Brandon

Thoughtful reflection and historical perspective, but ultimately no easy answer

Revisado: 03-28-23

When Hillary Clinton misquoted de Tocqueville by saying ‘America is great because she is good’ she betrayed the liberal presupposition that that Americans are, in fact, “good.” The contrary presupposition of Christianity and our Founding Fathers (not necessarily the same) is that America is composed of fallen people who are capable of virtue, and at our best when we practice it. But too often we stumble, which is why we need a constitutional republic—not a strict democracy—with plenty of checks and balances. Only a generation after the framing of our constitution, Andrew Jackson stood this all on its head—assuming mob rule can work, because the mob is composed of “good people” (who, conveniently, adore their strong leader). And the historical parallels between his populism and Trump’s are uncanny—despite each one leading the opposite political party of their time—which should set off warning bells for us today: the perils to our system of self government come principally from within….if we’re not careful, we become our own worst enemy.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Meh. Expected better.

Revisado: 11-23-21

Wasn’t what I expected from these authors. A lot of filler (post-Trump budget negotiations, etc…snore), and it felt rushed to press. Confirmed that Trump surrounded himself with dangerous liars in the waning days of his presidency and refused to listen to the more reasonable voices trying to protect his legacy and our democracy, and keep the constitution’s peaceful transfer of power intact. To no avail. But there weren’t many revelations in this book. Not really. There are long digressions with no mention of Trump, and just when you think they are building a case for America careening from one peril to another (a stumbling Biden), it drifts away again without really making a point. Maybe if the authors and publisher had budgeted more time to gather their thoughts and analyze the implications of what had happened—is happening—this book could have been much better.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Great book. Terrible narration.

Revisado: 10-12-18

As other reviewers have noted, the mispronunciations are distracting and annoying, and really detract from an otherwise good overview of the science-faith debate. (“He puts the wrong emPHASis on the wrong sylLABeI.”) I somehow made it through to the end...but I’m looking forward to re-reading the actual book, which I’ve already ordered. I would recommend the book, but not the audiobook.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 10 personas

Better at 1.25x speed

Revisado: 01-12-18

Yeah....the Trump Presidency is worse than we feared. Shocking and entertaining, if not tragic in the realization that it is true. This is actually happening. Isn’t it?

My only real criticism of Wolff’s book is that I couldn’t escape the feeling that he couldn’t possibly have “overheard” all these fantastical conversations in so many settings verbatim....and even if he did—including closed door meetings in the West Wing and on Air Force One—he certainly can’t know all the thoughts of all these characters. But he claims to do just that throughout the book....so this leaves the reader with a sense of incredulity that tends to paint the rest of Wolff’s “observations” as just more biased opinion, masquerading as inside knowledge. But hey, it’s a fun read anyway.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Worth trying

Revisado: 08-23-17

Overall I thought it was pretty good....definitely worth a read/listen. Did more to shake my blind faith in young earth Creationism (that has always seemed 'faithful' but ignores obvious scientific observation) and my exuberance for Intelligent Design (an incessant criticism of materialistic explanations---but not very 'productive' scientifically) than any other book on the subject I have read to date. And I have read a lot. But I wish he would have addressed two more issues: the geneologies and the issue of 'sufficiency.' Second edition, maybe.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Stiff-necked, robotic, but tediously entertaining

Revisado: 10-15-15

Enduring this audiobook--all 52+ hrs read by Larry.the.robot.--rewards the listener both a sense of personal accomplishment and more than a little sense of empathy for the Jews. For, if you actually complete this journey, you will feel a true sense of kinship with this stiff-necked, peculiar, and enduring people.

Four stars for Michener's rich, intricate, but unnecessarily large tapestry of the Jewish homeland. One star for McKeever's for the best impersonation of a voice synthesizer by a human being I have ever heard. Truly uncanny.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 8 personas

Plodding, Pedantic, Wrong

Revisado: 06-10-15

Why would someone spend so much time unpacking and analyzing something he is clearly so disinterested in? It seemed to me like watching a very serious and intent monkey slowly taking apart a Prius. In the end I pray the God he (not the Bible) portrays does not exist; or if He does, at least I want nothing to do with Him. Fortunately, I am convinced, Jack Miles is simply, seriously wrong.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

An old lady hurling through space...

Revisado: 04-18-15

From a meaningless and bored existence, Shaggy and Velma stumble upon the truth: Blind cattle and telepathic squales. Sure. Why not?

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Better than most

Revisado: 02-21-15

Expansive, articulate, easy to follow but far from simplistic. Just when I think I've heard it all before, he surprises.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña