Linda

Very bad edting made this a jarring read. Bits were cut off and the narraor read so fast I had to slow the replay to be able to tolerate lisening. The author does not know her botanical subject matter, and this part of the book is rife with error. There is also a marked underone of lack of respect for some of her subjects that in the end does her discredit, not the other way around. I don't think she cared about this book or the people she used , it was just a job, it could have been so much more.

This may be a work of fiction, but it reads like a lot of the non-fiction/memior material that has been written by Arab women in the last 25 years. Enjoy it for the accurate cultural voyeurism it offers, respect it for the truth it tells.

A beautiful book that keeps you guessing until the end. Family, food, and loyalty combine into unexpected possibilities.

A very poor, offensive attempt at a basic Navajo language primer. Many words are not even in use in the Navajo language, and some words deal with alcoholic beverages, which are illegal on the Navajo homeland. Should be removed from audible.

If you are from the borderlands or have spent an time here, you will be nodding your head with familiarity from the first chapter. Wicked, fun, sad, and thought provoking. Be sure to see the movie as well.

Barara is a time-tested expert who knows her stuff. This is fiction that has the credibility of a scienific journal. Come for the fiction, stay for the truth!

As an avocational horticulturalist, I was shocked at the levels that the "professionals" will stoop to for glory and the almighty buck. If you love orchids, and nature in general, this book will make you sad, angry, and disgusted. Read it anyway, and bocott the scoundrels. Do your research and know where your money is going if you are an orchidist.

This book is an important and accurate depiction of a much-neglected historical cross-section of a large part of the world. This book neither preaches nor panders, it simply states what happened and when, in a convivial manner. The author is willing to question events that may or may not have actually happened as legend would have us believe. He is true to the spirit of his subject matter, this book is a must-read for anyone who cares about current world political and cultural dynamics.

Not too bad if you just want a quick and dirty review of the basics.Remember, this is European Spanish, not Spanish as it is generally spoken in The Americas. Anyone could benefit from the basic vocabulary and grammar, as long as one remembers that local dialects and customs will vary.

Despite the sketchy reviews, I decided to buy this book, since I am interested in the subject matter. There is precious little verifiable information about The Baron, he was one of those crazy historical figures that inspired much speculation and many stories. If one views this book as an interesting account of the possible adventures of a minor historical figure, one still might enjoy the work. Not the best narrator in the world, but the recording quality is fine. All in all, decent entertainment for those folks interested in Russia and Central Asia. Caveat, some Buddhists might find the way the author deals with Buddhism a little patronizing.