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 beautifully narrated history.
Narrator Leon Nixon takes a storyteller’s approach to this audiobook about one of pop music's most recognizable albums. More than 40 years ago, musician Paul Simon was deeply moved by a cassette tape of music with no identifying labels. The search for the artists on that tape, who were performing an African genre known as township jive, eventually led to the creation of Simon’s seminal album Graceland. The audiobook tracks Simon’s creative process, his journey to assemble the artists, and the complicated political structures that made the album controversial, and inspired a conversation that still continues. What's not debatable is the lasting legacy of Simon's work. Nixon conveys this story with a natural, compelling quality that's consistently engrossing.
A beautifully narrated history.Pub Date: Aug. 11, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 11 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668143322
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 8, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
