The melancholy tone of Ken Burns's voice exactly suits the mood of this history of the Vietnam War, which precedes his newest documentary, coming to PBS in September 2017. The book takes a nonjudgmental approach, but it's clear the war's outcome was shaped by actions taken decades earlier--as if the result were inevitable. Burns adds no false drama but always reads with a tone of respect for the front-line combatants and the earnest opponents. He varies his pace only slightly to keep listeners engaged. Overall, he lets the story speak for itself. It would have been easy to dismiss the choice of Burns as narrator as a vanity project, but this would be unfair. His voice suits the work. Overall, the audio does the print version full justice.
Pub Date: Sept. 5, 2017
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780307970824
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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