Ed Q

Fun Book

Revisado: 05-12-16

Any additional comments?

A really enjoyable read - I've read a bunch of histories lately, and really needed something lighter.

This book was funny, moved at a pretty good pace, had some slightly serious moments that kept the book real but did not disturb the essence of the enjoyable story on a hike on the Appalachian Trail by two guys that were not really hikers - just out for a challenge.

Loved the fact that the book didn't wax poetic about the majesty of the great outdoors, or the religious experience that is hiking in the wilderness. It was written from a point of view that most of us would experience - it was a really hard thing to do, at times miserable, at times exhilarating, and most of all, the guys were pretty glad when it was over and but glad that they did it.

The performance was really good, good voice changes for characters, and matched the story.

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Great history & fair history

Revisado: 05-07-16

Where does Alexander Hamilton rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is the best history audiobook I've listened to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Washington - we see more faults, but you see his great leadership, his ability to know his shortcomings, his ability to know who to trust, and his intuitive thinking in better context

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not possible

Any additional comments?

An extremely detailed account of the life of Alexander Hamilton, it's not a book you'd listen to if you don't have an interest in the American Revolution, and the birth of the United States.

I've read/listened to many books on these topics, including John Adams by David McCullough, and I found this to be the best and most interesting. While it is detailed, the story is not text book boring; it humanizes the founding fathers and gives accounts of the strengths and weaknesses of these figures in great historical context.

It seems like we place Washington, Jefferson, Adams etc on pedestals, and we learn little about their faults, flaws and political nature. It's comforting to see that these great men, who have the same flaws and imperfect personalities/political goals that our current politicians have, save one, were able to establish a great country.

At times we doubt whether our current politicians are really following in their footsteps, but they seem to be- for both good and bad!

(And the one personality trait that I think our leaders fail to have today is honor - it may have been more of a formality back then, but it seems something our leaders today should at least give some consideration.)

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All U.S. citizen's should study this history

Revisado: 03-04-16

Would you listen to Whittaker Chambers again? Why?

There are so many names and relationships that will give an even deeper understanding, and either a stronger belief in Chambers's or Hiss's story, of the importance of the investigation and Congressional hearings

What was one of the most memorable moments of Whittaker Chambers?

It's startling how compromised our State Department was by the failure to safeguard information; the reluctance, or failure, to investigate the allegations of the compromise was even more startling. (Those who don't know history are condemned to repeat it.....)

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

No

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was impossible to digest that quickly.

Any additional comments?

The story about the man, his family, friends, upbringing and incredible talents was good - the incredible political story of Chamber's communist ties and desire to advance it's principles, and then his realization of the evil that was Stalin and the Soviet view of the world which caused Chambers to completely reexamine his beliefs, was fascinating. How this story is not taught in our schools is baffling.It seems we aren't taught in school about some of our nation's most interesting and influential people/stories - this is one of those stories that helped shape our nation in so many ways, yet most people under the age of 65 have probably never heard of Whitaker Chambers.

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First Review; solid listen/read

Revisado: 03-01-16

Would you listen to The Boys in the Boat again? Why?

I would listen to this book again, and have recommended it to others.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Joe Rantz - he is the hero we can all root for.

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

No.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, although it is an excellent story.

Any additional comments?

The title of the book is a little misleading. The book focuses mainly on one character, albeit an interesting character who is tirelessly hard-working, possesses an adaptability to overcome all hardships, and is extremely easy to see as the Olympic hero.I am always turned off a bit when an author finds art and poetry in the sport about which they are writing, and claim that their sport, above all, contributes to and taxes the human condition more than just physically. All sports do, but it isn't art to me. Admittedly, I find it especially off-putting when the sport is one that is one that is really seen as an "elitist" sport (fencing, golf, crew etc.), so I was looking for that effect here. That being said, the story of a student who is not well off competing in an elitist activity to such a level that he made history is extremely compelling.The historical context in which this story is conveyed (the Depression, post WWI and the beginning of WWII, with the rise of Hitler's Germany) makes this story absolutely riveting.I love athletic accomplishments (big baseball fan) and history, so this was a great read for me.

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