Nathan R.

A Gripping Story!

Revisado: 07-08-24

Like many Americans post-October 2023, I have been on a journey this year to learn more about the situation between Israel and Palestine. This was the third book I’ve tackled on that journey, and found it to be a thoroughly exciting tale. Obviously, much of the content is heartbreaking, and there are some scenes detailing torture, life in Israeli prisons, and suicide bombings/military retaliation that is difficult to hear and can be unsettling, but I feel it is important information that should be widely known by people, but alas is not. I applaud the author on his journey of education, gaining new perspectives, and rising above his circumstances. Besides the exciting/ gripping nature of each espionage event that is detailed, this book most importantly to me helped to serve as a window into a gritty, broken world in the West Bank that currently exists (and has existed for generations now), through the eyes of someone who grew up on these streets. The plight of the Palestinian people is very present throughout this book, and it is a positive action by the author to share this message with the wider world. To my pleasant surprise, I feel like the book doesn’t take a wholly anti-Israel perspective, and thus is a helpful perspective in a highly complex political and cultural situation.

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A Good Overview, Though Dense

Revisado: 06-10-24

This is a great take on the situation in Palestine. The overview is exhaustive; however, this leads to it being quite a dry read. Hundreds of names and events are detailed, which makes it hard to keep track of—it almost reads like a textbook. That said, I appreciated reading this book, and believe this is an important resource for those wishing to understand the roles Israel and the U.S. have played in the unfortunate, and indeed horrendous, situation in Palestine. It serves as an excellent counterpoint to Noa Tishby’s book Israel (written from the Israeli perspective), and presents numerous compelling arguments from a different point of view than what she presented. I would recommend this as a more reliable source of information, and a must-read if you’re trying to get both sides of the story.

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A Clearly Biased Author

Revisado: 04-02-24

This book helped to provide an Israeli perspective on the history of the country and modern day Zionism. However, the bias of the author was prevalent throughout the entire work, which was disappointing. For example, chapter 5 ends with a pretty silly claim: the Jews didn’t take the land of Palestine from the Arabs—there really was no land to take, as the Arabs weren’t using it well (the Jews came in and made it better).

The author doesn’t treat the details of atrocities congruently: in chapter 9 she tells of riots in the West Bank where “the Palestinians threw rocks. The Israeli military…responded with military force.” Very non-descript, when she simultaneously goes into great detail about the horrible acts perpetrated by Palestinians at many points throughout the book. The atrocities of Israel are only ever hinted at, giving an uneven feeling between the two sides.

The most head-spinning part was the final chapter where she claims “Anti-Zionism is the politically correct version of anti-semitism.” This is not a well-reasoned argument, and she admits this is the only conclusion she can come to. However, it’s not based on reality, but rather an emotional reaction. I feel this undercuts her credibility to deliver a factual account. I appreciated learning some things, but am hesitant to recommend this book to others.

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A Fine and Exciting Read!

Revisado: 02-29-24

This book was outstanding. As an archaeologist with a keen interest in Egyptology, I found it very informative. The chapters about WWII were thrilling and educational, and overall I liked the pacing. I have enjoyed learning more about specific locations in Egypt, and the history of moving the southern temples due to the Aswan Dam. The narrative brings together French culture, military history, archaeology, geopolitical concerns, and museum studies, all tied together by the fascinating story of this one woman’s life. I was hooked!

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Outstanding Book—Highly Satisfied!

Revisado: 01-20-24

This book is something I’d been hoping for for many years. And it was well worth the wait. Not only was the story great, but Stewart’s performance was superb. I appreciated getting a glimpse into this legendary person with some candid, heartfelt, and at times humorous stories of his past, all while being regaled in his sensational voice! There was more than one occasion that I laughed out loud, and more than one occasion that I became teary-eyed. An absolute delight from start to finish. It has actually prompted me to revisit the X-men franchise. Would recommend!

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A Wonderful Journey—Glad I Spent the Time

Revisado: 05-25-23

Such a clever idea: to take his previously written work and greatly expand it! What a magnificent way to showcase the author’s personal growth. Wheaton sets a powerful example to follow on how to best exist in this world—through kindness, honesty, and being honorable. His empathy shines through from beginning to end, meanwhile delivering his message in a truly Wil Wheaton fashion: through nerdiness and humor. My reading (listening) came at a particularly poignant time, as I myself am learning more about my own past and trauma through counseling; I experienced many moments of syncretism from listening to this work. I was initially alarmed at the prospect of spending 24 hours on a single book/author, but I’m glad I did. There were memorable lessons from cover to cover. Thanks for sharing your journey, Wil.

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Hooked!

Revisado: 03-01-23

I found this book to be completely addicting! I appreciated learning more about who Rob Lowe is—I admit that until I started this book I fell under the all-too-easy trap of assuming he was just another pretty face with very little underneath. Was surprised and humbled to learn quite the opposite was true: a conscientious, hardworking, and intelligent person who just so happened to be good looking as well. The stories he tells of his career journey and particulars of being on set are quite interesting, but moreover, the book is peppered throughout with incredible chance encounters and exciting episodes he experienced. I was absolutely hooked, and finished this book very quickly. Definitely recommend!

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I found this riveting!

Revisado: 02-10-23

I am somewhat pleasantly surprised by how addicting this book was. Some great insights into Andrew’s development as a person over the course of his career. Perhaps it has to do with the reflective period I am currently in with my own life, but I found that I frequently had a hard time pausing this audiobook and seemed to always be eagerly awaiting the next listening session. Would definitely recommend! Thanks for the interesting story, Andrew.

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An enjoyable trip down Memory Lane

Revisado: 02-02-23

This was an entertaining audiobook. It allowed me to re-experience many fun moments of The Office, as well as delve into the behind-the-scenes culture and relationships. Much appreciated, ladies—thanks for your hard work!

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Incredible! A must-read for Star Wars fans!

Revisado: 02-05-22

This was hands-down the best insight I’ve gotten into the behind-the-scenes world of creating Star Wars. Anthony Daniel’s has done a superior job in conveying the trials of creating the beloved character of C-3PO, with tons of great insight into just how difficult it can be to bring a being to life from the lines in a strange script while dealing with the physical demands of the suit. His candor into hardships on set and beyond are appreciated. Beautifully punctuated by well-chosen snippets of the immortal score, this story was both a joyous trip down memory lane from movies and events from the 1970s through recent years, as well as a wonderful visit to lots of Star Wars lore I didn’t know about. Thank you, Anthony Daniels! I enthusiastically recommend this to lovers of Star Wars!

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