L. Alexandra

Pretentious and self-pitying

Reviewed: 12-26-24

While the language is rich, ultimately the tale is exhausting, unsatisfying, meandering and incomplete. It follows a character who for the entire tail remains self-pitying, obsessive, and pretentious. There is no growth or accountability, just a Frankenstein level of self-woe.

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A Childhood Hero Who Doesn't Disappoint

Reviewed: 04-22-24

My only regret about this book is that my Dad, who lost an argument with my 3-year-old self and let me watch T2 because "they're only actors," isn't around anymore to hear it. Coming back to Mr. Schwarzenegger's work after so many years brought grief, laughter, hope, joy and sorrow. To learn we shared philosophical influences, to hear about how he grew up and his behind the scenes role in my former home state anchored me to my roots and revitalized my own sense of purpose. Not every hero survives the decades into adulthood and beyond without falling from admiration, but he did.. At a time when my body is falling apart (literally due to hypermobility) and I'm being called back to strength training and lifting, it was an even more timely read. The consistent comparisons between body building and his larger message were powerful and synchronous. If you're a fan or looking for a way forward in your life, listening won't disappoint but it will challenge you to hone your vision and move into it.

And to the author, actor, & an all around visionary guy: thank you.

-A lifelong fan

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Stunning Storytelling

Reviewed: 02-26-24

An inspired feminist retelling of one of the earliest tales of utter objectification. Equal in quality to Miller's other works, and equal in the eagerness it instills for more.

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2 people found this helpful

An Essential Summation of Western Thought

Reviewed: 01-02-24

Anyone interested in philosophy, science or understanding the thinking behind the modern world needs to listen to this book. Whether you've read all the source texts, some, or none of them this book synthesizes Western thought into a cohesive narrative of purpose and meaning, concluding with a vibrant vision of its future.

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every book in the series is worth it

Reviewed: 05-12-23

there isn't a single book in this series I wouldn't recommend and I plan on getting the hard copies to go through the workbooks as well. This one in particular would be useful for 90% of people to listen to because we are in a capitalist hellscape as she says and everybody has wounds around money.

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Fantastic Resource & Narration

Reviewed: 01-01-23

I really loved this book and the narrator. The only thing is I feel like the wrong version of the narration was uploaded because there were multiple takes and corrections throughout that would typically be edited out so I don't know if whoever produced it uploaded the wrong file or failed to revise what the narrator gave them, but just be aware that there are some outtakes. It doesn't actually impact the quality of the book in my opinion which is phenomenal. I'll be buying a hard copy to use as reference as well as re-listening to the audiobook.

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An Exquisite and Thoughtful Reflection on Belief

Reviewed: 05-08-22

I came to this book per the recommendation of a scholarly friend who assured me that its approach lacked the often exhausting bias of so many researchers regarding religion. The bias goes both ways, with believers leaving out any forms of criticism or doubt and cherrypicking their research, while nonbelievers speak in infantilizing and condescending ways about their subjects. This book does neither and instead examines the experiences of believers objectively without trying to prove or disprove their source. It's refreshing to know that there are at least some researchers out there willing to walk an all too necessary line in an increasingly polarized world. I'll definitely be seeking out more work from the author. Lest I ignore the format, I also very much enjoyed the skill and pacing of the narrator.

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1 person found this helpful

A Fantastic Rendition of a True Classic

Reviewed: 03-16-22

I was captivated by this book, utterly entralled. My single complaint is the alternation between voice actors and primary narrator who did voices. I loved both but the inconsistency of two people voicing multiple characters unpredictably throughout the book did weigh on my enjoyment. If I could've, I would've taken a star from the production choices instead of performance, because each reader did their role well. It's just a matter of what they were told to read and when.

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A book for our time & all times

Reviewed: 02-11-22

Definitely one to listen to again and again. I plan to bookmark the meditations on the next go round.

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Phenomenal, fresh, and heartbreaking

Reviewed: 02-06-22

This book reinvigorates the YA genre blending fantasy with the searing reality of real pain and cruelty. The visceral emotions and complexity of the characters grant life to every chapter, and boldened by the exquisite voice work of Turpin. I'm reaching for the sequel as we speak.

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