You no longer follow Crusader

You will no longer see updates from this user when they write new reviews, or suggestions based on their library or recommendations.

You can re-follow a user if you change your mind.

OK

You now follow Crusader

You will receive updates from this user when they write new reviews, or suggestions based on their library or recommendations.

You can unfollow a user if you change your mind.

OK

Crusader

Palm Springs, CA, United States | Member Since 2008

78
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 41 reviews
  • 122 ratings
  • 0 titles in library
  • 7 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
0
FOLLOWERS
4

  • The Kennedy Detail: JFK's Secret Service Agents Break Their Silence

    • UNABRIDGED (17 hrs and 11 mins)
    • By Gerald Blaine, Lisa McCubbin
    • Narrated By Alan Sklar
    Overall
    (354)
    Performance
    (195)
    Story
    (196)

    Even today, almost five decades after John F. Kennedy was slain, the public continues to be captivated by the "Kennedy Curse" and new theories about what really happened on that fateful day in 1963. For nearly 50 years former Secret Service agent Clint Hill has lived with the unimaginable guilt of losing a president on his watch and has obeyed an honor code of silence, refusing to contribute to any books about the assassination. Until now.

    Vidoloff says: "A must "read" in my opinion"
    "Intriguing!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This is the best book about JKF that I have read to date; absolutely fascinating to learn for the first time details about JFK, his family, and his assassination as told by the folks who were closest to the events: The Secret Service!

    0 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • Inside Scientology: The Story of America's Most Secretive Religion

    • UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 40 mins)
    • By Janet Reitman
    • Narrated By Stephen Hoye
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (674)
    Performance
    (536)
    Story
    (541)

    Scientology, created in 1954 by a prolific sci-fi writer named L. Ron Hubbard, claims to be the world's fastest-growing religion, with millions of members around the world and huge financial holdings. Its celebrity believers keep its profile high, and its teams of "volunteer ministers" offer aid at disaster sites such as Haiti and the World Trade Center. But Scientology is also a notably closed faith, harassing journalists and others through litigation and intimidation, even infiltrating the highest levels of government to further its goals.

    Matt says: "My cup of tea."
    "This book is scarier than a Stephen King novel!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    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!

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Sociopath Next Door

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 26 mins)
    • By Martha Stout
    • Narrated By Shelly Frasier
    Overall
    (2152)
    Performance
    (1194)
    Story
    (1191)

    We are accustomed to think of sociopaths as violent criminals, but in The Sociopath Next Door, Harvard psychologist Martha Stout reveals that a shocking 4 percent of ordinary people, one in 25, has an often undetected mental disorder, the chief symptom of which is that that person possesses no conscience. He or she has no ability whatsoever to feel shame, guilt, or remorse. One in 25 everyday Americans, therefore, is secretly a sociopath.

    Lesley says: "Gripping! A fascinating/scary look at human nature"
    "Interesting, but more designed for professionals"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    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.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Night Listener

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 39 mins)
    • By Armistead Maupin
    • Narrated By Armistead Maupin
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (310)
    Performance
    (28)
    Story
    (29)

    This unprecedented audio project is as thought-provoking as it is mesmeric. The Night Listener is a meditation on the power of voices and the faith we place in them, and an extraordinary audio experience from an American literary icon.

    Naomi says: "Wheels within wheels"
    "Excellent book"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    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.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • What the Night Knows

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 25 mins)
    • By Dean Koontz
    • Narrated By Steven Weber
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1260)
    Performance
    (492)
    Story
    (495)

    In the late summer of a long-ago year, a killer arrived in a small city. His name was Alton Turner Blackwood, and in the space of a few months he brutally murdered four families. His savage spree ended only when he himself was killed by the last survivor of the last family, a 14-year-old boy. Half a continent away and two decades later, someone is murdering families again, re-creating in detail Blackwood’s crimes.

    A User says: "Koontz is back!"
    "Koontz at his best!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    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.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 49 mins)
    • By Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard
    • Narrated By Bill O'Reilly
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2956)
    Performance
    (2632)
    Story
    (2642)

    The anchor of The O'Reilly Factor recounts one of the most dramatic stories in American history—how one gunshot changed the country forever. In the spring of 1865, the bloody saga of America's Civil War finally comes to an end after a series of increasingly harrowing battles. President Abraham Lincoln's generous terms for Robert E. Lee's surrender are devised to fulfill Lincoln's dream of healing a divided nation. But one man and his band of murderous accomplices are not appeased....

    William says: "Decent Book - Bad Narration"
    "Excellent book and easy to follow"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    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.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Ceremonial Violence: Understanding Columbine and Other School Rampage Shootings

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs)
    • By Jonathan Fast
    • Narrated By Joe Caron
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (10)
    Performance
    (5)
    Story
    (5)

    Analyzes 13 school “rampage” shootings—including the Columbine High School massacre—and explains, for the first time, why teenagers commit these tragic atrocities. With his grasp of the elements of abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, sociology, and neurology that contribute to the homicidal mindset, Fast offers us a means of understanding and coming to terms with these shootings, and provides examples of what we should look for as early signs to prevent further tragedies.

    Jennifer says: "Great Author and Content, Sub-par Performance"
    "Lots of insight into mass shootings in America"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    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!

    1 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • Life After Death

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 39 mins)
    • By Damien Echols
    • Narrated By Damien Echols
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (159)
    Performance
    (148)
    Story
    (148)

    The definitive memoir by Damien Echols of the "West Memphis Three", who was falsely convicted of committing three murders. Hear this unforgettable account of his 18 years on death row.

    Lisa Dailey says: "Heartbreaking and inspiring."
    "Compelling story narrated by the author"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    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!

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama Bin Laden

    • UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 54 mins)
    • By Mark Owen, Kevin Maurer
    • Narrated By Holter Graham
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2546)
    Performance
    (2292)
    Story
    (2301)

    From the streets of Iraq to the mountaintops of Afghanistan and to the third floor of Osama Bin Laden's compound, operator Mark Owen of the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Development Group - commonly known as SEAL Team Six - has been a part of some of the most memorable special operations in history, as well as countless missions that never made headlines. No Easy Day puts listeners alongside Owen and the other handpicked members of the 24-man team as they train for the biggest mission of their lives.

    Darwin8u says: "Gripping, first-hand narrative of Op Neptune Spear"
    "Fascinating! Patriotic! Intriguing! Revealing!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    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.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 54 mins)
    • By Jonathan Safran Foer
    • Narrated By Jeff Woodman, Barbara Caruso, Richard Ferrone
    Overall
    (1513)
    Performance
    (756)
    Story
    (756)

    Jonathan Safran Foer's best-selling debut novel, Everything Is Illuminated, wowed critics on its way to winning several literary prizes, including Book of the Year honors from the Los Angeles Times. It has been published in 24 countries and will soon be a major motion picture. Foer's talent continues to shine in this sometimes hilarious and always heartfelt follow-up.

    Peter J says: "Suffused my being..."
    "Great story, but a little complicated to follow"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    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.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Devil’s Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three

    • UNABRIDGED (15 hrs and 46 mins)
    • By Mara Leveritt
    • Narrated By Lorna Raver
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (81)
    Performance
    (71)
    Story
    (71)

    “Free the West Memphis Three!” - maybe you’ve heard the phrase, but do you know why their story is so alarming? Do you know the facts? The guilty verdicts handed out to three Arkansas teens in a horrific capital murder case were popular in their home state - even upheld on appeal. But after two HBO documentaries called attention to the witch-hunt atmosphere at the trials, artists and other supporters raised concerns about the accompanying lack of evidence.

    Crusader says: "Best true crime/wrongful conviction book I've read"
    "Best true crime/wrongful conviction book I've read"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    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!

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Report Inappropriate Content

If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

CANCEL

Thank You

Your report has been received. It will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.