D Steyer

A good Lent study

Reviewed: 03-29-24

This is our second year listening to this book. We plan to repeat it in the years to come to, through another source, remind us what Jesus did for us.

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Like any guidance book, some valid points

Reviewed: 02-17-17

Being in a job transition, I've read (listened...) the book at a suggestion from a friend. It is hard to accept some of the author guidance considering that he was/is a very wealthy person. It is easy to say that you, in a job transition above 50 years old (let alone younger...) should do whatever you want when you have everything else taken care off. Bills have to be paid and you cannot just take a break in your half time and do that or whatever is in your "box". I do recognize that the author had a tremendous loss in his life (read the book) and that that fact thought him a life changing lesson. However, as you listen for "n" times the words " half time" you start to get a bit tired of it (I had to commit myself to finish the book!!!). Finally, when you realize that there is now a "half time" business to help (rich) people to re-evaluate life, helping them to decide what to do next, you may come to a conclusion that this is not a book for you, although there are a couple ideas that you can use. Now, if you are one of those rich people, that leave everything behind to make more and more money, when a lot is never enough, if you don't care for your spouse and your children (although you say you do...), that ultimately have everything but in reality have nothing (seriously...) this book is for you.

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The amazing (hi)story of salt!!!

Reviewed: 11-30-16

It is quite amazing to listen to the history of what was once (or for a long time) a precious commodity dating back to ancient times, and then realize that the product is today such a common and inexpensive one. This is one of those books where you constantly say: "wow, I did not know that". The amount of curious facts involved in the narrative by the superb Scott Brick makes the book captivating. Do not let the subject (salt) make you believe that listening to it is not worth it or that it is boring. Just realizing that as far as flavor and quality goes, there is "salt" and "salt", why are they different, why some were so valuable might make you get a better appreciation for a product that sometimes is seen as the villain in the kitchen.

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The amazing (hi)story of salt!!!

Reviewed: 11-30-16

It is quite amazing to listen to the history of what was once (or for a long time) a precious commodity dating back to ancient times, and then realize that the product is today such a common and inexpensive one. This is one of those books where you constantly say: "wow, I did not know that". The amount of curious facts involved in the narrative by the superb Scott Brick makes the book captivating. Do not let the subject (salt) make you believe that listening to it is not worth it or that it is boring. Just realizing that as far as flavor and quality goes, there is "salt" and "salt", why are they different, why some were so valuable might make you get a better appreciation for a product that sometimes is seen as the villain in the kitchen.

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A real story, told as a best class thriller

Reviewed: 07-06-16

This was a very interesting book to say the least. It was, at several passages, even hard to believe that it was true. The main character, Bill Browler, is depicted in a way quite different from the image and videos I have later seen (almost like a James Bond or a secret agent). Good work by Adam Grupper in giving the story such a vivid aspect of what happened in Bill's years dealing with Russia. Revolting!!!! Make you think that the scenario that once existed would never go away - beware!!!!!!!!. I just cannot give it a 5 star because of the extensive time spend describing all the events following Sergei Magnitsky's death (specially during the months trying to move the Magnitski Act forward), although I understand and respect the author's point. It is frustrating to see the role of politics and special interests getting on the way of justice. Well worth the hours of listening as the story is really captivating, especially because it was real.

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1 person found this helpful

An incredible story of endurance and determination

Reviewed: 06-22-16

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

Yes, of course (and already did...). It is almost unimaginable that such an undertake happened in the years of 1518-21!!!! This is almost 500 years ago... The hardship sea goers were submitted to: storms, lack of water and food, diseases, pests, etc. is beyond imagination, but thanks to Antonio Pigafetta and his journal, and the research performed by the author, we are led to travel in time to witness what no one has never done before.

What did you like best about this story?

Antonio Pigafetta, for his continued effort in documenting, with so many details, all (or most) events of this voyage. His apparent impartial description of events detailed in his journal (from most of the information was taken for this book - I imagine) is just amazing.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were many, but probably the discovery of the Strait of Magellan and the events that happened in that area. Just Magellan's belief that such a strait would exist, and his persistence in finding it is fantastic. I can only imagine navigating in that strait and, at some point, facing and open ocean across the continent and think "I have done it!!!". Little he knew what was to come...

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would if I could.

Any additional comments?

What I find amazing is how quick a nation or a race can interfere and modify another in such a shot period of time. The fact that Europeans sailors in those days would mingle with local women (indigenous) for a few days or weeks and, as a result, generate an off-spring that could be so different from the local population just blows my mind. And thinking that those events have most likely happened everywhere those explored have been (Americas, Pacific Islands, etc...) by free willing or by force, and for centuries, is beyond comprehension. I have read other books on explorations and voyages (Sea of Glory, Endurance, In the Heart of the Sea) and in no one such facts were described as clearly as the author did. Great contribution for Anthropology.

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"AF was short on water": Codebreaking and more...

Reviewed: 06-16-16

What did you love best about The Battle of Midway (Pivotal Moments in American History)?

There were many things that amazed me in this book: the technology advancement of the radar (which the Japanese did not have), the ability and perseverance of the code breakers (which the Japanese did not know), the courage of American pilots (although extreme inaccurate in "hitting home"), the persistence of Japanese, and the strategy of the American Admirals. How can the tide turn as the events unfold....

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Battle of Midway (Pivotal Moments in American History)?

"AF was short on water".... ingenuity at its best!!!! You got to read the book.

What does James Lurie bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The continuity of the story and the fact you can listen, with no efforts, for long periods of time (especially when you have to drive) helps significantly. Although James was a little flat, the overall chain of events he describes is so compelling that it really does not matter.

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

"Midway: the impossible battle"

Any additional comments?

The unsinkable USS Yorktown. What a ship she was.....

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Politics, tyranny, science and leadership at best!

Reviewed: 06-10-16

What did you love best about Sea of Glory?

The reading (or listening) of historic events always amazes me, and Nathaniel Philbrick was again superb in his research (also seen on his "In the Heart of the Sea") and the story of almost 4 years of a little known fantastic expedition. On top of that, Scott Brick is able to put you on the scene. One said that when you come to hate (or admire) a character so much, the author has done a great job. That is the case with Charles Wilkes and why not to say, politicians of that area, who would undermine specialists and facts on behalf of their own interest (much like today...). The findings, maps and drawings produced by the Ex Ex must be amazing so I will stop by at the Smithsonian this Summer to see as much as it is available, in person.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Probably William Reynolds, for his well kept, unknown journal that has documented much of what really happened in that voyage, contrary to what was documented in the "well controlled by Wilkes" journals of other officers. A short note for Sydney...... a cool dog!!!!

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

No one specifically but I have to say that you don't get tired of listening Scott Brick. He is VERY good for such adventures.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, if I could. It is truly a captivating true story that raises the bar as far as what to read next....

Any additional comments?

Interesting to know the story of how the Poinsettia flower ended up in the United States and it got its name (don't Google, read the book...).

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5 people found this helpful

An amazing story of full devotion

Reviewed: 05-31-16

What made the experience of listening to Bonhoeffer the most enjoyable?

I was initially concerned about enduring over 22 hours of listening to a book but that quickly evaporated once I started. Probably the level of details contained in the book - with innumerous letters and conversations (superb research by Eric Metaxas...) is what probably impressed me the most, making the listening enjoyable and interesting.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bonhoeffer himself, and that had to be since it is a biography. He seemed to be very wealthy, or at least his family was, certainly well connected in the upper levels of the German society (why not say aristocracy). Nevertheless, he lived his life knowing the Cost of Discipleship.

Have you listened to any of Malcolm Hillgartner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

First time listening Hillgartner and I was very pleased (will look into other books). The long listening was not boring considering I did 2 stretches of 5 hours each in 2 days while driving (that says something...) plus other commute driving days.

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

The whole story is captivating but his perspective of Christianity in America (the differences between NY and the South) vs. Christianity in Europe was quite interesting.

Any additional comments?

The only thing I would point out is that the author could not describe the horrors of the war the way it must have been (unless we have a different perspective of the facts - at least the way we know it). Bonhoeffer travelled back and forth throughout Europe (even to US) during periods of extreme turmoil and the impression I had was that it wasn't such a problem to do that.

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A fantastic event but somewhat downplayed

Reviewed: 05-16-16

What made the experience of listening to The Finest Hours the most enjoyable?

The details of each rescue and the challenges faced by the Coast Guard crews were remarkable. Their dedication for the sake of saving other putting their lives at risk is worth recognition and respect.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Finest Hours?

Thinking that a ship (in this case 2 ships...) could split in two and remain afloat for so long is just unbelievable!!!! "Seeing" a ship in high seas in already shocking now imagining just half of it floating is mind blowing.

Which scene was your favorite?

The work of rescuing sailors in high seas (high, to say the least) is just unimaginable... One of the book characters described it well when later, watching "the Perfect Storm" movie said "It was just like that!!!" and I remember those scenes well.

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

The book became a movie, which I'm now ready to watch!!!

Any additional comments?

I don't think the narrator was able to properly describe the magnitude of the events that unfolded. The details that preceded that main events and those after where not as rich and captivating as I am used with other books.

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