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Paul Hartnett

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The Original Civilizations Weren’t As Much a Mess o’ Potamia as I Thought

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 08-11-22

Dr Podany’s lectures on the oldest civilizations are absolutely extraordinary in their breadth and for her ability to maintain interest in ancient for amateur students of ancient history. Ever since my ancient world history teacher Rabbi Levi mentioned Hammurabi’s accomplishments in 1965, I have been fascinated by Sumer, Akkadia, and Babylonia.
In my old age, I am astounded by stories of Ashurbanipal’s library and that most heart breaking and powerful myth of Gilgamesh.
Do yourself a favor and listen. It’s one of the greatest stories ever told.

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Consider this your lucky day.

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-12-22

A genuinely fascinating account of the Cuban Missile Crisis that skillfully shows how nuclear war was avoided only as a matter of luck.
What is most frightening is the degree to which much of Kennedy’s staff and all of the military thought attacking Cuba was the only response to the missiles. When UN Ambassador Stevenson first suggested diplomacy rather than military engagement he was viewed as completely unrealistic and yet that was the only response which saved us from annihilation.

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Dude, where’s your ending?

Overall
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
1 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 01-12-22

The narrator was fine but the story wound up and ended…nowhere. I don’t understand why some books are published…unfinished as this book is with a chapter tacked on at the end to take the place of the climax. I don’t know who the writer’s editor was but he needed to help the writer find a real ending to his story rather than allowing it to collapse. Most disappointing book I have read in years. It would have taken but a bit more effort to make it more than a fine read.

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