Samir

Some good insights to leadership. Little light on techniques and stronger on goals of leadership. I did like the few examples on how to transfer ownership, empower, & train a team. The narrator (and author) had a fairly dull reading... had to rewind numerous times as my mind wandered off onto how I could help my own team.

Very good dissection of key character types in the business world, and a method for helping you identify what you are. This is followed with pretty straight on description of what people will see in you (or be fascinated by you)... and what they won't. Key is to understand your own personality and try to capture the attention and intrigue of colleagues, team, and senior managers in the way that fits your personality.

Would definitely recommend, particularly if you grew up in the 80's, and ever played video games or toyed around with the early computers. A parade through history of a complex but fun decade, and fantasy that is oh so believable... easily a direction we are headed.

Can't wait for the movie.

I have read a number of long & winding books based in India (i.e. A Fine Balance). But this one included such positive and strong characters. The author really brings out the essence of a family oriented and personal culture, as experienced by a foreigner who is Indian at heart. I loved that the characters, many who experience bad fortune and/or do bad things, are actually quite moral and strong - but with character flaws based on strong beliefs in their morals, rather than just being evil or corrupted (the easy way out with typical Indian story).

The reader has done a fantastic job with nailing the various Indian accents, and for that matter, other foreigners accents. Truly a masterful reading. Using different voices for the characters made me feel like I was watching a movie, rather than reading.

Its a long book, but you get your money's worth. Time flies listening to this one.

Very interesting story about the isolated spots that played front line in WWII. Nice historical piece and drama. A quick listen. I wouldn't call it the 'most incredible' rescue mission - but may be the most unique.

THe narrator's voice was a little monotonic, and no attempt at different voices or inflections. Could have hired a professional narrator to add this dimension.

Really liked the first hand viewpoints of the natives - what they were thinking. This made the book.

If you like this book, also try

The forward was a glowing review about how this book is Clarke's best. The story starts strong, draws you in with mysterious but benevolent alien visitors, foreshadows some deep comment about the human race, our history, our self-imposed fate, and something bigger than our world. But the end of the story did not deliver, except for on the last one. There was no deep meaning here that I could appreciate... just a whiz-bang sci fi ending. Oh well.