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50 STATES OF MIND

A JOURNEY TO REDISCOVER AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

A 20-something Illinois native and graduate student at Oxford traveled the U.S., interviewing people in all 50 states to gain insight into the increasing divide between conservative-liberal and urban-rural extremes. Ryan Bernsten's performance captures the clarity of his writing and the spark in his perspectives. Having worked on Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, he was troubled by what was unleashed by its outcome. As he began his trip, he was unsure where he belonged as a gay man with literary, political, and theatrical sensibilities. What he learned confirmed that the essential goodness of people will help us get past the contentiousness the country is enduring. Especially touching is the author's warmth toward the people he encountered in his search for identity and community.

Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2023

Duration: 7 hrs

Publisher: Lantern Audio

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    THE U.S. CONSTITUTION

    A COMPREHENSIVE AND ANNOTATED GUIDE FOR THE MODERN READER

    This work is an excellent example of the power of the audiobook medium.

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    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

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      WHEN YOU COME AT THE KING

      INSIDE DOJ'S PURSUIT OF THE PRESIDENT, FROM NIXON TO TRUMP

      This history of special prosecutors--think Ken Starr, Robert Mueller, Jack Smith--is full of insider information and legal strategies that will fascinate ordinary news watchers, as well as ardent followers of Washington politics. The author, a CNN legal commentator and former U.S. attorney, uses interviews and his own impressive analytical skills to detail the histories of these high-stakes investigations and their broader implications. As narrator, his steely tone and crisp enunciation ensure clarity and communicate respect for listeners and the people whose lives he discusses. Though there's no shortage of esoterica, Honig's tight writing and impressive personality profiles keep the stories moving.

      Pub Date: Sept. 16, 2025

      Duration: 11 hrs

      DD ISBN: 9780063447332

      Publisher: Harper Audio

      Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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