"Wasn't what I expected..."
it was so much more. One of the best books I've listened to, it has a place right next to "Memiors of a Geisha" on my list of books to take to a deserted island. This book captured me from the beginning and I didn't want it to end. The narration was suberb. Whether you're into history of the Civil War or just want a great read with characters you can get to know, this is the book for you. Try it, I promise you won't be disappointed.
"Validation"
I've tried several times to write a review for this book, but was unable to complete one until now, because of the emotion that overwhelms me. I was the odd girl out through my high school years and couldn't speak of it at home, for the attitude was, "well, what did you do to deserve it?"
Every mother of a daughter and every teacher of girls needs to read this book and recognize the silent suffering of the girls in their care. Just because there are no physical bruises doesn't mean there's no damage done. Please let's acknowledge and treat this area of "silent aggression" for the sake of our daughters, sisters and girls everywhere.
"Enough is way too much"
The beginning of this book was fascinating, it was clearly explained to a financial moron like me what exactly was happening and why. But I quit halfway through the 2nd part. Hey, guys, I got it in the first part, I understand, I don't need to have every deal explained ad nauseam. I GOT it! I'll go log into MSNBC to see how it all ends.
"Read as a kind of revenge...."
I hated the Wizard of Oz movie, but growing up we had to watch every time it was on because it was my sister's favorite movie. So I saw listening to this book as a kind of personal revenge. After reading the reviews, I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. And I really liked this book. In fact,I kept hoping she survived the bucket of water.
"Good Book - bad narrator"
I was looking for something in the escapist catagory after listening to quite a bit of non-fiction. This book certainly fit. I really enjoyed the entire story, Preston didn't lose my attention and it was (or should have been) great fun.
What ruined it, and why I can't give it the 4 stars it probably deserves, is the narrator. Come on, if you're going to narrate a book, do a little research. The third time he pronounced Albuquerque as Al-bee-cue, I wanted to scream. Actually, I may have screamed, as the driver passing me gave me a really weird look.
I will probably revisit this book in print - it will make a great beach book.
"Finally someone speaks out"
Mapes writes what we have secretly suspected - that the news and nothing but the news is NOT what we are offered by the networks.
The story isn't about the truth or verification of information detrimental to the President, but rather how Mapes and friends were hounded by the powers behind the Whitehouse. It's about how we, as Americans, are becoming afraid of asking questions.
I gave this only 3 stars because it's abridged - I was hoping to use the audio along with the hardback, but too much was left out. I urge anyone who wants to know what really goes on to read the entire book.
"Changing narrator drops my review"
from 5 to 3 (maybe 2 & a half). I'm sorry, Will Patton is not a bad narrator, but he is NOT Robicheaux. Mark Hammer's reading sounds just like a friend of mine who grew up in Lousiana. I had a hard time getting involved in this one. Bad idea to change so late in the series.
"Riveting"
I don't listen to much non-fiction, preferring to lose myself in someone else's world. This book was recommended by a colleague and it sounded interesting so I got it. WOW - I couldn't stop listening to it. This is real life better than any fiction. An amazing story, set in the history of whaling, and Scott Brick was the perfect narrator for this book.
"Authentic narration"
I have a friend from Abbeville, Louisianna, who is also a James Lee Burke fan and he will only listen to Hammer's narration. When listening to my friend, its amazing how close Mark Hammer comes to his tone and accent. While Will Patton is good on the abridged versions, Hammer brings home both the sound and texture of New Iberia in the full length versions
"Lyrical"
This book was written to be listened to, each character has their own voice which brings them to life and the music enhances the story - makes you feel you are part of it. The book is a journey, with characters who are real people - both good and bad at the same time, facing life and doing the best they know how to survive it. Get this book, kick back and get ready to meet some memorible people.