The topic of the U.S. internment of 120,000 Japanese people, both Americans and aliens, during WWII is a painful and shameful chapter of our history, yet reader James Yaegashi performs this work primarily without rancor. A Japanese-American himself, Yaegashi succinctly tells the story of racial hatred, fear, and greed as American citizens were forced to leave their homes and herded into camps that ranged from primitive to putrid. There is a tinge of pride in his voice when he talks about the loyal Japanese-Americans who willingly submitted to the camps for the greater good of their adopted country. And there is perhaps a touch of anger when Yaegashi tells about the greedy people who preyed on the internees, offering to buy their homes and possessions for pennies.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2015
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781490686523
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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
A perfect marriage of text and delivery.
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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