Jamie Renell's narration of Ted Gioia's sprawling work is confident and fast paced, which is just what this serious tome needs. The author argues that for all of human history, the most important music starts out as subversive and only later is embraced by the establishment. The first several hours are tough going (less so thanks to Renell's narrative drive) as they cover ancient historical periods for which no one has any musical touchstones: These sections often seem aimed at a more academic audience. But the work begins its crescendo as it moves into the Classical era and reaches its climax in its discussion of the twentieth-century jazz, blues, and rock musicians who have touched our own lives.
Pub Date: Oct. 15, 2019
Duration: 18 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781549150562
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Karen Chilton's fluid alto is a good fit for this biography of Thomas Jefferson. The authors are more or less successful in their attempt to present the third president in the context of his times. What we are presented with is a very human being--possessing great intellect, filled with flaws and contradictions, and still immensely fascinating nearly three centuries after his birth. Chilton's pacing and inflection are never off. She narrates with a calm demeanor, competently affecting various accents for quotes and ably giving subtle expression to the narrative. It all adds up to an enjoyable listening experience.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2016
Duration: 14 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501909993
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
It's hard to imagine that the horror of 9/11 took place within a window of a mere 102 minutes, but indeed it was so. Be prepared for harrowing and heroic accounts gleaned from every possible source--phone messages, police and fire department communications, personal accounts, even the media--delineating the details at Ground Zero. Reader Ron McLarty handles the job with strong characterizations and the intensity the material demands. Listeners will find it hard to turn away from the nightmare but will find redemption in some of the stories of self-sacrifice that saved many lives. D.J.B. 2006 Audie Award Finalist © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2004
Duration: 6 hrs
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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