Jim Foreman

A Gripping Story Many Americans Don't Really Know

Reviewed: 03-27-23

I was first turned on to Robert Kurson with 'Shadow Divers.' What could have been a dry and inconsistent yarn about finding a lost WWII Sub instead played out like a thriller. The true story is both fascinating and a perfect intertwining of the drama at hand with the backstory of the personalities and context of the times.
Since then, Kurson's books get immediately snatched up upon release without a hint of disappointment.
Rocket Men is no exception. From the first page to the last, one is captivated by the people and times involved. Kurson brilliantly weaves a minute-by-minute account of the tense and exciting reality that made up the ambitious Apollo Program.
This book had me wanting to listen to every spare moment as Narrator Ray Porter expertly brings the text to life.
Rocket Men is a must-buy and easily one of the top 10 books I've ever enjoyed throughout my 18 years on Audible.

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1 person found this helpful

An intimate portriat of one of music's pioneers

Reviewed: 02-14-23

Forever linked to Kraftwerk, Karl Bartos takes us behind the scenes of life as a key member of the band and his achievements since leaving Ralf and Florian.
The narrator, Jim Boeven is not a native English speaker. His cadence is different from traditional narrators like Simon Vance and others. For the first couple of minutes, my brain needed to adapt to his tempo, expressions, and pronunciations. Once that happened, it was a delight made more authentic given Bartos' German roots.
The story is easy to follow and gives keen insight into the often enigmatic yet pivotal band Kraftwerk. From his early days loving the Beatles to his introduction to Ralf and Florian. The story details his rising influence from contract percussionist on the Autobahn Tour to leading influence in The Man Machine, Computer World, and Tour de France.
As Ralf and Florian became more focused on emerging and bleeding-age technology, the magic of melodies and clever songwriting further eluded them.
As Ralf and Florian became obsessed with non-musical pursuits, Wolfgang and Karl became disillusioned with the band's future.
Finally, having had enough of being constantly treated as 'the help' and an annoyance during much of the mid to late 80s, Karl quit KW to go solo. Often working with fellow KW alumni like Wolfgang and Emil, Karl, now free from the constraints of KW, released incredible music. It shows just how much he contributed to many of KW's best albums.
Filled with many funny stories and circumstances, I felt transported to a time and place that no longer exists as it was. Still, its influence and significance can't be understated.
Never once is Karl mean-spirited or derogatory to any past or current member of Kraftwerk.
The Sound of the Machine is a worthy listen to anyone who loves Music, Germany, KW, or how a great band can go from pioneers and innovators to pastiche and greatest hits shows.

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An exceptional time with a particularly deep man.

Reviewed: 12-18-22

I went into this as a fan of U2. I love their music. The politics, I could certainly do without. Still, the music was always more interesting and allowed me to ignore the preaching.
Now with this book, I see how Bono became Bono. In this remarkably open and often funny book, Bono shares these stories with you rather than reading the book.
Listening mostly in my car while going to and from work, I looked forward to the drive to and from work to spend time with him. It felt like I was listening to a long-time friend share his experiences over several evenings at a small pub.
The acoustic sets of music marking each chapter were an unexpected delight.
I went away realizing that Bono and the band are much more than the mouthpiece for political causes. It was refreshing to hear him question his own usefulness as a 'do-gooder' and whether he really helped or at times made things worse. I believe he did help as he learned to strive for common ground to reach higher ground.
I highly recommend this book to anyone, U2 Fan or not, who wants a genuine tale filled with heartfelt love, anguish, joy, and pain.

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1 person found this helpful

Scalzi excels in this engrosing story

Reviewed: 10-05-22

The first in the Dispatcher series certainly got me hooked. That´s part of the genius of John Scalzi. He takes a concept familiar to everyone and adds one plausible wrinkle. From there they take a rich life of their own. You're introduced to real and likable characters who offer more than plot devices and twists. Instead, you get people who seem fleshed out.
Theses characters are far from clean and orderly. They all have their subplots and perspectives that all come into being. Like most of Scalzi's stories, you don't really want them to end. A 'relationship' is created with many characters that feel lost when the epilogue is finally presented.
This series is wonderful and worth the read, listen, and certainly the pleasure of enjoyment.

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Great first act. Melodramatic and idiotic 2nd act

Reviewed: 07-06-22

I Love Carla Gugino and think she's amazing. the acting is perfect.
the story starts great but turns to rubbish in the second act.
I kept listening hoping for some redemption but there was none.
if you just enjoy this for the first act. stop there.

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One of the most interesting stories in a very long time.

Reviewed: 04-17-21

I went into this story based on previous reviews. They were spot-on. I loved this book from start to end.
I hope a follow-up happens. I’d love to follow the lives of Micajuh, Elle, Arlene, and Aunt Ceely.
The narration was perfect, too. It draws me in and sets the perfect tone.

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This is a an exceptionally brilliant novel.

Reviewed: 02-04-21

Anthony Horowitz is either severely schizophrenic or one of the best modern writers of the day. This one is fantastic.
We pick up about a year after Magpie Murders. While I enjoyed that quite a bit, this one is substantially better. Susan is drawn with more depth and brains while Pünd is fleshed out comparable to Hercule Poirot.
The two stories are brilliantly tied in and the misdirection is masterful. Everything is there for the reader. One only must pay attention to the details.
The book is long but rather than interweave both narratives there is a break where the Pünd story is presented in full. It's much easier to keep both stories separate and to then track details back and forth.
If you're a fan of detective fiction and love a masterful tale, you can't do better than Moonflower Murders.

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Academic drivel without basis of fact or reason.

Reviewed: 12-09-19

Elizabeth Murray may be an acclaimed professor, but she is a worthless investigator, criminologist, and incapable of reasoning even the most sensible conclusions from presented evidence. If you have any brains, this offering will cause you to rip your hair out in disbelief and the insane assertions and ridiculous conclusions Murray tries to present as fact.
Keep your credit for something much more worthwhile.

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A Fantastic Thiller Precisely Executed

Reviewed: 12-09-19

"Breakthrough" by Michael Grumley is a clever, well-paced story that dips into three genres effortlessly. It's part science thriller, a political thriller, and science fiction. "Breakthrough" is grounded in science and reality with an unusual premise that left this listener quite satisfied and ready to embrace more titles by Grumley.
Scott Brick was masterful as a narrator and delivered perfect dialogue with believable charachter voices and inflections. This one is a surefire hit. Enjoy it tonight!

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A riveting year of a Baltimore Detective

Reviewed: 03-05-19

I approached this book with a giant 'Hmmmm!' I didn't know what to expect but went for it.
Early on, it was apparent that I was enjoying one of those top 5% books in my collection.
"Homicide: A Year On The Killing Streets" takes readers on a year-long ride-along into the gritty, Baltimore Police Department Western Division Homicide squad.
It was sweaty, dirty, yet hopeful and inspiring. As the year came closer to the end, I began to be nostalgic for the characters I knew I would be saying goodbye to.
Reed Diamond does a great job putting personalities into the voices being read.
It's a wonderful journey and well worth the listen.

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