Christine

Engrossing and fascinating

Revisado: 12-29-20

I couldn't put it down, so to speak. Reads like a novel, without any embellishments, assumptions, or fiction. Beautifully researched, Chernow never disappoints.

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Reads like fan fiction of the Broadway musical

Revisado: 12-29-20

NOT what I was hoping for. Reads more like historical fiction. The author fills in thoughts, actions, and emotions fkr everyone that are not possible to know. I realize that Eliza's youth is likely not well documented (although I did expect she and her siblings at least kept diaries and wrote letters?) but this book fills in far too much Disney-esque fiction. The insinuations about the Reynolds affair are just ridiculous. Insufficient documentation of her later years. It feels like fan fiction based on Eliza in the Hamilton musical on Broadway. The author should indicate such if that was the intent, but historical accuracy, like the musical, is not here.(The musical is far more clever, at least). There are beautiful, historically accurate biographies of ladies like Martha Washington and Mary Todd Lincoln, Eliza deserves better than this book. Waste of a lot of money.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Great way to experience the classic

Revisado: 11-23-19

I had actually never read the original Dracula, so seeing Alan Cumming and Tim Curry performing this version, it was a no-brainer. The performances are fantastic and I genuinely loved it. My only criticism is regarding the actress performing Mina Murray. She's excellent, until she tries to quote other characters in their "voice" or accent. The old man talking with Mina and Lucy about death, I had to finally skip because I couldn't understand or tolerate the accent she tried to give him. And her portrayal of Van Helsing, she gave him a Russian accent! Other actors, when quoting different characters, gave allusion to their accent or speech, but she went all out and changed the character entirely.
That aside, the rest is thoroughly enjoyable.

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Not bad but nothing new here

Revisado: 11-23-19

I had to skip a lot of chapters that didn't apply to me, and that's fine. The way the book is broken down, it addresses different ways people get caught up and then offers insights to combat them. Not everything is going to apply to every reader. But, the thoughts and ideas offered seem pretty basic. There's nothing really new here. The narration, I'm sorry, is a bit sleep inducing. Very hard to listen to for long stretches.

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esto le resultó útil a 8 personas

Alcohol bad. Got it.

Revisado: 10-23-19

The author feels that you just need to understand that alcohol is poison (no kidding) in "pretty bottles" and as soon as you realize this, and all the negative consequences of drinking, you'll be able to stop. Your ego doesnt want you to quit, but just remember, its poison in a pretty bottle and you really dont want it.

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Fascinating research,painful speaking style

Revisado: 09-30-19

I wanted to get The Gift of Imperfection, but was advised to get this one first. I like that this is a live talk, not a narrated book. I think Brene has a lot of interesting things to say. The research she presents is fascinating and I have immense respect for her work. She kind of lost me toward the beginning, though, when she claimed that being embarrassed in public is the same trauma as PTSD from going to war.And she's serious about that.
However. As much as it's interesting to listen to, I don't feel that I'm walking away with new things to try or ways to apply this to my everyday life. A lot of what to do, but not how. A lot of why we do, but not much remedy. So it's more a very long motivational speech, than a "self help" guide.
I'm going to be the odd one out on this point, from what I've seen, but Brene's speaking style, to me, is nails on a chalkboard. When she's making a serious point, her voice is low and reassuring and professional. And that's fine. But the rest of the time, she has this "Texas valley girl" inflection, she always sounds like she's trying to hold back giggling, and when she makes a quip or a joke, she has the terrible habit of following it immediately with a loud "UHMMMMMMM". "I'm telling this story, and I'm going to throw this funny punchline out there AHHHMMMMMMM...." while she lets the audience laugh. Or, she makes the quip, then says "Right? I know, RIGHT?" Maybe some people find it cute or relateable.... ? I know her TED talk is extremely popular, so I guess I'm in the minority here. If you can manage listening to her delivery for 6 and a half hours, this title is interesting and might be motivational for you.

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That's it??

Revisado: 09-20-19

I dont know it its age has anything to do with this... but in printed form, this cant be much more than a pamphlet. SO SHORT it was over before it got started! I bought because its considered a classic, so let's see why. Its basically an hour and a half of Tony Robbins bragging about his success and crediting visualisation. That's it. Visualize what you want, and some mumbo jumbo about creating neuropathways and boom! Success! There, I saved you $9.29.

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Fun, smart, and a little arrogant

Revisado: 09-15-19

To get out of the way, this is a long book and there is definitely an excess of name dropping, as other reviews mention. He does, in one chapter, make fun of himself for it, but that doesn't change the fact. There are probably 3 chapters that are a bit unnecessary: one entire name-dropping chapter, one entirely about what George Harrison experienced before his death, and one entirely about Robin Williams. Fascinating insights, to be sure, but completely off the topic and not needed.
So, having gotten that out of the way... this is definitely a book that needs to be listened to. Eric is a wonderful narrator, and his "famous" voice and accent made this even more fun. He sings some bits, does some Python voices, and is very very funny throughout. He seems quite proud of himself, which got a tad irritating in parts. Portraying the Pythons, and especially himself, as Rock Stars was odd to listen to, and he comes off as the Most Important Python (to hear him tell it). He wrote, created, arranged, was responsible for ... well, everything, and I raised more than a few eyebrows throughout. And yes, the titular song is mentioned plenty. Sure, it's well known, but is it REALLY the cultural movement he makes it out to be? Maybe I missed a lot somewhere. He is kind and laudatory toward his fellow Pythons, there's no dirt to be found here. Those disappointed by John Cleese's biography for stopping just at the start of Monty Python should find what they wanted here, but there is a fair amount of wading through the Fabulous, Star Studded Life of Eric Idle to get to it. Not so much a complaint as a fair warning. Still, a fun and fascinating memoir written and performed by a national treasure. Oh, we've got too many of those? Ok, fuck off then.

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Not very good

Revisado: 08-30-19

This was hard to listen to. The narrator sounds like a high school kid giving a presentation in class. Sorry, narrator.
The book itself is for you if you need tips to help you not be interrupted by your phone or emails, or if you're not good at setting goals. Always be punctual because it makes a good impression! is how the book starts. Always wear a watch. Turn off your phone. Rank things in order of importance. This is "how to stay focused, for beginners". Not much on actual time management. I was looking for advice to get my workspace and workday more organized and efficient. This book was definitely not for me.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Not what I hoped

Revisado: 08-13-19

Author/narrator is charming and relatable. Interesting way of breaking down the process. But, the book explains what alcoholism is and addresses common misconceptions, excuses, and rationalizations for drinking. Explains where they originate and corrects them.I was looking for what to do next, now that my "excuses" were exposed. Advice? Exercises? Meditations? No. If all you need to quit is for someone to break down the mental rationalizations then this is a great book for you. If you need some technique to practice change, this book wont get you there. It's a good companion to a more "in practice" book. Recommend but not on its own.

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