K. Schoff

Fawning Puff Piece - NOT Investigative Journalism!

Revisado: 10-07-23

I've loved some of Michael Lewis' previous work so was really looking forward to his deep dive into the rise and fall of SBF and FTX.

Instead of a neutral documentary take we get his hardcore Stan-fangirling over SBF and swallowing everything he tells the author verbatim. Even the "downfall" when SBF is arrested for stealing billions of dollars from the fund is treated with a light touch- more of an "oopsy doopsy, aww shucks guys, just some financial mismanagement, boys will be boys!" instead of actual critical analysis of the theft, what lead up to it, and the subsequent downfall.

I never write reviews but this book was such propaganda over the subject instead of an actual exercise in journalism I needed to share my thoughts. Don't waste your credit on this book. Unlike the author's previous works, this one barely scratches the surface of what really happened and instead he falls in bromance with his subject and writes a love letter to his subject and an ode to his quirky brilliance. The author wanted to hang out in bean bag chairs and go golfing with his subject, not write a book about financial fraud.

SKIP THIS, AUTHOR GOT PLAYED BY HIS OWN PROTAGONIST.

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"I'm sorry I got caught."

Revisado: 11-05-22

The actual drug smuggling never really takes off as he basically gets caught on his very first trip and spends the rest of the book moaning about the repercussions of his actions. Author is just unlikable- came from a privileged background but whines he is broke because he just bought a building he couldn't afford even though his father is very wealthy and they have powerful friends. When he goes to Amsterdam to buy drugs he complains he can't buy "two or three" expensive designer watches because he has to spend all his money buying drugs to sell.

Overall just seems like an "I'm sorry I got caught" diatribe justifying his actions and complaining about consequences. I wanted to like this book but just didn't.

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Abridged!! But Doesn't Tell you until the end

Revisado: 11-02-22

I thought this book was weirdly short compared to Richard Preston's other books on audible. Still, it was on sale so I bought it. Enjoyed it but parts seemed missing. Then at the end credits I hear "abridged for audio format by blah blah blah." Why isn't it stated that this title was abridged from the original version?

I try not to buy abridged audiobooks because I'd rather enjoy the entire thing. Very disappointed to learn not only was this abridged but that I was duped into buying it anyways because they don't state anywhere on audible that it is abridged.

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Never bother to write reviews but it's SO GOOD!!!

Revisado: 05-09-21

I rarely take the time to write reviews of my favorite listens other than to recommend them on the reddit audible subreddit. HOWEVER THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD I am taking the time to post about it here because everyone should read this. Couldn't put it down, stayed up all night listening to it. It's incredibly well written, very gripping story, and has all the elements of nonfiction that reads like a thriller.

Totally worth the credit! The narration is great, too!

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Never write reviews, but this is SO GOOD!!

Revisado: 01-13-21

I'd been in an audible rut lately and was looking for something interesting and unique, with an EXCELLENT narrator, as always! This book knocked my socks off! It was so well done, incredibly well written, and a perfect pairing with a fantastic narrator.

I'm extremely picky with my narrators (Ray Porter gold standard) and William Dufris does such wonderful work and personifies the characters so well. I'm going to look for other books narrated by him as he does such a great job.

Wonderful story, held me from the beginning and I was enthralled and listened straight through till the end. Thank you Tad for this great book!

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Outdated Basketball references, awkward slang

Revisado: 09-14-20

Listened to this because I heard the couple broke up and thought it was weird the author wrote a book about their relationship. Turns out, it was weird! Filled with basketball references from the 1990s and other outdated slang that seems shoehorned into the story just to make the author seem cool, diatribes about his manhood functioning (and not functioning) as well as just an overview of his inability to emotionally connect with women. All in all, a creepy book to write about ones ex-girlfriend. Can't say I'm a big fan of his food, and now neither am I a big fan of his book. Glad it was free, wasn't worth a credit.

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Audible, PLEASE re-record series w/ new narrator!!

Revisado: 12-27-18

Game of Thrones is an excellently written series, and the books should be recorded with a narrator who does it justice. Roy Dotrice is an absolute legend and his speaking voice is excellent, however he fails to be a good fit for this series. I got through the first two books and gave up somewhere around the third GOT book ,solely because of the narration.

All the characters sound like old men, even the ones in their 30s and 40s. Many of the voices have that wet, mealy-mouthed, too much saliva in my throat sound and it is SO distracting. Drogo sounds like a poor imitation of a cholo gangbanger. I understand the narrator was elderly when he recorded this, but when he attempts to give the characters voices it is just awful and cheesy.

Hopefully audible will listen to the countless complaints about this series and invest in re-recording the GOT books with a new and superior narrator. May I suggest Ray Porter? He would do a stupendous job with this material and finally the series would get a talented voice to match the quality of the writing.

For now, with the current narrator I can't recommend this purchase unless you truly don't mind bad narration and it won't bother you.

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Incredibly story, well told, great narrator!

Revisado: 09-30-18

I thought the subject matter might be dull and technical (TOR? blockchain??) so I let this book sit in my library unread for a while. Once I gave it a shot because I was bored with another book I was immediately drawn in to this amazing tale and kept finding reasons to go get my headphones and do some more chores so I could listen and hear how the tale would evolve.

This book reminds me quite a bit of another fantastic non-fiction I just read- Bad Blood by John Carreyrou- just as much fraud, high stakes, big money, secrecy and corruption. Both stories are excellent and the writing, background research, character development and - yes-. even the explations of deeply technical terminology- is all superbly done.

Can't recommend this listen enough- a credit well spent!!

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Slow burn of a listen- enthralling story!

Revisado: 08-11-18

I had my doubts about this story at first as the subject matter seemed a little dry, but holy cow did it develop into an awesome and thrilling listen! By mid-way through I was taking my dog on longer and longer walks just to hear what happens next.

I love most all of Don Winslow's books, and in my opinion this is right up with there with The Power of the Dog as an amazing story. Truly loved this book and highly recommend. It's a unique plot line and very fresh and enthralling look into a shady underworld.

Great listen- you will find yourself captivated and completely engaged waiting to hear what happens next!!

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Non fiction that reads like a thriller

Revisado: 08-06-18

I couldn’t stop listening. A fascinating story of greed and megalomania. It’s simply mind boggling how many athletes, coaches and sports companies were enthralled by Luke that they abandoned common sense. The irresponsibility of Armstrong is galling. Kudos to all who risked so much to bring this fraud to light.

Highly recommended. I couldn’t stop listening and finished it over a weekend. I was so glad for the long road trip that allowed me to listen almost continuously and really get into the book.

Santino Ferrara does a spectacular job with the narration. Overall fantastic listen.

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