Craig Coleman

Informative history

Revisado: 07-06-24

The history contains important insights and analyses of the French Revolution, something of which I have little knowledge. The audio was hard to follow for me, probably because of the frequent use of French words and phrases. The narration itself was somewhat bland, which probably contributed to the difficulty of staying focused.

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Great True Story Thriller

Revisado: 02-03-24

Brad Meltzer does an excellent job making a compelling story out of events that are not very well known in American history. Certainly, it is no secret that Lincoln was hated by the south and that there were those who did not want him to assume the presidency. It is less well known how far the conspiracies went to actually threaten Lincoln's life before he even arrived in the capital for his first inauguration. This story has all the elements of a great thriller--private detectives, secret organizations with initiation rites and secret signs, midnight train rides and disguises. Along the way we learn about the origins of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, the US Secret Service and the Ku Klux Klan. The narration by Scott Brick is fantastic as usual. It is a fun and informative listen that I heartily recommend.

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Who More than Country Their Self Did Love

Revisado: 01-26-24

Valiant Ambition is a worthy listen and the narration of Scott Brick is superb as always. The more I hear about the American Revolution, including the people and events that shaped it, the more amazed I am at how little I know concerning this critical time in the history of our country. I, like so many others, venerate those who played a key role in the struggle for independence against Great Britain. I have a tendency to look past the mistakes and lapses of character that our founders might have displayed. Of course, I have known of Benedict Arnold but was not fully aware of the depths of his duplicity. Philbrick’s account of Benedict Arnold and his tumultuous relationship with other leaders of the American Revolution has shed some light on this character whose name is synonymous with treason and helped to push back the shadow of ignorance, at least for me. There were two things I found the most interesting from listening to this book. One was the strength of the forces that led to Arnold’s treachery. I am referring mainly to the jealousies and rivalries that existed between revolutionary leaders that led many, not just Benedict Arnold, to put personal interests above the interests of their country. I suppose that I should not be surprised that this is so. With the exception of a few bright luminaries of American history, not much has changed in the last 250 years. The second is the idea that Philbrick introduces at the end of the book that Arnold’s treachery actually galvanized the American people and their leaders and boosted their desire and efforts to win their independence. In fact, the most disappointing aspect of the book is that Philbrick did not more deeply explore this idea. He presents it almost as an afterthought at the end of the book but leaves little space to provide evidence to support it. I am glad that I took the time to listen to the book and recommend it to any looking for new insights into the American Revolution.

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Very disturbing

Revisado: 01-20-24

From time to time I listen to a book that is extremely disturbing. It seems incredible to me that such an event, as is retold in The Burning could happen within the borders of my country, a country I love with all my heart. It is equally incredible that this is a part of our history of which so many of our people are ignorant. I was one of those people up until I listened this book. I am glad the book was not just a retelling of events but it is a recounting of personal stories told by those who survived the massacre and whose lives were forever changed by it. I need to hear these stories because it helps me to understand why there are communities within our nation who respond as they do to injustice and inequality. I am also encouraged and inspired by so many who stood up to hatred and oppression and showed compassion, even when it was unpopular to do so. There are so many good stories we can tell within our nation's history and we need to hold onto and cherish those stories. But we must also bring into the full light of day the terrible stories embedded with our history that have too long been buried, even if they engender feelings of horror and disgust. How else can we learn from our past? How else can we even understand the present?

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The Canal, Jimmy Carter and a Cruise

Revisado: 01-20-24

There were two reasons why I chose to listen to this book. First, I listened to a biography of Jimmy Carter in which the topic of the Panama Canal treaty was very important. I knew that the treaty was renegotiated during the Carter administration and there was, strong opposition to transferring ownership to Panama. Bitter feelings about the new treaty are still expressed by some. I did not understand why Carter felt so strongly about transferring ownership, especially when it might hurt him politically. I was intrigued by the report that David McCullough encouraged Carter to renegotiate the treaty and allow Panama to take ownership of the canal. Now I understand why. My second reason is that I went on a cruise that included a partial transit of the Panama Canal. I wish I had read this book before, rather than after the cruise. This book is about the people and events that led to the creation of the canal. It is not a detailed account of the engineering or technical details of the canal. It is a wonderful account of this important part of American history and it is masterfully written by David McCullough. I only wish he had narrated it as he has so many of his other books.

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Sympathetic but informative

Revisado: 12-26-23

A sympathetic look back at the Carter presidency does provide insight into the key events and the decision making processes that shaped those events. Carter was a president who immersed himself thoroughly into the details of governing, a style which contrasted sharply with that of his successor. This account is centered on the idea that Carter was more interested in doing what he felt was right rather than what was politically expedient. It is this quality that makes him an outlier in presidential politics. What was right was shaped by values instilled by his mother and his religion. His obsession with doing the right thing eventually cost him a second term. Released from political constraints, his life as an ex-president allowed him more freedom to become immersed in causes that were important to him, leading many to see him as the most influential ex-president the United States has ever seen. Even those who disagree passionately with his vision for America and the policies he promoted to realize that vision, must admire his integrity and his courage.

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Beautiful yet sad

Revisado: 11-15-23

I am glad there are people who will do this kind of work. The abandonment of Afghanistan by the US government is disappointing and horrific but is comforting to know that they are Americans who will do the right thing and work hard to save lives. That makes me proud to be an American. The story is compelling, made all the more so by the fact that it is true.

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Beautiful story

Revisado: 05-05-23

This is a beautiful story that stirs your emotions. It is told from the perspectives of an American POW during the Viet Nam war and his wife who waited and worried at home. I enjoyed the insights into the experience of POWs and the mistreatment they received. I appreciate the expression of faith and how it sustained Smitty and other POWs during their captivity. I liked having two narrators, one for Smitty and one for Louise. Unfortunately neither of the two narrators spoke with much emotion. They both sounded rather robotic and unnatural. That was disappointing because Tap Code is a story that should be told with feeling and emotion.

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Bland biography

Revisado: 12-28-22

Not very interesting as far as biographies go. There were some interesting insights but mostly a day-to-day chronology of the writer’s life.

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Just what I expected

Revisado: 07-31-20

Some cute stories to give you just a little peak into his life. Just what you might expect from the host of a trivia quiz show.

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