Kent

Great Book- Better to Read than to Listen

Revisado: 01-02-19

This is a great book. As an artist, it was extremely useful in understanding the resistance I have always experienced and the blocks that prevent me from doing my artwork. I believe, that because of this book I will finally (after 30 years) be able to move forward to be a practicing artist as opposed to a frustrated artist.

I personally had to overlook some phrases like "artist-child", reminding me of the much overused (and now dated) term inner-child. But that's just me, and I looked past that quite easily. The message of this book is too important to be put off by those types of things.

I was very happy to find it here on Audible, and I did listen to the whole book- however, this is a book that I think should definitely be read. There are written exercises that are hard to complete when listening to the book. Now that I have listened to it, I will read the actual book now, taking my time to absorb the ideas and do all of the exercises.

I did not enjoy the music in between chapters- I rarely do in these audio books. It gives the book a new-agey feel that deters from the content. We all have particular tastes in music- if one doesn't like the music that is chosen, it affects how one receives the book. I think the book should stand alone.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

Legendary Book- Tragic Job Performing & Recording

Revisado: 09-06-18

The Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book is one of the best selling books of all time, having sold over 30 million copies. Time magazine placed the book on its list of the best and most influential books ever written. No one can argue that it has helped save millions of lives.
SO, this recording baffles me completely. Of all of the books that Audible offers, this legendary book is recorded in such a shotty way, it's shameful. Really bad.
The narrator mispronounces hundreds of words, including "phenomenon" (over and over) and "vague". In fairness, some of the language isn't commonly used today, but no words that are used in the book are extinct from the English language. Some words are difficult to pronounce, but the solution should have been to rerecord over the errors- instead of just releasing it 'as-is'. The recording also has background noise.
The inflections of the narrator are also way off- definitely not the right guy for this book. He sounds like a radio announcer who's not paying attention to what he's reading and just getting it done. This is a book that should be read by someone who understands the book, preferably by an alcoholic in the AA program. Laughably, Audible would not have to pay an AA person- because it would be service work! 90% of people in the AA program would do this as a volunteer- and most would do a better job than what Audible has done.
Audible failed miserably here.
The only reason this recording is being listened to at all, is because it's the beloved Big Book and to those who can't read it, listening to it is a great way to get the information. It's getting some decent reviews for the same reason, I'm sure.
I hope Audible staff actually read these reviews- and will hopefully get the message to RERECORD this essential book someday very soon. It's one of the most important books ever written- I don't think that's going to change anytime soon.
(Oh, and the clipart 'cover' image is also tacky).

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Great story, perfectly performed

Revisado: 07-09-18

Will Patton couldn't be better reading Stephen King- he gets the characters, and gets the story, and captures Stephen King's 'voice' like he wrote the book himself. The story itself is classic Stephen King - kept me hooked all the way through. Not super scary, but fun and interesting.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A Christian Book- not for everyone

Revisado: 05-22-17

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

As with another very well known book on the same subject, this book is very religious in nature. In reading the description again, maybe it's clear that it's strictly Christian. I am looking for a book that is not- I can't relate to the bible, Jesus and born again references. As a very spiritual (but not religious) person, this is a turn off for me . For some reason, I keep coming up against this in trying to find a book for help with childhood sexual abuse issues. My search continues and I am frustrated.

What could Mary DeMuth have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Perhaps it should just be made clearer how religious in nature this book is.

What about Mary E. DeMuth’s performance did you like?

Performance was fine- well read & nice voice to listen to

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment; Frustration.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Good starting point for those w few social skills

Revisado: 04-06-17

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Hmm. Not sure. This book was not for me, but may be good for someone who is really at a loss as to how to relate to other people- one who cannot read physical or verbal cues from other people, and doesn't intuitively know appropriate responses to other people's emotions, thoughts or actions. I think there are people like that- so this may be a good book for them.
I guess I was looking for a book about real friendship. I care less about winning people over, or arranging situations to get something I want (trying hard not to use the word 'manipulation', which in my mind is never really a good idea. People see through that and generally don't like it).

Would you recommend The Like Switch to your friends? Why or why not?

No. I don't have anyone in my immediate circle of friends who needs this kind of book, probably because I try to find people who already know how to relate others. I learn from them how to be a good friend. This may be good information to read for some, but personally, I think the only way to really learn how to connect with others is to stop trying so hard to act one way or another. I think it's imperative to make a conscious effort to turn your attention away from yourself, and from wanting something from someone (friendship, companionship)- to really listen to the other person. The biggest lesson I learn over and over again in life, is that I am not that different from other people. We share common problems in life, emotional difficulties, pain, loss- to realize that we are never alone is the key to connection to others. To act according to this book might be a good starting point, but unless you are authentic and truly learn to care about other people, you will not succeed in relationships. I think kind, compassionate behavior toward others FOLLOWS the ability to get out of self centered thinking. Friendship is the result of honest connection. I didn't hear much about that in this book.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narration was good, although a little mechanical at times.

Was The Like Switch worth the listening time?

Not for me- perhaps for someone else.

Any additional comments?

if you want a better seat on a flight and want to make 'friends' with those who can get you things you want, there are some tools here. There are some good practices described in relating to people, and strangers in a positive way, especially when people tend to be negative toward each other so much of the time (on the road, at work, out in public anywhere) - I think that's all good stuff. There are some weird things though- like explaining that people tend to hold hands if they really like each other. Hmm. I picked up on that quite some time ago...the author could have skipped some of that. We aren't that thick.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 8 personas

Excellent book- particularly for Millennials.

Revisado: 03-07-17

Would you listen to The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck again? Why?

Probably not. I liked it, and got a lot amount out of it. I am in my 40's though, and this book is definitely aimed at the younger generation.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck?

Memorial is the first part of the first chapter, where the word f*ck is used a million and a half times. I guess I should have expected that, considering the title. Maybe it takes the use of the work f*ck to get some attention, particularly from a young audience. In my case, this almost made me turn it off- not because the word offends me, but because it started to be annoying. He lays off using the word just in time, and I'm glad I stuck with the book because I thought it was excellent.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Excellent!

Revisado: 03-07-17

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

Yes- I would highly recommend this book to anyone in recovery and in a twelve step program. The focus is on steps six and seven, which as important as they are, can be underemphasized by some people in working through the 12 steps. I will listen to this book time and time again. Well read- narrator's voice is very nice.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 7 personas

Not moved by this...

Revisado: 03-06-17

What would have made Lit better?

I wanted to like this book, but found it difficult. I was not moved by what I thought should have been a moving memoir. I am very sympathetic to people's struggles with alcohol, as I am a recovering alcoholic myself. I thought Mary's story, as she told it, lacked feeling, and almost found it slightly contrived at times. I'm not a writer so I can't say exactly what went wrong here, but the fact that I would try is the problem. This reads like someone who has tried to master the art of memoir writing, rather than a real heartfelt and unique account of one's life. The attempts at humor seemed tailored for the Hollywood movie script, rather than part of an authentic story. I did not so much as chuckle. Nor did I connect with this author at all, in fact, I don't think I like her. She reads the story herself- I would think this would add to the story, but her reading and voice detract from it further- there is a sarcastic undertone I don't get. There was not a scrap of warmth in this- none.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Not sure-

Would you be willing to try another one of Mary Karr’s performances?

No.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Annoyance at times.

Any additional comments?

I don't understand the rave reviews. This book lacks emotion.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A good tool IF familiar w/ Body Dysmorphia issues

Revisado: 02-08-17

What did you like best about Body Dysmorphia Hypnosis? What did you like least?

I think this mediation is actually quite useful IF one is already familiar with Body Dysmorphia Issues. Unfortunately, Audible does not off any informative books about the disorder, so this book is much less useful than it would be if they did. This meditation guide is meant to support other efforts to correct the faulty thinking that is responsible for this painful disorder.

If you’ve listened to books by Hypnosis Live before, how does this one compare?

N/A

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

The narrator's voice is lovely. Very relaxing.

Do you think Body Dysmorphia Hypnosis needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

This book does not need a follow up- it should be a follow up to another, more informative book. This book is not meant to explain or identify Body Dysmorphic Disorder- it is a meditation for those already using other forms of recovery.

Any additional comments?

YES. Having a blonde, thin, college age, barbi-doll looking figure as the cover of this book is absurd. Really. This is a disorder that is characterized by the anxiety of not fitting the images we are bombarded with in the media of pretty, perfect-looking people. Really, really dumb cover chosen by someone who doesn't know what the disorder is and didn't bother to find out what the book is about. (Not to mention the fact that it's a cheesy purchased stock photo and does not represent the quality of the book itself).

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 5 personas

Eh. Not helpful.

Revisado: 09-29-16

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

?? I don't know- the narrator was fine- the content was lacking.

What was most disappointing about Jamie Keller’s story?

'Revenge' tactics are silly. Anyone dealing with a real narcissist has a real problem on their hands. Hiding their stuff and other little annoying tactics isn't really going to help anyone.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

It does explain some of the things that can cause someone to be narcissistic (but no ground breaking info). If one is listening to this book, they are sick and tired of thinking about the all of the sad reasons that their partner is narcissistic. No help for the sufferer.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 10 personas