David

I almost asked for a refund but I'm glad I did not

Revisado: 04-05-15

What did you like best about Surviving Off Off-Grid? What did you like least?

The reason I'm writing this review is that I believe people need to hear the overall message Michael Bunker writes. We are far too dependent on "the grid" for electricity, our food, and most especially water. What will happen when all these supplies are disrupted? Most who are dependent upon mass-produced food and energy will not survive. If you are trusting in trusting in major corporations or municipalities to provide these essentials, you are rolling the dice. The world we live in today is both dangerous and unpredictable.What made this recording hard to listen to was the poor job of narration, and the author's sometimes irritating script. Bunker's message is very timely, and there was enough valuable information that I bought the book after I finished listening to it. However, I would caution you to listen thoroughly to the narrator's sample recording, and decide if you can overlook a very pedantic style, often incongruent with the message; the narrator is not a Southerner, but Bunker is, and the author writes about his personal experiences growing up in Texas. Bunker discusses his Christian beliefs frequently, but the narrator shows he lacks a basic knowledge of the Bible, and his performance in general belies the seriousness about this subject which the author obviously intends to communicate. Also, occasionally Bunker is dogmatic about his position, and when combined with Mr. Killavey's reading style, the message comes off badly.This Audible recording could have been much more palatable and helpful; but if you can tolerate the above, I think you'll find real value in the author's hands-on experience with getting off the grid, and moving to a more sustainable lifestyle.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Surviving Off Off-Grid?

Bunker admits that his effort to dig a well on his property was unsuccessful. This was no doubt an expensive undertaking, as he clearly expresses how important water was and is to us all. He still, at least at the time of writing this book, does not have a working water well, but he went on to other methods of providing for his family's needs, such as rain collection and storage, and dehumidifiers. His initial difficulties in providing this essential evoked my compassion, as I know how hot the summers can be in Texas. Having to drive long distances to obtain water must have been a grave challenge to his commitment to, and his family's belief in their new DIY life.

Would you be willing to try another one of James Killavey’s performances?

NO; absolutely not. If I thought the book were worth digesting, I would get a hard copy.

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

NA

Any additional comments?

Early on in this listen I was asking myself, is it worth it to finish listening to this recording, given my disappointment with the narrator. I kept listening, and I'm glad I did. There was enough vital information (if you see the need for being self-sufficient), and I decided I would ignore the performance flaws. You may have to endure the same if you choose to buy this recording. If not, I can wholeheartedly recommend that you buy the book, and read it. The message is worth "hearing".

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Fascinating review of his service in Delta Force

Revisado: 02-24-13

What did you love best about Inside Delta Force?

Haney talks about the personalities of the officers he served under and with, and the effect their strengths and foibles had on the unit during his tenure there. Although some online critics have questioned, or even challenged the truthfulness of his accounts, I must say that I believe his accounts of the incidents related are factual; they do not sound embellished to me, and I consider myself a skeptic. He questions the motivations behind the Top Brass in our military, and why certain missions were undertaken, e.g. Grenada, and I'm sure some of those above him in rank would have preferred his book not appear. I've looked on Amazon for a hard copy of the book to purchase, as it's worth going through again. Sadly however, it seems that the second half of the printed book lacks all the good stuff. I suppose he, or the publishers decided to skip the flack they might receive, I don't know; but in this audio book in the second part, where the actions closer to the present day occur, Haney leaves clues as to how he feels about the present day administration, and commendations for that of George W. Bush.
This one is worth spending the time on.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The honesty of the author, and his sensitivity to the fact that he was dealing with, soldiering with, and in some cases having to take the lives of other human beings, not just cardboard targets.

Which scene was your favorite?

Haney's welcome to the U.S. Embassy in Beirut.

If you could give Inside Delta Force a new subtitle, what would it be?

American counter-terrorist lives through decades of the changing role of the U.S. around the globe.

Any additional comments?

Although the reader did an ok job, and it wasn't hard for me to listen to, I would have enjoyed a little quicker pace. The story Eric Haney tells is more than worth putting up with a little lackluster narration.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Excellent...Excellent...Excellent!

Revisado: 09-17-12

Would you consider the audio edition of Lone Survivor to be better than the print version?

In some ways, yes. I can listen often when I cannot read.

What other book might you compare Lone Survivor to and why?

Marine Sniper, story of Carlos N. Hathacock, Jr.

Have you listened to any of Kevin Collins’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The deaths of the other 3 SEALs in the battle for "Murphy's Ridge"....incredible courage

Any additional comments?

If you want to know what our SEALs and other armed forces endure in order to serve this country, I don't think you will ever find a better book by one who has been there, right in the middle of all out hell on earth.

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Hayek, von Mises foretold challenges to US economy

Revisado: 03-18-10

Ludwig von Mises and his student, Friedrich Hayek, winner of the 1974 Nobel Prize, described the causes of the rise of socialism and facsism in Nazi Germany in the 1930's: the loss of individual freedoms in the marketplace, in favor of the state, which came to assume more and more power and control over Europe's citizenry. These brilliant economists simply the explanation of the path whereby the individual, wanting to be taken care of, cedes more and more freedom to government, run by men who in their lust for increasing power, intervene more and more in private affairs. This book, a synopsis of the works of both Mises and Hayek, woven together extremely well in a narrative by Louis Rukeyser, will probably shock you in its depiction of what has happened in the rise of socialism in the 20th century, and how that process parallels its rise in the past 2 decades in America, and in the goals of its current president. I highly recommend this book if you would like to understand economics.

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Great "Read"

Revisado: 02-17-10

This was a wonderfully insightful account of the author's adventures with the Tarahumara Indians of the Sierra Madres, and one "Cabaio Blanco" with regards to the discipline/sport of running. If you run, exercise, or are interested in remote cultures and history of the southwest, this tale will transport you to challenges you may never deal with, but in hearing the story of how the real-life characters dealt with these situations, you'll be inspired to do your best with your own obstacles. I highly recommend this book!

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