Sorkin's thoroughly researched depictions of the personalities and market gyrations that led up to the stock market crash of 1929 give the listener insights into the economic greed and foolishness of the 1920s. A NEW YORK TIMES writer and television personality, Sorkin narrates as a practiced professional. While the audiobook may be considered a parable for today's "market manias," its power derives from its cast of characters: Banker Charles McGrath, tried but acquitted of fiscal misdealing; Jack Morgan, secretive son of JP; Herbert Hoover, well equipped to be president but averse to reform. Taking the story four years beyond the crash is helpful. Sorkin details reforms like the Glass-Steagall Act (1933), which separated commercial and investment banking, and the FDIC, which insures bank deposits.
Pub Date: Oct. 14, 2025
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593912089
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Carol Matthau epitomizes a glamour and lifestyle not associated with the 1990's. Here is a life of privilege, tragedy and worry about what friends would think of her new frock or lover. Matthau possesses a voice and delivery that simply could not be improved on. In her coy whisper, she tells compelling stories involving everyone from William Saroyan (husband #1) and Truman Capote to Carson McCullers, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Walter Matthau (husband #2). This excellent audio presentation will leave you wanting to read the entire book to discover what juicy tidbits were left out.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: The Publishing Mills
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.
Women are routinely missing from American history texts. This audiobook seeks to remedy that. Journalist O’Donnell’s TV-honed voice carries the stories in compelling fashion. Dozens of overlooked heroines are profiled, such as Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who filed a lawsuit to obtain her freedom, or Emily Warren Roebling, an engineer who saved the Brooklyn Bridge when her husband fell ill. The writing style is straightforward and narrative-based, making it easy for listeners to follow. O’Donnell varies her tone to suit the material, reflecting intensity, disbelief, humor, and admiration. The sketches are generally short, making this a perfect audiobook for people with short windows of opportunity for listening.
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 37 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217176236
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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