Michael J. Kelley

What is happening to the iPhone generation?

Revisado: 05-09-19

In this timely and well referenced book, the authors, one a lawyer, Libertarian and free speech advocate, the other a social psychologist and professor in ethical leadership at Stern School of Business, address issues about the upheaval occurring on our college campuses. The lack of civil discourse characterized by the shouting down of invited speakers, "disinvitations" sent to other speakers, the destruction of campus property, physical harm done to teachers and administrators, and the social media attacks on professors and other students are identified and documented. The development of "safe spaces" and a sense of "uncomfortableness" resulting in a culture of "safetyism" that are experienced by these students are analyzed and their origins are traced to false ideas developed in present day American childhood and education. In addition, the authors point out that increased rates of depression and suicide in this "i gen" date back to the development of the iPhone and the growth of social media.

The social trends and the ubiquitous presence of IT and social media that have promoted the spread of "false truths" as well as the paranoid parenting practices that have taken away unsupervised free play are investigated. The growth of campus administrators, the treatment of students as "customers", and the increase in political polarization are also explored in the authors' attempt to explain the rise in intolerance for opposing ideas and the fears that are making our young people less likely to become productive adults. Their proposals and reflections on ancient, but wise truths, is an attempt to explain what is happening and to get our universities back on the track of being tolerant citadels of truth, learning and freedom of expression.

This is an important book for those, like me, who have been concerned and confused by what is happening on our college campuses today.

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The Forgotten Founding Father

Revisado: 04-18-18

This work filled a real gap for me. My reading group has started studying The Constitution-- its origins, influences on its creators and details about the controversies that existed as our
Constitution was born. I noticed early on that the references to John Marshall and his contributions to the formation and implementation of The Constitution were the most numerous of any in our reading sources. The fine work by Law professor Joel Richard Paul completely filled my knowledge gap about Marshall.

The book details Marshall's humble beginnings, his military career and the influence of George Washington, his prickly relationship with his cousin Jefferson, his important sojourn to France with Pinckney and Gerry after the Revolutionary War as well as his early role in Federalist-Republican politics. The fledgling Supreme Court, barely had a place to work and live in during it's early days in Washington. Marshall's brilliance and steadfastness helped to define the roll of the court as the defender of the Constitution in several early and crucial cases such as Marbury V. Madison, a ruling that helped to establish judicial review.

Marshall's family and social relationships are also detailed. What a surprise to learn that this polymath wrote poetry!

After listening to this audible book (and also purchasing the book!), I strongly believe that John Marshall deserves a place along side of Washington, Madison, Adams, Hamilton and Jefferson as one of Founding Fathers.

For anyone interested in the early history of our country, and especially the early struggles of the Supreme Court to become a strong and independent arm of our tripartite Republic,
I highly recommend this book.

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The Polymath to Beat All Polymaths!

Revisado: 01-22-18

This biography of Leonardo from Vinci is one of the finest and best researched that I have read, topping even the exceptional biographies that Isaacson has already produced about other polymaths: Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin and Einstein.
Because this book is so profusely illustrated with Leonardo's drawings and portraits, however, I think the audible edition MUST be accompanied by the written edition. This audible edition is well done with a very good narration by Alfred Molina and, as a special treat, Isaacson "bookend" contributions in the introduction and the conclusion. It was indeed a pleasure to listen first and imagine what the Leonardo portrait or drawing would look like in the printed edition.

BUY THEM BOTH!

Michael J. Kelley

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A wonderful period piece of historical fiction!

Revisado: 11-22-17

Satisfies in many ways:
Authentic in recreating this time in history; characters are well drawn and believable; nautical terms are explained through the growing knowledge of Dr. Maturin assisted by his friend and teacher, Captain Aubrey; story is visually described and scenes can be clearly imagined; and the narrator is excellent!

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Conroy's Final Attempt to Reconcile with Dad

Revisado: 07-20-17

What made the experience of listening to The Death of Santini the most enjoyable?

As usual, Conroy captures the humorous, sad and, hopefully, factual details of his dysfunctional family. In eventually reconciling with his Father, he travels a tortuous trail with many side roads and detours. It is classic Conroy, made more poignant with the sad realization that this would be his last work.

What did you like best about this story?

Darkness plus explosive humor throughout.

What didn’t you like about Dick Hill’s performance?

I think this was the WRONG voice for this story...the Chicago/New York accent just graited on me throughout...a poor match for this story of a SOUTHERN family in and out of crises.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

LOL

Any additional comments?

Sorry that his voce has been stilled.

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The Perfect Combination

Revisado: 05-22-17

Would you listen to Robert Lowell, Setting the River on Fire again? Why?

Yes. The story itself is remarkable, and the poetry that is woven through the story is enhanced by the reading of it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Robert Lowell, Setting the River on Fire?

The numerous examples of Lowell's courage "under fire"...that is, his ability to repeatedly return to his creative self after multiple attacks of mania and depression.

What about Jefferson Mays’s performance did you like?

His reading of Lowell's poetry was superb!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me realize what those with bipolar psychosis must deal with and what courage it takes to know that, even under therapy, this disease can come back into their lives without warning.

Any additional comments?

This was a tour de force by Dr. Jamison! She captured Robert Lowell's life, his creativity, his mental illness and his courage in one complex portrait. No biography that I have read has ever so accurately portrayed the essence of the two elements of creativity and mental illness in terms that a layperson or a medical professional could understand. Her feat was likely facilitated by her own experience with manic depressive disease. Her creative and empathetic writing is exhibited for all to enjoy in this amazing book!

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Complex but worth it

Revisado: 08-31-16

Complex tale with overlapping plot lines and lots of characters.
The marriage of Longmire's daughter is woven through the story and leads to one of the most emotional scenes in any of the Longmire stories I have read.
One of his best!

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WW I: Fiction or Reality?

Revisado: 04-08-16

Would you listen to Not All Bastards Are from Vienna again? Why?

Yes. This story fills in blanks about enduring the disaster that was WW I in Italy and is peopled by authentic voices speaking truth about their time. It seemed to have the veracity of one who lived through this difficult time.
It had elements of The Leopard as the landed gentry were engulfed by the invaders from the north and faced the loss of, not only their traditions and possessions, but their freedom.

This is also the story of a boy becoming a man, the intelligence deployed by the family, especially Paolo's aunt, to outwit the German and Austrian soldiers and the creativity the strength that besieged people can bring forth when confronted by an evil enemy.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Not All Bastards Are from Vienna?

The last scene with the heroes facing the firing squad

Which scene was your favorite?

Any scene with Grandfather speaking his mind

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were many tense scenes with the threat of violence omnipresent.

Any additional comments?

The narrator captured the voices of both men and women, young and old, and German and Austrian accents extremely well.

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