Gonzalo

Too limited a scope, but sadly accurate.

Reviewed: 02-26-19

This book is an abridged history of marvel and DC comics centering as their title suggests on their rivalry.It often makes too much of the rivalry not acknowledging that it was essentially the same creators that developed both stables of characters over the decades. It has a bleak outlook and justifiably so. I was a huge fan of superheroes from these companies until I gave up collecting in disgust over repetitive pointless stories that were more a chore than fun to read. The author's depiction of both as now corporate tools makes me even more glad I don't buy these comics although the prospect of an end to superhero comics is a sad thought.

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The letters of Van Gogh in a manageable way.

Reviewed: 01-30-19

Reading through personal correspondence isn't always easy but any lover of painting wants to read the extensive letters Vincent Van Gogh wrote to his brother Theo. Irving and Jean Stone make it enjoyable by editing and joining letters to make it more of a narrative. perhaps too much. I would have liked a bit more division and Labels as clearly different latter's sometimes run together. The reader is good though sometimes monotone. I am very glad to have listened to this.

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2 people found this helpful

Good ...ACCURATE...history of the Knight's Templar

Reviewed: 01-19-19

This is a history so it had many dates and names and you can get lost in the narrative. The author writes well and brings the facts together in a good way.. It is easy to listen to. I appreciate that the author addresses some of the more hare-brained ideas about the templates. The author reads the book and does a good job of it.

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A mixed bag. Not near as clever as it thinks it is

Reviewed: 01-07-19

The premise is: the myths of the Norse but from Loki's point of view. But it's the same old Norse stories with a snide revisionist slant. Also, it includes modern humor which feels out of place and is not all that original or funny. It is well done in terms of the completeness of the sagas and the research. She is a good writer. This book though tired me.

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A book that should be taught in schools .

Reviewed: 11-28-18

Sketpticism gets a bad rap, but it is a necessary part of both science and democracy. As Carl Sagan points out in this book the scientific process of a skeptical inquiry has brought us all the good (and some of the bad) of the world we live in today. Yet there is a tremendous reaction against scientific thinking both in reactionary talk from fundamentalists And from popular pseudo-science. The author does a great job in pointing this out and delineating the tools to cut through the BS. And he does so without maligning belief itself. If there is any failure is that there are times in which it is repetitive. Nevertheless it is a great book and a necessary read in this world of infotainment and political spin.

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Very satisfying and fun to listen to.

Reviewed: 08-31-18

Though based on an earlier sci find series this reads as the best of John Scalzi. The dialogue is entertaining and the plot draws you in. It's also very funny at times Will Wheaton once again does a perfect reading of Scalzi's work. Recommended for a fun and thought-out provoking read.

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Better Than Expected.

Reviewed: 08-20-18

Obviously most people have seen the movie. Neither it, not it's sequels or reboots were very good, in my opinion, although some were brainlessly fun. The book is far better. It has some truly interesting themes dealing with the impact of our actions on our continued life as a species that go far beyond a simplistic environmental message. Sometimes it is silly just like the movie (why ARE there two kids on the island again?) And sometimes the movie does a better job humanizing the characters. Hammond, in particular, is almost a cartoon villian in the book. Overall this is a fun and thought provoking book. I am no fan of Scott Brick, he reads everything in that melodramatic sing-song of his but I didn't mind it enough to stop reading.

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Comprehensive History of Spain. A Bit Dry.

Reviewed: 08-08-18

My wife's family is from Spain so I was interested in learning more about its history This lecture series is a good intro, covering everything from prehistoric caveman times to today. The lectures are divided in a brilliant way with awesome Spanish guitar riffs. I wish the lecturer had a better delivery. For all that her enthusiasm for Spain is apparent, her delivery is sometimes dry and monotone. Also, as an expert in Spain who has lived there and visited often, her pronunciation of Spanish words should be better. At times her lecture borders on cheer leading especially regarding recent history. Still she covers even contemporary issues I have heard my in laws talking about so that is nice to have in context.

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2 people found this helpful

Overly complicated and slow plot.

Reviewed: 06-20-18

One of those classic sci fi series that seems a bit dated due to very obvious anti technology attitudes. The series is very imaginative in terms of world building but the story is not centered enough to follow. Too many characters, too many comboluted subplots, and the complex nature of the setting means that the book has to stop often to describe extensively different species, places and the most pointedly unnecessary aspects of life (like how different species have sex, eat, sleep go to the bathroom...). it gets boring. I'm done with this series with this one.

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1 person found this helpful

Great rendition of a classic.

Reviewed: 06-12-18

The narrator does a wonderful job bringing the ABC murders to life. The book is course a classic and very entertaining mystery. I enjoyed it very much.

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