"Abridged books just don't cut it!"
Have met Schindler survivors and visited his grave, so was looking forward to listening to the book, but I should have known that I wouldn't get involved in an abridged book. Too much was left out. Will have to wait for an complete version of Schindler's Ark or have the time to read the book.
"Abridged or Unabridged....That Is the Question!"
Unless you really enjoy reading French or Church history, or philosophy or understand French or Latin, I would recommend that you listen to the abridged version of this classic. I would say that over half of the book covered the above and it was frustrating listening to so much of those things and not the actual story and would often zone out until I heard a character's name. I ended up listening to the second half of the book in double speed. It was amazing how I got used to that speed.
Having said all that, I am pleased that I finished the book. I now have a better understanding of the story and the characters and look forward to re-watching the musical again.
Frederick Davidson was a wonderful reader and would have no qualms listening to his voice again.
"Classic Reading of a Classic Story"
David Hyde Pierce did a fabulous narration of this classic book. I read about half of Gulliver's Travels when I was in college and was pleased to have finally read the book in its entirety. A real insight into political and moral issues as seen by Swift.
Sad that most people will know about Gulliver's first two adventures, but not the rest. Pierce's reading of the Houyhnhnms' language is fantastic. I don't think I would have enjoyed reading this neighing language, but he brings it to life.
A must read for classic enthusiasts.
"My Favorite Children's Book!"
Thank you, Sean, for bringing this book to life through your reading! I have read this book many, many times to my students and it was nice to hear someone else read it. Each time I read The Silver Sword I wonder if it will still effect me in the same way and sure enough, I get tears in my eyes when I reach the end. My wish now is that it would be made into a movie!
"I LOVE BECKY!"
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book. I laughed and laughed and enjoyed Becky tell her story. I was going to miss her when I finished listening to Emily Gray read the book so was very pleased to see that there is a whole series with her reading them!
"Love the Performance"
I have only purchased and listened to the first 2 parts. I tried very hard to get into the book, but I just couldn't. Kept waiting for something to happen and almost all I got was background information. If it hadn't been for the terrific reading by Dotrice and his wonderful accents, I would not have gotten as far as I did. I am told by so many that the series is fantastic, but I just don't get it. Have purchased it on Kindle, so hopefully I will enjoy it in printed form more.
"Kept me guessing right till the end!"
I really enjoyed listening to this story. I loved the characters and worried for them when they were in danger. I like it when I can get so engrossed in a book, that I forget that it isn't real! I guess the only flaw of the book (hence only 4 stars) was the author's long winded detail of sex scenes. They weren't necessary for the story line and could have been deleted or at least toned down. At one stage I ended up turning the volume down for awhile. Thank goodness there weren't many in the book!!! Julia Whelan did a fabulous job with the different voices for the characters.
"Don't expect the same story as the movie"
When I went to look for this book I looked for These Foolish Things, but the title was changed to the movie's title. The publishers should have kept the first title as the movie was only LOOSLY based on the book, with the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel hardly getting a mention. I LOVED the movie, but I had difficulty staying focused with the book. Lots more characters with stories different from the movie. Maybe if I had read the book first, I would have it enjoyed it more as the reader got to know the background of the residents and their families. So, if you haven't seen the movie or can separate the two if you have, have a go and enjoy an interesting book about what it means to grown old in the 21st Century. And by the way, Nina Wadia did a fantastic job of reading the story, with lots of interesting voices.
"Book Was Magyk!"
This series was recommended to me a few years ago by another librarian, so I purchased it for my high school. I am now finally getting around to reading the books, thanks to Audible! One word kept coming up and I wondered if the reader could be pronouncing it incorrectly, which seemed strange since he was so good. I thought he was mispronouncing moat but I looked it up in the library's book and it was Mott.
As a teacher-librarian, I encourage students to get involved and predict what they think will happen. I enjoyed doing that with this book and was pleasantly surprised with twists and turns and enjoyed saying, "YES!" when my predictions came true.
Although the story was very interesting and enjoyable, I think it was listening to Corduner read was my favorite part! He, like so many readers for children/youth literature, was FABULOUS! He had so many different and interesting voices and accents.
"Great Insight into a Brilliant But Complicated Man"
I learned so much from this book! Don't think I could have worked or been friends with Jobs, but he was brilliant at what he did. I think Apple users and those who enjoy computer history books would especially enjoy this book.
"Good Listen, But Could Drag on at Times"
Enjoyed the book, which got me thinking but sometimes I would zone out with philosophical musings. I will probably read the next two books sometime, as the book ended with wanting to know what happened to other characters in the book and how everything will be related. I liked having the different readers.
Steve, if you are reading this, you wouldn't think there was much product placement if you compared it to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. NOW that was REALLY ANNOYING!