Transplanted1

I never knew…

Revisado: 05-21-24

I loved discovering the close relationship Americans have long had with the French… particularly in the arena of earlier medical education and of course the arts. The individual stories of artists, some I knew, and some I did not, were particularly compelling. The historical context of life in Paris and the national characteristics of the French in that day was equally fascinating.

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A revelation

Revisado: 11-11-23

I had long heard of Harriet Tubman, but never read her story. Anyone who wants to learn about the American experience,, should read this beautifully written piece of national and personal History. Beautifully narrated. I often do not finish books and rarely find a page turner. This is one of the better books I have ever read. Harriet Tubman is a National Treasure.

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History reads like a novel

Revisado: 10-02-23

I had heard before that America did not realize it was being spied on by the Russians, both nations uncomfortable allies in WW2. The US approach at the time was to be isolationist and to think 'you don't spy on your allies.' Howard Blum gives us a detailed account of the genesis and development of the US defensive spy system centered on two key US agents but spreading the net over all concerned. A solid background of each character is provided, the most comprehensive given to the two US agents in question. It has the effect of humanizing the events, making them relatable, because human events they were. A fascinating read. As a side benefit you learn snippets about the modus operandi of various forms of goverment beside our own. It is excellently narrated by David Colacci (and I'm picky). His calm and pleasantly rhythmic delivery is accented by his excellent voice adaptations for direct speech. The narration never detracts from the riveting story so carefully laid out, on the contrary the somewhat low-key flavor of the reading helps convey the serious and secretive atmosphere of that intelligence and counter-intelligence world where danger clearly lurks in the shadows. A thorough piece of History. I don't often read an entire book, I will this one.

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Delightful and interesting

Revisado: 07-22-23

Lady Glenconner’s life hails from different era which has had a great impact on today’s world. She really helps us understand the context of her generation with intelligence compassion and wit. I love the fact that she reads her own books. It is almost as being in your presence.

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Must-read of American History

Revisado: 05-08-23

First of all Bill Fike's narration is absolutely first rate (and I'm picky because a poor narration can kill even a good book). His skill in changing his voice/cadence/inflection as he impersonates the various personages quoted is absolutely astounding. Bill Yenne gives us deeply researched context for every individual, location and event in this story. Don't expect a novel, this is hard reading in some ways because of the subject, but it is nevertheless expertly written. I appreciate the way Yenne tones down the often inflamatory tone with which this difficult subject is handled. For instance he always refers European Americans as the Wasichu rather than "the white man.' In that way the Europeans are correctly portrayed as another tribe just as much as the Sioux (which also encompasses sub-tribes). I wasn't there and I am no expert but this is the most real sounding version of events I have read to date. At 69 I do know something of human nature which does not vary age to age or people to people. Only social mores and customs do and yes those difference give occasion for much misunderstanding and throwing in egotism or inflexibility and you have a recipe for disaster. This account makes sense, it doesn't condone, explain or excuse, it is honest, painful and hopefully as we read about these tragic moments we can all learn how to spot in ourselves duplicity, hot-headedness, self-interest, treachery or vainglory so we can check ourselves. All of these blights (and doubtless others) are on display in every human tribe and all of them lead to inevitable conflict, which in this tragic moment in History becamse a deadly conflict.

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Exquisitely read gripping personal History

Revisado: 01-28-23

Words fail me at the suffering of the Chinese people revealed in this first hand account. The personal history of three generations of women and their families is recounted in vivid detail, a tableau vivant of life before during and after the Cultural Revolution we all heard about in the West. What an important and necessary book for the History of humankind, serving as a warning today in any social setting. Warning against the insiduous power of group think and brainwashing, of the inestimable but costly price of personal responsibility, of the horrors of oppression for all of us in this world. It has given me a greater love for the Chinese people and a greater understanding of their plight today. I cannot recommend this book more highly especially as it is expertly and sensitively read by what appears to be a native speaker fluent in English. Planning to read Mao next. Jung's mother was right: it is important, even vital, for all of us that these things be said.

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Beautiful story

Revisado: 05-29-22

If the author is to be believed the facts of the story are true, which matters to me. It's a balanced story, you don't feel like either the Settlers or the Native Americans are all good or all bad. Life is hard and complex but sometimes extraordinary people grace this earth and Pocahontas was clearly one of them. Her death is entirely omitted and there is enough mystery left to the thoughts of her heart to make it a respectful account. I loved the book itself and the narration did it justice: it was actually the best I have ever heard. I could listen to her all day: the story unfolds much like a movie in your head it is so well read. I even like the old English use of thee and nay.. it transports you to a different era which this certainly was. Inspiring and thought provoking.

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Very Simple

Revisado: 02-06-22

Yo-yo Ma is such a brilliant cellist I wanted to hear what he had to say and the title appealed. The Title is indeed the kernel of the book, doubtless Ma's own approach to life. He is as modest in his writing as he appears in performance and as nuanced. There are sobering sketches of his childhood, personal highlights of his career and life as a cellist and glimpses into his values and priorities. It's a short book with a simple message but when backed by his virtuosity (which, beside his extraordinary talent, translates into a LOT of practice) it is worth hearing.

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History in her own words

Revisado: 12-19-21

Extraordinary autobiography of an utterly passionate resistance fighter: you get to know her through her honest words. The story is unequaled. My only criticism is technical: the reader is truly great but the transitions between paragraphs is non-existent - I expect that is an editing issue - which means you don’t have time to realize the next scene or topic is upon you. only chapters are clearly marked. For me, that was very difficult so I bought the book but it’s a very minor point in this riveting account.

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Excellent but...

Revisado: 09-24-21

I loved everything about this book but one thing: there is no mention of the Queen mum's role in the War Years (WW2). I know the King and Queen's fortitude and presence in the streets of London was an incredible tonic to the morale of Europeans of which were my parents. Otherwise it's a very incisive portrayal of the Queen Mum whom I actually always found a tad not real in my lifetime so this biography put words to my instinctive sense.

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