The author of this important audiobook about autocrats and their dealings is also its narrator. That isn't unusual in nonfiction, and it has its advantages: A committed expert brings authority and, often, experience with public speaking to the role. Thus, this author/narrator compellingly describes her rogues list of autocrats, ranging from China's Xi Jinping and Russia's Vladimir Putin to Hungary's Viktor Orbán and Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro. Applebaum explains how each surrounds himself with corrupt enablers as he climbs to the pinnacle of power. She outlines their methods for keeping their citizenry in line and for wreaking havoc on countries that disagree with their ideology--and notes ways to counteract their power. Especially important is her cogently argued belief that ordinary citizens can ultimately prevail.
Pub Date: July 23, 2024
Duration: 4 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593949689
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Booker makes a strong case for how we can improve our public discourse and our connections with each other.
Sen. Booker is an orator, so it’s no surprise that he knows how to deliver an emotional text, and in narrating his own book, he delivers. His strong feelings are clear as he draws on his experiences and relationships with friends, family, and personal inspirations such as Rep. John Lewis, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and disability activist Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins. Each of the book's 10 chapters explores a virtue—agency, vulnerability, patriotism, truth, humility, community, creativity, perseverance, grace, and vision—which we can apply to our personal lives as well as our civic lives.
Booker makes a strong case for how we can improve our public discourse and our connections with each other.Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 25 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250440280
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: June 9, 2026
Through Carr’s performance, listeners get a tangible sense of recent events and the people involved.
Kris Carr’s focused narration pairs well with the author’s Agatha Christie-inspired “murder mystery” investigation into the repeal of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark 1973 decision on the constitutional right to abortion. Assembled are suspects and accomplices, including people across the political and ideological spectrum; key witnesses; and victims, particularly Rosie Jimenez and Becky Bell. Carr’s deft characterizations animate the real-life individuals behind key legislation and activist movements. Carr further strengthens the mystery framework with a British accent for Christie quotations. This engrossing production takes listeners beyond the 2022 repeal of Roe, detailing actions by true believers, political opportunists, and well-intentioned abortion-rights supporters that led to its demise.
Through Carr’s performance, listeners get a tangible sense of recent events and the people involved.Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668654194
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: July 7, 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.
