With his toolbox of skills, Johnny Heller provides a friendly and informative narration, sometimes resorting to speedy noirish vocal rhythms when retelling the mysteries of the L.A. music scene in the 1960s. And there are plenty of mysteries. Why did Dean (of Jan and Dean) finance the kidnapping of Frank Sinatra, Jr.? Who killed Bobby ("I Fought the Law") Fuller? How did Charles Manson implant himself in Beach Boy Dennis Wilson's home? The audiobook unveils itself like an ancestry chart with surprising associations (Neil Young and Rick James were once bandmates) and a few shotgun weddings (John Phillips was forced to make Cass Elliot part of the Mamas and Papas). Music buffs and musician memoir fans will especially enjoy this fascinating account.
Pub Date: Jan. 25, 2022
Duration: 13 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781666189261
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
As America celebrates its semiquincentennial, it’s enlightening to look back at how the country celebrated its...
The Great Centennial Exhibition was designed to celebrate a century of U.S. history and progress and to make a statement that the country was a technological and diplomatic world leader as the globe looked toward the 20th century. Author Bordewich frames his chronicle of the exhibition by focusing on four key figures—President Rutherford B. Hayes; Alexander Graham Bell; railroad magnate Tom Scott, who spearheaded the fair; and sculptor Edmonia Lewis, whose work broke racial and gender barriers. Narrator Sean Patrick Hopkins’ conversational tone perfectly suits the material. He adds a bit of lilt for humorous and ironic passages. His pace makes it easy to follow the material, and the author’s writing style adapts well to audio.
As America celebrates its semiquincentennial, it’s enlightening to look back at how the country celebrated its centennial.Pub Date: June 9, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 12 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217340187
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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