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Paul

Paul

Philadelphia, PA, United States | Member Since 2011

3
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 2 reviews
  • 2 ratings
  • 104 titles in library
  • 11 purchased in 2013
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  • Dropped Names: Famous Men and Women As I Knew Them | [Frank Langella]
    Dropped Names: Famous Men and Women As I Knew Them
    UNABRIDGED

    Dropped Names: Famous Men and Women As I Knew Them

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 57 mins)
    • By Frank Langella
    • Narrated By Frank Langella
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (123)
    Performance
    (105)
    Story
    (102)

    Captured forever in a unique memoir, Frank Langella's myriad encounters with some of the past century's most famous human beings are profoundly affecting, funny, wicked, sometimes shocking, and utterly irresistible. With sharp wit and a perceptive eye, Mr. Langella takes us with him into the private worlds and privileged lives of movie stars, presidents, royalty, literary lions, the social elite, and the greats of the Broadway stage.

    Kathy says: "Delightful"
    "You don't want Frank as a friend"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you love best about Dropped Names?

    Frank Langella's voice is worth the trip


    What other book might you compare Dropped Names to and why?

    Memoirs by Tony Curtis and Kirk Douglas


    What does Frank Langella bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    His resonant voice


    Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

    Frank Langella goes out of his way to reveal the weaknesses of many celebrities through the telling of catty stories. These include Cameron Mitchell, Lee Strasberg, Arthur Miller, Rex Harrison, Elizabeth Taylor and Stella Adler among others. He seems to be impressed by great wealth (the Mellons) and fawns on others (the Kennedys, Princess Diana) and damns others with faint praise (Tony Curtis, Susannah York, Claudette Colbert, Robert Mitchum and Rita Hayworth). He reveals little of his personal life, only suggesting failed marriage(s) with several children and many sexual conquests. He remains true to his stage and screen personna, a cold and calculating customer with nary a hint of humanity.


    2 of 3 people found this review helpful
  • The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris | [Peter Beinart]
    The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris
    UNABRIDGED

    The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris

    • UNABRIDGED (18 hrs and 26 mins)
    • By Peter Beinart
    • Narrated By John Morgan
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (55)
    Performance
    (22)
    Story
    (22)

    In The Icarus Syndrome, Peter Beinart tells a tale as old as the Greeks—a story about the seductions of success. Beinart describes Washington on the eve of three wars—World War I, Vietnam, and Iraq—three moments when American leaders decided they could remake the world in their image. Each time, leading intellectuals declared that history was over, and the spread of democracy was inevitable. Each time, a president held the nation in the palm of his hand.

    Rick says: "Great read"
    "Review of America's Foreign Interventions"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What made the experience of listening to The Icarus Syndrome the most enjoyable?

    I appreciated the depth of the author's research and his interpretation of the motives of the various actors. Beinart reviews America's foreign policy, concentrating on events after World War I.


    What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

    Beinart is not one of the flag-waving historians who view America's history through the veil of feigned patriotism. Rather he is a pragmatist who believes America acts in its own best interest. However, many times America makes the wrong decision. The author uncovers some interesting connections and ironies along the way as he tries to get into the head of the protagonists and describe their thought processes in formulating the actions of America in the War on Terrorism.


    Have you listened to any of John Morgan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

    NO


    Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

    No, the amount of material is too much to absorb in one sitting. This book is best listened to over a period of time to give the reader a chance to ponder these great issues.


    Any additional comments?

    This is an excellent thesis on the hubris of America in its dealings with its enemies. The Bush administration, particularly Cheney comes in for criticism. The machinations of the Bush clique is described in great detail.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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