E. L. Sapp

Not What I Expected

Reviewed: 11-24-23

There was a lot more to this book than I expected. When I started, I expected a snarky look at books like Sweet Valley High and the like. Instead, this is an in-depth look at a large assortment of topics that are actually addressed in teen books - including a lot I was not expecting. (I read some teen fiction in the 80s, but had mostly moved out of the teen section around 1989. I was kind of picky about the books I did read, preferring to avoid ones that appeared to have vapid characters.)

The book is a bit slow, but part of that is because the author deals with so much.

Worth reading once, but maybe not more.

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Very Heavy

Reviewed: 05-15-23

There is a lot of really good information in this book. For this reason, I think it would be better to read this as a book than listen to the audiobook. That would allow the reader to pause to absorb the information, rather than the endless flow of information in the audiobook.

That said, it is well-written. The scientific data is broken down an explained in a way anyone can understand it. I would love to see an updated version, discussing the events that have occurred since this was published in 2012.

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Informative

Reviewed: 03-24-23

The stories she tells are good, but disjointed. Because they are grouped by subject rather than time, it is hard to keep track of what happened when.

The exception to that is her account of 9/11. Dr. Melinek was working in NYC that day and goes into great detail about what happened after. It is heartbreaking, as any up-close account of that day would be.

Regarding her other autopsies, I wish she had discussed them more. I was hoping to hear more about what happens when someone dies and the effects it has on the body.

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So Accurate, So Funny

Reviewed: 02-08-23

I’m not a fan of horror movies, but everyone knows the memes. This book does a great job at poking fun at horror movies.

The reader has a great pace and the perfect tone.

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Very Informative, but Very Dense

Reviewed: 02-01-23

This book is very informative and well researched. While this is generally a good thing, it does mean that the book is very detailed and dense. I enjoyed it, but it is a lot to take in.

Ms. Maddow reads the audiobook, which adds to the enjoyment. She is a gifted speaker and has a witty tone that makes her voice a joy to listen to.

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East to Understand

Reviewed: 01-04-23

I know this is the children's version of the story, but it is a good read for adults as well. The account is clear and easy to follow. The reader does a great job of adding voices to the people involved.

Overall, a worthwhile listen for anyone.

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Almost Perfect

Reviewed: 12-12-22

There is so much to love about this book. The story was engaging. The reader was very good.

Although the MC could have come across as a Marty Stu, the author managed to make him likeable. However, it is also the MC that caused this book to lose a star. There are so many times where the book would have taken a better turn if he had just spoken up for himself, or been more upfront about it when he did. Too often, he lets things happens and is saved by someone else, or good things just happen to him without him doing anything. I spent more time than I wanted to thinking things like "why didn't Thor say this?"

Also, as a warning to future readers, this book ends on a cliffhanger.

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Very Slow

Reviewed: 03-12-22

The account told is good for the historian who is very interested in the subject. For anyone else, this book goes on too long and goes into too much detail.

The reader did a good job. Very easy to listen to.

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Perfect

Reviewed: 01-29-22

I love Kim and Penn Holderness's podcast and videos, so knew I would love this book. I did not know how much I would love it. Every word of this book spoke to me and made me realize things. They explain things so well that I can't believe I didn't get it before.

This book is perfect for anyone in a long-term relationship.

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Just Like the Podcast

Reviewed: 10-30-21

I have been listening to the Ear Hustle podcast for a few years, so was really excited for this book. I was even more excited when I realized it is read by Nigel and Earlonne. I was not disappointed. This book is like listening to an extended podcast. The hosts have their normal, incredible rapport that makes the podcast fun, entertaining, and educational. It also gives a lot of background that gives context (how Earlonne ended up in prison, how Nigel ended up volunteering at San Quentin, how the podcast got going).

There are some repeats from podcast episodes, which are listed in the afterword. Those flashbacks do not feel like filler, but add to the story they are telling.

Having said that, this book is very specialized. Some familiarity with the podcast would probably help in understanding the book.

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