Customer Reviews

Access to the Airwaves

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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.

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.

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.

Allan had one heck of a life. Makes you wonder what a little determination and a lot of tolerance for being arrested can do for a guy!

The only gripe I have is that the book needs a good editor. It could stand to be cut by a quarter through tighter, crisper writing. But in terms of the story, this guy "walked the walk".

Thanks for sharing the journey with us.

Eventhough I think that Christianity is a fundementle personalty flaw, I do believe that Allen Weiner is a true American Hero. To have over come so much and still believe in the power and beauty of radio is truly a feat of patreotic proportions. This is the true story of the man that tought an entire generation how to "Talk Hard" and endure. If you love radio, as I do, you need to read this book! James Lane (MonkeyWrenchRadio)