Pamela

Fascinating Man and Fascinating Book

Revisado: 07-19-10

I remember watching WFB on Firing Line in the 70s as an 8 or 9 year old. (Remember, in those days TV pickings were small and PBS was one of the four channels we had). I believe PBS had a lot to do with my two loves - politics and food - since I literally grew up with Julia and WFB. Julia explaining exotic ingredients that I longed to try and WFB - so self-assured and under-matched in every way with whoever debated him on any topic ... First of all, I knew little about WFB's private life but his son/author gives ua a wonderful view into his life. Like many men with extraordinary talents, drive and brilliance, WFB had ugly traits like narcissism and amazing ignorance when it came to family and others feelings in general. However, one has to remember that WFB grew up in a different time and place and did the best with who he was. What does stand out is that Christopher truly and deeply loved his mom and dad, warts and all. Christopher seems to be able to tell his story and communicate deep love and admiration for his father (and mother, although dad is clearly the star here) without allowing their sometimes seemingly cruel and unfeeling behavior seem to be told in a trashing or exploitave manner. (I still am reeling from learning about how Ingmar Bergman treated his children...) I was sorry to see this book end and Christopher's ability to write and communicate with so much love and loss had me weeping a few tears at the inevitable end. There are books I prefer to read vs. listen to - this is definitely one to listen to as it is read beautifully by the author. Get this - fascinating life that is fascinatingly told. I just know that WFB is looking down from heaven (or wherever we all end up in) with so much love and pride for his son. I will be looking to read the author's other books - Thank You For Smoking - you can hear and feel his humor in this book so I'll bet many of his books evokes many of the same feeilings.

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Interesting Listen

Revisado: 01-11-10

If you like Patricia Corwell novels but want the reaaallll story behind all of the forensic information - here you go. I found it very interesting and even bought one of this author's fiction books to see how he does in that area.

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For Lovers of Julie and Julia . . .

Revisado: 07-19-09

Ok, I love good food, wine and autobiographies so this was right of up my alley. Very interesting and honest story about a lady's journey through love and life. Reminiscent of Sex and the City with a single girl and her loves with the backdrop of NYC - but this one has more analogies about eating and drinking good food vs. designer clothes as one of its main themes. One thing - why do audiobooks never include the darn recipes as an attachment. I Hate That. The reality is that most of us listen to the books while driving, exercising or doing another activity where we can't stop and write a recipe. A lot of her recipes seemed really good and easy but can't refer to my Ipod like a hard book.

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Great Quick Listen - Honest and Interesting

Revisado: 05-23-09

First of all, I have read and loved all of Ruth Reichl's books. She is a fascinating, strong and intelligent woman and I am definitely a Foodie so her topics are generally right up my alley. It was interesting to hear about her mom and how the relationship changed thoroughout their lives. Most of us probably relate - especially how our view of our own mother's imperfections chane as we become mothers )in my case, I wonder how my mom had and has very few0. Her mother was not a typical mother and was clearly difficult at times. However, it probably helped Ruth to be the person she is. It helps that her mother was a very interesting person in her own right too. Looking forward to more from this author.

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Wow - What an enjoyable read

Revisado: 03-30-09

I purchased this audiobook based on the reviews - and boy am I happy I did. I feel like I know all of these characters and still can't believe that some of these events were actually still occurring the year I was born (1964). Anyway, to think of how far this country as come and why the cycle of poverty seems to be perpetuated in cultures. I also like that this was not a one-sided view - there are good and bad no matter what color one is - which is so true but sometime forgotten by biased people. Anyway - you really felt the characters feelings - can't wait for this author's next book - she is AMAZING!

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If you like Dawn French - You will love this book!

Revisado: 01-22-09

I love to read or listen to auto-biographies and biographies but usually prefer auto-bios (unless historical figures, of course, and I still like the biographer to use as much of the figures own writing, etc.). As a fan of Dawn French, British humor, Absoluteley Fabulous and the Vicar of Dibley - I suspected I would like this book but really knew nothing about Dawn French other than the TV shows (how she started, her family, her association with Jennifer Saunders, etc.) I learned all about those things and more. What made this particularly interesting is the format she wrote this in. Each chapter/section was a letter to various people - her deceased dad, her husband, daughter, friends, etc. She creatively used the letter to explain her relationships, thoughts, advice - you name it. It was so interesting - funny and sad in parts - touching and honest throughout. The only negative part (and it isn't really negative) is that she sometimes refers to stars, star scandals and other matters that are apparently well known in England (but not in USA - Well, she does live in England and this was undoubtedly primarily targeted for the Britich reader.) All that said, great listen. While she did not read it, the person who did read it sounded just like her. If you didn't know it was her - you'd swear it was. Just listening to her letter to her father in relation to his death (by suicide) is a lesson on forgiveness and love and worth the price of admission. Thanks for bringing this to us Audible.

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Didn't expect to like it but I really enjoyed it!

Revisado: 09-14-08

First of all, I almost always like when the author/biographer reads the book and especially enjoyed this one. When I first saw the summary on this book - I didn't order it because I didn't want to hear about how animals are "processed". However, that subject was handled very well (knew what happened but didn't have to hear the gory details) plus there were no pigs or cows that were "famred. I learned so much and even bought the hard book to send to my dad (an amateur gardener). I already enjoy organic food whenever I can and now feel better about the people who farm it and the extra price. Really loved it. While her political views are not surprising liberal - I am glad to see that she understands that changes can and should not be forced by gov't. This book probably did more than a million programs!!!

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Boring

Revisado: 07-07-08

Story about two people writing a story about themselves writing a story. As a lover of tru crime mysteries and Italy - I thought I'd love this but was very bored. Barely got through it.

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Wonderful!

Revisado: 06-04-08

Wow - I am 42 and grew up with Julie Andrews as Maria and Mary Poppins. I also enjoyed her in Victor Victoria, Ten and many other movies as an adult. I recently and happily watched (and watched) Mary Poppins and Sound of Music with my two young boys. Happily, they also introduced me to her latest movies such as Princess Diaries and Shrek. To hear about about Ms. Andrews' childhold and personal and professional life was a real pleausre and I feel privileged. I had no idea about her history and I loved hearing about every minute. She is truly a strong, gentle, loving and extraordinary human being. I now see a piece of herself in each of her characters. Can't wait for part 2 (and 3 maybe:)

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Great Listen plus worksheets/summaries

Revisado: 03-29-08

I really enjoyed listening to this book. Unlike other self-improvement books, this one was clearly read to be supplemented with useful exercises that are provided in adobe. Great. As one of those people that is overly stressed and not often truly happy, this book has already made a difference in my truly blessed life. I am SO thankful !

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