The Greatest Rescue Mission in Navy SEAL HistoryBy: Stephan TaltyNarrated by: Henry StrozierLength: 11 hrs and 17 mins This chronicling of the struggles of an American airman behind enemy lines was excellent, yet I found it difficult to fully engage with. This surprised me, considering I typically value this type of reading material. One aspect…
Author: Verse
12 Strong: Response
The Declassified True Story of the Horse SoldiersBy: Doug StantonNarrated by: Jack GarrettLength: 16 hrs and 40 mins 9/11, how do we respond? While I’ve followed the unfolding of the war in Afghanistan throughout my lifetime, I hadn’t delved deeply into the initial actions against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. I found the personal narratives and tactical operations…
Rhythm of War: Siege of the Mind and Body
Book Four of The Stormlight ArchiveBy: Brandon SandersonNarrated by: Kate Reading, Michael KramerSeries: Stormlight Archive, Book 4Length: 57 hrs and 26 mins Describing the highs and lows of this fourth epic installment in the series is no small feat. Especially without spoiling it for the future reader. While previous entries in the series introduced novel concepts, much remained veiled…
Six days of War: David and Goliath?
June 1967 and the Making of the Modern Middle EastBy: Michael B. OrenNarrated by: Robert WhitfieldLength: 17 hrs and 53 mins When ensconced amid the tumult of battle and yet emerge triumphant from all quarters, the Israeli army stands as an emblem of victory. As I perused these accounts, what struck me with profound admiration…
The Constitution of Knowledge: Facts and Communication
A Defense of TruthBy: Jonathan RauchNarrated by: Traber BurnsLength: 12 hrs and 23 mins Our public discourse is polarized and filled with misinformation, urging us to reassess our methods. Jonathan Rauch stresses evidence and reasoned argument as essential. By prioritizing critical thinking and diverse perspectives, we can improve our discourse and seek truth effectively. An…
The Dictionary of Lost Words: Flash in the Pan
By: Pip WilliamsNarrated by: Pippa Bennett-WarnerLength: 11 hrs and 11 mins Great book that that died to an agenda. This maybe great for some, but lost me halfway through. Two poor books in a row…Moscow where art thou.
Mycroft Holmes: Fluff and nonsense
By: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Anna WaterhouseNarrated by: Damian LynchSeries: Mycroft Holmes and Sherlock, Book 1Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins There are those moments where you follow up the great with the ghastly. This book surprised me at how empty it was. Not a bad book, but after a Gentleman in Moscow this book needs some…
A Gentleman in Moscow: Oh, the Prose
By: Amor TowlesNarrated by: Nicholas Guy SmithLength: 17 hrs and 52 mins When I look back at beautiful books, this will be one of them. A man: a single thread weaving in and out of moments in the tapestry time, observing the destruction of a great society. Brevity, is my tribute.
The Crusades: The War of Great Societies
The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy LandBy: Thomas AsbridgeNarrated by: Derek PerkinsLength: 25 hrs and 32 mins While relying solely on one source for insight into a complex subject inevitably invites bias, Asbridge’s exploration of the world of knights and sheiks offers a multifaceted perspective. His approach is characterized by a thorough…
The Right Stuff: Good at being Lucky
By: Tom WolfeNarrated by: Dennis QuaidLength: 15 hrs and 42 mins Wolfe does an excellent job bringing a perspective to the dangerous and often foolhardy life of the flyers who pioneered the American space program. He cut through the mosque of the right stuff to find those who were good at being lucky. Those who…
Heirs of the Founders: Diatribe and Discourse
The Epic Rivalry of Henry Clay, John Calhoun and Daniel Webster, the Second Generation of American GiantsBy: H. W. BrandsLength: 14 hrs and 55 minsJohn C. Calhoun, Henry Clay, and Daniel Webster: These three political strategists stood as stalwart pillars in the childhood of our American system. In the tumult of a young nation grappling…
Crash Dive: Sub Action
By: Craig DiLouieNarrated by: R.C. BrayLength: 29 hrs and 11 minsSeries: Crash Dive Series, Book 1-6Language: English This set of six books provided a compelling contrast to “Thunder Below,” which I completed a month ago. Despite the fictional nature of the main character’s submarine adventures, the author skillfully grounded the narrative in reality. With some familiarity with the…