While not a professional historian, the author of this lively audiobook offers pitch-perfect anecdotes and insights on the eight presidents who inherited the position from their elected predecessors. Award-winning narrator Arthur Morey keeps the pace up throughout, and when sharing particularly remarkable stories--Teddy Roosevelt gave a speech directly following an attempt on his life; Harding drank heavily while supporting prohibition--he conveys a sense of amazement that perfectly captures the moment. Some "accidental presidents," like Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Abraham Lincoln, performed worse than expected, but others, like Harry Truman, surprised the country. TR, LBJ, Calvin Coolidge, and Truman (who succeeded FDR at the beginning of Franklin's fourth term) went on to be elected in their own right. Each adjusted to his unexpected position and came to grips with its responsibilities in very different, sometimes surprising, ways.
Pub Date: April 9, 2019
Duration: 17 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781508252757
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Buckley offers a reasonable proposal for a national service program without jail or criminal penalties. Narrator Lawrence reads with a slow and careful announcer's voice; one wishes Buckley were reading this one himself. Books on Tape does its usual quality job with formatting, packaging and tape-turning instructions. The reader repeats the last sentence at such times, so you're sure you haven't missed anything. Popular nonfiction collections will appreciate Gratitude, and the topic is likely to prove timely in the years ahead.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 5 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Kozol’s shocking exposé of inequities in the funding of our public schools contrasts white suburban schools with those serving black and Hispanic populations. Interviews with students, teachers, and school administrators add eloquent testimony to Kozol’s disturbing presentation of facts. Narration by Jack Winston is clear and brisk, but the pace is unrelenting, with little pause for transition between scenes or chapters. Winston’s cool, detached voice contrasts with Kozol’s impasssioned and outraged message. The sheer repetition and magnitude of Kozol’s damning evidence is numbing; the narration gives no relief. Powerful medicine, most easily taken in small doses. Music signalling tape changes is jarringly inappropriate.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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