The title of this audiobook sounds as though it should be about war or global politics or something else grand. But while Gaddis draws his examples from war and great political issues, the conclusions he draws about how to plan strategically can be applied to everyday life. As Gaddis is discussing such noteworthies as the Greek general and statesman Pericles, narrator Mike Chamberlain keeps his voice clear and light. Without imitating or creating voices, he marks off longer quotations with pauses and lets context clarify shorter ones. Overall, Chamberlain sounds like a well-read friend who monopolizes the dinner conversation because he really is the most interesting guest. And what he has to say--about history, politics, war, and personal identity--is very interesting indeed.
Pub Date: April 3, 2018
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780525528555
Publisher: Penguin 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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