Audible Book Review: On the Duty of Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau

This essay is timely even 173 years from when it was written.

On the Duty of Civil Disobedience
By: Henry David Thoreau
Narrated by: Jim Killavey

Length 1h 3m
Release date: 01-12-12
Publisher: Jimcin Recordings
Genre: History, Nonfiction, United States
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 3.75

Publisher's Summary
This essay by Thoreau first published in 1849, argues that individuals should not permit governments to overrule their consciences. It goes on to say that individuals have a duty to avoid allowing the government to make them the agents of injustice. The quote: "That government is best which governs least," sometimes attributed to Thomas Jefferson or Thomas Paine, actually was first found in this essay. Thoreaus' thoughts were motivated by his disgust with slavery and the Mexican-American War but they are still relevant and resonate today.
Public Domain (P)2011 Jimcin Recordings

Review:
I had not read this essay in years. I was surprised how timely the message is. Thoreau questioned injustice and immorality supported by national government (particularly slavery and the Mexican-American War). Thoreau argues that each citizen must investigate and search out the facts if he believes that the government is acting unjustly. Thoreau espoused less government (see the quote in the blurb) and encouraged taking action to refuse to support unjust situations.

The underlying message of this essay is still applicable in modern day protests. One of the big differences though is that Thoreau did not promote violence, although he did not rule it out. Thoreau did not speak in favor of censorship but encouraged open debate.

It is interesting to learn (from outside research) that Thoreau exercised his right to civil disobedience by refusing to pay taxes for which he was jailed. A friend bailed him out by paying the taxes. I dd note from the essay (and independent research) that it is frustrating to know that civil disobedience might not change the policy or authority. I enjoyed reading this piece of historic writing and recommend it to anyone who finds public debate interesting.

Audio Notes: I found the narration by Jim Killavey to be clear but flat. I would recommend reading the text or looking for a different narrator.

Source: August 2021 Free Kindle and Audible for $.49. This qualifies for 2022TBR, 2022Audiobook, and 2022Alphabet goals.

Audible Book Review: The Other America - A Speech from The Radical King by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This is a timely listen.

The Other America - A Speech from The Radical King
By: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Cornel West - editor
Narrated by: Wanda Sykes

Series: The Radical King
Length: 25 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 02-01-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: History, Social Issues
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.

Publisher's Summary
In a rousing speech on race, poverty, and economic justice - given less than a year before his assassination - Martin Luther King Jr. drives home the mission behind his Poor People's Campaign. It is a clear-eyed look at the disparity of wealth in America, what it means for people of all colors - and a message of inspiration dedicated to the power of the people.
"And I say, if we will stand and work together, we will bring into being that day when justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. We will bring into being that day when America will no longer be two nations but when it will be one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Wanda Sykes' powerful performance delivers King's compassion, outrage, insight, and vulnerability like few others could - and reminds us all of the relevance his words still have today.
"The Other America" is one of 23 speeches and essays from The Radical King, curated by Dr. Cornel West, including words never recorded in public - a revelation for his legacy.
The Martin Luther King Estate has allowed, for the first time, a dramatic interpretation of King's words, by some of the most charismatic and activist actors working today: LeVar Burton, Mike Colter, Colman Domingo, Danny Glover, Gabourey Sidibe, Wanda Sykes, and Michael Kenneth Williams.
"The Other America" excerpt from The Radical King is free of charge to all listeners until Monday, April 2, 2018. To preorder the full, revealing collection, visit www.audible.com/TheRadicalKing.
©2018 All material copyright Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr; all material copyright renewed Coretta Scott King and the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr. Introductions 2015 Cornel West (P)2018 Audible, Inc.

Review:
This short piece added to my thoughts over the events that have flared since the horrible death of George Floyd. Dr. King argues for changes to help persons of color and of poverty (this includes more than just black Americans). He makes a case for reparations based on the history of slavery. The excerpt also reflects that Dr. King was not in favor of violence and I am sure he would not favor looting and destruction.

It is certainly frustrating (and clearly wrong) that the issues and struggles of the poor class, which Dr. King addresses, are little changed 57 years later. Police brutality is wrong but so is a violent response. The problems, in my opinion, are beyond a policing issue and the underlying issue shouldn't get lost in the noise. There have to be better opportunities and policies to address poverty and the accompanying sense of oppression. Dr. King’s words did give me additional information to ponder as I watch for our leaders to seek real reforms and solutions, not unrealistic promises to unfocused demands; not violence, and not more division.

Audio Notes: Wanda Sykes does a good job with the presentation. She brings good energy and passion to the speech. I think audio helps bring these thoughts more power rather than just reading.

Source: 1/21/19 Audible Free. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.

Book Review: A Christmas Message From The Moon by Philip Gibson

I learned some history from this quick story!
A Christmas Message From The Moon
by Philip Gibson


File Size: 1234 KB
Print Length: 16 pages
Publication Date: November 22, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
ASIN: B018EI7ZTI
Genre: History, Short Story
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

On Christmas Eve 1968, the largest worldwide television audience in history tuned in to see the Apollo 8 astronauts become the first humans to reach the Moon. Halfway through their 6-day historic mission, the astronauts broadcast live TV pictures and commentary from lunar orbit.

At that time, no-one had any idea that a mere one minute of their historic journey would cause a nationwide controversy so great that it would end up in a lawsuit to be debated and decided by no less an august body than the Supreme Court of the United States.

The account is written not in the conventional book format, but in the form of today’s social media, imagining that the astronauts, and those following the mission, were able to post their thoughts to the public in real time.

The story begins with the astronauts of Apollo 8 just minutes away from beginning their historic Christmas message to the world.

Review:
Gibson presents the 1968 Christmas message from the Apollo 8 astronauts with a media format of shared commentary including well-known journalists of the day (like Walter Cronkite) and criticism from some who took offense. I was surprised to learn that a lawsuit challenged the Biblical reading as a violation of State and Religion. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court!

I remember (as a teenager) being impressed by the touching Christmas message from the moon. I found this work informative and interesting. I liked the format the author used to share this. It may not be scintillating, but I enjoyed this historically based story. I recommend it as a quick, informative read (and I think it is still free).

Source: January 2017 free Kindle download. This qualifies for 2019TBR and #HoHoHoRAT goals.

Audible Review: Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour by Lynne Olson

This is an excellent portrayal of key Americans during WWII. History that we didn’t learn in school made ‘alive’.

Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour
Written by: Lynne Olson
Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Length: 17 hrs and 28 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:02-22-10
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Genre: History, WWII
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
In Citizens of London, Lynne Olson has written a work of World War II history even more relevant and revealing than her acclaimed Troublesome Young Men.
Here is the behind-the-scenes story of how the United States forged its wartime alliance with Britain, told from the perspective of three key American players in London: Edward R. Murrow, Averell Harriman, and John Gilbert Winant. Drawing from a variety of primary sources, Olson skillfully depicts the dramatic personal journeys of these men who, determined to save Britain from Hitler, helped convince a cautious Franklin Roosevelt and a reluctant American public to support the British at a critical time. The three---Murrow, the handsome, chain-smoking head of CBS News in Europe; Harriman, the hard-driving millionaire who ran FDR's Lend-Lease program in London; and Winant, the shy, idealistic U.S. ambassador to Britain---formed close ties with Winston Churchill and were drawn into Churchill's official and personal circles. So intense were their relationships with the Churchills that they all became romantically involved with members of the prime minister's family: Harriman and Murrow with Churchill's daughter-in-law, Pamela, and Winant with his favorite daughter, Sarah.
Others were honorary "citizens of London" as well, including the gregarious, fiercely ambitious Dwight D. Eisenhower, an obscure general who, as the first commander of American forces in Britain, was determined to do everything in his power to make the alliance a success, and Tommy Hitchcock, a world-famous polo player and World War I fighter pilot who helped save the Allies' bombing campaign against Germany. Citizens of London, however, is more than just the story of these Americans and the world leaders they aided and influenced.
©2010 Lynne Olson (P)2010 Tantor

Review:
This is history that I have never heard. Lynne Olson does a grand job of following a handful of Americans that made an impact in the events of World War II (WWII). Although the story focuses on the perspective of three primary players, there are other important characters discussed as well. The three primary men are John Gilbert Winant, a politician, Edward R. Morrow, a journalist, and Averell Harriman, a millionaire socialite. Each of these had a unique contribution, growth and experience that was fascinating to follow. All three developed close relationships with Winston Churchill and were influential in encouraging Franklin D. Roosevelt to commit to aiding Britain even though they were unable to get the United States to enter the war until the attack on Pearl Harbor in November, 1941.

Wianant was a likeable, shy, idealist Republican politician. He was a three term Governor of New Hampshire and the first head of the Social Security Board, a program evolving from the “Townsend Plan” which he strongly promoted. He became a friend of all Britains as the deeply personal and committed US Ambassador to Great Britain during the war years. Olson was able to portray his brooding passion and deep friendliness. She even conveyed the frustration and tragic waste of his death.

Morrow became the ‘voice of London’ as the American broadcaster for CBS. He was an on-the- scene correspondent who brought the blight of war torn London into the homes of Americans. Just as his reporting must have made the war more real to listeners, this audiobook made the war more real for me. The descriptions of the bombing on London and the evacuation and hardships of the citizens, left homeless, jobless and hungry, gave me a new appreciation for the fact that Americans have been privileged to live mostly free of the devastation of war on our own soil.

Averell Harriman was my least favorite of these characters as it first appeared that he was always seeking political influence through his social position and money. However he had provided a special intermediary role. He was appointed by FDR as a special envoy to Europe in the spring of 1941 and helped coordinate the Lend-Lease program which brought desperately needed supplies to Britain and allies. He became Ambassador to the Soviet Union in1943 trying to balance the interests of Europe allies as they fought the war on many fronts.

I think in school history we get a very condensed, shallow view of wars of the past… and then, of course, as years go by we forget even those things we learned. I choose this audiobook because it looked like it would present an interesting view and I was not disappointed. I knew of Churchill, FDR and Eisenhower of course. And I had heard of Murrow probably through my journalism schooling. The other participants were new to me. I was not pleased to learn about the affairs between the players and the Churchill women but it is an interesting part of the history I would not otherwise know. What I found truly wonderful was the in depth views of these men, and the women involved, as they faced the struggle of war.

I appreciated Ms. Olson’s attention to details including the feelings of hope, frustration, anger and despair, as they impacted on the participants and the citizens around them. I highly recommend this audiobook for those who have any interest in a detailed view of American lives as they shared in the London experience of WWII.

Audio Notes: Arthur Morey’s authoritative and smooth narration makes this an awesome listening experience. The audiobook is longish so I am thinking the book is longish which is all the more reason for me to listen rather than read. This is well worth the audible credit!

I had this in my Audible library since 2011 and it is part of my 2015 TBR Pile Challenge. It also qualifies for my Audio Challenged and my Full House Challenge.

Audio Book Review: The Aleppo Codex by Matti Friedman

This may sound dry but it is ultimately a quite fascinating documentary thriller.
The Aleppo Codex: A True Story of Obsession, Faith, and the Pursuit of an Ancient Bible
by Matti Friedman

• Audio CD: 450 pages (6 discs)
• Publisher: HighBridge Company; Unabridged; 7.5 hours edition (May 15, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1611747724
• ISBN-13: 978-1611747720

Genre: History, Documentary
My Rating: 4.5 0f 5.0

Book Description for Audio version
Publication Date: May 15, 2012
 A true-life thriller about the journey of one of the world’s most precious manuscripts—the 10th century annotated Hebrew Bible known as the Aleppo Codex—from its hiding place in an ancient Syrian synagogue to the newly-founded Israel. Using his research, including documents which have been secret for 50 years and interviews with key players, AP correspondent Friedman tells a story of political upheaval, international intrigue, charged courtroom battles, obsession, and subterfuge.
 
Book Description for Print version
Publication Date: May 15, 2012
In an age when physical books matter less and less, here is a thrilling story about a book that meant everything. This true-life detective story unveils the journey of a sacred text—the tenth-century annotated bible known as the Aleppo Codex—from its hiding place in a Syrian synagogue to the newly founded state of Israel. Based on Matti Friedman’s independent research, documents kept secret for fifty years, and personal interviews with key players, the book proposes a new theory of what happened when the codex left Aleppo, Syria, in the late 1940s and eventually surfaced in Jerusalem, mysteriously incomplete.

The codex provides vital keys to reading biblical texts. By recounting its history, Friedman explores the once vibrant Jewish communities in Islamic lands and follows the thread into the present, uncovering difficult truths about how the manuscript was taken to Israel and how its most important pages went missing. Along the way, he raises critical questions about who owns historical treasures and the role of myth and legend in the creation of a nation.

Review:
The Aleppo Codex is an ancient, sacred handwritten version of the Hebrew Bible which dates back to the tenth century. The Codex, also known as the Crown of Aleppo, was protected for centuries by a strong Jewish  community living in Aleppo, Syria.

AP correspondent Matti Friedman set out to do an article about the Aleppo Codex and discovered a mysteries in its condition, ownership and history.  This book contains two adventurous journeys. One is Mr. Friedman’s journey of research as he struggled to gather information from reluctant sources and conflicting witnesses and interviews.  As he delved into the past written texts on the Codex it became clear that there were inconsistencies, and many facts still uncovered, some perhaps intentionally. This book documents the extensive digging he had to do to piece together the second journey - the historical trail of The Aleppo Codex from the tenth century to its current home.

The sacred text went through dangers during the Christian Crusades before settling for years of hidden safety.  During rebellion in Syria in the 1940s the precious book was removed from the attacked Temple that had been its hiding place. The fragile parcel went through upheaval, threats of destruction and rumors of burning. Although Jewish authorities sought the book on and off, it continued to be hidden by Aleppo Jews before being smuggled out of Syria to Jerusalem in the 1950s.

The Codex faced a tug of war trial between the Jewish government and Aleppo leaders until a settlement was reached placing the text, or what pieces then remained, into Trust. Unfortunately the Trust locked the Codex away instead of making it available for others to see and share this wondrous piece of history.

I was pleasantly surprised by the danger and excitement revealed by this documentary. Mr. Friedman does an excellent job of laying out the details, moving back and forth between his research efforts and the history of the Codex to keep the information interesting.   Woven through the story is a good deal of history of the Jewish people.  Mr. Friedman provokes thought too on the rights to historical treasures that are removed during times of invasion and war.

AUDIO Observations:
The audio version is narrated by Simon Vance, an extremely talented and respected narrator. I felt he did an excellent job keeping a good pace to enhance the interest in the history and evoking emotions in response to the work.  Both author and narrator help make the reader feel the trauma of the Aleppo Jews at losing possession of the book and the even greater sadness for all caring Jews, scholars and those who respect great historical works at the damage the precious book suffered.  As a book lover, imagine the sorrow you might experience upon discovering an ancient, revered work and learning that 40% of the pages have gone missing, perhaps as the result of greed.

At first glance you might think you wouldn’t enjoy this documentary work, but I assure you it is a worthwhile listen.  I recommend this to readers who like mystery thrillers as well as those who would enjoy the historical significance.

I appreciate receiving this Audio Book for Review from HighBridge Audio through AudioBook Jukebox.