Rene' Smeraglia

Charming Memoir

Revisado: 07-14-14

Judy Greer hits just the right notes with her autobiographical book "I Don't Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star", part introspective and self-revealing, part instructive and thoughtful, always warm and funny. I came to this book with a minority perspective - I knew who Judy was, having remembered her name from dozens of TV and movie "co-starring" credits. But her self-identified target audience is the great majority of TV and movies fans who might see her and say "Hey, I know you from somewhere. What have you done that I've seen?" That awkward moment (for the actress) is the jumping off point for a collection of essays (more-so than a linear narrative) that gives the reader an insider view to making it (sorta) big in a lot of little roles that are often over-looked, but have a strong impact on why we actually enjoy the more lauded performances of her co-stars. There's also a lot of "this is showbiz reality" information for anyone aspiring to be a star (or a co-star) . Not exactly a caution, but a sober dose of this-is-not-as-glam-as-it-looks Big Sister talk that is as potentially inspiring as it is revealing. The book was a quick, fun read, but the audio version is read by the author herself, in the self-described nasal tones that she finds annoying (but many of her fans find charming). If you've never heard of Judy Greer and honestly have never remembered her from any performance, I think you will still find this an entertaining listen. And if you ever wished that the Judy Greer from all those romantic comedies was your best friend, instead of Jennifer Garner's (13 Going on 30) or Kathryn Heigel's (27 Dresses), these few hours will be a pure delight. Judy is becoming more well known now, and the new roles are verging on leading lady status. Here's hoping when she writes her next book it will be sub-titled "Confessions of a Star".

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Fans of Gladwell Will be Happy

Revisado: 12-18-13

I find Malcolm Gladwell's voice both engaging and soothing and I have spent many hours listening and re-listening to his reading of his own works. Some, like The Tipping Point and Blink are among my favorite non-fiction reads (in print) as well. David and Goliath was a good listen, but mainly because I enjoyed hearing the author read a new work. The premise of the book is established in the introduction (and implied in the title) and while the reinforcing examples are fascinating, they are far from riveting. I think other Gladwell fans will be happy for more from our favorite contemporary sociologist. But newbies are best advised to make one of the above-mentioned selections their first listen.

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More of the same - and that's good thing

Revisado: 01-08-13

By this point in the series, you're eager to see the next phase of Harry's growth as a wizard and as a human being, as every story adds more texture to his relationships with his friends and allies and the beings of the NeverNever. You don't need to be convinced this is a great series and you have demonstrated you want to know more about Jim Butcher's fantastic world of magic. If you've got to book 11 and are looking at reviews, all you really want to know is "does this book hold up to the superb level of the three or four volumes?". The answer is an enthusiastic Yes! I am listening to the audio versions of the books I previously read in print and I still thrill to the richness of the stories and characters. And James Marsters (a little rough in the early volumes) has become the true voice of Harry Dresden - another brilliant audio performance.

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Great Choice for a First Read

Revisado: 12-22-11

Would you consider the audio edition of 1776 to be better than the print version?

The abridged audio version of this book was so entertaining it made me want to read the harcover, a gift which had lain untouched on my shelf for several months.

Who was your favorite character and why?

David McCullough brings George Washington to life more than any other characterization I've ever encountered, even in straight biographical pieces.

Have you listened to any of David McCullough’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first David McCullough-narrated book, and along with Malcolm Gladwell, he is proof that sometimes the author is the best choice to read the material, even with so many excellent professional narrators/performers available.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The gripping description of the near-total disaster of the Battle of Long Island, a moment early in the war when the Revolution could have been crushed had Washington not successfully evacuated the army by water to Manhattan in an orderly retreat that many believed to be impossible.

Any additional comments?

Although I'd been listening to audiobooks for years through tape and CD, this was the first truly portable audio book experience as I shifted venues from car to home to commute via my iPod. And when I was done -- the title was there in archive when I needed it, without the box and tapes and discs to gather dust and take up space. It was a truly liberating experience and I'll always remember this book fondly for that reason.

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