John J. Sullivan tells the story of his years as the U.S. ambassador to Russia, revealing behind-the-scenes secrets about international politics and war, including Russia's invasion of the Ukraine. Sullivan performs his own work in an unadorned manner. At times, the performance lacks energy and sounds like what it is--a book being read aloud. He may have been better served by allowing Matt Godfrey to perform more than just the foreword. Still, the work is a fascinating examination of how careful men try to convince others to do the right thing for their nations and the world. The frustration of dealing with Russians, whose only word seems to be "nyet," is clear. To Sullivan and people like him, we give our thanks for the job they perform.
Pub Date: Aug. 6, 2024
Duration: 18 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668641378
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A doyenne of American literature, Godwin, now 89, adds to her distinguished body of work.
Rosemary Benson has narrated Godwin’s work before, and she conveys the contemplative and appalled tone of this brief memoir. Her performance reveals the author’s disappointment in the country’s state of political affairs during the 2024 election. Godwin sees then-candidate Trump as an emblem of corruption, and she painstakingly analyzes his debate with Kamala Harris and the idea of citizenship, quoting liberally from Brian Tangury’s blog Working-Class Scribbler. Other sections show the arc of Godwin’s long career, recalling her life in the 1960s working for the U.S. Travel Service and her ill-considered marriage.
A doyenne of American literature, Godwin, now 89, adds to her distinguished body of work.Pub Date: June 9, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 16 mins
DD ISBN: 9781639739004
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Review Posted Online: July 7, 2026
Entertaining, engrossing, and at times heartbreaking, with plenty of defeats and wins.
Narrator John Hopkinson mirrors the soft, East Tennessee accent that Tennesseans grew to know over almost six decades of Alexander’s public service. From the dramatic—and legal—coup that placed him in the governor’s office three days early to the Jan. 6, 2021, riot and Alexander’s retirement, it’s the behind-the-scenes personal stories, like the deaths of his son and wife, that are most enlightening. Alexander’s dear friendship with Roots novelist Alex Haley inspired the most personal motto of the two-time governor and presidential candidate and three-time U.S. senator: “Find the good and praise it.” This simple and optimistic take on public service may seem quaint these days, but Alexander believes it to be true.
Entertaining, engrossing, and at times heartbreaking, with plenty of defeats and wins.Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Duration: 19 hrs, 26 mins
DD ISBN: 9798228846791
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: July 21, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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