Russell T. Stauffer

Stilted Verbiage Obfuscates Salient Leitmotif

Revisado: 01-10-16

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Seriously, the writing here made listening feel like punishment to absorb an otherwise interesting message -- much harder than need be. The author went well out of his way to avoid cardinal rules of good non-fiction writing, especially the one that says not to use complicated word strings where simpler wording will do. I do have the vocabulary to follow the author but, wow, not a pleasant experience. I also sensed a thread of Marxist thought in the authors logic. While I think Marx had some very valid points, it's hard for even liberals like me to cozy up.

What about Pete Larkin’s performance did you like?

Narrator did a fine job.

Could you see The Age of Acquiescence being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No. Not ever.

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You'll want to pay attention to Mr Whitehead.

Revisado: 10-01-15

Hard to imagine the sort of person who would dismiss this compelling case about severe problems in our democracy. You've all likely seen pieces of this story in the news. But nowhere else will you find the full breadth and depth of arguments against the authoritarian state were evolving into. (And Ive read a dozen related books before - none near as complete, gripping and convincing).

In contrast to another reviewer's complaint, I found the author does a very credible and clear job of recommending how we take action.

America needs more people like author John Whitehead. A lot more. I hope some day you will join us.

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Slow start, unimaginative.

Revisado: 07-29-15

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

So far I'm over an hour into a 7 hour listen, and all that has happened is a ship undocks, a new first officer is introduced, and not much more. Characters are flat, unmemorable, and the story has had no interesting science fiction ideas at all. I expect this will end up being one of those combat books now called science fiction by virtue of taking place in space.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Will let you. if I ever hear one.

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Wonderful Book - nice mix of science and heart

Revisado: 06-16-14

If you could sum up Chaser in three words, what would they be?

If you like dogs, and are interested in how they learn, their possibilities, and how they think..... Then this is a great read (listen) for you. Well written, purposeful, solid science, and full of love for the species. We know a lot less about dogs then you may assume. This book takes the ball a bit further down the field, thankfully.

Many scientists cling stubbornly to relatively ancient views opt hat say dogs are machines made of flesh. They don't think. They don't feel. One reason this is true, is because while dog owners may believe their dogs are geniuses with a heart the size of Alaska, it has been Very hard to prove scientifically, how dogs think, learn and feel. Thus the PROVEN science on dog abilities has only recently moved PAST THE "dog as machine" view.

Dr Pilley does a great job of conducting his research, and the story of his work is gripping. Must read.

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Good book, well researched and compellingly told

Revisado: 05-30-14

Where does Savage Continent rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Worth reading / hearing. Narrator uses accents a LOT, to indicate quotes from various nationals. But his skill is such that all Eastern European accents sound like amateur Dracula impersonator, but the other accents were more helpful.

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Wordy blathering barely-organized, etc

Revisado: 05-30-14

What would have made Lucky Planet better?

Interesting topic here,and I am an avid reader of layman science. But I didn't like this book. The book does make occasional points but it's darn hard work to get to them. There's just so many blind alleys and only somewhat related digressions that I grew impatient listening to a book only half the length of the usual book I buy. The author also treats the reader as though she/he has never remotely heard of any of the ideas or theories covered, adding to the tedium. There are better ways to introduce ideas to the uninformed while keeping the interest of the rest of us. Finally, the narrator sounded quite amateur, putting way too much "oh wow!" emphasis all over the place, while adding unnatural cadence. Frankly, I had to stop listening at the 6hour mark.

Would you ever listen to anything by David Waltham again?

Maybe.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Richard Dadd?

Not really.

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Soooooo many words, so little happens / discovered

Revisado: 05-26-14

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

The book is certainly detailed, of every blind alley and dead end along the search for dark energy and dark matter. I generally love physics/astronomy books but this one was like waiting for the punch lines that never seem to arrive.

Somehow, I kept listening (and listening, and listening) for a serious breakthrough in the search or a compelling new slant on the science. These never quite happen.

But.... I understand it's different strokes for different folks, so I will offer this: If you enjoy the history of a quasi-wild-goose chase, this book has all the scientific process details you would ever want. The book also gives you a nice profile of the various scientists, and of the

Glad this one was "free" with my member-credit.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

As narrators go, Ray Porter is better than many narrators, but to my ear he always (even in other audiobooks) has sort of a slightly disgusted / sarcastic undertone to his vocal inflection.

Was The 4 Percent Universe worth the listening time?

The 4 percent Universe was not really worth the time I gave it.

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