Nick

This is a story worthy of Robert Ludlum or Elmore Leonard. Intrigue, deception, suspense, global politics and fantasy -- plus it's actually true! Provides a wild inside view to the cocaine trade, Columbian politics and the bizarre world that money can create. Pablo emerges as an almost mythic figure, on the one hand revered by his associates and public, and on the other a frighteningly brutal indescriminate killer. Without giving away the story, I'll tell you that there are real parallels with the Elliot Ness story of the untouchables. A great read (listen).

Written by an HR guy. Filled with MBA generalities and grievously lacks the specifics that distinguished Steve Jobs. Author took one of the single most fascinating stories of our time and almost made it tedious.

Another limitation is that the author feels the need to praise Jobs' genius in every other paragraph and to shield us from any negative information. We know he was a genius. What we want is insight to his thought process and details.

Get the Walter Issacson book instead.

Will Patton's narration perfectly captures the spirit of this emerging beat generation and this wildly exploratory group. His portrayal of Dean's frenetic nature gives the story its life and ties together the sequence of adventures with its unique 'rationality'. It is definitely not over done. In fact, without the link to the core inspiration and impulses that drove these characters the story would come off as flat and as just a jumble of wanderings.

Imagine if Leo Tolstoy, J.K.Rowling, and Jane Austin collaborated on a fantasy novel. Intriguing and artfully woven characters and story. Complex characters, compelling and sophisticated fantasy all set in Victorian England. Not a kids book.

Personally, I read 98% non-fiction. So I was wondering when I started the book what the heck I'd gotten myself into. Not only did the book pull me in, but it became increasingly fascinating and absorbing. The length is entirely appropriate to the story. You never feel it is too long. Actually end up disappointed that it ends (not with the ending).

The reader is the best I've heard. Voices and characters are perfect and so entirely distinct. His reading gives the book such life that you forget you are hearing the story and feel more like you are living the story.

You will be very pleased with this selection. Definitely one of the best.

Great read (listen). Story really should have been done in unabridged format -- easily riveting enough to keep your attention. More detail would have been good. It's an exciting adventure story. Very well-explained sailing info -- just enough to understand what's happening so the story is accessible to anyone. As a sailor, would have preferred more detail but not a big problem. Some very interesting plot lines (and controversy). Also suggest reading 'Over the Edge' by Greg Child -- some parallels in the post-incident controversy.

Agree with positive statements from other reviews. Author provides a rigorous treatment of the subject in a lively narrative. Under his hand, this 'dismal' topic becomes both accessible and fascinating. The reader is excellent and provides important life and emphasis. The book ends up seeming relatively short because it moves along so well.

Echo the comments of other reviewers. Wld rate as consistently amusing but not killer funny. Good story with some good twists and charming moments. The real gem in this offering is the reader who is outstanding! Definitely one of the best ever. Really makes the story come to life with an incredible array of completely distinct characters -- different accents, ages, genders, personalities.