Nell

Yes. There was a depth to the philosophy that I would like to explore further. The language is magnificent. His skill as a poet creates a need to reread.


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It is impossible to select just one. All the characters develop and evolve with each incident.

He felt the energy of the story and understood each of the very diverse characters.

It is an artistic accomplishment that Robert Penn Warren creates a flawed character to be his first person narrator. The reader wants to reason with him as he weaves his own ironic philosophy into his account of the story. He not only reveals the true nature of the other characters, but his own struggles to understand his own existence. As a result, the reader comes to new conclusions about his own philosophy.

The intriguing details in this book of Obama's life prior to his entry into politics were a result of amazingly intricate research. Even street addresses of relatively minor characters are given, and many of Obama's far flung friends and family who are still alive were interviewed. These details were woven into a well told story that provided an intimate picture of the young man and insight into his present character. I have just acquired Dreams from my Father and, at this point, cannot decide which book should be read first. It is obvious from gentle comments in Maraniss' book that Obama's account of his life is told from the bias that is inevitable in personal memories of the past. This is true of everyone. I now plan to read other books by Obama himself.

Of course Obama himself was my favorite, but the stories involving his mother totally changed my view of her. Maraniss enables the reader to understand even flawed characters.

I have not, but his performance was excellent. I believe that only he could have pronounced the exotic names of people and places with such fluency

My reaction was not extreme other than the enjoyment I had in listening to it

The excellent writing of Charles Dickens.

Moby Dick. Both were extremely well written but excessively long.

He put great expression in his narration and I am sure the dialects were authentic, but he was very difficult to understand.

I am glad I selected this book regardless of the difficulty with the narration.

Yes. It is the first of an excellent series. I have read or listened to all books in that series. This should be a prerequisite to all the other novels as it is the delightful stlor of how Peabody and Emerson met and fell in love

All novels in the series are real page turners. There is a hook in each incident to lure the reader on.

Emerson

An unlikely love story of archeologists in ancient Egypt

Elizabeth Peters is a favorite author.

No. I will remember it.

Ann, herself.

I have enjoyed listening to two of her books.

Probably her trip to Mayo Clinic when she discovered the severity of her husband's illness.

I appreciated the Audible Christmas gift.

Yes. I have a bias in favor of audible editions because of some visual problems, but I would prefer this particular edition in any case.

The characterization was superb. I felt an understanding for the Puritanical father even though I disagreed with so many of his convictions. The other characters were presented also in depth.

The interpretations of each character through her renditions of the voice of each.

I would have enjoyed that, but I looked forward to each time I had opportunity to listen as a special treat.

As my title indicates, the in depth research along with a good fictional adaption provided a great way to gain historical insights.

This is a very long book and I have listened to it in short segments. It is very well written and magnificently researched but not easy to read. I needed to have a more thorough acquaintance with the names of the many minor generals to keep up with which army was prevailing. I am glad I persevered.

I have recently read Rise to Rebellion by Jeff Shaara and Mrs. Lincoln and Mrs. Keckly by Jennifer Fleischner which did not display as meticulous research but whose good research revealed a very personal touch.

There was a greater problem with the audio production than the narrator. The audio was harsh.

My favorite narrator is Barbara Rosenblat, but her talents would not be fully utilized in this narration.

No

No