by Paul Thomas Chamberlin ; Read by Jefferson Mays ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 6, 2025
Jefferson Mays's no-nonsense delivery works well for this revisionist history of WWII. Chamberlain, a professor of history at Columbia, begins this detailed work with commentary on WWI, viewing it as "the child of colonialism and the father of superpower neo-imperialism." Mays's baritone is steady and clear and appropriate in expression throughout. He does well at pronouncing foreign names. With the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII taking place at the time of this review, this account of the war, especially regarding the contributions of the non-Western Allies, is welcome. While some may not agree with all of the author's arguments, his perspective is most welcome.
Pub Date: May 6, 2025
Duration: 23 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549152993
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Carol Matthau ; Read by Carol Matthau ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A
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
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by Norah O'Donnell & Kate Andersen Brower ; Read by Norah O'Donnell ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 24, 2026
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
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Women are routinely missing from American history texts. This audiobook seeks to remedy that. Journalist O’Donnell’s TV-honed voice carries the stories in compelling fashion. Dozens of overlooked heroines are profiled, such as Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved woman who filed a lawsuit to obtain her freedom, or Emily Warren Roebling, an engineer who saved the Brooklyn Bridge when her husband fell ill. The writing style is straightforward and narrative-based, making it easy for listeners to follow. O’Donnell varies her tone to suit the material, reflecting intensity, disbelief, humor, and admiration. The sketches are generally short, making this a perfect audiobook for people with short windows of opportunity for listening.
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.Pub Date: Feb. 24, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 37 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217176236
Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
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