Baloo

A Wild Ride

Revisado: 05-23-23

I found the book exciting, very well written, and the narration perfectly suited to the content as well as my old, failing ears. While I believe everyone interested in this genre will thoroughly enjoy it, I especially did because I lived in same town, at the same time, in which the action takes place. The author knows his stuff and when he speaks of motorcycles and firearms (which is often) you can be assured the details are correct and contains no bravado, BS, or embellishments. One take-away I did not expect is while reading, I recognized that these outlaws of my youth (1960s and 1970s) had a level of respect and patriotism you can't attribute to today's criminal element. Yes, you might have gotten your ass kicked back then, but you likely did something that prompted such. And, while they were no friend to the police, they certainly had respect for them. I think they understood that the cops were also a brotherhood, just like them, only with a much, much larger membership.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Really?

Revisado: 04-09-22

After 6 chapters I returned this audio book. It was so lame and not scary at all. I only seldom listen to horror books and this one was laughable.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

Excellent True Crime Account

Revisado: 03-14-22

First, the writer is gifted in his craft and he produced a literary work and not just a book. He pulls you into the story in many ways. You will become connected with the victims' families. You will learn along side of the FBI behavioral analysis agents. You will be disgusted by the insane acts of the killer.

As there were only a few reviews of this book I was concerned that it would be mediocre. It was excellent and could not stop listening thereby finishing it in two days.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

A Voice of Sanity

Revisado: 12-26-21

I was trying to understand what could lure some people into practicing this "woke" idealology. McWhorter makes an excellent case that the explanation could only be the creation and adoption of a new "religion."

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Reads like a video game walkthrough

Revisado: 09-21-15

Any additional comments?

First, I recommend people reading this review try "Packing for Mars" by Mary Roach. That book is nonfiction and an extremely insightful read. You will learn and enjoy.

The Martian was repetitive and unbelievable. It reminded me of a video game where the character defeats one level only to have another immediate problem arise... then another... then another... then another... That gets boring real fast when individual "levels of play" substitute for literature.

The book starts out being unbelievable when you consider there are six (yes six) human beings being sent to Mars. And not just one mission, but multiple missions! Read the above cited book and you will learn why that would be utter fantasy.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Overly Dramatic with "Breathless" Narration

Revisado: 12-14-14

What could William Queen have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

There is no doubt Queen did an amazing piece of undercover work. I researched some old news articles after reading the book, which supported all his claims. However, the writing is overly dramatic and often contradictory. As an example, in one paragraph Queen gushes about how impenetrable the OMG (Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs) are then a couple paragraphs later he cites the plethora of law enforcement agents that have infiltrated various clubs. Also, Queen did little to accurately portray firearms. When he ominously described one biker secreting a North American Arms (NAA) .22 revolver on his ride, he did not convey the fact that this is about the most useless firearm you'll ever come across. He did nothing to point out the inadequacies of other firearms popular with members such as short barreled .38 revolvers.

How could the performance have been better?

Stop with the "breathless" narration. The narrator read every sentence as though it was the most incredible, scary thing in the world. Save the dramatic reading for the dramatic portions of the book. I barely made it through this book. The exaggerated narration and poor writing made it difficult to endure.

Any additional comments?

I see the execution of this book as an opportunity lost. Queen did incredible undercover work in an extremely dangerous situation. Unfortunately, the writing was not on par with the story.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

I Was There

Revisado: 11-11-14

Any additional comments?

My parents moved to pre-freeway and pre-Disney Anaheim when I was two-years old. As I approached six years old I remember sleeping with my window open, smelling orange blossoms and hearing the Mark Twain whistle from a few miles away.

In short, I enjoyed this book very much. In fact, I listened to it twice, back-to-back. However, I believe my enthusiasm was because this was a page from my life.

I remember going to Disneyland many times, meeting Walt sitting at the end of main street, no crowds and enjoying all the park as it evolved.

Even my Grad Night (Anaheim High School) was held at this venue. I'm not sure if non-Disney fans will enjoy the book as much as I did. However, I can attest to the fact that it is an excellent narrative on the evolution of the Magic Kingdom.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 19 personas

An Engrossing Read

Revisado: 05-06-14

What did you love best about The Book Thief?

Great prose, historic content, and gripping tale.

What other book might you compare The Book Thief to and why?

While some may think it odd, "The Glass Castle." Both are about young girls growing up amid adversity.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Not for Non-Fictions Readers

Revisado: 05-06-14

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The narrator was irritating and shrill. It reminded me of one of the worst books I've downloaded (The Room) with children voices so high and loud I had to adjust audio settings. The narrator was so annoying I could not listen at bed-time and had to be quick on the volume control while in the car.

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

I'm a fan of historic docu-dramas like "Roots," "The Winds of War," and "Of Captains and Kings, " but this book was just hokey. Unbelievable dialog and circumstances. Overly dramatic, non-relavent, romantic stuff.

Any additional comments?

There was a spark of interest when some California history was cited. But the book degraded back to a pulp, romance novel.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

A Non-Fiction Version of Heller's Catch 22

Revisado: 12-18-13

Any additional comments?

I could see this book being studied and critiqued in a college literature class based solely upon its effective, unique writing style. The book is non-fiction, but you'll find yourself being captivated and lured into, and back out of, the unbelievable, insane narrative.

The writer uses repetition and metaphors to show how war warps the individual mind. It reminded me, in style and content, of Joseph Heller's "Catch 22."

In addition, Bryan Cranston did an outstanding job reading the piece. I had read this book in paperback, and gained much by listening to his performance.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña