200,000 Miles aboard the Destroyer Cotten

De: C. Snelling Robinson

Narrado por: James Killavey

In mid-1943, Snelling Robinson joined the crew of the Fletcher class destroyer USS Cotten as a newly commissioned ensign. The Cotten sailed to Pearl Harbor in time to join the Fifth Fleet. Under the command of Admiral Raymond Spruance, the Fifth Fleet participated in the invasions of Tarawa and Iwo Jima and several naval battles in the Philippine Sea and the Leyte Gulf. Robinson writes from the perspective of a young naval officer and integrates this with the background of the larger conflict, including the politics of command.

©2000 The Kent State University Press (P)2014 Redwood Audiobooks

Excellent

What did you love best about 200,000 Miles aboard the Destroyer Cotten?

The sense of Immediacy ... felt like I was there.

What other book might you compare 200,000 Miles aboard the Destroyer Cotten to and why?

The Wrong Stuff, which was about bombers in WW II but was also a very well written first person "You are there" type narrative.

What about James Killavey’s performance did you like?

Read it well without getting over emotional. Kept "in the background" and let the author's words speak for themselves. This is the kind of narration I like. The narrator reads well and intelligently while keeping the focus on the story not on his "performance."

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No way...too long.

Any additional comments?

A very enjoyable and enlightening listening experience.

Distracting, Amateurish Narration

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Not at all! The narration was so annoying that I couldn't enjoy the book. I'll get a copy on Kindle so that I can read what I'm sure is a worthy book.

What didn’t you like about James Killavey’s performance?

While I know that Killavey is an experienced narrator, he sounded rather pompous... his pronunciation of certain words "Boston" for example was annoyingly unusual and he really didn't vary his tone. In short his performance ruined the book for me. BTW this is the first significantly negative review I've written after 14 years with Audible,

Was 200,000 Miles aboard the Destroyer Cotten worth the listening time?

No... not as narrated,

Narrator

It seems to be a good book but the narration is stilted. I hope I can make it to the end. Needs a narrator that can bring it to life, makes you want to listen.

Impressive

This is a memoir of C. Snelling Robinson. In June 1943, Robinson was a twenty year old Harvard graduate (ROTC) and a newly commissioned Ensign. He was assigned to the pre-commissioning crew of the Fletcher class destroyer USS Cotton. The USS Cotton was assigned to the Fifth Fleet under the command of Admiral Raymond Spruance. The Fleet with USS Cotton invaded Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands on November 19, 1943.

The book covers Robinson’s three years aboard the USS Cotton (DD669). The Cotton was in some of the bloodiest battles in the United States Naval history, the forcible amphibious assault landings at Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima and the enormous Fleet engagements in the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf.

Robinson describes what life aboard the Cotton was like and the workings of the destroyer and its role in the Fleet. The book is well written but at time bogs down in the details of seamanship and life aboard the destroyer.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in WWII history in the Pacific. James Killavey narrated the book.

One of the best

Would you listen to 200,000 Miles aboard the Destroyer Cotten again? Why?

Yes. My husband is in the Navy and I really enjoy this kind of book..although that was then and this is now....thank goodness!

What was one of the most memorable moments of 200,000 Miles aboard the Destroyer Cotten?

When those enemy suicide planes attacked for the first time.

Have you listened to any of James Killavey’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have. He's very good.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

A bit of both. Laughter especially when the war ended and the occupation began.

Any additional comments?

Just a good overall experience.

Is this a human or a computer voice?

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I could not continue to the monotone voice of the reader. It sound almost computer generated. Make sure you listen to a sample before downloading

For fans of military tales

Have you listened to any of James Killavey’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first time I have listened to a performance by James Killavey. I found his voice to be perfect for the type of story being told. He has a certain poise and weight to his manner of speaking that heightened the drama of the life and turmoil at sea. It seemed both appropriately "naval" and dramatic.

Any additional comments?

I grew up a Navy brat, so stories of the military and the Navy have always fascinated me. World War II has given us so many tales that it's become a huge touchstone of our culture.

200,000 Miles not only has it's own unique stories to tell, but it's story weaves in with many narratives of WWII that most of us are familiar with. If you're a fan of military tales than this is certainly a must listen.

Improves in the last third

The narration did not add to the book. Unlike many books that fizzle out at the end, this one actually improved over the last third of the story. Maybe this is because it became a story vs a description of the boat.

Fascinating

Would you consider the audio edition of 200,000 Miles aboard the Destroyer Cotten to be better than the print version?

My vision isn't what it used to be. Audiobooks are the way to go for me know.

What did you like best about this story?

My husband was in the Navy during the war but never talked about it much.
This is a bit like a wonderful look into his past.

What about James Killavey’s performance did you like?

Very nice job.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both...laughter mostly at the end during the occupation. Boys will be boys, I suppose.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book immensely. One of the little perks about getting old is I'll probably forget most of it in a few months, and then can enjoy it again!

Loved it.

Would you listen to 200,000 Miles aboard the Destroyer Cotten again? Why?

Yes..former Navy man. Brought back many memories.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author, of course.

Have you listened to any of James Killavey’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have...He's on my list of favorite narrators. As usual, did a good job.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The incredible destruction caused by the Kamikazes. what a tragedy...on both sides. hard to comprehend.

Any additional comments?

A very enjoyable listening experience. Well written and well read.