Review of Ripples

Post by **José Cortez** » 27 Jan 2022, 13:33

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Ripples" by karen vanderlaan.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Ripples is a book by Karen Vanderlaan. It was narrated by Janie Kol. It is an audiobook that speaks about the life of a brave woman named Karen. This audiobook encompasses her happy days, sad days, and days that were just there. It tells a great deal about life in general. It also talks about child abuse and dysfunctional families. After reading this book, you will learn various lessons, and you will also view life from a different perspective.

The book starts when Karen’s mum takes her and her siblings to the city. This was the beginning of her misery. After arriving in the city, Bunny suddenly changed. This sudden change affected Karen. Karen always yearned for her mother’s love. Karen resolved to change her life and save herself, her brother, her sisters, her children, her ponies, and her horses. Was she able to do what she resolved to do? Was she able to gain the love of her mother? Was she also able to raise her children right?

This audiobook has a lot of positive aspects. I love how the narrator tells this story. She did not jumble up her words at any point. She didn’t tell it too slow or too fast. She narrated it at a considerably moderate pace. She didn’t make use of ambiguous words in this book. The words she used were relatively easy to understand because I didn’t have any difficulty understanding them. I learned about child abuse from this audiobook and the effect it has on children as they grow. As the Narrator continued, I visualized and created vivid images of what happened in this audiobook. I felt connected with the author while the narrator narrated this audiobook. I felt unhappy when I heard what happened between Bunny, Karen, and her siblings. I also felt sad to know how Karen looked for love in the wrong places. I felt so sad having to learn that she grew up in a dysfunctional family. I felt happy when Karen decided to pick up the pieces of her life. Being connected with the author was what I loved most about this audiobook. I loved Karen's tenacity; she was determined to get a degree in her chosen course.

However, I didn't like one thing about this audiobook. I was not too fond of the fact that I couldn’t learn a new word from this audiobook. I would have appreciated it if I could learn a word or two. This may not entirely be a negative aspect on its own, and apart from this, I love everything about this audiobook.

I did not notice any errors while I listened to this audiobook. So, it was professionally well edited. Therefore, I rate this audiobook 4 out of 4 stars because the negative aspect I stated above did not affect my overall satisfaction with this audiobook.

I recommend this audiobook to lovers of memoirs and those who love fiction. While listening to this audiobook, I constantly kept reminding myself that it was a non-fiction work and not a work of fiction. So, lovers of fiction would find this audiobook an interesting one. In summary, I had a fantastic time listening to this audiobook.

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Ripples
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Ogechi Orlumeni · Post by **Ogechi Orlumeni** » 31 Jan 2022, 17:03

I barely listen to audiobooks but this certainly sounds like a good one to try. I usually don’t like books riddled with too many sad events but as long as there’s a guaranteed happy ending, I can manage.

Umesh Bhatt · Post by **Umesh Bhatt** » 31 Jan 2022, 19:12

I have so far not gone for audio books but this one appears to be an interesting narration. Thanks for the detailed review.

Julius Nwohiri · Post by **Julius Nwohiri** » 31 Jan 2022, 21:42

This book is a primer on family moral values. Illustrating the negative effects of child abuse, loneliness and lack of family cohesion, Karen went through a hard time growing up. In spite of all the negativity, she still grew into a strong woman. The book is good for readers who enjoy slow paced family stories. Good review.

Aisha Yakub · Post by **Aisha Yakub** » 01 Feb 2022, 03:12

I hope Karen was able to pull everything together for herself and loved ones. Great review.

Amenrodion · Post by **Amenrodion** » 02 Feb 2022, 09:03

I like that your review states that it highlights her days that are just there because there truly are days that are just there. More importantly, there cannot be an over-emphasis on the role that child abuse and the dysfunction of families play in a traumatic childhood