Michelle McCabe
- 29
- opiniones
- 15
- votos útiles
- 208
- calificaciones
-
Beneath the Surface
- Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish
- De: John Hargrove, Howard Chua-Eoan
- Narrado por: John Hargrove
- Duración: 8 h y 21 m
- Versión completa
-
General
-
Narración:
-
Historia
Over the course of two decades, John Hargrove worked with 20 different whales on two continents and at two of SeaWorld's U.S. facilities. For Hargrove, becoming an orca trainer fulfilled a childhood dream. However, as his experience with the whales deepened, Hargrove came to doubt that their needs could ever be met in captivity.
-
-
Tragic, Brutal
- De Gillian en 04-16-15
- Beneath the Surface
- Killer Whales, SeaWorld, and the Truth Beyond Blackfish
- De: John Hargrove, Howard Chua-Eoan
- Narrado por: John Hargrove
Good read, even if it falters toward the end.
Revisado: 04-29-25
This is a well-written and enlightening book that offers an insider’s perspective on the complex world of sea parks. The author’s detailed account not only held my attention but also taught me a great deal about the joys and challenges faced by both trainers and killer whales in captivity.
For the majority of the book, he builds a compelling case about the ethical and practical concerns within marine parks. He presents his experiences and observations with clarity and objectivity, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. This approach was both powerful and persuasive, especially as he detailed the emotional and physical toll captivity takes on both humans and animals.
However, the final chapters of the book marked a disappointing shift in tone for me. Departing from the informative and measured narrative, he leans into listing celebrity endorsements, cancelled performances, the success of the documentary reception, and anonymous colleague quotes to reinforce his point. This portion felt less like thoughtful reflection and more like an attempt to validate his argument through external approval, which ultimately distracted from the strength of the earlier chapters. The inclusion of unnamed conversations also raised ethical concerns and weakened the integrity of his otherwise strong voice.
What makes this turn especially complicated is the author’s own deep connection to the park he now critiques. He clearly gained both professional growth and personal meaning from his time there, and he acknowledges the deep grief he felt when leaving. While his concerns are valid and his call for change is urgent, his tone in the final chapters risks sounding resentful, undercutting the balanced perspective he maintained for most of the book.
One can’t help but wonder: rather than criticize from the outside, could he and like-minded professionals take their knowledge and passion and create a better model, an actual properly built and run marine park, one that truly puts animal welfare first? Such an effort would likely make a more lasting and meaningful impact.
Overall, Beneath the Surface is a powerful and important read, even if it falters toward the end. It opens a vital conversation about marine captivity and deserves attention, particularly for the valuable insights it offers into a world hidden from most of us.
UPDATE: Since reading this book and writing my review, I’ve discovered The Whale Sanctuary Project. It’s clear I underestimated the dedication of the author and others who share this mission. They’ve moved beyond advocacy to action - working to create a sanctuary where whales can truly thrive. They have my full respect and support.
Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.
Has calificado esta reseña.
Reportaste esta reseña
-
The Unexpected Spy
- From the CIA to the FBI, My Secret Life Taking Down Some of the World's Most Notorious Terrorists
- De: Tracy Walder, Jessica Anya Blau
- Narrado por: Devon Sorvari
- Duración: 8 h y 10 m
- Versión completa
-
General
-
Narración:
-
Historia
The Unexpected Spy is the riveting story of Walder's tenure in the CIA and, later, the FBI. In high-security, steel-walled rooms in Virginia, Walder watched al-Qaeda members with drones as President Bush looked over her shoulder and CIA Director George Tenet brought her donuts. She tracked chemical terrorists and searched the world for Weapons of Mass Destruction. She created a chemical terror chart that someone in the White House altered to convey information she did not have or believe, leading to the Iraq invasion.
-
-
This book is word redacted CIA review
- De Keribee en 02-25-20
- The Unexpected Spy
- From the CIA to the FBI, My Secret Life Taking Down Some of the World's Most Notorious Terrorists
- De: Tracy Walder, Jessica Anya Blau
- Narrado por: Devon Sorvari
Not what I expected
Revisado: 04-27-25
The Unexpected Spy offers an interesting glimpse into the internal experiences of two agencies typically shrouded in secrecy. Tracy Walder does a commendable job explaining situations clearly and telling her story in a way that flows well. A few witty moments throughout added a welcome touch of humor.
While it is understood that certain content must be redacted for security reasons, I found the inclusion of visibly redacted sections or paragraphs unnecessary, as the narrative was strong enough without them.
One aspect that detracted from the overall reading experience was the persistent emphasis on the author’s tolerance and openness toward different races, beliefs, and sexual orientations — contrasted with a steady undercurrent of grievance regarding misogyny. At times, this created a sense of imbalance: frequent praise for women and marginalized groups was juxtaposed against harsh depictions of white males who did not meet the author’s personal expectations, despite her concurrent insistence that the CIA functioned as a true meritocracy.
As someone who has worked in a predominantly male-dominated field for over two decades, I recognize that some prejudice exists. However, the sheer volume and frequency of negative encounters Walder recounts seem exaggerated. It’s possible that viewing the world through a particular lens can lead to interpreting many experiences as discriminatory.
Given the classified nature of her work, it is understandable that many operational details remain vague. Still, at times it felt like much was said without truly revealing anything substantial about her actual contributions.
Overall, The Unexpected Spy is a somewhat interesting memoir — occasionally too politically correct, and at points immature and naive — but nonetheless, it is a well-told story.
The narrator was very good.
Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.
Has calificado esta reseña.
Reportaste esta reseña
-
Network Effect
- De: Martha Wells
- Narrado por: Kevin R. Free
- Duración: 12 h y 47 m
- Versión completa
-
General
-
Narración:
-
Historia
You know that feeling when you’re at work and you’ve had enough of people, and then the boss walks in with yet another job that needs to be done right this second or the world will end, but all you want to do is go home and binge your favorite shows? And you're a sentient murder machine programmed for destruction? Congratulations, you're Murderbot. Come for the pew-pew space battles, stay for the most relatable AI you’ll listen to this century.
-
-
I Hope You Remain Unmurdered
- De pondo en 05-06-20
- Network Effect
- De: Martha Wells
- Narrado por: Kevin R. Free
Continues to not disappoint
Revisado: 03-25-25
Every book in this series thus far has been great. I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.
Has calificado esta reseña.
Reportaste esta reseña
-
Lost in Time
- De: A.G. Riddle
- Narrado por: John Skelley
- Duración: 11 h y 28 m
- Versión completa
-
General
-
Narración:
-
Historia
Dr. Sam Anderson is one of the most celebrated scientists in history. Ten years ago, he invented a device that changed the world forever. Now his life is about to be ripped apart—and his own creation may be to blame. One fateful morning, Sam discovers that his girlfriend has been murdered and that his daughter is accused of the crime. Sam believes she's innocent, but he can't prove it. There's only one thing he can do to save his daughter: confess to the crime. And so he does. But in the future, murderers aren't sent to prison. They're sent to the past.
-
-
Much forgiveness needed to enjoy. I’m into forgiveness and enjoyment!
- De GM en 09-04-22
- Lost in Time
- De: A.G. Riddle
- Narrado por: John Skelley
Good
Revisado: 01-11-25
I had to work to understand some of the concepts. I enjoyed the book and the story. It was fun keeping track of things. I appreciated the clean language as well.
Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.
Has calificado esta reseña.
Reportaste esta reseña
-
The Extinction Trials
- De: A.G. Riddle
- Narrado por: John Skelley
- Duración: 10 h y 48 m
- Versión completa
-
General
-
Narración:
-
Historia
After a mysterious global event known only as “The Change”, six strangers wake up in an underground research facility where they learn that they’re part of the Extinction Trials - a scientific experiment to restart the human race. But the Extinction Trials harbors a very big secret. And so does the world outside.
-
-
Not his best
- De Mark D en 11-06-21
- The Extinction Trials
- De: A.G. Riddle
- Narrado por: John Skelley
Good story
Revisado: 01-11-25
What I enjoyed about the book was that it was not only a good story but I appreciated the clean language as well.
Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.
Has calificado esta reseña.
Reportaste esta reseña
-
The Didomenico Fragment
- De: Amor Towles
- Narrado por: John Lithgow
- Duración: 1 h y 47 m
- Grabación Original
-
General
-
Narración:
-
Historia
Like many well-to-do Upper East Siders over the age of 65, esteemed art appraiser Percival Skinner had planned to spend his retirement living off his savings. But a market correction has left him living below his prior means. One day he’s visited by a dapper fixer in search of a famous work by a Renaissance master. Skinner knows the work well: The original was owned by his ancestor, and was passed down through his family over the generations. If, as an intermediary, he can coordinate a sale, a small fortune awaits. Problem is, he might not be the only one on the make.
-
-
enchanting
- De Utah Cowgirl en 04-03-21
- The Didomenico Fragment
- De: Amor Towles
- Narrado por: John Lithgow
Loved this!
Revisado: 11-25-24
The language is beautiful, the performance is stellar, the humor is sharp and dry. It’s one of the best books I’ve listened to.
Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.
Has calificado esta reseña.
Reportaste esta reseña
-
Cold Warriors
- Special Agent Dylan Kane Thrillers Series, Book 3
- De: J. Robert Kennedy
- Narrado por: Adam Barr
- Duración: 8 h y 21 m
- Versión completa
-
General
-
Narración:
-
Historia
While in Chechnya, CIA Special Agent Dylan Kane stumbles upon a meeting between a known Chechen drug lord and a retired general once responsible for the entire Soviet nuclear arsenal. Money is exchanged for a data stick, and the resulting transmission begins a race across the globe to discover just what was sold, the only clue a reference to a top secret Soviet weapon called Crimson Rush.
-
-
Feasibility . Suspense. Character building
- De pics en 05-06-25
- Cold Warriors
- Special Agent Dylan Kane Thrillers Series, Book 3
- De: J. Robert Kennedy
- Narrado por: Adam Barr
Good story, mild language
Revisado: 11-14-24
Not only is this a good story, the language is very mild (something you don’t often find these days) and the narrator was great.
Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.
Has calificado esta reseña.
Reportaste esta reseña
-
108 Decisions
- How I Lost Everything, Then Found It All in Las Vegas
- De: Lisa Lindell
- Narrado por: Virtual Voice
- Duración: 7 h y 22 m
- Versión completa
-
General
-
Narración:
-
Historia
“This is a brisk, engaging book that captures the complexity, pain, and poignancy of family relationships, the search for love and sex, and the fallout of unexpected catastrophe in a fully real, relatable, and sometimes heartbreaking and frustrating way. I love it!” – Dr. Elizabeth DeNoma In the wake of her husband Curtis' life-threatening injuries and protracted hospital stay, Lisa Lindell attempts to stich her family's life back together. She tries to salvage something of the lessons she's learned navigating the broken American healthcare system and worker rights environment to ...
-
-
Good life experiences story
- De LisaM en 04-28-25
- 108 Decisions
- How I Lost Everything, Then Found It All in Las Vegas
- De: Lisa Lindell
- Narrado por: Virtual Voice
Internet Dating Book?
Revisado: 11-08-24
After reading 108 Days, I was really interested in learning how the author coped at home and, as per the synopsis, “lost everything and found it all”.
The beginning of the book tracked with this expectation but soon morphed into the internet dating book she mentions she wanted to write.
There’s too much talk about how horny she is and there’s chapter after chapter on her endless pursuit of sex. I thought I’d stick it out for a few chapters to see if the narrative moved on from this topic but I finally decided I’ve had enough.
I understand the loss of emotional connection and it makes sense that she would try new things after losing so much after a long struggle. But she should have kept the internet dating woes for another book in my view. It completely detracts from the story she’s trying to tell.
It’s a shame, I won’t know how the story ends.
As with the first book, the AI voice is unpleasant.
Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.
Has calificado esta reseña.
Reportaste esta reseña
-
108 Days: A True Story
- A Fight for Life in Memorial Hermann Hospital-Texas Medical Center
- De: Lisa Lindell
- Narrado por: Virtual Voice
- Duración: 12 h y 56 m
- Versión completa
-
General
-
Narración:
-
Historia
"This book is really riveting and I found myself grimacing, denying, experiencing shock and awe, nodding and finally understanding so much about her saga and attempts to protect her dying husband from one medical error after another. If you want a good read, pick up 108 Days." - Toni Brayer, MD. Following an explosive electrical accident, Curtis is admitted to one of America's top hospitals with a severe burn injury to 35% of his body. Recovery is soon derailed due to an error in the radiology department which he is not expected to survive. Deadly hospital acquired infections are prevalent ...
-
-
An absolute truth of our failed health care system.
- De LisaM en 04-27-25
- 108 Days: A True Story
- A Fight for Life in Memorial Hermann Hospital-Texas Medical Center
- De: Lisa Lindell
- Narrado por: Virtual Voice
AI Voice isn’t great.
Revisado: 11-07-24
The story is interesting but AI voices still have a long way to go. It would have been a lot more pleasant if read by someone that conveyed emotion in all the right places.
Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.
Has calificado esta reseña.
Reportaste esta reseña
-
The Journey Home: An EMP Survival Story
- EMP Aftermath Series, Book 1
- De: John Winchester
- Narrado por: Travis Baldree
- Duración: 6 h y 29 m
- Versión completa
-
General
-
Narración:
-
Historia
Jack Miller isn't too worried about the apocalypse. He has been prepping for a few years and has a basement stocked with food and supplies. Today though, he is out of town on a business trip. An EMP strike delivered by a rogue nation leaves him stranded over a thousand miles away from his home. He sets out on an epic journey home armed only with his know-how and survival skills. What he encounters leaves him questioning how prepared any lone man can be.
-
-
Anxiety Inducing
- De Nila en 03-28-18
- The Journey Home: An EMP Survival Story
- EMP Aftermath Series, Book 1
- De: John Winchester
- Narrado por: Travis Baldree
Clean Language
Revisado: 08-15-24
A book with no foul language is a rare find these days. Good story. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Se ha producido un error. Vuelve a intentarlo dentro de unos minutos.
Has calificado esta reseña.
Reportaste esta reseña