Sharon S

Sobering but essential for all activists

Revisado: 12-18-24

This is told from the point of view of many women who were preyed upon by an undercover set of police officers because of their activism for environmental rights, women's rights, animal rights, and anything anti fascist. It documents what happened to them and how they sought recourse.

We live in an increasingly dark time as it relates to the growth of the surveillance state and its use against those advocating for democratic and common sense policies. In some cases, these under cover cops did work on behalf of the corporate state as police officers.

That these women discovered independently of the deception played upon them and fought back is a testament to their intelligence and courage. I loved hearing their voices reading their sections as it shows their diverse humanity and central commitment to the concepts of fair play and resistance to injustice.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

The most comprehensive accounting of the horror

Revisado: 10-01-23

Riveting, well documented, chock full of detail. Amazing history told clearly without bias. The narrator makes the error of mispronouncing Jackie Speier's name in annoying ways but otherwise, great.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Great book -- read now

Revisado: 06-24-23

Thomas Thompson surpasses most contemporary true crime writers in the detail and manner in which he describes Charles Sobhraj's reign of terror. While most books on this freak somewhat idolize the serial killer, Thompson's book is the exact opposite and spends careful time fleshing out the people who Sobhraj brutally murdered for passports, travelers checks, or their property. Thompson's covers so much and it is written extremely well. As much as I detest Charles Sobhraj, I did enjoy this book on his life because of its history and factual of analyses of Sobhraj's behavior.

This book surpasses the true crime genre and delves into literature because of the quality of the research Thompson engages in vis a vis the doomed victims, who all had complicated and much more interesting lives than that of Charles Sobhraj. Most were engaged in meaningful work or contemplating the nature of existence.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Great book if you have no empathy

Revisado: 06-24-23

This is a great history of Houston during its heyday of nearly lawlessness and how the rich meted out justice. Unfortunately, the manner in which the author describes the people in it leaves one at a loss as to why it was written. I finished it because the actual history of this case is insane and it is well documented here, but done so in a cold and often brutal manner especially towards women.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Painstakingly researched history

Revisado: 06-24-23

This is a fabulous book chock full of detailed histories of different sherpas and the contexts from which they were fostered. I enjoyed every bit of this book because I learned so much history and from the vantages of different points of view. I will re-read it for pleasure it is that good.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Smart, Compassionate, and Curious

Revisado: 06-09-22

I loved this book; it is so much more than what I expected. I got a lot of unexpected healing from it - esp Chapter 6.

It is a well organized book and it went by way too fast. I plan on listening to it again soon.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Excellent and well told account

Revisado: 06-03-22

I was sad when it ended. This was a great book and she should consider doing a follow-up. It filled in a lot of the blanks and gave me new respect for the author.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

the Best Book on NXIVM

Revisado: 05-25-22

A really good study of Raniere and his machinations. Berman uses a person centered story telling that brings compassion and intersectionality to a complicated mob tale. I listened to this book twice and will listen again because there is just so much that Berman covers. She is a fantastic researcher and writer.


I enjoyed this quite a bit and learned a lot. I was disappointed when it was over and will follow the author.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

Well done and very interesting

Revisado: 12-02-21

While this books fails to answer why Jim Nicholson set up his son for espionage, it comes very close. Nicholson is the US' only twice convicted spy and the only one who achieved spycraft while in prison. He did this by being manipulative and self serving. It is helpful to study people like him, if only to be able to recognize them in everyday life.

This book shows me that the CIA needs help and while it did finally get its men, it took way too long. Also, if someone is a spy for Russia, how can they be released knowing that the nation has been dedicated to the demise of the US for the last 60 years.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Useful if you can get around some things

Revisado: 06-13-21

After watching "The Vow" and "Seduced," I was interested in learning more from Sarah Edmundson. She's really engaging. I enjoy learning from her. I keep finding parts of this podcast insufferable.

For example, Nippy conflated both political parties in his discussion of politics. One led an insurrection, and one was the object of threats and violence -- I belong to neither but it is jarring to see how non trained experts pontificate; it seems like Nippy is great at gaslighting. Instead of backing his informed guest, he decided to not take a stand.

The guests on this show are wonderful and I have learned a lot. I really want to learn more from their guests.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona