This audiobook illustrates one of the central conflicts in our Constitution: How do we reconcile a military that is under civilian control with the power of military leaders who want more control over policy? Under this system, the author argues, presidents and generals have clashed openly and secretly, many times to the country's detriment. From the start, narrator Ron Butler reads against type by approaching this audiobook with an expressive, deep, assuring voice, rather than as an authoritarian. He varies his pitch and tone, and adds character voices to make the political and military sources come alive. Butler also uses pauses judiciously, which allows us to consider the effects that many of these decisions and events have had on our recent history.
Pub Date: Oct. 24, 2017
Duration: 14 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781478923282
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Carol Matthau epitomizes a glamour and lifestyle not associated with the 1990's. Here is a life of privilege, tragedy and worry about what friends would think of her new frock or lover. Matthau possesses a voice and delivery that simply could not be improved on. In her coy whisper, she tells compelling stories involving everyone from William Saroyan (husband #1) and Truman Capote to Carson McCullers, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Walter Matthau (husband #2). This excellent audio presentation will leave you wanting to read the entire book to discover what juicy tidbits were left out.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: The Publishing Mills
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners will enjoy this thoughtful and informational journey across our nation.
On the cusp of America’s 250th birthday, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Gage embarks on a road trip to visit 13 locations across the country and explore the critical role that each played in forming the nation that exists today. Gage visits sites significant to the Revolutionary War, slavery, Native Americans, women’s suffrage, and more and delves into their histories, long-lasting aftereffects and, in some cases, how they've fared in modern America. Gabra Zackman is steady and measured as she details historical conflicts and tensions, and her tone is conversational when discussing individuals who made a lasting impact on the country. The introduction, read by Gage, is a highlight: She shares her reasons for writing the book and reflects on why engaging with our shared history is so important, especially today.
Listeners will enjoy this thoughtful and informational journey across our nation.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 43 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668104231
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
