D. Lopez

Generally adequate

Revisado: 04-10-24

A basic and generally adequate biography of George Washington. Many readers will probably be best off skipping the preface unless they already share the author’s views. The author’s criticisms of others may not come off the best for some readers and she also falls into the trap of telling instead of showing. She tells us that as a woman writing on a traditionally male dominated topic that she presents a new and valuable perspective rather than presenting her perspective and letting us decide that it is new and valuable.

The rest of the book is overall good if pretty basic. She mostly keeps to a surface level summary of Washington’s life and usually does not go very deep. This is usually fine, but there are times where it would have helped her better explain and justify her take on different things had she gone into much more detail than she did.

Similar to the issue of telling instead of showing in the preface, I felt that the author could be prone to tangents, especially when she wanted to (frequently) bring up slavery. This was at times very disruptive because the writing did not naturally flow into the topic shift. It felt like the idea of Washington as a slave owner was so prominent in the author’s mind that she felt the need to make sure it was in the forefront of our mind too even if it did not tie in with the topic currently being discussed.

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Better on Audiobook

Revisado: 04-30-21

I am a long time fan of the Girl Genius comic and read this novelization when it was first released. At the time, I was underwhelmed. I got the audiobook version anyway and have to say, I think this book works better as an audiobook than it did in print. The pacing seems to flow better and doesn’t feel as rushed, the narrator does an excellent job, and overall I enjoyed it far more.

Great listen!

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A well performed classic!

Revisado: 02-26-21

The Hobbit remains one of my favorite books and Andy Serkis does a fantastic job narrating. He displays a wide range of vocal performance throughout and of course getting to hear him again do the voice of Gollum is a treat!

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Excellent context to a complex life

Revisado: 01-26-21

I am a history nerd, and especially love studying the American Civil War. Like most people who know anything about the Civil War, I was well aware of the infamy of Nathan Bedford Forrest. Then I learned a few tidbits which made me question what I knew because they did not line up with the image I, and so many others, had in my head of Forrest. I knew Forrest as a brilliant military commander, but one who is forever associated with racism. However, at the end of his life, Forrest spoke out supporting civil rights and equality. This combination did not mesh, so I had to learn more about the man.

This biography provides excellent context to the life of a complex man. It shows us his genius and his flaws while also showing us how he grew and changed through his life. Fort Pillow and his involvement with the KKK are both addressed and we are shown the events leading to both. While this does not justify either, it does perhaps allow us to understand. Most importantly, this book shows us the man Forrest became in his later years and that man was condemned for his generous treatment of African Americans and for speaking out for equality.

In the end, I consider this an excellent book that shows us the different facets of a life and that challenges us to be careful about accepting what "everyone knows" about history without question.

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A sweeping and intersting life

Revisado: 08-07-18

Excellent biography and the narrator's voice goes perfectly with the story being told. I am an American Civil War nerd and bought this mainly for the portions on the Irish Brigade but found myself caught up learning about what my Irish ancestors went through in the Potato Famine before coming to the United States.

There were some details during the portion on the Civil War which I think were errors and which I plan to double check. This does make me want to take this work with a grain of salt, but it still provides a great place to begin and insights into a fascinating life.

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Another fantastic Stormlight entry!

Revisado: 08-07-18

I was part of the crowd that preordered this audiobook and eagerly counted the days waiting for the morning when I would be able to download this book and find out what would happen next.

I was not disappointed in it!

I will lead off with my negative comments to get them out of the way. Some of the second and third parts do feel a little like filler to bridge the gap between when the first round of big events ended and when the next round of big events can start. There also are still some moments of wanting to grab a few characters and shake some sense into them but nowhere near as Kaladin in Words of Radiance (and all of the characters are still acting in ways that entirely make sense within their characterization).

All of that said, I loved this book. Dalinar's flashbacks provided interesting insight into his character while providing an excellent mix of awesome moments, funny moments, and moments that tear your heart out and stamp on it as you weep. The climax of the book is an emotional roller coaster that will cause you to weep, then cheer, then weep again, scream, cheer, repeat.

On a side note (AND MINOR SPOILER ALERT), you can definitely appreciate and enjoy this book in its own right but even more than in Way of Kings or Words of Radiance, a familiarity with other Cosmere books will allow you to appreciate many side events even more. I would especially recommend Arcanum Unbounded (particularly Lift's novella but other works as well) and Warbreaker, but there are also Mistborn tidbits and even an Elantris shout out managed to sneak in.

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Slow to start but good once it gets rolling

Revisado: 11-14-17

This is a book I had to start twice. The first time I just was not getting into it. I am glad I gave it a second chance, though. Once the story really gets rolling it is enjoyable and interesting. Well worth the read/listen.
Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry

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Love it!

Revisado: 11-02-17

This is a terrific sequel to a fantastic book. I am eagerly looking forward to the rest of this series. As with The Way of Kings, there are twists, turns, laughs, tears, and general awesomeness in abundance. If there is anything to complain about, it is perhaps that you may find yourself wanting to slap one of the main characters for a good portion of the book due to their attitude, but the character's behavior still makes perfect sense and is the logical next step in their development from the first book. It is therefore frustrating, but fits in their character arc and still leads to a conclusion that is more than worth it all.

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Fantastic Beyond Measure

Revisado: 11-02-17

Words cannot describe how much I love this book and this series. The story is interesting, takes unpredictable turns, makes you laugh, and then makes you want to cry. It becomes even better with a reread where you can pick up on all the hints and foreshadowing that you did not recognize the first time. As an added bonus the second book in the series is just as good if not better.

HIGHLY recommend this book.

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Intro to a Favorite Series

Revisado: 11-02-17

I picked this up after a friend recommended it and I was not at all disappointed. Final Empire is an INCREDIBLE story and the audio version is perfectly done. If I have any complaint it is that the next two books in the series while still good get very dark and depressing. Even if you don't get those, at least give this one a chance.

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