L. Lyter

A highly readable version of the events of the 9-11 report with more skilled character development than much of popular fiction. My only problem was keeping the arabic names and minor players straight.

First class biography as well as a case study of the benefits of self-improvement and the mastery of one's emotions. I knew the facts of Lincoln's presidency, but not the mind and motivations of the man behind it. Goodwin goes deep into the backrounds of not only Lincoln but all four of the main characters to find why they acted as they did. Lincoln, by far the most deprived in social status and formal education, had the ability to tackle seemingly impossible issues calmly and rationally. Goodwin builds a convincing case for Lincoln as the greatest American. I didn't want this book to end and had to fast forward over Good Friday, 1865. Suzanne Toren provides a no-nonsense, concise narration.

Very graphic and not for everyone. Occasionally I'd have to switch the iPod to lighter listening, only to find it insipid, long for this horribly graphic, incredibly sad story and switch it back again.

This is one of many tragedies of 2001 that was totally eclipsed and further complicated by 9/11.

There is an interactive map and a few photos if you google the book title, as well as a National Geographic article available on the internet about one of the wildlife areas mentioned that I found to be excellent companions to this book. I wish this type of material was included as a PDF download in more audiobooks that have so much to do with a place.

There is also an afterward, consisting of an interview with the author and acknowledgements that gave additional context after the book.

In the top 10

Interpretation of how comrades in arms in the Revolution became bitter enemies in the early republic, yet managed to lay a solid foundation of government while tearing each other's reputations to shreds. How their strengths, flaws and relationships (for they knew each other personally) created much of the framework of who we are as Americans. How history is interpreted vs. what the people who lived it actually experienced. This book is much more than a biography or a chronology of events.

His narration of the letters between Jefferson and Adams late in life - particularly his narration of John Adams - added emotional nuance essential to understanding how the major rift of the early republic (strong vs. minimal central government) came to be and how it nearly destroyed what so many fought to create.

No - you need time to absorb the subtle inferences of the writing. I also undertook a review of the biographies of the Founding Fathers for better backround. Basic biographical facts are not covered.

The narration and writing of the Jefferson-Adams correspondance is breathtaking. I pictured a bare stage with the two men and heard the dialog as well as picked up on their temperments. Like another reviewer, I felt that Hamilton's contributions were not valued by the author, unlike those of Jefferson, Madison and Adams. He is presented as a mere protege and shadow of Washington. I tend to think Hamilton gets the short shrift from historians because Jefferson, Madison,and Adams, all very capable writers, not only disliked him but also outlived him by many years. Hamilton left a prolific correspondence, but it ended with the duel in 1804. He wasn't around to defend himself, and as Ellis reminds us, history includes a generous amount of "spin."

History comes alive

Alexander Hamilton

Today's polarized policitcal climate is mild compared to the presidential years of the Founding Father's

Extremely well researched. He is the father of our capitalist economy and created modern financial systems that endure to this day. I am in awe of his achievements.

Filled with first person accounts, diariy excerpts, quotes and narrated beautifully. If you liked "Unbroken" here is another fantastic listen. British adverture explorers in the finest tradition and an enlightening account of some of the best leadership skills you will ever encounter. Highly recommend.

This is my first listen of the series. It seemed a little flat and overly detailed about courtroom and legal procedures. The narration was a dry-as-dust reading so wooden that I needed to pull over at the truck stop for quick snoozes. All this goes to prove that my stints of jury duty were on the mark, and being in court, unless you are a lawyer, judge, or defendant, is about as stimulating as a non prescription sleep aid. The defendant is totally unlikeable, though, which added to the characterization and Haller will do anything to win a case. The ending was a great plot twist but things do bog down in the middle. I'll try a Bosch book next.

Very different from "Unbroken." You know from the start that it will end in disaster for the Australian commandos and it's very sad and difficult to listen to how events played out. The print version got great reviews, but for me this was just too tough a listen. The accent of the narrator seems completely British to my ear, which didn't seem to really fit the story.

Every administrator, teacher, elected official, school board member and parent read or listen to this book before cutting phys. ed. program with any ill-conceived notion that this saves money. Very convincing. Brain chemistry was a little more complex than need be to get the point across.

Soothing to listen to on a nasty commute or to wind down after a hectic day. Understated without breath taking action. Events leisurely unwind to reveal themselves. Totally immerses the listener in a slower paced life of a wonderfully different place and culture where tea, taking care not to offend and respecting one's elders are still improtant values to society. The pronunciation formal Botswanian titles for Mr. and Mrs. that grated on some reviewers was fine by me - very different but pleasingly so to hear people consistently addressed by formal titles and not in a crude way or not addressed by a title at all. I'll be downloading more of this series.