This Town

Two Parties and a Funeral-Plus, Plenty of Valet Parking!-in America’s Gilded Capital

De: Mark Leibovich

Narrado por: Joe Barrett

One of the nation's most acclaimed journalists, the New York Times' Mark Leibovich, presents a blistering, penetrating, controversial--and often hysterical--look at Washington's incestuous "media industrial complex."

This Town

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

Overall this was a good story. Not that many revelations but well a thought out book. Clearly something has went off the tracks in Washington DC, it is also clear that the overriding cause is money and the role it plays in American politics Without regard to Party or philosophical leanings, money has corrupted for the most part everyone engaged in government.

The other major issue as I see it is the press and their decision to walk away from actual reporting so as not to offend the ruling class and their corporate advertising clients. This book touches on this problem. For the most part, authors have been unwilling to point out their own role in the disintegration of American politics.

I'm a person that tries to read at least 4 news papers every day and have been doing so for some time and have witnessed this problem gradually manifest itself. It has been like the example of a frog in a pot of water on the stove. Unfortunately more and more people get their news from Comedy Central rather than the 6 PM news. Part of this has to do with the shot callers at networks and Editors of newspapers promoting news casters and print journalist based on reasons other than their journalistic ability. This has resulted in the dumbing down of content, I'm not sure if this is done for the audience or the walking haircuts now considered journalist. Another factor has been sites like Politico that turns politics into a celebrity game show like US or People is for movie stars. Politics should be treated different than Hollywood. The author does just that in this book and that is why I am recommending it.

Would I recommend it? yes

Would you be willing to try another book from Mark Leibovich? Why or why not?

Yes, I thought he was good author.

What about Joe Barrett’s performance did you like?

Yes, flawless.

Did This Town inspire you to do anything?

It actually made me more despondent in regards to the ruling elites of both Parties.

Any additional comments?

This was my first Audible book. The presenter did a great job but I still like books better for some reason.

breezy, hilarious tour of DC

What made the experience of listening to This Town the most enjoyable?

The use of actual events to illustrate the incestuous, incredible vanities at play in the capital.

What did you like best about this story?

Mark Leibovich's informed sarcasm. LOL.

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

Barrett, who fronts dozens of Audible's best reads, has never been better. I can think of many, many authors who read their own material, who should defer to this pro.

Any additional comments?

My fave audiobook of the last 30.

Interesting Peek Behind the Political Curtain

Leibovich provides an interesting look into the world of politics in Washington, D.C. with the perspective of an insider who's usually an observer of those who wield the power. The story flowed well and did a very good job of explaining how everything and everyone in D.C. are (incestuously?) related and connected. For political junkies and lovers of the TV Series, The West Wing, this book will provide a thrill that shows what makes Washington tick.

Definitely worth reading if you're interested in American politics!

Fun Memories

Such a fun writer, I’m 89, and remember these public characters!
Leibovich reminds us that we as a
PEOPLE are a lot ah like and should not take ourselves so seriously

Depressing but informative

Why don't things seem to work in America any more? The author, a Washington insider, dishes on his friends and sources to provide this glimpse into the world of the privileged charged with the people's business. He reveals specifics of their concern with image, connection and fortune while ignoring the fate of our nation.