Christopher Douyard impressively recounts the meteoric rise and fall of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, as told by veteran CHICAGO TRIBUNE reporter Gregory Royal Pratt--and everyday Chicagoans themselves. Listeners meet the Black, gay, extremely confident Lightfoot as she sweeps 70% of votes, based on her campaign promise of ending Chicago's reputation for corruption, racism, and inequality in its many guises. Well-rendered behind-the-scenes looks reveal Lightfoot continually sabotaging herself by provoking the politicos who supported her, never backing down, and treating supporters with disdain. Lightfoot's successes, including the delivery of some campaign promises and navigating the mysteries of COVID-19, are duly chronicled. Douyard's rendering of Pratt's observations, along with quotes from politicians such as former mayor Rahm Emanuel and Governor J.B. Pritzker, adds gravitas to this political gem.
Pub Date: April 2, 2024
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781696614542
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Brisk, fluent, pleasing to the ear, Emma Gregory's narration does justice to a fine historian and her landmark biography of one of Britain's most misunderstood rulers. On the death of Elizabeth I in 1603, Scotland's James VI became England's James I, first in the Stuart line. James was one of Britain's most intelligent and energetic rulers, and one the most complex. Today he is accepted for the inclinations that have marginalized him for centuries and in this fine narrative is properly assessed for the singular place he holds in Britain's history. The narrative is organized topically, rather than strictly chronologically, and requires a high level of vocal skill to deliver clearly and effectively. This finely nuanced biography has the gifted, insightful narrator it deserves.
Pub Date: Nov. 11, 2025
Duration: 18 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798318527753
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The limited time she had to campaign was just one of the many obstacles Kamala Harris had to overcome as the first woman of color to run for president. Though she's been accused of seeing herself as a victim in this revealing political memoir, the tone of her performance gently rejects that characterization. With her careful phrasing and clear enunciation, she sounds calm, thoughtful, and self-aware, taking responsibility when appropriate and pointing to circumstances and people who could have been more helpful. Overall, she creates an atmosphere that should allow listeners of all political persuasions to appreciate the person behind a campaign packed with triumphs and heartbreak. Her account of the elaborate operations and complex relationships needed for a presidential run is fascinating.
Pub Date: Sept. 23, 2025
Duration: 10 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668148037
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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