Wendy Lascher

Us v. Them

Revisado: 08-12-22

Disclosure: Yes, I am the author's mother. But as he will tell you, I am his harshest critic.

There is much more to The Golden Fortress than its underlying story about how Los Angeles Police Chief James Davis, backed by the business elite of the day, took it upon himself and the police force he commanded to try to keep “undesirables” out of California. The book reminds how dangerous it is when would-be authoritarians lie to advance “us v. them” agendas, especially when business backs the “us” side and the press cheerleads about the dangers “they” pose. I have never been to Modoc County, but it takes little imagination after reading this thoroughly documented tale to recognize that there are Modoc Counties everywhere. The leadership of any community can be coopted by the phony sense of security that Davis proffered if people don’t question what they’re told. The Golden Fortress is a cautionary tale that should be widely read (or, if you prefer, listened to; the audio recording is excellent).

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I learned so much that I thought I already knew

Revisado: 05-13-22

This is a wonderful book, a combination of nonfiction and the stories of three remarkable people that makes you want to keep learning mo un

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Unsentimental, comforting view of aging

Revisado: 09-19-21

Olive Kitteridge is a more sympathetic character in this book than she was in "Olive Kitteridge." This is not to say she's turned warm and fuzzy, but while age embitters some people, it has softened Olive and given her a bit of perspective. What made this wonderful listening for me is that the wisdom it imparts is universal.

We are all Olive Kitteridge, and we are all twenty minutes behind her (a comment you will appreciate after your read this wonderful set of stories that together make a great novel.)

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Important to know, but way overdone

Revisado: 07-05-21

As terrible as the world she describes is, this book feels like it was written by an "injustice collector." I just got tired of all of the description with no solutions, and quit halfway through.

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Such a fascinating story

Revisado: 07-05-21

The quirkiness, sincerity, and self-deprecating humor of Captain Slocum is as admirable as his feat. The reading lends a real "old-time" quality to the story. It seemed all the more real to me as i listened to this partway through the Master and Commander series (which I also highly recommend).

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I did not understand everything, but I liked the book

Revisado: 05-29-21

I’m not a scientist. I know only a little about space and cosmology. But now I know a lot more, and have more faith in scientists.

Even though some of this was beyond my comprehension, particularly the first time through, it is an entertaining book and I am planning to read it again in a few months because I know I’ll get more out of it.

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Got bored

Revisado: 11-19-20

It was a good concept, review of a life by three peoples’ statements to their therapists. But not much really happened, and I quickly tired of their narcissism

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Interesting corner of history

Revisado: 03-14-20

Even If you have traveled to Hawaii’s Big Island paniolo country, even if you love the American West, Aloha Rodeo will teach you things you never imagined. Well worth hearing this story

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Enlightening

Revisado: 02-19-19

As sad as story is this is, it is ultimately heartwarming. Highly educational for those of us without previous experience with this disease

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