This intense, detailed audiobook can be a difficult listen. It deals with one of the most pervasive and painful topics in U.S. history and culture--racism. With a measured and earnest delivery, narrator Jamie Renell leads listeners through 250 years of prejudiced and purposefully harmful national and local policy against Native Americans and African-Americans--all related to the city of St. Louis or its environs. The city was the jumping off point for innumerable Indian wars and ethnic cleansings. The 1853 Dred Scott decision that sent freed slaves back to their masters originated in St. Louis. Most recently, in 2014, Michael Brown was shot dead by a white police officer in nearby Ferguson, illustrating how privilege, money, and violence continue to fuel racial inequality. Heartbreaking, urgent, essential listening.
Pub Date: April 14, 2020
Duration: 15 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781549156441
Publisher: Hachette 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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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