Politics strained the relationship between Benjamin Franklin and his son William. Benjamin was one of the most influential of the revolutionaries, while his son was New Jersey's governor, loyal to the Crown. Listeners may notice familiar political themes as Scott Brick reads their heated correspondence. Adding to the drama is Brick's excellent handling of the flowery language, both in the Revolutionary War-era letters and in Epstein's writing. The lives of father and son are the stuff of soap opera. Brick gives the story of William's illegitimate birth--and his own fathering of an illegitimate son, in turn--a riveting touch of scandal. The Franklins' lives are a crackling listen as they reveal the passions and divisions of their time.
Pub Date: May 30, 2017
Duration: 16 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781524781057
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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