Jim

In-depth, insightful, direct and fast paced hour-long interviews with authors of history, political science, biography, and adventure. Thanks to Booknotes I've discovered great books (Shadow Divers, The Pentagon's New Map, Grant and Twain, many others) that I would have missed. Brian Lamb is the best interviewer on television today, and I believe this to be the best periodical offered by Audible - but don't take just my word for it. Don Imus (on MSNBC 9/27/2004) said "I am a disciple of Brian Lamb." Purchase this one by the year - you won't want to miss an interview.

This history reads like a novel. It will keep you sitting in the driveway with the motor running, or riding past your exit on the subway, just to keep listening. I had not heard of this Roosevelt expedition before - great investigative and storytelling work by a first time author. NYT and Washington Post just named this book among the top nonfiction books for 2005! P.S. I have NOT been paid for this indorsement - I'm a fan a great history told well, and this book is GREAT!

Maybe an unabridged read would be better; maybe the book is better. I hope so. This abridged audio version is disappointing and I think not a balanced account of Lincoln, and offers nothing new about his life and times. Since I respect and admire Ms. Goodwin, I choose to blame the editor. This version portrays Lincoln as one who never made an error, never said a wrong word, always had terrific insight and wisdom, and everything worked out just the way he planned it. The celebrated depression often written about elsewhere is never mentioned. I had to keep checking the title to ensure I was hearing about Lincoln and not Jesus Christ. I loved the author's previous work on FD and Eleanor Roosevelt, but this one sounds like a gushing letter from a teenage girl with a heart throb crush. Sorry I can't rate it higher - I expected more and was disappointed.

This is one of the 3 best audio books I've ever listened to - gripping, entertaining, and full of memories. If you've ever seen a Martin/Lewis movie, or remember either of the stars on TV or film, or even just watched the MDA fundraiser - you'll laugh out loud and sometimes tear up listening to this 50-year love story by Jerry Lewis. The narrator Stephen Hoye is phenomenal - his mimicry of Jerry's Jersey and "jerk" voicing, plus Dean Martin's soft mid-western/Italian, makes you feel like they are sitting right beside you. Hoye is so perfect in the reading I came back to Audible to look him up - I was convinced that Mr. Lewis must have picked the reader from the professional acting community, but Hoye has numerous books to his credit and I intend to seek out his readings (which I've never felt compelled to do before). The pacing is superb - there are no boring parts - you're engaged every minute. Mostly, this audiobook is a walk down memory lane - not only Dean and Jerry, but Sinatra and the Rat Pack, June Allyson, Marilyn Monroe, and many many more. Mr. Lewis seems to hold nothing back - including his own addiction to prescription painkillers, the tragedy of his son Gary and Dean Martin's son Dino, divorces, the acrimony of the act breaking up, the tearful reunions years later. Mr. Lewis is painfully honest, yet forgiving and compassionate in describing himself and all the others - giving us an open, often hilarious and sometimes teary behind-the scenes of two of the greatest names in comedy entertainment of our time. If you are younger than 40, you may not recognize many of the names, but that is a minor matter - you'll love this read anyway. Buy this audiobook. (I note there is an abridged version, but don't know why and haven't heard it. The unabridged is just over 8 hours to about 5 for the abridged. Get this one.)

I really wish this program were better - Audible needs to offer what Sound Money promises - but this isn't it. The program seems to be oriented to those who know nothing (what's better-whole life or term?) and in each issue of the 1 month subscription I purchased, offered absolutely wrong information. In one, the interviewee insisted, over the protestation of the host, that investors had to buy government bonds through financial advisors, and "expect to pay a fee" (buy government bonds at treasurydirect.gov, no fee). In the latest issue, the interviewee from Rolling Stone insists that those who own iPOD can only hear music purchsed from Apple, and are "locking yourselves in" to only hearing Apple-purchsed music - false again, Apple plays the ubiquitous MP3 format, and converts WMA files as well. Then...there is the music - blaring and distorted, 20 decibles above the voice track, like a late-night infomertial. If you listen to audible while exercising, you can't listen to this, as you will constantly grab for the volume control to protect your hearing. Audible needs a GOOD investment periodical, but this one is not it - save your money.

This is one of the top 2-3 audio books I have enjoyed - ever. On a level with "Into Thin Air" or "The Perfect Storm". The story plays out like a suspense novel - and speaks to everything that is great and unique in being a man on a mission of discovery and purpose. I found myself walking to Borders in the evening, listening on my iPod, to view the book's pictures while I listened - and bought a copy to send to my son. Pritchard's narration is flawless. Download the unabridged version - don't miss a word.