Chris Kipiniak gives a clear, meticulous performance of this historical audiobook about the origins of modern America. The "Inc." in the title is apt--this is a history that contrasts with what many listeners may have learned. Conventional history posits that the New World was founded on a search for religious freedom; Butman and Targett's audiobook suggests that motivations were more transactional. While listeners may be familiar with some of the names and dates from school, what links the historical events here is the enterprising spirit that guided explorers to seek new opportunities. Kipiniak's narration, resembling a nimble series of academic lectures, invites listeners into the fascinating stories recounted here.
Pub Date: March 20, 2018
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781478935179
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The readers can't compensate for the unbearably pompous prose style of this extended parable about corporate politics and strategy.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Henslee’s warm, unhurried narration makes listeners feel like the next success story could be theirs.
Barbara Henslee narrates with an intimate, upbeat delivery and a sunny Southern warmth that feels like being personally recruited to the Mary Kay empire. Her voice suits the material perfectly, drawing listeners into a bygone era when women built empires through gatherings around kitchen tables and on front porches, long before they could open their own bank accounts. Henslee never oversells, just gently persuades, mirroring the company’s own quiet pitch to millions of women that economic independence and personal transformation were within reach. The balanced treatment of the realities of multilevel marketing, alongside the truly inspirational story of founder Mary Kay Ash, make this a compelling listen for anyone curious about the often mocked world of direct sales.
Henslee’s warm, unhurried narration makes listeners feel like the next success story could be theirs.Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 14 hrs, 24 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217281879
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: June 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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