I like Altucher and I especially like his total honesty on subjects I don't think I could broach.
Here is something he published that is a an interview of a writer. I have to admit I don't know the writer but that only means I've found another one I have to learn about and read his work.
Check this out for some ideas on writing. It's the transcript of a podcast and the link to the podcast appears on the page as well. It is very interesting.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Monday, December 19, 2016
Review: Bill O’Reilly’s Legends and Lies: The Patriots
Review: Bill O’Reilly’s Legends and Lies: The Patriots
By David Fisher
8CDs
This is a great overview of the true historical significance of the founding fathers. You can see how close a country can be destroyed by betrayal and by scheming politicians. You’ll also see men of honor and character acting in accordance with their nature to fight for freedom and justice. They risked their lives and some paid with them. Many names of great men are unknown to us in the history of America because of their deaths or circumstances that left them on the sidelines despite their great contributions.
This is a nice compilation of stories that is very entertaining. The narration is excellent.
Recommend
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Review: Crockett of Tennessee by Cameron Judd
14 Discs
Book on CD
This is a fun book and knowing that there are many creations in here to fill out the story doesn't take away from the idea of David Crockett. According to the author the book is based on the autobiography written by Crockett. The story has a great flow of action and introspection as it moves through each change in Crockett's life. I learned many things about Crockett that I hadn't known before in terms of his family background and exactly where he lived and why he ended up in Texas.
It is well written and makes for a historically based novel that accomplishes the task of keeping the Crockett legend alive. Well done.
Read by Allan Robertson
The narrator makes this book come alive. He has the accents down perfectly and gives everything authenticity.
I loved this story. Well Written.
Highly Recommend ***** 5 Stars
Book on CD
This is a fun book and knowing that there are many creations in here to fill out the story doesn't take away from the idea of David Crockett. According to the author the book is based on the autobiography written by Crockett. The story has a great flow of action and introspection as it moves through each change in Crockett's life. I learned many things about Crockett that I hadn't known before in terms of his family background and exactly where he lived and why he ended up in Texas.
It is well written and makes for a historically based novel that accomplishes the task of keeping the Crockett legend alive. Well done.
Read by Allan Robertson
The narrator makes this book come alive. He has the accents down perfectly and gives everything authenticity.
I loved this story. Well Written.
Highly Recommend ***** 5 Stars
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Review: The Kid by Ron Hansen
The Kid
By Ron Hansen
Read by Mark Bramhall
9 CD discs
This is a great story about Billy the Kid. Of course it has known facts woven in with fictional narrative to make the story go forward and compelling. If you ever wanted some overview of how the story of Billy the Kid became legend you’d find this an easy way learn the legend. I have traveled to Fort Sumner and stopped by The Kid’s gravesite while I was there. It’s nothing specia to look at other than knowing the story and timeline behind this piece of Western Legend and Lore. You can find a couple of Billy the Kid Museums that are profit making gift centers. Finding his real gravesite is more difficult than I thought it would be. You have to locate the old graveyard and not the more recent one. You can ask around. A SIRI search didn't get me there. I had to use a map. Now my trip to that place as well as Roswell gives me more appreciation for the lives once lived out here in the harsh country of New Mexico. Narration was excellent and appropriate for the subject.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Review: The Breathing Method by Stephen King
Read by Frank Muller
This is a great story and the narrator is perfect for the method of telling it. It is a short story and listening to it on CD is easy.
3 Discs
This is a great story and the narrator is perfect for the method of telling it. It is a short story and listening to it on CD is easy.
3 Discs
Review: Stephen King , Apt Pupil
Read by Frank Muller
It is a good story about an ex Nazi in hiding and the smart kid who learns of him by accident.
6 Discs
In this story at least the bad guys get what they deserve eventually. A number of innocents get a bad outcome but the overall sense of the story is that the problems we run up against are self created by and large.
It is worth listening to on CD, though reading it might not be my first choice.
It is a good story about an ex Nazi in hiding and the smart kid who learns of him by accident.
6 Discs
In this story at least the bad guys get what they deserve eventually. A number of innocents get a bad outcome but the overall sense of the story is that the problems we run up against are self created by and large.
It is worth listening to on CD, though reading it might not be my first choice.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Book Recommendation: How to Stay Alive in the Woods
By Bradford Angier
This book is a masterpiece for those interested in learning the simple facts of survival in the wild. I've read many books on the subject and he has done a great job of simplifying it down to the essentials.
The artwork is perfect and the writing is the ideal balance between facts and storytelling. He makes it interesting.
***** Five Stars Highly Recommend
This book is a masterpiece for those interested in learning the simple facts of survival in the wild. I've read many books on the subject and he has done a great job of simplifying it down to the essentials.
The artwork is perfect and the writing is the ideal balance between facts and storytelling. He makes it interesting.
***** Five Stars Highly Recommend
How to Become a Writer and Make a Living At it
This is a great essay by James Altucher.
Whenever I want to get motivated to write I read something by Altucher. He makes you feel as if he can do it so can you. I think it's because he bares his soul and tells you everything he did wrong and everything that most people would be embarrassed to tell about themselves. His courage and honesty in this makes for great reading.
Read his books too. I've read a number of his books. Choose Yourself is one of his best.
Another Good Article
How you can make a million writing your own ebook.
This article gives you the rundown on E-publishing. The main focus is on John Locke, another very successful author and E-publisher.
Whenever I want to get motivated to write I read something by Altucher. He makes you feel as if he can do it so can you. I think it's because he bares his soul and tells you everything he did wrong and everything that most people would be embarrassed to tell about themselves. His courage and honesty in this makes for great reading.
Read his books too. I've read a number of his books. Choose Yourself is one of his best.
Another Good Article
How you can make a million writing your own ebook.
This article gives you the rundown on E-publishing. The main focus is on John Locke, another very successful author and E-publisher.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
For Writers: How to Write Like Tolstoy
By Richard Cohen
Read this if you're a fiction writer. It has some great insights and excellent quotes.
It will help you understand the thinking of many of the best writers of time tested fiction.
Recommend: I was able to get through this in a week. Considering it talks about other writers only writers will probably find this something they can stick with.
I actually think I'll go back to this book again someday after reading some of the books he mentioned.
Read this if you're a fiction writer. It has some great insights and excellent quotes.
It will help you understand the thinking of many of the best writers of time tested fiction.
Recommend: I was able to get through this in a week. Considering it talks about other writers only writers will probably find this something they can stick with.
I actually think I'll go back to this book again someday after reading some of the books he mentioned.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Book Review: Imperium
By Robert Harris
12 CDs
I'm listening to another audio book you might enjoy, Imperium by Robert Harris. It has great narration and a superb story about Cicero and ancient Rome. It is my second one in this series by the author. It is historical fiction so you are getting a dose of history as well as a very entertaining story. It is written from the viewpoint of the lifelong friend and former slave of Cicero who was his secretary. Though he had written a biography of Cicero it was lost with the fall of Rome, so this book is written as a novel that has some basis in historical events and people.
I love this series of books by Harris. He's done a superb job of weaving history and fiction into a compelling story.
***** Five Stars - Highly Recommend
12 CDs
I'm listening to another audio book you might enjoy, Imperium by Robert Harris. It has great narration and a superb story about Cicero and ancient Rome. It is my second one in this series by the author. It is historical fiction so you are getting a dose of history as well as a very entertaining story. It is written from the viewpoint of the lifelong friend and former slave of Cicero who was his secretary. Though he had written a biography of Cicero it was lost with the fall of Rome, so this book is written as a novel that has some basis in historical events and people.
I love this series of books by Harris. He's done a superb job of weaving history and fiction into a compelling story.
***** Five Stars - Highly Recommend
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Book Review: Dictator
By Robert Harris
Read by David Rintoul
Read by David Rintoul
11 Discs : Book on CD
I didn't know what to expect with this book and am pleasantly surprised that is an exceptional narration of a great book. I presume that it fits the category of historical fiction since all the details as included cannot be known. But, as I have found with many historical fiction books I've read in the past it makes it come to life and aside from details, the facts that are known are woven into the story. This makes it not only readable and enjoyable, but seemingly there at the time of the events.
The death of Cicero and his life leading up to it during the time of Rome going from a Republic to a Dictatorship is what the story is about. The events that surround this occurrence and the role of Cicero that eventually led to his killing are what concerns us in this story.
The narrator has the appropriate voice for this story and makes it easy to want to keep listening.
I plan on checking out the author's other books now that I enjoyed this one so much. Imperium, and Conpirata were listed as written by Harris as well.
***** Five Stars - Highly Recommend
I plan on checking out the author's other books now that I enjoyed this one so much. Imperium, and Conpirata were listed as written by Harris as well.
***** Five Stars - Highly Recommend
Why I Love Audio Books and You Should Too
In Defense of Audio Books
As an argument I'd say that audio format books fall within the oral tradition and therefore I can say that especially in historical classics they were audio long before they were written, so they have become audio again. The stories of Greek Mythology come to mind among others. So listening to a book is no less valuable than reading it and with great narration I'd submit it is better.Why I now prefer to find audio if available.
The truth is that between my eyes and time available I find that books on audio have become a mainstay for reading the books that I want to read, but cannot find the time to spend doing so. In the case of this book I listened to it while doing other things like checking email, browsing the news, and making food. When I am in a car that has a CD player I would spend all driving time doing the same since it is much less stressful than listening to the radio for political talk.I used audio books to get through many college literature classes that I couldn't have done as good a job completing without being able to listen to the story multiple times in addition to reading it. I did this with the Illiad. It is still one of my favorites when it comes to audio books.
The reality for me is that I find time to read three times more books than I would have time or ability to do since I became a fan of audio reading. I have been doing that since the 1980's when some early self help books came out on cassette. Now with digital files and books on CD it is possible to have a huge collection in addition to what I can borrow from the library. The digital file format even allows me to store some books on my computer for listening. Other options include Amazon and the Apple version.
Finding a great narrator makes the experience exceptional so I recommend that you look for great narrators.
Here are some of my favorites.
George Guidall
David Muller
David Rintoul
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Book Review: The Body by Stephen King
Book on CD: 6 Discs
I'm a King fan so let me get that out first. Most of what he has written and writes is what I like to read.
The movie Stand By Me was based on this story and I'll have to say that both are great, but this adds to the pleasure of just hearing it with great description and the narrator Frank Muller has the perfect voice for a Stephen King novel.
This is a great story so if you haven't seen the movie go ahead and try the book or the book on CD first and you'll really appreciate the movie filling in the visual details. It has been long enough for me that I can only vaguely remember the differences between the movie and this book so I'll have to say do both.
King gives you some great personal stories woven into a larger storyline. It resembles what many of us growing up in the 50's and 60's can remember in terms of freedom to roam and the wild nature of life back then. But of course the difference between then and now is that where the police would have been involved throughout the story today, back then they came into play only after the fact. I remember having the same type of multi-day adventures without my parents even being aware that we were gone. The storyline was the same in that we all agreed to be sleeping out in a friend's yard so our parent's were none the wiser. From there the story takes on a life of open adventure without worry of parents searching for you.
Facing off against older boys seems to be a rite of passage and I think at one time or another we all faced that as well. How you handled it often showed how you would handle life later when facing the bullies you meet as an adult.
I like that King interwove his own personal story into the character known as Gordon. I have read King's book On Writing that contains a lot of biographical information about him so I could tell he placed himself in the story as Gordon. It was a nice touch and I could see him as Gordon in many ways. Chris was his friend and as you get to the end of the story you'll see why they titled the movie Stand by Me since that title works well for a story less about the body than about how friends and kids decide their fate, future, and friendships.
I feel like I'm back in the 60's when listening to this book.
I loved it and think you will too.
***** 5 stars - Highly Recommend both the Movie and the book on CD.
I'm a King fan so let me get that out first. Most of what he has written and writes is what I like to read.
The movie Stand By Me was based on this story and I'll have to say that both are great, but this adds to the pleasure of just hearing it with great description and the narrator Frank Muller has the perfect voice for a Stephen King novel.
This is a great story so if you haven't seen the movie go ahead and try the book or the book on CD first and you'll really appreciate the movie filling in the visual details. It has been long enough for me that I can only vaguely remember the differences between the movie and this book so I'll have to say do both.
King gives you some great personal stories woven into a larger storyline. It resembles what many of us growing up in the 50's and 60's can remember in terms of freedom to roam and the wild nature of life back then. But of course the difference between then and now is that where the police would have been involved throughout the story today, back then they came into play only after the fact. I remember having the same type of multi-day adventures without my parents even being aware that we were gone. The storyline was the same in that we all agreed to be sleeping out in a friend's yard so our parent's were none the wiser. From there the story takes on a life of open adventure without worry of parents searching for you.
Facing off against older boys seems to be a rite of passage and I think at one time or another we all faced that as well. How you handled it often showed how you would handle life later when facing the bullies you meet as an adult.
I like that King interwove his own personal story into the character known as Gordon. I have read King's book On Writing that contains a lot of biographical information about him so I could tell he placed himself in the story as Gordon. It was a nice touch and I could see him as Gordon in many ways. Chris was his friend and as you get to the end of the story you'll see why they titled the movie Stand by Me since that title works well for a story less about the body than about how friends and kids decide their fate, future, and friendships.
I feel like I'm back in the 60's when listening to this book.
I loved it and think you will too.
***** 5 stars - Highly Recommend both the Movie and the book on CD.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Book Review: Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King
Book on CD
I had seen the movie a few times already but knew that Stephen King writes great books for listening and reading. When I saw that Frank Muller is the narrator I had to listen to it if for no other reason than to see what differences there might be between the movie and the book, and yes there are differences.
This is a great story and with excellent narration it is in some ways better than the movie. If you haven't seen the movie I'd try the book on CD first to really appreciate the detail that is often left out of the movie version.
Not that my rating matters in the case of such a well known and popular story, but I give it five stars. It has all the elements of a great story that include injustice, treachery, friendship, and redemption among many other aspects of life that add to a story.
Try it and I think you'll love it. Muller is one of my go to narrators because of his perfect tone that never gets in the way of the story.
***** Five Stars - The Highest Rating
I had seen the movie a few times already but knew that Stephen King writes great books for listening and reading. When I saw that Frank Muller is the narrator I had to listen to it if for no other reason than to see what differences there might be between the movie and the book, and yes there are differences.
This is a great story and with excellent narration it is in some ways better than the movie. If you haven't seen the movie I'd try the book on CD first to really appreciate the detail that is often left out of the movie version.
Not that my rating matters in the case of such a well known and popular story, but I give it five stars. It has all the elements of a great story that include injustice, treachery, friendship, and redemption among many other aspects of life that add to a story.
Try it and I think you'll love it. Muller is one of my go to narrators because of his perfect tone that never gets in the way of the story.
***** Five Stars - The Highest Rating
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Book Review: Leonard by William Shatner with David Fisher
I listened to this book on CD over the course of a few days. If you are a Star Trek fan as I am then it is a mandatory book to read or listen to. Since it is narrated by William Shatner I suggest going for the CD version and enjoy his great voice and personal approach in describing his friendship with Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played Spock on the original TV series Star Trek.
Browsing through the library audio books section I recognized the names and photos immediately and my interest was piqued. I borrowed it and proceeded to enjoy listening to the background of the TV series along with the beginning careers of both Nimoy and Shatner.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was saddened at the end to learn that Nimoy suffered from COPD and also had stopped communication with Shatner. Such things happen among friends when one suffers a debilitating disease and possibly loses clarity or has psychological challenges as a result of an illness. I have seen it among my own friends and family. Despite that cautionary note of sadness I'll say that anything you can learn about the amazing actors and the classic series is a positive experience. Read it or listen to it, but no matter what you'll enjoy it. Thanks to William Shatner for writing this book and sharing these stories.
***** 5 stars - Highly Recommend - Especially if you are a Star Trek Fan.
Leonard
Browsing through the library audio books section I recognized the names and photos immediately and my interest was piqued. I borrowed it and proceeded to enjoy listening to the background of the TV series along with the beginning careers of both Nimoy and Shatner.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was saddened at the end to learn that Nimoy suffered from COPD and also had stopped communication with Shatner. Such things happen among friends when one suffers a debilitating disease and possibly loses clarity or has psychological challenges as a result of an illness. I have seen it among my own friends and family. Despite that cautionary note of sadness I'll say that anything you can learn about the amazing actors and the classic series is a positive experience. Read it or listen to it, but no matter what you'll enjoy it. Thanks to William Shatner for writing this book and sharing these stories.
***** 5 stars - Highly Recommend - Especially if you are a Star Trek Fan.
Leonard
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Book Review: The Art of the Sonnet by Burt and Mimics
Review - The Art of the Sonnet by Burt and Mimics , 2010
This is a well done book for anyone interested in the history of sonnets and some well examined and explained analysis of some well known sonnets as well as many not known among your average poetry reader.
I highly recommend it. It is expensive so it’s a good idea to try your library to find a copy. That’s how I found this one. It is an enjoyable read over the course of weeks as you take time here and there to read another of the sonnets and the accompanying review.
Highly Recommend ****** 5 stars
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Free Tennis Book Promotion Today on Amazon
I'm running another free promotion today for my recently published book called Tennis Basics.
If you're taking an introductory tennis class this is a good companion for review.
Free Book Today September 14th.
Please take advantage of it and let me know what you think by making a comment here on my blog or posting a review on Amazon.
Thank You,
Brent
If you're taking an introductory tennis class this is a good companion for review.
Free Book Today September 14th.
Please take advantage of it and let me know what you think by making a comment here on my blog or posting a review on Amazon.
Thank You,
Brent
Monday, September 5, 2016
Education: The importance of learning vs getting a degree
Why College?
This video by a professor gives a great insight on what type of education you choose for yourself. I am a strong believer in the community college model combined with learning on the job or as an apprentice.
The military also is a great way to get your training.
As someone who taught Physical Education Classes in Tennis for a decade at a community college I was very impressed by the quality of teaching there compared to the high cost University Systems. Online college seems to be just a way to get a credential. I also found many of the students at community college to be at a formative stage of learning the importance of showing up and actually doing work. Many had yet to learn that.
If you are about to embark on college education I'd look at the cost versus gain for the particular area you want to learn.
This video by a professor gives a great insight on what type of education you choose for yourself. I am a strong believer in the community college model combined with learning on the job or as an apprentice.
The military also is a great way to get your training.
As someone who taught Physical Education Classes in Tennis for a decade at a community college I was very impressed by the quality of teaching there compared to the high cost University Systems. Online college seems to be just a way to get a credential. I also found many of the students at community college to be at a formative stage of learning the importance of showing up and actually doing work. Many had yet to learn that.
If you are about to embark on college education I'd look at the cost versus gain for the particular area you want to learn.
Free Tennis Book Today on Amazon
Tennis Basics: Learning the Sport
I just published this book on Amazon and decided to run a free promotion on Labor. Grab a free copy if you'd like one. Please post a review if you read the book and like it.
I just published this book on Amazon and decided to run a free promotion on Labor. Grab a free copy if you'd like one. Please post a review if you read the book and like it.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Exercise: Sitting a big risk for heart
Sitting is a big risk according to a new study.
It specifies prolonged so how about getting up and moving around regularly. Take up Tennis, walking, or some other exercise that gives you regular time on your feet.
Even standing up while working on your computer may have some benefits relative to just sitting down.
It specifies prolonged so how about getting up and moving around regularly. Take up Tennis, walking, or some other exercise that gives you regular time on your feet.
Even standing up while working on your computer may have some benefits relative to just sitting down.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Typing the old fashioned way
I learned on a manual typewriter and found this article interesting and hope you do as well.
19 Authors and their Typewriters
I still have a few manual typewriters myself but found the allure of computer word processing too easy and keep my manuals around for a post EMP world.
19 Authors and their Typewriters
I still have a few manual typewriters myself but found the allure of computer word processing too easy and keep my manuals around for a post EMP world.
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