Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith's narrating tone is soft and gentle as she recounts the many questions and frustrations she faces as she pieces together her lineage, examines insidious racism, and confronts oppression. The 22nd Poet Laureate of the United States extols the tenderness of her father, who achieved success in the military through his persistence and assured her of her power in the world. Smith's vulnerability is palpable as she experiences grief at her father's death and recognizes the power of family and the reality of the erasures of the once enslaved. The beauty of her imagery and the rhythms of her narration make her insights all the more poignant. Her candid openness invites listeners to consider more deeply the painful situations and the individual and collective responsibility we share.
Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593788615
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Soft-voiced narrator Danielle Lee James becomes the author as she recounts her research into the life, accomplishments, and trials of Mary MacLeod Bethune, who was often called the "First Lady of the Struggle" or "First Lady of Black America." Author Noliwe Rooks's brief academic work focuses on Bethune's political philosophy as it is intertwined with the life and legacy of this consequential twentieth- century woman who dared to fight the system for Black women and girls. Using subtle pauses and changes in pacing, James skillfully moves listeners' attention between discussions of Bethune's life and the author's reflections on Bethune's accomplishments, including her crucial work with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Presidents Truman and FDR, and other national leaders.
Pub Date: July 23, 2024
Duration: 3 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593864715
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Narrator Janina Edwards gives an exceptional presentation of this biographical examination of Harriet Tubman. This audiobook compares the work of Tubman and other known civil rights activists in the pre-Civil War period. Edwards effectively delivers the vignettes of Tubman's life, complete with Southern accents and the local vernacular of the era. Tubman endured more physical abuse and mental hardships in her lifetime than any other activist. Most did not physically help hundreds of slaves gain their freedom. Edwards creates a realistic portrait of the woman, her life and loves, and what drove her into action. There is new information embedded in this portrait that will amaze most listeners. Edwards's clear admiration for this hero resonates in her voice and performance.
Pub Date: June 18, 2024
Duration: 6 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593864395
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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