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James Michael Stengel

Miami | Member Since 2012

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HELPFUL VOTES
  • 3 reviews
  • 15 ratings
  • 107 titles in library
  • 29 purchased in 2013
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  • The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan | [Michael Hastings]
    The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan
    UNABRIDGED

    The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 20 mins)
    • By Michael Hastings
    • Narrated By Lloyd James
    Overall
    (101)
    Performance
    (89)
    Story
    (91)

    An explosive, behind-the-scenes look into the workings of the U.S. war in Afghanistan that lifts the curtain of the world stage to reveal the devastating greed, waste, and failure surrounding this unwinnable war.

    Professor says: "VERY INTERESTING STORY"
    "Ever wonder why the military distrust the press?"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you consider the audio edition of The Operators to be better than the print version?

    I did not read the print version, however the audio was well worth the listen


    Who was your favorite character and why?

    I liked the portrayal of General Mc Chrystal. It is unfortunate that no matter how hard Hastings tries to gloss over his despicable betrayal of Mc Chrystal and his staff, he still comes off as a deceptive worm and makes it impossible for embedded reporters in the future to get honest answers. I'm sure Hastings is proud he got one of America's greatest generals and heroes fired. Obviously no deception is below his moral.


    What about Lloyd James’s performance did you like?

    The narrative was excellent and well spoken.


    If you could give The Operators a new subtitle, what would it be?

    "How to worm your way into someone's trust and then betray him"


    Any additional comments?

    Although the story was extremely informative, I do not believe the author's betrayal of McChrystal can be justified. Obviously Hastings is attempting to be another Woodward and Bernstein, and comes off more as a Keith Olbermann

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Kill Shot: An American Assassin Thriller | [Vince Flynn]
    Kill Shot: An American Assassin Thriller
    UNABRIDGED

    Kill Shot: An American Assassin Thriller

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 49 mins)
    • By Vince Flynn
    • Narrated By George Guidall
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2910)
    Performance
    (2453)
    Story
    (2437)

    For months, Mitch Rapp has been steadily working his way through a list of men, bullet by bullet. With each kill, the tangled network of monsters responsible for the slaughter of 270 civilians becomes increasingly clear. He is given his next target: a plump Libyan diplomat who is prone to drink and is currently in Paris without a single bodyguard. Rapp finds him completely unprotected and asleep in his bed. With confidence in his well-honed skills and conviction of the man’s guilt, he easily sends a bullet into the man’s skull. But in the split second it takes the bullet to leave the silenced pistol, everything changes.

    Linda says: "I'd listen to Guidall read the tax code, so..."
    "This book made me a Vince Flynn fan"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you consider the audio edition of Kill Shot to be better than the print version?

    Impossible to answer as I have not read the hard copy--however Geo Guidall is as much Mitch Rapp as Sean Connery is James Bond


    Who was your favorite character and why?

    Mitch Rapp as he is focused and does not let political correctness or political expediency stand in the way of accomplishing a mission


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

    Guidall is a true actor in the theater of the mind


    If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

    When you need a dirty job done-- you call Mitch Rapp


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Telex from Cuba: A Novel | [Rachel Kushner]
    Telex from Cuba: A Novel
    UNABRIDGED

    Telex from Cuba: A Novel

    • UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 55 mins)
    • By Rachel Kushner
    • Narrated By Lloyd James
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (111)
    Performance
    (14)
    Story
    (16)

    Rachel Kushner's mother grew up in Cuba in the 1950s, in the United Fruit Company enclave where Telex from Cuba takes place. Calling on a rich trove of family letters, photos, meticulously kept journals, and historical research, Kushner sets free her brilliant imagination in this profoundly resonant story of a world that was paradise for a time and for a few.

    Magin says: "Nostalgic and great history"
    "Making a short story too long"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Is there anything you would change about this book?

    More detail and history should be added.


    How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

    There are too many unsubstantiated character assassinations by innuendo. the suggestion that Raul Castro was a homosexual is completely uncalled for and a frequent lie spread by the anti Castro, Batistianos in Miami.

    Character detail is excruciatingly lengthy and adds little to the novel.


    What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

    The truth about the corruption of the Batista government and his support by the US government.


    Any additional comments?

    My father worked for United Fruit and we lived in Banes, which is near Preston during the time the novel portrays.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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