M Grandiflora

Lighthearted Magical Feel Good

Revisado: 09-29-24

Entertaining fantasy story about a House Witch, his kitchen, and kingdom. Very much appreciate the positive messages about friendship, honesty and love. Entertaining ideas about magic. Looking forward to part 2.

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Thorough History of a Vital Aspect of Transportation

Revisado: 07-15-24

The thoroughness of this history of the Panama Canal is to be greatly admired. It describes from the 19th century French beginnings to its completion. The challenges both natural and human are harrowing. A little more detailed than maybe it needed to be. As other have mentioned listening at a higher speed (1.5 for me) made it a reasonable read. I am glad to have read this even though at times the exhaustive details and the despicable albeit true actions of the people involved made it maddening at times. Humans can be so impressive in their brilliance and dedication to completing goals despite what looks like insurmountable challenges.

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Essential book for European History

Revisado: 01-14-24

Starting out a little daunted by the 43+ hours of life I would have to devote to the recording of this book, after not too long I would look forward each day to my time devoted to listening to this tome. Massie has done an exhaustive job of describing Peter the Great as well as Europe and the Ottoman Empire of the time. I am so glad to have listened to this book. The in depth research and writing about many other characters including Charies XII of Sweden was probably not strictly necessary in a bio of Peter the Great. However, I am glad to know so much more of the era and its players. Audio books have greatly progressed since their inception in the late ‘70s, and ‘80s. There were certain expectations in the early days about how a narrator should sound - Mr. Davidson to our current day ears for the most part does not help the book, although his ability to impeccably pronounce words regardless of their origin is admirable. I did find that I had to ignore his annoying snobby accent and got used to the lisp and the loss of audio quality especially at the end of sentences. in his day, Davidson was a prolific audiobook narrator - his Wikipedia entry is quite interesting. I think that this book justifies an audiobook re-make to better suit our modern ears and to improve its audio quality, which would probably help with sales in light of all the negative reviews about the audio. This is such an important work, and provides a lot of background into the present day, everyone should read it.

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Page turning mystery with surprising depth

Revisado: 09-28-15

Would you consider the audio edition of Faces of the Gone to be better than the print version?

I often enjoy an audible book more than the print edition because it brings the book to life through the expressions of the reader.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Faces of the Gone?

The scenes of ghetto life were sensitive and disturbing. Parks is able to get to the humanity of people living in difficult situations and 'feel their pain.'

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

The New Jersey/Phillie accent is always enjoyable to hear in an audio book. It reminds me of the differences in culture etc. between that region and where I live in Virginia.

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

The scenes of ghetto life made me very sad and I wonder how we allow such things to happen in this country.

Any additional comments?

Brad Parks is an excellent sensitive writer and it is a privilege to know him.

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Perfect Read for Beer & Fermentation Aficionadas

Revisado: 09-28-15

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This is a fascinating read about all aspects of beer - how to make, history, current trends, environmental issues, etc. However, I found it did bog down a bit with the details on the environmental aspects of producing beer on a large scale, as well as the details on the harmfulness of pesticides. Perhaps a little less data and a little more summary would have flowed (haha) better. I fully believe in organic food, but the science of pesticides got me lost.

What did you like best about this story?

The importance of fermentation, and beer in particular, in human history, was fascinating.

What about Daniel Maté’s performance did you like?

Mate' made the book come alive.

Do you think Fermenting Revolution needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Another book on fermentation is always welcome. I especially enjoy the history of fermentation, and the practical aspects of how to ferment various foods, and their health benefits.

Any additional comments?

The sensibilities of the author were greatly appreciated. His emphasis on the importance of women and the home in healthful consumption of fermented products needs to be heard and absorbed by everybody.

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Exciting story about a brilliant human being

Revisado: 09-28-15

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This audiobook was fascinating, explaining how, through the efforts of one man namely Elon Musk, so much of the world's cutting edge technolog is becoming a reality. The book makes one hopeful for the future.

What did you like best about this story?

The book explains in layman's language what Musk is doing in his various businesses and how they impact the world presently as well as in the future.

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

I have not listened to any other Sanders performances.

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

Future Man

Any additional comments?

Everyone should read this book. The news usually consists of all the terrible things happening, and it is heartening to learn of someone who is working to 'raise the enlightenment of humanity.'

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Disturbing and Compelling

Revisado: 09-28-15

Where does The Girl on the Train rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Having 3 different narrators for the 3 different characters made the book easy to understand. Sometimes it's tricky with audible books, as it is not quite as easy as a paper book to flip back and forth. However, with the 3 different voices in my head, the story unfolded in an understandable way.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot was very disturbing and my wish for Rachel to correct the error of her ways made me keep reading. The author's descriptions of emotional situations portrayed, in a few words, exactly what was going on. I kept saying to myself, "hey that's exactly how I feel when it's hot and I'm sweaty on a train," etc. The interpersonal situations were equally perceptive, and the plunge into the life of Rachel was simultaneously horridly fascinating and educational.

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

The narrators were excellent, expressing the various characters and their emotional states.

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

The book made me often worried and I had to keep reading to lessen my stress in the hopes that Rachel's life would get better.

Any additional comments?

Paul Hawkins is a perceptive writer and can paint a precise portrait of a situation with only a few words.

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