Asiye Gokdar

Much More Detailed Characters Than The Movie

Revisado: 11-01-11

I listened to the audio book after seeing the movie (I wasn't even aware it was based on a book). I was pleased to see that the characters, particularly the protagonist Andrea had many more dimensions - a richer life outside the office that needed her attention, more habits, and more details on the adventures.
The end took an unexpected turn for me and I felt that the story of how things turned out after the crazy fashion adventure was either too long for an ending or too short for additional material. But still, I really really enjoyed all the characterizations in the book. It's great and definitely enjoyable and surprising even after watching the movie.

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Held My Breath Throughout

Revisado: 11-01-11

I cannot believe this was non-fiction. The writer, a former undercover NYPD cop, explained the tale of how he infiltrated to the top of the city's mafia-controlled trash industry and exposed the gangsters. The tales he narrates span 3 years, yet the narration is not dragged on. Both the general overview of the mission and the breath-taking dangerous moments are captured. It is well-written, thrilling to listen to, and quite incredible.

I would have loved to listen to 10 more hours about details of the operation. The narration completely leaves out the cop's domestic life, for example. How did his wife and kid take all this undercover business? What happened after the operation was completed? But it is understandable that these personal details are left out except for a few sentences (along the lines of "this period was very difficult for my wife.").

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Changed my view of Bush

Revisado: 12-11-10

I'm currently at the 6th chapter of the unabridged edition. It is a great book, recounting the many decisions Bush has made and why he has made them. So far, he has addressed his pre-political life, presidency campaign, appointment of chief justice and supreme court members, stem cell research funding decisions, and now his response to the Sept 11 attacks. The book clarifies so much of what was going through his mind and explains his actions and much of the media smear of his name. It has transformed my view of Bush and I thank him for being candid and writing this great historical resource.

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esto le resultó útil a 17 personas

Fitzgerald did it again

Revisado: 11-16-10

I bought this book, because it's Fitzgerald, and it turned out to be a fabulous piece as expected. This short novel about the head-and-shoulders couple explores a wonderful twist in the concepts of beauty and scholarship.

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

Wonderful Writing, Painful Story

Revisado: 11-16-10

I read this book, because I greatly enjoyed The Kite Runner. This book is the account of the extremely sad story of two women whose lives were broken by the cultural hierarchy and political turmoil of Afghanistan. Listening to how these women move on with their lives while their small hopes are being mercilessly crushed, their bodies violated, their freedom taken away, is truly heart wrenching.

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Captivating

Revisado: 11-16-10

Wonderful writing & exceptionally captivating and well-crafted story. I thoroughly enjoyed the 15+ hours and was completely immersed in the novel.

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Informative, Entertaining, Eye-Opening

Revisado: 11-04-10

I have nothing to do with cooks or kitchens, and I lucked into this book. It was AMAZING! Bourdain has an exciting and inspiring story and a great writing style. In the book, he tells his life story, how he became a cook (first encounter with power of food, college that didn't work out, rising through the ranks in restaurants, CIA, recognizing failing restaurants, depression & new opportunities), gives honest comparisons about why he didn't became a "star" chef, and sprays tips on what to eat at restaurants and what kitchen equipment is useful. It was amazing, a door to a type of life I have never considered or heard from. I really really liked it and recommend this book. I listened to the section about Big Foot, his mentor, many many times, the emphasis on persistence and consistence is inspiring for all professions.
Also, Bourdain himself reads the book and is excellent at that.

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