Crusader

I very much enjoyed the movie of the same name and decided I wanted to learn more about Alexander Supertramp. The author didn't let me down because he makes this young man come to life for those of us who didn't have a chance to personally meet such a brilliant and adventurous young man who gave more than he received. This book touched my heart and my soul like no other book I have listened to in a very long time!

This is the first of three major books regarding Scientology that I have purchased to listen to this year and I believe I got off to a great start with Janet Reitman's excellent book on the subject.

As a longtime crusader for the rights of all, I often found myself publicly defending (vocally and in written blog articles) Scientology and Tom Cruise for their outspoken opinions regarding the drugging of our children with prescription drugs, the drugging of america, psychiatry, and other issues that I have had strong opinions about for years.

Some of the concepts of Scientology I agree with; however, they go way beyond reasonableness and as a result many people apparently have been injured or lost their families, friends, or even their lives as a result of the extremeness of the church.

Reitman clearly has done her homework and clearly demonstrates that Scientology goes way too far on many social issues and appears to be a very extreme organization that hides behind the label of "religion." By claiming to be a religion and having tax-exempt status from the IRS, they have managed to pull the wool over the eyes of the general public and government officials all too often.

They use their "religion" label to hide behind billions of dollars in profits without paying taxes; they hide their human rights abuses of their members; and there are clearly people who died in the name of Scientology (such as Lisa McPherson) who I am convinced would be alive today if it weren't for the extreme policies and procedures of this so-called religion.

I will try to hold final judgment on Scientology until after reading "Going Clear," by journalist Lawrence Wright, as well as "Beyond Belief," by Jenna Miscavige Hill, but I think perhaps Reitman may have already convinced me about what I currently think about Scientology, and it isn't pretty. Scientology may very well be responsible for some of the most serious cover ups of all time!

The narrator, Stephen Hoye, was phenomenal in helping tell Reitman's story about a book that should have been published more than a decade ago!

Very clinical book, but still interesting to the layperson, especially for folks such as myself who enjoy crime-related books and TV programming. Gives a realistic insight into sociopaths.

The book is a little disjointed at times and could have been organized better, but perhaps that is just the way it appeared to me due to the difficult subject matter.

This was a mesmerizing and fun book to listen to, even though I knew the basis of the story since I had watched the movie (starring Robin Williams) which is based on this novel. If you are an Audible listener, be sure to also listen to the New Yorker article regarding this book and the original Audible interview with Armistead Maupin regarding this novel, both of which should still be available for listening to via Audible.

This just might be the scariest book by Koontz that I have read to date; wow!

As always, Koontz delivers on suspense, unique characters, humour, and overall excellent storytelling.

Although Mr. O'Reilly and I rarely agree on social and political issues, I decided to give this non-fiction historical book a chance because the summary peeked my interest. Glad I kept an open mind, because O'Reilly did an excellent job describing the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, the events leading up to it, and the events that followed.

Many things in the book I never even heard until now, and my understanding is his book is said to contain some "new information" about the assassination.

Kudos to O'Reilly for honoring one of the greatest presidents of our time! Can't wait to listen to O'Reilly's "Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot," which I also own.

Particularly in the light of recent events, this book provides an excellent professional analysis of the dynamics involved in mass shootings.

Very disturbing, but educational. A must read for anyone who wants to engage with others in a meaningful debate regarding reasonable gun reform laws!

Having corresponded with inmates for more than 30 years now, I thought I had heard it all, but Damien gives an entirely new meaning to the prison industrial complex and the corruption and ethical problems that exist in the entire justice system (be it attorneys, judges, correctional officers, etc.).

Damien (and his two friends) certainly may have fallen victim to the most egregious wrongful conviction to date in the United States. Yet, Damien never gives up and stays strong during some very horrible circumstances.

Damien's poetic, gritty, and honest portrayal of prison life and the unjust murder case against him (and his two friends) should enlighten every man, woman or child who reads (listens to) this compelling book!

This is a fascinating and well-written book gives an insight to how our Navy Seals are protecting our freedoms on a daily basis. It just isn't about the Usama Bin Laden (UBL) mission, but goes much deeper than that. Hats off to the men and women in the Seals who are serving their country. I had no clue what goes into each and every mission they are involved in; it truly is amazing. Mark Owen does an excellent and honest job describing these missions and dispels many of the false media reports that followed the UBL mission.

Lots of interesting stuff in this book and I highly recommend the audio version which has several narrators because it is hard enough to follow the story on audio, let alone trying to read it in an actual paper book (or ebook), in my opinion. Great and creative characters and writing. The movie by the same name was easier to follow and helped simplify some of what I felt were the more complicated storylines in the book.

Phenomenal book which must be read by anyone concerned about the flaws of the criminal justice system in our country.

This book is about the West Memphis Three, who were teenagers at the time of their wrongful interrogations, wrongful trial, and wrongful convictions! Law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys, and even the judge broke every cardinal rule. All they cared about was getting a conviction for a horrendous crime, but it would have been nice if they had not sacrificed the lives of three innocent teenage boys in the process.

The three were released from prison in 2011 under a bizarre "prosecution covers their ass" deal where the three admit guilt, but are still released. They are currently fighting for a complete exoneration.

There is a movie in production based on the book, but I recommend reading the book FIRST so that you are prepared for this shocking and graphic story!