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An Enjoyable Listen

Revisado: 01-20-24

This was an interesting story. I liked the unique perspective provided by Murderbot. I think it was generally well-written.

My issues with the book relate to the lack of an introduction to the world and its characters, creating needless confusion for much of the story. I also thought the constant use of "bot terms" in place of common language (e.g. day-cycle) to be very distracting. Yes, the story was written from the bot's point of view, but providing some introduction and using common language would not detract from that perspective. It would also result in a more immersive experience.

Overall, it was an enjoyable story and I will continue to listen to the following books.

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A Very Informative Introduction to Augustine

Revisado: 12-07-23

The lecturer provides a very informative introduction to Augustine. He covers both his life and his teachings. There isn't enough time to provide a detailed discussion of specific doctrines and beliefs. But this was a great overview that hit the highlights and provides guidance on what you might investigate next if you so desire. I also appreciate the lecturer's transparency when he calls out areas where he agrees and disagrees with some aspects of Augustine's teachings.

The course was well worth the time spent and I will keep an eye out for other courses by Phillip Cary.

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A Disappointing Sequel

Revisado: 11-11-23

I really like the original Impact Winter. The story was well written, providing a new and interesting take on the vampire genre. The characters were well thought out, interesting, and sympathetic. It was a very enjoyable listen. So, I had high hopes for the sequel. Unfortunately, this season does not live up to those expectations.

The story does not flow. There are far too many sidebars and unnecessary filler. Characters appear out of nowhere or without a logical reason, purely to serve as an immediate fix for a story flaw. Many chapters could be eliminated completely without affecting the main plot. It is all over the map.

Then the writers attempt to bring these separate, disjointed stories back together in the final chapter. It is a complete failure. The storylines are smashed together becoming more trainwreck than choreographed storytelling. It was hurried without attention to detail or continuity. And the actual ending? Without spoilers, it is an absurd, intentional cliffhanger deliberately designed to build suspense for a third season. It certainly doesn't make sense for the characters introduced in the original season.

My final issue is with the characters themselves. In the first season, the characters have some maturity and act in ways you would expect given the circumstances. Not this season. It's as if they have all reverted to sullen teenagers. They are moody, petty, overconfident, and extremely impulsive. I would expect some of these traits in a character or two, but not all of them in the entire cast. Most of the time I felt like I was listening to a teenage soap opera where the adults are missing in action.

Poor storytelling and unsympathetic characters make for a very disappointing sequel.

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Very Good Introduction to Francis

Revisado: 09-22-23

This course is a very good introduction to Francis of Assisi. It not only covers his life and times. There is also a fair amount of discussion regarding the impact of Francis and his order. There are even examples of Francis' impact on our lives today.

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Thought Provoking Look At Culture

Revisado: 09-15-23

We spend so much time talking about culture, discussing the "culture wars", and lamenting the changes that have or haven't happened. But how often do we take a step back to actually consider what it is we are talking about, how very broad the subject is, and what exactly we can and cannot influence and change?

This book takes a look at exactly what is and isn't culture. It defines culture, describes its impacts (big and small), and discusses what we can and cannot control.

I recommend this book as a nice way to get some perspective and learn new ways to consider culture and our part in it.

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A Great New SciFi Series

Revisado: 09-15-23

IMHO, this is the best start to a new science fiction series I have heard in a very long time. This story takes me back to when I was watching the first episode of Stargate:SG-1 or ST:TNG. I can't wait for what is next. Here's a short list of why I like this book so much.

1) The story is a new take on a genre that has become stale in recent years. Craig provides new perspectives and a whole new universe in which to create his stories.

2) The performance by R.C. Bray is excellent. His voice and mannerisms are compelling and entertaining. I've started looking for other books he narrates.

3) There's drama without being overly serious to the point it's oppressive. Too often a line is crossed where I lose interest because the authors/writers clearly take themselves too seriously (I'm looking at you CSI:*). Craig stays well away from it.

4) There's comedy throughout to lighten the mood. This is the first audiobook that had me laughing out loud.

Very well done, Craig and R.C. I'm hooked!

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Very Informative

Revisado: 05-29-23

I enjoyed this course. I think it provided a very good overview of the Odyssey covering all the major plot lines and providing a lot of insight into the characters and the context. I especially appreciated it when the lecturer took the time to explain various interpretations of some events in the story. This provided me with a fuller appreciation of the complexity of the story.

In short, the course is well worth the time and I would listen to another course by this lecturer.

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Good Course

Revisado: 03-29-23

A good overview of the subject. Topics are presented in a manner appropriate for beginners. You don't need years of marketing experience to appreciate the course.

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A good overview of Daniel Boone

Revisado: 03-07-23

The book provides a very good overview of the life of Daniel Boone. It covers everything from birth to death as well as some evolution of his legend in the subsequent years. I especially appreciate the addition of multiple sources for many stories. This provided context to indicate how some stories were shaped and changed over the years depending on the particular aims of the authors. The addition of testimony from relatives and contemporaries was also helpful.

In general, the narration was well performed. The most disappointing moment was the absolute butchering of the title Don Juan (Don Jew-an). It stuck out like a sore thumb. Otherwise, I thought the reading was well paced and intoned.

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More than a WWII Story

Revisado: 01-30-23

An inspiring story of a Tuskegee Airman from his initial interest in flight, through training and deployment, to his life after service. it's not an exhaustive examination of the Tuskegee Airman, but an informative intro.

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