliant.

We get to enter a small town called Savage Wells.  During this story you will come to love this little town.  It will become part of you.  So will the characters.  Paisley and O'Brien are so much fun in this book.  Their back and forth banter is hilarious and so much fun.  I found myself smiling, laughing, and yes crying while reading this wonderful book.

I love what Eden has done with this book.  It's a story of a little town, new adventures, and crime.  Where people are fighting for a job made for a man, yet a woman is determined to be part of that job.  

This town will pull at your heart strings, as will the relationship between Paisley and O'Brien.  I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of hard work, deception, camaraderie, and love.  Each person in this book holds a vital part to making it as fantastic as it is.  

Go and get your copy now.  I promise you will not be disappointed.  Eden is brilliant.  

Source:  I was given a copy of this book as part of a blog tour.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Content:  CLEAN and wonderful!

Thanks to:  Shadow Mountain Publishing for the opportunity to participate in this tour!

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic taken from Goodreads - description taken from http://www.sarahmeden.com

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today Bestselling author of witty and charming historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, as well as 2014 Whitney Award winner for "Best Romance" and "Best Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.

A BIG THANK YOU TO:

BOOK REVIEW FOR - AS TIME GOES BY - BY MARY HIGGINS CLARK

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

In this exciting thriller from Mary Higgins Clark, the #1 New York Times bestselling “Queen of Suspense,” a news reporter tries to find her birth mother just as she is assigned to cover the high-profile trial of a woman accused of murdering her wealthy husband.

Television journalist Delaney Wright is on the brink of stardom after she begins covering a sensational murder trial for the six p.m. news. She should be thrilled, yet her growing desire to locate her birth mother consumes her thoughts. When Delaney’s friends Alvirah Meehan and her husband Willy offer to look into the mystery surrounding her birth, they uncover a shocking secret they do not want to reveal.

On trial for murder is Betsy Grant, widow of a wealthy doctor who has been an Alzheimer’s victim for eight years. When her once-upon-a-time celebrity lawyer urges her to accept a plea bargain, Betsy refuses: she will go to trial to prove her innocence.

Betsy’s stepson, Alan Grant, bides his time nervously as the trial begins. His substantial inheritance hangs in the balance—his only means of making good on payments he owes his ex-wife, his children, and increasingly angry creditors.

As the trial unfolds, and the damning evidence against Betsy piles up, Delaney is convinced that Betsy is not guilty and frantically tries to prove her innocence. A true classic from Mary Higgins Clark, As Time Goes By is a thrilling read by a master of the genre. 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I have a special place in my heart for Mary Higgins Clark.  She is the reason I started to enjoy reading.  Her books are an automatic buy for me.  Well the ones she writes, not co-writes.

I have to admit this wasn't one of my favorites of hers, but it was a good read. Something I have always loved about MHC is that she changes characters so often, and their story lines that you really have to keep track, which keeps me more engaged in the book.

There is a murder trial going on, A girl searching for her birth mother, and a step-son under a lot of pressure to pay the debts he owes.  All these things combined make for a good story.

I always like how things come together in MHC's books.  Sometimes, I think I have it figured out (yes, I say this a lot), but I didn't.  There are always so many characters, and I am often quite sure of which one did the bad things, but I am always wrong.  It's a good sign...makes me keep going.

I  really enjoyed the intensity of this book, all that was going on, and all of the characters.  Some are scum bags, but they are fantastic characters you love to hate. 

If you like Marry Higgins Clark, you will enjoy this book.  It's not as fast paced as her other books, but it is still a good book.

Source:  I bought this book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Mary Higgins Clark, #1 international and New York Times bestselling author, is the author of 46 books and counting: she’s written thirty-three suspense novels; three collections of short stories; a historical novel, Mount Vernon Love Story; two children’s books, including The Magical Christmas Horse; and a memoir, Kitchen Privileges. She has also written five holiday suspense novels with Carol Higgins Clark and The Cinderella Murder, a new thriller in collaboration with bestselling novelist Alafair Burke.

Clark’s books have sold more than 100 million copies in the United States alone. Her books are beloved around the world and have made her an international bestseller many times over.

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - INTO THE LIGHT - BY ALEATHA ROMIG

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Sara Adams awakes blind, unable to remember the most basic details of her life, but her darkness seems a blessing when she discovers the terrors of The Light.

Stella Montgomery investigates the news on the mean streets of Detroit, where she’s noticed a disturbing trend: young women are vanishing. When her best friend disappears, Stella investigates—despite warnings from her police detective boyfriend—following a twisted trail that leads her through the city’s most dangerous and forsaken precincts. There she uncovers something more sinister than she could have imagined: a shadowy organization known as The Light, led by the enigmatic Father Gabriel.

As Sara struggles to understand her place in the strange world she’s awakened to—an oppressive cult demanding unquestioning obedience—and her feelings for Jacob, the husband she can’t recall and whose harsh and tender attentions confuse and beguile her, Stella risks all to discover the truth. But enlightenment always comes with a price… 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

Where do I even start?  I am still trying to wrap my head around this book.  I will never, ever understand how anyone can get sucked into a cult.  Maybe, it's because I am way to opinionated, and strong willed to EVER bend to another's will for any thing.  Yet, it happens.  Over and over and happens and people give up their own will.

This book is a prime example of this.  Sara wakes up in the hospital with no reminder of who she is or where she came from.  A man sitting next to her bed claims to be her husband Jacob, yet she doesn't even know who he is.  

Sara isn't suppose to talk, and her eyes are hurt and covered, so she cannot see.  When Jacob tells her that she is only allowed to talk to him, she is confused but does, since she cannot talk anyway.  When people come to question Sara about how she ended up in the hospital, Jacob answerer's for her.  She was suppose to squeeze Jacobs hand once for yes, and twice for no.  When she does this she realizes that Jacob isn't answering the right way.  She cannot talk and gets more confused.

The very first thought I had was "she's part of a cult".  Well, little by little things come out, and it's obvious she is part of a cult.  She just doesn't realize that she is.  She is confronted by many people and "indoctrinated" again, since she has no memories of what happened.  

I don't even know what to say.  I couldn't stop listening to this book.  My head is still tripping.  Cult mentality is bizarre on so many levels.  

This book ends with a cliffhanger, that made me want to just scream.  (in a good way....I guess ;)).  The second one comes out soon, and I will definitely be listening to that one.  This book takes you on a mind trip, and then leaves you hanging.  It's fantastic!  

So many things are happening in this book, and I want to explain more of my feelings, but it's impossible to put them in words right now.  It was wonderful.  That's all that really matters...right?!

Source:  I bought this book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Content:  Some language, and some talk of sex, and actual sex.  Sometimes its very descriptive.  It is definitely for adults in my opinion.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of nearly thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers.

Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha's twisted style with an increase in heat. 

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romance with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK was published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

Aleatha is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America and represented by Danielle Egan-Miller of Browne & Miller Literary Associates. 

TACKLE YOUR TBR READ-A-THON - WRAP UP AND AUDIO BOOK REVIEW

Daily Updates

CHALLENGE UPDATE

Day 27 September 2016

Books Reading: 1

Books Listening To: 1

Pages Read: 80

Chapters Listened  -  Finished

Total Books Read: 3

Total Pages Read: 388

Finished Books: 3

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Naomi Bowes lost her innocence the night she followed her father into the woods. In freeing the girl trapped in the root cellar, Naomi revealed the horrible extent of her father’s crimes and made him infamous.

Now a successful photographer living under the name Naomi Carson, she has found a place that calls to her, thousands of miles away from everything she’s ever known. Naomi wants to embrace the solitude, but the residents of Sunrise Cove keep forcing her to open up—especially the determined Xander Keaton.

Naomi can feel her defenses failing, and knows that the connection her new life offers is something she’s always secretly craved. But as she’s learned time and again, her past is never more than a nightmare away.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

Well, this is my second novel by Nora Roberts, and I have to say she is a fantastic writer.  This book was so hard to quit listening to.

This time we get to live through the life of Naomi, who at the age of 11 yrs old, saved a girl from a basement.

Naomi saw her father go into the woods to go cool off by the water.  Or so she thought.  What she found, was her dad going in the opposite direction to a broken down shack in the woods.  Only, he didn't even go in the shack.....Instead he oped a trap door to a bunker underground.  Naomi knew that if her father knew she was there she would be in a lot of trouble.  She kept quiet, and waited.  She thought her dad was putting her birthday present together.  While she waits in the woods, she knows she should head back home, but when her  dad emerged from the bunker Naomi noticed his eyes, and realized they were not the eyes of her father.

Naomi waits and waits, but cannot seem to pry herself from her spot.  She just needed to check to see if her bike was down there.  When she opened the bunker she heard some whimpering and she got excited.  Maybe her dad finally gave in and got her a puppy for her birthday.  What she saw was definitely not a dog.  It was a woman begging for help.

Living in a town where everyone knows everyone, Naomi, her brother, and mother quickly found out that being the family of a serial killer was no picnic.

I don't want to give anything away.  This is the beginning of the book. Seriously it only gets better from there.  Or more creepy from there!  Audio started and just a few minutes in I am good and hooked.  I haven't stop listening except for when I was sleeping.

Roberts is an excellent writer.  I have really enjoyed both books I have read of hers.  I cannot wait to get my hands on more.

If you like mystery, intrigue, and romance, this is the book for you.

Source:  I bought this audio book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL views on the book.

Content: some language, and some sex.  Some of the sex was explicit, and some was fade to black.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Nora Roberts was born in Silver Spring, Maryland. She began writing when a blizzard in February 1979 kept her in her hilltop home with a three and six year old for nearly a week of canceled kindergarten and dwindling chocolate supplies. 

During the now-famous blizzard, she pulled out a pencil and notebook and began to write a story for her own entertainment. From the first page, she knew it was what she was meant to do. Several manuscripts and rejections later, Irish Thoroughbred was published by Silhouette in 1981.

The Liar, published in April 2015 by Putnam, is her 214th book. She hit the NY Times Bestseller list in 1991. Every book since 1999 has made that list.

Recently The New Yorker called her “America’s favorite novelist."

In 1995, she began writing a police procedural series featuring Eve Dallas, a NY homicide cop, and set in the near future under the J.D. Robb pseudonym. Devoted in Death, out in September 2015, is the 41st entry in the series.

WINNER OF RANDOM PAGE / PARAGRAPH CHALLENGE!!!

AND THE WINNER IS......

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congrats Kristen!  Check your email :)

TACKLE YOUR TBR READ-A-THON - DAILY UPDATE

Daily Updates

DAY OF THE CHALLENGE/DATE

Day 14 - September 26, 2016

Books Reading: 1

Books Listening To: 1

Pages Read: 80

Chapters Listened  -  Part 1 Track 16

Total Books Read: 2

Total Pages Read: 388

Finished Books: 2

WOOO....I got a two more chapters done on my audio book.  I am glad I joined the RAT, even though I haven't gotten much done.  I thought about doing more...does that count?  hehe