Sparky McGhee

This author knows nothing about bonobos

Revisado: 06-23-23

This title is a garden-variety feminist rant, filled with the same-ol', same-ol'. Nothing unique here. Rosenfeld is a lawyer who knows absolutely nothing about primatology. Summary: 'we need to gang up more on men, kind of like apes do'. That's basically it.

It was clever marketing to put bonobos in the title, because much of the audience she is marketing to has heard an interesting little factoid that stuck in their heads -- something about bonobo females being able to control the males through coalitions. The way the manuscript reads suggests she stuck a few paragraphs about bonobos here and there, after it was written. She clearly does not know the first thing about primatology -- nor care, besides this nifty, marketable factoid.

A couple facts she left out:
--Bonobo females have hierarchies every bit as despotic as the patriarchy she rallies against.
--DNA evidence proves that in order to reproduce successfully, a bonobo male has a much better chance if he is the son of a high-ranked female. They are sexually quite despotic. Yes, they might rub their genitals with any other troop member, male or female, but when it comes to fertilization, it is a status hierarchy more exclusive than anything humans could come up with. The only difference is that the males inherit status from their moms instead of their dads. They use sex to manipulate the social order. That's progress?

I am not surprised that the title is not selling particularly well. I am not sorry I bought it, though, as it provides a good overview of the boilerplate that is coming out in this corner of the market. Really, it could have been written with ChatGPT though. (hmmmm.....).

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A very broad survey of American cultural history through the Very narrow lands of contemporary identity politics

Revisado: 08-22-18

My title says it all. It is a short book that covers a huge amount of terrain, all from the vantage point of political correctness and identity politics. Like so many other books published these days, if you’re on the left you’ll love it, And if you’re on the right you’ll hate it.

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Important contribution to Title IX discussion

Revisado: 04-09-17

Would you listen to Unwanted Advances again? Why?

The argument is well thought out and corroborated by close analysis of several Title IX cases

What other book might you compare Unwanted Advances to and why?

"Unlearning Liberty" by Greg Lukianoff -- also available as an audiobook. They both confront the issue of free speech as well as government and administrative overreach on America's campuses.

Which scene was your favorite?

As a work of nonfiction this question isn't relevant

Any additional comments?

This book offers a refreshing perspective to a troubling issue plaguing American universities. Her methodology is scholarly, providing close readings of several Title IX cases and detailing why we need to be concerned about the way sex is being policed in our universities. The broader implications for society at large are clear. I think this book will have a long shelf life and is a must read for anyone interested in Title IX, regardless of their politics.

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Classic in the 'cognitive turn' in the humanities

Revisado: 05-20-13

If you could sum up Why We Read Fiction: Theory of Mind and the Novel in three words, what would they be?

This book explains why we can read fictional minds in a similar way that we can read real minds.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Why We Read Fiction: Theory of Mind and the Novel?

I think the reading of Samuel Richardson's "Clarissa" is the best section.

Which character – as performed by Rosemary Benson – was your favorite?

It is a work of nonfiction, so this question is not applicable.

If you could rename Why We Read Fiction: Theory of Mind and the Novel, what would you call it?

I think the title is pretty good. I wouldn't change it.

Any additional comments?

If you ever wondered what cognitive science has to say about literary criticism, this book is a great place to start. I think it helps if you have read the texts discussed -- Richardson's "Clarissa" and Nabokov's "Lolita" would be particularly helpful, but you can follow along even if you have not read these novels. She also discusses theory of mind in detective fiction. You can also buy the ebook on Amazon for $1.99, I think, if you like to follow along while you are listening. This is a really fascinanating subject and I know this title is very influential in the field of narratology.

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Makes Newton and other enlightenment figures come

Revisado: 02-04-13

If you could sum up The Clockwork Universe in three words, what would they be?

Very good at placing Newton in ideological as well as scientific and historical context. Does a great job at explaining Newton's thought to the non-specialist and why it is still important.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Clockwork Universe?

Newton's fight with Hook and others was well narrated.

Which character – as performed by Alan Sklar – was your favorite?

N/A

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

No, but I did want more.

Any additional comments?

Money well spent on a really interesting and informative read.

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More narratology!

Revisado: 01-29-13

If you could sum up Imagining Minds in three words, what would they be?

It is great to see books on this subject being produced. I hope Audible will add more narratology titles

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/A

What does Cynthia Wallace bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It is nice to have someone read when my eyes are tired

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

N/A

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Fantastic! More Please!

Revisado: 08-01-12

If you could sum up Toward a Cognitive Theory of Narrative Acts in three words, what would they be?

More Narratology Please!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lots of really excellent essays in this collection. I like Suzanne Keen's essay, that is the one I am listing to now. Lisa Zunshine and Patrick Colm Hogan have good chapters also. The whole book is good.

What about Kellie Fitzgerald’s performance did you like?

Well-read, clear and expressive.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Nonfiction so...

Any additional comments?

I am a PhD student in English Literature. I specialize in cognitive narratology so I was really happy to see an audiobook on the subject. Looking at literature and narrative from the perspective of cognitive science is the next big wave. Lots of A-list universities are focusing more and more on this perspective -- Harvard has put out several dissertations lately that take a cognitive approach to literature. Much more to follow.

This is a challenging title and it would definitely help your comprehension if you already knew a little about narratology and cog-sci. I love it. I have listened to it once and I am listening to it a second time. I would very much like to encourage publishers to produce more of this kind of literature in audio format.

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