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Compulsory reading (or listening)

Revisado: 05-04-25

Mr. Murray provides a much needed voice for moral clarity, a result of his on-the-ground approach to research and journalism. Such a clear moral voice is alway in demand, but, I'd argue, even more so today, as Israel's fighting alone on behalf of the entire Western Civilization against the medieval, Nazi barbarism that threatens it - and, indeed, the world. Must have.

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Stoker's life was surely fascinating...

Revisado: 03-05-24

... this book is, sadly, not so much. I get that the author wishes to add to all previous Bram Stoker biographies. I also get it's created in the modern age, and so is unseparable from everything previously said and written on the topic. However, the author's ventures into pseudo psychological analysis of Stoker quickly becomes tiring. So does his erratic train of thought in general. Skal appears to be off his Ritalin for much of the book. I get that Oscar Wilde was a key figure in Stoker's, his wife's and, indeed, all of Victorian England's life. I, however, was under the impression I purchased a biography on Stoker, not on Wilde. The choice to use the voice actor is also quite underwhelming. He sounds like he's bored himself and in disbelief this is the only kind of work he can get. I've watched Dracula with Skal's commentary. He has a perfectly adequate voice. Perhaps given the chance to read his own words, he'd have breathed more life into the text. As is, this production is rather disappointing even for diehard Dracula enthusiasts.

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Amazing!

Revisado: 12-21-23

Harper & Collins sure hit the jackpot with the idea of having Andy Serkis read The Lord of The Rings! What a triumph! What a delight! What a great performance! What a magnificent acror! Easily one of the best audio books I've ever heard in my life!

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Terrific selection, excellent narration

Revisado: 09-18-23

This is a truly great selection of classic vampire stories, bringing to the listener a well rounded, essential collection of authors. Some, namely Tolstoy and Le Fanu, pass the test of time with flying colors. The marriage of this collection to the voice and style of Mr. Vance, one of the industries' titans, is spot on.

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King at his best

Revisado: 09-06-23

The Institute is up there with The Stand, It and other best of King works. He's also arguably at the stage of his career when he writes much better and finishes a story much better, so when it's good - it's really good. Sure, he's cultural references are all over the place now, especially when describing modern teenagers. Also he now wears his politics on his sleeve way too clearly. That's funny, since the very structure of this (and all other best Stephen King works) goes against, subconsciously subverts his conscious party of choice. Those are minor nitpicks on a solid work. The last third of the book is a real page turner (or, I guess, minute listener).

Mr. Fontana, however, is sadly not on par with other Stephen King readers. He's okay doing the kids' voices, but lacks the gravitas and skill to do the rest of it.

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One of the finest audio books of them all!

Revisado: 07-23-23

Whoever had the brilliant idea of employing mr. Serkis, who is one of our finest actors today, to read The Hobbit is an absolute genius! Looking forward to hear The Lord of The Rings.

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"It" without the teenage angst

Revisado: 06-20-23

And I definitely mean it as a compliment, supernatural shape-shifting villain, showdown in a cave and all. This is a much more mature story about mature people by a mature (clean and sober) author. Does it also mean he's more calculated and technical and less "inspired" (whatever that word means)? Sure. But that's also a good thing. At least now he can deliver a satisfying ending.

On a negative note, King, in his old age and patronizing superstar status, allows much more space for his personal political agenda. It's few and far between and doesn't interfere with the narrative yet. I hope King never degrades himself to the point where it would. In the meantime it's just funny, as King's political views are clearly ajar with his characters'.

Will Patton is among the best Stephen King narrators of them all. A great plus and a great help. Always a pleasure.

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Peak Tribe

Revisado: 05-22-23

As a long time fan of the Kiwi post-apocalyptic kiddie show, I'll be the first to admit season 1 was the best the series ever achieved. This book is a wonderful, nostalgic trip back in time. A novelization of roughly the first half of the first season. Although "novelization" might be too big a word. It is essentially the script rewritten as a book. As such it is mostly for diehard fans. Sure, some "deleted scenes" and "goof fixes" are fun, but I don't know how much value will they provide for newcomers. The quick, scene-length chapters and some of the original (later seasons) talent will make for a light, dynamic listen for everyone, but the soapy, crowded-with-characters action might confuse anyone who didn't grow up with the show. For better or worse, this is peak Tribe. Take it or leave it.

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A fictional history, for better or worse

Revisado: 04-16-23

Approaching this title, I couldn't help but wonder "A fictional history of a fictional world? Why? What's the point? How pretentious and useless!"

Martin conquers these fears swiftly and effectively. The dry, semi-historical, semi-medival-saga style is instantly charming and fascinating. One ends up listening to the book with ease and interest. The ever masterful Simon Vance is a great help here.

However, the ease and interest will not last you for the entire book. There will come a time in this hefty volume when your early doubts will make a comeback, and indeed overcome Martin's effort. For me it happened about 2/3 in. It is too long. It is too pretentious.

And, yes, Martin should focus on releasing the Winds of Winter.

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Crucial

Revisado: 01-30-23

At the beginning of this review it is important for me to let you know, that Netanyahu himself only reads 4 chapters of the book, 2 at the beginning and 2 at the end. More on that later.

Love him or hate him, if you're honest, you must admit Netanyahu is a man of deep intelligence, vision and the vast education to boot. In his memoir he weaves a fascinating and all encompassing narrative of not just his personal biography, but also that of the nation of Israel. What is even more valuable than the narrative is the chance to get inside the mind of one of the world's greatest statesmen. And love him or hate him - he is.

This opportunity is crucial.

Now more on the audiobook narration. Don't be fooled by the Audible sample, giving you a portion of Bibi's distinctive, commanding voice. For the absolute majority the book is read by David Marantz. Now, I understand that Israel's Leader of the Opposition / Prime Minister Elect / Prime Minister is one of the busiest jobs in the world, but this is super disappointing, bordering on false advertising. Marantz wins you over at the end, with his "proper memoir" style. He has more than 20 hours to do so. However, at the beginning the difference between Netanyahu's powerful, vibrant, engaging voice and Marantz's "proper" one is jarring and had to be addressed.

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