Simplicity

If you could sum up How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence in three words, what would they be?

Simplicity, Educational, Freedom

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

I was surprised how Mark handled the "Test Yourself" sections. I appreciated how I could listen and learn and still participate to test my knowledge/comprehension.

What about Mark Deakins’s performance did you like?

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were performed masterfully.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Simply the Constitution

Any additional comments?

American's need to understand their constitutional rights or we will lose them. I have read many books on the Constitution but this was is for listeners of all ages and various levels of understanding. My kids now understand know how to read these documents have that lasted 200+ years and so do I. Many books on the Constitution try and give an angle or their own bias but this is just facts. Well done and the narration could not have been better.

19 people found this helpful

Being a Cop and Civil Rights

Any additional comments?

I work for a security service, people threaten me about constitutional rights all the time. I figure it's time to learn more beyond just the training. Everything I found that would teach me about the constitution expected me to already have a pretty solid foundation on constitutional law. I agree that is important but I had never been taught or had gone out to learn it. A friend heard the author on the radio and ordered the book. I decided to try the audio first. It was a great beginning but now I want to go through the printed book. Highly recommended for people like me who know its important but worry that it requires time and work just to read the thing. The author gives you more than just reading, but reading with understanding and not a lot of political bias clogging the original words.The author makes it fast and simple. Loved it.

13 people found this helpful

The Book Title Says It All

Where does How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've listened to many, many audio books. I am a huge Grisham fan. Mark read Grisham's latest novel and that is partially what led me to this book. Love the voice. Love the performance.

What other book might you compare How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to and why?

I guess it reminds me a bit of one of Covey's books (How to win friends and influence people, etc.) Not really because of content but just the feel and vibe it has. It is approachable, easy, simple application, and something you would probably read again.

What does Mark Deakins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

As I said before, he read Grisham's novel and that was so well done that I couldn't wait to hear this one. Love the performance.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

I don't think i have ever read either of these documents before. Probably not even in school. To hear them side-by-side, and understand better how to interpret them, it took away the mystery and uncertainty. These documents are simple and i guess i never realized that before. I think what surprised me the most is the multitude of examples of unconstitutional things I read in the paper and see on the news. Education really is the key to preserve freedom.

Any additional comments?

Thanks for the book.

11 people found this helpful

Wish I had picked this up ages ago!

Any additional comments?

Now all the constitutional challenges and claims make sense. Finally, I can engage in the debate without faking it.

9 people found this helpful

Needed Book for School

Any additional comments?

My mom bought me this book for school. We are learning all about our rights and the founding fathers in class right now. I liked how this was something easy for me to read along with while listening. I'm younger and I thought I would never understand the constitution or declaration of independence until I was older. But this was easy for me to understand and I really liked it. It helped me get 98% on my class test. My teacher thought it was really cool that I know the constitution now. My score was the highest in my class. I think everyone should get this book. Thank you!

8 people found this helpful

Politicians Read This!!!

What did you love best about How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence?

I've never read the Constitution or the Declaration before. I really liked the short simple explanation of the seven Articles. I loved the memory trick, lej sasr, GREAT!

What other book might you compare How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to and why?

There is no other book I can compare this with. The "Dummy" and "Idiot" books are too hard. This book made it really clear really fast.

Which scene was your favorite?

The list of powers given to Congress. I thought the constitution gave them permission to do a lot more.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened through the first part and suddenly realized an hour went by. It's a fast book.

Any additional comments?

I care a lot about our horrible gun violence problems, free college tuition, minimum wage, and what we're doing to our environment. I picked up the book because I wanted to know why the government can't fix these faster. Now it makes a lot more sense. This is a really good way to do it, read the actual words in the constitution and understand what's going on. Recommend it.

11 people found this helpful

Unbiased, Education, Essential

Where does How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This audiobook is for the person who wishes to leave a better world than they received. The only other comparable audio-books I've heard are Bassam (also by Skousen) and Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. This audio book is compelling because of its simplicity in its study of the most powerful documents ever drafted. No biased opinion, just simple and compelling. Worth the investment of time and money.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Coming out of this book, I have a deepened resolve and respect for The United States of America and its inspired founding documents. I realized how essential it is to have the Declaration of Independence side-by-side with the Constitution, when studying either. Those two documents speak to each-other.

Any additional comments?

I read the Declaration with my young kids and extended family on the 4th of July. This book will make that new tradition more meaningful...adding to the great legacy already left to us in the form of The United States of America.

4 people found this helpful

Understand them for the first time

Would you consider the audio edition of How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to be better than the print version?

I bought both, my wife liked the audio, I read the book. I enjoyed the audio version but made notes in the book. Split vote

What other book might you compare How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence to and why?

I've tried reading the Constitution and Declaration before, back in high school. Never made much sense. This "How To" approach opened the door, now I get it. Articles, sections, clauses, preamble, assertions, charges, rights, permissions, control, unalienable, the book nails it. It's a fast read, to the point. Why isn't this taught in the schools anymore?

Have you listened to any of Mark Deakins’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Mark Deakins is the master. I've listened to half a dozen of his works and he brings everything to life. The Constitution is hard reading but he makes it come alive, clips right along, he emphasizes important words and makes it understandable.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I really appreciated Mark Deakins powerful reading of the Declaration. I could feel the anger and frustration in the Americans at the king. Those words stirred some strong feelings inside, made me think of problems in America today.

Any additional comments?

I heard the author on the radio and decided to give the book a try. I’m thrilled. Author walks you through the Declaration and the Constitution so you understand what you're reading. That's what got me. I thought it was a bunch of lawyer words. You really can understand both of these if somebody will just give a few pointers. He includes ten myths that answered my question about being "old fashioned" and "a living Constitution." There's a little quiz after each section to make sure you're catching the main points, and a timed reading test. The glossary really helped a lot. It's a very fast read. I recommend it to everybody.

4 people found this helpful

How to read Constituition & Declaration

What did you love best about How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence?

It, mostly, laid it all out in understandable way.

What was one of the most memorable moments of How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence?

When automatically compared this book with the last one by same writer and once again got hit with knowledge of the obvious fact that he had to have been a republican, as the book very obviously slants that way.

What does Mark Deakins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Nice voice. {No idea what to put here, usually my computer reads to me with the kindle for pc with audio plug in.}

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

That the writer didn't seem to think that it was a 'living' document, nor that it really needed to be, when yes it must be, that is not a myth and neither is the fact that several things that were never thought about at all at one time have become issues over time so no it is not a myth and it is needed. It used to be okay to have slaves, to discrimate against those of different races, sexes, sexual leaning, etcetera. Human Rights have been 'given', others fought for, and others still being fought for.

Any additional comments?

This book is about the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence {which contrary to some reviews, does include the amendments}. Overall the book was good, BUT -- as in the last book, the writer is obvioulsy slanting everything to a republican veiwpoint, which of course is more noticeable if you are not that, and in several places would be still be at least a bit confusing to those who are not more than a bit familiar with overall law and/or background of all this, as in new citizens and so forth. Yes, it covered memory aids, the Constitution, Articles, Bill of Rights, and it does go in to each of those in some way, as well as supposed myths plus protecting human rights. In my case, the 'trick' statements and so on were more of an interruption in the train of the book and in my own thoughts. I have a background in law {paralegalism and some other things} so that may be more me than would be noticed by the average reader.

Also, audible has rating parts, 3 of them, but nothing could find that shows what each section meant. Overall, Performance, Story...these do not aduquately tell me what they are supposed to indicate.

2 people found this helpful

How to Read the Constitution

What made the experience of listening to How to Read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence the most enjoyable?

Using this book as a resource, I was able to more fully understand the meaning of the US Constitution, but also understand the reasoning for why the framers wrote the document in the way that they did.

Any additional comments?

We, as citizens, should be better at understanding the very document that frames the government of our land. How can someone be expected to vote intelligently if they don't understand the basis for which the person running for office is expected to govern? This book effectively breaks down the Constitution into consumable bits, allowing the reader to better understand the document. This is a must read for anyone living in the US.

2 people found this helpful