"Don't Bother"
If you've been in sales for more that 15 minutes, you should already know what this is about. 99% of this information is sales 101. If you are a beginner, some of it (that isn't basic common sense) should be helpful to you. What is most frustrating is that each segment is a sales pitch from the presenter itself. Save your money and listen to your sales manager!
"Better than the 21 min version"
Basically the same content as the 21 minute version however this is Cialdini delivering the information in a speech. Audio quality leaves a bit to be desired but the content is superb.
"Money well spent"
Short and sweet. If you are in sales or negotiate on a regular basis, this is a must read!
"Highly entertaining"
I'm a Tony Bourdain fan from his TV shows and enjoy his dry, sarcastic sense of humor. The book is writen in this style and the naration (done by Bourdain) makes it that much better. This isn't a gross-out tell all type of book (as the author freely admits in the prologue) but some of my eating habits have changed. Wonderfully entertaining and worth every penny.
"Interesting-ish"
This book seems to be written as an attempt to help couples on the rocks save their marriages. If you don't know or understand the basic principals of this book, I highly doubt this will be the fix you are looking for. On the other hand, if you have a good relationship and are looking to make it better, this should help do the trick. Be prepared for the authors strong southern drawl and some cheesy ideas. As with most "how-to" books, personal adaptation is the key.
"Interesting but painful."
Never have a heard so much self praise and effort dedicated to making one's self look brilliant. While the notion of the book is interesting, the authors style is wretched. Information is repeated ad nauseum and many references ask for giant leeps in logic to follow. The only reason this book gets more than one star from me is because the information is somewhat viable and merits thought. If an executive summary exists, get that and save yourself the painful experience otherwise.
"Spectacular"
Goodwin provides a level of detail not readily available on the subject in such consise format. While so much has been written and discussed regarding the 16th president, this unusual angle really rounds out the picture. His mastery of human emotion and political skill can truly be apprciated when you understand the genious and challenges of surrounding yourself with your largest rivals. Imagine a modern politician doing something like that!!!!!
"Well Done!"
No question why the author is so well respected by so many people. I missed the television series on John Adams and found several people talking about it and didn't want to be left out. Not wanting to listen through the 19 hours of the full version, I was very pleased with the abridged edition and didn't feel like it was left out at any point. Water cooler discussion will be much easier now!
"Classic History"
There is a reasaon that the author is considered a living legend by many. If you are interested in Revolutionary war history this is a must. The authour's cadance and delivery match perfectly for the subject matter and make listening fly by. The only reason I gave this 4 stares as opposed to five is that I wanted more information about the individuals, battles, and circumstances that he describes. On all other accounts this is a masterpiece.
"Best read by a professional"
Like some of the other comments here, this won't be a source of detailed financial planning advice, however, I don't believe the author intended it as such. The best frame of mind for this book is someone looking for a 35000 ft. overview of how to think about retirement goals. It would be a good read for a transaction oriented broker looking for pointers on how to converse with client about retirement goals in language other than raw numbers and returns. As an individual there is no such thing as a DIY retirment planning manual and anyone searching for one is bound to be greatly dissapointed by anything held out as such.
"Don't pass this up!"
If you enjoy non-fiction but want it to be interesting this is a great choice. The format of the book and the author's style read more like a novel. The narration is top quality if not over-acted in some spots but overall a great listen end to end. Anyone with at least a passing interest in WWII history or untold stories should get a kick out of this.