Greg A. Miller

A Book Everyone Should Read

Revisado: 09-30-24

I don't often say this but this is a book everyone should read. Regardless of age, what you don't know could hurt you.

Very well- written and "readable". The author did an exceptional job narrating her own work. But most importantly, everything she says checks out!

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Not Impressed

Revisado: 07-07-20

Some interesting discussions of dinosaur fossils. But I just can't stomach the childish "science" falsely so-called throughout this presentation.

We are FORCED to accept the presupposition of the "Geologic Ages" and ignore the reality of modern volcanic activity (like that found at Mt. St. Helen in the state of Washington) which shows these layers laid down in hours, days and weeks... NOT "millions of years".

We are FORCED to accept the idea that even though the layers of earth show things laid down in the logical order that we would expect they would in huge amounts of water during a cataclysmic flood we are to REJECT the Biblical Global Flood and the evidence that these layers would have naturally occurred as a result of that type of event.

We are FORCED to ignore the fact that most dinosaur fossils are found in states of distress, like being crushed by landslides, volcanic debris and having drowned were then covered by tons of sediment. When the narrator and those interviewed talk about so many dinosaurs found with or actually crushing their own eggs, they admit they were wrong to teach for decades that these dinosaurs were trying to EAT the eggs.

But instead of the obvious, that a cataclysmic Flood explains the findings... they just correct their error and admit that the dinosaurs were PROTECTING their eggs. And then the program just moves on. No explanation. No admission of FLOOD evidence... Nothing to see here! Don't use your brain!

BTW, some dinosaurs originally lived on land and gave birth to the newborn head first. BUT when they decided to go into the ocean, they suddenly "decided" to give birth tail first. That sort of childish, anti-scientific nonsense would be hilarious if it weren't being passed off as "science".

And, of course, the final five minutes are a pitch about "climate change" and full blame on humans instead of the scientifically proven cause: the SUN.

It's so aggravating and sickening. I give one star because there are moments of interesting information shared. And I give a second star because any THINKING person can listen to this and see through the veil of fake science found throughout.

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Good Enough... but ...

Revisado: 07-04-20

I try to do an English Grammar review periodically. I'm by no means part of the grammar guard and I tromp all over the English language every time I open my mouth. But I do try to respect the important rules and keep up with what's going on in the world.

This audio series includes 12 1/2 hours of 24 separate lectures on English grammar. And I'm sure I just broke a rule with that last sentence. Anne Curzan is an intelligent, informed and talented teacher and speaker. Did I just break another rule? Anyway, she is at the top of the list of my favorite "Great Courses" lecturers based solely on her delivery, respect for her audience and sound of her voice.

There is plenty to learn/review. And the overall message reiterated in the 24th and final lecture is that there ARE some rules for good grammar, but don't be a NAZI about it. Grammar is fluid. What was a "rule" 100 years ago may not be a rule, today. Curzan discusses a number of examples of grammar that is in transition (or is it "are in transtion"??). She frequently admits some of her own hangups and then explains why she's trying not to be a hag about it.

Admittedly, most people would find this stuff boring and would rather not spend 12 and a half hours listening. But I listened to one lecture a day over a 24 day period and found doing so to be a nice break from the drama taking place in June and early July of 2020.

In case you are wondering, I deduct two stars for the following reasons that you may or may not find legit. But this is my review, so you'll have to just get over it:

1. At times, it felt like we were discussing things just to make this last 12 and 1/2 hours. Eight hours would have been plenty.

2. Relativity. Yes, grammar is fluid but when we're being told to take Ebonics seriously and to refer to ghetto-gutturals as "African American English" (LOL), you have GOT to be kidding me. Talk about RACISM. Liberals like Ann (based on things she said in her lectures) really need to confess their sin of racism. They believe blacks are an inferior race that must be treated like they are mentally retarded, incapable and "unevolved" as a race. Nope. Ebonics is black-trash talk, just like white trash who try to talk like black trash is just as ignorant and unacceptable.

All lives matter. Including blacks who talk in "African American English". They matter enough to be told that they need to learn the English language and to use it properly.

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Very Enjoyable

Revisado: 06-02-20

If you are in the mood for gab about sci-fi movies, books, comics, etc., in the of light known science, and some unknown as the discussion of Dark Matter and Dark Energy presented as "established" or "a given" when it really is not (quotes are mine, not from the book necessarily), then this is a great read. I listened to the entire thing while spending a day striping the parking lot on our church building property. Hard work is rewarding but a good audio book makes it that much more enjoyable.

I would have liked to have heard more about the science. That is my only real criticism of this lecture series. The speaker seemed to take for granted that none of us needed a reminder As a Christian, I would present it much differently but I do not expect that from secular or other non-Christian sources.

And with the hope that this might be read by Audible staff as I cannot find a legit way to communicate with them, it is ridiculous that you can't find a LIST of the lecture titles for these Great Courses. That makes NO sense. Please tell us the titles, at least. And a short description of each title would only be sensible, if that's not too much to ask.

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Great Book & Performance About A Fascinating Time

Revisado: 07-26-19

Although I must say that I am still hoping to find a book about this same period of American history that includes more information about contemporary culture and the events, news reports, meeting minutes, personal correspondence, etc., I was very pleased with this book.

William J. Cooper is a talented writer. the narration was clear and enjoyable. I learned a great deal, even though I am a long-time student of the Civil War and have read and own dozens of books along with more than 50 hours of documentaries on the subject (most of them about battles and biographies).

I cannot imagine what it was like to live during these times but I like to. And books like this one help ne do just that.

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A Good Addition To War of 1812 & Jackson History

Revisado: 05-08-18

Brian Kilmeade is a good writer and the book was interesting, well-written and offered some additional insight into the realities of early 19th century life and the incredible courage that a soldier of that era demonstrated. And Andrew Jackson, if he was nothing else, was a man of courage. He was far from perfect, but it's important people know the whole story and know that much of what made the America we live in what it is today began with Andrew Jackson and men like him.

I have to say, though, I would love to have heard this book narrated by someone with that talent and skill. Brian's sales would probably increase (in audio book form) if he'd let the narrators do their thing... and he can keep writing and talking on TV and radio.

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Great Information

Revisado: 04-23-18

I love history told as biography and that is what this work does. You learn the history of Rabies (and related viruses) and the history of the search for cures and vaccines, while also learning about the people: victims and research scientists.

Very well told. The author's personal religious and philosophical views (seemingly agnostic, new age or Universalist Unitarian) shade some of their commentary but it's not overbearing and doesn't overshadow the factual content in the book.

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Important History: The Reality of Islam's History

Revisado: 02-03-17

Islam has a 1,400 year history. And those who follow the example and teachings of Mohammad are what we call "terrorists". And this book reveals a very important chapter in Islamic history as it relates to American history.

This book is very well-written, though a little bogged down on a couple of occasions by some detail that is not really important for the story. But I want that criticism to be taken as intended and for anyone reading this review not to think that it should keep you from purchasing it. As a matter of fact, this is on my permanent "recommended reading" list to my students. (I am a Bible teacher who emphasizes the need for understanding history in order to give Biblical teaching proper perspective and for the purpose of living with an informed awareness of the world you live in.)

And I mean no disrespect to the author but I imagine how much better the audio version would be if one of the master readers had narrated it. I don't know the "politics" or financial considerations involved in this decision, but I would have LOVED to have heard Stefan Rudnicki or Grover Gardner... or how about James Earl Jones?!?

Regardless, I close by saying I really enjoyed this and highly recommend it.

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Great Insight From a Respectable Source

Revisado: 02-02-17

If you like history and love to read it as biography, this is a "must read". I admit right up front that I am a big fan of David Horowitz and, though I limit how often I watch the "news" and political talk shows, I will make a point of tuning in whenever I see that Mr. Horowtiz is going to be a guest. So, my bias may show but if you share my appreciation for the author, then you will know that this is one that you really need to buy.

In addition, I also must admit that even though I am a Bible believing Christian, I am also an admirer of Christopher Hitchens. Not his views, obviously, but of his talent. And after reading this work I believe I am safe in assuming that the author, who was a personal friend and acquaintance of Mr. Hitchens, shares my particular admiration. And knowing that these two gentlemen had paths that crossed over a period of decades, I had only two regrets: that I had allowed the business of life to delay my reading of this book and that the author didn't give us even MORE in his discussion of the life of Christopher Hitchens.

However, on the whole I was not disappointed. John McLain only added to my pleasure with his very well done narration. I sat in my family room (leaving my wife to rest and recover from bronchitis in another room) with my Himalayan salt lamp providing a dim glow while our local classical radio station (101 FM) played softly in the background and Mr. McLain read the words of Mr. Horowitz on my Amazon Fire, hooked up to my Bose speakers.

I add that last paragraph because sometimes I think folks would enjoy good audio books more if they were in a relaxed, comfortable environment.

I laughed out loud (that is, "LOL", on social media) a number of times, especially during the chapter on Cornell West. Mr. Horowitz took the words right out of my MOUTH. But the rest of the book was very much brand new to me. I had no idea who the feminist Bettina Aptheker was, for example.

So, I will close by saying that this book had a little bit of everything in it for me and I LEARNED a great deal, which is what makes a book so worthwhile. I have much to learn but not quite as much as I did before picking this one up. Thank you, Mr. Horowitz. And I'm looking forward to my next opportunity to read something that you have produced.

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esto le resultó útil a 7 personas

Wonderful Topic, Enjoyable Read, But With Issues..

Revisado: 01-27-17

Firstly, Chris Fabry is great. If I am thinking about buying a book and see that he's narrating, that will put me over the top for the buy.

Secondly, I believe Randy Alcorn is a sincere Christian and I really enjoyed MOST of this book. But I am simply disgusted by the terrible new Bible versions and just cannot give 5 stars when I'm subjected to things like the "NLT" (New Living Translation), especially when it really waters down and changes the actual words of the text. More and more of us who are serious Bible believers are going back to the trusted, tried and true Authorized King James Bible and if Alcorn had used that version exclusively, it would have made a big difference.

Thirdly, is this evangelical fascination with quoting questionable sources. I can only figure that Alcorn and/or his publishers think that quoting Roman Catholic sources (authors, monks, nuns, etc.) will sell more copies of the book. Those who know what the Roman Catholic Gospel is, know Galatians 1:6-9 and are not ashamed to STAND with God's word against the false gospel of Rome will find these constant quotations a HUGE disappointment. Meanwhile, honest Roman Catholics who believe their own church doctrine will find the "salvation by grace alone, apart from good works" (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:9-13) message (which is TRUTH) to be hard to take. Thankfully, many (especially American RC's) have no idea what their church teaches and they are saved by faith and not of works (see Ephesians 2:8-10).

Finally, while I could have taken the "Story" down to 3 stars and the "Overall" to 4 stars since I have TWO major issues... I am being generous and only striking HALF a star for these two issues mentioned above, especially since the overall message is Biblically sound, the style by brother Alcorn is VERY readable AND, as mentioned above, Chris Fabry is a PRO.

I pray for all who read this to believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ and join us in Heaven.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona