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The Lost Art of Gratitude Audiobook
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(3.01) - 2,853 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
New York Times best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith crafts the sixth entertaining novel starring the ever ethical Isabel Dalhousie. The sensational sixth installment in the best-selling chronicles of the irrepressibly curious Isabel Dalhousie finds our inquisitive heroine and new mother racing two very troublesome people from her past. Isabel's son, Charlie, is only eighteen months, but his social life is already kicking into high gear, and it's at a birthday party, where Isabel is approached by Minty Auchterlonie, an old adversary and now a high-flying financier. Minty, it seems, is having trouble in her personal life, and seeks Isabel's help. To make matters worse, the anything but peaceable Professor Dove has accused Isabel's journal of plagiarism. There is also the ever-pressing question of the future of her relationship with Jamie. As always, she makes her way toward the heart of each problem by philosophizing, sleuthing, and downright snooping as only she can
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"The most thought-provoking portion of this book is the idea of someone being "wicked". It made me wonder if we ever really believe in the wickedness of those we bump up against, or are we careful and perhaps too charitable as Susie is when she is searching for the word that Peter quickly supplies for her --"Wicked", he says. When someone is completely self-centered and has no compassion or even interest in anyone else (except as a being that can be used for their own ends), what are they but wicked? They may change and become better as life goes on, but for right now, today, they are indeed wicked."
— Karlyne (5 out of 5 stars)
The Lost Art of Gratitude Listener Reviews
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" Another in the Isabel Dalhousie series. I listened to this on audio CD as I enjoy the reader's voice. I enjoy this series very much. Gets a little wordy at times but that is the charm of the heroine, Isabel, who is a philosopher. "
— Marie, 2/11/2014 -
" For anyone who has read any of the Sunday Philosophy Club series, this novel will come as no surprise. Isabel is as determined and quirky as ever-- and as lovable. As in all of the other stories in this series, Scotland's Edinburg wins as the main character. A must read if you enjoy McCall-Smith's view of our world and the worlds that preceded ours. "
— Craig, 1/28/2014 -
" Having read the previous books in this series, I found this book to be somewhat less enjoyable than prior books in the series. I still enjoyed the visit but found the story-line with Minty and the non-resolution of ***spoiler*** lying, forgery, threats etc. to be less than satisfactory. Isabel's philosophy may allow her to feel that she has done/said the right thing, but that was essentially nothing. You know that Edmund Burke saying "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."? Well, that is how I feel about the resolution of the story. But I am glad Isabel and Jamie have inched into an engagement. "
— Nancy, 1/23/2014 -
" This was the best in this series! I am liking Isabelle and Jamie as a couple more and more. "
— Lauren, 1/21/2014 -
" Just picked up this one at the library, to continue the story of Isabel. I love her cozy little Scottish world, and the weather is perfect now to read about it! "
— Holly, 1/18/2014 -
" just starting this today. "
— Mary:, 1/17/2014 -
" Usual McCall Smith almost stream of consciousness concerning matters moral and philosophical. Sometimes I do get a bit frustrated with how moral and forgiving Isabel is, but she is always thought-provoking! "
— Jean, 1/13/2014 -
" more philosophising by AMS through Isabel "
— Mila, 1/13/2014 -
" Loved it! This series (the Sunday Philosophy Club) wasn't my favorite of his at first, but it is quickly gaining rank. I adore Isabel Dalhousie and her philosophical meditations on human nature and on words. "
— Emily, 1/10/2014 -
" pretty much love all of McCall Smith's books "
— Elisan, 11/6/2013 -
" The latest Isabel Dalhousie story which are all a bit quirky, like Isabel the philosopher. Want to strengthen your vocabulary skills? Have your dictionary at hand because you will be looking up new words. Most enjoyable is the feeling that you have made a short trip to Edinburgh. "
— Lizpeveto, 8/29/2013 -
" This book is another in the series that is good only because of the fun thought processes of this philosopher, main character, Isabel. Nice writing, but not much of a plot. "
— Chris, 8/27/2013 -
" Another enjoyable installment in the series. "
— Bette, 8/12/2013 -
" I've really enjoyed some of Alexander McCall Smith's works, but then I'll find one like this that just doesn't do anything for me. Very bland little story with no real drama. I couldn't categorize it as a mystery, although the library did. It was more "a day in the life of..." "
— Karen, 7/21/2013 -
" Amusing and quick read, I love the character of Isabelle Dalhousie, but nothing really happens - the definition of anticlimactic, really; but I guess that's to be expected from a book about a philosopher. "
— Annie, 4/9/2013 -
" I like this series more and more with each passing book. I love Isabel's mental peregrinations and her relationship with Jamie and Charlie. The rest of the story is just a sidecar to those things. "
— Leslie, 3/3/2013 -
" So enjoyable. "
— Annette, 12/30/2012 -
" #6 in the Isabel Dalhousie series. Alexander McCall Smith has a wonderful sense of what it is to be human. Picking up one of his books is always like indulging in some comfort food. "
— Annalise, 12/8/2012 -
" Sloooooooooooooooooooooow "
— Dave, 11/24/2012 -
" I enjoy Isabel's gentle intelligence in both her stream of consciousness and her humor. Listening to this audiobook was a delight, and with so many insights coming so quickly I want to listen again to have time to ponder and savor. This is my favorite volume in the series. "
— Rebecca, 3/29/2012 -
" Even though I don't agree with her philosophical view on religion, I enjoy immersing myself in Isabel Dalhausie's simple yet complex world. "
— Charlotte, 2/21/2012 -
" Entertaining, but not really a great book...) "
— Bonnie, 1/21/2012 -
" A pleasant read, but not really a mystery.... "
— Beata, 12/22/2011 -
" Isabel Dalhousie can get more than a little ponderous at times. And repitious. Did I mention ponderous? Or repetitious? "
— Sharon, 10/30/2011 -
" As charming as always. Isabel Dalhousie is so funny and entertaining! Love these books. "
— Genevieve, 6/23/2011 -
" It's just so hard to resist the siren call of this literary comfort food on a Friday-after-work trip to the library after a long week. Fortunately Alexander McCall Smith is so prolific that there's usually a new one for me. "
— Rachel, 6/22/2011 -
" Thoroughly enjoyed this book - I have to say that the Sunday Philosophy Club books get better with every new story! This is the best so far!!! "
— Alison, 5/19/2011 -
" If you like Alexander McCall Smith's Scotland books, you'll like this "
— Dodi, 5/17/2011 -
" This is the best of the Isabel Dalhousie series so far. "
— Donna, 4/3/2011 -
" I don't know why I read books written by Alexander McCall Smith because I don't really enjoy them. This was kind of a nothing book with a nothing story and I don't think I will be rushing to read another one of his books any time soon. "
— Nicole, 3/21/2011 -
" Isabel deals with the subject of gratitude and that nasty Minty Auchterlonie rears her ugly head again. Isabel gets caught up in someone else's drama, as usual, only this time it's been deliberately arranged. "
— Heather, 3/12/2011 -
" I liked this more than the last one as Isabel was less wimpy in it. Gentle, interesting, just the right balance of plot and philosophy. "
— Bachyboy, 3/12/2011
About Alexander McCall Smith
Alexander McCall Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie series, 44 Scotland Street novels, Corduroy Mansions series, the Perfect Passion Company novels, and more. He has also written stand-alone novels, books for children, and nonfiction works. In 2004 he was named the British Book Awards Author of the Year and Booksellers Association Author of the Year. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served with many national and international organizations concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and taught law at the University of Botswana.
About Davina Porter
Davina Porter has been enthralling listeners for over twenty-five years with her ability to mine the psychological depths of the characters she reads and bring them convincingly to life. In 2006, she won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Female Narration and in 2004 for Best Inspirational Literature Narration. She has been honored as an AudioFile Golden Voice and has won nineteen AudioFile Earphones Awards. As an actress, she has appeared on stage at the Vineyard Playhouse and the Square One Theater, among others.