old fart 1960

Worthwhile

Reviewed: 10-21-24

Good insight into the mind of Bill Clinton. Good narration. Clinton doesn’t dodge his failings, but he also recognizes his many achievements. It’s a long listen but it went by quick enough.

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Excellent character development

Reviewed: 11-01-23

Great narrator. Great story. Sad but true to life. Love Fredrick Blackman books. Listened to Book 2 first. Now on to Book 3.

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1 person found this helpful

Repetitive. Dumb. Bad narration.

Reviewed: 08-19-23

Not engaging to me. Not what I expected. Wish I could get my money back.

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Favorite

Reviewed: 03-11-17

This story has been a part of my life since it was written. I've read it about 10 times. This is the first time I've listened as an audio book. Fantastic.

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Good story.

Reviewed: 08-23-15

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Overall, this audiobook was good.

What other book might you compare The Oregon Trail to and why?

It's a Bill Bryson wannabee.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not really.

Any additional comments?

Having the author narrate their own work usually works well because the listener gets to hear the author's authentic interpretation of the story and its detail, descriptions, and how the characters speak (their sarcasm, hubris, wit, sadness, anger, etc). The only slight problem with Rinker's reading is his halting, sometimes disjointed, style of delivery. He trips up quite often as if he is reading the material for the first time. His voice is very pleasant though and does the reading justice.

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Frontiers of Science?

Reviewed: 08-18-15

Would you try another book from The Great Courses and Robert Sapolsky and/or Professor Robert Sapolsky?

Not from Robert Sapolsky

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something historical.

Would you be willing to try another one of Professor Robert Sapolsky’s performances?

Nope.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Being Human: Life Lessons from the Frontiers of Science?

I would not produce this work.

Any additional comments?

I learned nothing new except that he claims that right- and left-brained characteristics are a myth, and that right- or left-brained actions are commonly shared within the brain itself.

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Excellent listen: can see big screen movie coming

Reviewed: 04-02-15

Where does The Martian rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Ranks near the top in performance. About 75% for story line. It's not a story I would listen to again anytime soon though. It was a great ride though.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Martian?

When the **spoiler alert** crops were ruined and he had to change his timeline.

Any additional comments?

I could envision a big screen movie from the very first page of listening. Sometimes one wanders if an author writes in a style that will convert to the big screen on purpose. I suppose some do. But then again, if there is good writing and you can easily picture the story in your mind, then it can always be pictured on the big screen.

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Not my cup of canoe

Reviewed: 04-02-15

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Nick's personal story line is fun to listen to. But when he gets too political, anti-Bible, pro-drug, pro-animalistic sex, I've had enough. Makes the rest of the book not worth it. I can see where other people would think the entire book is worth the price of amoral funniness, but some of the stuff was repetitive and middle school-ish. Just my opinion.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Hamlet: Prince of Denmark A Novel

Which scene was your favorite?

Growing up on the farm.

Could you see Paddle Your Own Canoe being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Nope.

Any additional comments?

I love Nick's character Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation. Funny man.

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Early work shows rawness of author

Reviewed: 07-29-14

Would you try another book from Bill Bryson and/or William Roberts?

I love Bill Bryson books especially when they're narrated by Mr. Bryson.

What could Bill Bryson have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Read it himself.

What three words best describe William Roberts’s performance?

I beleive he did it justice, but it really sounded contrived.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment compared to later works by Bill Bryson.

Any additional comments?

I don't believe it was the narrator, but I just couldn't finish this book. It was not the usual Bill Bryson that I've come to relish. It seemed to me that most of the stories were a bit contrived, and therefore Bill had to stretch the truth of what actually occurred. Well, maybe the narrator had something to do with it as Bryson's books definitely benefit from him reading them aloud. I may try to finish this book later, but for now it's on to something else.

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1 person found this helpful

Exceptional narration

Reviewed: 04-24-14

Would you consider the audio edition of Elmer Gantry to be better than the print version?

Anthony Heald narrates this preacher-factory satire with such an exceptional feel for the characters and their cunning ways, I can't imagine any other narrator doing this book justice. Mr. Heald is the true star of this audiobook. The story is also a great satirical read about the life of the Southern turn-of-the-century bible-thumping preachers traveling the revival tent circuit. I highly recommend this book. I did not read the print version.

What about Anthony Heald’s performance did you like?

Anthony Heald is the bomb on this production. He takes you right into the heart and soul and conscience of each character.

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1 person found this helpful