Steven Hahn's sweeping history of the United States in the age of expansion is a compelling narrative, and one that deserves a wide audience despite its flaws as an audiobook production. "Less is more" should be the mantra for all narrators of long, serious works of history--the steady trot rather than a full canter. Barry Press has a pleasing voice and is in many ways an appealing narrator. But he does tend to overemphasize. Worse, his mimicry of regional voices and historical bluster is just plain embarrassing. The story of America is a story of constantly changing borders, and Hahn has written an important work of history that speaks to our own divided time, as well as to the fractured eighteenth century.
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2016
Duration: 27 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781681682631
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
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
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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