G Jonathan

Good start to a new series

Revisado: 07-15-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

There were moments of frustrations with the main character but the world is interesting and I'm interested to hear it developed further.

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Accessible Archaeology

Revisado: 06-22-19

I have never visited an excavation, let alone participated in one. But listening to The Sea of Galilee Boat, I feel as I might imagine the experience. From the pressure of preparations that begins the moment the artifact is discovered, to the importance of assembling a proper team, to correcting misreporting in the media and interacting with observers, the book provides a detailed first-person account of the excavation of a significant archaeological find.

The book also provides some history that might be easier to grasp through reading rather than listening. But the narrator does a respectable job voicing the text. It was dry in parts by his voice provided dimension and interest. As a small aside, those that listen at an increased speed may find there are moments where it is too fast, so perhaps try a notch slower than usual if that is the case.

I am providing a voluntary, unbiased review based on a review copy of the audio book that was provided to me.

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Introduction to System Archetypes

Revisado: 05-04-19

"The Elements of Thinking in Systems" is an accessible introduction to systems thinking. This is to say, this book will challenge linear thinking (a causes b) and help the reader or listener to consider the relationship of other variables as well as unintended consequences.

The book is structured around nine archetypes. This include Fixes that Backfire, Shifting the Burden, Limits to Success, Tragedy of the Commons and so on. Each archetype is defined and examples are provided. For example, "Fixes that Backfire" occurs when in an effort to fix present problems, short-term solutions are implemented which have harmful long-term effects. An example of this might be medication to dull physical pain, rather than addressing the root issue. The author further illustrates the point with a hypothetical company and the well-intended but ultimately disastrous fixes to improve sales numbers.

As a manager in a non-profit organization, I learned some new ways of thinking through challenges that we face. One of the strengths of the book is the broad ranging applications. Rather than focus on business applications, the author includes examples from marriage and family, public administration, and international relations, and others.

The book is an easy listen, and it is narrated well. I listened to it over the course of three days to get an overview of the material. However I would suggest that it is best absorbed when the listener can give full attention and look at the associated diagrams while listening to the book. The book is easy for me to recommend as an introduction, and afterwards you may be interested to go further in your studies and look for additional resources to work through the different archetypes in the situations you face. I had hoped that the author would have included short summaries or offered a process by which to think through or apply the archetypes, but that would have made for a much longer book.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

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Good Intro - Monetize Your Blog!

Revisado: 04-30-19

This book excels at pointing out the importance of focus for a blog. The author reminds us to consider our target audience and write with them in mind, and gives some helpful tips about how to write article titles and provide content that might be of interest to them. He wants to help readers become authorities on subject matter so that people will visit their blogs.

I would just suggest two areas for improvement. First, the author does not discuss advertisement. Perhaps it isn't a significant revenue source for blogs, but I had hoped there would be some comment on it and resources provided. The book focuses exclusively on referrals instead. Second, the technology books have a habit of getting dated quickly. One of the social networks recommended in the book has already announced their shutdown. This is no fault of the author, but I do wonder how it can be written so that one or two years from now it sounds fresh and relevant still.

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

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Good Book, Great Narrator, Poor Combination

Revisado: 04-30-19

Scott Brick is an excellent narrator. I listened to the Ender's Game books and he was outstanding there. I can't think of anyone would would narrate it better. When he brings his strong, authoritative voice to this book on food, I think the marriage has some compatibility issues. I think the content of the book is informative and motivational but I felt like I was been scolded for most of the six hours. You may have a different response, so I encourage you to listen to the sample. I still recommend the book, but I did want to mention the one detraction that I noticed.

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Interesting but Forgettable

Revisado: 02-28-19

As a disclaimer, I purchased the whole series. So although I rate each volume 3-stars overall, they are still entertaining.

Pros - The author offers an interesting post-apocalyptic take. What is it like to live in the air? He manages to develop interest and carry it over to later books. The main character, X, is also likable.

Cons - Every other character is forgettable. Although I was interested to see what becomes of the world that the author builds, I was not particularly connected to the other characters. They seemed like caricatures, not quite finished, but with their quirks emphasized to retain interest and keep the action moving. Also, I found the action onboard the ship to be bland, when I wanted to hear more about the dives.

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Useful Information, Helpfully Arranged

Revisado: 02-28-19

Out of the 50+ Great Courses I own, this is my favorite. It was difficult to "put down" and I learned quite a bit while listening to investing stories.

The lessons that you'll learn are no secret. Rather, Prof. Longo takes you on a survey of the major developments in the history of investing. You won't learn investing tips so much as you'll learn the different philosophies and how some financial instruments came to be. It was interesting to hear about the early days of the stock market, before information was ubiquitous and accessible. I also appreciate becoming familiar with some famous names in investing (and their associated investment companies). What you do with the information you glean is up to you!

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This is the BEST Edition!

Revisado: 02-28-19

After doing some research and listening to the different narrators, I settled on Stephen Fry's reading of Sherlock Holmes. It is incredible! I listened to it over the course of a month and thoroughly enjoyed it. With regard to audio quality, you won't be disappointed!

I had been interested in the collection for some time, in order to have the (pop) cultural background that the book supplies. There were some references I had come across in other literature and wanted to read the source. Plus, it didn't hurt that modern Sherlock Holmes adaptations have become popular on television again. This is an easy way to get into it, and a great value for the price of a single credit.

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Be Entertained, Get Motivated!

Revisado: 02-28-19

As a fan of Dilbert comics, I was interested in Scott Adams' book. He seemed an unlikely source of career advice, but I went into it primarily for entertainment, not for self-help. I got more out of it than I expected! He challenges conventional wisdom and his story was compelling. There were more transferable principles than I expected. And he write in a humble, self-effacing way that is easy to listen to. I recommend it for light, entertaining reading (and perhaps as a cure for the fear of public speaking).

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Outstanding Book - Read it for motivation!

Revisado: 02-28-19

This is the first Audible book I purchased. As such, I remember it vividly, with a dose of sentimentality.

Style - The author weaves a compelling tale that will keep your interest for the breadth of the book. He tells the story of a footrace and along the way explores the colorful characters, some cultural aspects, and a bit of science. It is a light read and lends itself well to listening while exercising.

Content - Having suffered sports injuries, I immediately connected with the author and wondered how to improve my fitness without endangering my body. Since reading the book, I have become a long-distance runner. In part, listening to the book gave me something to do on longish runs. Also, I overcame inertia and realized that I was capable of running further, perhaps with different footwear. Most important, I actually wanted to try. Running wasn't just for exercise, but seemed like an adventure and a challenge.

I highly recommend the book if you are remotely interested in it. It is a "Great First Read" for a reason. Just don't be surprised if you get hooked on audiobooks!

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