Marnie

I've been reading related books like those by Marion Nestle, the _Walmart Effect_, as well as documentaries like _Super Size Me_ and I was expecting alot from this book. (Can you tell I'm on a bit of a consumer awareness campaign for myself?) Perhaps that was my problem: expectations. After reading _Walmart Effect_ which I felt was written quite well and with a fair look at both sides of the argument around Walmart, this book is in many ways one-sided in how it presents its material. I *will* reconsider what I eat in the future (beef, pork, and chicken), so in that sense, the authors have enlightened me, but I would have liked a more balanced presentation of the facts provided.

I enjoyed Middlesex so much that I dove into the Marriage Plot without reading any reviews (which is fine with me). I was disappointed with the plot of the Marriage Plot. A very different kind of story than Middlesex or Virgin Suicides. David Pittu narrated the story well, but the story didn't do it for me.

I'd read Middlesex before and loved the story so much I decided to buy the audio version of it. Kristoffer Tabori does a great job of providing a sense of the character's personalities through excellent use of intonation. I enjoyed listening to audio version much more than when I read the book.

I read alot of my books while I am running and this book made for great company during some of my 2 hour runs on the weekends. I was completely engrossed by the story... who knew that a story about the circus could be so entertaining?

The reading was not bad; it kept me entertained, but all throughout the story, I kept wondering, where is this going? Once I got to the end, I thought, is that it? I certainly didn't feel sympathetic to the characters, nor did I care how it ended.

I couldn't get going with the printed copy of this book, but once I started listening to the audio version, I was instantly hooked. The narrator's reading with the Southern accent made the story come alive and I enjoyed listening to all 15+ hours of Barbara Kingsolver's story of Africa.

I listen to alot of audiobooks while running and although this book started out well, I was not able to bring myself to finish the book. I agree with other reviewers that this is NOT a book for children! The narrator had a British accent which added value to the telling of the story, and initially, insight into the autistic mind was quite interesting. But in the end, all of these plusses were not enough to save the book.

This book went beyond some of the propaganda and "documentaries" I have found out there, which was a plus. Not wanting to repeat what the other reviewers have stated (because I agree that the presentation is very balanced in its nature), I will simply say that I found the content close to perfect: little repetition in message, and compelling enough for me to listen to the entire audiobook. The author has given me enough information that I will continue to resist any temptation to shop at Walmart.

The book is well read by the narrator and the content is thoroughly engaging. I have enjoyed listening to this book during my morning runs. Unlike some books that want to beat you over the head with a few simple points, Gladwell offers a myriad of interesting stories that help drive the point of his book.

If nothing more, Gladwell makes a few convincing arguments in this book that offer food for thought that we can all benefit from, both at a personal level and a professional level.

The fact that the author is reading his own book was definitely a bonus. Despite not having access to the map of Everest, I was sucked into this book and enjoyed every minute of it.