WordNerd

Distracting narration

Revisado: 05-05-21

Because narration is as much a determinant as the subject matter in my decision to spend a credit , I always listen to the sample first, but this sample contained only the foreword, capably read by Angela Duckworth, and none of Katy Milkman’s narration. Of all her accomplishments Katy may be a wonderful author and inspiring professor, but the grating vocal fry in her narration was so distracting I couldn’t get past the first 10 minutes. I’ll read this one instead.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 27 personas

“I am not arrogant”

Revisado: 04-17-21

Said the narcissist. Without detracting from his talent, listening to Sting’s self-absorbed reflection diminished the man in my estimation. I wish I had not been exposed to his hubris.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Thought-provoking historical fiction

Revisado: 03-27-21

Enjoyable story made more so by the narrator. While there’s a somewhat predictable arc, there were a few surprise plot twists. I particularly liked how the characters were portrayed, offering a glimpse into the harshness of their lives as well as hope that came from unexpected places.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A peek at the roots of evil

Revisado: 08-16-20

Before heading to the polls in November,
anyone of voting age, or soon to be voting age, would do themselves a great service by listening to or reading this account of the grim circumstances that shaped Donald Trump and why he is a danger to our democracy. This isn’t a tabloid tell-all, but a careful observation and analysis by someone who witnessed the abusive acts that occurred in an egregiously dysfunctional family, where lying, deception, and winning at all costs - always at the expense of others- was the norm. We see the behaviors. Now we know why.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Narration to listen to.

Revisado: 10-08-19

Vocal fry. Upspeak. “Like”.
These affectations of speech were so pervasive and distracting that listening was difficult and much of the impact of story was lost. I realize this manner of speaking is commonplace among millennials, but regardless of generation, I find that it detracts from the speakers’ credibility and the listener’s enjoyment. Please, authors (and Audible producers), understand that narration is as much of your story as your words and you do yourself and your audience a disservice by ignoring an important aspect of your work.
https://time.com/5006345/what-is-vocal-fry/?amp=true

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Has evolution made us wiser?

Revisado: 09-18-19

Harari brings us a wonderful, comprehensive deep dive into not only our ancestral species, but our effects, good and bad, on the world we live in, and raises as many questions as answers. Who are we? What have we learned? Will humans survive? Derek Perkins’ narration brings this engaging history to life.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Reuse, recycle, reject

Revisado: 05-07-19

I was hoping for more "eco" and less "therapy". It's only chapter two and already the author has mentioned her divorce far too many times. I get that it's a traumatic life event. I get that writing about it is cathartic, and it would be fine as a central theme of a memoir, but not in what is supposed to be a science-based treatise on the calming effects of nature. It's only chapter two and I am listening to verbatim clips from chapter one. Why? This level of repetition adds no value to the story; it’s annoying filler in an otherwise already brief three hour recording. That’s I can't bring myself to listen to the remaining two hours.

Audible, if you’re listening, please vet author-narrated selections more carefully. Ms. Williams’ too fast “valley girl”’upspeak was grating. As a monthly member benefit free selection, I'm glad I didn't waste a credit on this. I gave three stars across the board because I'm sure someone with a less discerning ear and more patience than I may glean new information.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 8 personas

Look A guided tour to understanding what makes us tick

Revisado: 04-06-19

I’m usually skeptical of authors reading their own works, but in this case I can’t imagine anyone else delivering these lectures. Mark Leary’s skill and knowledge as a professor deliver with clarity and insight what might otherwise be a dry topic, and his conversational narration style kept me engaged. I wish I could take one of his classes.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Narration style does not fit the content

Revisado: 10-23-18

I found the narrator’s sing-song voice and overly dramatic interpretation of the content so annoying I couldn’t get more than 10 minutes into this story. This isn’t a dramatic piece; it’s a biography. This is a clear example of poor match between narration style and material. I would think the producer could have done something about it - whether coach the narrator or request a different narrator. Audible, are you listening? Fortunately I didn’t have to waste a credit on this. I gave the story only one star because I didn’t listen to it.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Engaging and riveting

Revisado: 07-26-18

If you like your sci-fi served with a side of humor and characters worthy of empathy, this is for you. Masterfully narrated by Carl Prekopp, RR Haywood’s second Extracted novel is riveting. The only reason I looked forward to the ending was in anticipation of the next installment.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña