Laurie D. (dutrall) -
Helpful Score: 5
Like many memoirs written by journalists, this one lacked the emotion that could have pushed it from 3 stars to 4 for me. And the fact that the audio was read by Anderson, who is a first rate anchor, instead of an anchor, was in my opinion, another mistake. It added to the lack of emotion. However, that being said, the book was worth reading (listening to) for the final two chapters, if for no other reason. His time in Mississippi and New Orleans during and after Katrina was powerful and even moving. I'm also glad I hung in there for the interview with him at the end of this audio because I was beginning to worry that his anchorperson manner of talking might be his actual speaking style. It's not. I only wish he had delivered the book as Anderson Cooper, the man instead of Anderson Cooper, CNN reporter. I think it would have had more impact throughout instead of just the Katrina chapters.
Linda C. (lindach5) reviewed Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and Survival (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book so very interesting - it moved between an autobiography of Mr. Cooper's life and a description of his experiences overseas and during Katrina - quite insightful.
Judy H. (crisislady) reviewed Dispatches from the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and Survival (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 15 more book reviews
Very informative, providing insights not only into his troubled personal life as the son of an heiress whose brother committed suicide, but also into what it is like to be a correspondent who covers disasters and tragic situations. I teach workshops on dealing with the media during a crisis, so I found it particularly fascinating. The material, because of its nature, is quite depressing.
