Jordan D. Robins

A world I knew nothing about.

Reviewed: 12-16-24

A fascinating look at a world that is both familiar and alien to us. A compelling story of personal conviction, triumph and tragedy. Absolutely worth a look if you enjoy history and revel in relevant historical world building.

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A lovely story about a man out of time...

Reviewed: 05-31-20

A great and beautiful read that I found particularly uplifting in a time of quarantine. The performance is excellent and the characters are charming and human.

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Free was too much...

Reviewed: 01-04-20

Ok, let me start by saying that we finished this book. Actually, let me rephrase, this book happened to us.

"Found a thriller for our drive across the desert" I said.

"The story of an FBI agent trying to find her dead sisters killer? Intriguing." my wife said.

Sadly we were both mistaken. It was neither thrilling nor was it about anything to do with that description or the title of the book.

There were a number of moments when we should have bailed out. Most notably when only the first and last 10 minutes had anything to do with the finding of said sisters killer. But like weary passengers on a 747 plummeting to earth we batted the oxygen masks away and reassured one other that this was going to be a smooth landing, somehow.

You may be asking yourself, "Then what could possibly be in the other 67 chapters?".

Without any spoilers we respond: incomprehensible dialogue, illogical plot points, silly inventions, the most hapless international organizations, demonstrably idiotic super geniuses and one chapter all about power lifting.

The author seemed not to know where this book was headed in either the macro or the micro sense. If a device would solve a problem it would appear in a noxious cloud of exposition. Need an appointment for something tomorrow that required a years advance notice? No problem, this stranger introduced in chapter 2, and not mentioned again for 46 chapters, will appear with said McGuffin. want a cold beer after hiking in 120 degree heat? Sure, I have a freeze sleeze in my go bag that I always keep with me, that just happens to always be cold, after we have been hiking for a day and a half.

Sometimes we were madder because the McGuffin was so unnecessary, although a load lifting exo-suit has made it's way onto our christmas wish list.

We aren't sure if the author liked the protagonist at all. As my wife said "It was very refreshing to hear a man's idea of a strong woman was a homely, beer drinking power lifter with stupid tattoos and aggression issues or a matronly mother of 6 who spent her whole life as a secretary and then grew into... continuing to be a secretary..."

The attempt to make our hero look intelligent requires an incredible amount of intellectual flexibility. Everyone in the room for the climax is so incompetent one begins to wonder if there wasn't a gas leak in the building as all parties exhibit a complete misunderstanding of basic language, the definition of negotiation or how leverage works.

Truly, none of the characters should be allowed any authority nor am I confident they would be capable of discerning a hole in the ground from certain orifices.

Lest you believe us to be cynical, this line is spoken unironically:
"How did it go with that whole nuke thing?"

That is spoken by our love interest who has the delivery and poingnent elegance of Lenny from Of Mice and Men...but he sure looks good in shorts and a tank top.

I will say the female who voices the book was very good and did a lot with what little she had to work with.

To summarize, we thought very little of this book.

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2 people found this helpful

First order reading

Reviewed: 09-22-19

I loved this book. It helped that I was listening while reorganizing my garage workshop but that isn't required. Insightful, funny, intimate and endearing Mr Savage has compiled a list of autobiographical stories, encouragement and joy into a book I'm sure I will pick up again to lift my spirits and get me making. if you make, create or just enjoy his antics on tv or Tested you will certainly find something worthwhile in this book.

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A favorite from my adolescence

Reviewed: 12-18-18

This was one of the books that got me interested in reading when I was young.

Going back years later I was surprised by how much I still enjoyed the story of Brian and his Hatchet.

A great read for young people who enjoy an adventure story.

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Great book for new wood workers...

Reviewed: 06-04-18

Offerman writes candidly and lovingly about the crew at his Offerman woodshop and his personal inspirations.

Funny and very heartfelt this was an enjoyable read from start to finish.

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