American Dreams is the second book in a planned trilogy that examines life in America from the mid-nineteenth century through modern times. The Crown family of Chicago, German immigrants who built a brewing empire, is the focus for this fascinating look at our history. Edward Herrmann's effortless and expressive delivery adds much life and dimension to the assorted cast of characters. Perhaps Herrmann's greatest contribution is his ability to blend a full range of emotion, from action to heartache, with seamless transitions from scene to scene. Although this abridged version seems short on historical fact and long on soap opera settings, it is well worth listeners' time. But Herrmann's reading is the shining star here and should not be missed.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1998
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Ayla, one of the "others," is adopted by a clan of Neanderthal cave people. She struggles to conform to their ways, but her advanced human traits overwhelm and threaten their primitive culture in this initial installment of an immensely popular series. Although the story might benefit from abridgment, Rowena Cooper easily carries out the formidable task of enlivening the mostly silent and stereotypical characters with consistent, diverse personalities and human dimension. Through skillful phrasing and inflection, she maintains the reader's interest and suspense, especially with Ayla and her plight, throughout this rambling and imaginative story.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America/ Chivers
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This lyrical, sensual novel of woman's lot in Manchu, China, is as well researched as it is well written. Authentic in tone, it's nonetheless written for Westerners by a Western expert on China. Moreover, Susan Clark performs the demanding text superbly, with only occasional signs of fatigue. For the most part she not only sustains the quaint diction and Asian atmosphere, but also, creates whole worlds with her voice. She acts the book, rather than reads it, and, in so doing, turns a pretty trifle into a stupendous beauty.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audio Literature
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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