Tony Mancill

history lessons, stories, and an ego trip...

Revisado: 12-26-24

The portions of the book that seek to educate about the history of the Armenian genocide appear to be fairly well researched. They are the strongest and most interesting part of the book. The stories about SOD are (mildly) interesting for a fan, although they didn’t pack much of an emotional punch. This is because the book is primarily an ego trip ride-along with someone who doesn’t yet realize that they are at the center of the various dysfunctions they rail against.

The author identifies with his self-righteousness (at least that’s a step forward) but doesn’t quite come clean with the impact it has had on his life, his art, and his career. Instead, he basically glorifies it while dancing around the guilt he feels towards his bandmates. It’s also difficult to stomach someone who openly professes support for environmental causes and then proceeds to commute between New Zealand and Los Angeles for their art. Or someone who identifies so strongly with a homeland where he chooses not to live. So in the end, I was disappointed. After reading this memoir, it is hard to listen to SOD or Serj Tankian’s solo work without experiencing him as an egotistical contrarian who is “quick to judge, quick to anger, slow to understand” (Peart). I wish Mr. Tankian luck and clarity for his spiritual journey.

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Don't waste your time

Revisado: 01-07-24

Uneven, poorly organized treatment of the topic, made worse by "virtual" narration that skips over portions of the source material - some sentences just trail off - and makes confusing references to code and graphs.

Obviously there is no QA here. It seems like publishing for the sake of publishing. What a waste...

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Riveting and important

Revisado: 12-24-23

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was transfixed as soon as I started listening.

The book does an excellent job of clearly explaining the events surrounding January 6th, 2021, describing the history and purpose of the Select January 6th Committee, and motivating her central thesis - that is, that all Americans have a vested interest in upholding the Constitution and the rule of law. True patriotism and love of country require more than picking a team. Integrity and truth matter.

Thank you to Liz Cheney for writing this book. The inclusion of historical audio snippets in the audiobook is quite effective.

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Perfect narration for a beautiful, powerful work

Revisado: 04-22-23

The narrator matches the style of the prose perfectly with a tender, measured, gravitas that enhances the emotional impact of the story.

Well done.

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Ausgezeichnet!

Revisado: 04-03-23

"Deutsch mit Schmidt" is a wonderful learning resource for intermediate and advanced students of German. The episodes are bite-sized chunks of pedagogically sound material that employ repetition, variation, and examples in context to help you enrich your vocabulary. The production quality is excellent. Sascha Schmidt's pronunciation and cadence are impeccable.

After enjoying the podcasts, you may find yourself buying some of his language books. (I did.)

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Exceptional - Greenberg at his best!

Revisado: 07-12-22

I have enjoyed many of Professor Greenberg's courses, but this is immediately one of my favorites. I was expecting a music course with some historical tie-ins for context, but quite a bit of research went into the history component, and the result is nicely balanced, informative, and entertaining.

I came away from the course knowing more about music AND history. As usual, Professor Greenberg's enthusiastic delivery and wit transform what might otherwise be dry into an enjoyable experience.

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Pithy and cogent

Revisado: 11-06-21

John McWhorter's insight, wit, and delivery are all razor sharp. Regardless of the degree to which you agree or disagree with the sentiments expressed in the book, the experience of listening to it is rewarding.

As I listened, I was reminded of "Across That Bridge" by John Lewis. I found their messages to have more in common than I would have expected; both books present ideas about what we can do to affect real change and build better communities, and both are brave and inspiring in their own unique way.

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Excellent narration and production + engaging

Revisado: 08-14-21

When a friend suggested I explore Orwell - specifically something other than "1984" or "Animal Farm" - I wasn't sure what to expect. I have been very pleasantly surprised. The material is engaging and much of it timeless. If you change a few labels, passages from the "The Road to Wigan Pier" could have been written about current social and political trends. And the historical aspects are fascinating as well. I have a newfound respect for Orwell, both as a writer and a human who cared about others and the evolution of society and government towards more compassionate world.

This audio book is a bargain for 1 credit. Sometimes large collections are haphazardly assembled, but the narration and production quality here are top-notch. If you're curious about this one, it's worth it.

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life-changing

Revisado: 12-18-20

Both humbling and inspiring - this is one the most important books in the Audible catalog.

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good source material but maddening narration

Revisado: 09-24-17

This book stands apart from others I have read on the subject - e.g. recently "Narconomics" - in that the author takes a very personal and humane approach to the interviewees and subject matter. This seems appropriate and makes the material more interesting than a strictly rational treatment of the subject.

However, the narration detracts greatly from the material in the book because the narrator insists upon reading passages in what he assumes would be the voice of the speaker. These voices range from grating caricatures to down-right insulting stereotypes. The narrator has a background in theater and maybe this is supposed to draw the listener in, but for me it destroys the pathos evoked by the stories in the book.

I recommend the book itself, but consider reading it instead of listening to it.

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esto le resultó útil a 30 personas