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Gregory

Darien, CT, United States | Member Since 2006

17
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 3 reviews
  • 11 ratings
  • 368 titles in library
  • 6 purchased in 2013
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  • The Art of Intelligence: Lessons from a Life in the CIA's Clandestine Service | [Henry A. Crumpton]
    The Art of Intelligence: Lessons from a Life in the CIA's Clandestine Service
    UNABRIDGED

    The Art of Intelligence: Lessons from a Life in the CIA's Clandestine Service

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs)
    • By Henry A. Crumpton
    • Narrated By David Colacci
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (121)
    Performance
    (101)
    Story
    (101)

    A legendary CIA spy and counterterrorism expert here tells the spellbinding story of his high-risk, action-packed career while illustrating the growing importance of America's intelligence officers and their secret missions. The Art of Intelligence draws from the full arc of Henry Crumpton's espionage and covert action exploits to explain what America's spies do and why their service is more valuable than ever.

    Anne says: "Looking for a place in History?"
    "tedious"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you try another book from Henry A. Crumpton and/or David Colocci?

    no


    Would you ever listen to anything by Henry A. Crumpton again?

    no


    What didn’t you like about David Colocci’s performance?

    the attitude is one of false innocence, of surprise at worldly things


    If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Art of Intelligence?

    the first chapters


    Any additional comments?

    I have only started listening, so this review may be unfair. However, the book is very slow and wordy. It makes me wonder if it was ghostwritten. It is flat and devoid of texture. And I have to say that the author's characterization of the Valerie Plame outing is tendentious and political. He ascribes her unveiling as a CIA agent as due to people on George W Bush's staff. This is only true if you take the view that everybody in the Executive Branch is "on Bush's staff." It is well-known that Plame's unveiling was due to a comment by Richard Armitage at the State Department and that the CIA did not wave off the columnist when it was queried by him. The characterization of the unveiling as coming from Bush's staff and Libby's conviction for perjury as a confirmation of this is simply political cant. And this interpretation is coming from an INTELLIGENCE officer who presumably deals in nuance. It destroyed the believability of the book for me.

    15 of 31 people found this review helpful
  • The Last Man: A Novel | [Vince Flynn]
    The Last Man: A Novel
    UNABRIDGED

    The Last Man: A Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 57 mins)
    • By Vince Flynn
    • Narrated By George Guidall
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2252)
    Performance
    (1955)
    Story
    (1930)

    The four dead guards didn’t concern Mitch Rapp as much as the absence of the man they’d been paid to protect. Joe Rickman wasn’t just another foot soldier. For the last eight years Rickman had ran the CIA’s clandestine operations in Afghanistan. It was a murky job that involved working with virtually every disreputable figure in the Islamic Republic. More than a quarter billion dollars in cash had passed through Rickman’s hands during his tenure as the master of black ops and no one with a shred of sense wanted to know the details of how that money had been spent.

    Scott C. says: "Couldn't be better...except"
    "Best of the best"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    If you could sum up The Last Man in three words, what would they be?

    Best ofthe best


    What other book might you compare The Last Man to and why?

    Boy, hard to compare. This is an outstanding Mitch Rapp book. Vince Flynn is most definitely not coasting. He must have incredible sources in intelligence and special operations and have spent a lot of time in Afghanistan/Pakistan. The texture and granularity are outstanding without in any way detracting from the story. Flynn is inside the heads of the opposition. You are THERE.


    Have you listened to any of George Guidall’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    This is a fine performance. I have listened to other Mitch Rapp stories. Guidall does a great job.


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

    This is an action story, so I would not use the word "moved." Engaged? You bet. Nobody does action like Vince Flynn.


    Any additional comments?

    Saddle up.

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful
  • Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography | [Rob Lowe]
    Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography
    UNABRIDGED

    Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 11 mins)
    • By Rob Lowe
    • Narrated By Rob Lowe
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2401)
    Performance
    (1755)
    Story
    (1748)

    A teen idol at 15, an international icon and founder of the Brat Pack at 20, and one of Hollywood's top stars to this day, Rob Lowe chronicles his experiences. Never mean-spirited or salacious, Lowe delivers unexpected glimpses into his successes, disappointments, relationships, and one-of-a-kind encounters with people who shaped our world over the last 25 years. These stories are as entertaining as they are unforgettable.

    N. Belle says: "Great Book and Great Story"
    "Outstanding; compelling"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Rob Lowe turns out to be a great writer and narrator. Perhaps because of his extraordinary good looks, one expects him to be shallow. He is anything but. This is by far the best Hollywood (auto)biography I have ever "read." It is real literature, which is not to put anybody off. It is not in any way stuffy or boring. It is filled with riveting episodes and insights. I could not stop listening!

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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