gt

I couldn't get very far because of the reader.

Revisado: 03-06-25

I really wanted to listen to this book and learn about Shane MacGowan's life. But, I just couldn't stay focused because the reader was so awful. CLEARLY reading, and not seeming to understand what he was saying. So, I can't say much about the content. I did find it helped to slow it way down, but not enough. I finally returned it after listening for a little more than an hour.... :(

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

many of the same anectdotes told in her book Caste

Revisado: 03-14-21

I tried to listen to Isabel Wilkerson's 'Caste', but it wore me out. I have heard so many of these heartbreaking accounts before. I tried this one because I really am interested in the subject. But when the same horrific stories started getting repeated I couldn't go on. Emmigration and diaspora in general are such interesting topics and there are so many lives and stories that can be woven in. So, I want to continue with it, but I needed a break. I'm only a couple of hours into it, but am not sure when I'll feel I have the energy to try again.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Not sure how far I will get.

Revisado: 08-26-20

I found the first hour and a half really interesting - not a self righteous list of offences by white people, but a serious exploration of her thesis about how 'Caste' constrains society and how in some ways, in the U.S., casteism and racism are the same. But then. Story after story after indignant story about atrocities committed against blacks by whites in America. Some of these stories we have already heard. I don't see the stories as evidence supporting her ideas, but as anecdotes - things that of course, have happened too too too many times and things we have been hearing about for our entire lives. That's not why I am listening to this book. But it may be why I will stop.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 13 personas

Showing 'the math'

Revisado: 08-25-20

In this book, Kamala Harris refers to that idea that we all grew up with of 'Showing your work' on a math test, and why it is essential for learning. And, I think that's what she is doing with this book. It 'reads' like a long campaign speech, but is not nearly as annoying. She sets out what she has accomplished, where she's been, and what she wants to do, and you understand why. For those who think she's power hungry and only does what will get her somewhere - if you listen to this open-mindedly, I think you'll change your mind. My feeling after this book is that she feels the need to create a better world, and that she needs to be in power to do so, This is very different from someone who wants power for the sake of power. We all know we have to sell ourselves by touting our achievements, and as a politician, the line between this and bragging is fuzzy. She chooses incidents that make her look mostly good, and I'm sure she left out lots of unpleasant details, even as she says things like 'I'm not perfect', as most authors seem to. So, it lacks a sense of deep self reflection, and it is also not a juicy expose' of her personal life. A little about her husband, friends, sisters and more about her mother, but nothing juicy about ex-boyfriends. I am VERY glad I chose this book and stuck with it. Now I feel I know who she is and what she hopes to do as a politician -- MUCH more than can be said for most politicians. It is only mildly entertaining, but compelling because it's quite informative. You'll feel you know what you need to about someone important if you read this book.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

I have always loved Isabel Allende, but...

Revisado: 06-15-20

After a while the melodramatic tone of the reader's voice really got to me and I kept finding myself making faces and doing dramatic gestures. I'm not sure if her writing has changed or if I just need to read it myself, but I did not enjoy this. I did feel a bit like I was reading a novel by Gabriel García Márquez - an endless list of names and places and family history without the wit and joy of Allende. I did finish it, but I had to force myself and it took me a long time. :(

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Delilberately confused star ratings

Revisado: 02-06-20

The reader does a great job of portraying annoying and depressing characters. I'm having trouble getting through it. I wonder how differently these shorts would strike me if I were reading them in my mind.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Accidental "listen"....

Revisado: 02-06-20

I was looking for Dorothy Parker's actual writings and got impatient and chose this. And I'm so glad I did. What a pleasant surprise. A little historical fiction and some fantasy. I found the modern characters to be the least interesting but love the author's imaginative protrayal of 'Dot' as well as what she might have thought of all these people and situations.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Reads like a tabloid

Revisado: 07-21-19

I haven't gotten through much of this yet, but I find myself tuning it out because it doesn't feel soulful but gossipy. I'm losing track of what is happening and can't bear the thought of going back for a second listen. Hoping to return it.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Glad I listened to this!

Revisado: 02-10-19

Hearing this story straight from her is what made it so satisfying. Some of it seems a little bit contrived -- just because she is obviously telling the 'good parts' (perfect parents, etc.), but I'm so pleased to feel I know Michelle Obama a little. I have always liked her and approved of all I know about her, and even more after listening to her read her book.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

worth your attention for various reasons

Revisado: 02-10-19

I noticed partway through that for once, there was nothing annoying about the reader. Most of the time, the voice, the person's attempts at accents or different people's voices, personal style - the reader can ruin a book for me. This is the first time that I didn't find myself immediately irritated and distracted from the book by the person reading. I'm not sure all the accents were perfect -- perhaps it was my unfamiliarity with these particular accents that allowed me to accept them, and there are many. The story itself is interesting and perhaps a bit predictable and dramatic at times, with crucial pieces deliberately left out or delayed. By the end of the book this bothered me a little, but overall, this is one of the best books I've listened to.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 3 personas