David Ben Kay

Why owning your own data is so critical

Revisado: 05-04-20

I listened to Brittany’s book in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. It’s one of those critical moments, like 9/11, when big data companies (like Amazon, Facebook, etc.) and governments are going to take advantage of panic and fear to further encroach on civil liberties and dig their claws deeper into our personal data. Targeted gives us a personal story and insight into how she was co-opted into giving her talent to the “evil side.” The most amazing thing in her story is that the experience didn’t make her totally cynical. On the contrary, she ends on a hopeful note - and in her final acknowledgments gives specific suggestions about what one can do to change things. Her move into the blockchain movement following her experience at CA makes perfect sense. It is the platform/technology that, at the moment, holds the greatest potential for us to take back ownership of our data.

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Excellent book, but the performance fell short for me

Revisado: 01-20-20

This was my twelfth audiobook and the only one where the performance didn’t enhance my appreciation , but, on the contrary took away from my experience. I know that Ms Toren took great efforts in her performance - but I must be honest in saying that I found her imitation of accents - whether Chinese, Indian or Native American — to be stereotypical, mocking and offensive. I know that was not her intent, but it was the result at least with this one listener.

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A Grisham Fan - Somewhat disappointed

Revisado: 11-25-19

I’m a lawyer and have been a huge fan of Grisham’s novels. However, to be honest, The Guardians was a bit of a disappointment. It was OK, brought me to tears and laughter, but too predictable, I thought. The audiobook performance was excellent, but for me, at least, the story fell short of expectations.

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Required reading for a better understanding of “How did we get here?”

Revisado: 10-31-19

I had heard about this book shortly after Trump got elected president, touted for it’s insight into at least a certain segment of what we now refer to as “the base” - referring to the base of Trump’s support. I think it accomplished that as far as economic class is concerned. White privilege didn’t enter into the story - either because it wasn’t a part of the author’s life, or at least he wasn’t conscious of it. To be fair, although I’m American, I’ve been living outside of the US for over 30 years. Watching the 2016 elections from abroad, I didn’t recognize my country. Hillbilly Elegy gave me a better understanding why America is no longer recognizable to me.

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In the Public Interest

Revisado: 10-22-19

Under the Espionage Act, Edward Snowden would be precluded from offering a “public interest” defense. In lieu of that, he has written this book which is an eloquent and brave explanation of why he did what he did. By providing, in rich detail, the story of his life and the people in it, he’s able to give a context for that defense that goes beyond what he’d be able to do in a courtroom. I know that for some, this man’s a traitor, but for those of us who truly believe in human rights, including the right to own and control one’s own data, he’s a hero.

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A must Listen for those interested in the most powerful industry of our time.

Revisado: 10-13-19

I’m a Rachel Maddow fan and this met my very high expectations of a superbly researched and critical overview of the oil and gas industry together with the inimitable wit of Ms Maddow. Highly recommended.

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I didn’t want it to end

Revisado: 10-02-19

A wonderful performance of a great story. The character development was so good, they’re still in my head, many days after finishing the book. I usually confine my listening to when I walk the dogs, but I found myself so involved with the story and characters that I found myself listening for hours on end.

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Short but Sweet

Revisado: 09-10-19

It’s a touching story that many can relate to. Maybe particularly poignant for gay men (particularly over 40) and for those who bullied gay men. The performance is perfect.

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Laughter & Tears

Revisado: 08-21-19

Maybe it’s particularly funny/touching to a gay man the author’s age. I loved it. I didn’t want it to end. And perfect to have David Sedaris reading it out loud.

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