Sue N.

Saving us from ourselves

Reviewed: 02-01-25

As a Baby Boomer I find it difficult to identify with all those who have grown up with any kind of technology.
My generation had nothing but perseverence and resilience, which was crude and cruel, but simplistic.
Today's generation have everything but. In my opinion this book gives us not only the foresight and tools for educating the next generation, but saving this one.
A must read - well written, well spoken, well researched - my only gripe is that the audio book doesn't have an appendix giving the factual graphs.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Much to do about nothing...

Reviewed: 01-07-25

Apparently I listened to three hours of the audio book - it seemed like 30!
I really can't say what I found most irritating - the irrelevance of small boring details or the sporadic mingling of English and Spanish words and names, which were both distracting.
Last and the least appealing, was the chirpy voice of the narrator which did not lend itself to the intended subject.
Unfortunately an important subject but with no content.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Bruni thru the Looking Glass

Reviewed: 12-27-24

I am an avid reader of Frank Bruni's opinion column in the NYT and after listening to the Age of Grievance I was enthralled by his accurate perceptions of today's perplexing social problems but after listening to his voice once again in the Beauty of Dusk, I have now come to believe that he could captivate me if he read a well known childrens' story.
He not only has a flair with words but also with story telling and therefore I was spell-bound by his narration.
Bruni plays with words, expressions and perceptions that build a keleidoscope of thoughts which add to the story itself. His comparisons of the loss of sight vs. hearing, brought insights to my own personal experiences and the emotions I felt at the loss of smell and taste during a Covid bout.
This is definitely a listening experience - get the audiobook - and just enjoy the sound of his voice.
With great expections for his next audio book.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Far fetched but not that far...

Reviewed: 12-27-24

Yet an other implausable plot from Linwood Barclay but nonetheless captivating. I am a non-fiction reader but when it comes to a "Who done it" - Barclay is definitely unbeatable. He always has a brain-twister of a story and I always have a hard time tracking the characters but the ending is always without warning. Definitely far fetched even with the pace of SDV technology today - but if you are looking for a thrilling roller-coaster self drive car ride - this is your book.
Well done to Ako Mitchell .

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Artificial Intelligence vs. Alien Intelligence

Reviewed: 12-09-24

As this was my first encounter with the thoughts and perspectives of Yuval Noah Harari, I had no idea what to expect.
I assumed it would be a summary of the historical relevance of our industrial revolutions and the evolution of our information systems. I had not expected a mind-blowing account of life as we knew it based on our experiences with technology and a contraversial vision of a future with a Computer Network which will, if allowed to do so, supersede Human Information Networks.
This book is for the brave of heart and the open minded. Whether you agree or disagree with the insights outlined by the writer is of no consequence. It is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience for all those who would like to get a glimpse of our future evolution as humans in a world of Alien Intelligence.
- forewarned is forearmed.
Superb narration - great audio book for those who appreciate the well spoken word.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Absolutism and Arrogance in the Free World

Reviewed: 11-04-24

Frank Bruni is one of those writers who not only has a way with words but knows how to express his opinions in order to give the listener a sumptuous feast for thought.
There are many writers who believe that they can narrate the written word - very few succeed. Frank Bruni is not only a succinct writer but a suberp narrator making this a perfect audio book for those who appreciate the spoken word.
In his own words: "When grievance flowers - perspective withers".
This book not only gives one a deep background of the reasons behind our extremist views in a "democratic" society, but also the insights on how to moderate them.
A great listening experience.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Read not narrated

Reviewed: 10-12-24

Another example of an author not being a good narrator.
Most beautiful heart rending story, read and not narrated, sounding like a dry lecture given my a well known professor when everyone listens in wait of the unexpected - and nothing happens.
Couldn't even give this one a chance past the second chapter - would love to read it myself.
In my opinion not worth the listening experience.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Another intricate web of plots

Reviewed: 05-21-24

Every time I start one of Linwood Barclays novels I am introduced to numerous characters who usually have no connection whatsoever and I wonder how they're all going to join up to make the main plot .
As the story unfolds I become more and more fascinated by the events until I am totally emersed.
If you are willing to allow a book to captivate your life until you finish it - then go ahead and read yet another mind-blowing "who done it" despite the fact that some details are unrealistic and far fetched - one doesn't really care!
The narrative is brilliant and the narration is superb.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Not just a personal journal

Reviewed: 05-02-24

This is one of those "don't give up" audio books. Some authors are great story tellers, some are great narrators, very few are both.
The first few chapters sounded like the writer was reading from her diary without much intonation - a factual account.
I felt as though I could have read it myself without listening. However the story and the narration seemed to "pick up speed" half way through and the last part of the book was inspiring and well portrayed.
The end definitely justifies the means.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

The outspoken starkness of a personal injustice

Reviewed: 03-30-24

This is one of those unforgettable books not only because of the narrative but because of the narrator.
Lacy Crawford is one of the few authors who relates her story with an emotional and yet factual perspective which draws the listener into the intimate drama of the events.
This is a "must listen" for anyone who has ever been assaulted/stigmatized/discriminated against as it delves into the mind of the victim without a feeling of pity rather of courage.
It is - in my opinion - recommended listening for all those who feel it "could never happen to them".

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!