Nanc

Why write this story?

Revisado: 07-10-24

Not only is the underlying crime revolting, one must listen to a variety of other child molestation (forced oral copulation) crimes. I practiced law and briefly wrote criminal appeals, but the main crime at the core of this story was very disturbing. And it kept on and on as we had to hear about other victims of the true culprit and about the daughter of the appellate attorney. If you need to read this for a book group discussion (as I did), I do recommend this abridged version. At least 3 of the 9 book group members aren't even going to the meeting. I can't see what there is to discuss re this book. The man who the appellate team is trying to save is mentally retarded And innocent, so there goes a potential moral dilemma. On the positive side, there is good discussion of the appellate process and the author (a lawyer himself) wrote accurately as far as I recall. The characters are either very likable or despicable. The writing is also very competent. The problem was the story itself and lack of nuance in my opinion.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Dry and convoluted but with some important history.

Revisado: 03-15-23

I picked this book for a discussion group I lead, so I had to wade through it. I also followed along with the hard cover book because the writing is too dense and statistic-heavy for listening. I was very disturbed to find that the narrator made some huge errors reading “decades” in place of the word “centuries” and some similar type mistakes which completely misstated what the author was saying. There were some assumptions and conclusions that I found very questionable. For example, the census did not provide a classification for “Hispanic” (or similar) until 1980, and Latinos were considered “white” first by census enumerators. It makes senses that many Latinos continued to count themselves as “white” once a “Hispanic” category was included. Certainly in my Mexican-American mother’s family this was done. Overall, I found the book poorly written, incompletely reasoned, achingly dry. However, the first chapter had a good summary of exploitation by colonizers and by the United States. There were other interesting parts hidden occasionally as well. Several people in my group could not stick with reading though, and I’m not sure I would have if I could have opted out.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

For devoted fans only; a pleasant waste of time

Revisado: 02-26-22

I’ve read a few Hollywood celebrity autobiographies and they are not my favorite genre. This was mildly entertaining, but struck me as fluff with no substance. I respect Ron Howard as a director and the parts that talked about launching his directorial career were interesting. However, most of the book is about the acting jobs of Ron and his brother Clint (who I’ve never heard off). The only reason I finished the book was that someone in my book group chose it. The Howards seem to be a nice family, but rather boring. The only thing that set them part from most nice families is that they worked as actors instead of a mundane profession. Maybe if you were a big fan of the Mayberry show or Happy Days you’ll find it more interesting.

The only thing I’ve gained from hearing this book was a reminder of a few movies to watch. I just watched ‘Rush’ which RH directed, and I plan to re-watch American Graffiti after enjoying it nearly 50 years ago.

It was surprising how wooden Clint Howard’s reading was considering he’s an actor. I found Ron’s voice bordering on annoying. Overall, the book was a pleasant waste of time.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Delicious!

Revisado: 10-20-20

The language is beautiful and the author often reads as if reciting poetry (which he is). Funny to me how succulent the insults sound — I was fake cursing in Spanish for days after I finished it. Surprisingly little slang that I needed to look up (‘vato’ and 1-2 other words). Story rolls along with multiple characters and I finally googled a list of characters because the multiple nicknames was occasionally confusing as I am much more visual than auditory. Didn’t care for 1-2 sub stories, but not enough to lower the rating. Besides, crappy stuff happens and the experience influence life. Will definitely listen to other books by Urrea and will listen to him read anything.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Surprisingly tedious.

Revisado: 10-07-19

I’ve greatly enjoyed the other Bronte sisters’ books, but this dragged on with lengthy diatribes on moral and religious issues. The names (Huntington, Hatterly and Hargrove) for three similar men were confusing if I didn’t listen for a few days. I liked that the heroine was not superficial, but she was a bit too pious for me, and the protagonist Markham was seldom likable. The performances were very good though.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Excellent - we enjoyed it

Revisado: 01-24-18

This is an excellent introduction to His Dark Materials. It makes us want to re-read the trilogy. Michael Sheen was brilliant as the narrator.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Brilliant!

Revisado: 05-08-16

Fabulous performance by Ms, Stevenson whose voices and delivery are flawless! Loved her reading Persuasion too.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña