kurt

This is an average Dorsey read. The first three hours of the book could be eliminated or condensed down to fifteen minutes and wasn’t really relevant to the main stories in the book. Again, it’s something to read if you want to get through all of the “Serge” series, but save this one for the bottom of the list.

I like automobiles. I was surprised when I listened to this book, thought back to the glowing reviews and surmised there must be a disconnect somewhere. While the book was interesting for the most part to listen to, it rambled on about barely Yugo related subjects like Yugoslavian politics. Yes, some political facts are necessary to present a full picture, but to blither on about country politics, for me, just didn’t add anything to the book. If one removes all of the excess detail that was provided about the people and places that Yugo touched, the book would be reduced by half and probably be a more interesting listen. Luckily, I have long drives with the patience to get through it all.

This is an excellent book if you enjoy it when the protagonist seems to sink deeper into situations that seem impossible to get out of. Listening to this book had me on the edge of my driver’s seat most of the time. Very suspenseful and kept me wondering how the story would conclude from the first twenty minutes.

So the author has an unusual view of marriage with and equally peculiar story to go with it - one perspective in a billion. I listened to it, but thankfully it was free. I can’t imagine paying to listen to anything Ann would have to say about relationships, marriage or love.

While this book kept my interest, I really wouldn’t call it Rob’s “inner circle stories” as the title might suggest. It was more like a sanitized collection of events from his life as he remembered it and nothing more. It was cool that he read it himself.

I was never a Rob fan and really couldn’t relate to all of his career events he participated in - I barely remembered he was in an Austin Powers movie. He really glossed over the “rough” times in his life and really only gave a name dropping career synopsis. Unless this book is cheap, free or you’re a rabid fan… skip it.

I enjoy Dorsey's and Hiaasen’s FL themed books with all of the craziness that goes with the territory. For the first time ever, I had trouble concentrating on this book and found my mind wandering. Take this as a clue. Tim’s storytelling seemed to be all over the place and the overall flow just isn’t there like in his other books. One annoying factor is how he resurrected Coleman doing it through narration which offers an odd taste from the appetizer tray of story events.

I usually don’t comment of the technical aspects of an audio book, but the editing between chapters is terrible. Hardly a millisecond goes by when George finishes the last sentence of a chapter and he’s announcing the next one – very odd and abrupt especially for a listening audience.

If you have listened to any of Tim Dorsey’s books, you might as well listen to this one if for nothing else than to have another notch on your Dorsey belt.

I had read this before on paper, tried it again in audio and I can say that while it’s a good listen, it’s not Carl’s best work. It’s interesting to know Chemo’s background and how he gets his hand ripped off as he later appears in “Star Island.” This book is worth listening to if you enjoy Mr. Hiaasen’s entertaining warped sense of humor.

Maybe it’s just me, but I didn’t find this a very good use of 42 minutes. The story didn’t really go anywhere. I’m a big mystery reader and while I thought this short story might have a satisfying ending, it left me hanging and not in a good way like a cliff-hanger. I’ve read amateur short stories that were better than this one. Even with the free sticker price, it’s not worth it.

This book is nothing more than Surge reflux. If you have read any of Tim’s other books, you have already encountered the antics in this one. There is nothing new or enjoyable about this book and it does indeed seem like a rushed creation. If it’s a goal to read every one of Dorsey’s novels then save this one for last because it’s guaranteed to disappoint.

Could this be an indication that Mr. Dorsey is burned out?

This reading kept my interest all the way through except for the last 20 minutes. I’m not an Apple fan by a long shot, but I do appreciate the lives of winners. This book was interesting from the aspect of Steve’s highs and lows in his career and how charisma, persistence, a sharp mind and lady luck can create a Midas persona. It really didn’t address any leadership nuggets except Steve’s particular style which would be hard for anyone to mimic.

The last 20 minutes is where the book takes a turn for the worse. Mr. Elliot shifts gears and expounds on his own ventures after he is detached from Steve’s hip – all of which are failures. I’m not sure what he’s trying to prove by including this in his book except that maybe it is utterly impossible to emulate Jobs’ entrepreneurial leadership. If you are looking for a different perspective into Steve Jobs, then this is a good book to listen to. If, on the other hand, you are looking for some amazing leadership tips and tricks from a master, you will be disappointed.

On a side note, this book was purchased before Steve’s death and I listened to it after his passing.

This is one of the more memorable of Hiaasen’s books. George Wilson is a solid performer. I lived in Florida for a long time so I’m quite biased as I can relate to the people and places Carl describes. Most humor is based on truth and “Native Tongue” is real funny. If you’ve never lived in or visited Florida, then I can see how much of satire is wasted on the reader of this book.