J. Lee

Mr. Reilly does a beautiful job of bringing this classic to life. A story that digs into the human psyche and roots around till we see a clearer picture of ourselves. It is hard not to have a picture of Jack Nicholson as McMurphy in ones mind during this compelling story. Could we all be as crazy as McMurphy, things might be more fun around this blue ball we live on. This is a great listen.

Mr. Winchester does it again. Filled with incidental facts and in depth stories, this book delivers loads of information without feeling like a lecture. Krakatoa is an ongoing story, as it lives and is growing again. Simon Winchester uses his masterful voice to good effect, and leaves us with a greater understanding of the capricious power of nature that we all live under and with. I enjoyed this book very much and recommend it to all who love history and science.

This is an excellent addition of the other biographies and narratives of the civil war both post and pre. So much is added by the addition of the female perspective that Ms. Kearns Goodwin adds. I enjoyed the back fill of the stories of the men that shaped our country during such a crucial period of the formation of this country. The personality of Lincoln and his dogged principles are highlighted and fleshed out in such a manner as to complete our understanding of this great man, and his family. in a way not hitherto manifested in all the former works about him. I thoroughly enjoyed this reading and recommend it to any history lover out there.

Little can be said about this book that has not already been said. If you are not convinced that you need to listen to this book by now, there is little that I can say to move you. Of course there is Stephen Fry, that alone may move the more recalcitrant. This book transcends the literary heavens in the same way 50 shades of gray does not. Not that I listened to that book. :-0. Just saying. Please do yourself a favor as well as the galaxy and listen to this book. And for God's sake, don't panic!

This is a another great slice of history that fills out the narrative of the American experience. H.W. Brands does an excellent job of tying together the east and west formation of our country. The age of gold is a world changing event that moved masses of people around the world and set an example the echoed through the ages. This book puts in context the human nature that drives humanity to seek at all costs the hope of sudden riches. It explanes much about our world and leaves the reader wiser for the time spent listening. Highly recommended. The reader is unobtrusive if not spectacular.

Jon Meacham does an excellent job of fleshing out this most improbable of men. Jefferson, an amalgamation of conflicting desires and motives, that sometimes left him on the wrong side of history, was that man. This we can see now, as we have clear hindsight to guide us. Our third president, as with all makers of history, had no such guiding light. They had to deal with those inscrutable issues with only their current knowledge and life experience. It is easy for us to make judgements about behaviors, that today, seem unconscionable, but were not then even noticeable. Although, it was clear that Jefferson knew, even then, that slavery was a blot on our nation. Still, he could not muster the will do anything substantive about it.
The author takes pains to give us the context, as well as concurrent examples of the community expectations of the day in which Jefferson lived.
This is an excellent look at the founding of our country and the men that formed these United States, and to a great extent, the wider world, that we have evolved into.
As always, Ed Herrmann is a comfortable and familiar voice that makes listening to this book a pleasure.

Ignatius J. Reilly is one of the most interesting, fantastic and deluded characters in book I have ever listen to. As for me I am not aware of the intricacies of the New Orleans dialect and had no problems with the narrator. I was engrossed in the tragic and hilarious life of our victim of the conspiracy of the "dunces", he was so ruthlessly surrounded with. Funny, is a poor description of this tale, as the characters are both heartbreaking and humorous. I was not ready for the book to end and it is unfortunate that the author left this world without sharing more of his wit. At least we got this bit of his mind. Savor it.

I have listened to this book at least three times now and it is still one of the most enjoyable books I have ever experienced. The narrator is perfect for the time period and one soon forgets about him all together. This is really several books all in one. The plays and movies can never do justice to this story as it is so wide and deep that one would have to make a nine season television series on the BBC to cover it all. Listen to the book and then listen to it again. You will be rewarded with many things you missed on the first go around. All aspects of humanity are illuminated and thoroughly examined in Hugo's tireless style. Settle in and enjoy this book. It is worth every second.

This great little book tells an amazing story about the origins of the most famous dictionary in the world. Need I say it's name? In particular, the account of one of that magnificent tome's more colorful, if not infamous, contributors. One may not think the history of the making of a dictionary is likely to be very interesting, I assure you, it is. Well written and well spoken. I recommend it without reservation.

This is a nonfiction book but it is difficult to believe it to be so. The stories are so amazing, and the detail so complete that it strains credulity. Not to say that this book is not enjoyable, it is absolutely compelling and reads like a action novel. The characters are historical figures, as are the events,. The author claims this to be a scholarly work of history, I will therefor, give him the benefit of my doubts and suspend disbelief in this case. The is the history of the founding of the frontier and is a brutal and often disturbing narrative. I suppose is why it is so interesting. The Americans and the "Indians" are portrayed fairly in both harsh and flattering lights, there were few innocents in these times. It is clear that the Americans moved in on the aboriginal's land. I suppose little could be done about that, history is not fair, but the author does a pretty good job of telling it in a fair voice. As always, Ken Foley does a fine job in the narration. If you love history you will love this book.

When one thinks of the great presidents, Polk is usually not one of the names that floats to the surface. I believe, if more people understood what he did, and how his actions changed our country, he would be included as one of the most effective presidents that ever served. He is certainly one of the most tenacious in effecting his goals, and then leaving office after having done so in one term, despite the entreaties he received from his peers at the time to seek a second term. I think that we will never see such a straight forward president again, as the electorate would not tolerate it now. Vacillation being the preferred tendencies in today's candidates and elected officials. This book reads more like a novel, as the cast of characters is vast, and it encompasses such and eventful time in our young country's history. If you love history you should enjoy this book. Not a barn burner, but a good solid listen that will leave you well informed. The narration is good as is the writing. I recommend it.