Michael Sears has narrated 4 audiobooks on Listento.it by 3 authors, with an average listener rating of 5★ across 1 ratings. The most-rated is The Origins of the Modern World.
The Origins of the Modern World
Summary
This clearly written and engrossing book presents a global narrative of the origins of the modern world from 1400 to the present. Unlike most studies, which assume that the "rise of the West" is the story of the coming of the modern world, this history, drawing upon new scholarship on Asia, Africa, and the New World, constructs a story in which those parts of the world play major roles. Robert B. Marks defines the modern world as one marked by industry, the nation state, interstate warfare, a large and growing gap between the wealthiest and poorest parts of the world, and an escape from "the biological old regime." He explains its origins by emphasizing contingencies (such as the conquest of the New World); the broad comparability of the most advanced regions in China, India, and Europe; the reasons why England was able to escape from common ecological constraints facing all of those regions by the 18th century; and a conjuncture of human and natural forces that solidified a gap between the industrialized and non-industrialized parts of the world. Now in a new edition that brings the saga of the modern world to the present, the book considers how and why the United States emerged as a world power in the twentieth century and became the sole superpower by the twenty-first century. Once again arguing that the rise of the United States to global hegemon was contingent, not inevitable, Marks also points to the resurgence of Asia and the vastly changed relationship of humans to the environment that may, in the long run, overshadow any political and economic milestones of the past hundred years.
©2007 Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc. (P)2014 Redwood Audiobooks
Review: Tom Clancy's Command Authority (A Jack Ryan Novel)
Summary
Command Authority excites readers with global threats, political corruption, and military tactics. Working for the CIA 30 years ago, Jack Ryan, Sr. discovered a secret KGB assassin whose true identity has yet to be revealed. In the present day, a new leader comes to power in Russia, and the mystery resurfaces. With the help of his son, President Jack Ryan, Sr. must act quickly to fight against the threat of Russian attacks. This review of Command Authority by Tom Clancy offers expert literary opinions of the story, characters, and overall read. As political unrest prevails in Russia, Jack Ryan, Jr. optimistically investigates the situation and heroically fights for the greater good. Tom Clancy demonstrates an excellent grasp of his audience in Command Authority and employs seamless plot transitions. With a solid knowledge base of military operations and equipment, Clancy weaves a realistic story based on actual political events. Command Authority received a balance of positive and negative reviews from critics, and this reading aid will show you exactly what to expect from this political thriller.
©2013 Expert Book Reviews (P)2014 Expert Book Reviews
Review: David Baldacci's King & Maxwell
Summary
David Baldacci tells a fast-paced, action-packed story in King and Maxwell, his sixth entry in the detective thriller series. Although the military and political situations are complicated, Sean King and Michelle Maxwell unravel the mystery logically, piece by piece. As a result, the entire story falls into place neatly, and readers won't be left with unanswered questions. The developments are surprising, and their implications frightening, but the entire premise is believable. This review will prepare you for the world of King and Maxwell. Baldacci has a tight writing style, but his enthusiasm shines through, and the overall story is well-crafted, with enough action to keep readers on the edge of their seats without overwhelming them. A native of Washington, D.C., David Baldacci makes it easy for the readers to grasp the setting. As this review explains, the characters are just as well-crafted as the novel and setting. Michelle Maxwell and Sean King are three-dimensional, and their relationship has many layers. Even the teenage characters are treated well. They are intelligent and defy the angst-ridden stereotypes. This review guides you through the strengths and weaknesses of King and Maxwell, even incorporating critical reviews of the novel.
©2013 Expert Book Reviews (P)2014 Expert Book Reviews
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Summary
SAVE TIME & UNDERSTAND MORE! This is not the actual audiobook, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, written by Doris Kearns Goodwin. If you are in search of the full and complete copy of Goodwin's highly informative and enlightening book, it can be located on the Amazon search page. Instead, we have already read Team of Rivals and have pulled out some of the best insights and key events of the book to give you a comprehensive, chapter-by-chapter analysis and summary. Our limited amount of space prevents us from providing you with all of the important events and interesting information packed into Doris Kearns Goodwin's incredible book. To receive the full scope of this fascinating historical story, you should order the complete book. Packaged together in an engaging format, this concise summary best serves as an unofficial study guide and companion to listen to alongside Team of Rivals. Renowned presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin travels back in time and reaches into the mind of one who many historians rate as America's greatest president. Follow the thoughts and ideas of this great man from the Republican nomination contest in 1860 all the way to his devastating assassination just five years later. You might be surprised to find out that Abraham Lincoln was actually considered the underdog in the presidential election right from the start. Few even expected him to win the Republican nomination. In this summary and analysis, you will also learn how Abraham Lincoln faced a variety of obstacles in his rise to the presidency. His upbringing and background drastically differed from those of his opponents in the presidential race. Discover how he overcame numerous obstacles to rise to the esteemed title of President of the United States. Lincoln served only one term in Congress more than ten years before receiving the Republican Party's nomination. Follow his political career and learn about the personal struggles he faced during this time. Throughout the turbulent 1850s, Lincoln devoted himself to the anti-slavery movement as the Republican Party was formed. Travel back in time and delve into the thoughts and ideas that formed one of the most recognized movements in Lincoln's Presidency.
©2013 Save Time Summaries (P)2013 Save Time Summaries