Mike Lewis

Revealing review of the birth of the Atomic Bomb

Reviewed: 09-25-14

Where does Made in Hanford rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top. If you like history and an exceptional "behind the scene" perspective, you will enjoy this book. Williams covers all aspect of the bomb's development from the accidental discovery of Plutonium to the extreme security matters put into place.

Who was your favorite character and why?

General Grove, the controversial leader of the project, most responsible for making theory into fact. Not sure that i would enjoy a social evening with him, but I would definitely want him running a project that had to be accomplished, despite any obstacles.

Which character – as performed by Sean Schroeder – was your favorite?

As the narrator, Schroeder handles all of the characters and the story perfectly. This is a fact-filled book that could easily degenerate into dull, esoteric rhetoric. Schroeder keeps his enthusiasm from the first page to the last.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Awe and amazement of the accomplishment in such a short period, It is even more amazing that we did not have a devastating explosion during development as no one really knew what they were doing or the dangers involved.

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A Masterpiece by one of America's Best Authors

Reviewed: 09-05-14

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

Patton's eloquence and accent perfectly fits the masterful description of Burke, easily putting you in the Ardennes forest as well as the bayous of Louisiana

Who was your favorite character and why?

The old man Holland is hard to beat, a character that is real as the hard Texas landscape from which he came. His grandson, Wyndell Holland, and buddy Hershel Pine were also favorites. Didn't get as involved in the female characters.

Which character – as performed by Will Patton – was your favorite?

He does them all, but his voice fits males--especially the protagnistt-- better than females.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

American Heros

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Not the Best in the Series

Reviewed: 09-05-14

What did you love best about The Sagan Diary?

Sagan is a very admirable character, with her own faults and strengths. Her story fills in some gaps in the series.

What other book might you compare The Sagan Diary to and why?

I didn't find this book as enthralling as the others in the series, maybe because it did not continue the narrative as well as I expected.

What about Stephanie Wolfe and John Scalzi ’s performance did you like?

What is not to like?

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

It is just a good adventure, sci/fi book that is easy to read and entertaining for an evening.

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Only for Deep Thinkers!

Reviewed: 09-05-14

If you could sum up Waiting in Joyful Hope in three words, what would they be?

A Mind-boggling Load! Newland does a masterful job of introducing and explaining Man's effort to understand his existence and place in the unfolding cosmos.

What did you like best about this story?

Excellent detail and explanation, as well as a balanced, logical approach to the philosophical questions: Why am I? Why do I exist? Will I continue to exist?

Which character – as performed by Sean Schroeder – was your favorite?

There are no characters per se, just the author's logical thought process as he illustrates the evolution of Man's identity and place in the world.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

the Indian philosophy of reincarnation and its conflict with latest views about quantum physics.

Any additional comments?

This could easily be a very well written doctoral thesis and, as such, may find a limited audience. It is a difficult subject to get your mind around, specifically as it conflicts with Man's eternal hope that we matter on an eternity scale.

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An eye-opener and a good listen!

Reviewed: 07-10-14

Where does Exit Ramp rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the better audiobooks I've listened to so far. The author and narrator mesh very well - the voice fits the character. Very easy to listen to as I drove from Dallas to Austin, Texas one afternoon.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The unsung angel who gave the author $100 is clearly inspiring as was the Ranger vet who verified the veteran's identity. I could identify with both.

What about Sean Schroeder’s performance did you like?

The voice perfectly matched the character - mid-to-late 20s/early 30s. Easily understood and, thus, easy to get into the story.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

People everywhere have good hearts.

Any additional comments?

I hope Spears expands upon the study as he goes through grad school - he may be the economist's Malcolm Gladwell

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