Thomas

What more is there to say about an audio book? Anthony Bourdain is outspoken and passionate. He writes about food and the food industry intending to inform and entertain. He does this with humor and perception. Tony introduces you to a world that is deeper and more important than many people give credit to - a world just as prominent in politics as it is in high society. He makes you think about what he is telling you and challenges you to draw your own conclusions.

My only gripe - lay off the four letter words.

This is a must read for anyone who wants to be a writer. Justin Cronin takes all the tools available to the novelist and applies them in this one novel. And, just like the chef who takes every ingredient in the kitchen, he cooks up an awful tasting, smelly and disgusting dish. This is a lesson in how not to write a novel.

Cronin has talent that is certain. In very short order, he introduces characters and makes you care about them. He also knows how to make you feel like you are living in the story. Then, for some unknown reason he changes tactics; moving from third person to first with varying points of view. Or, he will introduce a long list of names to make a point - the only point he seems to make is that he is full of himself as an author.

Justin drones on and on, taking forever to make a point or end a subplot. This is just boring. The worst part of the entire story though, is the ending - making bizarre turns in the plot, seemingly just to make bizarre turns in the plot. The open ending no doubt is the means by which he plans to offer a sequel.

The bottom line, I can't believe I invested all this time listening to a story go on and on, just because it can. I fortunately only paid 1 credit for this audio book. Whatever you do, don't waste two credits on it.