Brazil

The Troubled Rise of a Global Power

By: Michael Reid

Narrated by: Michael Healy

Length: 16 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Experts believe that Brazil, the world's fifth largest country and its seventh largest economy, will be one of the most important global powers by the year 2030. Yet far more attention has been paid to the other rising behemoths: Russia, India, and China. Often ignored and underappreciated, Brazil, according to renowned, award-winning journalist Michael Reid, has finally begun to live up to its potential but faces important challenges before it becomes a nation of substantial global significance. >After decades of military rule, the fourth most populous democracy enjoyed effective reformist leadership that tamed inflation, opened the country up to trade, and addressed poverty and other social issues, enabling Brazil to become more of an essential participant in global affairs. But as it prepares to host the 2016 Olympics, Brazil has been rocked by mass protest.

©2014 Michael Reid (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A thorough study deeply informed by on-the-ground reporting." ( Kirkus)

A comprehensive history

The information was very thorough. However, not all events stayed in chronological order, which made it confusing at times. The narrator could have used some coaching on how to properly pronounce the Portuguese terminology and names, but, overall it was a very enjoyable experience and I learned a lot about the background of the problems Brazil faces today.

Very good and informative

The book is comprehensive and we'll written. It reveals the main virtues and vices of Brazilian society and it's origins.

Emphasis on economics

Pretty thorough and evenhanded. Wish there was an update through the Bolsinaro period and the recent election.

Good short history of Brazil, lame pronunciation

This is definitely a good book on Brazil, but as other reviewers mentioned, the reader’s pronunciation of Portuguese/Brazilian names and words is pathetic and distracting, at least for those who know the right pronunciation.

Mr. Healy obviously did not take the care and regard to try to learn at least the approximation. It’s almost like he intends to butcher it throughout the book.

good, bad pronunciation though

maybe the narrator could take a few lessons in Portuguese pronunciation. It was hard to understand the words he was saying till they translated it and I went ooooh, that's what he was trying to say.

Well researched and full of content

Well researched and full of content. The author knows Brazil very well and is able to speak to both the past and present.

Terrific read and listen

Very insightful and comprehensive work on a fascination nation that is Brazil.... must read for those with an interest in emerging nations of the world

2016 is a perfect time to read/listen to this.

If you could sum up Brazil in three words, what would they be?

Complex, Relevant, Enticing

What did you like best about this story?

The reading was solid, and as an audio listen, it worked well.

Which scene was your favorite?

Lula and Dilma Rouseff relationship

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Lula's childhood was grim - shaped his politics.

Beware: terrible narrator!

The worst narrator ever! If you see the name of Michael Healy on an audiobook, run away from it. His voice emanates high boredom and what's worse in this case, he murdered all Brazilian words in the text. Pronunciation of foreign words can be easily checked online--if one only bothers to care.
The book itself was interesting, which was why I finished it despite that horrible narrator.