Dan

Please don't let authors read their own books

Revisado: 04-02-23

I agree with Kayla the great. That's why I copied her title - thank you Kayla. Unless it's John le Carre' may he rest in peace, Bill Bryson or Simon Winchester I don't think I'll ever purchase another audio book read by the author. It should be enough to write a really informative, much needed book. It's as though with every sentence she's ready for her close up. To further agree with Kayla, my legs got tired sitting cross-legged on the library floor as I listened to the Library Lady read to me in her sing-song voice. I couldn't finish it although I really, really wanted to hear the information. I'm a biologist and am so disappointed. I'd return it if I knew how. Honestly, I'm not usually this snarky, but I'm just so disappointed. Most NYT recommendations always satisfy, but not this time. Since I didn't finish it, my evaluations of the Story and Overall are guesses and unfair. The book is obviously well researched and probably a great read. I'll get the hardback.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

A weak story well read

Revisado: 03-31-23

I wanted to like this book more than I did. I've not read much fiction in the last few years because it almost always disappoints. But, because I'm an Invert too, I felt perhaps I should read it. Not a bad book by any means, but I just couldn't muster the "care" for the protagonists that it seemed I should. The best part of the book was the performance. It was one of the best performed books I've heard in years. Most are always good with few complaints from me, but this was exceptional. Freddie Fox increased my enjoyment of the book ten-fold. I may not have finished it but for his skill.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A sad commentary on the protagonist

Revisado: 03-27-23

A sad commentary on some of the rich and powerful. The old adage "power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely" is on full display here. The protagonists are so reprehensible that I had to fast forward frequently. I didn't want to lose the thread completely, otherwise I'd have fast forwarded more. While I did want to know the outcome of some legal issues, etc, I really didn't want to know the process of getting there.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Truly engrossing from start to finish

Revisado: 01-31-23

Loved this book. David Harewood's reading was so convincing that I'd have sworn it was read by the author. I was never a fan of "spy vs spy" novels, but I've always loved "The letters of whomever" books. This did not disappoint. I recently enjoyed "The Leonard Bernstein Letters", a wonderful book, and "A Private Spy" was equally delightful. I am puzzled by one thing, tho'. With the accent on the last syllable of Carre', I always seemed to hear Ka'-ray. Go figure. While I'm sure Audible would prefer we not get political, I must say that what was said about our former president will endear Carre' to me forever.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

Mr. Maraniss, leave the reading to the professioal

Revisado: 08-26-22

On a very long road trip I listened to Mr. Maraniss read. Except for switching to the radio (ugh) it was all I had. I stopped after about 7 hours. The book would have been much more enjoyable with a professional reader. For everyday conversation I'm sure he's a fine conversationalist. But for an audiobook, not so much. I frequently had to back up to be sure I caught the last word(s). As he approaches the end of a sentence he begins to trail off so that the last syllable is inaudible. Most of the professionals help bring a book to life, Not so with Mr. Maraniss. Deeply researched and deftly written, no doubt a great deal of work went into this book. Too bad it comes across so flat. Not the voice for an audiobook.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

It's the CLOUD. Get over it

Revisado: 01-05-17

Would you try another book from Thomas L. Friedman and/or Oliver Wyman?

I've listened to nearly all of Thomas Friedman's books with great pleasure. Brilliant, insightful and instructive. But I had to stop listening to this one due to his continued, irritating attempts at changing "The Cloud" to "Supernova slash Cloud". We get it. He doesn't think "Cloud" is the best term for The Cloud. Subsequently EVERY time it should be just "the cloud" we hear "Supernova slash cloud". Get over it, Tom, it's "the cloud". His incessant attempt at changing the term seems the height of arrogance.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

His thoroughness in telling this story. All the details contribute to the telling and enjoyment.
See above for least interesting.

What aspect of Oliver Wyman’s performance would you have changed?

Mr. Wyman's performance is spot on. Excellent reader.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Only if they just say "cloud" and not "supernova slash cloud".

Any additional comments?

I've been a fan of Mr. Friedman for years. Even copied an article of his from the NY Times into my computer a few years ago so I could send it to friends now and then. It's till important. I think he should be an adviser to the President - especially now. I'm just disappointed by what feels to me like an ego trip by trying to change an already accepted term into one more to his liking.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Professionals do it better

Revisado: 11-10-16

Would you listen to The Upright Thinkers again? Why?

It is one of the few books I'd listen to again. There's a lot to digest and several months from now, I may listen again. I'll remember more the second time.

What did you like best about this story?

The information is fascinating and well delineated. Some I knew, much I did not. It puts it all together nicely.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Usually when the author reads his/her book, it's a major mistake. In this case, only a minor mistake. While it's OK, it would have best to leave it to the professionals. They simply do it better and make for a better listening experience.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I don't think this book would make a film unless it's a documentary.

Any additional comments?

I really liked that the author kept referring to his father. It was touching and made me think often of my father, too.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Why doesn't he read this? An abomination

Revisado: 02-09-16

What made the experience of listening to The Road to Little Dribbling the most enjoyable?

Nothing specifically stands out. Just his usual wit, observations and throw-away lines.It does make one want to visit as Sunburned Country makes one want to visit Australia

What did you like best about this story?

The fact that he'd been there before and was able to note the changes that have taken place since his last visit.

What does Nathan Osgood bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Nathan Osgood was very good, and if I hadn't been expecting Bill Bryson to be reading the book, I'd have been able to appreciate his performance better. I can't imagine a scenario that would adequately explain why Mr. Bryson did not read the book himself. One has come to expect that. Was he having throat surgery?

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did have an extreme reaction to his explanation of why he no longer reads newspapers. There's NO satisfactory reason for a literate man not to read the newspapers. His reason was so lame. He read a story that was bogus - Shocker. Then he proceeds to unmask the bogus story by saying there was no Jonesboro, GA. There is. It's about 20 miles from Atlanta. Google it. Thus he's written something bogus, too! Then he complains when a magazine in the NYTimes (probably the STYLE magazine) had an article about what Imal Clooney wore. Did he have to read it? What did he expect? He's lost some credibility with me here. Sad about that. I've thoroughly enjoyed nearly all his books.

Any additional comments?

I think I've said enough. :o)

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Authors should NOT read their books.

Revisado: 10-04-14

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No, it might have been had a professional read the book. It's a rare talent and generally authors don't have it. This is an example. It sounded like "pressured speech". Barbara Kingsolver, Simon Winchester, Alexander McCall-Smith and John Le Carre' can do it, but most authors should leave it to the professionals

Would you be willing to try another book from Charles M. Blow? Why or why not?

Definitely YES, if he did not read it.

What didn’t you like about Charles M. Blow’s performance?

The pace/cadence. Again, it seemed like "pressured speech. Way too slow and the sentences did not flow appropriately.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

I don't think so. It might depend on the cast.

Any additional comments?

I've listened to over 900 books in the past several years and I've come to appreciate what a talent "performing" a book is.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 17 personas

Better Read by a Professional

Revisado: 08-08-12

Would you consider the audio edition of Barack Obama to be better than the print version?

Few writers should read their own books. Think Simon Winchester, Bill Bryson and Barbara Kingsolver as three that do an excellent job. David Maraniss' audio book would benefit greatly by allowing a professional to read his comphehensive, fascinating book. The research is unrelenting,the resultant information juxtaposed masterfully to reveal the interconnections between the President, his parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents. But Mr. Maraniss' voice is not suitable for such a task. Few voices are, so some things are best left to the professionals.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved reading about "Barry's" foibles at Occidental College. A typical undergraduate who found his direction and never looked back. He owes a lot to the "motley crew" who helped shape his world view.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

As mentioned above, Mr. Marianiss' voice is not the best for undertaking such a read. It frequently trails off requiring a rewind. I think it's enough that he wrote this thorough, exhaustive and entertaining biography. Leave the rest to the professionals.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Since the book is 20+ hours, listening to it in one sitting is pretty much impossible. It is worth every minute, however.

Any additional comments?

I do appreciate the research that went into this book. I do not recommend the audio version, but would most definitely recommend the print version.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña