Greg LaFave

Excellent Story in All Respects!

Revisado: 04-09-22

What a pleasant surprise - the protagonist (Katie Kontent) could not have been more interesting to follow, as was true of this story! The narrator was especially effective!

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Absolutely Phenomenal

Revisado: 01-31-22

Every American should read this book, particularly those who hold the most ignorance about the larger world around them. As a white, straight American male in his 60’s, this novel touched me deeply (to the core), in all respects - beautifully written, felt and visualized!

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Compelling True Crime Story

Revisado: 01-10-22

Although this sage left me feeling a bit frustrated regarding the notable “loose ends” and disconnected cable threads (especially with respect to Scotland’s legal system), the details and evidence presented were compelling and quite interesting. That said, with many of the key players refusing to participate (i.e., family on both sides of this case, accused and allegedly deceased), I wish the audience would have heard from more people who knew David - character witnesses, say (like his Navy buddies, for instance). For that reason, I would give this narrative 4 1/2 stars, if that was an option.

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Not For Everyone

Revisado: 01-03-22

I was drawn to this book/author by two of his short stories that I had heard elsewhere (both of which are found in this book). In hindsight, those somewhat twisted stories reveal a larger theme here, one where the author self-indulgently drones on about his miserable childhood and life. If you’re not into blue-collar, hockey playing, beer-swilling New England trailer park losers who cheat on and beat up their wives, then this may not be the book for you. I stuck with this book simply because I had paid for it, even though I nearly quit it many times. That said, it grew on me, especially after I realized that there were some connecting themes among characters. Also, I should point out, because I grew up with an alcoholic father, I recognize many of these miserable people, and that was a bit triggering for me. Regardless, Robert Fass’ narration was fantastic, especially his many unique voice characterizations.

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Spectacularly Raw and Vulnerable!

Revisado: 12-14-21

Wow, what a piece of work, and I am (was) merely a casual fan, following the intuitions and interests of my daughters! Early on, the author provides a disclaimer regarding her ego (and narcissism) - that paved the way for the transition into this raw and vulnerable personal story. Each chapter ends with key songs, which align with aspects of the stories told in that particular section (and often include spoken-word lyrics as part of the narration). Songs that I may not have fully understood before (again, I was a casual fan) come alive with new depth and meaning. Brandi’s voice is amazing, and (it has to be said) so is her story-telling ability. Also, her commitment to truth-telling, attention-to-detail and narrative integrity are noteworthy in this chronology. Incredibly powerful, with some beautiful star turns and many personal moments that really grab the reader visually!

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Exhaustive Research Provides New Considerations

Revisado: 12-12-21

Extremely refreshing - its great to see/hear challenges to long-established views - the role of women, the concepts of Rousseau, elements of basic freedom(s) - especially in light of new archaeological discoveries. While there are some potential flaws (which the authors essential acknowledge in the foreword), this work provides some real outside-the-box thinking in regard to what we accept as fact and even the basic terminology used. That said, one such discrepancy, which comes in the final chapter, uses an analogy of Edison and the light bulb to draw new consideration to the role and categorization of technological developments (as epochal). Even though the point made is quite valid, the example of Edison as a more modern-day delineation of coming change is flawed at best, as the historical record does not necessarily support Edison as the (sole) inventor of the light bulb, but rather as more of a cog in a bigger wheel with lots of moving parts. Nonetheless, this book opens itself to greater scrutiny and will likely withstand much of it - bravo!

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Mildly Entertaining, At Best

Revisado: 11-28-21

Overall, this story is a bit of a mess, but paranormal activity is not really my thing - way too many overused tropes.

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Stellar Chronology!

Revisado: 11-28-21

Another stellar Great Course lecture series, done in a chronological manner with excellent details and background info. Also, the song snippets added a nice touch!

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Great Historical Detail!

Revisado: 11-27-21

Extremely well-organized and researched, in all respects, particularly the chapter divisions. In the areas where there is some repetition of facts, such overlap serves to enhance and reinforce key details. Bravo!

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Notably Misleading Title

Revisado: 11-27-21

This seeming journey through self indulgence may have served some therapeutic purpose for the author, but the title could not have been much more misleading. While her grandmother is certainly central to the narrative, the reader only get snippets of her here and there, in rather disjointed fashion. It’s almost as if the author intended to use her grandmother as a vehicle to tell her own story, though not in a manner that carried much insight or interest. It’s a shame - I think the grandmother probably has/had a lot more to say, yet you don’t really get that here.

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