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Julia

Corinth, NY, United States

25
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 25 reviews
  • 305 ratings
  • 528 titles in library
  • 28 purchased in 2013
FOLLOWING
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FOLLOWERS
4

  • Double Star

    • UNABRIDGED (6 hrs and 5 mins)
    • By Robert A. Heinlein
    • Narrated By Lloyd James
    Overall
    (337)
    Performance
    (89)
    Story
    (93)

    When the most important statesman of the 21st century disappears on Mars, the only hope of preventing interplanetary war lies in a ham actor's ability to impersonate the missing leader well enough to fool two worlds!

    William says: "More worthy of a listen than a read"
    "Perfectly Heinlein, perfectly audiobook"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Where does Double Star rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    This is the best audio book sci-fi I've got. It's been my son's favorite book and the book that first got him interested in science.


    What other book might you compare Double Star to and why?

    Catch Me if you Can, with the difference that this book is something a reader should aspire to be rather than see as a bad example.


    What about Lloyd James’s performance did you like?

    His voice narration is bedtime story smooth and perfect.


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

    Choose your friends carefully, they will make you who you are.


    Any additional comments?

    Favorite book with a favorite narrator, sometimes the world just lines up right.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Confessions of a Sociopath: A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 10 mins)
    • By M. E. Thomas
    • Narrated By Bernadette Sullivan
    Overall
    (7)
    Performance
    (6)
    Story
    (6)

    As M. E. Thomas says of her fellow sociopaths, we are your neighbors, co-workers, and quite possibly the people closest to you: lovers, family, friends. Our risk-seeking behavior and general fearlessness are thrilling, our glibness and charm alluring. Our often quick wit and outside-the-box thinking make us appear intelligent - even brilliant. We climb the corporate ladder faster than the rest, and appear to have limitless self-confidence.... Who are we? We are highly successful, non-criminal sociopaths and we comprise 4% of the American population (that's 1 in 25 people!).

    Anne says: "Not Worth the Time"
    "If I could give my brain a long, hot shower"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What did you like best about Confessions of a Sociopath? What did you like least?

    I Loved the contradictions and internal disconnect -- I've rarely seen the concept of a person without empathy more clearly acted out. For someone to express that they are broken, abused and stunted while at the same time crowing that they are the apex and possibly an improved part of the human condition -- yes, that's these people at their most two dimensional. What I liked least was the lingering feeling of pity. The mood brought on by reading hung on after like a bad smell.


    Were the concepts of this book easy to follow, or were they too technical?

    The concepts were overexplained and the book could have gotten in and out in a much shorter time.


    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Parenting Beyond Belief: On Raising Ethical, Caring Kids Without Religion

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 13 mins)
    • By Dale McGowan
    • Narrated By Milton Bagby
    Overall
    (45)
    Performance
    (15)
    Story
    (16)

    Its hard enough to live a secular life in a religious world. And bringing up children without religious influence can be even more daunting. Despite the difficulties, a large and growing number of parents are choosing to raise their kids without religion.In Parenting Beyond Belief, Dale McGowan celebrates the freedom that comes with raising kids without formal indoctrination and advises parents on the most effective way to raise freethinking children.

    Melissa says: "I'm so glad I found this book"
    "Good reading for religious vegans."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What made the experience of listening to Parenting Beyond Belief the most enjoyable?

    I enjoyed the varieties of experience, many points of view within the nonbelieving community.


    Any additional comments?

    If you are looking for a book putting forward the virtues of the Freethinking experience, this is more of the reverse -- some of the strongest negative language is reserved for descriptions of groups of freethinkers. Interesting . . . .

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success

    • UNABRIDGED (11 hrs and 50 mins)
    • By Adam M. Grant, Ph.D.
    • Narrated By Brian Keith Davis
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (17)
    Performance
    (16)
    Story
    (13)

    For generations, we have focused on the individual drivers of success: passion, hard work, talent, and luck. But today, success is increasingly dependent on how we interact with others. It turns out that at work, most people operate as either takers, matchers, or givers. Whereas takers strive to get as much as possible from others and matchers aim to trade evenly, givers are the rare breed of people who contribute to others without expecting anything in return.

    Cynthia says: "Give ‘Til it Helps - Your Company"
    "A few real surprises"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to Give and Take again? Why?

    I'll be listening to this book again, at least once. I will be putting time into some changes based on the compassion fatigue concept and the lek concept -- really new ideas for me.


    Any additional comments?

    The idea that people don't burn out due to overwork but instead underwin -- I'm going to be putting that into action right away.

    3 of 3 people found this review helpful
  • A Killing Art: The Untold History of Tae Kwon Doe

    • UNABRIDGED (8 hrs and 26 mins)
    • By Alex Gillis
    • Narrated By Ramon De Ocampo
    Overall
    (1)
    Performance
    (1)
    Story
    (1)

    Obscure documents, Korean-language books, and in-depth interviews with tae kwon do pioneers tell the tale of the origin of the most popular martial art. In 1938, tae kwon do began at the end of a poker game in a tiny village in a remote corner of what is now North Korea by Choi Hong-Hi, who began the martial art, and his nemesis, Kim Un-Yong, who developed the Olympic style and became one of the most powerful, controversial men in sports. The story follows Choi from the 1938 poker game where he fought for his life, through high-class geisha houses where the art was named, and into the Vietnam War where the martial art evolved into a killing art. The techniques cut across all realms – from the late 1960s when tae kwon do trained Korean CIA agents kidnapped people in the United States and Europe to the 1970s when Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and other Hollywood stars mastered the art’s new kicks. Tae kwon do is also a martial art for the 21st century, one of merciless techniques, indomitable men, and justice pumped on steroids.

    Julia says: "This book deserves a movie"
    "This book deserves a movie"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

    There's all kinds of myth about the founding of Tae Kwon Do and the effect that ITF and WTF have now. If you want the underbelly, with lots of documentation, this is your book. You'll be going to resources again and again to supply some historical background for the events described, and you will read it again and again.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • The Message of You: Turn Your Life Story into a Money-Making Speaking Career

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 16 mins)
    • By Judy Carter
    • Narrated By Judy Carter
    Overall
    (2)
    Performance
    (2)
    Story
    (2)

    The Message of You begins with a simple belief - that your greatest speech already exists and that it has already been delivered in front of a live audience masterfully and powerfully by you. Best-selling author and international comic, Judy Carter sets out to prove that The Message of You is in the advice you give to your friends; in the lessons you teach your children; in the stories you tell your family. It's expressed through the volunteer work you do, the way you run your business, the way you turned your messes into successes.

    Julia says: "Not Just a Book, Online Support"
    "Not Just a Book, Online Support"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

    This was a book to work with in sections, and best with community, and the author provides a community online. Very well done.


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Dussie

    • UNABRIDGED (3 hrs and 49 mins)
    • By Nancy Springer
    • Narrated By Susan Hanfield
    Overall
    (1)
    Performance
    (1)
    Story
    (1)

    Dussie always knew puberty was going to be confusing, but she never realized it was going to be catastrophic - until she wakes up one morning to find that her hair has turned into a writhing mass of slithering snakes and discovers the real truth about her family: her mother is a Gorgon--right out of Greek mythology--and she was named after her mother's younger sister, Medusa.

    Julia says: "Completely unexpected!"
    "Completely unexpected!"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What other book might you compare Dussie to and why?

    Any book by Eleanor Cameron, or Sylvia Waugh. There's a just next to of this reality, fully realized alternate reality to play in. People who love the Mennyms will enjoy this book.


    Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

    The ending was a choker, but in a good way.


    Any additional comments?

    I will be looking for more books by this author.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Divorce: The Middle-Aged Man's Survival Guide

    • UNABRIDGED (1 hr and 34 mins)
    • By Zackary Richards
    • Narrated By Zackary Richards
    Overall
    (1)
    Performance
    (1)
    Story
    (1)

    There are plenty of normal, decent women out there. This book isn't about them. This book is intended for the men who worked steadily over the last 20-plus years, helped their wives raise the kids, attended all their plays and sporting events, mowed the lawn, took out the garbage, fixed the sink, were patient and understanding during that "time of the month", and fully expected to be married for the rest of their lives. Then out of nowhere, the women they'd loved, honored, and cherished for the last two-plus decades couldn't stand the sight of them....

    Julia says: "My Mom Needed This Book"
    "My Mom Needed This Book"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

    This is a blue collar flavored tale. Part of the time I thought he was running some sort of Colbert Report, making a character and half the time I thought he was serious. Every time he mentioned "that time of the month" I certainly gritted my teeth.


    What did you learn from Divorce: The Middle-Aged Man's Survival Guide that you would use in your daily life?

    When someone suddenly can't stand the sight of you and you can't even figure out who this person is and where the person you love went, consider the possibility that they are experiencing guilt at the very sight of you. My mom knew this. She used to say "The thing about mudslinging, mud sticks best to clean skin." Great advice. Wish she had taken it for herself, right at the beginning of my parent's struggles.


    Any additional comments?

    Men can deal with the situations described, I'm sure of it. However the women I know are more likely to deal with the problems mentioned. An eye opening look at the savage side of love.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  • Horses Never Lie, 2nd Edition: The Heart of Passive Leadership

    • UNABRIDGED (7 hrs and 6 mins)
    • By Mark Rashid
    • Narrated By Dan Lawson
    Overall
    (3)
    Performance
    (3)
    Story
    (3)

    A revolutionary approach to the techniques of working with horses, by a renowned instructor. In Horses Never Lie, renowned horse trainer Mark Rashid challenges the conventional wisdom of "alpha leadership" and teaches the listener to become a "passive leader" - a counterpart to the kind of horse other members of a herd choose to associate with and to follow. Applying Rashid’s principles and techniques helps cultivate horse personalities that are responsive and dependable regardless of the rider.

    Julia says: "First, determine whether your animal is a Horse."
    "First, determine whether your animal is a Horse."
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to Horses Never Lie, 2nd Edition again? Why?

    I'll be listening to this again and again. I'm a dog lover and grew up with horses. horses have "prey minds" dogs have "hunter minds" but the relationship between people and their animals has a lot of similarities. Listening to this book brought back the best of my history with horses and from there the author added a lot to think about.


    What did you like best about this story?

    This book isn't a "how to" book, it's a parable, with lessons told in the form of stories.


    Any additional comments?

    I'll be buying more of this author's books. Any one who teaches any being, including self teaching -- will benefit from this book.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy

    • UNABRIDGED (10 hrs and 58 mins)
    • By Emily Bazelon
    • Narrated By Rebecca Lowman
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (22)
    Performance
    (20)
    Story
    (20)

    Being a teenager has never been easy, but in recent years, with the rise of the Internet and social media, it has become exponentially more challenging. Bullying, once thought of as the province of queen bees and goons, has taken on new, complex, and insidious forms, as parents and educators know all too well. No author is better poised to explore this territory than Emily Bazelon, who has established herself as a leading voice on the social and legal aspects of teenage drama.

    Jeffrey says: "An excellent and cogent discussion of the topic."
    "Don't discard the bullies, they are children too"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you try another book from Emily Bazelon and/or Rebecca Lowman?

    No. I was listening imagining how this narrative would work if the setting was a home rather than a school -- criminal behavior should not be treated as such inside a school --bullies if caught have aftermaths and hurt too -- what about the anguish of the bully's parent's -- who knows if the anguish and suicide of victims is caused by bullying when the victims are chosen by their vulnerability -- doesn't it make bullying worse when helpless people are selected by bullies?


    Any additional comments?

    The pain of people targeted by bullying will be made more intense by this book. Bullies and their parents are unlikely to read it. I would have liked to think that we as a society had risen above such thinking.

    2 of 33 people found this review helpful
  • Barbarians of Wealth: Protecting Yourself from Todays Financial Attilas

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 26 mins)
    • By Sandy Franks, Sara Nunnally
    • Narrated By Jo Anna Perrin
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (2)
    Performance
    (2)
    Story
    (2)

    How the actions of a few in Europe destroyed the prosperity of the many (and how it's happening again now in America). After the fall of the Roman Empire, vicious barbaric tribes including the Hunds lead by Atilla, the Mongols, Charlemagne and the Vikings invaded Europe, plundering property and destroying homes. But, they didn't just steal and destroy property in the villages; they also stole and destroyed any prosperity the villagers had previously enjoyed.

    Julia says: "Antiquated rules of behavior pointed out; mocked"
    "Antiquated rules of behavior pointed out; mocked"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    What was one of the most memorable moments of Barbarians of Wealth?

    The discussion of the deep level of security that surrounded the creation of the Federal Reserve. Today -- nothing like that would be possible. This book does not cover the creation as "how demonically clever these men are" but more as if she was creating an introductory paragraph for a Fail blog.


    What does Jo Anna Perrin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    There's a dismay and "grandpa's got gravy on his tie" embarrassment for the current people in power that comes across so well in her vocal delivery that might be missed in print.


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

    "Fakers gotta fake". The comparison between people and institutions that actually moved society forward and people who scooped off the best bits for themselves could not be more stark.


    Any additional comments?

    The last sixth of the book contains some action plans, which are useful as far as they go, but the primary benefit of this book is the magician's reveal; once you know how the trick was done you won't ever be clapping and admiring the people who put themselves on stage ever again.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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