Ninotchka

I think anyone listening to this has some clue about John Muir. It is certainly worth listening to and a really enjoyable story. It gives some wonderful details about California geography. The narrator was very clear and pleasant. I have listened to hundreds of audio books and think this is one of the best deals I have come across in terms of story, narration and price.

I admit - it took me awhile to get into this book. The first chapter or so is a little sluggish and sort of chugs along a bit. The first try I quit. I finally went back to it because I spent money on it and felt I owed it another try. I am SO glad that I did. It starts out slow, but really picks up speed! It is a great story about changing your life and homesteading. When he starts talking about the farm and culture I was really hooked. I am now going to get the rest of the series. The narration is quite good. He has dramatized some of the voices and I usually don't care for this style of narration. It works in this book. So, if you start to read and you get sort of...ho hum...just skip to about the 3rd chapter. I have a feeling that the next books are going to be even better because it appears that as the author progresses in his writing he really finds his voice. I have read a LOT of travel style novels and I have to say, this has some of the more interesting cultural details.

For a story by a rocker -- I give it a 4 out of 5.

I thought I better leave a review since this is such a new book. I listened to it in a couple of days. Do you have any interest in Rod Stewart? You must or you wouldn't be here! So, go ahead and listen. It is worth the experience and I don't regret hearing what he had to say.

The narrator is one of the best and I thought that was a really smart choice to choose him.

So, is there something negative lurking around this review? A titch.

First, I learned a LOT of amazing things about Rod that I never even knew. I had to take a second look at how many times he was married. I would say that this is the area the book that got a little too repetitive and slightly irritating. I think in one wife episode he mentions his Lamborghini a few too many times to not alert the Freudian in the reader.

I found some of the decadence a little unpleasant and/or could have been presented with more elegance, although, I have no idea how. (I wasn't expecting this to be Shakespeare and I wasn't disappointed.)

What I did like is he was not abusive to the memories of the vast plethora of women and wives. He probably could have said a whole lot more than he did, but he does have 7 children to think about who are probably reading the book. I think he struck the right balance in trying to explain the life and behavior of a modern amoral "king."

What I like the most is that, in the end, finally, he found himself and (we hope) love. I don't hang on every word in the tabloids and had not really known too much about his personal life before reading this. I was really happy that there was a positive ending to his story thus far.

My conclusion to Rod's story is this: Extreme wealth and poverty are different sides of the same coin. Finding oneself is the same journey for all and just as hard for the rich as for the poor. The meaning and the closeness with his family and the strength learned from his humble beginnings is what helped him find himself in his later years.

So, yes, listen to it! If you have been touched as much as I have by his music then we owe him at least another listen to this, his story. I also give him a lot of credit for telling his story when he probably, absolutely, does not need the money.

Light, life and love to a great musician who has been a special part of the fabric of many of our lives.

For some reason I just couldn't get into this. Some of it is just a little strange and doesn't feel entirely authentic. I guess if you are interested in the subject it is worth a listen, but it was one I could have skipped and not missed too much. I hate giving a poor review, but it was just okay for me. I am going to try listening to it again, but I'll take my time.

I live in California and wanted to learn more after a recent trip through the State. I was never good with history and was uncertain if I would like this. I enjoyed the story and the narration! A good job and a fun story. I was astounded at learning how California developed its character and was happy I had chose this author. If you are interested in the subject then this is a good one.

This was my first story on the Royals. I was really impressed with the lively narration and the concise, but detailed story line. I enjoyed learning about the "servant" side of the story too and how life was for Paul in the Queen's service. I found him very loyal and respectful in telling his story. I hope that this author produces more books on the subject or even on other subjects. He is a great writer and a very good narrator. I enjoyed this a lot.

I failed history in college and it was never an easy subject, so I have made a point to improve myself on the subject. The narrator is very good and one of the best on Audible. The story was really interesting and a lot of fun. If you have a vague interest in the subject then don't hesitate on this one. I learned a lot and enjoyed it too!

I find this work even more important and meaningful than EVER. He recorded it on 9/11 and yes...he sounds possibly a little nervous when he laughs here and there. However, it is really inspiring to me to hear his outlook despite what was happening that day, which was one of the most traumatic that America has ever faced. This fact alone is inspiring enough to listen to it. I really appreciate this man and his work. Sometimes a thing is worth working a little extra to listen to it. He is really a brilliant man and I am grateful to have discovered his writings. For the price of going to the local coffee shop...don't hesitate buying this.

Pema is simply one of the greatest minds of our time. This audio covers some of her older material, but expands into some new thoughts. I have most of her other audio books and this is by far...the best recording I have heard! There isn't the background noise or poor quality that is found in some of the other audio books. If you are thinking of buying any of her work or if you are new to her work then buy this one first. If you have her other work then buy it for the simply for the great quality! Lots of tools in this also. It is quite concise and great clarity on all levels. Thank you Pema...you have given so much needed wisdom.

First, if you are the author and you are reading this review...thank you sincerely. An amazing book and most appreciated. It has answered questions I have had all my life and put me on a path that I have looked for a long time.

Second...when I read some of these reviews I am a little suspicious because it sounds like they never even read the book. I had to look twice to make sure I was on the right page. It sounds like they are talking about a some other book entirely. Yes, you probably do need to have some depth and have some degree of intellect to appreciate the amazing work written and the research done.