Brent

Faulkner Made Accessible

Revisado: 06-18-05

To most, Faulkner's prose is difficult to follow. His descriptions of people and events seem to ramble but are really just detailed. The sentences are paragraph-length and the train of thought requires intense concentration. When you do take it all in though, the reward is much the greater.
Mark Hammer really does justice to this book. He reads the sentences with the right emphasis and feeling so that you better understand the depth of Faulkner. His southern (almost hick) accent accurately portrays the various characters. I listned to George Guidall read a Faulkner book and was disinterested, but Hammer gives a great performance. If you were ever wanting to tackle Faulkner and were a little intimidated, this audio edition makes it easy and entertaining.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A sea adventure and much more

Revisado: 04-09-04

This is not a book that can be appreciated with just one listen. Because it is a Classic it must be read again and savored. The characters are described with great depth and even humorous as we all are in some way. The story is interesting as it gives insight into 19th century life on the coast and at sea. It's truly amazing how whales were classified with so much detail and accuracy. Last but not least is the moral that you draw from having heard this masterpiece. The narrator is not too distracting but fair so I only give it 4 stars.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 6 personas

Significant historical figure

Revisado: 03-29-04

I always wanted to read this because of its reputation. This is about an early Christian (5th century) contemplating his past life in light of his Christian one. Augustine is a cornerstone in the Church and its later doctrine so one can learn much from this book. I took away 2 stars because the translation from Latin to English has too many "thee" and "thou" and the narrator is elderly with a British accent.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 9 personas

History of Independence comes alive

Revisado: 03-10-04

This is a great book that brings alive the characters of George Washington, Gen. Cornwallis. This is not historical fiction. It is written from journals and personal letters. This was a pivotal time in our country's history and the author did a great job of getting behind the scenes and into the heads of the central players. We need more books like this that really reveal the history of our nation. Narration was good.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

Moving story about slavery

Revisado: 03-10-04

This book is responsible in part for Northern support for abolition. To the extent that the Civil War was about freeing slaves, this book inspired many to fight for their freedom. Even the good slave owner is revealed to be inhumane. I was brought to tears at several points and at the least was very disturbed. This book wasn't really about the brutality but about the splitting up of families and the nature of these slaves that weren't being viewed as humans. How could even the kind slave owner not recognize the inhumanity of owning another person. The narrator was great. After reading this you will understand why it is a classic.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 5 personas

Illuminating and educating

Revisado: 03-10-04

Be careful, this book could change the way you view so-called scientific experts as well as their discoveries. The author takes you through the logic of Darwin and his supporters, and shows you how to analyze the arguments for the assumptions of evolution. This is one that requires multiple listens because there is so much good information. The reader is fair and could be a little clearer, but the material is enlightening.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

Terrible and shallow

Revisado: 03-10-04

This book was boring. The characters have no depth, and the suspense is very transparent. There is no mystery here that you can't predict with little thought. James Patterson as a whole writes shallow novels. The movies based on his books are ok because of the actors but not because of the writing. Look at the time, how can the author describe anything of any detail in such a short time.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Real history that reads like fiction

Revisado: 10-16-03

This is a must-read book. It is told through the eyes of the major players in this war: Winfield Scott, Robert E. Lee, and Santa Anna. The characters are portrayed as real people and not larger than life. The focus is on the events of the Mexican-American War and the men who accomplished them. The pre-Civil War personalities are only mentioned briefly except for Robert E. Lee and his rise to brilliance. Shaara writes a very interesting history but its accuracy is not sacrificed for entertainment. I find this lively telling of history to be more entertaining than today's best fiction writers. After reading this you will want to experience more of Shaara's work. If only Audible would release all his books in unabridged format...

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

Overlooked classic

Revisado: 08-29-03

This story is much better than what the movies have shown. The author's poetic language was interesting in itself, but the story is suspenseful. It's hard to find books that enthrall me but this one will keep your attention. If nothing else give it a listen to see how badly the movies portrayed this book. Finally, the reader did a great job with all the characters and voice changes.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 23 personas

Street Lawyer 2?

Revisado: 03-30-03

After reading 1/4th of the book, I thought this was the Street Lawyer, but at the half-way point I realized the name of the main character was different. Where's the suspense, mystery, or courtroom drama we all long for? Not in this book and not by this author anymore. Without even reading it you already know the story so don't waste your money.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona