dan

Tolkien's tale it very tough to narate. I have read it three times and this is the first time I listened to it. No one person can sing like an Elf and reading these songs was not fun and listening to them was even less enjoyaable I thought. All in all, I thought Rob Inglis did a good job on a tough piece of work to deliver. Just ask Peter Jackson!

If you want to know and understand the complexities of the times of the civil war and abolition of slavery youi will not find a better written and explicit acccount than this one. Though it is sometimes slanted a bit more to the femist point of view of some of the female charachters, cloths and white house decorations and parties ect. It is a full and noble account of how times change but don't change. Politics is a complicated business and one can see how our times reflect the same feelings but for differrent subjects like women's rights and abortion. Susan Toren was steady and easy to listen too, even over such a long account.

The original Scroll of On The Road was amazingly inspiring for its warmth, honesty and integretty. I remember reading about Jack Kerouac in my journalism school days at Mizzou but I never really connected with Neal Cassidy till I listened to John Ventimiglia's interpretation of the original penning. What a wonderful, tragic and inspiring charachter he was. I spend my time hitching on the road in the seventies and this reading brought back the freedom and honesty that America once was. Who would have the balls to do those trips today? Who could so openly love and project themselves as Neal did back in the 50s? Easy Rider without a chopper!

I am already re-listening to Clouod Atlas to discover the details and twists that eluded me on the first listen. The first listen was an awakening discovery, the second it a joy and beauty like seeing the brush strokes in a Matisse. The exquisit blending of suspense and humour is captivating.

I listen to many audio books while driving and walking my dog so have heard most of the performers before. They are most welcomed guests in my ears and have rarely failed to bring life and depth to the stories they interpret. Careful when you listen in the car because the performances can be enthralling to the point of distraction. I managed to get a speeding ticket when emotionally consumed in the listening. Can I use that as a case against Audible for reckless endangerment!!??