The author examines the fascinating relationship between franchise companies like McDonald's and black communities across the nation over the past half-century. Machelle Williams gives this rich history a straightforward narration that invites listeners to learn more about the resilience and ingenuity of black communities while also highlighting their struggles with fast food chains. Williams's tempered delivery, with its distant but compelling tone, keeps listeners' focus on Chatelain's words, but this style can sometimes backfire when she delivers heartfelt quotes. By tracing McDonald's history in black communities, Chatelain illuminates the complicated relationships, expectations, and issues that arise among corporations, local government, community leadership, and youth who have limited places to hang out or work.
Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2020
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781684577002
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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