Anonymous

If you're in awe of Kevin Smith this will appeal

Reviewed: 11-18-24

I'm not sure what life advice was being given here, to me it read like more of an autobiography. Mistaking being at the right place at the right time with the right people, for an intentional calculated act of self proclaimed genius is what most of this was. If you look up to Kevin Smith I'm sure you'll like the book and all his stories of hanging out stoned with celebrities. An entire section is dedicated to ranting about how much he hates Bruce Willis. Perhaps I had misplaced expectations but that was not what I anticipated via the book title or description.

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Could have been cut in half, would not read again

Reviewed: 11-18-24

With the number of times "due to limited historical documentation" is referenced, this book focuses on too many specific people and their situations from what little information really exists on the subject. Understandably, only the wealthy had access to written text so that is most of what this book is about. I had hoped for more of a macro focus on what was happening across Europe in those times from all socioeconomic levels, and that is not what this is. The first half of the book reads like a soap-opera of a few Lords and political leaders. They married, had concubines on the side, tired of spouses and got rid of them, rinse and repeat, for generations. Pretty much the same as exists today on the grocery store magazine rack. One short chapter on children and what they did, their roles, their education, etc.. A decent explanation of property ownership over the centuries and how it passed down through heirs, and then how the plague affected it. A large portion of the second half focuses only on Florence, and what seems like a census uncovered of the times. Far too much elaboration with too little information on one specific city, at one specific time. Would not read/listen again; an abridged version could easily be accomplished.

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Eye opening and historically enlightening

Reviewed: 09-21-23

The book is very good as showing the history of water in America, and how many problems we have created for ourselves in an attempt to control it. The political background gets a little over-detailed at times but it keeps moving. I was cautious of such a long audio book but I couldn't stop listening to this. From treaties and land purchases to politics over farming I found this book excellent. Not realizing how long ago this was written, it was nice to have updates at the end, but even those are out of date.

When I fly I now look at the country differently; seeing everywhere we have put a damn and what it has cost (financially, humanitarily, and in measures of nature). Even at the small lakes near home, knowing they were dammed for the sake of cottages and lakefront life changes the way I look at it. Look into current projects to tear down dams and restore habitats; the book does not get much into it but we are finally seeing the light.

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1 person found this helpful

Gruesome and sexually perverted, be ready for it.

Reviewed: 09-21-23

The crimes in the book are extreme in sexual nature, and while they do not go into extended detail, they are gruesome enough to make you cringe and wonder what mind came up with them. I thought the book was well done as is the mystery aspect of it.

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Good one-off, horribly fictional

Reviewed: 09-21-23

The Sherlock books I've read and listened to try to make it more realistic fiction, with real people and real situations. The story concocted here is so far fetched it made it hard to listen. Just when the plot started going one direction something magical and completely ridiculous would happen and send it in another direction. Apparently not my type of book.

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Really well done, wish it had a better ending

Reviewed: 09-21-23

Book went quickly and kept me wanting to continue on and hear more. I think they tried to be tricky with the ending but it really wasn't, but falling in love with the characters really leaves it hanging when it ends. Perhaps there is a sequel?

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Not entertaining unless you're in med school

Reviewed: 09-21-23

I was expecting some great stories about the neurological cases they dig into. Unfortunately there is very little story, and a whole lot of medical science detail that got super boring. Not bad info, just not entertaining whatsoever as an audio book.

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Best if you have a mind for this subject already

Reviewed: 09-21-23

Numbers do not transfer well into audio, and this book drags on with a lot of numerical information that can be hard to follow. I enjoyed it, but have a mind for math and this type of work. I would certainly recommend to anyone who has similar.

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I love this book, very motivating

Reviewed: 09-21-23

I love the history of running and hearing how others learn to embrace their gifts. Hearing how some come to coach and encourage others is amazing. I enjoyed every minute of this book.

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Amazing. Hard to believe this is true

Reviewed: 09-21-23

This book is extremely well done. Yes the names are difficult to track and I encourage the reader to write them out early on to keep straight the large family, but as it goes on you will pick them up. The atrocities that went on in that time are hard to believe for those who didn't exist then. To hear of a family splitting in so many directions as the war began and played out, how they survived, and then where they ended up after is incredible.

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