Honest John

Fascinating Man -- Wonderful Book

Revisado: 01-08-19

There is a tremendous amount of detail in this book, but Chernow maintained my interested through-out. Impressive research. Chernow refers to his sources in the narrative in a smooth way that establishes credibility, but more, shows the breadth and depth of Hamilton's connection with his times. What a debt our country owes him !!! Hamilton comes across as a brilliant, passionate, energetic, but also sadly, a quite flawed man. A wonderful and very deep book. Highly recommended.

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A fun read

Revisado: 10-13-18

Trevor had a very different childhood, and he is a good story teller. The book provides an interesting glimpse into a black South African society and culture. I enjoyed it.

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Good but not great

Revisado: 10-13-18

The setting of this story is interesting and the author provides a lot of detail. But the plot is long, convoluted and at times not very believable. I was not captivated or engrossed the way that I am with a more compelling story. Just okay.

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So Disappointing

Revisado: 10-13-18

I was surprised by how much this book irritated and annoyed. After going through 9 chapters, I could not go any farther. I found the overall tone of the book pompous and cynical. Worse - the author makes sweeping statements without much support, ignoring or glossing over facts. For example, in his discussion of the markets and credits, he makes no mention of the influence of Venice and the rise of the Medici. I do not understand the positive reviews this book has received. It does not come close to the depth and quality of books by Steven Pinker, or the great courses lectures of Steven Gimbel or John Hanks.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Tasty !!

Revisado: 10-13-18

I thoroughly enjoyed how the author wove the story of the potato into the history of society and civilization (mostly Western). Full of interesting facts -- for instance China is now the largest cultivator of potatoes in the world.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Tasty and Fascinating

Revisado: 10-13-18

Who knew that the story of salt could be so interesting, or how much salt and salt making as been a part of human history -- the role of salt in taxation, the importance of salt to commerce in China, the Mediterranean, the US Revolutionary and Civil wars, and on and on. The narrative was engaging and captivating. Highly recommended !!!

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Tasty and Fascinating

Revisado: 10-13-18

Who knew that the story of salt could be so interesting, or how much salt and salt making as been a part of human history -- the role of salt in taxation, the importance of salt to commerce in China, the Mediterranean, the US Revolutionary and Civil wars, and on and on. The narrative was engaging and captivating. Highly recommended !!!

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The Best !!

Revisado: 04-19-18

Would you listen to The Complete Sherlock Holmes again? Why?

I do listen to it again and again. The stories are classic and the narrative is superb !!

What other book might you compare The Complete Sherlock Holmes to and why?

can't think of any.

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

His use of accents is excellent. His portrayal of the characters is very believable and easy to follow.

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

Some stories are better than others, but I like them all.

Any additional comments?

I wish the audio chapters corresponded to the stories. Because stories span multiple chapters, and often one ends and another starts in the middle of an audio chapter, it makes it a little hard to pick up and listen to one of your favorites. I have to hunt and peck.

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Corporate Puff Piece

Revisado: 04-19-18

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I was very disappointed in this book. I think Google has made an amazing contribution to our lives. I use and like many of their products. I would have like to learn more about its people and culture, but this came across as a shallow public relations piece.

What could the authors have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

More substance and less adulation. Compare my review of Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs.

What about Holter Graham and Jonathan Rosenberg ’s performance did you like?

no complaints about the performance

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Not for me.

Any additional comments?

Lost opportunity.

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Dense, But So Good

Revisado: 04-19-18

If you could sum up The Language Instinct in three words, what would they be?

Informative, stimulating, enjoyable -- one of my all time favorites.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Language Instinct?

I like the way the book develops and unfolds, explaining the way we learn and use language. I found the chapters on how pidgin and creole are created, and the roll of children in that, to be particularly fascinating.

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

I like his voice. He is clear and engaging, and his style of deliver fits the book well.

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

I think the tag line of the book title as written would do just fine.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned a lot from it. I have gone back and listened to many chapters numbers of times. There is a lot of material here.

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