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Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated The Joe Rogan Experience in Podcasts
Jan 8, 2018
Informative (2 more)
Great guest on all sorts of topics
MMA devoted episodes
What needs to be said about a pod that has over 1000 episodes??
I've been a fan of Joe Rogan for almost twenty years. His stand up comedy is some of the funniest shit I have ever heard. So naturally I become a fan of his podcast as well. Listening to Joe's chemistry with his guests and how well and articulate he speaks makes people forget he's also a full time color commentator for the UFC. The man has a wealth of knowledge at his Beck and call and he shows that. Keeping up with conversations involving astrophysicists, doctor's and Eddie Bravo(insert laugh track here).
His devotion to the pod can give listeners three to four new episodes a week. The vast library of episodes have something for everyone, including but not limited to comedians, doctors, fighters and other sports figures. Joe keeps the listener intrigued and involved and wanting more. Even if it's a goofy episode involving pod regulars and Fighter and the Kid podcasters Brian Called and Brendan Shaub, where the guys do nothing but drink, smoke weed and watch fights. They never just talk about the fights... They cover a wide variety of topics that are both serious and hilarious.
Ear candy for those who want to be informed...or misinformed... Depending how serious the episodes are.
Great podcast. In my top 5 for life.
His devotion to the pod can give listeners three to four new episodes a week. The vast library of episodes have something for everyone, including but not limited to comedians, doctors, fighters and other sports figures. Joe keeps the listener intrigued and involved and wanting more. Even if it's a goofy episode involving pod regulars and Fighter and the Kid podcasters Brian Called and Brendan Shaub, where the guys do nothing but drink, smoke weed and watch fights. They never just talk about the fights... They cover a wide variety of topics that are both serious and hilarious.
Ear candy for those who want to be informed...or misinformed... Depending how serious the episodes are.
Great podcast. In my top 5 for life.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated The Demon Next Door in Books
Apr 19, 2019
Informative but no depth
When audible originals offered this book up as part of their two free originals a month program, I just had to snag it. One of the weird quirks I have is that I hate mysteries, but I LOVE true crime. This 2 hour and 45-minute novella was right up my alley. When I was looking for something short to listen to, I decided that this something different than the romance books that I'm currently reading.
The information in this novella was interesting and well researched but still lacked depth. Most of the information that was presented in this book felt glossed over. One of the things I thought Bryan Burrough was exceptional at was not being too graphic about the crimes. Unfortunately, it seems that that lack of detail was present throughout the entire book. I would have loved to see more information about the background of the individuals and the town itself.
Something else that felt off in this audiobook was the narration. Steve White is an excellent narrator, but I don't feel that he was the right choice for this book. His intonations seemed to be too upbeat for a true crime novel about rape and murder. I would have preferred a more somber tone & his voice did not do this book justice.
All in all, this was an okay book. The details were interesting, but I wish that there would have been more depth to it.
The information in this novella was interesting and well researched but still lacked depth. Most of the information that was presented in this book felt glossed over. One of the things I thought Bryan Burrough was exceptional at was not being too graphic about the crimes. Unfortunately, it seems that that lack of detail was present throughout the entire book. I would have loved to see more information about the background of the individuals and the town itself.
Something else that felt off in this audiobook was the narration. Steve White is an excellent narrator, but I don't feel that he was the right choice for this book. His intonations seemed to be too upbeat for a true crime novel about rape and murder. I would have preferred a more somber tone & his voice did not do this book justice.
All in all, this was an okay book. The details were interesting, but I wish that there would have been more depth to it.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Engineered!: Engineering Design at Work in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Engineered! by Shannon Hunt is a great children’s non-fiction book. The book is clear, informative, nicely illustrated, detailed, and logically structured. From the Mars Rover to 3D printing to helping a herd of caribou and more, Engineered! dives into nine stories of modern engineering. Kids will learn about the engineering design process from defining the problem to sharing your solution with the world.
Each story highlights the key components of the design process, taking kids on the journey through different types of engineering (aerospace, biomedical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, civil, geomatics, computer, and environmental) from seeing a problem to creating effective solutions to implementing their ideas. Coupled with great illustrations, Engineered! is sure to be a favorite of any budding engineer!
There is a lot of information crammed onto each page (some pages easier to read than others, due to text size, background colour, and minimal spacing between lines of text). However, this is also works to an advantage, as there's a lot to take in on each page, with full pages of busy geometric-style illustrations. Each time you look at the images you'll be sure to find something different!
There is a helpful glossary at the end, which is useful to look back on if necessary, as there certainly is a lot of information to take in.
I received this ARC from Kids Can Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Each story highlights the key components of the design process, taking kids on the journey through different types of engineering (aerospace, biomedical, chemical, mechanical, electrical, civil, geomatics, computer, and environmental) from seeing a problem to creating effective solutions to implementing their ideas. Coupled with great illustrations, Engineered! is sure to be a favorite of any budding engineer!
There is a lot of information crammed onto each page (some pages easier to read than others, due to text size, background colour, and minimal spacing between lines of text). However, this is also works to an advantage, as there's a lot to take in on each page, with full pages of busy geometric-style illustrations. Each time you look at the images you'll be sure to find something different!
There is a helpful glossary at the end, which is useful to look back on if necessary, as there certainly is a lot of information to take in.
I received this ARC from Kids Can Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Atlas of Adventures: Wonders of the World in Books
Dec 11, 2018
beautifully illustrated pages (1 more)
"find and seek" at the end of the book
Latest in the best-selling "Atlas of Adventures" series
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
"Atlas of Adventures: Wonders of the World" is the latest in the best-selling "Atlas of Adventures" series by Ben Handicott with illustrations by Lucy Letherland. The series is a set of colorful atlases marketed for children. Each of the 96 beautifully illustrated pages contains short informative and fascinating statements about the wonder. The book is divided by continent "showcasing the globe's most impressive landscapes, iconic buildings and evocative antiquities from both the modern and ancient worlds". Many of the wonders are those you would expect to find but it includes a few surprising ones too.
At the end of the book, there is a cute and enjoyable "find and seek" of many of the pictures presented throughout the book.
This book is larger than a normal hardback book. Its dimensions are 11.2 x 15 inches which would help to be able to read the statements. The series is available as a hardback. Reading it as an e-book was difficult because the book needed to be shrunken to screen size.
It is highly ranked on Amazon for sales in both the "Geography & Cultures > Travel" and "Science, Nature & How It Works > Mystery & Wonders" categories as of 12/11/18.
"Atlas of Adventures: Wonders of the World" is the latest in the best-selling "Atlas of Adventures" series by Ben Handicott with illustrations by Lucy Letherland. The series is a set of colorful atlases marketed for children. Each of the 96 beautifully illustrated pages contains short informative and fascinating statements about the wonder. The book is divided by continent "showcasing the globe's most impressive landscapes, iconic buildings and evocative antiquities from both the modern and ancient worlds". Many of the wonders are those you would expect to find but it includes a few surprising ones too.
At the end of the book, there is a cute and enjoyable "find and seek" of many of the pictures presented throughout the book.
This book is larger than a normal hardback book. Its dimensions are 11.2 x 15 inches which would help to be able to read the statements. The series is available as a hardback. Reading it as an e-book was difficult because the book needed to be shrunken to screen size.
It is highly ranked on Amazon for sales in both the "Geography & Cultures > Travel" and "Science, Nature & How It Works > Mystery & Wonders" categories as of 12/11/18.
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Tortured With Love The True Crime Romance of the Lonely Hearts Killers in Books
Sep 24, 2020
Tortured with Love is the sad yet horrible story of how a children's nurse gives up everything she has and becomes a killer, all for love.
Ray was married but his wife and children were in Spain. Martha was divorced with two children and felt old. Her life changed when her friend signed her up for a correspondence dating agency and Ray wrote to her. He was already scamming women at this point and Martha was next in line.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Martha Beck was an innocent. No, I think she knew perfectly well what she was doing. It's just her love and infatuation with Ray was too much and she would do anything for him.
I thoroughly enjoyed every word of this book. Written in such a way as to be educational and informative, it was such a gripping story I read it in one sitting. The thing I love about J.T. Hunter's books is he doesn't just go for the 'glory' story. Instead, every book I have read by him has been thoroughly researched, giving the reader more information about whichever subject he is talking about. This one is no different.
A fantastic True Crime read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Ray was married but his wife and children were in Spain. Martha was divorced with two children and felt old. Her life changed when her friend signed her up for a correspondence dating agency and Ray wrote to her. He was already scamming women at this point and Martha was next in line.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Martha Beck was an innocent. No, I think she knew perfectly well what she was doing. It's just her love and infatuation with Ray was too much and she would do anything for him.
I thoroughly enjoyed every word of this book. Written in such a way as to be educational and informative, it was such a gripping story I read it in one sitting. The thing I love about J.T. Hunter's books is he doesn't just go for the 'glory' story. Instead, every book I have read by him has been thoroughly researched, giving the reader more information about whichever subject he is talking about. This one is no different.
A fantastic True Crime read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Grounded with Louis Theroux in Podcasts
Sep 29, 2020
Entertaining
I love Louis Theroux and his documentaries, and I was excited to see he'd made a podcast that I could listen to while working and out and about, especially as any TV documentaries of his are likely not going to happen for a while!
Overall this is a rather entertaining and informative podcast. The majority of the people featured at least know about (except for KSI and Troy Deeney), but they wouldn't necessarily be my first choices to feature in something like this. However when listening I actually found i was hugely interested in what they had to say and what they'd been through in their lives. Miriam Margolyes especially is an absolutely hoot, I was cracking up listening to her.
Throughout each episode Louis keeps up his usual interview style that always does him well. I have to be honest I think his style doesn't quite work as well as a podcast rather than on TV. He often uses long pauses to prompt his guests to keep talking which on TV is fine as you have a visual to look at whats going on, but on a podcast it's just silence which gets a bit awkward. Louis technically recorded this audio via Zoom so I guess he had video to work with initially but this did frustrate me a little.
Overall though this is a very interesting, entertaining and often funny podcast that's worth listening to if you're a fan of Louis.
Overall this is a rather entertaining and informative podcast. The majority of the people featured at least know about (except for KSI and Troy Deeney), but they wouldn't necessarily be my first choices to feature in something like this. However when listening I actually found i was hugely interested in what they had to say and what they'd been through in their lives. Miriam Margolyes especially is an absolutely hoot, I was cracking up listening to her.
Throughout each episode Louis keeps up his usual interview style that always does him well. I have to be honest I think his style doesn't quite work as well as a podcast rather than on TV. He often uses long pauses to prompt his guests to keep talking which on TV is fine as you have a visual to look at whats going on, but on a podcast it's just silence which gets a bit awkward. Louis technically recorded this audio via Zoom so I guess he had video to work with initially but this did frustrate me a little.
Overall though this is a very interesting, entertaining and often funny podcast that's worth listening to if you're a fan of Louis.
ClareR (5603 KP) rated Lost Children Archive in Books
Sep 2, 2021
This was a NetGalley book that I forgot I had, and ended up listening to with my Audible credit 🤷🏼♀️ Anyway, I thought it lent itself really well to audio, particularly as the main adult characters, the mother and father, work in sound. The father creates soundscapes, and the mother interviews people.
The parents are clearly at odds with one another, both wanting to progress their careers in different ways. The father wants to make a soundscape of Apacheria where the last tribes had lived, and the mother wants to help a friend to find her lost children. They had been sent to the US with a coyote (a guide), had been found and sent to a detention centre - but they had subsequently gone missing. The mother discovers that these lone children have been disappearing on this journey for a long time.
The lost children hits close to home when the parents own children go missing.
I really enjoyed this. I loved how the two stories - the journey of the children, and that of the children in the mothers book who are being smuggled from Mexico - were intertwined. I enjoyed the way that the narratives swapped between the mother, the boy and the immigrant children, although the lines often became blurred between reality and the mothers novel.
It is in parts both devastating and informative, particularly in the times that we live in. This isn’t an easy book, but its well worth the read.
The parents are clearly at odds with one another, both wanting to progress their careers in different ways. The father wants to make a soundscape of Apacheria where the last tribes had lived, and the mother wants to help a friend to find her lost children. They had been sent to the US with a coyote (a guide), had been found and sent to a detention centre - but they had subsequently gone missing. The mother discovers that these lone children have been disappearing on this journey for a long time.
The lost children hits close to home when the parents own children go missing.
I really enjoyed this. I loved how the two stories - the journey of the children, and that of the children in the mothers book who are being smuggled from Mexico - were intertwined. I enjoyed the way that the narratives swapped between the mother, the boy and the immigrant children, although the lines often became blurred between reality and the mothers novel.
It is in parts both devastating and informative, particularly in the times that we live in. This isn’t an easy book, but its well worth the read.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Animal Planet Farm Animals (Animal Bites Series) in Books
Jun 18, 2018
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
Animal Planet Farm Animals by Animal Planet is a book that the whole family can read and enjoy. It is informative but the pictures are what really draws the child in to the book. Through reading this book the reader will learn about all sorts of farm animals from around the world.
The information is just perfect of a child to enjoy the facts without being overwhelmed. In fact, the facts draw any reader, even reluctant readers into the information. The pictures are high quality with bright and vibrant colors. Both the information and the pictures have a wonderful balance that make the book interesting and enjoyable.
The book describes many aspects of Farm Life in an enjoyable and interesting way. This isa great addition to a school library or home library for kids to learn about farm animals, life on the farm, and showing animals at the fair (the list could go on). Through reading, the reader learns about habitats, adaptation, and family life for animals.
I really like the special sections that included unique animal facts, kids-friendly infographics and the illustrated map of the earth to teach where the animals lives in the world. This book will allow for further discussion and research since it gets the student excited about animals where they want to know more.
I would love to have this book in my classroom library.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Animal Planet Farm Animals by Animal Planet is a book that the whole family can read and enjoy. It is informative but the pictures are what really draws the child in to the book. Through reading this book the reader will learn about all sorts of farm animals from around the world.
The information is just perfect of a child to enjoy the facts without being overwhelmed. In fact, the facts draw any reader, even reluctant readers into the information. The pictures are high quality with bright and vibrant colors. Both the information and the pictures have a wonderful balance that make the book interesting and enjoyable.
The book describes many aspects of Farm Life in an enjoyable and interesting way. This isa great addition to a school library or home library for kids to learn about farm animals, life on the farm, and showing animals at the fair (the list could go on). Through reading, the reader learns about habitats, adaptation, and family life for animals.
I really like the special sections that included unique animal facts, kids-friendly infographics and the illustrated map of the earth to teach where the animals lives in the world. This book will allow for further discussion and research since it gets the student excited about animals where they want to know more.
I would love to have this book in my classroom library.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ClareR (5603 KP) rated Distortion in Books
Nov 2, 2018
An enjoyable YA science fiction novel
Honestly, I wasn't 'wowed' by this book in the same way that I was the first. I feel it would have been much better if it had been about 100 - 150 pages shorter.
I AM enjoying the way the story is going though. The decision to go on to Mars regardless, the insta-love between the contestants shows their youth and sad childhoods, and how much they enjoy their roles. I liked all of that. Serena Bee continues to be a thoroughly foul character - and I love that.
My issue isn't the storyline as such. I think that some descriptions are far too detailed and long-winded (especially the agonising internal dialogue). However, I DID like the descriptions of the advertisements that the 12 competitors made: a true reflection of the money orientated society that they're a part of, and precisely what has driven the predicament that they find themselves in. I DID like the descriptions of the Mars landscape, the living accommodation and the farming area (interesting!). There was A LOT of internal dialogue though. A certain amount is great. Informative, even, but I think that this is where I realised that perhaps I'm not the demographic they're looking for. I'm about 20 years out (I don't care, by the way). BUT I will be reading the next book. I want to see how this goes - and I like the characters and the story being told.
Many thanks to ReadersFirst and the publisher, Hot Key Books/ Bonnier Zaffre for my copy of this book.
I AM enjoying the way the story is going though. The decision to go on to Mars regardless, the insta-love between the contestants shows their youth and sad childhoods, and how much they enjoy their roles. I liked all of that. Serena Bee continues to be a thoroughly foul character - and I love that.
My issue isn't the storyline as such. I think that some descriptions are far too detailed and long-winded (especially the agonising internal dialogue). However, I DID like the descriptions of the advertisements that the 12 competitors made: a true reflection of the money orientated society that they're a part of, and precisely what has driven the predicament that they find themselves in. I DID like the descriptions of the Mars landscape, the living accommodation and the farming area (interesting!). There was A LOT of internal dialogue though. A certain amount is great. Informative, even, but I think that this is where I realised that perhaps I'm not the demographic they're looking for. I'm about 20 years out (I don't care, by the way). BUT I will be reading the next book. I want to see how this goes - and I like the characters and the story being told.
Many thanks to ReadersFirst and the publisher, Hot Key Books/ Bonnier Zaffre for my copy of this book.
A thoroughly enjoyable and informative book which brings the history of Highclere to life in energetic and engaging story telling.
Initially, the author shows their 'upper class' voice a little too often but as the story progresses and you begin to engage more with the people involved, it becomes less obvious, therefore making the book much more easy to read and enjoyable.
As an avid Downton Abbey fan from day one, I was engrossed with learning the true history of the actual house, and can honestly say that the connections between Downton and Highclere are not limited to merely the house. The Carnavons are a wonderful and very energetic family with fingers in so many pies and so rich a history that they truly deserve the accolade this book should give them. They do not come across as typical aristocrats at all, rather 'real' human beings who are committed to the improvement in lifestyle of all they are connected with, true philanthropists and dedicated historians.
I can honestly say that this book reads like a fiction story, and you have to pinch yourself at times to realise that these were real people who lived and breathed and carried out all of these wonderful acts. Truly, it is a fantastic read which is fully deserving of more than 5 stars and something that anyone interested in either Downton, late Victorian/early Edwardian society, the First World War and it's aftermath, or even the tomb of Tutankhamen should most definitely add to their 'to read' list.
Initially, the author shows their 'upper class' voice a little too often but as the story progresses and you begin to engage more with the people involved, it becomes less obvious, therefore making the book much more easy to read and enjoyable.
As an avid Downton Abbey fan from day one, I was engrossed with learning the true history of the actual house, and can honestly say that the connections between Downton and Highclere are not limited to merely the house. The Carnavons are a wonderful and very energetic family with fingers in so many pies and so rich a history that they truly deserve the accolade this book should give them. They do not come across as typical aristocrats at all, rather 'real' human beings who are committed to the improvement in lifestyle of all they are connected with, true philanthropists and dedicated historians.
I can honestly say that this book reads like a fiction story, and you have to pinch yourself at times to realise that these were real people who lived and breathed and carried out all of these wonderful acts. Truly, it is a fantastic read which is fully deserving of more than 5 stars and something that anyone interested in either Downton, late Victorian/early Edwardian society, the First World War and it's aftermath, or even the tomb of Tutankhamen should most definitely add to their 'to read' list.