Maddie49

Review of Ultra

Revisado: 08-12-24

The phenomenon of people who are undemocratic and leaning toward fascism is not something new in the United States. There always will be those who seek to penetrate and control the halls of Congress. Rachel maddow's podcast, using documented facts and histories, brings this story to life.

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Harry Clifton Series Book 1

Revisado: 03-23-24

I appreciated the author's ability to craft characters that were both believable and engaging in Jeffrey Archer's "Only Time Will Tell." The narrative's conclusion, in particular, was compelling, instilling a strong desire to pursue the journey of Harry Clifton into the subsequent phase of his existence in this series. I also enjoyed Roger Allam's narration and Emily Fox as Harry's mother.

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Significant History Lessons

Revisado: 12-29-22

I loved the way Hassan Jeffries clearly articulated the time for African Americans post civil war. He tells the story with great oratorical skill and excellent research attributions. It was easy to listen to, and more importantly than that, it was informative enough for students in high school and in college to grasp the depth of white supremacy and how its legacy exists today. I would advise anyone interested in African American history to enjoy learning this critical knowledge in a different and easy to understand story.

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1920s was an interesting decade

Revisado: 11-05-20

If you like listening to the early history of the 20th century, then 1920 is the book for you. It covers a brief period before 1920 and it delves into how World War I really changed everything in America.

I particularly liked the background on Woodrow Wilson and the impact he had on the decade to come.
Conversely I was appalled by Warren G. Harding. I never realized he participated in such antics.
And Calvin Coolidge was really a remarkable president because of his gentility and quiet demeanor.

Gangsters, anarchists, con artists, thieves, and revolutionaries pervade the story of the 1920s as characters who fill in the blanks about what really went on in the decade of ill repute.

This author writes extensively about all of these presidents and it adds to the backdrop of the story.

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Absolutely great narration!

Revisado: 04-19-20

Loved it. I didn't realize how horrible the blitz was, especially for children. And the Germans surrendered on my birthday! Extra special knowledge for me.

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Listening to a Master

Revisado: 07-14-19

Listening to Robert Caro describe his writing process was like being inside the head of a master craftsman. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the two most important subjects up his and biographies, Robert Moses and Lyndon Baines Johnson. I especially enjoyed listening to how he delved deeply into the long-forgotten memories of those he interviewed regarding their knowledge and perceptions the main characters.

For anyone interested in writing a biography, I would suggest strongly that you listen to Robert Caro to have a clear understanding of the process. I would also say say that he probably is an ethnographer because he really lived in the areas where his characters resided. He deftly explains how his characters are really the conduits through which he seeks to under how power is obtained, used and politicized.

Great of listen!

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Same love story; different era

Revisado: 03-31-13

This story, set in the 1870s to 1900s, is a remarkable tale of how love's perils has not changed. What love did to married men in the 1870s is no different than today. The story surrounding the murder allows the reader to understand how powerful men were predisposed to changing the society, through finance, to mirror their belief systems.

Brands imparts a storyteller magic and I finished it in one sitting. I could not put it down. Beauty had its privileges; beauty brought down two men, and still becomes the advantage of those so blessed with it. I enjoyed this old, Victorian era true story, and the weaving of the tale is done peculiarly well by Brands.

One area that I wish would have been included is the thinking of the wives of these men. Were they passive participants in their husband's adulterous ways, or were they bystanders stuck in society's norms of the day?

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Civilization Explained

Revisado: 05-12-12

This captivating story of the origins and demise of civilizations in the West and East starts off a little slow, but as you listen, it begins to unfold and explain how so many countries in the West outpaced and produced so much more than other nations existing during the same time.

The unifying theme of the 'killer apps' is appropriate for postmodern readers, giving a clear direction and 'visual' picture of how the West continues to lead the world. The most riveting parts of the book include Ferguson's discussion about the United States' perpetual dependency on religion, specifically Christianity. Why are other Western nations withdrawing from religious activity and the US is not? Is there a correlational connection between capitalism and religion or is the relationship causal?

This book is not for generalists hoping for an easy read, but perhaps would best suit someone who has a particular interest in anthropology and sociology from a historical perspective.

In any case, I really enjoyed the author's lively narration of his work.

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All wanted the presidency...

Revisado: 01-04-12

Now this is a book that links men of different political aspirations and regional persuasions to all collide around 1920. The author connects the men through the links to the office of the president. Included in this book are interesting tidbits about each man, such as a thorough background on Herbert Hoover, --who knew his was a geologist by trade and spent quite a bit of time in China early in his career? The book is packed with all kinds of threads between men and how their presence changed the course of American history.
After reading this book I became more interested in finding out more in depth information on three of the men detailed, especially Woodrow Wilson.
Really enjoyed it!

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In his own words...

Revisado: 01-04-12

I am not a fan of Antonin Scalia positions generally, but I did enjoy listening to his own description who he is as a justice of the Supreme Court. It is easy to learn from him, and I assume from this short speech with questions and answers that he is considered to be an accomplished teacher of law.
I would suggest that this is a good listen for all people of all political persuasions.

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