Robert

This is my favorite book in the world, its breathtaking, adventurious, depressing and elating all at the same time. you read this book (or listen to this book) you won't be sorry I guarantee!
Age 10

Yes, to those who have an intellictual bent. It very informative, very rich in facts, figures, data, etc. I wouldn't call it a story - it's not a story, it's history, sociology, geography, politics and religion all blended together to describe this important but mostly overlooked part of the world.

If you like this kind of book, if you read to be informed, this is a good choice. If you read for relaxation, for a good "story" then probably consider other titles.

The combination of Hitchens reasoned arguments, with his outstanding narration, makes this a tremendously thought provoking title.

His narration enabled me to power through some of the archane passages.

No way. This book is long, and it's not the kind of book you would want to breeze through.

On the plus side, World is Flat does help crystalize a number of concepts, some of them very uncomfortable, in a helpful and useful way.

On the minus side, he is repetitive - to the point of exhaustion. He is preachy and holier than thou. And what's his fixation on Bangalore? Enough already. I live in Hong Kong and I travel to India frequently. I know the indiginous population is smart, motivated and eager to climb the socio-economic ladder. Duh!

The abridged version would definitely suffice.

If you can manage to switch off your logic and reason synapses, and just sit back and enjoy the wild ravings of distraught individual with illusions of grandeur, then go for it.

What a great, entertaining and informative book this is. I can't say enough good things. I've listened once and now I'm doing it again because there is just such a steady stream of fascinating information. Buy this book; you won't be disappointed.