Reynaldo Piniella gives this timely audiobook a dramatic narration. His voice is passionate, his tone slightly outraged, and his cadence quick pulsed. His approach enhances a long chronicle of wrongdoing, power grabbing, and unrepentant partisanship. While Piniella struggles with "n't" sounds, he is a persuasive narrator who overcomes some of the clichéd writing--the metaphor of the fox guarding the henhouse becomes tedious, for example. The audiobook looks at the long history of gerrymandering and its corrupt manifestations--from endless handshake deals in New York to self-interested power plays in California, Texas, and Florida. The history is rife with frustrating facts on our country's extraordinary power imbalances and includes colorful explanations on such phenomena as "packing and cracking." Overall, the audiobook is a worthwhile listen.
Pub Date: June 14, 2022
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593592465
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This work is an excellent example of the power of the audiobook medium.
The only time most of us read the U.S. Constitution was in high school civics class. This book offers a unique perspective, and the use of two narrators allows listeners to distinguish between the document itself and the commentary on its continuing relevance. Working through the Constitution in sections, veteran narrator Dion Graham reads the actual text, and author Murray delivers her commentary, including incidents and court cases from as recently as late 2025, to illustrate the relevance to our lives today. Both narrators are easy to listen to, and their respective paces are suited to the complexity of the material.
This work is an excellent example of the power of the audiobook medium.Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 43 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668156018
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: June 2, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2026
An essential document of our current political time.
Enrich narrates his audiobook with clarity and insight as only a true insider can. Enrich was a civil servant with years of federal experience, working for USAID. He notes that many people didn't know the agency existed until the start of the second Trump administration. Enrich communicates the inception and accomplishments of USAID, which saved lives on a global level for decades, until Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency gutted the agency and demoralized the staff dedicated to its mission. Enrich delivers a master class on U.S. foreign policy and the shocking betrayal of our shared humanity.
An essential document of our current political time.Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 28 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668161968
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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