5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting history of a radio wizard, February 27, 2000
This review is from: Access to the Airwaves (Paperback)
I've met Alan, and he's pretty much what you would expect after reading the book; sort of a friendly, middle-aged hippie with a New York twang who enjoys needling the Establishment.
In Al's case, his Establishment arch-nemesis is not the CIA or the Pentagon, but rather the FCC.
The book outlines his history of run-ins with the agency, always attempting to circumvent the rules in the name of broadcasting freedom. The term "broadcasting freedom" is Alan's code-speak for having fun, which is really what radio is all about for him; just plain fun.
The book is fun, too. It follows Al from his first spark of interest in radio, through his many adventures in trying to stay on the air with patched together radio gear that would've been given up on by any other broadcaster.
When it comes to engineering, Scotty has nothing on Al Weiner!
Interestingly enough, the book also serves as a anecdotal history of broadcasting in New York and Northern Maine in the 70's and 80's.
The book's a fun read, written in a laid back and light style. Everyone from amateur radio enthusiasts, to the ex-hippie granola crowd, and even hard core conspiracy nuts will like this book.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Acess To The Airwaves, An Exciting History in radio!, June 10, 2009
This review is from: Access to the Airwaves (Paperback)
Allan Weiner tells his story in a way that is truly captivating. I had a hard time putting the book down. For anyone who loves radio and the desire for free speech, this is a must read. The love for radio is evident in every page. Thanks Allan, for documenting your adventure for all of us radio enthusiasts to enjoy.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
3.0 out of 5 stars
Freedom Is Purchased In America, February 6, 2011
This review is from: Access to the Airwaves (Paperback)
Allan Weiner's story represents the plight of every American who is fed up with a system that only responds to money. Weiner story is heartfelt and touching. I really feel his pain. The story is worth reading simply because it further highlights the range of injustices our system perpetrates upon us. It also documents his ability to take a seemingly hopeless situation and approach it with grace, optimism, and bravery.
However, this is a book that is painfully laborious reading. It suffers from a poorly constructed narrative, poor editing, and a certain quality reminiscent of puberty. This title was published by Loompantics which tells us something about the quality of the editorial effort. If one reads at about a fifth or sixth grade level, its flow will be just about right. However, if the reader attended college for at least one year, it will seem more like something penned for Mad Magazine.
It's an honorable story, and I respect Weiner immensely. It's just really awful reading.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
