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John

MelbourneAustralia | Member Since 2005

HELPFUL VOTES

8 reviews
89 ratings
400 titles in library
4 purchased in 2013

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FOLLOWERS

The History of Science: A Sweeping Visage of Science and its History

UNABRIDGED
- by Michael Shermer
- Narrated by Michael Shermer
The History of Science: A Sweeping Visage of Science and its History

UNABRIDGED (25 hrs and 28 mins)

By Michael Shermer

Narrated By Michael Shermer

Overall
(63)
Performance
(20)
Story
(19)

This is a sweeping look at science, its history and philosophy from the Middle Ages to the present, with special emphasis on defining science within the cultural context of the age, who was doing science at the time, and what their goals were in conducting science. This course reflects Dr. Shermer's doctoral training at Claremont Graduate School.
F-M says: "Old and bad sound recording"
"Messy Listening"

Overall
Performance
Story

I was looking forward to this book, (as I thought), but it turned out to be a recording of lectures to a group of students and other academics, who made comments, often inaudible, in the background. Dr Shermer rattled on, losing his notes from time to time, making asides, stopping for a drink, adjusting the recording device, referring to what he had written on a board, to slides that he was showing, to printed handouts, and talking about the time of the next lecture etc. Essentially, I felt that he was wasting my time.

The material would have been much better if presented in a professionally edited book, and read from a book by a professional reader. I believe that I did not get what I expected - an audiobook, and am disappointed that Audible represented it as such.

11 of 12 people found this review helpful
FDR's Folly: How Roosevelt and His New Deal Prolonged the Great Depression

UNABRIDGED
- by Jim Powell
- Narrated by William Hughes
FDR's Folly: How Roosevelt and His New Deal Prolonged the Great Depression

UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 26 mins)

By Jim Powell

Narrated By William Hughes

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(192)
Performance
(52)
Story
(53)

In the minds of historians and the American public alike, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was one of our greatest presidents, not least because he supposedly saved America from the Great Depression. But as historian Jim Powell reveals in this groundbreaking book, Roosevelt's New Deal policies actually prolonged and exacerbated the economic disaster.
David says: "Very Important"
"A Book for our Times"

Overall
Performance
Story

This book presents a critical view of the economic policies of this remarkable president. FDR is remembered best for his role as an inspirational war leader, and for his tragic death at the gates of victory. However, the author presents a strong critique of FDR's policies for dealing with the Great Depression. Hopefully it has been read and carefully studied by the advisers of President Obama

3 of 12 people found this review helpful
American Lion: A Biography of President Andrew Jackson

UNABRIDGED
- by Jon Meacham
- Narrated by Richard McGondale
American Lion: A Biography of President Andrew Jackson

UNABRIDGED (17 hrs and 15 mins)

By Jon Meacham

Narrated By Richard McGondale

Overall
(14)
Performance
(2)
Story
(2)

Beloved and hated, venerated and reviled, Andrew Jackson was an orphan who fought his way to the pinnacle of power, bending the nation to his will in the cause of democracy. Jackson's election in 1828 ushered in a new and lasting era in which the people, not distant elites, were the guiding force in American politics. Democracy made its stand in the Jackson years, and he gave voice to the hopes and the fears of a restless, changing nation facing challenging times at home and threats abroad.
M. Stewart says: "Not worth it"
"First Rate History"

Overall
Performance
Story

This book appears to have been well researched and is well presented. It provided me with a good understanding of this remarkable President and his times. I commend it to all those interested in American history.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Tobruk

UNABRIDGED
- by Peter FitzSimons
- Narrated by Humphrey Bower
Tobruk

UNABRIDGED (23 hrs and 22 mins)

By Peter FitzSimons

Narrated By Humphrey Bower

Overall
(168)
Performance
(76)
Story
(75)

In the early days of April 1941, the 14,000 Australian forces garrisoned in the Libyan town of Tobruk were told to expect reinforcements and supplies within eight weeks. Eight months later these heroic, gallant, determined "Rats of Tobruk" were rescued by the British Navy having held the fort against the might of Rommel's never-before-defeated Afrika Corps.
J B Tipton says: "Fair dinkum"
"Genuine Heroes"

Overall
Performance
Story

This is an account of the men, particularly Australians, who stopped the much better equipped German army, led by General Rommel, in its long siege of Tobruk. The story is gripping , but was slightly marred for me by the author's use of dated slang in describing the action.

2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Heart and Soul

UNABRIDGED
- by Maeve Binchy
- Narrated by Maureen O'Brien
Heart and Soul

UNABRIDGED (14 hrs and 38 mins)

By Maeve Binchy

Narrated By Maureen O'Brien

Overall
(23)
Performance
(10)
Story
(10)

Clara Casey, senior cardiologist and mother of two, already has a new job to cope with - and now her ex-husband wants something from her too... For Ania, meeting Clara Casey is a miracle. She never intended to leave Poland, but hopes a new job in a new country will mend her broken heart. Declan is looking forward to joining the clinic - but what should have been a straightforward six-month posting turns into much more.
Anne Harris says: "Fans won't be disappointed."
"All Neatly Told"

Overall
Performance
Story

This is an interesting tale with many characters, some good, some bad, many with a range of frailties, but all viewed with a humorous and kindly eye. The various strands of the story are all brought together in the end in a neat package.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Garden Party and other stories

UNABRIDGED
- by Maeve Binchy
- Narrated by Niamh Cusack , Dervla Kirwan , Doreen Hepburn , Stella McCusker
The Garden Party and other stories

UNABRIDGED (57 mins)

By Maeve Binchy

Narrated By Niamh Cusack, Dervla Kirwan, Doreen Hepburn, and others

Overall
(33)
Performance
(15)
Story
(13)

"The Garden Party", read by Niamh Cusack - Helen looked down at Mrs Kennedy's garden. It was cheerfully coloured yet ordered like Mrs Kennedy. But first impressions are not always reliable. "The Special Sale", read by Dervla Kirwan - Yvonne's good deed leads to a romantic encounter the day after Christmas. "The Sensible Celebration", read by Doreen Hepburn - Are the picture perfect couple really the ones to envy? All is not as it seems...
John says: "A warm Hearted Story"
"A warm Hearted Story"

Overall
Performance
Story

This an amusing tale, told by an author with a kind heart.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Increment: A Novel

UNABRIDGED
- by David Ignatius
- Narrated by Dick Hill
The Increment: A Novel

UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 43 mins)

By David Ignatius

Narrated By Dick Hill

Overall
(115)
Performance
(28)
Story
(31)

From a hidden enclave in the maze of Tehran, an Iranian scientist who calls himself "Dr. Ali" sends an encrypted message to the CIA. It falls to Harry Pappas to decide if it's for real.
Dr. Ali sends more secrets of the Iranian bomb program to the agency, then panics. He's being followed, but he doesn't know who's onto him, and neither does Pappas. The White House is no help---they're looking for a pretext to attack Tehran. To get his agent out, Pappas turns to a secret British spy team known as "The Increment".
D. Sevener says: "Good story, awful narration"
"A Real Thriller"

Overall
Performance
Story

This is a well told and gripping story. Perhaps the corruption of one of the characters in the UK Secret Service is a little far fetched, but the story is well worth the listen.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Cemetery Dance

UNABRIDGED
- by Douglas Preston , Lincoln Child
- Narrated by Rene Auberjonois
Cemetery Dance

UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 25 mins)

By Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child

Narrated By Rene Auberjonois

Whispersync for Voice-ready

Overall
(1226)
Performance
(478)
Story
(475)

Captain Hayward leads the official homocide investigation, while Pendergast, D'Agosta, and Nora undertake a private quest for the truth. Their serpentine journey takes them into a part of Manhattan they never imagined could exist: a secretive and deadly hotbed of Obeah, the West Indian Zombii cult of sorcery and magic. And it is here they find their true peril is just beginning.
Mel Aclaro says: "Still a fan...but they struggled with this one."
"A horrible story"

Overall
Performance
Story

This story was both incredible - that is, not believable, and horrible. It annoyed me so much that I did not finish listening to it.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful