Natasha

Happiness rising from the injustise

Revisado: 10-29-13

Where does Mao's Last Dancer rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Tie first. It was first last week but then I completed "The Condition".

What was one of the most memorable moments of Mao's Last Dancer?

The story about the man who "died" because he choked on an egg and then came to life after a robber punched him in the stomach.

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

Yes, it was interesting, heartwarming, exciting, both sad and happy.

Any additional comments?

I would like to listen to it in one sitting again and again, okay and maybe a couple more agains.

Other memorable moments:

Him breaking his pencil trying to write for the first time.

When he breaks his mother's new plates trying to make her a surprise meal.

When his parent's get applauded at the first performances of his they get to watch in America. And that curtain rise was kept on hold until they arrived.

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An interesting, realistic and intreaging book

Revisado: 10-29-13

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. The story is unpredictable, full of twists and turns you never expect. The story is a totally realistic account of the characters' lives.

What did you like best about this story?

I like how it is not a story told by a narrator only or one specific person but you get each character's perception of his and the other's lives.

What does Jennifer Van Dyck bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Passion and clarity on each character. I would have got confused when there was so much switching between characters.

If you could take any character from The Condition out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Scott. He seems to be underestimated throughout the book and is living in a way that everyone expects of him.. with a mediocre life and as an underachiever. He is the character that reflects the most on his life, realizes more profoundly how he has affected his future and that the other characters are not to blame for his failures. He is the one that tries the hardest to be more and he gives up more to be better and help his family. He tries the hardest to be the most emotionally stable.

Any additional comments?

I can't wait to listen to it again :)

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Such an amazing and touching book

Revisado: 04-22-13

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It's amazing that someone can come so far. That someone can so strongly aspire to help and encourage people who feel downtrodden, helpless and less deserving than other people. No one is below anyone else and everyone deserves an equal chance even though they themselves may not believe so, he attempts to let people know they deserve any chance they can dream of and are willing to never give up and work hard. Although the people who he writes about may not get a chance to read this story it can inspire someone to want to help in such a way that may one day enable them to read this book and have access to it. I have read another rather recent book that describes how some aid workers seem to take for granted what they have available while attempting to assist these people. Maybe this book may help them realise just how privileged they are even while working within poverty stricken and illness "infested" areas. Where he describes where these people stay, how they live and what they have access to in the refugee camp while refugees struggle yet survive on the bare minimum. Maybe a friend will be as touched by this book and recommend it and it can be recommended to others and more people become aware of these people's plight. It is not only in the areas mentioned in the book, maybe people may take interest and be inspired to help other organisations in other countries too. Many people helping in a small way amounts to help in a big way.

What other book might you compare Running for My Life to and why?

I'm not sure if I would compare a book to this in the way of an inspirational story of one persons struggles but in "Dark Star Safari" there is evidence of and discussions surrounding the current and past plight of many of the African countries, as well as the diminishing and limited education opportunities and facilities.

What does Brandon Hirsch bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I cried so much, it is narrated with passion and read as if he himself faced what is discussed in the book. He makes the story his own. I wouldn't have been able to picture it in as emotional way as he makes it.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Why I run but never ran away

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Repetitive Story & Fragmented Preformance

Revisado: 12-12-12

Would you try another book from Richard Dawkins and/or Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward ?

Maybe Richard Dawkins but not Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward

Has The Blind Watchmaker turned you off from other books in this genre?

No

What didn’t you like about Richard Dawkins and Lalla Ward ’s performance?

The story does not flow. There is poor timing regarding the inputs from Lalla Ward. The changes between the two are abrupt. A different combination of readers may have been better. The two voices and expressions do not compliment each other. It is just not the right combination.

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

It is a good topic and there are good points put forward but extremely repetitive. Maybe it is for people who understand less about the topic. It comes across as the author is being condescending or making things oversimplified. It appears as though the author is belittling the readers' intelligence/intellect.

Any additional comments?

Suggestions on higher order books in this genre?

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