Pixie

A Story of an Unusual Life, Remarkably Researched

Revisado: 08-17-12

What made the experience of listening to Barack Obama the most enjoyable?

The intriguing details in this book of Obama's life prior to his entry into politics were a result of amazingly intricate research. Even street addresses of relatively minor characters are given, and many of Obama's far flung friends and family who are still alive were interviewed. These details were woven into a well told story that provided an intimate picture of the young man and insight into his present character. I have just acquired Dreams from my Father and, at this point, cannot decide which book should be read first. It is obvious from gentle comments in Maraniss' book that Obama's account of his life is told from the bias that is inevitable in personal memories of the past. This is true of everyone. I now plan to read other books by Obama himself.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Of course Obama himself was my favorite, but the stories involving his mother totally changed my view of her. Maraniss enables the reader to understand even flawed characters.

Have you listened to any of David Maraniss’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not, but his performance was excellent. I believe that only he could have pronounced the exotic names of people and places with such fluency

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My reaction was not extreme other than the enjoyment I had in listening to it

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A Real Masterpiece that I Had Somehow Missed

Revisado: 06-12-12

Would you listen to All the King's Men again? Why?

Yes. There was a depth to the philosophy that I would like to explore further. The language is magnificent. His skill as a poet creates a need to reread.


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What was one of the most memorable moments of All the King's Men?

It is impossible to select just one. All the characters develop and evolve with each incident.

What about Michael Emerson’s performance did you like?

He felt the energy of the story and understood each of the very diverse characters.

Any additional comments?

It is an artistic accomplishment that Robert Penn Warren creates a flawed character to be his first person narrator. The reader wants to reason with him as he weaves his own ironic philosophy into his account of the story. He not only reveals the true nature of the other characters, but his own struggles to understand his own existence. As a result, the reader comes to new conclusions about his own philosophy.

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The Endurance of Deckens is Reconfirmed

Revisado: 05-14-12

What made the experience of listening to David Copperfield the most enjoyable?

The excellent writing of Charles Dickens.

What other book might you compare David Copperfield to and why?

Moby Dick. Both were extremely well written but excessively long.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

He put great expression in his narration and I am sure the dialects were authentic, but he was very difficult to understand.

Any additional comments?

I am glad I selected this book regardless of the difficulty with the narration.

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I Wanted to own this Book

Revisado: 01-09-12

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

Yes. It is the first of an excellent series. I have read or listened to all books in that series. This should be a prerequisite to all the other novels as it is the delightful stlor of how Peabody and Emerson met and fell in love

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

All novels in the series are real page turners. There is a hook in each incident to lure the reader on.

Which character – as performed by Barbara Rosenblat – was your favorite?

Emerson

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

An unlikely love story of archeologists in ancient Egypt

Any additional comments?

Elizabeth Peters is a favorite author.

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An Epilogue to Ann Patchett's Lecture

Revisado: 01-09-12

Would you listen to This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage again? Why?

No. I will remember it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ann, herself.

Have you listened to any of Ann Patchett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have enjoyed listening to two of her books.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Probably her trip to Mayo Clinic when she discovered the severity of her husband's illness.

Any additional comments?

I appreciated the Audible Christmas gift.

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A Delightful Way to Explore History

Revisado: 01-09-12

Would you consider the audio edition of Caleb's Crossing to be better than the print version?

Yes. I have a bias in favor of audible editions because of some visual problems, but I would prefer this particular edition in any case.

What did you like best about this story?

The characterization was superb. I felt an understanding for the Puritanical father even though I disagreed with so many of his convictions. The other characters were presented also in depth.

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

The interpretations of each character through her renditions of the voice of each.

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

I would have enjoyed that, but I looked forward to each time I had opportunity to listen as a special treat.

Any additional comments?

As my title indicates, the in depth research along with a good fictional adaption provided a great way to gain historical insights.

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I do not regret this purchase.

Revisado: 12-26-11

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

This is a very long book and I have listened to it in short segments. It is very well written and magnificently researched but not easy to read. I needed to have a more thorough acquaintance with the names of the many minor generals to keep up with which army was prevailing. I am glad I persevered.

What other book might you compare The Civil War to and why?

I have recently read Rise to Rebellion by Jeff Shaara and Mrs. Lincoln and Mrs. Keckly by Jennifer Fleischner which did not display as meticulous research but whose good research revealed a very personal touch.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Grover Gardner?

There was a greater problem with the audio production than the narrator. The audio was harsh.

My favorite narrator is Barbara Rosenblat, but her talents would not be fully utilized in this narration.

Do you think The Civil War needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No

Any additional comments?

No

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