Margaret

You'll be sad and outraged. Be ready to cry and laugh; maybe even scream at the mother. You will love and hate these parents, but always you will love these children. This could be called a story of how dire poverty can be selected for one's life in the face of opportunity. This is also a story of how parents can abandon their children and still be physically present. It is a story of how children create for themselves life abundant and courageous, despite all odds against them. It is also a story of deep love despite embarassment and humiliation. It is a story of hopelessness and devotion. It is a story of utter failures and supreme successes. Ultimately it is a story that reminds us that people in a free society often make choices to live in ways most of us consider less than desirable. That is what Jeanette finally understood. In accepting her parents as they were, and not as she had wanted them to be, she was able to shed regrets, embrace and love her family just as they were. This a truly valuable lesson for us all. I highly recommend this book.

I have not read the print version but that would allow the reader to go back and re-read certain parts....which in the case of this book would be helpful. The book is presented well but just stuffed full of information and names of scientists that may or may not be familiar depending on the listener. Einstein was correct when once he alluded to standing on the shoulders of giants. All scientists have done that throughout history. I liked the way the author linked "one thing" to the next in a more or less logical progression. I was waiting for more and then the book ended. It is always good to want more. I was engrossed and loved the details but the author does not belabor points and moves on to the next one quickly. He asks so many questions during the presentation that when you finish listening you want to start finding out more. Amazing what some scientists suffered at the hands of their contemporaries. It still goes on today, in every career field and in every office. That part of human nature has not evolved in recorded history. Definitely a book for people curious about why things are the way they are...or you could say a book for curious people!

If you have ever heard the phrase "mind over matter' then you will especially enjoy the section about the "placebo effect".

Great read...but pay attention less you miss something. Definitely one to re-read!

Want to listen to an inspiring story...then this is it! This is a story about never giving up on your dreams. It is a story of heart and endurance.It is a story about family love and also trust between man and animal. You will laugh out loud and also want to cry at the visual images the author paints so well. There are other descriptions that would fit this story BUT if you listen, I promise your heart and spirit will be uplifted.... and it is perfect for every age listener!

No, I listen while I walk so it takes long enough to digest and think about what I've heard in- between sessions.

This is an concise history of one of the most important industries in our brief history as a nation. The author does a great job of staying on track. He does NOT chase rabbits during the telling which makes it easier to keep in mind the theme of the book. The telling of it also illustrates the transcient nature of things we consider essential to our lives. A story repeated over and over in the advancement of our scientific and technological times. The story successfully weaves history, invention and human desires into a story easy to follow and enjoy. A once important part of our nations' backbone has become irrelevant and its era has gradually dropped out of our history books. It is a good length and leaves the listener wanting more...but then again, the whaling industry is gone forever so there is not more to tell.