Mark James

Pretty good for what it is

Revisado: 12-16-24

This book produced some useful thought about senior life challenges. To me it seemed that some affirmations were very similar, if not identical, to previous ones. Perhaps that was intentional.

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I found the book lacking depth

Revisado: 12-16-24

I found the book lacking depth. Not what I was hoping it would be. Perhaps someone new to Christianity would get more out of this book.

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Had I known, I wouldn’t have purchased this book

Revisado: 12-16-24

If you have never done any self-reflection, this book will give you a good start. Otherwise, this book will seem far too elementary.

If you are considering attending one of his seminars, this book is a good introduction. Many “Here is what you will learn (experience) when you come to my seminar” type statements.

If environmental activism is your thing, you will love this book. Becoming an “environmental caretaker” in old age is suggested — often. The word “environment” is used 56 times in this 380 page book, often in this context. Not that I am for trashing the planet, but this seemed excessive and (more importantly) off topic.

For example:

“Because elders have “graduated” from the concerns of family and career, they are eminently qualified to serve as caretakers of the environment.”

“How good is it for the environment to produce cars that fall apart in several years?”

“As both older and younger people learn to find fulfillment in nonmaterial ways and consume less of the Earth’s resources, they reduce the damage inflicted on the environment and become willing collaborators in healing the planet.”

The word “earth,” often in this context, is used 142 times, nearly every 2 pages.

For example:

“Once elders are restored to positions of leadership, they will function as wisdomkeepers, inspiring us to live by higher values that will help convert our throwaway lifestyle into a more sustainable, Earth-cherishing one. They also will serve as evolutionary pathfinders offering hope and guidance to all those searching for models of a fulfilled human potential.”

If a belief in evolution is your thing, you will love this book. The word “evolution” is used 86 times, nearly every 4 pages.

For example:

“...[experience] elderhood as evolution’s crowning achievement.”

“Evolution is giving us the opportunity to ripen new areas of the brain.”

“Understand how evolution has prepared elders to awaken intuition.”

As a result, the book seemed to keep making the same points again, and again and again.

For the right person, this book may be great. I bailed out halfway. For me, there was too little to be gleaned to justify the time spent. Had I known, I wouldn’t have purchased this book.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Engaging and Informative

Revisado: 04-05-23

Well-written, informative, and thought provoking. Expertly narrated by the author. Even if you have read or listened to books similar to this, you will find this a good choice. One I will listen to again. Highly recommended.

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An engaging book on the history of Yosemite

Revisado: 03-27-23

An engaging book covering among other things the work and adventures of John Muir, the story of making Yosemite a National Park as well as the failed fight to save Hetch Hetchy. Well-written and easy to listen to being expertly narrated by Samantha Desz.

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Some good but not unique information

Revisado: 03-18-23

The first half of the book is similar to but not as good as the information found in "The Creature from Jekyll Island” - G. Edward Griffin. I agree that taxing the rich at 90% to cover the country’s debts will not be enough. I was waiting for the author to cite some studies to prove the point. But I heard none. Perhaps I missed it. Perhaps it is only included in the print edition. But the apparent lack, weakens the message of the book. I talk to skeptics so that kind of information is valuable to me. The information in chapters 8 and 9 was the best and most unique part of the book. However, the book did not add much to what I already knew. Had I known that ahead of time, I would not have purchased this book. If you've never read a book about the history of money, fiat money, how money works, etc. you will probably find this book much more informative than I did.

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Engaging and enjoyable

Revisado: 08-06-22

A fascinating, engaging and highly informative read. I wish more history books were written like this. I enjoy reading history books even though most are rather dry and lifeless. This book is an exception. A rare find. I highly recommend.

I enjoyed the dramatic reading and strong Irish accent of the narrator though challenging to understand at times. The wide dynamic range also made it challenging to listen to, sometimes speaking too softly to hear then too loudly to tolerate during a single sentence. Perhaps it is just my 61-year-old ears but I wish books that utilize narrators with a wide dynamic range were recorded with compression to keep the volume output more even, producing a narrow dynamic range or perhaps Audible could add a simple compressor option to the app.

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Highly informative. Reads like a novel.

Revisado: 05-04-22

A retelling of many terrorist attacks and retaliations. Well-written. Reads like a novel. I got both the hardback and Audible. I listen to the Audible as I read. Very captivating. I couldn't put the book down. In fact, I have started to read it again!

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Audio is hard to listen to

Revisado: 06-01-21

Strong British accent, long sentences and writing style makes this hard to listen to. For example: “tautology” was pronounced “tortology.” “What did he just say?” is what I am constantly asking myself. Information is good though. Conclusion: You will also want a written format.

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A very timely book

Revisado: 07-31-20

This book offers a clear analysis of the struggle between those who want to preserve and unite the country and those who seek to destroy and divide it.

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