Sue

No I wouldn't listen again, but I might read the book.

The strength and hope shown by people living under such appalling conditions.

No, unless he used a less soppy tone in what he was reading.

That once the slum area had become known because of the work being done there, it changed, not always to the benefit of the inhabitants.

Having just read a history of the East India Company and Britain's colonial occupation of India, the narrative of this book illustrates so completely the damage perpetrated by foreign powers sucking the wealth out of nations.

War is not the answer was the overwhelming message I took from "The Taliban Shuffle". Through her personal experiences as a correspondent in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Kim Barker gives a vivid account of the real situation there.

In one Afghan village Barker visited, the US army was about to withdraw, having trained the local people. There were two broken Humvies, with no equipment or knowledge to repair them. There was not even a pen. This is just one of the many stories which illustrates the shambles the coalition will leave behind when they withdraw.

Listening, I could taste the dust my mouth, feel my backside being pinched and be horrified by the senseless violence taking place.

Through all of this, Barker managed to make me laugh. But then, tragedy and comedy can be very closely associated.

Yes. This remarkable narrative not only describes the transformation of a person from hopelessness to strength, but the background of 1990's America is fascinating. How Smithy's family holds together under the strain of a mentally ill daughter, focussing so much energy and love into her care, grieving when she disappears, is inspirational. The humour with which characters such as Smithy's uncle Count are dealt with is wonderful. The human failings of Smithy, such as ignoring Norma after her accident when she is confined to a wheel chair, makes it all the easier to relate to him. It is beautifully read, and i just could not stop listening to it.

Smithy, because I could see aspects of myself and many others in his character.

Ron McLarty's empathy for Smithy comes through in his narration.

Smithy's phone calls to Norma and the silences within those phone calls.

Highly recommended.

This is a "must listen" for those fascinated by David Bohm's work in applying the findings of Quatum Theory to the bigger picture. To hear his voice as he articulates his ideas in an enquiring, non emphatic manner is wonderful.