Amy

The author tried to do too much with this story

Revisado: 01-06-25

wonderful voice acting but the author pursues themes of leadership, manhood, drug addiction, war, life, death, and more. It's too much packed into too short of a story and doesn't address any of it well.

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A thrilling and honest story

Revisado: 02-02-24

The author take show to ride through World war II while honestly discussing the strategic bombing campaign as well as his personal ups and downs glories and vanities. It's a great read for anyone who likes military history or who's in the mood for a good story.

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Prosaic, but good information.

Revisado: 10-22-23

The performance is great. The author did excellent research. His writing style is ok.

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A must read

Revisado: 04-27-22

A heartfelt retelling of a man's discovery of the falsehoods in Mormonism and his discovery of Jesus.

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Short vignettes of History

Revisado: 01-31-22

The author does the narration, which is a plus. but her recording equipment is substandard and takes away from the experience. Also she is not a trained narrator, and as a result does not conduct as good a performance as others.

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Excellent research, laid on a little thick

Revisado: 04-29-21

This book sounds like what I imagine a career military officer with advanced degrees in history and international relations sounds like if they tried to write about social psychology. It's a well-researched book which is worth reading; but he tends to beat a dead horse with a bit more drama than I feel is needed. Gladwell does an excellent job researching the key members of the bomber mafia, or those involved in bomber warfare. I've read dozens of books on these people and still learned something new.

This book also is presented more as an radio show from the 40's as opposed to an audiobook. Gladwell provides many sound effects, occasionally music, and on some level even interacts with the audience. It is impressive in that it really doesn't detract from the presentation. He primarily focuses his writing on the juxtaposition of two members of the USAAF, Generals Hansell and LeMay. These two have competing ideas on how to win the war with air power, as well as vastly different personalities. Gladwell examines these men, what drove them, and the implications of their actions from a moral viewpoint. It is fascinating, and if you've never discussed these topics before, this is a good introduction.

The only critique is that in the moral examination, I feel Gladwell "lays it on a little thick" (quoting from the book) in his comparison of Hansell to Jesus. There are also other minor exaggerations or hyperboles Gladwell uses to make points which are stretches of the truth and are not really necessary to add the drama he's trying to add.

Overall I do recommend the book, but understand it is more of a moral study as opposed to history or book on strategy. Given that the author is a social psychologist, that is appropriate.

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esto le resultó útil a 20 personas

First bad review I've ever written

Revisado: 11-20-18

First and foremost the performance is terrible. The speaker's voice sounds like a cheap automated computer voice, but it apparently real. Worse is the consistent mispronounciation throughout the book. A prime example is Fort Dusquene which the speaker pronounced due-qwez-nay.

The book itself provides only a basic overview of the battle. The exposition about the causes of the French and Indian War, and colonial North America has many parts that are demonstranably false. I regret getting thus book.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Two books in one

Revisado: 11-19-18

The book is really two books in one. The first is a history of the reformation and subsequent wars and political turmoil. The last few chapters are where the author leaves behind research and espouses his personal opninions on the present. I greatly enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book and recommend it. The last part I did not enjoy. I didn't even disagree with most of his commentary, I just don't like the ttansition from researched history to personal opinion.

The performance was very good, though.

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Offers alternatives to think on

Revisado: 10-21-18

The author offers alternative ideas, and a nuanced understanding of many Old Testement questions. I enjoyed the research and use of multiple references. Not all questions are answered. In fact, most explanations offered will only work if the reader wants them to work. There is plenty of room for lingering concern. But it is worth reading. It is understandable, well-organized, and I'm smarter for reading it.

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Great writing for historians.

Revisado: 05-10-17

The book is very detailed and provides mid-level analysis. The author is not Keegan, but he is not bad at all. The performer cannot pronounce French or German names.

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