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CyndiB

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A REMARKABLE HERO

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-22-14

Where does Code Name: Johnny Walker rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best I have ever read.

What other book might you compare Code Name: Johnny Walker to and why?

American Sniper, Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy Seal Team Six Operator Adam Brown; No Easy Day; The Red Circle; Seal of Honor due to the selfless sacrifice, courage, honor, integrity and refusal to give up.

What about Peter Ganim’s performance did you like?

Great performance, accent and portrayal of a quiet unassuming hero.

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

There were so many moving, tender and frightening moments. I could hardly put it down.

Any additional comments?

This is a book about the undaunted bravery, courage and selfless sacrifice of a true hero. During the 8 years he spent as a “terp” he untraveled countless plots against the Seals and our allies thereby saving countless lives. When Chris Kyle says he saved more lives than even Chris did that is really something. Johnny Walker is fascinatingly introspective, philosophical and complex given his ideas about religion, life, honor and integrity.

This book is so well written that I felt like Johnny Walker was sitting in my living room and personally telling me his amazing story. From the moment I started the book I couldn’t put it down. It is so riveting it reads like fiction instead of the larger than life quiet unassuming hero that he is.

It is an insightful look and perspective into life in war torn Iraq and the factions and insurgents. This is a different perspective than I have gotten though I have read several of the Navy Seal books. The brutality and lack of respect for life is a sad commentary of a country in turmoil. While Johnny Walker was unraveling plots against our military there were multiple assassination attempts against him and his family. His wife also demonstrated amazing strength and courage throughout the book but the trip from Mosul to the “safety” of Baghdad was especially harrowing.

The Seals took it upon themselves to begin paving the way out for Johnny Walker in spite of his altruism for his country and desire to see growth and change in a country he loves. It eventually became obvious to Johnny that America was the best option for he and his family. I am grateful to the Seals, to Johnny and their families for the incredible sacrifice they have made for our liberty and freedom. They are not just the good among us but the finest America has to offer. The great news is that he is now living the dream and hopefully catching up on the liberty, freedom, peace and tranquility long overdue and that I know I often take for granted. I can never fully express my gratitude to Johnny Walker, the Seals and the rest of our military and their families for their sacrifice.

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9 people found this helpful

A FIVE STAR READ

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 06-08-13

What other book might you compare Sniper Elite: One Way Trip to and why?

I love the Brad Thor books. There is quite a bit of detail but the story never drags. Sniper Elite is the same way.

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

He is an excellent narrator. He does lots of voices and accents which makes it easier to keep all the characters straight

If you could take any character from Sniper Elite: One Way Trip out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Just one?? Need a couple of more for my dinner table. I also liked Farouk for his ability to read people, his courage and loyalty.

Any additional comments?

Let me first thank all our brave men and women who defend our freedom and liberty. This book goes into great detail and yet unlike some overly detailed slow moving books Sniper Elite does not disappoint. It is riveting and will keep you on the edge of your seat. I wanted to finish it all in one sitting. I loved Gil, Montana and Marie who raises horses. The behind the scenes strategy/intrigue was fascinating. I found myself completely enthralled and scared at the same time. These guys have nerves of steel! I have read almost all of the Navy Seal books to get a glimpse of the limits to which the best of the best push themselves. Have avoided reading the books where almost all the Navy Seals/good guys die. It’s hard to read about them, feel like you know them and their family and then they are gone. Thought I was safe reading American Sniper but sadly he is gone too. They are not just the good among us but the best America has to offer. It is non-stopped action of Scot Harvath. I have been in awe of all the brave men and women who selflessly sacrifice life and limb. They defend our liberty and freedom not for fame, fortune or recognition but for a cause greater than themselves. I found myself laughing at times and crying like when Track Star and Big Ten finally get together. I found Farouk courageous, loved uncle and bit my nails and then cried as Gilligan took the last flight out to wait and leave no man behind. Loved every minute and was so swept up in the emotion that I had to remind myself at the end that it is fiction. The great news is that no one died! I’m ready for the next book with Gil and Marie. A great read from my newest and favorite author. Catch a rising star, you won’t be disappointed!

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18 people found this helpful

****THE BEST****

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-21-13

If you could sum up The Easy Way to Overcome Anxiety with Hypnosis in three words, what would they be?

iT WORKS!! Have tried many others without success but this works

Any additional comments?

No wonder he has such a great reputation. Can't give you an explanation except that it works. I am thrilled. Wish I had more convincing words of wisdom but what I can say is that I have a very high stress, high performance, high expectation job and feeling chest pains from anxiety. Have tried other anxiety/hypnosis books without any change. Have only done this for a few days and feel relaxed, at peace, no chest pains. I am a believer!!

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1 person found this helpful

DARKLY DYSFUNCTIONAL

Overall
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Story
1 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 08-10-12

What disappointed you about You're Next?

Nothing socially or morally redeeming

What was most disappointing about Gregg Hurwitz’s story?

dark, dysfuctional, bad descision making characters, too much angst over obvious bad decisions without changing direction.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

everyone sounded like a shady character

What character would you cut from You're Next?

too dark for me, no suggestions

Any additional comments?

no

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11 people found this helpful

Fearless Audiobook By Eric Blehm cover art
  • Fearless
  • The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown
  • By: Eric Blehm
  • Narrated by: Paul Michael

One of My All Time Favorites.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 07-21-12

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

Audio is better since I am not a fast reader.

What other book might you compare Fearless to and why?

American Sniper. They are both about our Navy Seals, books about our military heros. I love them for their courage and sacrifice. They represent the real treasure of America.

Which character – as performed by Paul Michael – was your favorite?

I loved all of the characters. Read a review where someone said he didn't do a woman very well. Huh?? I wanted to ask if he has heard women trying to be men. He does a great job even on the women.

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

I definately wanted to listen to the book all in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

I would not have read this book had I not seen Kelly and Janice Brown being interviewed on TV first. You could see the glow of the faith that has kept them strong. I have a difficult time reading books when the good guys die. Eric Blehm put it out there in the beginning of the book but yet I found myself wishing for a different outcome. This is truly one of my very favorite books of the 275 I have purchased in 18 months. It's about faith, courage and unconditional love, bravery, loss, redemption, joy and sorrow. It's about a military hero who stands for a cause greater than himself. Adam Brown was not just good but "the finest America has to offer." He was determined, resilient, tough but still the tender warrior to his family. The loss of Adam Brown was a tragic American loss. I will never forget Larry, Janice, Kelly, Nathan and Savannah. It is also a testament to God's grace that He can take flawed people and transform lives. You will laugh, you will cry but you will never be the same. A deeply moving and wonderful book about one of the many heroes to whom I owe so much but will never be able to thank.





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Great Book!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 07-21-12

What made the experience of listening to Into Thin Air the most enjoyable?

Learning about an extreme sport. My idea of hiking is riding my horse so in my opinion climbing Mt. Everest is best done on my rowing machine listening to Jon Krakauer. Had no clue it was 70k to have the priviledge of risking your life in sub zero temperatures, that oxygen was needed, nor that it is the same altitude that jets fly!! Who knew.

What other book might you compare Into Thin Air to and why?

My first reading of extreme sports & nothing to compare it to.

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

No but I thought it was excellent.

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

The life and death decisions.

Any additional comments?

Absolutely fascinating to read about a sport that I would never consider yet could vicariously experience what is involved in an extreme sport. I am awed and humbeled at their courage and tenacity. Makes you think about lots of things, strength, character, the power and unforgiving Mother Nature and sadly those who have lost their lives.

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Not for Wimps

Overall
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 07-21-12

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

Some people can read history with it's harsh reality & be ok with it, like my husband but what can I say I'm a wimp.

Would you recommend Unbroken to your friends? Why or why not?

It felt like 75% prison & 25% triumph & redemption.

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

No but he did a good job.

Was Unbroken worth the listening time?

I guess it is always worthwhile to learn history but there was so much suffering of our military heroes that I just felt sad. It truly pained me to read about so much suffering. Please understand that I am so grateful for their sacrifice but the cruelty and inhumanity is difficult to fathom. An ugly reality that I can only take in small doses. Everyone did a good job it's just an ugly subject.

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Another GREAT one from Steig Larsson!!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 07-21-12

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

Wonderful, wonderful books. I started with book 1, followed by 2 & 3 and found myself wishing for more.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest?

Loved Lisbeth. Always thinking, smart & outwits her enemies.

Which scene was your favorite?

Can't pick one. The book was great. I only wish there would be more from one of my very favorite authors. So sad he is gone.

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

You will go through a whole range of emotions. Must say I loved the tattoo & yes I had to laugh.

Any additional comments?

Is there anyone else who writes like Steig Larsson?? Just love his books!

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Big Disappointment

Overall
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 07-21-12

What disappointed you about Gone Girl?

The tone, the narrators, the petty, trivial, narcistic, superficial story and characters. Nothing emotionally or socially redeeming. Seems like 2 high school freshmen are playing a very hostile game of "house." I didn't finish the 1st section & never even downloaded the other 2. Have purchased 226 books & this is seriously disappointing especially when all the reviews were good.

Has Gone Girl turned you off from other books in this genre?

Will not read this author again. What do I put in my search category to avoid this or anything so simplistic and superficial.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Julia Whelan and Kirby Heyborne ?

Not sure. They seem bored & turned off by the story. Maybe not even their fault. Simon Vance is my favorite but not sure even he could redeem this book.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Gone Girl?

Sorry I just can't offer any good ideas.

Any additional comments?

Seriously disappointing.

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No One Would Listen Audiobook By Harry Markopolos cover art

Great Book!!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-09-12

Absolutely riveting! Amazing to think derivatives could be spellbinding. Sad so many people were willing to ignore the reality for so many years. The incompetence & staggering failure of the SEC appalling.Quick read. Could not put it down. Narrator does a great job and the icing on the cake is listening to Gary Ackerman. Great book.

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