"A Devastating global perspective"
Even though this is generally an overview it is comprehensive. With the level of detail provided...some of it from more recently released information...the narrative can't help but pull the reader into the stunning madness, via a mind boggling mountain of facts and figures that simply left me devastated. The primary angle of the book is British and at times is too much so. The narrator is excellent. Generally following the flow of the war each area of the world, service type, battles, leadership and so much more is examined and tied together in a digestable form that I have not read/heard before. I want to recommend it, and do, but be prepared to be appalled and perhaps depressed to learn of the vortex of madness of WWII. All of us living in the wake of this global event should listen and hopefully learn about what can happen beyond a tipping point.
"Well known for good reason!"
There is no need to write a long review of this book as it it is already recognized for its brilliance...and for good reason. What you might not know is that the author was there during many of the momentous occasions making the narrative absolutely engaging and 100% authentic. It is long and comprehensive but the performance and the quality of the work is so outstanding that it is a highly recommended journey. As shocking and depressing as some of the material is, the intelligence and deft writing hand of the author carries us through. Upon its completion I was inspired to return to several other books on WWII (Storm of War) to put together the missing parts of the story that only this book could provide. Again, the narrator is among the best I have ever heard.
"A stand up comedy routine that had to be written."
Tina 's reading of her own book makes it an enjoyable ride. It is a ride though and not much of a journey. The book ends up being rather thin regardless of its great start. Each sentence has a comedic aside that makes for fun listening but would be impossible as a stand-up routine. While I did not expect the story to be wider than her personal experiences the end suddenly arrives and you realize that Tina's claim to fame (according to her) and the book's highest moment is her 6 weeks of impersonating Sarah Palin. Then she justifies her being a working mom and then it ends on a weak note. I was not disappointed I listened to it but it was like a show that has great promise with a dense beginning but it eventually becomes less dense and eventually falls apart.
"Happily...A Good Go...Again!"
I have been tough on two of my favorite writers for their last few efforts. They really upset me with their seeming lack of care for their customers and fans...especially with the last two books. However, there were quite a few moments while reading this book that I noted I had to come clean and give them kudos again. They redeemed themselves in many ways.
I do not need to go into detail as other reviewers will but suffice it to say that all of the characters in the series make an appearance, like a cast curtain call, many of them with their amazing stories completed. The primary story line, Pendergast's, is a satisfying roller-coaster ride with twists and turns that keep the pitch high. Exotic, interesting locales and a host of new, dark and interesting characters make it a satisfying journey.
If you are a fan of these two authors you can be assured that this effort is among their better work...not their best...but highly recommendable, finely crafted, entertaining and a wild ride.
The series narrator is above criticism and is among the best out there...
"I Finally Read It!!!...and have been given a gift."
In my ignorance I thought I knew this story without having read it. Even though I have read many books on WWII, I swept by this assuming it was what it seemed to be...people hiding from the Nazis. However, there is so much depth and humanity to this work that it truly deserves its recognition. How one young girl could give us all so much is testiment to its honesty and innocence. If you have not read it and said someday you would...now is the time. There is no reviewing it as it stands apart from any criticism. This is an experience and a human journey that will live with you well past closing the book...hopefully for the rest of your life.
Selma's performance is fitting.
"Important...Mandatory...and Exhausting."
Dr. Lustig is the champion of the "sugar is poison" subject. His scientific message about the infiltration of sugar and processed food throughout the world and the growing list of harmful health effects should be mandatory reading for everyone...simply so one can make better choices.
The first half of the book Dr. Lustig uses a wry, fresh sense of humor to keep us engaged but somewhere around half-way the sense of humor (and connection) goes away and the science and soapbox take over. This is an important work but it must be said that it is also his first book and a book is not a short form speech. I am surprised his editor did not guide him to a more balanced effort.
Following his substantial scientific evidence, Dr. Lustig does offer examinations of nearly every recent diet plan to have come along in the last few decades...and even early man. He offers a host of solutions ranging from medical, political, economic, education and business to common sense. However, the message becomes its own burden...a weight of its own that does not empower or really inspire...
I do recommend the book!!! I learned a great deal and have already had a lot of exposure to the subject. In an ironic twist though the title of the book says it all..."Fat Chance"...which to me means that we will not or cannot succeed in overcoming the acceptance of the harmful aspects of sugar and processed food into our world....and that was the cumulative feeling I had when finishing the book.
"More Than Willpower - Far More"
I picked this up because we can all use more willpower. Everyone has a weakness...or many. I did not expect the scope of the subject to extend into society, economy, biology and history as well. Not only did I get great advice and endless, researched documented examples but it gave me psychological clues into other projects I am working on...like helping a school population eat better or WHY there is an obesity epidemic...
While the narrator is more listenable on the second go-round (yes, this book deserves multiple listens) the tone and inflections of the narrator's voice was a difficult match with the material. It was soft and soothing but tedious...perhaps the reason is that the author is a female (I think) and the delivery is male. It does have a sense of humor about it that is refreshing. All in all, this is a valuable excursion that you will grow from. I have recommended it to many people.
"Not every book is great."
I am a true Pressfield fan...but what happened? I have proudly given his works on creativity away as Christmas gifts...voraciously consumed all of his masterful historical fiction, several times each. In his "Do the Work" he mentions a failed book that did not pan out as he had hoped and I think this must be it. Lovers of superfluous military detail will love this book because superfluous is just the beginning...detail that means nothing, pointless characters that are flatter than paper...a story that I can't believe you had anything to do with. I am sorry Steven...I hate writing this review but you deserve every word. I have listened to and read your inspirational and tough words on creativity but you did not live by any of it by releasing this work. I finished it out of respect hoping you would redeem yourself but you left me in the middle of a vast, dry careless desert. The trip was excruciating and so impossibly short of you.
"Opening the World - One story at a time."
My headline says it all. I did not expect how much dimension and humility this book would add to my life. It is a journey filled with characters. values and social statement that will enrich your life. The movie was so, so pale compared to the book...though it was amazing anyone even tried it. The author is the narrator and the result is authenticity at it's best.
"Great for Driving"
I am a fan of both Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston. Recently their work has been less than what they are capable of but this book did not disappoint. Here Lincoln steps up with a solid solo offering. The story and characters are all somewhat familiar with references to many other works of adventure. Miles rolled by effortlessly as the story, narrated very competently, did not hang-up and continually unfolded with interest and enough intrigue. No, it was not mind-bending but rather a comfortable exotic adventure tale mixed with science, supernatural, mystery and an interesting (but familiar) group of characters. I would recommend this book if you like these authors or if you care for an easy and engaging tale that is a friendly, quality distraction.
"The Good the Bad and the Incredible!"
I knew I would like this book but it took me awhile to get beyond the friction. Jobs is not exactly warm and fuzzy. Certainly the overall story of Apple, Jobs and Products is a tale that will be told for the next century. How one individual could so profoundly impact as many categories as he did is truly awe inspiring. But for every up tick of success there must be an opposing down tick and that lies in the area of human compassion, humility and warmth...not his style. But to the victor go the spoils and Jobs deserves our deference as we are the mere humans who have benefited from his brilliant, calculated obsessions. His most brilliant moves were to surround himself with the brilliance and wit of talented others...that he could drive...that tolerated him...that grounded him...as much as that was possible.
This book is a must read or listen...an inspiring tale...a great marketing tool...I loved it...love Apple products, I adore Pixar movies...and I recognize the global shift because of this man's keen marketing mind. I suspect a lot of people did not like him and I am not sure I do either...Hey, don't touch my iPad dude...its mine.