The talented Jonathan Yen brings warmth, intelligence, and a storytelling style to his narration of this fine cultural history of the 1930s Federal Writers Project (FWP). His folksy voice and well-paced delivery suit this focused appraisal of the people and program designed to give work—writing state guides—to broke writers. Against all odds, the series produced several hundred titles, including city guides and others, and sponsored writers from Idaho’s indefatigable Vardis Fisher to Richard Wright, Zora Neale Hurston, Nelson Algren, and John Cheever. The director, Henry Alsberg, adroitly managed the far-flung project until running afoul of the Nativist Texas congressman Martin Dies, Jr., who claimed the FWP was “promoting class hatred” and helped usher its demise. This audiobook is a well-crafted journey into our past.
Pub Date: June 15, 2021
Duration: 16 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781666105544
Publisher: Tantor Media
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: today
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