Audiobook Books

This author describes how to get things done in the course of real-life business flows - with interruptions ! Many things it describes, people will already have pieces in place. I recommend reading through the book completely. Purchase what you need to set up your underlying "organizing" foundation. Then, take a nice long holiday weekend and commit to cleaning out and setting up and referring back to pertinent sections of the book. So far... I am able to keep up with things. Easy to read. Easy to follow either all or some of what he suggests. For business and life !

It is an excellent method to take control of your life. by your life, I mean everything in your life, everything! You also need to read the book twice and review it every 6 month or so.

I've been to project and management training. I've been on a three-day retreat to discover my true values and to empower me to take control of my life. All those were good, but I always thought that something was missing, something to do with changing my habits, something to do with implementation, with, well... getting things done!

In comes this book, which I heard of through OmniFocus (wonderful tool for the Mac). I read it overnight and I was ON! While the courses and the training may have laid down the foundation, this book made the difference and changed my life!

Thank you, Master David!

I'd much rather have it as a video. Those of us who have trouble getting everything done on a timely basis DON'T have time to sit and read a self-help book this verbose.

I am so inspired by this book! My filing system at work and at home has never worked as efficiently as it does now, after reading this book. Author David Allen's detailed system helps clear the 'clutter' in my mind as I have adopted his system of writing down what needs to get done so the task is either written on my calendar or on my to-do list. I don't have to try to "remember" what I need to do next, wasting time and energy thinking and getting lost in my thoughts. If something can be done in two minutes I do it, I file it, I make the phone call. My desk stays in order and I feel more at ease. I love feeling organized and clear in my life.

Another book which clears "the clutter" in my mind is Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: The 3 Simple Ideas That Can Instantaneously Transform Your Life by Ariel & Shya Kane. This book teaches how to live in the moment without getting lost in the conversation of my thoughts. The Kanes have a yearly "Time & Project Management" Course in New York City, and a "Transformation in the Workplace" seminar which is scheduled this September. These courses and their books have brought ease and inspiration to my workplace.

As a banker in New York City, I highly suggest checking out David Allen and Ariel and Shya Kane. You will discover a stress free environment in the workplace and at home.

This set of CD'S is just so wonderful and easy to listen to, the information explained by Dr Weekes is done so in a basic, no nonsense approach, as if she is talking to you, the listener, in the same room, anticipating your questions and giving the answers as she proceeds. For sufferers of 'nervous illness', -anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, and even depression, this is a 'must have'! There is a simple and easily understandable method that Dr Weekes explains in detail how to practice. It is very possible that this method could be the 'cure' that so many people, including myself, have been searching for for many many years to help relieve their unfortunate anxiety symptoms. Highly reccommended.

I have used Dr. Claire Weekes' books on nervous suffering and agoraphobia for over 20 years, I highly, highly recommend them to fellow sufferers. I didn't have her audio, Pass Through Panic, so I purchased it. Delightful hearing her Australian accent as she 'walks' sufferers through their difficulties. Simple, easy to understand, in laymen's terms.

Dr. Weekes seemed to know that her job was not to motivate or inspire people, but instead, to help those who were suffering get well. In her books and tapes, she offers real hope to people, many of whom (as she acknowledges) might not have the energy to hope - yet. In these days of pop psychology

and trendy motivational products, Dr. Weekes goes right to the heart of the matter: that people suffering from panic attacks don't do so because of defects in their personalities, but because they've been sensitized to certain situations. Dr. Weekes helps us learn techniques to get past that sensitivity.

Her genius was in understanding exactly what her audience was going through emotionally. I've never heard any other doctor speak with such empathy. And by her example, she teaches us to be patient with ourselves while we're getting better.

I usually HATE self-help materials, but I love Dr. Weekes' work. She's one of my heroines.

The advice Dr. Weekes provides is just as relevant today as it was 30 years ago. Nothing has changed. I have returned to Claire Weekes' work time and again. I don't mind her "old fashioned" wording and no nonsense approach to this condition. Everything she says is God's truth... and she does it in a non-frightening way. I've tried other programs, including Lucinda Bassett's. I still think Weekes' tapes are superior. I also recommend David Johnson's Freedom from Fear program, which is entirely based on Claire Weekes' work.

The main argument that Claire Weekes makes in these talks is that fighting the feelings that are upsetting you actually prolongs them. Having suffered from anxiety and depression on and off throughout my life, I immediately knew that what she was saying was 100% true. When you're experiencing feelings that are painful and uncomfortable, your first response is to try to do whatever you can to make the feelings go away. But, since you can't, your sense of discomfort increases with your sense of desperation (why won't these feelings go away?) and a vicious cycle begins. The only solution is to accept what you're feeling, remind yourself that the feelings will not last forever, and go on with your life as usual as best you can. This may not seem like "brilliant" advice, but for those who have experienced this cycle firsthand, they'll recognize immediately just how right and insightful she is. Dr. Weekes goes into some detail about what brings on these feelings in the first place, why, no matter what we do, they don't always go away immediately, and how to best deal with this situation. Her words are very reassuring and right on target.

Definitely recommended.

My 4-year old daughter, husband & I absolutely love this book! It's one I never get tired of reading! It is so funny, and the illustrations are terrific. One of the cutest books ever!!! Wonderful for the imagination. I highly recommend this book! My daughter gets so excited she can hardly wait for her bedtime story.

I am surprised that so few people realize how bad and ultimately racist and stereotyping this book is. It was a gift and when I heard my husband read it to our daughter it shocked me how tasteless it is. Out the door it goes...

My little granddaughter was delighted by this book. She loved the rhymes and the Spanish phrases, since they are introducing some Spanish in her preschool classes. And she was very taken by Skippyjon, with his big head and personality.
It is a charming, original book with captivating illustrations.

I wasn't interested in this book, neither were my nieces (5 and 2.5) at all.

The story didn't grab any of us at all.

Additionally, I don't think mock-Spanish is particularly funny. I don't think it's overly racist, not in this book, I just don't think it's *funny*.

I get that other people like it a lot, I just... don't. This is one I suggest you read before you buy.

Before I read this book to my kids, I would have wanted to know that the book was incredibly horrible. Who's writing the rave reviews out there? It's not only racist, but just plain bad. Adding -o doesn't make it Spanish, or exciting to read. It's lazy writing that depends on end rhymes and stereotypes to carry the plot along.
I've never written a review for Amazon before, but seeing that this book was rated so highly really got me thinking. Are there any checks and balances to make sure Amazon book reviews aren't getting pumped up by authors, publishers, etc?

I absolutely loved this book. It was deeply inspiring. I stumbled onto it. My sister-in-law read it for her book club. I picked it up after her because we were at the beach and I needed something to read. What a surprise! I am a transplanted Texan and grew up in Ft. Worth so that was especially fun to see my home cowtown all hashed out. Much more than that, though, was the wonderful true story and the jaw dropping inspiration of Debbie Moore and all she touched. She really walked the walk and never wanted any glory. Denver and Ron found each other just when they needed it most. I'm glad they haven't caught and released and that Denver made it back from that scary drive to Colorado.

Not only is the story an amazing one, but both writers express themselves in such a unique way that the book is worth reading at least twice, just to enjoy their descriptive writing - like examining individual brush strokes under a magnifying glass in a fine work of art.

This book was great! Such a powerful testimony. I would recommend this book to anyone.

This book was recommended to me by a classmate and it should be read by everyone; the title says it all. Man's inhumanity to man, human frailty and even some humor. It's a book to make you think. Product-wise, the book was received in a timely fashion and in good condition.

This book is amazing. I love biographies and autobiographies and this is definitely one of my favorites. I got the chance to meet the authors and they are very genuine guys, with a desire to tell their story to encourage others. I have given this book as a gift many times because I think everyone should hear their story.

I love this book. It is accurate and an easy read. I finished it in about a day. In addition to the the play, there are other related readings enclosed which give more insight to historical events and other perspectives. Out of all the copies I own, this is one of the better ones. A great deal, ships quickly and reasonably priced.

I have to admit that I was a big fan of L.A. Theatre Works long before I purchased The Crucible. L.A. Theatre Works has a weekly presentation of its performances on Sonic Theater, a XM Radio station.

This particular production is pretty much an all-star cast with the likes of Michael York and Richard Dreyfus. I purchased it as a tool for teaching The Crucible in my American literature class.

I used this as a review of the play for my students and was very pleased with the performances. A little disappointed with some of the cuts they made, but do realize the necessity for cuts.

I find that books on CD help my 17 year old get an edge on his English projects. He has a reading disability that makes conventional book reading difficult so books on tape or CD are an answer to his problems.

The L.A. Theatre Works' rendition of Miller's _The Crucible_ is an excellent demonstration of the actor's craft, as the tenor, pitch and emotive power of the play bring the characters to life. On the recommendation of Amazon reviewers, I used this for my English class (in addition to the Daniel Day-Lewis / Winona Rider DVD and a class read-around) to get a feel for the play and the various theatrical interpretations of the work.

As a previous reviewer noted, there are some differences between the audio version and Miller's script, but they are minor, and if one is not using the entire CD, a moot point. The performances are fantastic, and, as others have mentioned, it certainly gives life to the written word. Outside of a classroom, I couldn't recommend it, but as a teaching tool, it is first-rate.

Just Like the Mastercard commercial, Anthony Robins motivational CD's are truly priceless! I have been recommending them to everybody I know. Just pass the word around, it is the best gift you can give to your grownup children, you never know, it might a make a big difference in their future.

Tony Robbins has a natural gift for inspiring others and this 6-CD set is no exception. Not a rehash of Power or Power II, this set offers the listener (and doer) an opportunity to make a change in life, based on pursuing and implementing specific stratagems and in adopting and nurturing particular mindsets about life.

The only flaw I find is in the packaging - it's a 6-CD plastic "fold-out" box - the construction is surprisingly low quality and sections pop out, making the use of these CDs in this particular box very "challenging". I am surprised that the Robbins corporation would have allowed this inferior packaging. So what type of packaging should have been used? A zippered container with built in soft sleeves of course: And if you need a great example for reference, please check out:
Brian Tracy's SUCCESS MASTERY ACADEMY 16-CD set. Brian Tracy scores a hit with not only the CONTENT of this great set but the awesome packaging! So to all professionals (personal development and otherwise) serious about packaging your audio sets: forget those plastic fold out boxes and pay for a little quality - after all, you're supposed to be worth it, right? And in any event, we certainly are.

Tony Robbins has the gift of expressing concrete, easy-to-implement ideas that can make a difference in living a more fulfilling, successful life. Since listening to these CDs a few weeks ago, I have found myself spontaneously recalling some of the concepts he shared that have helped me face a challenge I was having at the time. In particular, the concepts of "Build a Relationship Bridge" for having patience with others during times of miscommunication has been very helpful. Also, the importance of carrying around a (properly-tempered) sense of "Certainty" in one's daily life as a pre-condition for success has been extremely useful. Some of his concepts seem self-apparent, but Mr. Robbins' charismatic delivery and excellent communication skills really drive them home.

I refrained from rating the set at 5 stars due to the multiple references to Mr. Robbins' seminars embedded throughout the recordings. However, in the end that was a small (additional) price to pay for the inspiration and extremely useful concepts that Mr. Robbins offers. I recommend this CD set highly.

I heard Anthony Robbins from Jay Abraham and Brian Tracy sales training series. Since most of our life struggles and challenges come our ability to deal with the problems that come into our life, I recommend this CD series for those of you who feel depressed, frustrated and uninspired.

The Live With Passion, Anthony Robbins CDs are amazing! After I listened to these CDs, I went ahead and bought $300 worth more of his CDs because what Anthony Robbins really brings back what I have learned in the past from great mentors, like Earl Nightingale, John Cummuta, Brian Tracy, Jay Abraham, Zig Ziglar and so on.

I am extremely excited to be able to listen to Anthony Robbins' wisdom and advice, because it has helped me to take charge of my life.

Must listen CDs!

This CD set is a great tool for making big changes in your life. Tony teaches the listener some fantastic ways to address problems (Chalenges!), end bad habits, and generally lead a more passionate life.

The Giver presents the reader to a dystopian society that has forayed the people's right to CHOICE in an odious fashion; but nonetheless, it can at times be furtively appealing in an hypnotic way. To analyze this society initially it is quite inscrutable to identify how a people could so ardently support such an articulated "guidance." While this book is merely fiction, it indeed sheds light on an ideology that either is intrinsically intelligent, or it is quite eloquently repugnant to the nebulous of human desire, freedom to endeavor. Being a Constitutionalist I prefer the latter rather than the former. To have one's perspective sculpted and wrought by a fashion of governmental control by means of familial degradation and division from a biological existence, sexual drive altered by compulsory pharmaceuticals, intricate scheduling of one's day, standards and virtues that are ubiquitous, one all encompassing day of "birth", population control, genetic manipulation, and procuring children and spouses by application and approval only, is quite destitute of any CHOICE. Is this inane? Is this madness? Or, if freedom was not known in the context that of which is lain before us in the U.S. Constitution-which both Republicrats and Demopublicans are obscuring-would this dystopia be so divisive? The society in this book is something one could indeed marvel by pretext to the actual context due to the lack of tyrannical behavior. We must not be disillusioned. We must not allow the propagators' evidence and statistical datum to dissuade us from having the penchant to pursue freedom as a virtue over security. For such a society in essence, no matter success, does indeed revoke the core and foundations of an inalienable right that our predecessors have fought eons for-FREEDOM! Articulating political structure is arduous and elicits much dissension along the way; however, do not let that make one despondent or draw forth consternation or political apathy. For if political structure, by and for the people, becomes a derelict, then for our children FREEDOM will be merely a vestige. Or, perhaps a more formidable coin, an antiquated myth.

Lowry has definitely deserved to be upon the list of writer's that has hit a symphonic political note. While not as fecundated as George Orwell's (Eric Blair) writing, she has a latent exhortation for us, or at least for me. The book also has a rendition upon perspective of reality and that will certainly shift the tides of what constitutes this book's yield. I would suggest everyone to read this book, along with other dystopian and utopian classics. Each of those titles have their own way of exorcising the demons from both forms of society.

The end did irritate me slightly, I wanted a more pronounced and clarified ending. Nonetheless, following with the book's thesis, THE MATTER OF CHOICE, Lowry leaves it to the reader to bestow your interpretation; which is elating for some and exacerbating for others. My ending was grim which was evoked by random forethought rather than by intention.

As a teacher of learning disabled students...I can say that all of my pupils loved this book. Some of the ideas might need a bit of explaining, but it is a story that kids can really get into.

It's a bit difficult to put into words how I felt about Lowry's The Giver. The first thing that came to mind and just wouldn't go away is "horrific". And though one can't really be caught surprised with the unfolding of events since Lowry, as a measure of her skill as a storyteller, quite expertly built up the climax, there's still a part of me that kept thinking, "Surely it wouldn't be so bad..."

Of course, it was inevitable that this seemingly eerily perfect world she created would topple. And it was all brought about by the power of memories and one's yearning for love. It made me realize that I've never felt so perplexed and awed by a story in a long while.

Certainly dialectic and begging for a multitude of interpretations, The Giver is another one of those worthy reads that dared to explore, among other things, the boundaries of threshold a person can reach, along with one's capacity to break free of bonds just to truly realize what it is to be human.

I have read The Giver 4 times--twice to myself and two other times to other people. This is one of those books that should be read more than once, just because of all the information in it. The Giver starts off slow, and migh deter some younger readers, but once it gets a few chapters in it becomes very intriuging and thought provoking. This is a wonderful book for young kids to first realize and understand the freedoms and other important things we have in our world today. This also teaches that sometimes living through the bad in life is worth it to get the good. I really cannot say enough about this book. It is simply excellent.

The reviews of The Giver are absolutely hilarious. People, this is a book marketed to young adults; don't let it kick you around. The author, Lois Lowry, expects the reader to make inferences at certain points throughout the novel. You are going to have to turn your brain on and do a little teeny tiny bit of thinking. But that's okay! Just take a deep breath and try to remain calm. You will make it out alive, trust me.

Seriously, the reader response to this book is almost as fascinating as the book itself. When the adults responding here are not complaining about The Giver being hard to understand, they are objecting to its violent content. Isn't that a little like saying our government's anti-drug commercials are too shocking for TV? When authors write about totalitarian societies, they usually try to frighten the reader into guarding against the emergence of such horrors in real life. It's ironic how the reviewers here, in their responses, betray the habit of being spoon fed their truth in much the same way as the characters in this novel. The members of Jonas' community cannot think for themselves, and the reviewers of this book can't even puzzle out the climax. Not only that, but their aversion to The Giver's violent content is exactly the kind of attitude that would lead to a safety-obsessed world like the one Lowry envisioned.

I'm awarding The Giver three stars. It's an overall decent dystopian novel, but it's flawed in that it doesn't stand out as particularly memorable. A story like Animal Farm, by contrast, sticks with you for the rest of your life. Authors who write about totalitarianism probably want to make a deep impact on their audience and drive home a message. If the message doesn't stick, the book is a failure (at least to a degree). Nevertheless, all in all The Giver is a worthwhile read for all age groups.

This book talks about the importance of love and forgiveness, using "A Course in Miracles" as a basis for its explanations.

The message in this book seems good. In a perfect world, there would be all love and forgiveness to all mankind, and then everything would be all perfect (but then again, if it were a perfect world, there would be no sin and no need for forgiveness). The book just seems to superficial to me.

Don't get me wrong - the message about love was good, and I agreed with most of what the book says. I do believe that love is powerful and we need more love and forgiveness. I just wish it was as easy to have it as this book lets on.

I felt too much information was given from "A Course in Miracles" rather than from the author herself (most every page had a reference to "A Course in Miracles"); that's why I couldn't give the book more than 2 stars. Also, the book was unnecessarily drawn out; the point was gotten on a quarter of the pages.

I love the Cd a fabulous and inspiring look at the meaning we all search for and the anwsers to questions we all ask. Marianne Gives an entertaining and honest account of her life and journey, I recommend everyone listen to this wonderful course in miracles CD.

Reading this book helped lead me to the "miracle" of forgiveness I have been trying to find/give for years. Marianne hits on many vein's that need to be opened - love and forgiveness for one's self and others. I am constantly referring back to this book and marking it with my highlighter!

For many years, I have been looking for a way out of my personal hell which has included depression, self subotage, painful thoughts and self loathing. I have tried among many other things, willpower, counseling, religion etc. This book has done it for me. I am a brand new person after reading it.

My greatest fear? Buying a book that is discussing another book. I bought this book after watching Coach Carter (Widescreen Edition) on DVD. What I found was an intelligent woman whining on and on about "stuff". She's very smart, but then she has read The Seth Material, which basically tell her how to frame her experiences. The whiny tone was so infuriating that I wanted to slam dunk it in the trash. I couldn't get past the half-way point because after a while she was complaining about people she should leave alone. Marianne seems unhappy and quite content to take it out on the American public. I'm so happy I'm not an American. But maybe that's why I don't get what she's on about. It's better to read the Seth material and other books by Jane Roberts as background first, and then try doing a A Course in Miracles after. If you are looking for good reading material it might be better to look at her primary sources and struggle with it yourself.

Enthusiasm for all. She's found the "You" for her to be and you will discover your "You". Enjoy this must read. She is such a wonderful person to encourage us all to at least "think" and "do". Inspiring to say the least. Be yourself!!!

The name of the book is "Just Who Will You Be?" and the cover art is a balloon, but honestly doesn't that balloon look more like a sperm cell than a balloon. How absolutely appropriate for a book about commencement, about who you will become, a sex cell may be the last time that those questions are still unanswered.

I donated this cd to the local community college's Adult Education program! It's a wonderful short piece that can change a life!

This is a wonderful thought provoking, life altering CD narrated by Maria Shriver herself. I was never a fan of Mrs. Shriver when she was a news anchor. She is a wonderfully articulate author and narrator. Mrs. Shriver asks as always the relevant questions necessary to get one thinking!

In this day and age it's nigh impossible to get a child away from the TV, what with a bazillion channels, cartoons coming out of a lot of them, always on. Then there are video games galore. Star Wars Battlefront, Halo, who knows what else. Then, of course, there are toys, which are all high tech these days, but even the ones that have been passed down through the years, take up you little one's time. Not to mention little friends who want your precious to come out and play. Add all that up and what chance does a CD of Timeless Folktales from Around the World have of getting some serious listening?

Almost none, one would think, but that's not true. Yes there is no video, no whizz bang, slap dash, shoot 'em up, faster than the speed of light travel on this CD. Only stories here. Wonderful stories that will open your child's imagination, take her to a place she could never go in front if that TV, even if she does have a controller in her hand.

So how do you get your little one to listen. Just before bed, that's when. When your darling is snug under the covers, that's when she can really get into the Spider Anansi, the Trickster and how he gets tricked by the Turtle. Or maybe she would identify with the poor Selkie Bride or The Boatman's Howling Daughter.

There are eight delightful tales on this CD, perfect to play just before dream time. After all there is a lot more to live than TV and Video games, so why not open your child's mind to the world of imagination. Get here her started here, you won't be sorry.

Reviewed by Captain Katie Osborne

This is a charming collection of eight folktales from around the world, which can be enjoyed by anyone above the age of three. Written by Amy Friedman, and produced by Friedman and Lori Ada Jaroslow, the background music was composed by Laura Hall of "Who's Line is it Anyway?" fame.


1. A Sense of Theft
Narrated by Lori Ada Jaroslow, Broadway Performer
Setting: Eastern Europe

There was a young lady named Zena
Who worked every day as a cleana
Baked goods she'd inhale
Without closing the sale
Which was thought to be a misdemeana

2. Anansi and Turtle's Feast
Narrated by Rick Hall, Actor
Setting: Africa

There once was a spider, Anansi
Who'd trick you if it took his fanci
He hated to share
Any food that was there
Be it yams or buffet fanci schmanci

3. The Selkie Bride
Narrated by Lauren Tom, Actress
Setting: Scotland

A fisherman once caught a seal
Who turned out to be quite unreal
As shedding the skin
Showed a woman within
Though she got the raw end of the deal

4. Two Frogs from Japan
Narrated by Jack McGee, Actor
Setting: Japan

There once was a frog from Kyoto
Who sought other places to go to
His friend from Osaka
Was on the same tracka
Both wishing for a telephoto

5. The Clever Girl
Narrated by Charlayne Woodard, Actress
Setting: Former Czechoslovakia

A farmer once had a fine daughter
Who was smarter by far than she oughter
The magistrate tried
To suppress his bride
But he found that his rules held no water

6. Searching for Fear
Narrated by Poppy Champlin, Comedienne
Setting: North America, but has Turkish origins

There once was a fearless raccoon
Who marched to a different toon
He hunted for fear
With never a scare
Until faced with the time opportoon

7. Rabbit on the Moon
Narrated by William Thomas Jnr., Broadway Performer/Actor
Setting: India

Here, Buddha's disguised as a Brahmin
Seeking animals willin' and charmin'
When instead of some rice
A supreme sacrifice
Turns out to be somewhat disarmin'

8. The Boatman's Howling Daughter
Narrated by Kathleen Wilhoite, Actress
Setting: North America

There once was a girl named Sal Fink
Who was tougher by far than you'd think
When HER temper flares
She wrestles with bears
And generally kicks up a stink



Note: Some tracks are not in the order they are listed on the CD.


Very entertaining, and skillfully narrated by a talented group of performers, this would be an age appropriate gift for a budding storyteller on your list.




Amanda Richards, July 31, 2008

The CD is pretty short, and the stories were OK. Their original, never heard most of them, but most of them just didn't appeal to me.

This review refers to "Tell Me A Story: Timeless Folktales from Around The World"(CD)

So, one of the really cool things about writing reviews at Amazon is that every once in a while, I will receive a book from an Author or publisher in hopes of a review. I don't review every single one I receive, but every once in a while I get one that I not only can't wait to share with Amazon book shoppers, but as in this case, one that I can share with my entire family. I received this one from producer of this fine CD, Amy Friedman, and I'd like to say thanks so much, for a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I took this one with me on my errands outing the other day, and popped it in my CD player. First off all I became so enthralled with these marvelous stories that I was glad I was alone and didn't have anyone with me chit chatting as I listened.Although I am sure any listener would be under it's spell as well. The other thing is that my errands took much longer then anticipated as at each stop, I couldn't get out of my car until I finished the story I was listening to.

The title says much about this book. The readers are professional), will tell you the stories and you cannot help but to fall into a trance by their lulling and often animated voices. These great folktales take place in all different parts of the world and the readers capture the personalities of the people or animals, the accents, the fun and the lessons learned exquisitely. The stories each are not only a joy to listen to, but will leave you with some kind of moral or life lesson learned in a entertaining way. These tales transcend age and time, and offer a glimpse into various countries and cultures that will leave the reader a little more enriched.

There are 8 tales ranging from about 5 to 13 minutes. Well over an hour to get lost in. Although this is classified as a children's book. I have to say that whatever your age, you will enjoy these stories. I even think, the very young will get something out of these tales. Only one,"The Boatman's Howling Daughter", an American folktale may not be suitable for the very very young, as there is some violence(think something akin to Peter Pan and the Pirates). Among some of the other tales, I really enjoyed "A`Sense of Theft". A delightful tale of a poor woman on trial for "stealing" the wonderful smells from the Baker's shop. How will the judge handle this case. Also included is "Rabbit on the Moon", an excellent learning lesson, "The Selkie Bride", what will we do for love?, "Anansi and Turtle's Feast", "Searching For Fear", "The Clever Girl", and "Two Frogs From Japan", a tale that might make one think about where to find happiness.

The CD quality itself is excellent, with some great music to set the mood of the tales as well. It includes a booklet, with story synopsis and great illustrations and bios of the narrators.

Highly recommended. Take it in your car the next time you are chauffeuring the kids around. For once, the ride will be peaceful as the kids(and you), get swept away to far away lands and olden times. Makes a great gift as well, one that could be passed down from generation to generation, that is if anyone can actually part with it.

Hopefully this will be the start of a long line of the CDs, with more lovely tales to come....Enjoy the read.....Laurie

Wonderful and hypnotic is what I would call this. The first story I played for my two girls (6 and 8) in the car on the way to school. It was the first time they ever made it the whole ride in total silence. After just the FIRST story, they begged for me to play it again, but it was time for school. When I picked them up, they asked right away. So So this is what we have done the last three days; listen to a new story on the way to school. I'm only on the third, The Selkie Bride. My oldest daughter rushed into school and immediately began telling the tale to the first friend she ran into.

I can't say enough good about this. The children are captivated and it provides great discussion topics, for example, after the SECOND time we listened to A Sense of Theft, I asked my daughters what they think the judge felt about the case against Zena. I, myself, had to run errands today and listened to the rest of the tales. The depth, the humor, the underlying celebration of the human spirit, all in such clever packages is something I will always enjoy bringing to my children.