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An interesting, big-picture story

Revisado: 02-20-24

I went in with so much expectations for this book and was pleased/disappointed in unexpected ways.

I enjoyed reading about the broad, diverse people who contributed, some with almost a sense of public service, and the collective excitement in participating in such a big project. I particularly enjoyed the stories of autodidacts, and upper class women with no meaningful outlets for their education. Influenced by the novels of some of the individuals, however, I went in expecting more depth, and was disappointed with the short, dictionary-entry style chapters.

As I New Zealander, I wished the reader took an hour, half an hour, to learn the pronunciation of Maori words. It was so painful to the ears, hinting at the colonial view of the outposts that may have existed at the time. Which, I think, is contrary to the Australian author's intent.

One thing is for sure; this book is a terrific source for writers looking for interesting lives to mine.

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Wow!

Revisado: 08-28-23

A story about a lively bunch of Jewish Immigrants, African Americans and a few Italian immigrants in Pennsylvania in the mid-20C. The book is full of beautifully described characters, mundane and unusual events told/read in a natural, understated way. In the hands of a less gifted writer, it would have been a hot, noisy, convoluted mess, but McBride pulls you into the story and holds you there to a satisfying conclusion.

I can see this being turned into a movie, but I doubt it could ever be as good as reading/listening while you draw your own pictures.

Narration was superb as well; a reader probably knows a few different languages, which helps.

RECOMMEND!!

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Fabulous read in 2009, disappointed in 2021

Revisado: 02-19-21

I got the book as soon as it came out way back, and thoroughly enjoyed it; I recommended it to so many friends, the book never came back to me. This time I opted for the audiobook, expecting listen to it over and over again.

It was good that an Aussie lass read the book as all the unique Australian parlance rolled off her tongue. I think she is a good narrator, and I tried to keep in mind the audioboook was released in 2009. However, listening in 2021, all the "accents" sounded grating, as if I was surrounded by scores of Apus from the Simpsons, so much so I couldn't finish listening. That is not to take away anything from Edwina Wren, but a different mindset. I think I will get a hold of the book once again after the bad experience subsides. Still a good read.

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Poor narration

Revisado: 09-20-20

I appreciated the content, especially in listening for the second time in the autumn of 2020. However, I had problems with the narration - I have heard better computer-generated reading. Very sad for a good book.

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Wonderful "read".

Revisado: 10-29-15

Would you listen to Unfamiliar Fishes again? Why?

I love anything Sarah Vowell touches, but I found the "guest appearance" of the famous very distracting, I preferred if Sarah read it entirely.

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Problem with the reader

Revisado: 03-27-14

What did you like best about Leonardo and the Last Supper? What did you like least?

The book was wonderful, as all King's books are.

What didn’t you like about Mark Meadows’s performance?

But the reader reminded me of old-time Hollywood film stars shouting at the microphone, which is what he did, in the same intonation, throughout this not-short book. It would have been better, also, to be read by someone who understands the Italian language accents and intonations.

Do you think Leonardo and the Last Supper needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Oh, yes, most definitely, because Leonarodo is an interesting person and King is such a capable researcher/writer.

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