"Great start, slow middle, bloody long finish..."
The first part of this story was brilliant. The references were funny but.... towards the middle where it jumps into a short story not associated with the actual story, the enjoyment factor started to plummet...
I would certainly listen to the first half but maybe skip the second.
Made the second half more like the first...
"Unchanging foolish desires of man"
Wow... just finished listening to this book, penned over 75yrs ago, and am amazed to think how little the desires of men have changed, nor what we are willing to give up to obtain said desires. In the journey for happiness, stability and pleasure, what would you be willing to give up?
Science? It delivers us new possibilities, solutions to existing problems and the tools with which we can redesign our world and our place in it. But with this ability is destabilises societies between the haves and the have nots. It bends and breaks the ability of those enforcing and defining the process of our socialisation.
High art? It enables radical redefinition of our views of this world. The creativity seeks to push the boundaries of our preconceived notions, while opening us up to the potential and promise of imagined futures. With these promises, can we continue to be happy with what we have, or will will be willing to throw it all away for the promise of something better?
Religion? With faith people are giving an inner power of self belief. Their position is solidified within their society, and their approach on life becomes justified thanks to their connection to the historical links within their religion. And yet, divisive beliefs set upon the foundations of faith result in immovable forces constantly clashing, with all views seeking domination, validation, and acceptance. From these basic desires comes some of the ugliest destruction of humanity and simultaneously, the most beautiful creations of high art.
So in this journey of life where happiness, stability and pleasure is what we seek, perhaps we should hope that we never find it. Instead, let us enjoy the roller coaster that life brings with all the colour, light and shade of the experiences we gain. Let us laugh and cry, dream and discover, destroy and create.
While we may never truly obtain happiness, stability nor pleasure, the whispers of them we do find will make life worthwhile, and the journey worth pursuing...
Looks like it is time for me to get another coffee... :-)
"Of course it was brilliant"
When it comes to actually getting someone to sing the song of the dwarfs and the elves, it is something that simply cant be done in your head when reading it.
A great journey, and a brilliant story.
Very steady, very rich timber in his voice. Perfect for dwarfs.
"Fantastic story, but far too short..."
Loved the character development and the rapid fire pace that the story generated, but the experience was over far too soon. Would have loved another 10 hrs+ (or few books) regarding this character. Perhaps the author could write a prequel... :-)
Creative use of the mind.
"Politics might be required, but maybe a bit much"
It is an integral part of the entire series, and like a stock that is simmered for hours on bones and simple veg, I am sure it will provide a rich flavour for the rest of the series...
Expansion of the tree cat role in the story.
"Took me 10yrs to find but worth the effort"
While going through the reviews on this book I found out that this was a "classic" that had to be read. While most things these days that are 10yrs old (tech wise) can be pretty out dated, I found this book (and the reading) to be bloody fantastic!!
If you have never heard of this book (like me a week ago) or have never heard of Neil Gaiman (like me until his Dr. Who episode), this is a must read! Hell, this is a must read for anyone interested in social influence, as the creative journey taken in this book highlights the complex web of historical influence (not just in America, but worldwide).
I am really glad I found this book, and as a full cast edition..... brilliant!
"So damm good!"
This its the perfect voice for the best parent book ever. Of course it did not hurt that the book was free...
"Enjoyed the thought process"
Really worth while read. Seems very short, but I did listen to it all in one go.
"Good start, low stamina"
I really enjoyed the first half of this book, but found the last few hours a little repetitive.
Would suggest that it is worth listening to, but if you believe in the power of an unrestricted market, then you would have already accepted the major concept in this book.