He Sees You When You’re Sleeping – Mary and Carol Higgins Clark
He Sees You When You’re Sleeping – Mary and Carol Higgins Clark
Reviewed by J.C. Morgan
Company Driver
Amstan Logistics
Listening Time: 5 hours
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Retail: $26
Genre: Suspense/fantasy
Plot: Sterling Brooks has just spent 46 years in a heavenly waiting room. He has been awaiting his turn to pass through the celestial gates into heaven. Shortly before Christmas, Sterling is told by a council of saints that to prove his worthiness to enter heaven, he must return to earth and find a soul that needs his help. Sterling finds a young girl named Marissa, who is without a father and grandmother because they have been placed in a witness protection program. Sterling comes up with a unique plan to reunite Marissa with her father and grandmother.
What was your favorite moment/scene in the book? My favorite moment in the book was when Sterling made a special request of the council of saints at the end of the story. Even with their special abilities, they had not realized just how much Sterling’s heart had changed.
Which character was your favorite? Why? My favorite character was Sterling Brooks. He is a sad but lovable character. Most listeners will be able to identify with Sterling as he grows from a frightened, self-absorbed man into a strong, confident, compassionate human.
Did the book have a message or a theme that stood out to you? To me, the message that stood out was that it is not always what we do that leads to trouble. Sometimes what leads us into trouble is what we fail to do.
What did you like about the book? Dislike? I found little to dislike about the book. It is an easy-listening book that provides suspense and humor. There were a few issues that could have been explained in more depth, but it is a story that creates feelings in the listeners, and that makes for a good story.
Would you recommend?: I would recommend this book to my friends, especially those with children. This is a cute story devoid of blood and guts and vulgarity. It can be used as a tool to begin a discussion about family ties, compassion for other people and our duty to those around us.
Narrator’s style: Narrator Carol Higgins Clark did a very good job of telling the story. She makes the listener feel as if she is a friend sharing an exciting experience with another friend. Initially her voice sounded a little high and choppy, but she soon found her rhythm and made the listening experience quite enjoyable.
How would you grade the book? A-
The Christmas Box – Richard Paul Evans
Reviewed by Phillip Lopez
Company Driver
Overnite Transportation
Listening Time: 1.5 hours
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Retail: $12
Genre: Fiction
Plot: Rick, Keri and their 4-year-old daughter Jenna move into the home of elderly widow Mary as her caretakers and learn the true meaning of the first Christmas gift and the meaning of the Christmas box.
What was your favorite moment/scene in the book? The reading of the letters contained in the Christmas box, especially the last letter read, and Richard finally understanding the meaning of the first gift of Christmas.
Which character was your favorite? Why? Mary because of her unconditional love for her dead child and for the hope she had in being with her again.
Did the book have a message or a theme that stood out to you? Yes, to not get so busy as to forget your priorities – family first ahead of acquiring riches.
What did you like about the book? Dislike? I liked the real meaning of the Christmas box and being with family during the season. There is really nothing I disliked about the book.
Would you recommend?: Yes, because it touches you about the real reason for Christmas and the message of being with family and not putting work ahead of family.
Narrator’s style: Richard Thomas was a very patient and compassionate person. Very well read.
How would you grade the book? A+
Notables
The Killer Angels – by Michael Shaara
Michael Shaara’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Civil War classic is set in July 1863, when the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia is invading the North. The warring forces will clash at Gettysburg, Pa. Gen. Robert E. Lee has made this daring and massive move with 70,000 men in a determined effort to draw out the Union Army of the Potomac and mortally wound it. His right hand is Gen. James Longstreet, a brooding man who is loyal to Lee but stubbornly argues against his plan. Opposing them is an unknown factor: General George Meade, who has taken command of the Union Army only two days before what will be perhaps the crucial battle of the Civil War.
In the four most bloody and courageous days of our nation’s history, two armies fight for two conflicting ideals.
13 hours, 30 minutes on 11 CDs
Retail: $39.95
Random House Audio
Drivers, here is your chance to review the latest audiobooks. Tell our readers what you like or dislike about the plot and characters, and why you would recommend it to other drivers. At left is one of the audiobooks available in the Truckers News audiobook library. Contact Kristin Walters at (800) 633-5953, ext. 1204, or via e-mail at [email protected] to reserve an audiobook. It will be sent to you free of charge for your review. Audiobooks are available on a first-call, first-served basis.
Audiobook Sources
Audiobooks may be purchased or rented from the following sources:
AUDIO ADVENTURES, (800) 551-6692, for 14-day rental of most major titles.
BOOKS NOW, (800) 266-5766, for purchase.
OASIS AUDIO, www.oasisaudio.com, for purchase.
Simon & Schuster Audio, (800) 223-2336, for purchase.
Audiobooks from these publishers, Random House, Time Warner and Topics Entertainment are available for purchase from www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and www.borders.com.
