You no longer follow carolyn

You will no longer see updates from this user when they write new reviews, or suggestions based on their library or recommendations.

You can re-follow a user if you change your mind.

OK

You now follow carolyn

You will receive updates from this user when they write new reviews, or suggestions based on their library or recommendations.

You can unfollow a user if you change your mind.

OK

carolyn

Member Since 2006

38
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 18 reviews
  • 66 ratings
  • 283 titles in library
  • 12 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
0
FOLLOWERS
2

  • Fallen Founder: The Life of Aaron Burr

    • UNABRIDGED (19 hrs and 47 mins)
    • By Nancy Isenberg
    • Narrated By Scott Brick
    Overall
    (55)
    Performance
    (10)
    Story
    (10)

    Generations have been told that Aaron Burr was a betrayer: of Alexander Hamilton, of his country, of those who had nobler ideas. But that version has been shaped by historians and writers from the 18th century on who were blinded by tabloid reports and propaganda created by Burr's political enemies during his lifetime. It is time to discover the real Aaron Burr.

    David says: "Correct your history"
    "A well-rounded human portrait"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Before I read this, all I knew about Burr was that he had fought duel with Alexander Hamilton. The author points out that having no children or surviving family, there was no one to give voice to Burr's thinking and his multitude of achievements during the establishment of the nation. The book is an intriguing look at how a man's reputation is shaped by "winners" in the telling of history.

    I suggest this book if you love history and quietly enjoy knowing things that most others don't know. You may not end up liking Burr or siding with him, but you will probably have a better understanding of the challenges facing the early nation from this portrait that paints him as a multi-dimensional human rather than a cardboard figure.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Undomestic Goddess

    • ABRIDGED (6 hrs and 16 mins)
    • By Sophie Kinsella
    • Narrated By Katherine Kellgren
    Overall
    (97)
    Performance
    (15)
    Story
    (15)

    Workaholic attorney Samantha Sweeting has just done the unthinkable. She's made a mistake so huge, it'll wreck any chance of a partnership.

    Going into utter meltdown, she walks out of her London office, gets on a train, and ends up in the middle of nowhere. Asking for directions at a big, beautiful house, she's mistaken for an interviewee and finds herself being offered a job as housekeeper. Her employers have no idea they've hired a lawyer and Samantha has no idea how to work the oven.

    Susan Solo says: "A wild ride!"
    "Chick lit at its best"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I have no patience with Kinsella's shopping books, but this saga reassured me that I do have a sense of humor, especially with a well-painted heroine, tight story and intriguing tale. It's a perfect vacation listen when the sun is too bright to read or you're on the couch with the flu. AND it has a happy ending -- which sometimes I yearn for!

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Adventure of English: The Biography of a Language

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 12 mins)
    • By Melvyn Bragg
    • Narrated By Robert Powell
    Overall
    (1761)
    Performance
    (590)
    Story
    (600)

    This is the remarkable story of the English language; from its beginnings as a minor guttural Germanic dialect to its position today as a truly established global language. The Adventure of English is not only an enthralling story of power, religion, and trade, but also the story of people, and how their lives continue to change the extraordinary language that is English.

    David says: "Many Of Course monments"
    "Best for lovers of the language"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I gave this 4 stars because I'm fascinated by the English language (my native tongue). I suspect many would find this book very dry -- I did in places, even though I cherish it overall. I think it's a book that would appeal to the curious, rather than those who want "a good read." I would love to sit next to this author at a dinner party -- for 30 minutes at a time. He really does trace the beginnings of the language and describe its development in great detail. But I would recommend it only for those who have an insatiable curiosity about the language and a deep love of it.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Carry On, Jeeves

    • UNABRIDGED (4 hrs and 52 mins)
    • By P. G. Wodehouse
    • Narrated By Martin Jarvis
    Overall
    (225)
    Performance
    (105)
    Story
    (105)

    Listen to hilarious unabridged stories starring the ever-popular Jeeves and Wooster from the master of great British comedy: P. G. Wodehouse. Stories featured: "Jeeves Takes Charge", "Jeeves and The Unbidden Guest", "The Artistic Career of Corky", "The Aunt and the Sluggard", "Clustering Round Young Bingo", "Jeeves and the Hard-boiled Egg", and "The Rummy Affair of Old Biffy".

    Eunice says: "A great introduction to Jeeves"
    "Those wacky uppercrust Brits"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I enjoyed listening to this much more than reading it, perhaps because the performance encourages me to get into the spirit of the wise servant and his twit of a "master." Even so, it makes me so happy for the Declaration of Independence!

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Importance of Being Earnest (Dramatized)

    • UNABRIDGED (1 hr and 59 mins)
    • By Oscar Wilde
    • Narrated By James Marsters, Charles Busch, Emily Bergl, and others
    Overall
    (192)
    Performance
    (111)
    Story
    (112)

    This final play from the pen of Oscar Wilde is a stylish send-up of Victorian courtship and manners, complete with assumed names, mistaken lovers, and a lost handbag. Jack and Algernon are best friends, both wooing ladies who think their names are Ernest, "that name which inspires absolute confidence." Wilde's effervescent wit, scathing social satire, and high farce make this one of the most cherished plays in the English language.

    Katy says: "Thouroughly Enjoyable!"
    "Performances that bring out the best in the play"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Wilde was devastatingly witty, and this production and the "vocal acting" bring out the best in this play. An endearing play enlivened by an engaging cast. Just the thing to listen to on a long night flight to England.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Genghis Khan: Emperor of All Men

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 1 min)
    • By Harold Lamb
    • Narrated By Charlton Griffin
    Overall
    (237)
    Performance
    (46)
    Story
    (46)

    In the early 13th century, a simple nomad chieftain managed to cobble together a powerful kingdom in the highlands of northern Asia, which was subsequently to challenge the greatest powers of the day. He was triumphant in all directions. This leader was Timujin, whose name meant "Iron Man". He became Genghis Khan, "Universal Ruler", the greatest conqueror ever known - a warrior feared from the British Isles to the tip of the Korean peninsula.

    Curatina says: "Fabulous!"
    "Requires a stronger stomach than mine"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This was so graphic in its description of torture and other barbarities that I couldn't finish it. I know it reflects a barbarous time; I just couldn't deal with it.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Poland

    • UNABRIDGED (2 hrs and 47 mins)
    • By Victoria Varga
    • Narrated By Peter Hackes
    Overall
    (11)
    Performance
    (5)
    Story
    (5)

    The breakdown of Europe's Eastern Bloc proves that the map of Europe cannot be redrawn merely to serve political ends. Perhaps no country illustrates this more clearly than Poland, whose borders often have been a negotiating tool of the Big Powers. These presentations enlighten our understanding of the current drama in Eastern Europe.

    greg says: "Taste of Poland ? not entirely !!"
    "Not specially insightful"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    I like this series, but the "Poland" entry didn't offer much depth. It reminded me of a college freshman Western Civ overview textbook.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Balkans [Modern Library Chronicles]

    • UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 24 mins)
    • By Mark Mazower
    • Narrated By Robert O'Keefe
    Overall
    (51)
    Performance
    (8)
    Story
    (8)

    In this fascinating work, winner of the Wolfson Prize for History Mark Mazower uncovers the history of the Balkans with detail and clarity. He explores the reasons for current conflicts and examines the Balkans as a religious, cultural, and economic melting pot for Europe and Asia. Through Robert O'Keefe's articulate narration, listeners will be absorbed by this rich world.

    David says: "Thorough History..."
    "Now I understand what all the fuss is about"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This recording explains the seeds of strife in the modern Balkans -- why hatred and mistrust has lingered for so long. It's "quick history" but a very illuminating introductory view of the area for someone who has no knowledge of the area.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Europe Since 1815, Volume 2: Imperialism and Militarism

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 44 mins)
    • By Mitchell Garrett, James Godfrey
    • Narrated By Charlton Griffin
    Overall
    (57)
    Performance
    (18)
    Story
    (19)

    19th century Europe produced some of the greatest soldiers, statesmen, scientists, artists, and thinkers of any period in recorded history. And by the middle of that century nationalism had emerged triumphant from Ireland to Greece, and many new nations, including Germany and Italy, had appeared. But nationalism was accompanied by a chauvinistic impulse toward militarism.

    carolyn says: "Details, details, details"
    "Details, details, details"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    This book offers more details than many people will want to know, but I found it a useful for integrating several European history classes I've taken in the past. It's far more detailed than a survey, but less detailed than a tightly focused look at a single incident. It has helped me understand current European affairs better, as well as the impact of the Industrial Revolution and emergence of political systems. It's not spritely writing, but it is informative.

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
  • England, Their England

    • ABRIDGED (3 hrs and 3 mins)
    • By A. G. Macdonell
    • Narrated By Martin Jarvis
    Overall
    (10)
    Performance
    (4)
    Story
    (4)

    Donald Cameron, a young Scotsman, is commissioned to write a book on the outsider's view of the English. He sets about his task with enthusiasm, encountering along the way an array of richly comical characters including civil servants, newspaper editors, minor poets, a glamourous movie star, politicians, and many more. This satire of English eccentricity has become a classic of 20th century literature.

    carolyn says: "Amusing but unoriginal"
    "Amusing but unoriginal"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story

    Content is a 2, but narrator lifts the recording to a 3. Mostly absurd, stereotypical, outdated folderol that masquerades as humor, but occasionally I laughed until my sides hurt.

    1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Report Inappropriate Content

If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.

CANCEL

Thank You

Your report has been received. It will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.