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S

Newmarket, ON, Canada | Member Since 2004

70
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 33 reviews
  • 241 ratings
  • 354 titles in library
  • 19 purchased in 2013
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FOLLOWERS
4

  • Denialism: How Irrational Thinking Hinders Scientific Progress, Harms the Planet, and Threatens Our Lives

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 38 mins)
    • By Michael Specter
    • Narrated By Richard Poe
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (76)
    Performance
    (30)
    Story
    (29)

    New Yorker staff writer Michael Specter has twice won the Global Health Council’s Excellence in Media Award, as well as the Science Journalism Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In Denialism, he fervently argues that people are turning away from new technologies and engaging in a kind of magical thinking that is hindering scientific progress.

    S says: "A compelling read"
    "A compelling read"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This book is an example of how “common sense” is not all that common. Tackling many myths about science – and the growing popular belief that science is “evil” but alternatives are “good,” Michael Specter shows us how the scientific method holds the key to the continuing existence of our species. He urges us not to go back to the era when we believed that “science” was all good and urges us to investigate discoveries rationally – not hysterically. He does raise some serious ethical questions – some of which do not have ready answers. This is all the more reason for us to learn how to neither investigate new discoveries with hysteria nor compete faith and acceptance. The book is well narrated – fast paced – and very compelling.

    12 of 13 people found this review helpful
  • Thinking, Fast and Slow

    • UNABRIDGED (20 hrs and 2 mins)
    • By Daniel Kahneman
    • Narrated By Patrick Egan
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1489)
    Performance
    (1110)
    Story
    (1090)

    The guru to the gurus at last shares his knowledge with the rest of us. Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman's seminal studies in behavioral psychology, behavioral economics, and happiness studies have influenced numerous other authors, including Steven Pinker and Malcolm Gladwell. In Thinking, Fast and Slow, Kahneman at last offers his own, first book for the general public. It is a lucid and enlightening summary of his life's work. It will change the way you think about thinking. Two systems drive the way we think and make choices, Kahneman explains....

    Mike says: "Difficult Listen, but Probably a Great Read"
    "Short on interest - long on verbage"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    The actually interesting part of this book is buried in tons of statistical information - most of which has nothing to do with thought processing. In the 24 + hours of listening, I appreciated about 3 hours of content - only finishing the book because of the excellent narration! Patrick Egan is an amazing narrator!

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • A Train in Winter

    • UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 34 mins)
    • By Caroline Moorehead
    • Narrated By Patience Tomlinson
    Overall
    (7)
    Performance
    (6)
    Story
    (6)

    In Paris, January 1943, 230 French women resisters were rounded up and sent on a train to Auschwitz - the only train, in the four years of the German occupation, to take women of the resistance to a death camp. The youngest was a schoolgirl of 15, the eldest a farmer’s wife of 68; there were among them teachers, biochemists, sales girls, secretaries, housewives and university lecturers. The women turned to one another, finding solace and strength in friendship and shared experience.

    S says: "Nothing like the blurb . . ."
    "Nothing like the blurb . . ."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This book was supposed to be about a group of women who survived under the horrible French occupation in WWII - and how it impacted their lives. It would better be described as a detailed history of the gruesome lives that men and women lived during this time in French history. On top of this is the falsetto voice of the narrator. She may be good at elocution - but she is miserable to listen to! (sorry about the dangling participle!)

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Botany of Desire

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 54 mins)
    • By Michael Pollan
    • Narrated By Scott Brick
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1276)
    Performance
    (581)
    Story
    (576)

    Every schoolchild learns about the mutually beneficial dance of honeybees and flowers: The bee collects nectar and pollen to make honey and, in the process, spreads the flowers' genes far and wide. In The Botany of Desire, Michael Pollan ingeniously demonstrates how people and domesticated plants have formed a similarly reciprocal relationship.

    Teddy says: "If you have an open mind... Give it a listen"
    "Really????"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    What looked like an interesting book turned out to be a scare-mongering blast on "frankenfoods" and an exploration of the merits of cannabis. I was glad when the book was done!

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • A. Lincoln: A Biography

    • UNABRIDGED (27 hrs and 46 mins)
    • By Ronald C. White, Jr.
    • Narrated By Bill Weideman
    Overall
    (232)
    Performance
    (101)
    Story
    (105)

    In this important new biography, Ronald C. White, Jr. offers a fresh and fascinating definition of Lincoln as a man of integrity - what today's commentators are calling "authenticity" - whose internal moral compass is the key to understanding his life. Through meticulous research, utilizing recently discovered Lincoln letters, legal papers, and photographs, White depicts Lincoln as a person of intellectual curiosity, comfortable with ambiguity, and capable of changing his mind.

    Julieann says: "Insight into Lincoln"
    "Some books could be better if they were abridged"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    What I expected: a glimpse into the man we call Abraham Lincoln.

    What I got: a blow by blow descripton of the politics and battles of the day during Lincoln's political career. There were rare glimpses into the human side of Lincoln - and they were frustratingly short and far between.

    The narrator, however did a supurb job of creating changes in voices and in keeping an otherwise l-o-n-g story engaging. Overall, I'm glad I read it to the end. And it was a very l-o-n-g book.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 43 mins)
    • By Robert D. Hare
    • Narrated By Paul Boehmer
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (270)
    Performance
    (233)
    Story
    (235)

    Most people are both repelled and intrigued by the images of cold-blooded, conscienceless murderers that increasingly populate our movies, television programs, and newspaper headlines. With their flagrant criminal violation of society's rules, serial killers like Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy are among the most dramatic examples of the psychopath. Individuals with this personality disorder are fully aware of the consequences of their actions and know the difference between right and wrong....

    Douglas says: "When I gave up on books that supposedly would..."
    "Chilling . . ."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This book is well researched and written. The author is a genuine authority on this phenomenon - and understands it well enough to explain it to his proverbial grandmother. On the other hand, is a very difficult read. It's simply difficult to hear about the mental machinations of people in our society who simply do not have the ability to empathize or accept responsibility for their actions.

    It is also reassuring for anyone who has ever had contact with a psychopath. As difficult as it is, it is also reassuring to know that our experience has been understood by the professionals who have chosen to expose this disorder for what it is. Unfortunately, too many professionals fall into the veneer of charm trap - and miss the underlying chaos and disorder within this dreaded disorder.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • State of Wonder: A Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 25 mins)
    • By Ann Patchett
    • Narrated By Hope Davis
    Overall
    (3470)
    Performance
    (2401)
    Story
    (2391)

    Research scientist Dr. Marina Singh is sent to Brazil to track down her former mentor, Dr. Annick Swenson, who seems to have disappeared in the Amazon while working on an extremely valuable new drug. The last person who was sent to find her died before he could complete his mission. Plagued by trepidation, Marina embarks on an odyssey into the insect-infested jungle in hopes of finding answers to the questions about her friend's death, her company's future, and her own past.

    F. B. Herron says: "Do yourself a favor and listen to this book!"
    "A Nice Excursion"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I don't usually read fiction. This book was recommended by a friend, and I'm glad I got it. The narrator does an excellent job developing the characters. The story was compelling and satisfying. I'm glad I didn't listen to some of the reviewers who did not enjoy it.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Good Earth

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 37 mins)
    • By Pearl S. Buck
    • Narrated By Anthony Heald
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (1407)
    Performance
    (614)
    Story
    (623)

    This Pulitzer Prize-winning classic tells the poignant tale of a Chinese farmer and his family in old agrarian China. The humble Wang Lung glories in the soil he works, nurturing the land as it nurtures him and his family. Nearby, the nobles of the House of Hwang consider themselves above the land and its workers; but they will soon meet their own downfall. The working people riot, breaking into the homes of the rich and forcing them to flee. When Wang Lung shows mercy to one noble and is rewarded, he begins to rise in the world, even as the House of Hwang falls.

    Marv says: "a masterpiece!"
    "Amazing look at a bygone era . . ."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I was ashamed that I had not read this wonderful classic prior to now! Pearl Buck is a lyrical and compelling writer - and her story is gripping! So for those who missed this in childhood (I think it is probably elementary school writing) enjoy!! Like many "children's" books - this one has depths that would be missed by many young readers.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Price of Inequality: How Today's Divided Society Endangers Our Future

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 4 mins)
    • By Joseph E. Stiglitz
    • Narrated By Paul Boehmer
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (229)
    Performance
    (187)
    Story
    (191)

    The top 1 percent of Americans control 40 percent of the nation's wealth. And, as Joseph E. Stiglitz explains, while those at the top enjoy the best health care, education, and benefits of wealth, they fail to realize that "their fate is bound up with how the other 99 percent live." Stiglitz draws on his deep understanding of economics to show that growing inequality is not inevitable. He examines our current state, then teases out its implications for democracy, for monetary and budgetary policy, and for globalization. He closes with a plan for a more just and prosperous future.

    Johannes says: "Poor narration, important topic"
    "Well researched . . . well presented"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I never studied economics - and was not aware of most of the content of this book. It is "heavy" and important to be aware . . . especially in this election year!! Heads up - Americans - "read" this and go to the polls!!! (and make sure your friends do too!)

    0 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • Animals Make Us Human

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 37 mins)
    • By Temple Grandin
    • Narrated By Andrea Gallo
    Overall
    (417)
    Performance
    (157)
    Story
    (158)

    From renowned scientist and animal welfare advocate Temple Grandin, this groundbreaking book is a clarion call to awareness of the inner lives of humankind's far-too-often mistreated and neglected companions. Based on research spanning over 30 years, these stunning insights into the very real emotions and thoughts of animals are sure to be a source of fascination and inspiration.

    Crystal says: "Fascinating"
    "She did it again!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Once again, Temple Grandin has taken us into her world in which she understands animals. I will never look at a zoo animal or farm animal the same!! We have friends who are sheepherds - and I have a new appreciation for the excellence of the way they practice their profession!

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 39 mins)
    • By Susan Cain
    • Narrated By Kathe Mazur
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2107)
    Performance
    (1797)
    Story
    (1767)

    At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled "quiet," it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society--from van Gogh’s sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer.

    Teddy says: "Thought provoking and Uplifting.... A++++++++!!!!!"
    "Wonderful!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Any introvert who feels swallowed up in today's eat or be eaten world will enjoy this refreshing work that underscores his/her value! My favourite sentence - "First answer is not necessarily best answer!!" Thank you.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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