Statesmen and political scientists say that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were both friends and "enemies" throughout their public and private lives. James Lurie narrates this dual biography steadily and clearly. The principals' lives are recounted through letters, family papers, and political writings. Lurie clearly differentiates the narrative from the reading of documents by slow pauses and a subtle shift in intonation. Back and forth, the two friends and rivals are compared and contrasted, described and differentiated, bringing the men and this period to life. The work is an account of the art of statesmanship and carefully reasoned political positions. This fundamental and key period in our nation's history is brought to life through Lurie's careful yet fluid narration.
Pub Date: Oct. 24, 2017
Duration: 17 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525498339
Publisher: Penguin 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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