CJ Maltby

Now it makes sense

Reviewed: 11-17-24

"Lucky Loser" may not explain two Trump presidencies, but it does make it clear that he's always led a charmed life that has never required him to work hard or to be honest. It's frustrating as hell, and it's a must-read as far as I'm concerned. Craig and Buettner are excellent writers and Gabra Zackman reads with just a hint of "Can you believe this?" in her tone.

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Interesting, Illuminating and Frustrating

Reviewed: 01-17-24

I've watched Mr. Honig break down legal matters as an on air pundit for some time. I like his communications style on TV and thought I'd like "Untouchable." I was right. The true stories he uses to illustrate his points are fascinating and sometimes horrifying. (I have renewed respect for anyone who's sat on a jury in a mobster's trial, for instance.) And Honig narrates as though he's a buddy who has just sat down to give you the skinny on the inequities of our legal system. Listen to it. You may not be happy when you're done, but that won't be because it's a bad book. It'll be because your eyes are more open.

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You'll learn a lot - and you'll enjoy it!

Reviewed: 01-05-24

Although I’m a dyed-in-the-wool liberal, I’ve admired Adam Kinzinger since well before j6. Since then, I’ve become an actual fan. The work he and Liz Cheney did with the Democrats on the J6 committee and his support of the Constitution are what we should expect from all of our representatives. Kinzinger does an excellent job of telling the story of the insurrection and the failure of the Republican party under the dominance pf the vindictive, bullying man-baby that is Donald Trump. His style is casual and self-effacing. I’d call it a must listen.

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1 person found this helpful

Made me like Mitt more

Reviewed: 11-14-23

Don't get me wrong, this book didn't win me over to Romney's side politically, but unsurprisingly, learning more about him as a person made me look at him as a person rather than a rich, right-wing, capitalist cartoon. It reminded me of the before times when Liberals and Conservatives could disagree on policy and still have dinner together after work, before the posturing, the screaming, the pandering and the vilification took over every second of every day.

My only criticism is that, while Mr. Davis does a fine job with the narration, since the book is written from Coppin's perspective, it would have been terrific to have had him read it. I've seen (and heard) him on TV and I think he would have been really good.

I highly recommend this one. Buy it.

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Even I learned a few things

Reviewed: 11-05-23

I'm a gay man and a history buff who spent three years living in DC, though not working for the government. Of course I had to read this book as soon as I heard about it. I;m happy to say that I learned a lot and got a better handle on the players - gay and straight - who had significant roles in the experience of LGBT people in the capital over the years. Even more, I had my eyes opened to the significant contributions LGBT people made to major events in US history. Some good, some bad, but always interesting. Great narration, too. Mr. Butler has the right vocal quality for the material and he keeps the tone bright and engaging.

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1 person found this helpful

Good Analysis, but . . .

Reviewed: 08-17-23

I don't know what happened here. I watch Dan on Pod Save the World on a regular basis. I know he's passionate about the subject, but I heard none of it in this narration. The story is compelling, of course, but I got a little bored listening to this book. I hope the next time, he presents with the exciitment, frustration, anger, outrage and humor he shows in his orher work. I'd like him to tell us thhis crazy stuff and draw us into it.

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Good Story But a Little Dry

Reviewed: 12-10-22

I'm a long-time fan of Erik Larson, so I was eager to listen to "In the Garden of Beasts." As you'd expect, the story was compelling. (Its the rise of the Nazis, so that's a given.) I liked that it was told from the standpoint of an American who was on the ground in Germany, especially one who had the vision to see see the danger Hitler represented from early on - perhaps because he wasn't one of the elite who were entangled with the Germans in both economic and social ways. It's a sad comment on the elitism of politics and business that still persists today. Unlike Larson's other work, though, this one seemed dry and a little bit rambling. Maybe it was the narration, which was lackluster to say the least. I'd still recommend the book with the caveat that it's not as exciting a listen as it ought to be.

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Let HerEntertain You

Reviewed: 11-10-22

I'll start by admitting that I've been slightly obssessed with Gypsy Rose Lee since I first saw the film "Gypsy" as a preteen. Since then, I've read Gypsy's memoir, which was the basis for the musical, as well as autobiographies by her sister, June Havoc, and her son, Erik Preminger, and I thought I had the whole story. I was wrong. Karen Abbott revealed an amazing amount of new information while referring to enough that I already knew to maintain her credibility. Bernadette Dunne's narration makes it seem like the story is being told to you alone over coffee. Gypsy was a fascinating woman, and as a fellow native Seattleite, I think she deserves all the prose she gets. Get this one.

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Tough Story, Well Told

Reviewed: 11-10-22

There is something immensely daunting about having Trump's crimes, near crimes, tantrums and lies laid out and powing through them. Oh my god, it's worse that I even remembered! The story is fascinating, and even though Maggie Haberman doesn't read it dramatically, the fact that she's the author makes it all seem much more immediate than it would otherwise. If you're interested in the future of America at all, you should read this one.

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Not only For Black Guys

Reviewed: 10-01-22

I ought this title because I've seen Elie Mystal punditing on MSNBC and was impressed with his commmentary.

I won't lie. Mr. Mystal is an angry black man. with an admitted prejudice against stupid people. You won't miss that in his narration. But who wouldn't be in his position? There's a lot that's racist and/or generally biased in the Constitution, in our laws at all levels and in our application of these laws. Mystal expands his focus to include protected classes in general, which immediately makes the book more accessible, though even if he hadn't, I bet most people would get a valuable education from his well-referenced prose. I was angry when I finished listening - for the LGBTQ community, of which I'm a part, of African Americans, of Asian-Americans, and of every other minority group. That's good, though. We need more constructive anger against the inequities built into the Constitution and those imposed in the name of the Constitution. Mystal takes no prisoners, and lets no one off the hook.

Buy the book. You won't be sorry. Unless you're a snowflake from any part of the political spectrum. If you are a snowflake, you may be sorry, but buy the book anyway, because you need it most.

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