Narrator Korey Jackson masterfully conveys author Cose's passionate commitment to the cause of free speech in America. In an engaged and inquisitive tone, Jackson brings forth the 200-plus-year history of American free speech. He carries listeners through the quiet beginnings of this important right with its establishment in the Bill of Rights, its continuation with the incorporation of state and federal actions, and its current state amid debates on campaign finance reform and social media's responsibility for accuracy. While many provocative case histories are summarily mentioned, the brevity of these references may prompt some listeners to further inquiry. Jackson keeps listeners on track as he delivers Cose's critiques of the Trump administration, which are interspersed throughout this historical survey.
Pub Date: Sept. 15, 2020
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062999740
Publisher: Harper 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
More than 35 hours long, this comprehensive biography of Random House founder Bennett Cerf is equal to a workweek for many listeners. Cerf nurtured a roster of the 20th century's most consequential authors and was nationally known as a television panelist. His story is a fascinating panorama of American arts and society over 50 years, scrupulously researched but overburdened and slow. Listeners who've never heard of William Styron or Dorothy Kilgallen or the Famous Writers School will be fully educated here. Narrator Lisa Flanagan keeps a steady, unfussy pace that carries her listeners over the longueurs. But hers is a channel swim rather than a leisurely stroll through Central Park. This paunchy biography needed a stronger editorial hand.
Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 35 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217346448
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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