Bill Bryson offers up a chronicle of an eventful summer in American history: the summer of 1927. Bryson is an engaging narrator because of his evident interest in— indeed, fascination with—the subjects he writes about. Informative and by turns wry, Bryson is enthusiastic, and his hint of a British accent is delightful as he describes a number of historical events: the fervor over Charles Lindbergh, Al Capone’s singular success in the bootlegging trade, and the release of the first “talking picture.” Bryson expertly ferrets out little known details and curiosities and tinges them with dashes of humor, making for a work chock-full of facts that shed new light on the history you thought you already knew. S.E.G. 2014 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2013
Duration: 17 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780739315309
Publisher: Random House 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
Listeners will enjoy this thoughtful and informational journey across our nation.
On the cusp of America’s 250th birthday, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Gage embarks on a road trip to visit 13 locations across the country and explore the critical role that each played in forming the nation that exists today. Gage visits sites significant to the Revolutionary War, slavery, Native Americans, women’s suffrage, and more and delves into their histories, long-lasting aftereffects and, in some cases, how they've fared in modern America. Gabra Zackman is steady and measured as she details historical conflicts and tensions, and her tone is conversational when discussing individuals who made a lasting impact on the country. The introduction, read by Gage, is a highlight: She shares her reasons for writing the book and reflects on why engaging with our shared history is so important, especially today.
Listeners will enjoy this thoughtful and informational journey across our nation.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 43 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668104231
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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