Haley's audiobook history of Hawaii describes the struggle between Hawaiian nobles (Ali'i) and European adventurers, traders, and missionaries. Covering the period that ranges from Captain James Cook's first encounters with the islands through their incorporation into the United States, Haley debunks any notion that pre-European Hawaii was egalitarian or nonviolent. He offers only passing reference to the catastrophe wrought by European disease and to similar dramas taking place with other colonial powers in other parts of Polynesia. Joe Barrett's folksy, gravelly baritone is clear and easy to follow. Both Haley and Barrett treat the Hawaiian language with respect, aiming for accurate pronunciations whenever possible. Barrett does his best even with lengthy discussions of Ali'i genealogy. This is a significant contribution to an often overlooked subject.
Pub Date: Dec. 30, 2014
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781481526357
Publisher: Blackstone 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
Brick delivers this unforgettable narrative with grace and skill for full impact.
Scott Brick is a frequent narrator of historian Philbrick’s audiobooks, and he’s a perfect match for the author’s straightforward but highly expressive narrative voice. The discovery of gold in the California Sierras in 1848 triggered one of the most dramatic episodes in American history, a grand panorama of greed, obsession, and astonishing twists of fortune. Gold fever fueled progress in sea travel, railroad building, and mechanics and, not incidentally, accelerated the booming nation’s slide toward civil war. Philbrick is, as always, a rewarding and deeply satisfying storyteller, and his history of the California Gold Rush offers a cast of memorable characters along with a troubling record of racism and vigilantism.
Brick delivers this unforgettable narrative with grace and skill for full impact.Pub Date: Oct. 6, 2026
Duration: 13 hrs, 21 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217356218
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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