Erik Hermansen

Lots of good stories, little info.

Revisado: 07-07-17

The book is about 95% stories of athletes competing in races and overcoming adversity. These are well told and I found them motivating. But I was hoping for more instruction and insight that I could apply to my own running. There are maybe a scant 10 pages where factors that can boost performance are directly discussed--things like having an audience, being part of a group, or compensating for being an underdog. I wanted to hear more about this, and was left wanting. Also, I did like that the author narrated, which adds personality. He's a decent narrator.

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Practical info with an awareness of police abuse.

Revisado: 12-28-14

Where does Police Interactions 101 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's in the top 10%.

What other book might you compare Police Interactions 101 to and why?

None, really. I didn't see any other books covering this content on Audible, so I think it's quite valuable to have this book there.

What three words best describe Spencer Bryant’s performance?

Clear, but stiff.

What insight do you think you’ll apply from Police Interactions 101?

Hopefully, I'll follow the author's instructions and it will help me get through some future encounter smoothly.

Any additional comments?

I think the author did a good job of giving practical advice both to protect yourself and other people. For those with an activist bent, later content in the book like talking to media and setting up an oversight group will be valuable as well.

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Complaining about her dead mom.

Revisado: 11-23-14

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

Less character study of her mother.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

To be honest, I stopped listening before I got to the end. After the first half hour, I got tired of hearing about her mom, and skipped ahead... still complaining about her mom. Skipped ahead some more... yep, still on the mom. Now complaining about her dad's ambivalence. Now relating the grandmother to the mom, and showing... Sigh. Not my thing. I gave up.

Which scene was your favorite?

Her observations on people's expectations regarding death. Which again, I will be honest, I did not get to in the book, but I heard her explaining this part of the book in an interview on All Things Considered and it piqued my interest.

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

The author's narration is great. It sounds natural and emotive. I think I just had the wrong idea about what the book would be when I heard it was a collection of essays. I think of essays like "Topic A... Discuss," "Topic B... Discuss". But the book is closer to an autobiography with a lot of storytelling from her life. So it's probably unfair for me to judge the book as bad--it was just not what I expected, and I've got reader's remorse.

Any additional comments?

It's wearying for me to listen to an author go on at length about the failings of another person. I understand the value in writing about true experience, and like the idea that someone will have courage to say "unspeakable" things that are true. I just prefer a constructive viewpoint, and this seemed too much like venting for my taste.

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Fun, Happy, Not Much To Say

Revisado: 10-12-12

Would you consider the audio edition of It's Not Easy Being Green to be better than the print version?

There are several good actors reading and excellent audio production. This is a made-for-audio performance.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

When the program was over, I felt a bit unsatisfied. I think I was looking for more biographical content and facts mixed in with the feel-good, inspirational quotes.

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

There was variety and real acting ability in the narrators. I did get tired of Whoopi Goldberg sounding like she was reading a storybook to me as a child.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It's pretty short and easy to listen to in one sitting. There is great variety to the audio, so it keeps you paying attention.

Any additional comments?

You have to be a bit sappy to get into this. It's got eye-rolling stuff like linking Fraggle Rock character dialogue to an inspirational view of the world. And maybe adults that love Sesame Street and the Muppets are more willing to indulge a bit of childishness. I did enjoy hearing about Jim Henson's unique working style and motivations. In fact, it's the counterpoint to a modern idea that great success requires treating people poorly and being opportunistic. (E.g. Steve Jobs style)

Although the mixture of quotes and anecdotes was pleasant and well-produced, the program would have been more powerful if there were more content about Jim Henson's life. For example, it's fascinating to me that Jim Henson didn't want to work on Sesame Street, because he prefered to focus on adult-oriented content, yet decided to do it out of a sense of duty. But life events like that weren't really discussed.

In the end, I'm really glad I listened to this program even though it was a bit fluffy. I recommend it to people that are still in love with Jim Henson's work.

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