Get Legally New Releases of Full Audiobooks in Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures

My Share of the Task Audiobook by General Stanley McChrystal

biacuaduc@gmail.com (General Stanley McChrystal) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 09:30:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: My Share of the Task Subtitle: A Memoir Author: General Stanley McChrystal Narrator: Kevin Collins Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 17 mins Language: English Release date: 01-07-13 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 671 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: "Never shall I fail my comrades.... I will shoulder more than my share of the task, whatever it may be, one hundred percent and then some." from the Ranger Creed In early March 2010, General Stanley McChrystal, the commanding officer of all U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan, walked with President Hamid Karzai through a small rural bazaar. As Afghan townspeople crowded around them, a Taliban rocket loudly thudded into the ground some distance away. Karzai looked to McChrystal, who shrugged. The two leaders continued greeting the townspeople and listening to their views. That trip was typical of McChrystals entire career, from his first day as a West Point plebe to his last day as a four-star general. The values he has come to be widely admired for were evident: a hunger to know the truth on the ground, the courage to find it, and the humility to listen to those around him. Even as a senior commander, McChrystal stationed himself forward, and frequently went on patrols with his troops to experience their challenges firsthand. In this illuminating memoir, McChrystal frankly explores the major episodes and controversies of his eventful career. He delves candidly into the intersection of history, leadership, and his own experience to produce a book of enduring value. Joining the troubled post-Vietnam army as a young officer, McChrystal witnessed and participated in some of our militarys most difficult struggles. He describes the many outstanding leaders he served with and the handful of bad leaders he learned not to emulate. He paints a vivid portrait of the traditional military establishment that turned itself, in one generation, into the adaptive, resilient force that would soon be tested in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the wider War on Terror. McChrystal spent much of his early career in the world of special operations, at a time when these elite forces became increasingly effective - and necessary. He writes of a fight waged in the shadows by the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), which he led from 2003 to 2008. JSOC became one of our most effective counterterrorism weapons, facing off against Al Qaeda in Iraq. Over time, JSOC gathered staggering amounts of intelligence in order to find and remove the most influential and dangerous terrorists, including the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The hunt for Zarqawi drives some of the most gripping scenes in this book, as McChrystals team grappled with tricky interrogations, advanced but scarce technology, weeks of unbroken surveillance, and agonizing decisions. McChrystal brought the same energy to the war in Afghanistan, where the challenges loomed even larger. His revealing account draws on his close relationships with Afghan leaders, giving readers a unique window into the war and the country. Ultimately, My Share of the Task is about much more than war and peace, terrorism and counterinsurgency. As McChrystal writes, "More by luck than design, Id been a part of some events, organizations, and efforts that will loom large in history, and more that will not. I saw selfless commitment, petty politics, unspeakable cruelty, and quiet courage in places and quantities that Id never have imagined. But what I will remember most are the leaders."

Prince Charles Audiobook by Sally Bedell Smith

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Sally Bedell Smith) — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 01:29:29 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Prince Charles Subtitle: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life Author: Sally Bedell Smith Narrator: Sally Bedell Smith, Rosalyn Landor Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 04-04-17 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 208 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: From the New York Times best-selling author of Elizabeth the Queen comes the first major biography of Prince Charles in more than 20 years - perfect for fans of The Crown. Sally Bedell Smith returns once again to the British royal family to give us a new look at Prince Charles, the oldest heir to the throne in more than 300 years. This vivid, eye-opening biography - the product of four years of research and hundreds of interviews with palace officials, former girlfriends, spiritual gurus, and more, some speaking on the record for the first time - is the first authoritative treatment of Charles' life that sheds light on the death of Diana, his marriage to Camilla, and his preparations to take the throne one day. Prince Charles brings to life the real man, with all of his ambitions, insecurities, and convictions. It begins with his lonely childhood, in which he struggled to live up to his father's expectations and sought companionship from the Queen Mother and his great-uncle Lord Mountbatten. It follows him through difficult years at school, his early love affairs, his intellectual quests, his entrepreneurial pursuits, and his intense search for spiritual meaning. It tells of the tragedy of his marriage to Diana; his eventual reunion with his true love, Camilla; and his relationships with William, Kate, Harry, and his grandchildren. Ranging from his glamorous palaces to his country homes, from his globe-trotting travels to his local initiatives, Smith shows how Prince Charles possesses a fiercely independent spirit and yet has spent more than six decades waiting for his destined role, living a life dictated by protocols he often struggles to obey. With keen insight and the discovery of unexpected new details, Smith lays bare the contradictions of a man who is more complicated, tragic, and compelling than we knew - until now. With a preface read by the author. Critic Reviews: "Prince Charles is an 18th-century gentleman with a 21st-century mission. His love of tradition combines with an outlook that can be bracingly avant garde. Sally Bedell Smith captures his contradictions and his convictions in this fascinating book that is not just about a man who would be king, but also about the duties that come with privilege." (Walter Isaacson) "For all we know about Prince Charles, there is so much we didn't know - until now. Sally Bedell Smith has given us a complete and compelling portrait of the man in the shadow of the throne. It's all here, from the back stairs of the palaces to the front pages of the tabs. Read all about it!" (Tom Brokaw) "No one writes about life at the top with more panache than Sally Bedell Smith. Her Prince Charles is a delicious blend of glamour and grandeur, jealousy and rivalry, greatness and human foible. Smith writes with wisdom and sympathy - and a sharp and knowing eye - about the struggles and maturation of the man who would-be king." (Evan Thomas) Members Reviews: The "Green" Prince I love reading about the British Royal Family, and when it comes to todays crop its been a while since Ive read anything recent. When it comes to Charles, most of the books have all ended on a but will they ever get married note.

Hitler 1889-1936: Hubris Audiobook by Ian Kershaw

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ian Kershaw) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 14:36:27 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Hitler 1889-1936: Hubris Author: Ian Kershaw Narrator: Graeme Malcolm Format: Unabridged Length: 28 hrs and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 10-15-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 301 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Hailed as the most compelling biography of the German dictator yet written, Ian Kershaw's Hitler brings us closer than ever before to the heart of its subject's immense darkness. From his illegitimate birth in a small Austrian village to his fiery death in a bunker under the Reich chancellery in Berlin, Adolf Hitler left a murky trail, strewn with contradictory tales and overgrown with self-created myths. One truth prevails: the sheer scale of the evils that he unleashed on the world has made him a demonic figure without equal in this century. Ian Kershaw's Hitler brings us closer than ever before to the character of the bizarre misfit in his thirty-year ascent from a Viennese shelter for the indigent to uncontested rule over the German nation that had tried and rejected democracy in the crippling aftermath of World War I. With extraordinary vividness, Kershaw recreates the settings that made Hitler's rise possible: the virulent anti-Semitism of prewar Vienna, the crucible of a war with immense casualties, the toxic nationalism that gripped Bavaria in the 1920s, the undermining of the Weimar Republic by extremists of the Right and the Left, the hysteria that accompanied Hitler's seizure of power in 1933 and then mounted in brutal attacks by his storm troopers on Jews and others condemned as enemies of the Aryan race. In an account drawing on many previously untapped sources, Hitler metamorphoses from an obscure fantasist, a "drummer" sounding an insistent beat of hatred in Munich beer halls, to the instigator of an infamous failed putsch and, ultimately, to the leadership of a ragtag alliance of right wing parties fused into a movement that enthralled the German people. This volume, the first of two, ends with the promulgation of the infamous Nuremberg laws that pushed German Jews to the outer fringes of society, and with the march of the German army into the Rhineland, Hitler's initial move toward the abyss of war. Members Reviews: The heart of evil Before reviewing this book it seems appropriate to mention that the author, Ian Kershaw, describes himself as a historical structuralist. He thus rejects the Great Man theory in which it is argued that history is created and shaped by the great personalities of history and instead believes that the structure of the society creates the environment which molds and creates the great men. Thus, in this argument, Hitler did not create the Third Reich and the associated Nazi tyranny so much as the structure of the German society at the time gave Hitler, as an opportunist, the chance to become dictator. But, if societal forces, rather than individuals, are responsible for great events there seems to be less need for biographies of those individuals and Mr Kershaw states as much at the start of the book. Thus this becomes a very different kind of biography, concerned with societal background as much as with Hitler and, as Mr Kershaw states, the blame for the human tragedy that was the Second World War comes to rest not on Hitler alone but has to be shared by the general intolerant and hateful society that existed in Germany during this period. None of this means that the life and character of Hitler is ignored. I have read a great many books on the Second World War and the times leading up to The Third Reich and none of them have provided me with the wealth of information contained in this book.

Bannon Audiobook by Keith Koffler

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Keith Koffler) — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 05:02:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Bannon Subtitle: Always the Rebel Author: Keith Koffler Narrator: William LeRoy Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins Language: English Release date: 11-13-17 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 62 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: To understand the Trump White House, you need to understand Steve Bannon: what's driving him, what his true role is, and what he's trying to accomplish on behalf of the American middle class. White House reporter Keith Koffler penetrates the fog surrounding the mysterious senior White House advisor, tracing Bannon's wild and distinctly American path to the White House in this first-ever honest biography of the controversial figure. Born to working-class Democrats in Virginia, Bannon has barrelled through the Navy, Harvard, Wall Street, and Hollywood; he is fluent in esoteric philosophies and political theories; and he has diagnosed the problem with today's America - the rot that has eaten away at working Americans' hopes, opportunities, and freedoms - and developed a winning strategy for taking America back. With inside information on Bannon's current White House projects and his relationships with other figures in the Trump orbit - and with President Trump himself - Bannon: Trump's Rebel in the White House is not only a three-dimensional guide to one of the most fascinating figures of modern American history; it's also a guide to understanding the Trump administration's plans for our future. Members Reviews: The "real" Steve Bannon! Great read! Had an opportunity to catch some passionate messages and speeches that Bannon was giving on TV and was curious. I want to say that this book brings it all together. This book was a great read to understand Bannon real passionate/caring for this country. You understand his life and reason for his fight. He is telling it like it is. He is calling out the deep state and both political parties that are out to destroy our America. We the people are being destroyed within and our foreign partners are helping to destroy us. People listen to these messages! We want a strong economic America and for all levels of people! Interesting Since I knew nothing about this rebel except for what the mews media had reported, I now have a better understanding. Very interesting. Definitely held my attention throughout the listen. An inside look A very interesting perspective regarding Bannon and his socio-political beliefs along with information regarding his relations to the Republican party and Donald Trump. I truly enjoyed it regardless if I agree or not. great read this book is a breath of fresh air for those who fear America has lost its way. Good overview of Steve Banom This is as a great book to listen to . Very informative and I believe accurate! No a hit piece , but what were the formation of his belief system.

Nixonland Audiobook by Rick Perlstein

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Rick Perlstein) — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:46:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Nixonland Subtitle: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America Author: Rick Perlstein Narrator: Stephen R. Thorne Format: Unabridged Length: 36 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 05-22-09 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 746 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Told with urgency and sharp political insight, Nixonland recaptures America's turbulent 1960s and early 1970s and reveals how Richard Nixon rose from the political grave to seize and hold the presidency. Critic Reviews: "A richly detailed descent into the inferno - that is, the years when Richard Milhous Nixon, 'a serial collector of resentments,' ruled the land." (Kirkus Reviews) Members Reviews: A 5-Star Book Injured by the Narrator The *book* "Nixonland" is fascinating. Though one can quibble about some of Perlstein's choices (relatively little space devoted to the 1960 election compared to, e.g., Nixon's role in the 1966 Republican midterm-election resurgence), the details about seemingly minor politics and politicians, many now largely historical footnotes (Calif. Gov. Pat Brown; N.Y. Mayor John Lindsay; Illinois Sen. Charles Percy) are a kind of Rorschach of the politics in the 1960s. And that minute detail is what, ultimately, explains why many folks who supported Kennedy in 1960 and Johnson in 1964 had come, by 1968 and, especially 1972, to vote for Nixon in droves. Richard Nixon is the main character, of course, in all his bottomless pathology -- smart; conniving; petty; crafty; conflicted; envious. But this book tells the story of this talented yet deeply flawed man against the vast canvas of his era, showing how easily history could have taken a different path. But like several other reviewers, I found this *edition* wanting because of the narrator's careless pronunciation -- I counted at least a dozen relatively well-known folks (including Dean Acheson, Nguyen Cao Ky, and Tom Huston, infamous today for the "Huston Plan" that presaged Watergate) whose names he botched, along many place-names of Vietnam (e.g., Ton Son Nhut Air Base). There are reams of audio news reports from that era against which contemporary pronunciations of those names can be checked -- it's not as if this book were about life in the 1850s, after all. For those who lived through the era, the constant mispronunciations were both annoying and distracting. Overall, the book itself rates a "5" -- but this version loses a notch because of the narrator's failure to "fact check" pronunciations easily accessible in the public record -- which are the coin of the realm in a spoken word edition. Great book, Great Narrator...Yes it's true! This was overall a great book and a great listen. I was put off initially by all of the negative reviews about the narration. They were true in that the narrator mispronounced a lot of words. Yes, I agree it is distracting and yes, where is the editing that should have caught these gaffs. If you can set aside the mispronunciations the narrator did an outstanding job. My favorite was the pronunciation for pseudo. He pronounced it sway-doe. It took me just a bit to figure that one out. Just see it as a game and get beyond the mistakes. Otherwise the writing is very engrossing and the narration is one of the best I have experienced (with the caveat about mispronounced words). Definitely 5 stars. Wholeheartedly agreeing with Jerrold I am really enjoying listening to this selection.

The Life of Abraham Lincoln Audiobook by Henry Ketcham

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Henry Ketcham) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:35:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Life of Abraham Lincoln Author: Henry Ketcham Narrator: Brian Troxell Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins Language: English Release date: 01-23-12 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 79 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: In his introduction to The Life of Abraham Lincoln, Henry Ketcham notes that there has been so much written about Lincoln that the legend has begun to obscure, if not to efface, the man. In this biography the single purpose has been to present the living man with such distinctness of outline that the reader may have a sort of feeling of being acquainted with him. Ketchams clearly-written, unadorned account of Lincolns life achieves its stated purpose, never removing its focus from the man who became the 16th President of the United States and led the nation through some of its most turbulent and difficult times. Editorial Reviews: Henry Ketcham wrote his reverential - but never cloying - biography of Abraham Lincoln in 1901, long after the 16th president of the United States was assassinated and even longer since Ketcham was promoted to brigadier general in the Union Army. And yet the human subject of this audiobook feels immediately present, admirably resurrected by the love of a writer. Actor Brian Troxell has an extensive resume in film, television, and voice work. In his performance of The Life of Abraham Lincoln he takes listeners on a colorful journey from the president's impoverished childhood on the western frontier through the Civil War. Troxell has a lot of ground to cover, but he does so with style and vigor, further enlivening material that is already intimate and accessible to listeners. Members Reviews: Good overview of Lincoln's life Any additional comments? Good narration, well told overview of Lincoln's life. If you're looking to learn more about Lincoln, this is a good starting point to understand his life broadly, and from here you can decide what aspects of his life you want to study more. an amazing real man An incredible real story that inspires persistence and Honesty. Interesting and Broad telling of Lincoln's story of life. great book decent audio book I got this book because I heard it's one of the classic books written as a biography of Lincoln closer to the time of Lincoln. it is a wonderful book without this 20th century disembodied historian with no opinion that tends to be in modern historical books. the author here loved Lincoln and speaks glowingly about him in the account. It is a wonderful story and if you know about Lincoln you probably won't learn too much new here. If you don't know about Lincoln it's an excellent primmer. the reader is good but not excellent. Pretty good Well written and the way he makes points are well done. I've read many books on the assassination of Lincoln and this book gets a few facts wrong. Excellent book Superb, efficient factual summary. Highly recommend it for anyone who needs a factual introduction to his basic background.

No Room for Small Dreams Audiobook by Shimon Peres

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Shimon Peres) — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 07:49:47 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: No Room for Small Dreams Subtitle: Courage, Imagination, and the Making of Modern Israel Author: Shimon Peres Narrator: Mark Bramhall Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 09-12-17 Publisher: Harper Audio Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 30 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: In 1934, 11-year-old Shimon Peres emigrated to the land of Israel from his native Poland, leaving behind an extended family who would later be murdered in the Holocaust. Few back then would have predicted that this young man would eventually become one of the towering figures of the 20th century. Peres would indeed go on to serve the new nation as prime minister, president, foreign minister, and the head of several other ministries. He was central to the establishment of the Israeli Defense Forces and the defense industry that would provide the young nation with a robust deterrent power. He was crucial to launching Israel's nuclear energy program and to the creation of its high-tech "Start Up Nation" revolution. His refusal to surrender to conventional wisdom and political conventions helped save the Israeli economy and prompted some of the most daring military operations in history, among them the legendary Operation Entebbe. And yet, as important as his role in creating and deploying Israel's armed forces was, his stunning transition from hawk to dove - with its accompanying unwavering commitment to peace - made him one of the globe's most recognized, honored, and admired statesmen. In this, his final work, finished only weeks before his passing, Peres offers a long-awaited examination of the crucial turning points in Israeli history through the prism of having been a decision maker and eyewitness. Told with the frankness of someone aware this would likely be his final statement, No Room for Small Dreams spans decades and events, but as much as it is about what happened, it is about why it happened. Examining pivotal moments in Israel's rise, Peres explores what makes for a great leader, how to make hard choices in a climate of uncertainty and distress, the challenges of balancing principles with policies, and the liberating nature of imagination and unpredicted innovation. In doing so, he not only charts a better path forward for his beloved country but provides deep and universal wisdom for younger generations who seek to lead - be it in politics, business, or the broader service of making our planet a safer, more peaceful, and just place. Members Reviews: A beautifully written tribute to an amazing leader. This book is a must read for anyone interested in an inspiring story of a people who overcame incredible adversity in search of peace and progress! Inspiring! If ever I questioned the breadth of my vision I am sure now that my dreams are too small. I am fascinated by Shimon Peres humble beginnings; his commitment to lifelong learning; his courageous leadership decisions; his dogged determination and steadfast optimism even in the face of dire challenges. He lived a remarkable life all the way to the end. Truly admirable.

Madison Park Audiobook by Eric L. Motley, Walter Isaacson - foreword

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Eric L. Motley) — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 05:55:02 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Madison Park Subtitle: A Place of Hope Author: Eric L. Motley, Walter Isaacson - foreword Narrator: Brandon Maloney Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins Language: English Release date: 11-14-17 Publisher: Zondervan Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 13 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Welcome to Madison Park, a small community in Alabama founded by freed slaves in 1880. And meet Eric Motley, a native son who came of age in this remarkable place where constant lessons in self-determination, hope, and unceasing belief in the American dream taught him everything he needed for his journey to the Oval Office as a special assistant to President George W. Bush. Eric grew up among people whose belief was to give and never turn away from your neighbor's need. There was Aunt Shine, the goodly matriarch who cared so much about young Motley's schooling that she would stand up in a crowded church and announce Eric's progress or his shortcomings. There was Old Man Salery, who secretly siphoned gasoline from his beat-up car into the Motleys' tank at night. There were Motley's grandparents, who bought books for Eric they couldn't afford, spending the last of their seed money. And there was Reverend Brinkley, a man of enormous faith and simple living. It was said that whenever the reverend came your way, light abounded. Life in Madison Park wasn't always easy or fair, and Motley reveals personal and heartbreaking stories of racial injustice and segregation. But Eric shows how the community taught him everything he needed to know about love and faith. This charming, engaging, and deeply inspiring memoir will help you remember that we can create a world of shared values based on love and hope. It is a story that reveals the amazing power of faith in God and each other. If you're in search of hope during troubled times, look no further than Madison Park. Members Reviews: Absolutely engaging. Loved it. Could hardly put it down. Remarkable story. Well told and well narrated. Highly recommend.

James Madison Audiobook by Lynne Cheney

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Lynne Cheney) — Tue, 06 May 2014 18:22:22 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: James Madison Subtitle: A Life Reconsidered Author: Lynne Cheney Narrator: Eliza Foss Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 37 mins Language: English Release date: 05-06-14 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 374 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: A major new biography of the fourth president of the United States by New York Times best-selling author Lynne Cheney. This majestic new biography of James Madison explores the astonishing story of a man of vaunted modesty who audaciously changed the world. Among the Founding Fathers, Madison was a true genius of the early republic. Outwardly reserved, Madison was the intellectual driving force behind the Constitution and crucial to its ratification. His visionary political philosophy and rationale for the union of states - so eloquently presented in The Federalist papers - helped shape the country Americans live in today. Along with Thomas Jefferson, Madison would found the first political party in the countrys history - the Democratic Republicans. As Jeffersons secretary of state, he managed the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the size of the United States. As president, Madison led the country in its first war under the Constitution, the War of 1812. Without precedent to guide him, he would demonstrate that a republic could defend its honor and independence - and remain a republic still. Members Reviews: Nice history of the early national period I was expecting something more like Ron Chernow's biographies of Washington and Hamilton. This book seems more like a history of the early national period. Madison was certainly a major part of that period but in this book he just seems like a character in the larger story rather than the center of attention. It's fine, but I wish I had picked one of the older Madison biographies on audible. Too much suggestion instead of reality What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? I am not a historian but have listened now to a dozen or more books on presidents and those connected to the presidency. This book stands out from the rest with the amount of guess work included. So many sentences started with probably, possibly, likely... and then would make a statement that yes, could be true, but there is no evidence of it. I don't mind inferences being drawn from pieces of information, but stating what someone probably thought when hearing or reading something; or saying that probably one person visited another when in the same town, etc. is not allowing me to finish this book, especially with the frequency that it occurs - I made it to chapter 8. I also don't watch Oliver Stone movies for this reason. I don't want to have to sort thru in my memory what was fact. Lynne Cheney Ain't No David McCullough Would you try another book from Lynne Cheney and/or Eliza Foss? NO. What could Lynne Cheney have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you? Rely more on factual events and writings rather than speculating or "imagining" what it must have been like during the course of the events written about. Would you be willing to try another one of Eliza Fosss performances? It would depend on the subject of the book. What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment? Disappointment. A waste of my time. I expected a better narrative of one of the most influential and fascinating people in U.S. history. Any additional comments? While it usually doesn't matter to me whether a book is narrated by a man or woman as long as the performance is good, I must say that the choice of narrators here was not a good one.

Hitler Audiobook by Ian Kershaw

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ian Kershaw) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 21:44:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Hitler Subtitle: A Biography Author: Ian Kershaw Narrator: Alan Robertson Format: Unabridged Length: 45 hrs and 15 mins Language: English Release date: 06-11-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 316 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Hailed as the most compelling biography of the German dictator yet written, Ian Kershaw's Hitler brings us closer than ever before to the heart of its subject's immense darkness. From his illegitimate birth in a small Austrian village to his fiery death in a bunker under the Reich chancellery in Berlin, Adolf Hitler left a murky trail, strewn with contradictory tales and overgrown with self-created myths. One truth prevails: the sheer scale of the evils that he unleashed on the world has made him a demonic figure without equal in the 20th century. Ian Kershaw's Hitler brings us closer than ever before to the character of the bizarre misfit in his 30-year ascent from a Viennese shelter for the indigent to uncontested rule over the German nation that had tried and rejected democracy in the crippling aftermath of World War I. With extraordinary vividness, Kershaw recreates the settings that made Hitler's rise possible: the virulent anti-Semitism of prewar Vienna, the crucible of a war with immense casualties, the toxic nationalism that gripped Bavaria in the 1920s, the undermining of the Weimar Republic by extremists of the Right and the Left, the hysteria that accompanied Hitler's seizure of power in 1933 and then mounted in brutal attacks by his storm troopers on Jews and others condemned as enemies of the Aryan race. In an account drawing on many previously untapped sources, Hitler metamorphoses from an obscure fantasist, a "drummer" sounding an insistent beat of hatred in Munich beer halls, to the instigator of an infamous failed putsch and, ultimately, to the leadership of a ragtag alliance of right-wing parties fused into a movement that enthralled the German people. Members Reviews: Excellent This is an excellent biography of a difficult subject who still remains opaque when one tries to view him as a person. Perhaps that is the ultimate triumph of will. I have only two slight complaints. The first is my own lack of judgment. I chose to listen to this book instead of the several volume work in the interest if economy. I regret that decision because this version does seem a bit truncated and I fear I missed some details I would have liked. Perhaps this will only be a problem for those who have read extensively in this era if history. I do urge people who love indulging in the details of history to listen to the other books. The second is the narrarator who overall is excellent. He brutally mispronounces many German words. Naturally, being British, he does it with a savior faire that almost convinces one that he must be correct, but when he constantly says "Liebensraum" instead of "Lebensraum," my ears protest. Surely the producer of the audiobook should have noticed. This is not merely a mispronunciation but the substitution of one word for another and an entirely different concept! Superb, well crafted and well narrated. This is an excellent book on a difficult subject.

Rage Company Audiobook by Thomas P. Daly

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Thomas P. Daly) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 07:42:16 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Rage Company Subtitle: A Marine's Baptism By Fire Author: Thomas P. Daly Narrator: Rob Shapiro Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 14 mins Language: English Release date: 08-20-12 Publisher: Turner Publishing Company Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 153 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: One Marine's gripping story of the bloody battles, the Surge, and the Awakening of Sunni tribes that changed the tide in Iraq's Anbar province. Seven minutes into the first patrol a firefight erupts. Quickly, the Marines of Rage Company became acquainted with the nature of counterinsurgency. Every day, more IEDs were planted than the Marines could clear. They avoided taking the same route twice, they never walked out in the open, and they steered clear of roads that hadn't been "swept" in the last hour. They were in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province and one of the deadliest cities in Iraq. In November 2006, then First Lieutenant Thomas Daly arrived as part of the "surge" in Ramadi, to take part in Operation Squeeze Play, a division-size effort to remove al Qaeda from Anbar province. In this powerful memoir, he describes the successful clearing of southern Ramadi's Second Officer's district, the Qatana, and the uprising of local citizens against al Qaeda on the eastern edge of the city (the result of an unlikely alliance between Daly's company and Thawar al Anbar). From the first patrol to the last in the spring of 2007, he takes you inside the daily successes and struggles of the operation and the stressful challenge of trying to discern who was a terrorist and who was a civilian. He tells the powerful and very human story of a people who want to free their country, yet have no basis on which to trust the American forces in helping them succeed. A Marine's personal story of fighting an insurgency and overcoming a siege mentality to work with Iraqis to rout a common enemy, Al Qaeda Captain Daly's unique perception of the battlefield has been shaped while operating with units of the United States Army, Navy SEALs, ANGLICO (Air, Naval Gunfire Liaison Company), Iraqi Army and Police Units, and anti-Al Qaeda guerrillas. Filled with on-the-ground details and insights on military operations and strategy, Rage Company cements the accurate history of the unlikely alliance that redirected the Iraq War and set the course for operations in the future. Members Reviews: Great Book It's a memoir, not an action novel so it will appeal to veterans and those more interested in how modern police actions are actually conducted. Personally I felt like I was back in the Marine Corps as Lt. Daly perfectly captured the nuance of platoon life and the bureaucratic nonsense that ultimately caused most Marines to forego reenlisting, while still relishing the time we served. The only drawback was the narrator. A few words would be excusable but honestly, a professional narrator should know that the "S" is not pronounced in corpsman. And he couldn't pronounce Corregidor correctly and so on. For slang words like Gixxer to be mangled is a little more understandable but it just highlights the disconnect between the author's fine efforts and the publisher's cookie cutter approach to putting it on audio. Have the narrator spend one afternoon with the author, how hard can that be? Recommended despite my disliked items The narrator should have obtained the proper way to pronounce certain acronyms and military terms. Thus is a small issue but, to veterans like myself, makes listening much easier when done correctly.

Sisters in Law Audiobook by Linda Hirshman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Linda Hirshman) — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 21:40:55 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Sisters in Law Subtitle: How Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World Author: Linda Hirshman Narrator: Andrea Gallo Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 29 mins Language: English Release date: 09-01-15 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 305 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The author of the celebrated Victory tells the fascinating story of the intertwined lives of Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the first and second women to serve as Supreme Court justices. The relationship between Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg - Republican and Democrat, Christian and Jew, Western rancher's daughter and Brooklyn girl - transcends party, religion, region, and culture. Strengthened by each other's presence, these groundbreaking judges, the first and second women to serve on the highest court in the land, have transformed the Constitution and America itself, making it a more equal place for all women. Linda Hirshman's dual biography includes revealing stories of how these trailblazers fought for their own recognition in a male-dominated profession - battles that would ultimately benefit every American woman. She also makes clear how these two justices have shaped the legal framework of modern feminism, including employment discrimination, abortion, affirmative action, sexual harassment, and many other issues crucial to women's lives. Sisters in Law combines legal detail with warm personal anecdotes that bring these very different women into focus as never before. Meticulously researched and compellingly told, it is an authoritative account of our changing law and culture and a moving story of a remarkable friendship. Members Reviews: Insightful and thought-provoking This is a new book out that was a perfect fit for my reading project of the Supreme Court. The author Linda Hirshman received her law degree and Ph.D. from University of Illinois at Chicago. She practiced law and appeared before the Supreme Court then became a law professor at Brandeis University. In 2002 she retired and now has become a well known author. I have read biographies about both OConnor and Ginsburg, but this book excels in portraying the enormous obstacles both women encountered by women attempting to enter the legal field. OConnor and Ginsburg both attended top-tier law schools and graduated at the top of their respective classes. Nonetheless, both struggled to obtain their first professional jobs. They were very different people, OConnor the politician and Ginsburg the tactician and legal scholar, but they respected each other and frequently worked together on cases before the Court. Hirshman examines not just their role in reframing the culture of the Supreme Court and the tenor of some aspects of the law, but also their work on specific issues such as affirmative action and sex discrimination. The summary at the end was very depressing to me. To listen to a step by step list of the rights women have fought for being taken away, along with the rights regarding racial discrimination and voting. I guess I have lived long enough to go full circle and ended up where I started. It makes me depressed and angry. I have talked with some young women and they have no idea what we went through, so they now have the opportunity to enter most any professions they wish. They can now rent a car and have a credit card in their name; I could not when I was their age, only men had that right. Sexual and racial discrimination including harassment are on the increase lately as is anti-Semitism.

The Book of Joe Audiobook by Jeff Wilser

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jeff Wilser) — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 20:38:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Book of Joe Subtitle: The Life, Wit, and (Sometimes Accidental) Wisdom of Joe Biden Author: Jeff Wilser Narrator: Johnathan McClain Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins Language: English Release date: 11-28-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 4 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The aviators. The Amtrak. The ice cream cones. The memes. Few politicians are as iconic, or as beloved, as Joe Biden. Now, in The Book of Joe, Biden fans will finally have the definitive look at America's favorite vice president - and what he can teach us. Structured around key moments in Biden's life and career - and filled with Biden-isms like "That's a bunch of malarkey" and "I may be Irish, but I'm not stupid" - this blend of biography, advice, and humor will reveal the experiences that forged Joe Biden, and the lessons we can use in our own lives. Along the way, listeners will also encounter fun asides about his love of muscle cars, his most endearing gaffes, his bromance with President Obama, and much more. Yet beneath the memorable Biden-isms, the book will reveal an inspirational story of a man who keeps "getting back up." We need this right now. Much as Biden has come back from both professional missteps and personal heartbreaks, sometimes we all have to get back up and fight. Given Biden's reputation as a decent, plainspoken, patriotic statesman of integrity, this entertaining and practical book will be both a celebration of great political figure and an essential guide to creating the America he believes in so dearly. Members Reviews: How every man should feel about other people. How every man should treat fellow humans, and men should hope and inspire to be more like Joe Biden. Regardless of political, religious affiliation, or ethnicity.

The Churchill Factor Audiobook by Boris Johnson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Boris Johnson) — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 06:47:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Churchill Factor Subtitle: How One Man Changed History Author: Boris Johnson Narrator: Simon Shepherd Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 11 mins Language: English Release date: 11-13-14 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 432 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: From London's inimitable mayor, Boris Johnson, the story of how Churchill's eccentric genius shaped not only his world but our own. On the 50th anniversary of Churchill's death, Boris Johnson celebrates the singular brilliance of one of the most important leaders of the 20th century. Taking on the myths and misconceptions along with the outsized reality, he portrays - with characteristic wit and passion - a man of contagious bravery, breathtaking eloquence, matchless strategizing, and deep humanity. Fearless on the battlefield, Churchill had to be ordered by the king to stay out of action on D-Day; he pioneered aerial bombing and few could match his experience in organizing violence on a colossal scale, yet he hated war and scorned politicians who had not experienced its horrors. He was the most famous journalist of his time and perhaps the greatest orator of all time, despite a lisp and chronic depression he kept at bay by painting. His maneuvering positioned America for entry into World War II, even as it ushered in England's post-war decline. His open-mindedness made him a trailblazer in health care, education, and social welfare, though he remained incorrigibly politically incorrect. Most of all, he was a rebuttal to the idea that history is the story of vast and impersonal forces; he is proof that one person - intrepid, ingenious, determined - can make all the difference. Members Reviews: The Irreplaceable Man I have read three biographies of Winston Churchill, one of them (by William Manchester) was itself three volumes, so I was not sure there was much about his life that was there to be learned and had some hesitation about buying this book. But Boris Johnson, who is himself an interesting politician with an even more interesting background, has written a book which is not a biography but a book about what made Churchill capable of being the one man who saved Western Civilization from the horrors of Nazi Germany. Thus Mr Johnson looks at the things that made Churchill who he was and how those characteristics contributed to the one person who was essential at a truly pivotal moment. But Mr Johnson has created a canvas of more than just World War II and looked at Churchills contributions in The Boer War, World War I, World War II and the period leading up to the start of the European Union and shown how, at each point, Churchills contributions were essential to Britains victories or were ignored by those in power resulting in decisions that left Britain far worse off than it could have been. Indeed, while Churchill and World War II are at the core of how people remember Churchill Mr Johnson spends a great deal of time covering Churchills work on behalf of the working poor in the UK, his efforts to improve the living conditions of the poor throughout the British Empire, his efforts to secure a united and peaceful Europe after the war and much, more more. As part of this we are treated to many stories and anecdotes, both true and false, about Churchills life, we look at what helped make him the person he became and how the world we are living in today is largely his legacy.

Peter the Great Audiobook by Robert K. Massie

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Robert K. Massie) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:35:02 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Peter the Great Subtitle: His Life and World Author: Robert K. Massie Narrator: Frederick Davidson Format: Unabridged Length: 43 hrs and 37 mins Language: English Release date: 03-30-11 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 681 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: This superbly told story brings to life one of the most remarkable rulersand menin all of history and conveys the drama of his life and world. The Russia of Peter's birth was very different from the Russia his energy, genius, and ruthlessness shaped. Crowned co-Tsar as a child of ten, after witnessing bloody uprisings in the streets of Moscow, he would grow up propelled by an unquenchable curiosity, everywhere looking, asking, tinkering, and learning, fired by Western ideas. We see Peter in his 20s traveling "incognito" with his ambassadors to the courts of Europe; as the victorious soldier proclaimed Emperor; as the simple workman at his forge; and as the visionary statesman who single-handedly created a formidable world power. Impetuous and stubborn, bawdy and stern, relentless in his perseverance, he was capable of the greatest generosity and the greatest cruelty. Critic Reviews: "Enthralling.... As fascinating as any novel and more so than most!" ( New York Times Book Review) Members Reviews: Very good This is a very good book. It covers a critically important topic in history that is often neglected, and does it in good detail with great prose. One thing in particular I liked about it was that on several occasions it discusses some other events going on in Europe at the time, and is thus even more informative than it would be otherwise. Engaging, easy to follow, and well narrated. Mr. Massie's book is very engaging and flows with an easy narrative. The scenes and people are very well described, giving the reader a rich visual and psychological picture of Peter the Great's Russia. He does a great job of detailing not only great events but also such things as interior and exterior architecture, hairstyles, crime statistics, the different materials shoes were made of, what contemporary maps looked like, food eaten by peasants and at court, and etc. He also does great service to describing the situation of women in general but also the specific details of women whose lives came to bear on the story of Peter and current events. The many characters and parties are easy to keep track of, and all in all this book is a clear picture of the life and times of Peter the Great. The narration was clear and engaging - though I find that British accents can be sometimes hard to understand, I had no such problem with this audiobook. I would recommend this for any person, not only Russophiles or history buffs. detailed history this was one of those books I'd read many years before, and found it to be wonderfully interesting, and got me started liking history in general. Peter was such an intriguing character - and I was glad to see it offered in audible form. It is, however quite detailed, and if you are not interested in how military battles commence, then maybe this is not for you. I do recommend it however, for its insight into not just Peter, but Russian life at the time. Accurate title His life and WORLD indeed. This is much more than a detailed biography of a fascinating man. Massie includes extensive character studies of every major figure on the European scene during Peter's rule, with major digressions into the social and political landscape in which they operated. The result is a sweeping appraisal of the age in Russia and its European and Ottoman environs, filled with evocative detail which brings it all to life.

Young and Damned and Fair Audiobook by Gareth Russell

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Gareth Russell) — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 01:51:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Young and Damned and Fair Subtitle: The Life of Catherine Howard, Fifth Wife of King Henry VIII Author: Gareth Russell Narrator: Jenny Funnell Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 04-04-17 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 56 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Written with an exciting combination of narrative flair and historical authority, this interpretation of the tragic life of Catherine Howard, fifth wife of Henry VIII, breaks new ground in our understanding of the very young woman who became queen at a time of unprecedented social and political tension and whose terrible errors in judgment quickly led her to the executioner's block. On the morning of July 28, 1540, as King Henry's VIII's former confidant Thomas Cromwell was being led to his execution, a teenager named Catherine Howard began her reign as queen of a country simmering with rebellion and terrifying uncertainty. Sixteen months later the king's fifth wife would follow her cousin Anne Boleyn to the scaffold, having been convicted of adultery and high treason. The broad outlines of Catherine's career might be familiar, but her story up until now has been incomplete. Unlike previous accounts of her life, which portray her as a naïve victim of an ambitious family, this compelling and authoritative biography will shed new light on Catherine Howard's rise and downfall by reexamining her motives and showing her in her context, a milieu that goes beyond her family and the influential men of the court to include the aristocrats and, most critically, the servants who surrounded her and who, in the end, conspired against her. By illuminating Catherine's entwined upstairs/downstairs worlds as well as societal tensions beyond the palace walls, the author offers a fascinating portrayal of court life in the 16th century and a fresh analysis of the forces beyond Catherine's control that led to her execution - from diplomatic pressure and international politics to the long-festering resentments against the queen's household at court. Young and Damned and Fair changes our understanding of one of history's most famous women while telling the compelling and very human story of complex individuals attempting to survive in a dangerous age. Members Reviews: Magnifent scholarly work If you pay attention to the introduction of this book, you will learn that this work is Dr. Russell's doctoral dissertation. It is also not a biography of Queen Catherine Howard. It is a scholarly work on the queen, her family, the court of Henry XIII and his 5th queen, and the politics and society of the mid 16th century. Dr. Russell has done the massive research required for a dissertation. I know the work required because I have written a doctoral dissertation. He has also written a beautiful manuscript also worthy of a doctorate.The detail and beauty of this work is admirable and a pleasurable to listen to. Jenny Funnell's narration is perfect. Her voice and presentation of the work is excellent. I highly recommend this work to all who are interested in British history and especially Tudor England. Very Informative This was very detailed and factual, but dense reading. At times, I had to back it up to keep track of the current topic. It was interesting but a little dry. A little more encyclopedic than I anticipated. Perfect Narration for an Outstanding Book I am extremely picky when it comes to narrators ... excellent ones are hard to come by.

Master of the Senate - The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Volume III (Part 3 of a 3-Part Recording)

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Robert A. Caro) — Mon, 01 Aug 2005 17:00:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Master of the Senate - The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Volume III (Part 3 of a 3-Part Recording) Author: Robert A. Caro Narrator: Grover Gardner Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 27 mins Language: English Release date: 08-01-05 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 774 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Master of the Senate carries Lyndon Johnson's story through one of its most remarkable periods: his 12 years, from 1949 to 1960, in the United States Senate. Once the most august and revered body in politics, by the time Johnson arrived the Senate had become a parody of itself and an obstacle that for decades had blocked desperately needed liberal legislation. Caro shows how Johnson's brilliance, charm, and ruthlessness enabled him to become the youngest and most powerful Majority Leader in history and how he used his incomparable legislative genius, cajoling and threatening both Northern liberals and Southern conservatives, to pass the first Civil Rights legislation since Reconstruction. Brilliantly weaving rich detail into a gripping narrative, Caro gives us both a galvanizing portrait of Johnson himself and a definitive and revelatory study of the workings of legislative power. This is Volume 3. Have you listened to and yet? ©2002 Robert A. Caro, Inc.; (P)2002 Books on Tape, Inc. Critic Reviews: "Mesmerizing....A tale rife with drama and hypnotic in the telling." (Newsweek) "A panoramic study....Combining the best techniques of investigative reporting with majestic storytelling ability, Caro has created a vivid, revelatory institutional history as well as a rich hologram of Johnson's character." (The New York Times) "Caro must be America's greatest living Presidential biographer....No other contemporary biographer offers such a complex picture of the forces driving an American politician, or populates his work with such vividly drawn secondary characters." (BusinessWeek) Members Reviews: Senior Senator from Texas Musters the Senate The last 1/3 of Master of the Senate examines how, in the role of the Senate Majority leader, LBJ pushed through a reluctant Senate the Civil Rights Act of 1957. While this was a minor piece of civil rights legislation, it was a crack in the wall (much of that wall was built by Southern Senators) for civil rights. It also anticipated later actions and techniques LBJ would use to expand on civil rights. This section also explores the changing dynamic in the Senate and United States regarding civil rights (Brown v Board of Education) as well as the intense racism towards blacks that persisted in many areas of the South. This section also details LBJ's early toe-dipping into presidential politics (and his failures and lessons). It concludes by looking at how LBJ used information gathering (he was a master), pressure, and asymmetric information and deal-cutting, to shepherd through a watered down form of civil right's legislation, the first that had been passed since reconstruction (the Civil Rights Act of 1875). The book ends with LBJ moving from the presidency into the vice presidency and the awkward transition as he left behind the chamber that gave him power, prestige, and indeed happiness. This section begins by setting out the state of civil rights in the 1950s, and explores LBJ's own compassion for the poor and repressed (often subverted to his own desire for power). It Quick note - my two star review for performance has nothing to do with Grover Gardner's read. He did a fantastic job. I'm just pissed at Audible or the producers for dividing this book into 3 sections.

Churchill: A Life, Part 2 (1918-1965) Audiobook by Martin Gilbert

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Martin Gilbert) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 01:48:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Churchill: A Life, Part 2 (1918-1965) Author: Martin Gilbert Narrator: Christian Rodska Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 04-16-12 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 108 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Churchill: A Life follows Winston Churchill from his earliest days to his moments of triumph. Here, the drama and excitement of his story are ever-present. Martin Gilbert gives us a vivid portrait, using Churchill's most personal letters and the recollections of his contemporaries, both friends and enemies, to go behind the scenes of some of the stormiest and most fascinating political events of our time. Part 2 takes us from the end of the First World War to Churchills death in 1965. Christian Rodska reads the second part of Martin Gilberts epic, definitive biography of Winston Churchill. Members Reviews: Interesting and compelling Superb narrator. Exciting and energetic narrative. Account of Churchill politically illuminating but some lack of complexity in regard to components of his personality and the historical events to which he devoted himself. Wonderful insight and inspiration can be drawn from Churchill's biography I was born two years before WW2 commenced. Churchill's story has given me a comprehensive view of all the snippets I have gleaned in nearly seventy nine years of life. It underlines so much of a perspective that I would wish to bequeath to my grandchildren and their contemporaries. Christian Rodska's use of voices and accents gives remarkable clarity and life to the the persons described and the sources quoted by the author. Churchill's statesmanship could provide a great example and antidote to the shallow and selfish politics of today. The second installment of a really enjoyable work Like the first book in this series part 2 was a really enjoyable and enlightening book. Once again it was probably a little slanted towards Churchill and showed very few of his faults. It also covered everything after the end of WW2 quite quickly, despite Churchill being opposition leader for some time and then Prime Minister again. Overall a really good listen very good history lesson loved it history of both World Wars, Europe, Churchill. Cannot go wrong listening to this book. Engaging biography of a great man, part 2 Although rather long, this is well worth listening to. It is quite straightforward and has no hero-worship. Today one does not hear enough about this great man, and such books redress that somewhat. The author is Churchill's authorized biographer, an eminent historian. The narration is well done.

A Gift of Love Audiobook

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 21:37:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Gift of Love Subtitle: Sermons from Strength to Love and Other Preachings Author: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King - foreword, Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock - foreword Narrator: J. D. Jackson Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins Language: English Release date: 01-09-18 Publisher: Beacon Press Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The classic collection of 16 sermons preached and compiled by Dr. King As Dr. King prepared for the Birmingham campaign in early 1963, he drafted the final sermons for Strength to Love, a volume of his best-known homilies. King had begun working on the sermons during a fortnight in jail in July 1962. Having been arrested for holding a prayer vigil outside Albany City Hall, King and Ralph Abernathy shared a jail cell for 15 days that was, according to King, ''dirty, filthy, and ill-equipped'' and "the worse I have ever seen." While behind bars, he spent uninterrupted time preparing the drafts for classic sermons such as "Loving Your Enemies", "Love in Action", and "Shattered Dreams", and continued to work on the volume after his release. A Gift of Love includes these classic sermons, along with two new preachings. Collectively they present King's fusion of Christian teachings and social consciousness, and promote his prescient vision of love as a social and political force for change. Members Reviews: Five Stars Love this book a must read If you only read one book ever, you should seek professional help. Regardless, this should be your ONE. If only we could all be so wise as MLK Jr. He is a gift, with words profound, let us all be a little better for having read then. Five Stars An important reprint of a very good collection of Dr. King's still relevant teaching sermons. A wonderful man of God Dr. King showed us what a real man he was .He did what he had to and did it afraid. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart. Even if he died to do it. ... book is filled with timeless wisdom and lots of love.. This book is filled with timeless wisdom and lots of love ... thank you!

The Motorcycle Diaries Audiobook by Che Guevara

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Che Guevara) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:04:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Motorcycle Diaries Author: Che Guevara Narrator: Bruno Gerardo Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 19 mins Language: English Release date: 03-10-09 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 108 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: During his travels through Argentina, Chile, Peru and Venezuela, Che's main concerns are where the next drink is coming from, where the next bed is to be found, and who might be around to share it. Che becomes a stowaway, a fireman and a football coach; he sometimes falls in love and frequently falls off the motorbike. Within a decade the whole world would know his name. His trip might have been an adventure of a lifetime - had his lifetime not turned into a much greater adventure. Editorial Reviews: Ernesto "Che" Guevara's thoughts on systemic poverty in Latin America and the necessity of a borderless, united mestizo revolution against neo-colonial domination are well known. His historic efforts on behalf of Marxism and his leadership in the Cuban Revolution have been documented extensively. But before "Che" rose to prominence on the international scene, he was just an ordinary Argentine med student with an interest in travel. In The Motorcycle Diaries, young Ernesto chronicles his year-long trek across the continent of his people with his friend and fellow doctor, Albert Granado. As Ernesto grows up into "Che", so too does his voice grow up. The travelogue is smoothly and competently narrated by Bruno Gerardo with a clear but flavorful Latin accent. The place names, assorted slang terms, and chapter titles are all faithfully rendered in Spanish, which gives a strong feel of the regional variety of dialects. Beginning in Buenos Aires, they traverse the entire east coast, opening themselves to the delight and disaster of relying on the kindness of strangers. Guevara is relatively naïve about socioeconomic concerns outside of his personal needs at the beginning of the diary, and Gerardo interprets the author's vast series of minor complaints with a terrifically bratty attitude. The two friends are also dependent on their motorcycle, rather ironically nicknamed "The Mighty One", which gives out after a dozen minute and daily repairs in only a few hundred miles, before they even reach Chile. Over the course of the writing and the broadening of the author's horizons, Gerardo seamlessly transfers the narrow awe of Guevara's personal irritations to the much larger and more familiar awe of Guevara's righteous, political indignation. Gerardo also does the voice work for Guevara's more widely read classics, The Bolivian Diary and Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War, so he has had ample time to step into this historic personage. But as an introduction to the man who would later be simply known as "Che" his personality, his roots, his view of the world The Motorcycle Diaries is a priceless cultural artifact that Bruno Gerardo narrates with compelling flair. Members Reviews: Book vs Audible What disappointed you about The Motorcycle Diaries? Wish I would have bought the book instead so that I could clearly see where the excerpts of the Diary start and stop. Any additional comments? The voice and accent given to the characters of the story is much more of a Mexican/ forced "neutral accent" than the actual accent of those who should be speaking in the book. Very difficult to listen to without being distracted by the lack of authenticity. Wish I could get my credit back. Narrator speaks with fake accent Good story, though leaves you wanting for more.

Herbert Hoover Audiobook by Glen Jeansonne

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Glen Jeansonne) — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 00:60:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Herbert Hoover Subtitle: A Life Author: Glen Jeansonne Narrator: Mark Deakins Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 10-04-16 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 115 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The definitive biography of one of the United States' most controversial presidents: Herbert Hoover. Prize-winning historian Glen Jeansonne delves into the life of our most misunderstood president, offering up a surprising new portrait of Herbert Hoover - dismissing previous assumptions and revealing a political Progressive in the mold of Theodore Roosevelt and the most resourceful American since Benjamin Franklin. Orphaned at an early age and raised with strict Quaker values, Hoover earned his way through Stanford University. His hardworking ethic drove him to a successful career as an engineer and multinational businessman. After the Great War, he led a humanitarian effort that fed millions of Europeans left destitute, arguably saving more lives than any man in history. As commerce secretary under President Coolidge, Hoover helped modernize and galvanize American industry and orchestrated the rehabilitation of the Mississippi Valley after the Great Flood of 1927. As president, Herbert Hoover became the first chief executive to harness federal power to combat a crippling global recession. Though Hoover is often remembered as a "do-nothing" president, Jeansonne convincingly portrays a steadfast leader who challenged Congress on an array of legislation that laid the groundwork for the New Deal. In addition Hoover reformed America's prisons, improved worker safety, and fought for better health and welfare for children. Unfairly attacked by Franklin D. Roosevelt and blamed for the Depression, Hoover was swept out of office in a landslide. Yet as FDR's government grew into a bureaucratic behemoth, Hoover became the moral voice of the GOP and a champion of Republican principles - a legacy reignited by Ronald Reagan and that still endures today. A compelling and rich examination of his character, accomplishments, and failings, this is the magnificent biography of Herbert Hoover we have long waited for. Members Reviews: Thought provoking After working in the Palo Alto area around Stanford University, I thought I knew about Hoover. There are more buildings named for Herbert Hoover in the area than any place else. This is Hoover country. But After reading Jeansonnes new book on Hoover, I realized I knew very little about this most interesting man. Professor Jeansonne dismisses previous assumptions about Hoover and reveals a political progressive in the mold of his fellow Republican, Theodore Roosevelt. I acquired some great trivia information from the book. Did you know that Herbert Hoover saved more lives than any man in history? In WWI and WWII, he was responsible for feeding and providing medical care to all the refugees from the Wars. He saved 1.3 million Russians from starvation in spite of the actions of Stalin. It was Hoover that had the first telephone placed on the Presidents desk in the oval office. Hoover made a fortune as an engineer and businessman. He was a gifted administrator, organizer and a brilliant logistics expert. Hoover was labeled the Do-nothing President but Jeansonne proves that wrong. Hoover had a dysfunctional and divided congress but Hoover did manage to get some legislation through that laid the groundwork for the New Deal. In Hoovers first eight months in office he reformed the prisons, improved workers safety and fought for health and welfare for children.

Coolidge Audiobook by Amity Shlaes

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Amity Shlaes) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 14:24:35 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Coolidge Author: Amity Shlaes Narrator: Terence Aselford Format: Unabridged Length: 21 hrs and 8 mins Language: English Release date: 02-12-13 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 466 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Calvin Coolidge, president from 1923 to 1929, never rated highly in polls, and history has remembered the decade in which he served as an extravagant period predating the Great Depression. Now Amity Shlaes provides a fresh look at the 1920s and its elusive president, showing that the mid-1920s was in fact a triumphant period that established our modern way of life: The nation electrified, Americans drove their first cars, and the federal deficit was replaced with a surplus. Coolidge is an eye-opening biography of the little-known president behind that era of remarkable growth and national optimism. Coolidge's trademark discipline and composure, Shlaes reveals, represented not weakness but strength, and he proved unafraid to take on the divisive issues of this crucial period: reining in public-sector unions, unrelentingly curtailing spending, and rejecting funding for new interest groups. He reduced the federal budget even as the economy grew, wages rose, taxes fell, and unemployment dropped. In this magisterial biography, Amity Shlaes captures the remarkable story of Calvin Coolidge and the decade of extraordinary prosperity that grew from his leadership. Members Reviews: Memorable Biography of a Forgotten President What did you love best about Coolidge? This book skillfully captures Coolidge as an individual as well as providing a good account of the history of the time and Coolidge's political and philosophical thought. It is not hero worship, and the author takes care to present those in opposition to Coolidge in a fair minded way that avoids demonizing. I finished the book having a better understanding of the man, the nation, and the history of the time than when I began. What did you like best about this story? I have a new favorite President. If only the politicians of our age were of a similar mind to Coolidge. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? I found myself listening to 2-3 hour intervals, but the narration style demands attention. If I was even a little distracted, the narration was unable to demand by attention and draw me back in. Silent Cal Amity Shlaes has produced a scholarly look at Calvin Coolidge. It is well documented but not a dry boring story that some scholars write. The book came along at a perfect time for me as I had Coolidge on my list of people to read about in 2013. The book covers Coolidge from birth to death. He was born on July 4 1972 in Plymouth Notch Vermont and died there on January 5 1933. The Coolidge family was one of the founding families of Vermont and had the frugal hard working values of New England. He went to Amherst College and met a group of men that he maintain a lifetime friendship and appointed some to government positions. For example I was surprise to learn that Dwight Morrow was an Amherst buddy of Coolidge and he appointed him to the study the role of aviation and then appointed him Ambassador to Mexico. Morrow was the father of Anne Morrow who married Charles Lindbergh. I have a book in my wish list on Anne Morrow so I was pleased with the connection. I love it when one book provides information to another I am to read. Coolidge chose to "Read the Law" rather than go to law school. Then opened up his own practice. He was active in politics and was elected to local, then state positions. He married Grace Anna Goodhue in 1905 and she was outgoing and he was shy so she was a great first lady.

My Life, My Love, My Legacy Audiobook by Barbara Reynolds, Coretta Scott King

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Barbara Reynolds) — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:45:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: My Life, My Love, My Legacy Author: Barbara Reynolds, Coretta Scott King Narrator: January LaVoy, Phylicia Rashad Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 01-16-17 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 80 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The life story of Coretta Scott King - wife of Martin Luther King Jr., founder of the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, and singular 20th-century American civil rights activist - as told fully for the first time, toward the end of her life, to one of her closest friends. Born in 1927 to daringly enterprising black parents in the Deep South, Coretta Scott had always felt called to a special purpose. One of the first black scholarship students recruited to Antioch College, a committed pacifist, and a civil rights activist, she was an avowed feminist - a graduate student determined to pursue her own career - when she met Martin Luther King Jr., a Baptist minister insistent that his wife stay home with the children. But in love and devoted to shared Christian beliefs and racial justice goals, she married King, and events promptly thrust her into a maelstrom of history throughout which she was a strategic partner, a standard bearer, a marcher, a negotiator, and a crucial fund-raiser in support of world-changing achievements. As a widow and single mother of four, while butting heads with the all-male African American leadership of the times, she championed gay rights and AIDS awareness, founded the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, lobbied for 15 years to help pass a bill establishing the US national holiday in honor of her slain husband, and was a powerful international presence, serving as a UN ambassador and playing a key role in Nelson Mandela's election. Coretta's is a love story, a family saga, and the memoir of an independent-minded black woman in 20th-century America, a brave leader who stood committed, proud, forgiving, nonviolent, and hopeful in the face of terrorism and violent hatred every single day of her life. This program includes archival recordings of Coretta Scott King and is read by Phylicia Rashad and January LaVoy. Phylicia Rashad is an actress, singer, and stage director. She is known for roles in television shows such as Empire and Psych and as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Her voice-over credits include spots in The Cleveland Show, Little Bill, and Sofia the First. Rashad has also appeared in such films as For Colored Girls, Good Deeds, and Creed. Critic Reviews: "Phylicia Rashad narrates the bulk of this audiobook with January LaVoy, and both do a superb job. Rashad's insistent voice and gentle tone reflect both the strength and quiet dignity that characterized King's life." ( AudioFile) Members Reviews: My Life, My Love, My Legacy This book educated me so much. I could not put it down. I felt as if I really new each family member and other characters. I learned so much about Mrs. King and Dr. Kings' childhood, marriage, family and public life. I truly believe that the King family was called by God. I am extremely happy that I purchased this book through audible. Listening, allowed me to really HEAR! Inspirational memoir This is a posthumous memoir of Coretta Scott King (1927-2006). Apparently, King narrated the memoir to Rev. Barbara Reynolds in 2006 along with some interviews. Reynolds was a longtime friend of King. The book covers her life from birth to death. King tells of the racial hatred she had to endure growing up in Alabama, the whites burning her family home when she was a child, and racial discrimination throughout most of her life.

Gandhi & Churchill Audiobook by Arthur Herman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Arthur Herman) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 21:03:43 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Gandhi & Churchill Author: Arthur Herman Narrator: John Curless Format: Unabridged Length: 29 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 10-25-08 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 553 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: In this fast-paced epic, best-selling historian and master storyteller Arthur Herman spotlights two giants of the 20th century. Gandhi & Churchill shows how their 40-year rivalry revolutionized India and the British Empire, paving the way for a new era. Gandhi championed India's independence, Churchill the British Empire. ©2008 Arthur Herman; (P)2008 Recorded Books Members Reviews: Simply excellent This is a very well written history, which I have now listened to twice. I found it so compelling that I subsequently purchased the hard copy so I could read and annotate it. I read the book having already read much on Churchill (including Manchester's biographies) but I wasn't disappointed since this book really focuses primarily on India and Gandhi, but in a manner that also tracks Churchill's life and influence as well. This is truly one of the best audiobooks I've purchased from audible. A motif that works well I was uncertain whether a dual biography made sense, but in the hands of the author, it works very well, giving a clearer picture of each man. The visions of the two men arise from a shared Victorian world view. They occasionally crossed paths, and they clashed directly over India's independence. Both men lived heroic lives, suffered Herculean setbacks, espoused unpopular views, were both loved and despised at different times by the masses, embodied the highest virtues of their cultures, accomplished great things, failed to accomplish their most cherished goals, and will be remembered for centuries to come. History doesn't get any better than this -- it's the story of two amazing lives told with flair. When Leaders Were Statesmen A long and detailed history, the result of thorough research and a fine critical mind when it comes to analysis of the relative importance of the events described. The writer has a clear, unfussy style and I never find myself going back to hear again something I cannot comprehend first time around. I have read much about Churchill and this book gives me a new perspective on the great man. Indeed, I now understand his shortcomings far better. Ghandi was new to me and this is an excellent biography. In the case of neither man is it a glowing, one sided tribute but more a full frontal picture, warts and all, focusing on their very great achievements alongside their blind spots. The book gets better as it rolls out. The climax, in which Herman details the funerals of each man is very moving; some of the best writing I have enjoyed. The reader is clear and strong, necessary in a book of this length where it is easy to pretend to listen. Good, important history. A Must for Any History Buff An excellent and totally painless way to gain some insight to the history of the late 19th and early 20th centuries by examining the lives of two of that periods' most fascinating people. The book was comprehensive but not mired in too much detail. The narration was superb. I have often wondered at the larger-than-life images and reputation of each of these men, and this book manages to strip away the superman aura and still leave you with an appreciation of two of the most influential men of the 20th century. Highly recommend. Relearnig History I had read about Ghandi 40 years ago so it was great to learn the story again in the context of the Raj represented by Churchill.

Goddess of Anarchy Audiobook by Jacqueline Jones

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jacqueline Jones) — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 18:42:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Goddess of Anarchy Subtitle: The Life and Times of Lucy Parsons, American Radical Author: Jacqueline Jones Narrator: Nylsa Smallwood Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 6 mins Language: English Release date: 12-05-17 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 3 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: From a prize-winning historian, a new portrait of an extraordinary activist and the turbulent age in which she lived Goddess of Anarchy recounts the formidable life of the militant writer, orator, and agitator Lucy Parsons. Born to an enslaved woman in Virginia in 1851 and raised in Texas - where she met her husband, the Haymarket "martyr" Albert Parsons - Lucy was a fearless advocate of First Amendment rights, a champion of the working classes, and one of the most prominent figures of African descent of her era. And yet her life was riddled with contradictions - she advocated violence without apology, concocted a Hispanic Indian identity for herself, and ignored the plight of African Americans. Drawing on a wealth of new sources, Jacqueline Jones presents not only the exceptional life of the famous American-born anarchist but also an authoritative account of her times - from slavery through the Great Depression. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Great biography and history of the American radical movement Jacqueline Jones has written a great biography of an unknown or forgotten (until now) American radical. Fascinating as that is, I found the background history of the radical movement to be just as valuable. This page turner is a fast paced, deeply researched book. Highly recommended!

41 Audiobook by George W. Bush

biacuaduc@gmail.com (George W. Bush) — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 07:13:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: 41 Subtitle: A Portrait of My Father Author: George W. Bush Narrator: George W. Bush Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins Language: English Release date: 11-11-14 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1131 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: George W. Bush, the 43rd president of the United States, has authored a personal biography of his father, George H. W. Bush, the 41st president. Forty-three men have served as president of the United States. Countless books have been written about them. But never before has a president told the story of his father, another president, through his own eyes and in his own words. A unique and intimate biography, the book covers the entire scope of the elder President Bushs life and career, including his service in the Pacific during World War II, his pioneering work in the Texas oil business, and his political rise as a Congressman, U.S. Representative to China and the United Nations, CIA Director, Vice President, and President. The book shines new light on both the accomplished statesman and the warm, decent man known best by his family. In addition, George W. Bush discusses his fathers influence on him throughout his own life, from his childhood in West Texas to his early campaign trips with his father, and from his decision to go into politics to his own two-term Presidency. Members Reviews: Heartwarming and Honoring If you could sum up 41 in three words, what would they be? Integrity, Leadership, Family What other book might you compare 41 to and why? Don't know Which scene was your favorite? Not a favorite scene - but an eye opener. It is amazing to discover that the Clintons are actually very good friends with the Bush Family. They don't tear each other apart. They work with each other. Wish we all did the same. Any additional comments? Heartwarming. The reader will appreciate the love that was put into writing this book. It is full of respect, admiration, and stories that will make you smile. The book's value is increased due to it's characters still being alive and so much part of us. History in the making, but also History that's unique in its father/son relationship.Worth a credit. Great Story of a Son's Adoration of his Father. If you could sum up 41 in three words, what would they be? Man who lived the True American dream What was one of the most memorable moments of 41? Through everything the Bush family has accomplished, they have always remembered the importance of family. Any additional comments? Overall a great movie depicting the love a man has for his father. One of the best books I have ever read. A special story Very well done. I learned much more than I knew previously about father and son and also about other characters on the world stage, including Bill Clinton. It was particularly enjoyable to listen to George Bush talk about his dad. It seemed much more powerful than it would have been simply to read it. Touching story of a Father told by the Son If you could sum up 41 in three words, what would they be? Moving, Inspiring, captivating Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? There were points of tears, during the description of the loss of George H.W. Bush's daughter, Robin. Very emotional. Any additional comments? Easy to listen to, great to hear President George W. Bush narrate it. Gave me a lot more insight into G.H.W. Bush and a better respect for him as a husband, father, businessman and public servant.

American Caesar Audiobook by William Manchester

biacuaduc@gmail.com (William Manchester) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 01:13:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: American Caesar Subtitle: Douglas MacArthur 1880-1964 Author: William Manchester Narrator: Grover Gardner Format: Unabridged Length: 31 hrs and 52 mins Language: English Release date: 11-05-08 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 614 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Virtually all Americans above a certain age hold strong opinions about Douglas MacArthur. They either worship him or despise him. Now, in this superb book, one of our most outstanding writers, after a meticulous three-year examination of the record, presents his startling insights about the man. The narrative is gripping, because the general's life was fascinating. It is moving, because he was a man of vision. It ends, finally, in tragedy, because his character, though majestic, was tragically flawed. ©1978 William Manchester (P)1991 Blackstone Audio Inc. Critic Reviews: "Listening to Parker, one imagines a jovial uncle delivering a slap on the back and sitting down to describe war experiences in a rich voice filled with humor and pathos. The 'you-are-there' quality grabs and holds. This is a carefully done, seamless audio presentation." ( AudioFile) Members Reviews: An Honest Portrayal of a Flawed Hero Manchester has been hailed as one of the all-time great biographers. His two-part trilogy (yes, the third part was never written.) of Churchill is fabulous. This biography of MacArthur is also excellent. You will learn many new aspects of the island-hopping strategy so brilliantly executed to conquer unfathomable expanses of the Pacific. (Caveat: get a good map to refer to as you listen.) The size of the Japanese conquests that the US had to liberate was immense. The flawed character of the capable General is also a fascinating study. Great material. Well read. McArthur was a complex and gifted leader. This biography treats him fairly and brings to light many facts that have been buried or misinterpreted by previous treatments. It is neither fawning hagiography nor poisonous character assination. It was a great listening experience. A Great American As a former Marine, I always considered Douglas MacArthur a failure because I perceived he was disrespectful of his leadership, specifically the American Presidency. However, after reading this book and getting a much more nuanced understanding of the chaotic politics of the time, and watching the movie, the Trial of Billy Mitchell, I wonder if even I would have been able to follow such ludicrous orders as they endured. In the end, I came to deeply admire Gen. MacArthur and I'm grateful in the modern era for the Japan we have now. I also had no idea that Gen. MacArthur's initial failure to understand the movement of technology developments and the significance of airpower resulted in the Bataan Death March, the largest surrender of American troops. While he was a great man, when he made a mistake, it was a colossal failure. This book is written by a great Marine, William Manchester, and he highlights the fascinating and the painful realities of the world of MacArthur. The story transported me during my daily commutes as I listened to it from an audible download through my car stereo each morning and afternoon. Some elements were so painful that my eyes became teary. Douglas was truly a great American and we're lucky he commanded the helms he did during those critical moments in history. Masterpiece of Biography Where does American Caesar rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? Among the best.

9 Presidents Who Screwed Up America Audiobook by Brion McClanahan

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Brion McClanahan) — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 21:18:27 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: 9 Presidents Who Screwed Up America Subtitle: And Four Who Tried to Save Her Author: Brion McClanahan Narrator: Mike Chamberlain Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins Language: English Release date: 04-26-16 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 253 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Of the 44 presidents who have led the United States, nine made mistakes that permanently scarred the nation. Which nine? Brion McClanahan, author of The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Founding Fathers and The Founding Fathers' Guide to the Constitution, will surprise listeners with his list, which he supports with exhaustive and entertaining evidence. 9 Presidents Who Screwed Up America is a new look back at American history that unabashedly places blame for our nation's current problems on the backs of nine very flawed men. Critic Reviews: "This book is both a fascinating read by a master historian and a necessary guide for any voter." (Kevin R. C. Gutzman, author of James Madison and the Making of America) Members Reviews: Required Reading before the Election This is not a simplistic book, but all true Americans should read it before they vote in November 2016. It is guaranteed to step on your toes, whether Republican or Democrat since neither party escapes the constitutional scrutiny of McClanahan. If you have ever wondered how we arrived at the Imperial Presidency of Barak Obama, this book shows you the path and corruption of the most brilliant form of government ever conceived by human intellect. If you are a partisan political hack, you will need to put away the Kool-aid, and actually use your brain. Interesting A very interesting look at the presidency from a unique perspective that of a strictly constitutional one. I was surprised at how much power has been sent in the wrong directions and then stays there because that is "how we have done it before" Great Historical Perspective Very informative book. Although I do not agree with all the author's viewpoints, he is correct in 95% of what he is saying. History you've never been taught Excellent book, focused on Presidential adherence to the Constitution. I learned about presidents that are usually dismissed in modern culture. John Tyler, Grover Cleveland and others. worth a listen. Very interesting but don't be gullible I think this book is very interesting and thought provoking but the reader needs to recognize that actual facts, alternate facts (falsehoods), and the authors opinions are all presented as facts. The reader needs to know that the author works for Breitbart and his opinions and comments reflect Breitbart's views. Mr. McClanahan states over and over that actions taken by certain Presidents do not conform to the way the "founding generation" viewed and interpreted the Constitution. At the same time he says that George Washington & John Adams were the first Presidents to violate the Constitution and Thomas Jefferson had to correct their errors. He doesn't acknowledge that all three men were part of the founding generation and that opinions of the founding fathers were far from uniform. He takes a very strict literal interpretation of the Constitution. The President should only veto a bill if it is unconstitutional. The President should not follow a law if he thinks it is unconstitutional. He should make that decision himself because the Supreme Court Judges are political appointees and will not make unbiased decisions.

Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War Audiobook by Robert M. Gates

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Robert M. Gates) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 21:57:51 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War Author: Robert M. Gates Narrator: George Newbern, Robert M. Gates Format: Unabridged Length: 25 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 01-14-14 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1918 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: From the former secretary of defense, a strikingly candid, vivid account of serving Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Robert M. Gates received a call from the White House, he thought he'd long left Washington politics behind: After working for six presidents in both the CIA and the National Security Council, he was happily serving as president of Texas A&M University. But when he was asked to help a nation mired in two wars and to aid the troops doing the fighting, he answered what he felt was the call of duty. Members Reviews: Clear and evenhanded What made the experience of listening to Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War the most enjoyable? Robert Gates served as Secretary of Defense under both the Bush and Obama White House administrations. Gates was the first Secretary of Defense to serve two administrations from different political parties. Gates was also former head of the CIA, President of Texas A&M, and one of the original members of the Iraq study group (2006). It is widely accepted that Gates is respected (and revered) by both Republicans and Democrats. He is not a polarizing political figure or a talking head espousing a political agenda. For these reasons, Duty has immediate credibility and should evoke reader interest. Duty is not full of details that rehashes major historical/political events of the Obama and Bush administrations (Iraq war, Afghanistan war, bin Ladens death, the Surge..). Instead, these situations are briefly summarized to allow Gates the opportunity to provide the reader his problem solving process when dealing with these events. Duty is ultimately about how to be an effective manager in the largest and most complex organization in the world. Gates reveals his approach to defining the problem, analyzing a problem, and developing a solution. The reader take away is Gates was an effective listener, implementer, and manager of complex personalities. Much of the attention Duty has received from critics involves identifying the winners and losers of the Bush/Obama administrations. For example, Joe Biden takes a pretty bad beating in Duty that will adversely impact his chances of winning the Presidency in 2016. However, Gates is very complementary and critical of various generals, presidents, politicians, and White House staff, regardless of political affiliation. Also, critical comments about the decision-making skills of our leaders are rooted in observable facts. I never felt the criticism of any political leaders was the main emphasis or intent of the book. Gates also effectively communicates the sacrifice and dedication exhibited by the US soldiers. Overall, I would recommend Duty to anyone who keeps current with the world news. At times the book is shocking (the militaries lack of preparation/planning for the Iraqi war) and revealing (the courageous decision-making skills exhibited by Barack Obama). Yoda speaks Robert Gates has a Ph.D. in Russian and Soviet History. He served as the head of the CIA , been a member of the National Security Council under eight different white house administration, was a Air Force officer in the Strategic Air Command. He knew the pentagon better than most Defense Secretaries. Duty is a typical of the memoir genre, declaring that this is how the writer saw it, warts and all, including his own.

The Naturalist Audiobook by Darrin Lunde

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Darrin Lunde) — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 10:49:18 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Naturalist Subtitle: Theodore Roosevelt and the Rise of American Natural History Author: Darrin Lunde Narrator: Scott Brick Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 04-12-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 74 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The surprising story of intrepid naturalist Theodore Roosevelt and how his lifelong passion for the natural world set the stage for America's wildlife conservation movement. Perhaps no American president is more associated with nature and wildlife than Theodore Roosevelt, a prodigious hunter and adventurer and an ardent conservationist. We think of Roosevelt as an original, yet in The Naturalist, Darrin Lunde shows how from his earliest days Roosevelt actively modeled himself in the proud tradition of museum naturalists - the men who pioneered a key branch of American biology through their desire to collect animal specimens and develop a taxonomy of the natural world. The influence these men would have on Roosevelt would shape not just his personality but his career, informing his work as a politician and statesman and ultimately affecting generations of Americans' relationships to this country's wilderness. Pulling from Roosevelt's diaries and expedition journals, Lunde constructs a brilliantly researched, singularly insightful history that reveals the roots of Roosevelt's enduring naturalist legacy through the group of little-known men whose work and lives defined his own. Members Reviews: One side of a many-sided man Teddy Roosevelt was one of the greatest presidents in American History and he had a great passion for the outdoors. This is not the most complete biography, but it is an interesting facet of Roosevelt's life and motivations. The Naturalist Interesting to learn Roosevelt's role in shaping the museums that we now love and enjoy today. The naturalist explains Roosevelt's passion for hunting and animal study and how those two things intertwine. First book purchased thru Audible, mad at myself for not getting a subscription years ago! Loss of respect I lost a lot of respect for T Roosevelt. Killing so many animals, even after knowing certain species were being wiped out First Audiobook As an amateur naturalist myself, the story was very enlightening, enjoyable and an adventure. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with even a mild interest in natural history.

Princess Audiobook by Jean Sasson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jean Sasson) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 11:26:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Princess Subtitle: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia Author: Jean Sasson Narrator: Catherine Byers Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins Language: English Release date: 02-06-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 392 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Princess describes the life of Princess Sultana Al Sa'ud, a princess in the royal house of Saudi Arabia. Hidden behind her black veil, she is a prisoner, jailed by her father, her husband, and her country. Sultana tells of appalling oppressions, everyday occurrences that in any other culture would be seen as shocking human rights violations: 13-year-old girls forced to marry men five times their age; young women killed by drowning, stoning, or isolation in the "women's room". Princess is a testimony to a woman of indomitable spirit and courage, and you will never forget her or her Muslim sisters. A New York Times best-seller, Princess was named one of the 500 Great Books by Women Since 1300. It was also an Alternate Selection of the Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club and a Reader's Digest Selection. Members Reviews: Wow... Such a powerful book. To hear a full story of this princess' experience just brings you in and really makes you feel for her. I hope something can be done for women in Saudi Arabia... :( Most terrifying story ever told Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? I wouldn't recommend this book for the faint of heart. It's hard to continue reading it. What did you like best about this story? I liked that the fact that she took the time to write down and record the truth. It's hard to put everything in words What about Catherine Byerss performance did you like? She stayed true to the emotions in the characters Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? It made me cry and lose sleep over it. I can't believe that this still happens across the world. It's terrifying to know this let alone go through it. I still don't understand why other countries are not interfering with this. Below expectations Maybe I missed it, but I did not get to hear what became of her. I have some issue of veracity about some of the things said because I have some knowledge of Saudi Arabia and Islamic traditions. Example, the author said that women cannot enter the mosque to pray, that is not correct. Every mosque has a partition in the back for women to pray at the same time as men. At home, women will pray behind the men. Good story but... Would you consider the audio edition of Princess to be better than the print version? Probably not. The narrator was monotone and didn't bring much life to the audio portion of the book. What did you like best about this story? It was real and authentic. Would you listen to another book narrated by Catherine Byers? Not on purpose! Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? No, not at all. The stories were good but 30 mins at a time was enough. Any additional comments? Soltana, the princess in this story was one of thousands of princesses in Saudi. In the end, she didn't accomplish anything or do anything historic or even memorable such that reading about her specifically is exciting. She just happens to be one of 21,000 members of the royal Saudi family and talks about the (undoubtedly scary) every day life of a woman in Saudi. Skeptical I am very skeptical of this story so I didn't love it. I've since read mixed reviews about the veracity of this tale.

Three Minutes to Doomsday Audiobook by Joe Navarro

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Joe Navarro) — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 13:31:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Three Minutes to Doomsday Subtitle: An Agent, a Traitor, and the Worst Espionage Breach in U.S. History Author: Joe Navarro Narrator: George Newbern Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins Language: English Release date: 04-18-17 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 88 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: An intense cat-and-mouse game played between two brilliant men in the last days of the Cold War, this shocking insider's story shows how a massive giveaway of secret war plans and nuclear secrets threatened America with annihilation. In 1988 Joe Navarro, one of the youngest agents ever hired by the FBI, was dividing his time between SWAT assignments, flying air reconnaissance, and working counterintelligence. But his real expertise was "reading" body language. He possessed an uncanny ability to glean the thoughts of those he interrogated. So it was that, on a routine assignment to interview a "person of interest" - a former American soldier named Rod Ramsay - Navarro noticed his interviewee's hand trembling slightly when he was asked about another soldier who had recently been arrested in Germany on suspicion of espionage. That thin lead was enough for the FBI agent to insist to his bosses that an investigation be opened. What followed is unique in the annals of espionage detection - a two-year-long battle of wits. The dueling antagonists: an FBI agent who couldn't overtly tip to his target that he suspected him of wrongdoing lest he clam up, and a traitor whose weakness was the enjoyment he derived from sparring with his inquisitor. Navarro's job was made even more difficult by his adversary's brilliance: not only did Ramsay possess an authentic photographic memory as well as the second highest IQ ever recorded by the US Army, he was bored by people who couldn't match his erudition. To ensure that the information flow would continue, Navarro had to pre-choreograph every interview, becoming a chess master plotting 20 moves in advance. And the backdrop to this mental tug of war was the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the very real possibility that its leaders, in a last bid to alter the course of history, might launch a devastating attack. If they did, they would have Ramsay to thank, because as Navarro would learn over the course of 42 mind-bending interviews, Ramsay had, by his stunning intelligence giveaways, handed the Soviets the ability to utterly destroy the US. The story of a determined hero who pushed himself to jaw-dropping levels of exhaustion and who rallied his team to expose undreamed of vulnerabilities in America's defense, Three Minutes to Doomsday will leave the listener with disturbing thoughts of the risks the country takes even today with its most protected national secrets. Members Reviews: The best of Clancy with the best of Law & Order If you could sum up Three Minutes to Doomsday in three words, what would they be? Agent captures spy What did you like best about this story? Everyone is human. Joe isn't super man. He shows his tricks. He falls flat occasionally e.g. running into the occasional brickwall by WFO, HQ, DOJ. The encounters with the office manager are priceless. Building rapport with his partners, specially She-Moody, is exceptionally well written. Even the bad guy emerges as a human being, not a caricature. He committed treason. But you see how it happens - not as an excuse, but as an explanation. I've read Joe's body language book before (remembered the abrazzo (?)) example, and that fits in neatly with the overall story.

The Religious Life of Robert E. Lee Audiobook by R. David Cox

biacuaduc@gmail.com (R. David Cox) — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 01:41:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Religious Life of Robert E. Lee Author: R. David Cox Narrator: Trevor Thompson Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 01-19-18 Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 11 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The first close examination of how Robert E. Lee's faith shaped his life Robert E. Lee was many things - accomplished soldier, military engineer, college president, family man, agent of reconciliation, polarizing figure. He was also a person of deep Christian conviction. In this biography of the famous Civil War general, R. David Cox shows how Lee's Christian faith shaped his crucial role in some of the most pivotal events in American history. Delving into family letters and other primary sources - some of them newly discovered - Cox traces the lifelong development of Lee's convictions and how they influenced his decisions to stand with Virginia against the Union and later to support reconciliation and reconstruction in the years after the Civil War. Faith was central to Lee's character, Cox argues - so central that it directed and redirected his life, especially in the aftermath of defeat. Members Reviews: Beautiful narration of a complicated man. What made the experience of listening to The Religious Life of Robert E. Lee the most enjoyable? The narrator has an amazing voice. He could read the phone book and make it pleasant. Gorgeous voice. What other book might you compare The Religious Life of Robert E. Lee to and why? Books by David McCullough or Doris Kearns Goodwin. Which scene was your favorite? There were not "scenes" per se. I loved the chapters that focused on the war. Violence and theology are tragically fascinating. If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? Lee: A Man of His Time Any additional comments? There is lots of chatter about Lee in the mainstream media. He had his faults. He had his strengths. Honor where honor is due. Dishonor where dishonor is due. We need more books like this. History is rarely black and white.

Thomas Paine's Rights of Man Audiobook by Christopher Hitchens

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Christopher Hitchens) — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 09:52:59 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Thomas Paine's Rights of Man Subtitle: A Biography: Books That Changed the World Author: Christopher Hitchens Narrator: Simon Vance Format: Unabridged Length: 3 hrs and 36 mins Language: English Release date: 07-23-07 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 345 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Since its publication, The Rights of Man has been celebrated, criticized, maligned, and suppressed. But here, commentator Christopher Hitchens, Paine's natural heir, marvels at its forethought and revels in its contentiousness. Above all, he shows how Thomas Paine's Rights of Man forms the philosophical cornerstone of the world's most powerful republic: the United States of America. Critic Reviews: "Lucid and fast-moving....As with all Hitchens, well worth reading." (Kirkus) "Brilliant portrait....An attractive introduction to Paine's life and work as a whole....Hitchens remains a great writer, and a thinker of depth, range, and vigour." (Prospect) Members Reviews: Exciting July Fourth Listening! Wow! Somehow I had expected this would be simply Tom Paine's writing, not a whole book about him. History, philosophy and politics are not my strengths, but I've lived long enough and traveled enough that I do care about these things. I found another audio book on the same topics, Founding Brothers, very difficult listening, although I believed it was well narrated. This book by contrast is almost suspenseful. The narrator reads with great understanding, but the book is written so as to be interesting. This author has an exciting mind! Back in high school I didn't really get it about the deists. And who cared about the Louisiana Purchase? Paine was already trying to solve the problem of slavery, develop a plan for freed slaves. Paine even foresaw a need for a welfare system. Well, goodness! It's a most stimulating book. Educational, exciting, most worthwhile. Good, but not exactly what I expected. I picked this up after hearing Thomas Paine's unwavering irreligious convictions referred to by Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins in their atheist literature. Unfortunately there was not as much information in this vein as I'd hoped, though the last chapter(s?) did recount his later life when his religious views came into sharper focus. Mostly this was interesting in terms of American/British history, and the history of philosophy about human rights. As others have noted, it is occasionally difficult to tell where a quotation ends and the main text resumes; but genterally the narration is expemplary with some very nice Scottish brogue thrown in for spice. Hitchens on Paine = Near Perfection In a time when both rights and reason are under several kinds of open and covert attack, the life and writing of Thomas Paine will always be part of the arsenal on which we shall need to depend. Christopher Hitchens, Thomas Paine's Rights of Man While there is no imperfect time to read about Thomas Paine or read Christopher Hitchens, 2016 with Brexit and Trump seem to almost BEG for a steroid shot of rationality and intelligence. I read this because I was tired of the news, tired of the discourse, tired of FB debates and arguments that seemed inane and inept (I once saw a debate over some political issue that was carried out entirely using memes). I wondered how we could have dropped from a period where big ideas were discussed by big men (yes, and big women: see Mary Wollstonecraft) to this? Anyway, about 10 years ago The Atlantic Monthly Press published this book as part of their series Books that Changed the World. Think about this for a minute.

Master of the Senate - The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Volume III (Part 2 of a 3-Part Recording)

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Robert A. Caro) — Mon, 01 Aug 2005 23:54:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Master of the Senate - The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Volume III (Part 2 of a 3-Part Recording) Author: Robert A. Caro Narrator: Grover Gardner Format: Unabridged Length: 16 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 08-01-05 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 714 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Master of the Senate carries Lyndon Johnson's story through one of its most remarkable periods: his 12 years, from 1949 to 1960, in the United States Senate. Once the most august and revered body in politics, by the time Johnson arrived the Senate had become a parody of itself and an obstacle that for decades had blocked desperately needed liberal legislation. Caro shows how Johnson's brilliance, charm, and ruthlessness enabled him to become the youngest and most powerful Majority Leader in history and how he used his incomparable legislative genius, cajoling and threatening both Northern liberals and Southern conservatives, to pass the first Civil Rights legislation since Reconstruction. Brilliantly weaving rich detail into a gripping narrative, Caro gives us both a galvanizing portrait of Johnson himself and a definitive and revelatory study of the workings of legislative power. This is Volume 2. Have you listened to yet? And don't forget . ©2002 Robert A. Caro, Inc.; (P)2002 Books on Tape, Inc. Critic Reviews: "Mesmerizing....A tale rife with drama and hypnotic in the telling." (Newsweek) "A panoramic study....Combining the best techniques of investigative reporting with majestic storytelling ability, Caro has created a vivid, revelatory institutional history as well as a rich hologram of Johnson's character." (The New York Times) "Caro must be America's greatest living Presidential biographer....No other contemporary biographer offers such a complex picture of the forces driving an American politician, or populates his work with such vividly drawn secondary characters." (BusinessWeek) Members Reviews: An off-read for one of the best! Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? Yes - Two reasons: 1) Most obviously, you can't listen to volume 3 without volume 2 and after volume 1, you can't help but to want more and more of this. How could the performance have been better? There were so many repeats that at least once every 20 minutes it happened. There were other very odd starts and stops and perhaps part of a chapter missing. All in all, I don't know that I think it is that big of a deal - however, Grover Gardner is such an incredible narrator and commands such incredible admiration for his narration, the constant repeats and breaks are all the more shocking. Seems as though Vol. II was rushed in order that Volume 3 could be released. I will note that in Vol I and III Gardner was and then returned to his near flawless command of the story. However, Vol. II is the worst recording (in terms of repeats and cut-offs) I've ever listened to of the nearly 50 audio books over the past two years. Glitchy recording great story. I love Caro's series. This segment has a few glitches, it repeats itself many times throughout the recording,it skips back 10 seconds. I also think it is not fair that the first book is one segment, the second book is one segment, and the third book is three segments. The first book is 40 hrs. Why must the third book be broken into three 15 hr sections? Master of the Senate in 3 Audible Acts If you could sum up Master of the Senate in three words, what would they be? Tour de force! What did you like best about this story? The history of the U.S.

Being George Washington Audiobook by Glenn Beck

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Glenn Beck) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:47:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Being George Washington Author: Glenn Beck Narrator: Ron McLarty Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 11-22-11 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 877 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: If you think you know George Washington, think again. This is the amazing true story of a real-life superhero who wore no cape and possessed no special powersyet changed the world forever. It's a story about a man whose life reads as if it were torn from the pages of an action novel: Bullet holes through his clothing. Horses shot out from under him. Unimaginable hardship. Disease. Heroism. Spies and double-agents. And, of course, the unmistakable hand of Divine Providence that guided it all. Being George Washington is a whole new way to look at history. You won't simply read about the awful winter spent at Valley Forgeyou'll live it right alongside Washington. You'll be on the boat with him crossing the Delaware, in the trenches with him at Yorktown, and standing next to him at the Constitutional Convention as a new republic is finally born. Through these stories you'll not only learn our real history (and how it applies to today), you'll also see how the media and others have distorted our view of it. It's ironic that the best-known fact about George Washingtonthat he chopped down a cherry treeis a complete lie. It's even more ironic when you consider that a lie was thought necessary to prove he could not tell one. For all of his heroism and triumphs, Washington's single greatest accomplishment was the man he created in the process: courageous and principled, fair and just, respectful to all. But he was also something else: flawed. It's those flaws that should give us hope for today. After all, if Washington had been perfect, then there would be no way to build another one. That's why this book is not just about being George Washington in 1776, it's about the struggle to be him every single day of our lives. Understanding the way he turned himself from an uneducated farmer into the Indispensable (yet imperfect) Man, is the only way to build a new generation of George Washingtons that can take on the extraordinary challenges that America is once again facing. Members Reviews: Much more than I expected! Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Absolutely..... I already have! What other book might you compare Being George Washington to and why? Nothing in my experience compares...... Have you listened to any of Ron McLartys other performances before? How does this one compare? I have not. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? Some of it made me tear up, the sacrifices our early countrymen made for this great country! The faith that Washington demonstrated was so reassuring as to the principles that our country and consititution were based upon. Any additional comments? You will not regret taking the time to read or listen to this book. It is a fascinating portal into a time we should all know more about........our history! My hero has been brought back.

The Real Lincoln Audiobook by Thomas J. Dilorenzo

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Thomas J. Dilorenzo) — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 03:48:08 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Real Lincoln Subtitle: A New Look at Abraham Lincoln, His Agenda, and an Unnecessary War Author: Thomas J. Dilorenzo Narrator: Charles Constant Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins Language: English Release date: 11-07-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 12 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Most Americans consider Abraham Lincoln to be the greatest president in history. His legend as the Great Emancipator has grown to mythic proportions as hundreds of books, a national holiday, and a monument in Washington, D.C., extol his heroism and martyrdom. But what if most everything you knew about Lincoln were false? What if, instead of an American hero who sought to free the slaves, Lincoln were in fact a calculating politician who waged the bloodiest war in American history in order to build an empire that rivaled Great Britain's? In The Real Lincoln, author Thomas J. DiLorenzo uncovers a side of Lincoln not told in many history books and overshadowed by the immense Lincoln legend. Through extensive research and meticulous documentation, DiLorenzo portrays the 16th president as a man who devoted his political career to revolutionizing the American form of government from one that was very limited in scope and highly decentralized - as the Founding Fathers intended - to a highly centralized, activist state. Standing in his way, however, was the South, with its independent states, its resistance to the national government, and its reliance on unfettered free trade. Critic Reviews: "A devastating critique of America's most famous president." (Joseph Sobran, commentator and nationally syndicated columnist) Members Reviews: the eye opening book on Lincoln! in this well-written book not only citations from other books but from the subjects own words is used to describe the real Lincoln. highly recommended for any true scholar of the life of Lincoln and the true source of the Civil War. A Libertarian View? I found this writing to be a different perspective than I had read before. Full of references that seem to support this as one perspective to be aware of in understanding all viewpoints regarding the Lincoln legacy. The tyrannical centralization of US revealed

Absolute must- read for those who want to know the truth about when and how the US "went off the rails" A truly great read! The narrative enforcing Abraham Lincoln's greatness, that I initially grew up with, was intelligently exposed as a blatant distortion of true history. The Author's arguments were spectacular. I now have a greater respect for both the cause of the Confederacy, State's Rights/Sovereignty, and the importance of the Writ of Habeas Corpus. Any person interested in the "Civil War" (War of Northern Aggression) owes it to themselves to read is book through.

Death of a King Audiobook by David Ritz, Tavis Smiley

biacuaduc@gmail.com (David Ritz) — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 13:10:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Death of a King Subtitle: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Final Year Author: David Ritz, Tavis Smiley Narrator: Tavis Smiley Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 15 mins Language: English Release date: 09-09-14 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 202 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: A revealing and dramatic chronicle of the 12 months leading up to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination. Martin Luther King, Jr. died in one of the most shocking assassinations the world has known, but little is remembered about the life he led in his final year. New York Times best-selling author and award-winning broadcaster Tavis Smiley recounts the final 365 days of King's life, revealing the minister's trials and tribulations - denunciations by the press, rejection from the president, dismissal by the country's black middle class and militants, assaults on his character, ideology, and political tactics, to name a few - all of which he had to rise above in order to lead and address the racism, poverty, and militarism that threatened to destroy our democracy. Smiley's Death of a King paints a portrait of a leader and visionary in a narrative different from all that have come before. Here is an exceptional glimpse into King's life - one that adds both nuance and gravitas to his legacy as an American hero. Critic Reviews: " Death of a King is a fitting climax to a noble saga. It is here adequately told and placed before history." (Reverend Gardner C. Taylor) "Tavis Smiley has captured not only the spirit of the movement, but the Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. in his last days. We didn't realize it but he knew he was on his way to Jerusalem, and as much as we tried to deter him, he fought back." (Andrew Young, United States ambassador to the United Nations and former mayor of Atlanta) "One of the most important political voices of his generation." ( The Philadelphia Inquirer) Members Reviews: An important book What made the experience of listening to Death of a King the most enjoyable? This is a fascinating piece of history, read with simple conviction by the author. I could not imagine a different narrator. An amazing tribute to the King Legacy What made the experience of listening to Death of a King the most enjoyable? The real story of King's final year will send chills down your spine, the betrayal by friends and the media, the depression, the imperfections of MLK and eventually the regicide give readers/listeners a tragic look into the life of one of Americas most heroic leaders. Have you listened to any of Tavis Smileys other performances before? How does this one compare? This was his first performance Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? The book made me aware and put me at peace with the real legacy of MLK Just what I needed I'm very glad I got this book. I like the style & the story. Very insightful. I'm going to do more research on the poverty campaign mentioned. Sad but compelling.... The last year of King's life was overfull of hard times....both enemies and friends criticized him relentlessly. He began his campaign against the war in Vietnam, and the president who had helped Blacks gain civil rights was astounded because suddenly King was opposing him. So he fought back. And many of King's supporters and friends were adamantly opposed to King dividing his focus by taking on the war while still seeking equality for Blacks.

Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy Audiobook

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Michael Beschloss (introduction)) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:11:34 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations on Life with John F. Kennedy Author: Michael Beschloss (introduction), Caroline Kennedy (foreword) Narrator: Caroline Kennedy (foreword), Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. (interviewer), Michael Beschloss (introduction), Jacqueline Kennedy Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 12-27-11 Publisher: Hyperion AudioBooks Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 689 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: In 1964, Jacqueline Kennedy recorded seven historic interviews about her life with John F. Kennedy. Now, decades later, these conversations can be heard in this digitally remastered eight-and-a-half-hour audio program. This audiobook includes the foreword written and read by Caroline Kennedy; introduction written and read by historian Michael Beschloss and the photos from the hardcover book, as well as complete annotations from Michael Beschloss, both in downloadable PDF format. Shortly after President John F. Kennedys assassination, with a nation deep in mourning and the world looking on in stunned disbelief, Jacqueline Kennedy found the strength to set aside her own personal grief for the sake of posterity and begin the task of documenting and preserving her husbands legacy. In January of 1964, she and Robert F. Kennedy approved a planned oral-history project that would capture their first-hand accounts of the late president as well as the recollections of those closest to him throughout his extraordinary political career. For the rest of her life, the famously private Jacqueline Kennedy steadfastly refused to discuss her memories of those years, but beginning that March, she fulfilled her obligation to future generations of Americans by sitting down with historian Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., and recording an astonishingly detailed and unvarnished account of her experiences and impressions as the wife and confidante of John F. Kennedy. The tapes of those sessions were then sealed and later deposited in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum upon completion, in accordance with Mrs. Kennedys wishes. The resulting eight-and-a-half hours of material comprise a unique and compelling record of a tumultuous era, providing fresh insights on the many significant people and events that shaped JFKs presidency, but also shedding new light on the man behind the momentous decisions. As told by Mrs. Kennedy, here are JFKs unscripted opinions on a host of revealing subjects, including his thoughts and feelings about his brothers, Robert and Ted, and his take on world leaders past and present, giving us perhaps the most informed, genuine, and immediate portrait of John Fitzgerald Kennedy we shall ever have. Mrs. Kennedys urbane perspective, her candor, and her flashes of wit also give us our clearest glimpse into the active mind of a remarkable First Lady. In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of President Kennedys inauguration, Caroline Kennedy and the Kennedy family are now releasing these beautifully restored recordings with accompanying annotations and photos from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library as well as other sources. Introduced and annotated by renowned presidential historian Michael Beschloss, these interviews will add an exciting new dimension to our understanding and appreciation of President Kennedy and his time and make the past come alive through the words and voice of an eloquent eyewitness to history. Members Reviews: Fascinating Listen This audio book is fascinating. It's a bit chilling to hear the First Lady being so candid about the President and their private lives. To able to hear her voice and conversations with Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., is a historical dream.

John Adams Audiobook by David McCullough

biacuaduc@gmail.com (David McCullough) — Thu, 24 May 2001 01:54:28 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: John Adams Author: David McCullough Narrator: Edward Herrmann Format: Abridged Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins Language: English Release date: 05-24-01 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1422 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Much about Adams' life will come as a surprise to many. His rocky relationship with friend and eventual archrival Thomas Jefferson, his courageous voyage on the frigate Boston in the winter of 1778 and his later trek over the Pyrenees are exploits few would have dared and that few listeners will ever forget. McCullough's John Adams has the sweep and vitality of a great novel. This is history on a grand scale - an audiobook about politics, war, and social issues, but also about human nature, love, religious faith, virtue, ambition, friendship and betrayal, and the far-reaching consequences of noble ideas. Above all, it is an enthralling, often surprising story of one of the most important and fascinating Americans who ever lived. Critic Reviews: "The portrait that emerges is altogether fascinating." (Amazon.com) "Brilliant...a winner." (Publishers Weekly) "McCullough writes to be heard as well as read." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: fantastic great, book, and I loved the narration. Only qualm is I ended up buying full version, as there are huge gaps, which I you really want to understand the Adams-jefferson relationship, full length version is much better. Well Done Listening to this book is the best encouragement to make an impulse buy from time to time. At a book store or library, I would normally avoid a biography on John Adams. But, given the ability to listen to this book, I impulsively downloaded it....and, I'm very happy I did! I was reminded of American history I had long since forgotten, and learned new and fascinating facts. The author does a wonderful job of keeping the reader/listener's ears glued to his MP3 player. I never realized how great a man John Adams was, and what a colorful life he led. A must for US history buffs It's a long book, but it kept my interest to the last sentence. McCullough is a wonderful biographer/historian. Two of his previous books on the Brooklyn Bridge and the Panama Canal were people-oriented histories; this is a history-oriented biography. It uses correspondence involving Adams, his wife Abigail, and several contemporaries who played a part in Adams's life to excellent effect. Both Adams and his wife were enthusiastic and thoughtful correspondents throughout their adult lives and McCullough knows how to mine this source to great effect. The book handles all of the significant controversies in Adams's public and private life, and to this non-historian, does so quite even-handedly given that the biographer seems to truly like his subject. We are shown Adams's faults, but they are overwhelmed by his many virtues; his real self shines through the often-slanderous verbal fog created by his many enemies. In today's scholarship it sometimes appears that you have to be either for Adams or for Jefferson, but McCullough admires both and refuses to be drawn into that feckless enterprise. It is a long book, but it could have been much longer and still held my rapt attention. Get the Unabridged I started with the Unabridged, and when the incessant details of his correspondence with Abigail became tiresome, I downloaded the abridged version. Unfortunately, there were two sentences on the Brooklyn battle where Washington was defeated, whereas the Unabridged painted a much more vivid picture of this battle.

Otto von Bismarck Audiobook by Jonathan Steinberg

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jonathan Steinberg) — Mon, 06 Oct 2003 03:32:36 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Otto von Bismarck Author: Jonathan Steinberg Narrator: Jonathan Steinberg Format: Unabridged Length: 30 mins Language: English Release date: 10-06-03 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Germany is reunified, without destroying the old absolutist state, by a diplomatic realist whose character is very different from the image handed down by history.

The Borgias Audiobook by G. J. Meyer

biacuaduc@gmail.com (G. J. Meyer) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 10:38:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Borgias Subtitle: The Hidden History Author: G. J. Meyer Narrator: Enn Reitel Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs Language: English Release date: 04-02-13 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 303 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The startling truth behind one of the most notorious dynasties in history is revealed in a remarkable new account by the acclaimed author of The Tudors and A World Undone. Sweeping aside the gossip, slander, and distortion that have shrouded the Borgias for centuries, G. J. Meyer offers an unprecedented portrait of the infamous Renaissance family and their storied milieu. The Borgias They burst out of obscurity in Spain not only to capture the great prize of the papacy, but to do so twice. Throughout a tumultuous half-century - as popes, statesmen, warriors, lovers, and breathtakingly ambitious political adventurers - they held center stage in the glorious and blood-drenched pageant known to us as the Italian Renaissance, standing at the epicenter of the power games in which Europes kings and Italys warlords gambled for life-and-death stakes. Five centuries after their fall - a fall even more sudden than their rise to the heights of power - they remain immutable symbols of the depths to which humanity can descend: Rodrigo, the Borgia who bought the papal crown and prostituted the Roman Church; Cesare, the Borgia who became first a teenage cardinal and then the most treacherous cutthroat of a violent time; Lucrezia, the Borgia as shockingly immoral as she was beautiful. These have long been stock figures in the dark chronicle of European villainy, their name synonymous with unspeakable evil. But did these Borgias of legend actually exist? Grounding his narrative in exhaustive research and drawing from rarely examined key sources, Meyer brings fascinating new insight to the real people within the age-encrusted myth. Equally illuminating is the light he shines on the brilliant circles in which the Borgias moved and the thrilling era they helped to shape, a time of wars and political convulsions that reverberate to the present day, when Western civilization simultaneously wallowed in appalling brutality and soared to extraordinary heights. Stunning in scope, rich in telling detail, G. J. Meyers The Borgias is an indelible work sure to become the new standard on a family and a world that continue to enthrall. Members Reviews: Marvelous ! I have read a lot of books about the Borgias, and of all those on my bookshelf (actual volumes on the shelf, as well as audiobooks) this is far and away my favorite. I loved the author's approach, which for one thing takes the reader back to the very FIRST Borgia Pope (and here I didn't even realize that there WAS any other Borgia Pope than Rodrigo), and fills in all the lacunae which other authors have ignored. I found every detail fascinating because I really want to understand the events in Italy of this time period, and the details are what create a rich picture of the times for those of us who are looking back 1500 years. I also cannot imagine a more wonderful narrator for this book. He carried me along with him on this fascinating journey with his rich, mellifluous tones, and that was truly the icing on the cake, great marriage of narrator with material. If you are interested in the history of early Renaissance Italy, you should love this book ! Absolutely nothing wrong with this audiobook Where does The Borgias rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? This audiobook is excellent in every respect. Its a GJ Meyer book, so the narrative style is spellbinding. I have listened to his other books as well, e.g.

Henry IV Audiobook by Ian Mortimer

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ian Mortimer) — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 22:48:32 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Henry IV Subtitle: The Righteous King Author: Ian Mortimer Narrator: James Cameron Stewart Format: Unabridged Length: 22 hrs and 14 mins Language: English Release date: 10-03-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 20 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The talented, confident, and intelligent son of John of Gaunt, Henry IV started his reign as a popular and charismatic king after he dethroned the tyrannical and wildly unpopular Richard II. But six years into his reign, Henry had survived eight assassination and overthrow attempts. Having broken God's law of primogeniture by overthrowing the man many people saw as the chosen king, Henry IV left himself vulnerable to challenges from powerful enemies about the validity of his reign. Even so, Henry managed to establish the new Lancastrian dynasty and a new rule of law - in highly turbulent times. In this book, noted historian Ian Mortimer, author of The Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan London, explores the political and social forces that transformed Henry IV from his nation's savior to its scourge. Critic Reviews: "[Mortimer] has an instinctive sympathy for the men about whom he writes, a real understanding of the mentalities of late medieval England, and a vivid historical imagination which lends colour and excitement to his pages" (Literary Review) Members Reviews: Detailed and compelling Couldn't stop listening to this extraordinary story of a lesser known king. Very nicely read.

The Gatekeeper Audiobook by Kathryn Smith

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Kathryn Smith) — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 01:06:16 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Gatekeeper Subtitle: Missy LeHand, FDR, and the Untold Story of the Partnership That Defined a Presidency Author: Kathryn Smith Narrator: Bernadette Dunne Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 09-06-16 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 31 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The first biography of arguably the most influential member of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's administration, Marguerite "Missy" LeHand, FDR's de facto chief of staff, who has been misrepresented, mischaracterized, and overlooked throughout history...until now. Widely considered the first female presidential chief of staff, Marguerite "Missy" LeHand was the right-hand woman to Franklin Delano Roosevelt - both personally and professionally - for more than 20 years. Although her official title as personal secretary was relatively humble, her power and influence were unparalleled. Everyone in the White House knew one truth: if you wanted access to Franklin, you had to get through Missy. She was one of his most trusted advisors, affording her a unique perspective on the president that no one else could claim, and she was deeply admired and respected by Eleanor and the Roosevelt children. With unprecedented access to Missy's family and original source materials, journalist Kathryn Smith tells the captivating and forgotten story of the intelligent, loyal, and clever woman who had a front-row seat to history in the making. The Gatekeeper is a thoughtful, revealing, unsung-hero story about a woman ahead of her time, the true weight of her responsibility, and the tumultuous era in which she lived; a long overdue tribute to one of the most important female figures in American history. Members Reviews: Engrossing I have long been curious about Marguerite (Missy) LeHand. This book The Gate Keeper came out in September of 2016 and has been on a stack waiting for me to read. Missy has been in every book about FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt that I have read. It is great to find a book all about her. Missy went to work for FDR in 1920 when he was running for Vice President as his personal secretary and all around aide. She worked for him until her stroke. She was with him through his ordeal with polio. She helped him build the Warm Springs Center for Rehabilitation. She went to Albany from 1928 to 1932 when he was Governor of New York and of course she was still at his side in the While House from 1933 until her stroke in June of 1941. FDR paid for Missys medical care. FDR said Missy had a genius for getting things done. Smith says Missy was a formidable multi-talented multitasker. When in the White House she oversaw a staff of 50 people and in-fact functioned as Chief of Staff, the only woman to do so. This freed up Harry Hopkins for meeting with people and to work the politics. Eleanor hated the role of hostess so Missy took on this role in her place and was extremely talented at it. Missy took care of all of FDRs personal and business affairs and was his constant companion. Missy also had excellent relationship with Eleanor. There is no question Missy was a central figure in FDRs personal and political life. Smith says there were rumors of an affair between them particularly when they lived and work on his houseboat named Larooco not long after he came down with polio. Smith goes on to say there is no proof of an affair. Missy dated William Bullitt in 1933; Bullitt went on to be FDRs Ambassador to the Soviet Union. The book is well written and meticulously researched. Apparently, Smith had access to letters, photos and notes not seen before.

Churchill: A Life, Part 1 (1874-1918) Audiobook by Martin Gilbert

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Martin Gilbert) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:29:40 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Churchill: A Life, Part 1 (1874-1918) Author: Martin Gilbert Narrator: Christian Rodska Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 12-07-11 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 119 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Churchill: A Life follows Winston Churchill from his earliest days to his moments of triumph. Here, the drama and excitement of his story are ever-present. Martin Gilbert gives us a vivid portrait, using Churchill's most personal letters and the recollections of his contemporaries, both friends and enemies, to go behind the scenes of some of the stormiest and most fascinating political events of our time. Part 1 takes us from Churchill's birth to the end of the First World War. Christian Rodska reads the first part of Martin Gilberts epic, definitive biography of Winston Churchill. Members Reviews: Amazing Christian Rodska is simply amazing narrating this book - as always, and must certainly rank in the elite voices. He does many accents, and a very good American accent, which is actually rare, and so well done. The book itself is superbly written and moves at a good pace. Good job. great This is a fascinating book, though it may not be a unbiased account of his life it is none the less well worth a listen. hope part 2 is added soon. Engaging biography of a great man, part 1 Although rather long, this is well worth listening to. It is quite straightforward and has no hero-worship. Today one does not hear enough about this great man, and such books redress that somewhat. The author is Churchill's authorized biographer, an eminent historian. The narration is well done. Entertaining and virtuoso performance The two parts of Martin Gilbert's tome are OK: a rather matter-of-fact recounting of Churchill's life. I sometimes missed some interpretation of events and decisions. The performance by Rodska is wonderful. Dramatic, but not over the top, well paced and intelligent. And the way he switches between accents is virtuosic, going seamlessly from "Winstonesque" to South African to posh or whatever else the text throws at him (though it is somewhat disconcerting to hear a quote from an 8 year old Winston with the intonation we're all familiar with). This is an abridged version The book is magnificent and the narration is great also. This, however, is an abridged version of the book. They should make that clear.

Victoria Audiobook by A. N. Wilson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (A. N. Wilson) — Thu, 23 Oct 2014 11:50:25 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Victoria Subtitle: A Life Author: A. N. Wilson Narrator: Clive Chafer Format: Unabridged Length: 21 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 10-23-14 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 134 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Acclaimed historian A. N. Wilson gives a sweeping, definitive biography of one of the most recognizable, yet enigmatic monarchs of all time. The longest reigning British monarch and female sovereign in history, Queen Victoria was a figure of profound paradox who has mystified historians for over a century. Now in this magisterial biography, A.N. Wilson rebukes the conventional wisdom about her life - that she was merely a "funny little woman in a bonnet" who did next to nothing - to show she was in fact intensely involved in state affairs despite a public façade of inaction. More than just the stock image of a stuffy, unsmiling widow in mourning, Wilson's complete immersion in Victoria's countless letters and journals reveals a carefully nuanced portrait of a monarch possessed by family immigrant insecurities, a reluctant public figure who learned to exploit public display, a mother who hated pregnancy, and above all, a political luminary who created and controlled the story of her life, true or otherwise. Victoria brings to life its subject in all her many moods and phases: her so-called miserable childhood, her early years of political inexperience as a pawn to advisers and statesmen, her passionate marriage to Prince Albert and the incessant public criticism, her famed mourning period after Albert's early death, and finally, the captivating last decades of her rule as Empress of India. After nearly two decades as an eccentric, reclusive mourner, she emerged, self-confident and robust, as an out-and-out imperialist who harnessed royalty with British foreign policy and as the figurehead of military and economic world domination. Wilson tells a story of victory against painful odds and gives the portrait of a woman battling with demons and overcoming them, largely alone. Despite everything, she came to embody the British people's experience of their own lives. Members Reviews: This book has old and new info What made the experience of listening to Victoria the most enjoyable? First of all, I have to out myself as a real addict of English history, and I have read all previous books not only about Victoria and Albert, but pretty much everything about the era period. So having said that, I found this book had some really good additions to the genre, lots of personal info and references to actual writings by V etc. If you know nothing about Vic, but are curious, you might not go wrong by beginning with this book. How did the narrator detract from the book? This narrator has a sonorous, ominous tone that is entirely repetitious, to the point where some of his intonations actually made me laugh. He sounds like he is announcing something, over and over again. Not much modulation of tone. He is also humorless and his cadence can really get to you, I tried my best to just ignore him and focus on the story, but there is no doubt his delivery can be distracting. Masterful Victoria has been a magnet for biographical rereading in the eleven decades since her death. In the 1990s academic scholars got hold of the Queen and the results were a post structuralist Victoria. It is now twenty years since the last serious flurry of biographical interest.

Destiny and Power Audiobook by Jon Meacham

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jon Meacham) — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 14:42:30 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Destiny and Power Subtitle: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush Author: Jon Meacham Narrator: Paul Michael Format: Unabridged Length: 25 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 11-10-15 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 768 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: From Pulitzer Prize winner and number-one New York Times best-selling author Jon Meacham comes a sweeping yet intimate biography of George H. W. Bush. Based on rigorous research, hours of private interviews, and extraordinary access to Bush's diaries and to his family, Destiny and Power paints a vivid and affecting portrait of the distinctive American life of a man from the Greatest Generation: his childhood in Connecticut, his heroic service in World War II, his entry into the Texas oil business, and his storied rise in politics from congressman to UN ambassador to head of the CIA to 41st president of the United States. Members Reviews: A compelling read What was one of the most memorable moments of Destiny and Power? It was most interesting seeing all the politicians of the time (from Kennedy through Rumsfeld, and Regan) through his perceptions. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? No. Too long. Any additional comments? I'm not American, and don't have a political leaning toward either party. I thought the book a touching and humanizing read on GHWB and his family. He is an old style gentleman, and this comes through clearly. He had little stomach for the polarized nature of his party and most particularly for the far right. He seemed disappointed in a swing to the far right by Dick Cheney (who had served as GHWB's own secretary of defense - something I had forgotten). He also felt that as VP under GWB, Cheney was given too much power and autonomy. GHWB was loyal, dedicated, and tried to do what was right for his country and president(s), but he certainly made mistakes and missteps and I don't think this was glossed over. He is just a genuinely nice man. It was a very interesting read. George H W Bush, behind the door of 41 A courageous and confident man who has willingly opened up his core self to examination in a brave, unvarnished & unique way into the real man, his values, beliefs, and actions. Fair and insightful George H. W. Bush is one of the few presidents that did not write his autobiography after leaving office. Jon Meacham has produced the official biography on H.W. Bush. I have read a number of Meachams books including American Lion which won the 2009 Pulitzer Prize. Meacham did extensive research for the book and was allowed access to Bushs diaries and numerous interviews with family and friends. Needless to say he also had access to the presidential papers and other archive materials. Bush 41 comes across as an ambitious and emotional man, which is different from the aloof and polished figure we normally see. Meacham also reveals him to be a witty observer of other peoples quirks. Bush 41 was raised in privilege but did service to the country in World War II and as an elected official. The book covers his life from birth to the current date. I found the last quarter of the book the most interesting. The book is well written and meticulously researched. Meacham comes off neutral and lacking ideological fervor that allows him to paint a picture of Bush that is new. The book does have an affectionate feel for Bush, but Meacham has a judicious balanced approach to the material. The book also provides quite a bit of new information that makes the book well worth the read. The book is long at 800 pages or 25 hours.

Hunting the Jackal Audiobook by Tim Keown, Billy Waugh

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Tim Keown) — Tue, 23 May 2017 03:28:14 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Hunting the Jackal Subtitle: A Special Forces and CIA Soldier's Fifty Years on the Frontlines of the War Against Terrorism Author: Tim Keown, Billy Waugh Narrator: Joe Barrett Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 05-23-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 67 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: For more than half a century, Special Forces and CIA legend Billy Waugh dedicated his life to tracking down and eliminating America's most virulent enemies. Operating from the darkest shadows and most desolate corners of the world, he made his mark in many of the most important operations in the annals of US Spec Ops. He spent seven and a half years behind enemy lines in Vietnam as a member of a covert group of elite commandos. He trailed Osama Bin Laden in Khartoum in the early '90s and would have killed the terrorist kingpin if his superiors had allowed it. And at the age of 72, he marched through the frozen high plains of Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Hunting the Jackal is the astonishing true account of the singular career of a courageous soldier in his nation's shadow wars - including his pivotal role in the previously untold story of the capture of the most infamous and elusive assassin in history, Carlos the Jackal. Members Reviews: Wealth of knowledge This man has so much knowledge and experience, he could write 10-15 great books. A movie needs to be made about this hero. Buy it FANTASTIC! One Badass Clandestine Career Frank and entertaining, this book is written in an engaging and personable way - I felt like I wanted to buy the author a beer and just keep listening. No BS and all backbone, I loved this book. outstanding story of a true American hero I loved every aspect of this book from start to finish. the authors story of his service from Korea to the GWOT is incredible and narrator does an excellent job as well. Hunting the Jackal - epic accounting of SOF/SOG and CIA IV Billy Waugh is one of those hard men who do that which only they can do in order that we can sleep safely in our beds at night. The man is an authentic American Hero, who nonetheless blushes at that title. Billy Waughs accounting amounts to an amazing depiction of what actually occurred in US Army SOF/SOG and the CIA, from the Korean War thru Vietnam thru hunting Carlos the Jackal thru the defeat of the Taliban during Enduring Freedom. Well worth reading twice !!! Outstanding Book! First off, Joe Barrett (the narrator) did a terrific job! Perfect man for the job. This book gives an insight into Billy Waughs life and career with an emphasis on his tracking of Bin Laden and Carlos the Jackal. Excellent book! A must read for anyone interested in military history, Special Forces, and / or the global war on terrorism.

The Craft of Intelligence Audiobook by Allen W. Dulles

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Allen W. Dulles) — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 12:29:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Craft of Intelligence Subtitle: America's Legendary Spy Master on the Fundamentals of Intelligence Gathering for a Free World Author: Allen W. Dulles Narrator: L. J. Ganser Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 11-28-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 10 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: If the experts could point to any single book as a starting point for understanding the subject of intelligence from the late 20th century to today, that single book would be Allen W. Dulles's The Craft of Intelligence. This classic of spycraft is based on Allen Dulles's incomparable experience as a diplomat, international lawyer, and America's premier intelligence officer. Dulles was a high-ranking officer of the CIA's predecessor - the Office of Strategic Services - and was present at the inception of the CIA, where he served eight of his 10 years there as director. Here he sums up what he learned about intelligence from nearly a half-century of experience in foreign affairs. In World War II his OSS agents penetrated the German Foreign Office, worked with the anti-Nazi underground resistance, and established contacts that brought about the Nazi military surrender in North Italy. Under his direction the CIA developed both a dedicated corps of specialists and a whole range of new intelligence devices, from the U-2 high-altitude photographic plane to minute electronic listening and transmitting equipment. Members Reviews: Absorbing This book was more interesting than I thought it would be. Allen said he grew up discussing foreign affairs at the dinner table thus his life long interest. It is amazing that his family produced three Secretary of State: John W. Foster (1836-1917) who served as Secretary of State to President Benjamin Harrison; Robert Lansing (1864-1928) was from Allens mothers side of the family and served President Woodrow Wilson; and his brother, John Foster Dulles, (1888-1959) served President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Allen W. Dulles (1893-1969) and his brother both graduated from Princeton University. They both were attorneys and both served on the Paris Peace Conference under President Wilson in 1919. Allen alternated practicing law and serving on various commissions/delegations for the State Department. In World War II he served in the OSS and after the war became head of the CIA. In this book Allen provides an overview history of espionage from ancient time to the Cold War. The author spends a good portion of the book telling about Soviet spies that were caught and how the Soviets changed tactics from the 1920s to the Cold War. The book is well written but is written as a history book not a novel. The book provides some insight into Allen Dulles. He made a moment that struck a flash back for me. Dulles was discussing how Soviet citizens learned to blend into society, do nothing to be noticed and follow the rules exactly. It struck me that was what Ayn Rand was writing against in her books. Years ago, I had a problem looking at the American society v Rands philosophy. As she had immigrated from the USSR, I now understand. It is funny how something not related to the book suddenly is made clear. The last section of the book reviews spy techniques and how the CIA is run and what departments of government oversee it. This book was originally published in 1963. L. J. Ganser does a good job narrating the book. Ganser is an actor and has won three Audiofile Earphones Award as well as the 2005 Audie for non-fiction audiobook narration.

Victoria's Daughters Audiobook by Jerrold M. Packard

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jerrold M. Packard) — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 21:50:53 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Victoria's Daughters Author: Jerrold M. Packard Narrator: Heather Wilds Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins Language: English Release date: 03-21-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 69 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Vicky, Alice, Helena, and Beatrice were historically unique sisters, born to a sovereign who ruled over a quarter of the earth's people and who gave her name to an era: Queen Victoria. Two of these princesses would themselves produce children of immense consequence. All five would curiously come to share many of the social restrictions and familial machinations borne by 19th-century women of less-exulted class. Principally researched at the houses and palaces of its five subjects in London, Scotland, Berlin, Darmstadt, and Ottawa - and entertainingly written by an experienced biographer whose last book concerned Victoria's final days - Victoria's Daughters closely examines a generation of royal women who were dominated by their mother, married off as much for political advantage as for love, and finally passed over entirely with the accession of their brother Bertie to the throne. Jerrold M. Packard provides valuable insights into their complex, oft-tragic lives as daughters of their time. Critic Reviews: "[An] engaging group biography...Packard's narrative is accessible, unpretentious and solidly written." ( Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Terrible Narrator How did the narrator detract from the book? Does the narrator know how to read punctuation? There are pauses in weird places and an flat, dull delivery. I was so looking forward to this book, but the narration ruined it for me. Lots of detail. Not much narration. I love history. This is a history book full of research from primary sources, such as letters written by the family members. It is not a narrative story where history comes alive, in my opinion. It might be an interesting read, but I found it tedious as an audible book. This book was written without punctuation From the way this book was read it appears it was written without punctuation. Additionally the narrator had the distracting habit of raising her voice on two of the final vowels of each phrase before she took a breath. The story itself is fascinating although Queen Victoria is portrayed less reverentially than in other biographies of her that I have read. Overall I am glad I stuck with the book, but I hope not to listen to another book with the same narrator. Very Enjoyable This book was a great historical read. I knew nothing of Queen Victoria's Daughters except for Vicky before I discovered this book.

The Trial of Henry Kissinger Audiobook by Christopher Hitchens, Ariel Dorfman (introduction)

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Christopher Hitchens) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:09:55 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Trial of Henry Kissinger Author: Christopher Hitchens, Ariel Dorfman (introduction) Narrator: Simon Prebble Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 04-10-12 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 182 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: "If the courts and lawyers of this country will not do their duty, we shall watch as the victims and survivors of this man pursue justice and vindication in their own dignified and painstaking way, and at their own expense, and we shall be put to shame." Forget Pinochet, Milosevic, Hussein, Kim Jong-il, or Gaddafi. America need look no further than its own lauded leaders for a war criminal whose offenses rival those of the most heinous dictators in recent history: Henry Kissinger. Employing evidence based on firsthand testimony, unpublished documents, and new information uncovered by the Freedom of Information Act, and using only what would hold up in international courts of law, The Trial of Henry Kissinger outlines atrocities authorized by the former secretary of state in Indochina, Bangladesh, Chile, Cyprus, East Timor, and in the plight of the Iraqi Kurds, "including conspiracy to commit murder, kidnap, and torture". With the precision and tenacity of a prosecutor, Hitchens offers an unrepentant portrait of a felonious diplomat who "maintained that laws were like cobwebs", and implores governments around the world, including our own, to bring him swiftly to justice. Members Reviews: We need more people like Christopher Hitchens Regardless of your political outlook or persuasion, Christopher Hitchens provides ample narrative to support his indictment of Henry Kissinger's character and his decisions which Hitchens describes as "war crimes". This is a one-sided account that Henry Kissinger haters will LOVE and Kissinger defenders will DESPISE. So if you do not want to hear a scathing attack on Henry Kissinger, then do NOT buy this book! Something the Kissinger haters, the Kissinger defenders, and the open-minded should all consider is the magnitude of defamation Hitchens heaps on Kissinger. Hitchens' attack is scathing throughout. Would an innocent public servant allow Hitchens' charges to go unchallenged without filing a lawsuit and make Hitchens pay for his lies? This book was published nearly a decade before Hitchens' death and no lawsuit was ever filed. Hitchen's charges may never be proven in a court of law, but I was persuaded by Hitchen's argument and enjoyed the book. Performers of Hitch's material seem miss the mark What did you love best about The Trial of Henry Kissinger? The content. What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative? The in-depth analysis of HK and the times in which he operated. How did the narrator detract from the book? This narrator, and others, always seem to screw up the reading of Hitch's material. Although the material is fluid and can be read quickly, it should not be read in this way. Hitch wrote it using his voice, and that includes pauses and a particular meter and timber that all narrators seem to miss. This narrator did no worse or better than any other narrator that I have experienced thus far, but the narrator's inability to find Hitch's voice for this work detracts from the work. A narrator of CH's material should be forced to listen to 20 hours of Hitch's speeches, or the audio books he personally narrated, in order to get a feel for the way that it should be read. This material is not a meeting brief, it is a work that deserves to voiced using (as close to as possible) the voice of the author.

Queen of Scots Audiobook by John Guy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (John Guy) — Wed, 02 Jun 2004 07:03:45 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Queen of Scots Subtitle: The True Life of Mary Stuart Author: John Guy Narrator: John Guy Format: Abridged Length: 5 hrs and 32 mins Language: English Release date: 06-02-04 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 111 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: John Guy draws on sources, many previously unstudied, as varied as the secret communiques of English spies and Mary's own letters. Dispelled is the ingrained popular image of Mary as a romantic leading lady, achieving her ends through feminine wiles, driven by love to murder, undone by passion and bad judgment. We come to see her as an emotionally intricate woman and an adroit diplomat, maneuvering ingeniously among a dizzying array of factions who sought to control or dethrone her. Guy's investigation of Mary's storied downfall throws sharp new light on questions that have baffled historians for centuries, and offers convincing new evidence that she was framed for the murder for which she was beheaded. Editorial Reviews: John Guy reads his compelling biography of Mary, Queen of Scots himself, bringing his years of experience in lecture halls to this more intimate medium. His portrait sets Mary squarely into a time that in turn sends her careening down her doomed path and into the popular imagination. Guy seems to understand his strengths as an audio performer and steers away from investing each character in the tableau with a unique voice. He delivers his captivating story in a clear, unadorned way, which neither adds to nor detracts from the spellbinding text. Critic Reviews: "Reads as thrillingly as a detective story, and is rich in detail and authoritative in its analysis." (The Sunday Times) "Mary's is a complicated story, as were Scottish politics at the time, but Guy explicates the complications...with both authority and clear illumination." (Booklist) Members Reviews: Excellent Listening This book has been the best account and most true account of Mary Stuart's life and death. So entertaining and full of detail What did you love best about Queen of Scots? I had wanted a good bio on Mary since I returned from Scotland. This was exactly what I was looking for. It had a great speed while still giving detail and insight. The narrator was very professional and didn't try to give her a silly voice as I find men often do to women on these audio books. The book also seems to do well without bias for or against her which I enjoy. Being such a controversial figure, I think it's important for each reader to make their own conclusion. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves history of royal figures or Scotland. Fascinating introduction to Mary Stuart I am certainly no expert on the life of Mary Stuart: I read this biography after Leonie Frieda's "Catherine de Medici" because I wanted to learn more about her highly romanticized daughter-in-law. That said, I enjoyed this book tremendously. I found Mary to be not only a tragic figure, but strong, complicated, and somewhat elusive. Mary's judgment in men was famously bad, and this biography illustrates just what kind of men Darnley and Bothwell were, to horrific effect. Elizabeth I comes off as rather despicable, as one might expect. All characters are well-drawn. The author reads his own work. That is the only thing I would change, not because the reading was particularly bad, but because he reads very fast and does not pace the excellent story as well as a professional reader or actor might. a sublime listening experience The author reads this gripping condensation of his award-winning book with the energy and diction of a trained Shakespearean actor.

Bobby Kennedy Audiobook by Larry Tye

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Larry Tye) — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 10:01:15 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Bobby Kennedy Subtitle: The Making of a Liberal Icon Author: Larry Tye Narrator: Marc Cashman Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 07-05-16 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 235 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: From the New York Times best-selling author of Satchel comes an in-depth, vibrant, and measured biography of the most complex and controversial member of the Kennedy family. History remembers Robert F. Kennedy as a racial healer, a tribune for the poor, and the last progressive knight of a bygone era of American politics. But Kennedy's enshrinement in the liberal pantheon was actually the final stage of a journey that had its beginnings in the conservative 1950s. In Bobby Kennedy, Larry Tye peels away layers of myth and misconception to paint a complete portrait of this singularly fascinating figure. To capture the full arc of his subject's life, Tye drew on unpublished memoirs, unreleased government files, and 58 boxes of papers that had been under lock and key for the past 40 years. He conducted hundreds of interviews with RFK intimates - including Bobby's widow, Ethel; his sister, Jean; and his aide, John Siegenthaler - many of whom have never spoken to another biographer. Tye's determination to sift through the tangle of often contradictory opinions means that Bobby Kennedy will stand as the definitive one-volume biography of a man much beloved - but just as often misunderstood. Bobby Kennedy's transformation from cold warrior to fiery liberal is a profoundly moving personal story that also offers a lens onto two of the most chaotic and confounding decades of 20th-century American history. The first half of RFK's career underlines what the country was like in the era of Eisenhower while his last years as a champion of the underclass reflect the seismic shifts wrought by the 1960s. Nurtured on the rightist orthodoxies of his dynasty-building father, Bobby Kennedy began his public life as counsel to the red-baiting senator Joseph McCarthy. He ended it with a noble campaign to unite working-class whites with poor blacks and Latinos in an electoral coalition that seemed poised to redraw the face of presidential politics. Along the way he turned up at the center of every event that mattered, from the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis to race riots and Vietnam. Bare-knuckle operative, cynical White House insider, romantic visionary - Bobby Kennedy was all of these things at one time or another, and each of these aspects of his personality emerges in this powerful and perceptive new biography. Critic Reviews: "This is not just another Bobby Kennedy book. It is the definitive biography of one of America's most compelling political figures. Larry Tye has given us the complete Bobby, from the Bad (Early) Kennedy, from Joe McCarthy's committee counsel to 'ruthless' political manager to gentle, softhearted presidential candidate. Tye's book rests on prodigious and original research including rare, on-the-record interviews with Bobby's widow, Ethel, who confesses that seeing Bobby for the first time was like meeting George Clooney." (Roger Mudd, winner of the Peabody Award and former coanchor of NBC Nightly News) "Robert Kennedy led one of the great unfinished lives in American history.

Reagan Audiobook by H. W. Brands

biacuaduc@gmail.com (H. W. Brands) — Tue, 12 May 2015 05:20:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Reagan Subtitle: The Life Author: H. W. Brands Narrator: Stephen Hoye Format: Unabridged Length: 31 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 05-12-15 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 363 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: From master storyteller and New York Times best-selling biographer H. W. Brands, twice a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, comes the first full life of Ronald Reagan since his death. Ronald Reagan today is a conservative icon, celebrated for transforming the American domestic agenda and playing a crucial part in ending communism in the Soviet Union. In his masterful new biography, H. W. Brands argues that Reagan, along with FDR, was the most consequential president of the 20th century. Reagan took office at a time when the public sector, after a half century of New Deal liberalism, was widely perceived as bloated and inefficient, an impediment to personal liberty. Reagan sought to restore democracy by bolstering capitalism. In Brands' telling, how Reagan, who voted four times for FDR, engineered a conservative transformation of American politics is both a riveting personal journey and the story of America in the modern era. Brands follows Reagan as his ambition for ever-larger stages compelled him from a troubled childhood in small-town Illinois to become a radio announcer and then the quintessential public figure of modern America, a movie star. In Hollywood, Reagan edged closer to public service as the president of the Screen Actors' Guild before a stalled film career led to his unlikely reinvention as the voice of General Electric and a spokesman for corporate America. Reagan follows its subject on his improbable political rise, from the 1960s, when he was first elected governor of California, to his triumphant election in 1980 as president of the United States. Brands employs archival sources not available to previous biographers and dozens of interviews with surviving members of the administration. The result is an exciting narrative and a fresh understanding of a crucially important president and his era. Members Reviews: Comprehensive, fast-paced and well told This is a very interesting book that never gets bogged down. Although 30+ hours long, Brands narrative and Hoye's performance move along at a quick pace and I was left wanting more. Author H.W. Brands spends relatively more time on two aspects of Reagan's presidency: his face-to-face negotiations with Mikhail Gorbachev in Iceland and the mismanagement that led to the Iran-Contra affair, both of which were fascinating, but for different reasons. One cannot help buy compare any presidential biography with Robert Caro's soon-to-be five volume biography on Lyndon Johnson. Caro's LBJ is to presidential biographies as Beethoven's 9th symphony is to later symphonic works--they are the gold standard. Brands does not provide the depth or context that Caro does and there were times when I wish he did. For example, I would have liked Brands to provide a contextual analysis of deterrence and nuclear weapons--a recurring topic in this book--in the same way that Caro provided background on Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or the life-changing impact of rural electrification in southwest Texas. Very little about Reagan I thought I was going to hear a bio of President Reagan, but surprisingly, this is not the case. The author continually drifted into historical tangents with nothing to do with Ronald Reagan.

Hoover Audiobook by Kenneth Whyte

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Kenneth Whyte) — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 20:36:47 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Hoover Subtitle: An Extraordinary Life in Extraordinary Times Author: Kenneth Whyte Narrator: Richard Ferrone Format: Unabridged Length: 27 hrs and 36 mins Language: English Release date: 10-10-17 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 19 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The definitive biography of Herbert Hoover, one of the most remarkable Americans of the 20th century - a revisionist account that will forever change the way Americans understand the man, his presidency, and his battle against the Great Depression. A poor orphan who built a fortune, a great humanitarian, a president elected in a landslide and then routed in the next election, arguably the father of both New Deal liberalism and modern conservatism - Herbert Hoover is also one of our least understood presidents, conventionally seen only as a heartless failure for his handling of the Great Depression. Kenneth Whyte fully captures this rich, dramatic life: from Hoover's difficult childhood to his meteoric business career, his work saving hundreds of thousands of lives during World War I and after the 1927 Mississippi floods, his presidency, his painful defeat by Roosevelt, and his return to grace as Truman's emissary to help European refugees after World War II. Whyte brings to life Hoover's complexity and contradictions - his modesty and ambition, ruthlessness and extreme generosity - as well as his political legacy. Here is the epic, poignant story of the poor boy who became the most accomplished figure of his time, who worked ceaselessly to fight the Depression yet became the public face of America's greatest economic crisis. Here, for the first time, is the definitive biography that captures the full scale of this extraordinary life. Members Reviews: What a fascinating story! I only knew about Herbert Hoover as president and this book, in the almost 28 hours of narration, tells the complete story about how Mr. Hoover grew up in meager circumstances, losing both parents at an early age, and then transformed himself into a business power after gaining a degree in Geology at Stanford University. The book also takes a fair position on how Mr. Hoover was castigated by the press and the Roosevelt administration and shows the great value he placed in public service, especially when it comes to caring for the "collateral damage" in war time, namely the starving women and children in Europe. A great book that I will probably listen to again.

Summary: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow Audiobook by Readtrepreneur Publishing

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Readtrepreneur Publishing) — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 23:45:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Summary: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow Author: Readtrepreneur Publishing Narrator: Donna Lorenz Motta Format: Unabridged Length: 1 hr and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 06-14-17 Publisher: Readtrepreneur Publishing Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 28 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Disclaimer: this is a summary and not the original book. Alexander Hamilton was a man that came from nothing, but changed the world over the years. From an immigrant to an influential and significant figure in American history, he shaped the newborn America and gave it the order and prosperity it has today. Nobody has done a better job than Ron Chernow in presenting the full life story of America's founding father, Hamilton. It allows us listeners to go back in time and witness the birth of America, the professional and private struggles of Hamilton and how he overcame them all. "Those who stand for nothing will fall for anything" (Alexander Hamilton) Alexander is one of the most greatly misunderstood figures in American history. He had been criticized for many of his ideas but he always stood by them firmly. His long-sightedness has allowed the United States of America to prosper today. Note: This summary is wholly written and published by readtrepreneur.com. It is not affiliated with the original author in any way. PS: There is no better time to educate yourself on the history of America and appreciate the sacrifices of one of America's great founding fathers. Be reminded of the journey our founding fathers had to take to secure the future of America's children. Members Reviews: must-read Its a must-read not for just every fan. Its a summary but very specific in detail. Plenty of detail and clean transitions This book was awesome as it is, and the narrator, different from unabridged, is brilliant, one of my favorites. But, Hamilton's story is really fascinating, may our nation never forget the immense contributions of Hamilton. Educative enough. Every once in a while, we need audiobooks like this to be absorbed with and be reminded of the history of our country. Its indeed an honor to read this although its just a summary, it has been educative enough. full of hope The book is full of charisma and hope. I admire Chernow for straightening out the misconceptions that Hamilton had been involved with. When he rose to power, it was an inspiring picture. It gives hope especially to those who do not come from rich families. When one strives, he can achieve his desires. I pretty much like it. Pretty much like it. Theres so much I dont know about Hamilton that this audiobook has discussed.

The Man Who Knew Audiobook by Sebastian Mallaby

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Sebastian Mallaby) — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 04:49:35 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Man Who Knew Subtitle: The Life and Times of Alan Greenspan Author: Sebastian Mallaby Narrator: Dan Woren Format: Unabridged Length: 29 hrs and 8 mins Language: English Release date: 10-11-16 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 188 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The definitive biography of the most important economic statesman of our time. Sebastian Mallaby's magisterial biography of Alan Greenspan, the product of over five years of research based on untrammeled access to his subject and his closest professional and personal intimates, brings into vivid focus the mysterious point where the government and the economy meet. To understand Greenspan's story is to see the economic and political landscape of the last 30 years - and the presidency, from Reagan to George W. Bush - in a whole new light. As the most influential economic statesman of his age, Greenspan spent a lifetime grappling with a momentous shift: the transformation of finance from the fixed and regulated system of the post-war era to the free-for-all of the past quarter century. The story of Greenspan is also the story of the making of modern finance, for good and for ill. Greenspan's life is a quintessential American success story: raised by a single mother in the Jewish émigré community of Washington Heights, he was a math prodigy who found a niche as a stats-crunching consultant. A master at explaining the economic weather to captains of industry, he translated that skill into advising Richard Nixon in his 1968 campaign. This led to a perch on the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and then to a dazzling array of business and government roles, from which the path to the Fed was relatively clear. A fire-breathing libertarian and disciple of Ayn Rand in his youth who once called the Fed's creation a historic mistake, Mallaby shows how Greenspan reinvented himself as a pragmatist once in power. In his analysis, and in his core mission of keeping inflation in check, he was a maestro indeed, and hailed as such. At his retirement in 2006, he was lauded as the age's necessary man, the veritable God in the machine, the global economy's avatar. His memoirs sold for record sums to publishers around the world. But then came 2008. Mallaby's story lands with both feet on the great crash which did so much to damage Alan Greenspan's reputation. Mallaby argues that the conventional wisdom is off base: Greenspan wasn't a naïve ideologue who believed greater regulation was unnecessary. He had pressed for greater regulation of some key areas of finance over the years, and had gotten nowhere. To argue that he didn't know the risks in irrational markets is to miss the point. He knew more than almost anyone; the question is why he didn't act, and whether anyone else could or would have. A close reading of Greenspan's life provides fascinating answers to these questions, answers whose lessons we would do well to heed. Because perhaps Mallaby's greatest lesson is that economic statesmanship, like political statesmanship, is the art of the possible. The Man Who Knew is a searching reckoning with what exactly comprised the art, and the possible, in the career of Alan Greenspan. Members Reviews: what about CFMA? 23 hours and the entire CFMA conspiracy is conspicuously missing. Alan Greenspan was not an innocent bystander. There should have been an entire chapter devoted to it, but then you would need to revise your conclusion to be much harsher on the Alan Greenspan legacy. Cities go bankrupt while rich bankers get bailed out with no strings attached. The bankers even got to keep their loot.

The Last 100 Days Audiobook by David B. Woolner

biacuaduc@gmail.com (David B. Woolner) — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 13:15:14 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Last 100 Days Subtitle: FDR at War and at Peace Author: David B. Woolner Narrator: Tom Perkins Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 12-12-17 Publisher: Tantor Audio Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The first 100 days of Franklin Roosevelt's presidency are justly famous, viewed as a period of political action without equal in American history. Yet as historian David B. Woolner reveals, the end of FDR's presidency might very well surpass it in drama and consequence. Drawing on new evidence, Woolner shows how FDR used every ounce of his diminishing energy to pursue the things that mattered most to him: the establishment of the United Nations, the reinvigoration of the New Deal, the possibility of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, and some quiet moments with his closest companions. We see a president shorn of the usual distractions of office, a man whose sense of duty and personal responsibility for the fate of the American people, and the world, bore heavily upon him. From his final Christmas at Hyde Park to his death on April 12, 1945, FDR strove to finish the work he had started 12 long years before. Critic Reviews: "An elucidating, poignant study of an elusive leader." ( Kirkus) Members Reviews: At long last, a much more complete "intimate view of FDR's last months" Consider what was accomplished under Franklin Delano Roosevelt's leadership during the first 100 days ofÂhis first term as president of the United States: fifteen major pieces of major legislation. More specifically, establishment of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Social Security), unemployment insurance, and the right of workers to form unions and engage in collective bargaining. It is important to keep in mind that when FDR took office in 1932, most citizens and their families were experiencing the worst of the Great Depression. With regard to FDR's last 100 days, David Woolner explains how -- with mixed results -- FDR struggled to respond to all manner of challenges after he was elected to a fourth term.

Harriet Tubman Audiobook by Ann Petry

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ann Petry) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:55:53 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Harriet Tubman Author: Ann Petry Narrator: Peter Francis James Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins Language: English Release date: 07-24-07 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 142 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Narrator Peter Francis James brings this powerful woman to life to inspire all of us with her compassion, bravery and moral integrity. Members Reviews: An Incredible human being I have always heard about the "Underground Railroad" but never really took the time to understand it's history. This book is every good place to start. There should be a "Harriet Tubman" Day. She was as important to the freeing the slaves and the civil rights movement as Lincoln and Martin Luther King, I researched in hopes to find a movie about her. I could not find any. Harriet story would make a WONDERFUL movie. If done correctly it could walk away with all the Oscars. This is a must read book! The performance of the book was good, but as with most of the Audible books, I had tp change the speed to 1 1/2x from 1x History at it's best The story of Harriet Tubman comes alive in this historical novel. You will experience live as a slave on a Maryland plantation and before you know it you are along for the ride on the infamous Underground Railroad. Love love loved this audiobook! Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Yes I would recommend this book because Harriet has such an amazing story I think it should be shared with everyone! Who was your favorite character and why? Harriet of course was my favorite character because she's such an compassionate brave woman who defied all odds to serve her purpose. What does Peter Francis James bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? An in depth look into Harriet's life, feelings and emotions. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Yes! After I listened to it for the first time I started it all over again! For a total of 3 listens in 2 days! IMPORTANT HISORICALLY Where does Harriet Tubman rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? For knowledge and information Harriet Tubman ranks in the top 10%. What did you like best about this story? It helped me view things from a different perspective. Being a white man I don't really consider race at all. I have friends and neighbors who are black but learning about slavery from the perspective of Harriet Tubman helps me empathize with her. I truly gained an affinity for this truly great woman who I believe was guided by God to do what she did. Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you? I was very interested to learn that she fell asleep without any apparent reason other than the injury she'd suffered. This must have been an incredibly dagerous experience and heightened the danger she was placed in. Inspired Harriet's story is jaw dropping. That someone can have the strength and care for others that she had puts us all to shame. Such a major historical figure but sadly not well known. The voice performance of the narrator is the best that I have encountered especially when he sings some of the old spiritual songs. Buy this book and you won't regret it.

Family of Secrets Audiobook by Russ Baker

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Russ Baker) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:38:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Family of Secrets Subtitle: The Bush Dynasty, the Powerful Forces That Put It in the White House, and What Their Influence Means for America Author: Russ Baker Narrator: Oliver Wyman Format: Unabridged Length: 24 hrs and 11 mins Language: English Release date: 04-12-12 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 297 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: French philosopher Jean Paul Sartre said that "words are loaded pistols". In the hands of Russ Baker, they are hydrogen bombs. Throughout Family of Secrets, he explodes the myths and lies that powerful forces have perpetrated on the American consciousness. He digs beneath the surface in a form of journalistic archeology to reveal the hidden history of one of America's most powerful families, leaving no stone unturned. Moreover, he names all of his sources and documents the materials he relies on to unmask the hypocrisy behind the myth. From Prescott Bush's ties to Nazi Germany to Poppy Bush's secret role in the Watergate scandal that ousted Richard Nixon, which was, in fact, a "silent coup", to George W. Bush's deceit in launching the war in Iraq, Russ Baker unmasks the truth with a relentless brilliance unmatched by his peers. His publisher, Bloomsbury, is to be congratulated for its confidence in Russ Baker at a time when most publishers are hedging their bets and looking over their shoulders in acts of self-censorship. Baker's revelations about George W. Bush's private life is worth the price of the book alone. Here is Bush, forcing himself on a Danish beauty, stripping to the nude, while getting another girl friend he knocks up an abortion, and then later, as president, opposing abortion and cutting funding for organizations that provide information about birth control. How he managed to get the Danish beauty to go on record, as he does with other key players in Watergate and the Kennedy assassination, is nothing short of astonishing. He traces the true history of Poppy Bush's career, from his early ties to the CIA he pretended never existed, while declaring himself "out of the loop", to his strange phone call from Dallas to the FBI on the day of Kennedy's assassination, pointing a finger at a suspect who was in fact totally innocent, to his manipulation of Watergate to get rid of Nixon. It's a secret story forced out of the shadows by the powerful documentation of Baker in this tour de force, which will keep you listening in astonishment. What he discloses is America's War of the Roses, as powerful families fight to the death for ultimate power. The history of Lee Harvey Osward in the world of wealth, power and intelligence that was Dallas at the time, is amazing. The anodyne courses in political science and history at American colleges and universities need very much to inject Family of Secrets into the curriculum so that young Americans can be more able to understand what America is truly about. It puts the dots together in a way that makes any further naivety amongst Americans impossible. What he tells us simply cannot be ignored. One can fully expect the Establishment media to go after this book in typical fashion, as they make their usual attempt to cover up what can no longer be denied. Family of Secrets takes to what Cyril Connolly so aptly described as the "blood crossroads of literature and politics". After Family of Secrets, neither will ever be the same. Critic Reviews: "A tour de force... Family of Secrets has made me rethink even those events I witnessed with my own eyes. (Dan Rather) One of the most important books of the past ten years.

Hillary the Other Woman Audiobook by Dolly Kyle

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Dolly Kyle) — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 03:56:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Hillary the Other Woman Subtitle: A Political Memoir Author: Dolly Kyle Narrator: Teri Schnaubelt Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins Language: English Release date: 09-27-16 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 106 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: You think you know Hillary and Bill Clinton pretty well. After all, they have been in the public eye - from Arkansas to the White House and beyond - for over 40 years. Dolly Kyle met former president Clinton ("Billy", as she calls him) on a Hot Springs golf course when she was 11 and he was almost 13. It was colpo de fulmine (the thunderbolt) at first sight. Their friendship grew throughout high school and college. It became a decades-long affair that lasted despite marriages and politics - all the way to the threshold of the White House, when she became a political liability and he threatened to destroy her, as Hillary had done to so many of his other women over the years. What you know about the Clintons is probably limited to the pleasantries that the mainstream media have chosen to share with you. Hillary the Other Woman pulls no punches in describing the way media magic makes Clinton stories disappear. Critic Reviews: "[A] bombshell book." (Daily Mail) Members Reviews: Great Book Enjoyed the book very much. A great reminder of the Clinton era. Do we really want a repeat performance? TRUTH BE TOLD by Dolly Kyle CHEERS!! For Dolly, in exposing the morally corrupt Clintons. Bill and Hillary need to be stopped. They have plotted and laughed at all law abiding citizens. America is tired of their narcissism. THE UNVARNISHED TRUTH ABOUT THE CLINTONS. Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? DEFIANTLY! VERY INTERESTION AND REVEALING. What other book might you compare Hillary the Other Woman to and why? N/A Have you listened to any of Teri Schnaubelts other performances before? How does this one compare? NO. THIS ONE IS EXCELLENT. If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? BEHIND THE MASK OF THE CLINTONS. Any additional comments? EXCELLENT BOOK! I HAVE LISTENED TO IT THREE TIMES. Must read You would never hear what Dolly has to say from any other media source. A must read for Clinton loathers. Very interesting!!! Dolly has so many stories and encounters with the Clintons and gives a great inside look at who they are.

The Great Dissent Audiobook by Thomas Healy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Thomas Healy) — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 22:30:13 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Great Dissent Subtitle: How Oliver Wendell Holmes Changed His Mind and Changed the History of Free Speech in America Author: Thomas Healy Narrator: Danny Campbell Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 08-26-13 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 182 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: No right seems more fundamental to American public life than freedom of speech. Yet well into the 20th century, that freedom was still an unfulfilled promise, with Americans regularly imprisoned merely for speaking out against government policies. Indeed, free speech as we know it comes less from the First Amendment than from a most unexpected source: Supreme Court justice Oliver Wendell Holmes. A lifelong skeptic, he disdained all individual rights, including the right to express one's political views. But in 1919, it was Holmes who wrote a dissenting opinion that would become the canonical affirmation of free speech in the United States. Why did Holmes change his mind? That question has puzzled historians for almost a century. Now, with the aid of newly discovered letters and confidential memos, law professor Thomas Healy reconstructs in vivid detail Holmes's journey from free-speech opponent to First Amendment hero. It is the story of a remarkable behind-the-scenes campaign by a group of progressives to bring a legal icon around to their way of thinking - and a deeply touching human narrative of an old man saved from loneliness and despair by a few unlikely young friends. Beautifully written and exhaustively researched, The Great Dissent is intellectual history at its best, revealing how free debate can alter the life of a man and the legal landscape of an entire nation. Critic Reviews: "Engrossing... An exceptional account of the development of the Constitution's most basic right, and an illuminating story of remarkable friendships, scholarly communication, and the justice who actually changed his mind." ( Kirkus Starred Review) Members Reviews: How a 78 year old man can learn & change his mind I learned so much from this book. I must admit I had not read or studied anything about the history of the first amendment before. This absorbing book is about the law and also about change, how one man's thinking evolved nearly 100 years ago. For 125 years the first amendment was essentially dead until Holmes wrote his dissent in 1919. Thomas Healy shows us how Holmes was educated/persuaded to change his mind about the meaning and reach of our most fundamental safeguard. His friends, Justice Brandeis, Judge Learned Hand, Harold Laski, Felix Frankfurter, Zechariah Chafee (all teachers at Harvard) and others had discussion, letter exchanges and loaned or gave him books to read. Holmes was a voracious reader and during his summer breaks he devoured books that challenged his thinking. Holmes also had a habit we should all learn, he listened to people who didn't agree with him and set about to learn more about the topic from all view points. The rule, at the time, borrowed from British practice, was that you could speak and publish freely without fear of prior restraint, but once you had spoken, the State had the freedom to prosecute you. Holmes had written the majority opinion in Debs V U.S. upholding the conviction. Eugene Debs was the Socialist candidate for President. He gave a campaign speech and was arrested after for violation of the Sedition act and sentence to 10 years in prison. I found this interesting because via Audible I had read "1920: The year of six Presidents" by David Pietrusza and "Clarence Darrow" by John A. Farrell.

Stalin: History in an Hour Audiobook by Rupert Colley

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Rupert Colley) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 21:34:42 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Stalin: History in an Hour Author: Rupert Colley Narrator: Jonathan Keeble Format: Unabridged Length: 1 hr and 26 mins Language: English Release date: 01-08-13 Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 125 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour. Arguably no person in history had such a direct and negative impact on the lives of so many as Joseph Stalin. Under the Red Tsar terror knew no limits, it did not discriminate; no one was safe, no institution, no single town or village was immune. Yet, following his death in 1953, Stalin was deeply mourned. He had "received the country with a wooden plough, and left it with a nuclear missile shield." And no-one else, some claimed, could have led the Soviet Union to victory in the Second World War. So who was Joseph Stalin, what was his role during the Russian Revolution; how did he come to power, what made him such a destructive tyrant, and how did he impose his will on the Soviet Union for so long? Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour.... Critic Reviews: If the past is a foreign country, History in an Hour is like a high-class tour operator, offering delightfully enjoyable short breaks in the rich and diverse continent of our shared past. (Dominic Sandbrook) The practice of History is ever-evolving, and the History In An Hour idea brings it back up to date for the digital age. (Andrew Roberts, Bookseller) This is genius. (MacWorld.com) Members Reviews: Stalins life covered well A powerful yet sad part of world history. Stalin and what he made of the USSR, impacted the entire world. It is important to know this sad part of history and this book covers it well in a short time. Fascinating & Succinct I've now listened to three of these books. They never disappoint in content and are further enhance by Mr Keeble's performance. This short book was wonderful. I knew a bit about Stalin, now I'm quite interested in learning so much more. That's the beauty of this series, it awakens your interest and forces you to go out and learn a bit more Highly recommend! informative it was short and educational. not too bad for an intro to stalin.. the narrator was clear and loud and maybe british. easy listen don't repeat history. know it! good listen. unfortunately it's true. don't repeat history. ie that's the value of history. to not repeat stupidity Fine for an Hour; Audible Cliff Notes What made the experience of listening to Stalin: History in an Hour the most enjoyable? Good narration. Would you be willing to try another book from Rupert Colley? Why or why not? Depends on the subject. Have you listened to any of Jonathan Keebles other performances before? How does this one compare? No. If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? Why Would We Make A Film of This? Any additional comments? A decent short history.

Behind Palace Doors Audiobook by Colin Burgess

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Colin Burgess) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:27:06 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Behind Palace Doors Author: Colin Burgess Narrator: Bob Sinfield Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 04-06-12 Publisher: Prospero Media Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 123 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: She was described as the most dangerous woman in Europe by Adolf Hitler; Noël Coward said people who spent any time with her were always reduced to gibbering worshippers; she adored Margaret Thatcher and disliked Germans; she found the French comical and hankered for the old days of Empire and Commonwealth. Above all, though, she was loved by the nation and in this affectionate and often hilarious inside story of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, her former equerry Major Colin Burgess reveals what life was like living with the most private of all the Royals. Behind Palace Doors is a unique and warmly remembered historic insight into one of our longest-surviving institutions. Constantly fascinating and packed with previously untold stories, this is also a celebration of a life gone - and a way of life fast disappearing. Members Reviews: Wonderful and very touching. Being a great fan of the Queen Mum and a child of WWII, my admiration of this great Lady is unbounded. He writes so lovingly of her that you can laugh with him at her gentle ways. Some fun listening. Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? No, because I'd be embarrassed to admit I have a little bit of royal voyeur going on. How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable? The nature of these memoirs calls for a lot of expository setup in each chapter. The book is roughly organized chronologically for the guy's experience as an equerry, but also groups stories into subject areas. Some of it is a stretch to be included - it's less interesting than "Queen Mum drank gin!" - and thus the author/ghost writer has to explain a lot of finicky details that take away from the main anecdotes. Which character as performed by Bob Sinfield was your favorite? Queen Mum? I mean, that's what this book is about. Could you see Behind Palace Doors being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be? n/a Any additional comments? A fun listen to have around, I took it in a few chapters at a time over the last year. Highly recommended The narrator is great, great story, worth to listen for all Royal family fan out there, very funny too. One of the best I've listen to lately. Delightful! This book was casual and gossipy without being mean. Filled with first-hand anecdotes from the Queen Mums former equerry, it was a light read that keep me entertained throughout. loved the personal accounts it was awesome to get a glimpse at what it is like to be a royal and the actual personalities of the royal family.

Becoming Hitler Audiobook by Thomas Weber

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Thomas Weber) — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 06:03:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Becoming Hitler Subtitle: The Making of a Nazi Author: Thomas Weber Narrator: Alex Hyde-White Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 15 mins Language: English Release date: 11-07-17 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 8 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: An award-winning historian charts Hitler's radical transformation after World War I from a directionless loner into a powerful National Socialist leader In Becoming Hitler, award-winning historian Thomas Weber examines Adolf Hitler's time in Munich between 1918 and 1926, the years when Hitler shed his awkward, feckless persona and transformed himself into a savvy opportunistic political operator who saw himself as Germany's messiah. The story of Hitler's transformation is one of a fateful match between man and city. After opportunistically fluctuating between the ideas of the left and the right, Hitler emerged as an astonishingly flexible leader of Munich's right-wing movement. The tragedy for Germany and the world was that Hitler found himself in Munich; had he not been in Bavaria in the wake of the war and the revolution, his transformation into a National Socialist may never have occurred. In Becoming Hitler, Weber brilliantly charts this tragic metamorphosis, dramatically expanding our knowledge of how Hitler became a lethal demagogue. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: I have always been disappointed in watching documentaries that hit the high spots and ... I have always been disappointed in watching documentaries that hit the high spots and skim over critical time periods and events that make up the history of this mad man. Mr. Weber has done a thorough job of researching and a solid job of presenting much more complete material than most of us have heretofore had access to. A warning though, if you have only a very rudimentary knowledge of Hitler then this book may seem confusing because in my opinion it presupposes the reader has the traditional understanding of Hitler's formative background and then proceeds to present somewhat of a contrarian account of at least some of that. My point being that Hitler and his propagandists had created a narrative of his evolution as a politician that was self serving and largely inaccurate. This research challenges much of that in a credible manner and offers fact based history to support those challenges. Well done. From the author of âHitler's First War: Adolf Hitler, the Men of the List Regiment, and the First World War.â When we learn about history and important people in history in elementary school we get a simplification and an idealization that might or might not reflect the actual person. By the time we finished college we are still in doctrine with what the majority thinks is the real person, place, and thing. Still there is another level which can become a little trickier by putting people, places, and things, and a more detailed context. In this case itâs best to know something about the author of the material that you are reading. When it comes to Adolf Hitler as with any other major player there are libraries full of various works from different people going from different angles. Thomas Weber appears to have done his homework. If you donât get any further through the book it is absolutely imperative that you read the Prelude; then itâs time to read the balance the book to fill in the details instead of just taking his word for it. Reading the hardcover version has one annoying problem.

American Spartan Audiobook by Ann Scott Tyson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ann Scott Tyson) — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 08:11:51 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: American Spartan Subtitle: The Promise, the Mission, and the Betrayal of Special Forces Major Jim Gant Author: Ann Scott Tyson Narrator: Danny Campbell, Cassandra Campbell Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 03-25-14 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 331 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Lawrence of Arabia meets Sebastian Junger's War in this unique, incendiary, and dramatic true story of heroism and heartbreak in Afghanistan written by a Pulitzer Prize-nominated war correspondent. Some have called him "Lawrence of Afghanistan". To the Pashtun tribesmen he is "Commander Jim", leader of the "bearded ones". He is Army Special Forces Major Jim Gant, one of the most charismatic and controversial U.S. commanders of modern memory, a man who changed the face of America's war in Afghanistan when his critical white paper, "One Tribe at a Time", went viral at the Pentagon, the White House, and on Capitol Hill in 2009. A decorated Green Beret who had spent years training indigenous fighters, Jim argued for embedding autonomous units with tribes across Afghanistan: These American soldiers would live among Afghans for extended periods, not only to train and equip tribal militias, but to fight - and even die - alongside them in battle. He argued that we could earn the trust of the Afghans and transform them into a reliable ally with whom we could defeat the Taliban and Al Qaeda networks. The military's top brass, including General David Petraeus, then commander of U.S. Central Command and overseeing the war in Afghanistan, and Admiral Eric Olson, head of Special Operations Command, approved the plan and gave Jim the go-ahead to embark on the mission. Members Reviews: THE TRUE ARMY OF ONE!!!"THE SPARTAN" This is coming from a guy who was in the Army and my father retired from the Army. Major Gant was a soldiers soldier, the type of gung ho officer everyone wanted. After reading this book I'm ashamed that the top brass let this happen!! Did Major Gant break some Army regs.? YES!! Has most every solider in the Army done the same? YES!!! Jim Gant is a true Spartan. He got the job done and never lost a man down range and that is the stuff the Army can't take away. Major Gant's legend will grow and it should. I think Jim did turn tribal but that is what he was asked to do.Taking Ann Scott in was over the top but the heart wants what the heart wants. Drinking beer on christmas and you loose your rank? I was in Kuwait and alcohol and more was available while I was deployed. Everyone who has served in the military world knows Major Jim Gant was shafted. Its sad but Jim Gant can watch my six anytime!!!! One article 15 can't take away what you did for this country. Thanks for all you have done and your service!!!! Major Jim Gant makes me proud to say I was in the Army!!!! Hooah!!! A Warrior in Modern Day This book is the epitome of the looking glass into the unconventional approach to modern warfare, and a Warrior's word to serve his country and the people who need his help the most. The story is of hope, love, betrayal, and demise, but packed full of life and leadership lessons throughout. The narrators give an amazing performance, the story is well written and easy to follow as it jumps back into time with recalling past events.

The Presidents Club Audiobook by Nancy Gibbs, Michael Duffy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Nancy Gibbs) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:36:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Presidents Club Subtitle: Inside the World's Most Exclusive Fraternity Author: Nancy Gibbs, Michael Duffy Narrator: Bob Walter Format: Unabridged Length: 22 hrs and 1 min Language: English Release date: 04-17-12 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1029 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The Presidents Club was born at Eisenhowers inauguration when Harry Truman and Herbert Hoover first conceived the idea. Over the years that followed - and to this day - the presidents relied on, misunderstood, sabotaged, and formed alliances with one another that changed history. The worlds most exclusive fraternity is a complicated place: its members are bound forever because they sat in the Oval Office and know its secrets, yet they are immortal rivals for historys favor. Some presidents needed their predecessors to keep their secrets; others needed them to disappear. Most just needed help getting the job done. Truman enlisted Hoover to help him save Europe; Kennedy turned to Ike on Cuba; Nixon sought Johnsons advice on getting reelected, but then tried to blackmail him; Ford and Carter couldnt stand each other until they saw what they had in common; Reagan and Clinton relied on Nixon as an off-the-books emissary to Russia; Bush put Clinton and his father to work and they became like father and son; and Obama and Clinton became quiet rivals for the same crown. Journalists and presidential historians Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy unravel the secret compacts, the shared scars, and the private cease-fires from Hoover to Obama. The Presidents Club will change the way we think about the presidency, for the club itself is an instrument of presidential power. Critic Reviews: "This is essential reading for anyone interested in American politics. (Robert Dallek, best-selling author of An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 19171963) Forget Romes Curia, Yales Skull and Bones and the Bilderbergs - the worlds most exclusive club never numbers more than six. Its rules are inscrutable, and its members box the compass politically and stylistically.... Michael Duffy and Nancy Gibbs have penetrated thick walls of secrecy and decorum to give us the most intimate, revealing, and poignant account of the constitutional fifth wheel that is the ex-presidency. Readers are in for some major surprises, not to mention a history they wont be able to put down. (Richard Norton Smith, author of Patriarch: George Washington and the New American Nation) The Presidents Club is magnetically readable, bursting with new information and behind-the-scenes details. It is also an important contribution to history, illuminating the event-making private relationships among our ex-Presidents and why we should do a far better job of drawing on their skills and experience. (Michael Beschloss, best-selling author of The Conquerers) Members Reviews: Inflection of narrator really annoying I've read MANY historical accounts of the presidencies covered in this book, and did notice a few areas where the accounts here didn't quite jive with others (considered to be authoritative), but I can't speak to the bias that I noticed in other reviews, as I'm not far enough along to have encountered them. I certainly don't see it thus far, and I'm up to the account of Nixon's campaign. I've never written a review prior to finishing a book, but this one made me want to due to the narration. Perhaps it will help someout out. Argghh! I'm truly surprised that more folks haven't mentioned this, but Bob Walter's inflection and pacing is reminiscent of a really bad John Wayne impression.

Madam Secretary Audiobook by Madeleine Albright

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Madeleine Albright) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 02:25:35 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Madam Secretary Subtitle: A Memoir Author: Madeleine Albright Narrator: Madeleine Albright Format: Unabridged Length: 24 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 01-22-13 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 136 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: A national best seller on its original publication in 2003, Madam Secretary is a riveting account of the life of America's first woman Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright. For eight years, during Bill Clinton's two presidential terms, Albright was a high-level participant in some of the most dramatic events of our time - from the pursuit of peace in the Middle East to NATO's intervention in the Balkans to America's troubled relations with Iran and Iraq. In this thoughtful memoir, one of the most admired women in U.S. history reflects on her remarkable personal story, including her upbringing in war-torn Europe and the balancing of career and family responsibilities, and on America's leading role in a changing world. With a new epilogue by the author, Madam Secretary offers an inimitable blend of Albright's warm humor, probing insights, and distinctive ideas. Members Reviews: SUCH an Interesting Life Secretary Albright writes long books, but then, she's had such an interesting life and has a lot to share. Which she does -- her young life, her juggling of life as a working mother, her progression through several government positions, particularly as a woman in the later half of the 20th century, her experiences with so many in our government and leaders around the world, her observations, involvement, and thoughts on many world events. Love the audio option because of her narration. She's just great in telling her story with humor and in a straightforward style. Having heard her speak at the Madeleine Albright Institute at Wellesley College, I highly recommend attending her talks, whenever possible. Insightful Thoroughly good insight into Madeline Albright's tenure as Secretary of State. As a young woman interested in foreign policy, this was great look at both her personal story and her professional career. i loved it I loved the book. i found it very interesting and i learned alot ftom it. Thoroughly engaging No one else could narrate this book (not to mention pronounce all those Eastern European names)! Nigh on perfection. Thank you very much, Madam Secretary. My first biography- not disappointed I loved the book. Initially I was worried that the book will be long and boring, but the opposite was the true. Madeline Albright is a clear communicator, her story flows beautifully.

Game of Crowns Audiobook by Christopher Andersen

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Christopher Andersen) — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 18:34:14 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Game of Crowns Subtitle: Elizabeth, Camilla, Kate, and the Throne Author: Christopher Andersen Narrator: Simon Prebble Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins Language: English Release date: 04-19-16 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 319 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The number-one New York Times best-selling author of William and Kate and The Day Diana Died takes a compulsively listenable look into the relationships and rivalries of Queen Elizabeth, Camilla Parker Bowles, and Kate Middleton. One has been famous longer than anyone on the planet - a wily stateswoman and an enduring symbol of a fading institution. One is the great-granddaughter of a king's mistress and a celebrated homewrecker who survived a firestorm of scorn to marry her lover and replace her archrival, a beloved 20th-century figure. One is a beautiful commoner, the university-educated daughter of a self-made entrepreneur, a fashion idol, and wife and mother to two future kings. Master biographer Christopher Andersen takes listeners behind palace walls to examine the surprising similarities and stark differences among three remarkable women - Queen Elizabeth; Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall; and Princess Kate. Andersen reveals what transpires within the royal family away from the public's prying eyes; how the women actually feel about each other; how they differ as lovers, wives, and mothers; and how they are reshaping the landscape of the monarchy in this addictive listen that will shock even those who are spellbound by the royal palace. Members Reviews: Fun, interesting, love the narration What made the experience of listening to Game of Crowns the most enjoyable? Have really enjoyed the author's work on other stories - this is also fun.Simon Prebble - couldn't have chosen a better voice for this book. What did you like best about this story? Learned a lot about the history and expectations of the British royal family What does Simon Prebble bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? Fabulous voice - have enjoyed him in the Winemaker Detective Series - elegant Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Yes - really ruined all my plans for the week-end! Couldn't stop listening! A Well Reasoned Vision of the Future of the British Monarchy This book is part biography, part analysis, of the highest ranking royals in Britain. It has its gossipy aspects, but what Mr Andersen does best in this book is provide us with a vision of the future of the monarchy after the death of Queen Elizabeth. He lays out his reasoning in straightforward terms that most of us would likely agree. As for myself, I have come to a wait-and-see attitude in terms of the rule of Charles III (in my opinion, a bad choice of name given the experience of those that took the name so very long ago). A very enjoyable and, at times, insightful read. Mr. Prebble's reading was measured and hit just the right tone to perform this slightly gossipy prose.

Jefferson and Hamilton Audiobook by John Ferling

biacuaduc@gmail.com (John Ferling) — Sat, 12 Oct 2013 18:08:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Jefferson and Hamilton Subtitle: The Rivalry That Forged a Nation Author: John Ferling Narrator: Stephen McLaughlin Format: Unabridged Length: 22 hrs and 2 mins Language: English Release date: 10-12-13 Publisher: Audible Studios for Bloomsbury Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 535 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: A spellbinding history of the epic rivalry that shaped our republic: Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and their competing visions for America.From the award-winning author of Almost a Miracle and The Ascent of George Washington, this is the rare work of scholarship that offers us irresistible human drama even as it enriches our understanding of deep themes in our nation's history. The decade of the 1790s has been called the age of passion. Fervor ran high as rival factions battled over the course of the new republic - each side convinced that the others' goals would betray the legacy of the Revolution so recently fought and so dearly won. All understood as well that what was at stake was not a moment's political advantage, but the future course of the American experiment in democracy. In this epochal debate, no two figures loomed larger than Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. Both men were visionaries, but their visions of what the United States should be were diametrically opposed. Jefferson, a true revolutionary, believed passionately in individual liberty and a more egalitarian society, with a weak central government and greater powers for the states. Hamilton, a brilliant organizer and tactician, feared chaos and social disorder. He sought to build a powerful national government that could ensure the young nation's security and drive it toward economic greatness. Jefferson and Hamilton is the story of the fierce struggles - both public and, ultimately, bitterly personal - between these two titans. It ended only with the death of Hamilton in a pistol duel, felled by Aaron Burr, Jefferson's vice president. Their competing legacies, like the twin strands of DNA, continue to shape our country to this day. Their personalities, their passions, and their bold dreams for America leap from the page in this epic new work from one of our finest historians. Members Reviews: Well presented and insightful I greatly enjoyed this insight into the great rivalry of two of our founding fathers. The narrative drives forward in parallel for both men, from birth and early years through to death, which provides a convenient comparison of the events that formed them. I found myself gaining greater understanding of, and pehaps acceptance of, the chaos of today's politics. It's clear that the strongly opposed perspectives of both men were foundational in the creation of America's successful future. A Love Story to Jefferson one would think, listening to this book, that Hamilton's only virtue was hard work, and Jefferson's vice was just his racism. by no means an unbiased look at the men Book is good, narrator isn't I thought the book was outstanding with interesting details and great insights. The narrator was very difficult to listen to and I had to speed it up to 1.5xnormal speed because he was so slow. Fascinating story; fatuous opinions. But for the author's preposterous political "conclusions" interposed from time to time throughout the book, the overall story was well written and fascinating.

Through the Brazilian Wilderness Audiobook by Theodore Roosevelt

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Theodore Roosevelt) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:08:50 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Through the Brazilian Wilderness Author: Theodore Roosevelt Narrator: Andre Stojka Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins Language: English Release date: 12-20-11 Publisher: Listen 2 Read, LLC. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 42 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: A former American president nearly dies during an ill-planned exploration through the Brazilian Wilderness and down the River of Doubt. Theodore Roosevelt was a naturalist, explorer, author, hunter, governor, soldier and 26th President of the United States. In 1913, he joined with Brazilian explorer Candido Rondon to explore portions of Brazil and to bring back animal specimens for the American Museum of Natural History. In this first person narrative, never before recorded as an audio book, President Theodore Roosevelt describes his expedition along rivers, which are home to deadly Piranha fish, through almost impenetrable forests filled with insects, snakes and wild animals. Roosevelt witnesses primitive Indian tribes, wary of strangers and a murder among his increasingly desperate men, before he is nearly defeated by the River of Doubt. Members Reviews: Through the Brazilian Wilderness Wonderful read. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Narration also was quite good. I also enjoyed the updated information at the end. Good job, Poorly Narrated What disappointed you about Through the Brazilian Wilderness? The narration is a bit too fast. Either the script the narrator read from was not punctuated or he completely missed the periods and commas. I changed the play speed to 0.75 but that didn't help as it sounds like there is an echo in the playback. How could the performance have been better? Slow the narration down. Take a breath between sentences. It sounds as if the paragraphs are simply run-on sentences. What character would you cut from Through the Brazilian Wilderness? Andre Stojka Any additional comments? I'm sure the book itself is great, but Andre Stojka ruined it for me. Interesting view of Brazil by great President Where does Through the Brazilian Wilderness rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? One of the better more interesting listens since it is autobiographical and yet suspensful Who was your favorite character and why? Teddy Roosevelt Which character as performed by Andre Stojka was your favorite? TR Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? Neither Any additional comments? no

Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero Audiobook by Chris Matthews

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Chris Matthews) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 03:37:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero Author: Chris Matthews Narrator: Holter Graham Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 11-01-11 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 288 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: What was he like? Jack Kennedy said the reason people read biographies is to answer that basic question. With the verve of a novelist, Chris Matthews gives us just that. We see this most beloved president in the company of friends. We see and feel him close-up, having fun and giving off that restlessness of his. We watch him navigate his life from privileged, rebellious youth to gutsy American president. We witness his bravery in war and selfless rescue of his PT boat crew. We watch JFK as a young politician learning to play hardball and watch him grow into the leader who averts a nuclear war. What was he like, this person whose own wife called him that elusive, unforgettable man? The Jack Kennedy you discover here wanted never to be alone, never to be bored. He loved courage, hated war, lived each day as if it were his last. Chris Matthews extraordinary biography is based on personal interviews with those closest to JFK, oral histories by top political aide Kenneth ODonnell and others, documents from his years as a student at Choate, and notes from Jacqueline Kennedys first interview after Dallas. Youll learn the origins of his inaugural call to Ask what you can do for your country. Youll discover his role in the genesis of the Peace Corps, his stand on civil rights, his push to put a man on the moon, his ban on nuclear-arms testing. Youll get, more than ever before, to the root of the man, including the unsettling aspects of his personal life. As Matthews writes, I found a fighting prince never free of pain, never far from trouble, never accepting the world he found, never wanting to be his fathers son. He was a far greater hero than he ever wished us to know. Members Reviews: Superb Research & Writing / Mediocre Narration Chris Matthews creates an excellent portrait of JFK with great nuggets of independent research. Well written, the book provides a superb view of a man and his time. Timeless political lessons are presented which have relevance in todays flat, Internet fueled world. The blend of historical fact and appropriate interpretation makes for a story that cant be put down. It is clear that the author knows his stuff . . . and how to tell a story. GREAT book. Unfortunately the narration contains several ouch moments. It seems that nobody took the time to proof the final product. Butchering names such as Harold Stassen, Averell Harriman, and Bernard Baruch show that the narrator and production supervisor werent alive when these were household words. IMHO Chris Matthews would have been much better off reading the entire book himself. He did an excellent job narrating the introduction and should have finished the job. Certainly hed have known how to pronounce the names properly. What Might Have Been? What you'll get is well-researched information on what formed this pragmatic man, the life-style that hard-wired his thinking process, the extent of the physical, and tremendous emotional tribulations, that shaped his values, the experiences of friends and people he allowed to get a little close--written by an author that openly professes to admire his subject matter. That's what you'll get here...no political slants, no new secrets that hint at what might have been, no sensational tales from a blindsided wife.

The Lost Tudor Princess Audiobook by Alison Weir

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alison Weir) — Tue, 12 Jan 2016 06:56:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Lost Tudor Princess Subtitle: The Life of Lady Margaret Douglas Author: Alison Weir Narrator: Maggie Mash Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 28 mins Language: English Release date: 01-12-16 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 151 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: From New York Times best-selling author and acclaimed historian Alison Weir comes the first biography of Mary Douglas, the beautiful, cunning niece of Henry VIII of England who used her sharp intelligence and covert power to influence the succession after the death of Elizabeth I. Royal Tudor blood ran in her veins. Her mother was a queen, her father an earl, and she herself was the granddaughter, niece, cousin, and grandmother of monarchs. Lady Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox, was an important figure in Tudor England, yet today, while her contemporaries - Anne Boleyn; Mary, Queen of Scots; Elizabeth I - have achieved celebrity status, she is largely forgotten. Margaret's life was steeped in intrigue, drama, and tragedy - from her auspicious birth in 1530 to her parents' bitter divorce, from her ill-fated love affairs to her appointment as lady-in-waiting for four of Henry's six wives. In an age when women were expected to stay out of the political arena, alluring and tempestuous Margaret helped orchestrate one of the most notorious marriages of the 16th century: that of her son, Lord Darnley, to Mary, Queen of Scots. Margaret defiantly warred with two queens - Mary, and Elizabeth of England - and was instrumental in securing the Stuart ascension to the throne of England for her grandson, James VI. The life of Margaret Douglas spans five reigns and provides many missing links between the Tudor and Stuart dynasties. Drawing on decades of research and myriad original sources - including many of Margaret's surviving letters - Alison Weir brings this captivating character out of the shadows and presents a strong, capable woman who operated effectively and fearlessly at the very highest levels of power. Members Reviews: Interesting piece of history; but, Dull & Tedious. I was Interested to learn more about Margaret Douglas - a character from the Tudor Age whom I have read too little about. However, the story drags and the narration is jarring. I really struggled to get through this book and in the end I didn't finish. In fact, I am submitting to audible to get back my credit. Disappointed. Oh for crying out loud!! The poems......too much!! If you could sum up The Lost Tudor Princess in three words, what would they be? I love the background story of her, well done, typical Alison Weir, I learned a lot. The book started to go downhill FAST when she decided to put in a ton of poems/letters. They obviously speak differently then than we do now, and when read by the narrator start to drone on Would you be willing to try another book from Alison Weir? Why or why not? Yes, I love Alison Weir and because she is historically accurate it is a joy to listen to Which scene was your favorite? all If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? ok, don't be dorky..........i'm not going to answer this question Interesting but VERY Repetitive Margaret Douglas was a niece of Henry VIII, born of his sister Margaret Tudor's second marriage to Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus; her first was to James IV, King of Scotland (making her the grandmother of Mary, Queen of Scots). In the drawn out battles of Tudor succession, Margaret Douglas played a prominent role. As a Catholic, her possible claim to the throne was supported by many of her faith, both at home and abroad, but the fact that she was born in Scotland excluded her.

The Master of Auschwitz: Audiobook by Rudolf Hoess

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Rudolf Hoess) — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 04:03:28 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Master of Auschwitz: Subtitle: Memoirs of Rudolf Hoess, Kommandant SS Author: Rudolf Hoess Narrator: Tim Dalgleish Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 11-16-16 Publisher: Grand Oak Rare Books Inc Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 71 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The first-hand account of the life, career, and the practices of horror at Auschwitz, written by Auschwitz Kommandant SS Rudolf Hoss as he awaited execution for his crimes. Including his psychological interviews at Nuremberg. Members Reviews: The Banality of Evila Memoir This is a tough book to review. Its the personal story of the sociopath who ran Auschwitz and was the guy who dreamed up the gas chambers that were used in the annihilation of something over 2 Million people. Ive read a lot of WWII material and probably more than is healthy around the HolocaustIve even sat through all nine and a half hours of the documentary Shoa which is a mind twisting first person retelling of the holocaust. So I thought Id heard much of the story of Auschwitz. Apparently not. Bear in mind that this is his story told by him whist waiting to be executed for war crimes. It reveals a great deal of his life story. He was clearly raised a sociopath with no ability to empathize (check out The Sociopath next door on Audible). He recalls how he devised, expanded and ran the death camp which started as a small barracks in the middle of nowhere and became perhaps the greatest stain on the soul of the twentieth century. Against this madness he portrays himself as a mild mannered family man who loved his wife and children and worked to ease the suffering of the prisoners in our care. Although he oversaw the mass extinction and was present at many of the gassings he claims never to have raised his hand against a prisoner.which means either he is lying or Thomas Keneally (author of Schindlers Ark) invented the sadistic fornicating monster who was the master of Auschwitz. His self-aggrandizing, self-exculpatory telling has him as the mild mannered would be farmer who was simply acting under orders and cared deeply for the wellbeing of his victims. Even through this filter the details of the breathtaking evil he presided over are painfully clear. If you are a WWII or holocaust completest this is a must read. Its horrifying but well performed. Its actually quite compelling in many places. Perhaps the most horrifying aspect is the sheer banality of the entire process. Nobody seemed particularly at odds with the idea that entire groups of humanity should be obliterated and the Teutonic attention to the detail of mass homicide may rob you of sleep. There were five thousand Germans directly involved with the process at Auschwitz...yet nobody knew anything? Hearing him complain about the variable quality of the Zyklon-B they were given which meant that sometimes it took closer to 30 minutes to kill a room full of humans rather than the usual 10-15 minutes is just one hair raising example. Its hard to recommend something as disturbing as this book. Its very goodbut very dark. However some of the lessons it teaches about how evil thrives where the good do nothing is one which unfortunately has stood the test of time. So donate to the ACLU, Planned Parenthood and the Red Cross, then hug your childrenthen read this book. WOW The mind- boggling insight into the head of a man who loves his wife and children .... yet send not tens of thousands .... but multiple MILLIONS OF FAMILIES to there death .... and feels justified in doing so is .... IM SHOCKED AND UNSETTLED ! Humans are NOT a civilized species ! What a piece of crap the author was. Very enciteful.

The Nine Audiobook by Jeffrey Toobin

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jeffrey Toobin) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 19:18:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Nine Subtitle: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court Author: Jeffrey Toobin Narrator: Don Leslie Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 55 mins Language: English Release date: 09-26-07 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1058 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Based on exclusive interviews with the justices themselves, The Nine tells the story of the Court through personalities, from Anthony Kennedy's overwhelming sense of self-importance to Clarence Thomas' well-tended grievances against his critics to David Souter's odd 19th-century lifestyle. There is also, for the first time, the full behind-the-scenes story of Bush v. Gore and Sandra Day O'Connor's fateful breach with George W. Bush, the president she helped place in office. The Nine is the book best-selling author Jeffrey Toobin was born to write. A CNN senior legal analyst and New Yorker staff writer, no one is more superbly qualified to profile the nine justices. Critic Reviews: "A major achievement, lucid and probing." (Bob Woodward) "Absorbing....[Toobin's] savvy account puts the supposedly cloistered Court right in the thick of American life." (Publishers Weekly) "This is a remarkable, riveting book. So great are Toobin's narrative skills that both the justices and their inner world are brought vividly to life." (Doris Kearns Goodwin) Members Reviews: Fascinating This book is about the Supreme Court Justices - not the law. I found this to be a fascinating look into the individual nature of the justices and how their background, personalities, public and public opinion influence their decisions. The book covers many of the more well known cases regarding afirmative action, abortion, death penalty, gay rights, women's right etc. However, the focus is not on the cases but rather how the decisions were made. Insight into why the Chief Justice is so important, how 'liberals' judges like David Souter got nominated by a republican president. Why did the justices intervene in the Gore-Bush election? Which justice cried after the decision? What did the justices think of the Clarence Thomas confirmaion hearings? How did the presidents actually go about choosing a justice? How in the world did Harrier Myers get nominated? These any more topics are covered. if you have any interest in the Supreme Court, you will find this an interesting read (listent). Very Human Group Jeffrey Toobin sure flat knows how to reveal what the court is really like. In his fine book, "The Nine," the listener comes to know about each high court judge warts and all. Sharp character sketches and descriptions of how the judges work individually and together are great. Toobin, it seems, has set out to help us understand how the court works from the perspective of those a part of it. He succeeds wonderfully in this task. His portraits of the individual judges extends over a 15 year period allowing for him to introduce key decisions made over that period. This book is well written and read. It tells how the individual judges work and interact rather than telling how the court works, per se. Therefore, the book will be of broader interest. Listen to it for what it is and you'll not be disappointed. Pulp Jurisdiction The Nine is written as a travelogue of the recent to not so recent history of this esteemed panel. It has many interesting facts and anecdotes concerning an 'inside baseball' perspective of the court. The average listener to this type of book however is probably more interested in a more academic approach to the subject.

Warlord Audiobook by Carlo DEste

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Carlo DEste) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:12:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Warlord Subtitle: A Life of Churchill at War, 1874 - 1945 Author: Carlo DEste Narrator: Tom Weiner Format: Unabridged Length: 30 hrs and 1 min Language: English Release date: 07-09-09 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 36 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Warlord is the definitive chronicle of Churchill's crucial role as one of the world's most renowned military leaders, from his early adventures in India and the Boer War through his extraordinary service in both World Wars. Critic Reviews: As riveting as the man it portrays, Warlord is a masterful, unsparing portrait of one of history's most fascinating and influential leaders during what was arguably the most crucial event in human history."Elegantly written, this tour de force belongs in every library addressing the 20th century....D'Este is a master analyst of 20th-century military leadership, and this book may be his finest yet." ( Publishers Weekly, starred review) Members Reviews: Great story - abysmal reading! If you could sum up Warlord in three words, what would they be? A great story of personal endevour and achievement, completely marred by dreadful pronounciation of English and Scottish placeneames and surnames and incorrect emphasis on syllables in common English and English military terms. The story of a truly great English statesman, ruined by horrible ear-gratingly poor pronounciation. Why couldn't it have been read by an Englishman? How could the performance have been better? Get someone who can speak British English to narate it, not an American who doesn't understand how badly he is mangling the English pronounciation! Any additional comments? Spoiled by lack of attention to getting a good narator. Forget Boris's book. This is much better! Level headed and revealing biography, concentating on Churchill's political and military career but with plenty of references to his social life and private thoughts. Puts the man in the context of his times. And by doing so, tells us much about the dramatic times he lived through.

War as I Knew It Audiobook by George Patton

biacuaduc@gmail.com (George Patton) — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 06:33:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: War as I Knew It Author: George Patton Narrator: Ray Atherton Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins Language: English Release date: 03-16-17 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 30 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: A military classic by a legendary American general. War as I Knew It is the personal and candid account of General George S. Patton, Jr.'s celebrated, relentless crusade across Europe during World War II. First published in 1947, this absorbing narrative draws on Patton's vivid memories of battle and his detailed diaries, from the moment the Third Army exploded onto the Brittany Peninsula to the final Allied casualty report. The result is not only a grueling, human account of daily combat but also a valuable chronicle of the strategies and fiery personality of a brilliant warrior. Members Reviews: Patton in his own words All students of mi!itary history, especially the twentieth century should read all the memoirs of major and minor participant's, which they can. General Patton sadly died before he ds diary and the work he was doing with the 15th Army after losing the 3rd Army marks a candid ,compelling and truthfully.. I recommend not only lisiintercluding in your personal library.. A must read for anyone in a leadership position. The narrator did a splendid job illustrating the words of the late great General. The only person who could one up this performance would be George C. Scott. Best Patton read story's great. feels like Patton himself is taking you the story the nartor just has that feel.

Eleanor Roosevelt, Volume 3 Audiobook by Blanche Wiesen Cook

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Blanche Wiesen Cook) — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 03:31:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Eleanor Roosevelt, Volume 3 Subtitle: The War Years and After, 1939-1962 Author: Blanche Wiesen Cook Narrator: Eliza Foss Format: Unabridged Length: 26 hrs and 30 mins Language: English Release date: 11-01-16 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 32 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The final volume in the definitive biography of America's greatest first lady. Historians, politicians, critics, and listeners everywhere have praised Blanche Wiesen Cook's biography of Eleanor Roosevelt as the essential portrait of a woman who towers over the 20th century. The third and final volume takes us through World War II, FDR's death, the founding of the UN, and Eleanor Roosevelt's death in 1962. It follows the arc of war and the evolution of a marriage as the first lady realized the cost of maintaining her principles even as the country and her husband were not prepared to adopt them. Eleanor Roosevelt continued to struggle for her core issues - economic security, New Deal reforms, racial equality, and rescue - when they were sidelined by FDR while he marshaled the country through war. The chasm between Eleanor and Franklin grew, and the strains on their relationship were as political as they were personal. She also had to negotiate the fractures in the close circle of influential women around her at Val-Kill, but through it she gained confidence in her own vision, even when forced to amend her agenda when her beliefs clashed with government policies on such issues as neutrality, refugees, and eventually the threat of communism. These years - the war years - made Eleanor Roosevelt the woman she became: leader, visionary, guiding light. FDR's death in 1945 changed her world, but she was far from finished, returning to the spotlight as a crucial player in the founding of the United Nations. This is a sympathetic but unblinking portrait of a marriage and of a woman whose passion and commitment has inspired generations of Americans to seek a decent future for all people. Modest and self-deprecating, a moral force in a turbulent world, Eleanor Roosevelt was unique. Members Reviews: E R's efforts Eleanor Roosevelt was a person born to activism and fairness. Sorry to say, many of her efforts have not been noted or acknowledged until now. If we had done our work then, Trump wound not be alining his dictatorship now. JES More on ER's final days wanted The narrator changed and I preferred the previous. Mainly I didn't like that she pronounced names of people from previous books in the series differently. Also, there was nothing about ER final days, how she dies, personal life after FDR died. Nothing about how kids and grandkids fared later on. Who did she live with? What happened to Hick? I did appreciate the UN info. Excellent history of Eleanor Roosevelt The material presented is stimulating and thorough. Well written and accurate and narrated as if it were a romance. What happened to the narrator for volume 2 of this biography? I so enjoy a good history that conveys not only the story of the main players but brings the reader into the environment of the events. This biography does provide that content;however the narrator who has a lovely voice sounded as if she were sharing a romantic novel rather a picture of a primary player in the events of the 20th Century. Disappointing Narration The narrator's mispronunciation of words and especially names was jarring and detracted from the book.

Let Justice Roll Down Audiobook by John M. Perkins, Shane Claiborne - foreword

biacuaduc@gmail.com (John M. Perkins) — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 03:35:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Let Justice Roll Down Author: John M. Perkins, Shane Claiborne - foreword Narrator: John M. Perkins, Shane Claiborne Format: Unabridged Length: 5 hrs and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 02-01-17 Publisher: Oasis Audio Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 35 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: "Only the power of Christ's crucifixion on the cross and the glory of his resurrection can heal the deep racial wounds in both black and white people in America." Here is a real-life story of the transforming power of Jesus Christ and one man's response to Jesus' call to love others. John Perkins, founder of Voice of Calvary ministries, was born in New Hebron, Mississippi, in 1930. His family was made up of sharecroppers, and he grew up in grinding poverty, part of a system that preserved prejudice and racism. After his brother was killed, Perkins left Mississippi for California, where he found job opportunities, racism of another kind, and faith in Jesus Christ. He returned to Mississippi to share the gospel and help his own people find equality, justice, and economic independence through self-help cooperative efforts. And he made progress - too much progress.Everything came to a head early in 1970, when John Perkins and others went through an unbelievable night of torture at the hands of white law enforcement officers. Beaten almost to death, Perkins somehow survived and so did his work, which moves ahead today with a threefold strategy: Members Reviews: Struggle against Racism and Oppression This is my book for February Black History Month. John M. Perkins brother returned home from serving in the Army in World War II. He was murdered by a white deputy marshal in Mississippi, because he was talking too loudly with his girlfriend while waiting for a movie to begin. The deputy was not charged with a crime. Perkins and his brother were raised by his grandmother and aunt. Their father had abandoned them. Perkins was drafted into the Army, and while serving in Korea he applied himself to his education. After the service, he married Vera Mae and moved to California where they had a son, Spencer. Perkins joined the ministry and moved back to Mississippi. It was difficult for them to return to the racism, poverty and ignorance of the area. They started an evangelistic movement, health care facilities, an adult education center, along with a co-operative. They began a voter registration drive which resulted with him being severely beaten by a deputy sheriff and a Mississippi highway patrol officer. The police officers were not charged with a crime. But they continued their Civil Right Movement involvement. The book is well written and quite interesting. Perkins is a gifted storyteller. He tells of the founding of the Voice of Calvary Ministries as well as their Civil Rights work. In the book, he analyses prejudice, racism and social justice. The book was first published in 1976. The foreword is by Shane Clairborne and the postscript is by Elizabeth Perkins, his daughter. The book is about 6 hours long. Calvin Robinson does a good job narrating the book. We all need to read this book! Dr. Perkins has a heart for all people and a drive for justice that has inspired me beyond words. Thank you for living your life so well! A must read Loved It! It was difficult to read of the harsh treatment. But a beautiful transformation of heart. Only God can do that.

Adolf Hitler Audiobook by John Toland

biacuaduc@gmail.com (John Toland) — Wed, 21 May 2014 15:04:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Adolf Hitler Author: John Toland Narrator: Ralph Cosham Format: Unabridged Length: 44 hrs and 42 mins Language: English Release date: 05-21-14 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 465 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Based on previously unpublished documents, diaries, notes, photographs, and dramatic interviews with Hitler's colleagues and associates, this is the definitive biography of one of the most despised yet fascinating figures of the 20th century. Painstakingly documented, it is a work that will not soon be forgotten. Members Reviews: Strange Person What can you say about a man who had this much impact on history? How could a person rise from such humble beginnings to mesmerize and captivate a nation, instilling god-like devotion in his followers and inspiring them to wage war on the rest of the world? This book provides some of the answers, but the true inner Hitler will always remain something of a mystery. He had an unusual early life: He was born in Austria, not Germany. His father was illegitimate and his grandfather may have been Jewish, no one knows for sure. In early adulthood he aspired to be an artist, but he struggled greatly to make a successful career out of this. His failure resulted in him living, for a time, on the streets, in dire poverty. At this stage there were no obvious signs that he was a monster: He loved and cared greatly for his mother and was heartbroken when she died. Strangely, he greatly respected the Jewish doctor who treated her for cancer. In World War One, he miraculously survived four years of trench warfare as a lowly corporal. Germanys defeat was very painful for him, but he enjoyed and revelled in warfare more than any other activity. From this time onwards he was motivated by two main passions: the rise of Germany and the destruction of the Jews. In order to bring this about he needed to rise to power, and to acquire this power he used his extraordinary talent for oration. He was a brilliant speaker. Despite his unremarkable appearance and diminutive stature, he captivated his audiences wherever he went. He used this talent to harness the German people's patriotism, their fear of communism and their anti-Semitism, persuading them to go to war to create a new German Empire. His method of waging war, blitzkrieg, was innovative and immensely successful. This military success continued for a while, but it nurtured an unrealistic optimism in Hitler. As the tide of war started to turn, when the USSR and USA joined the fight against Germany, he continued attacking, against overwhelming enemy forces, in the mistaken belief that he could repeat his early successes. This approach, which incurred massive loss of life, continued right to Hitlers end. In his final few days, even as he could hear Russian artillery fire from his bunker in Berlin, he was ordering counterattacks in the deluded belief that the war could still be won. Finally, when he realized that the war was lost, he committed suicide to avoid the humiliation of capture by the Russians. Why did he hate Jews and treat them so abominably? I didn't find an answer in this book. The Jews have been persecuted throughout history, so antipathy towards them is not particularly rare, but the extent of Hitler's hatred of the Jews and the appalling cruelty he perpetrated upon them was exceptional and truly shocking. Clearly, he used anti-Semitism as a means of motivating others to fight for his cause, but why he wanted to go as far as to commit genocide is unclear.

To the Scaffold Audiobook by Carolly Erickson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Carolly Erickson) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:08:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: To the Scaffold Subtitle: The Life of Marie Antoinette Author: Carolly Erickson Narrator: Davina Porter Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 47 mins Language: English Release date: 10-04-11 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 70 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: To this day Marie Antoinette remains one of historys most misunderstood heroines. How she triumphed over the petty jealousies and backstairs rivalries of the court, how she sustained a good-hearted but malleable king, and how she was transformed from French queen to Austrian whore, is the story told with skill and fascinating detail. Members Reviews: wonderfully written and read! Loved this story, especially Ms Porters narration. I've always believed Marie Antoinette was a very misunderstood historical figure. Excellent!!! Best nonfiction, reads like a historical fiction I normally hate biographies. They're usually dry and not exciting. But this book couldn't be further from that. The author is telling Marie Antoinettes story in an exciting, you can really feel it, sort of way. And Davina Porter is fantastic. Her voice is so soothing but at the same time it doesn't put you to sleep. LOVED IT!!! shock and awe I really enjoyed this, I am not the biggest fan of French Revolution history because it think we overlook or are numb to the things that display the anarchy, brutality, and humanity. This was beautifully presented but the audio leaves something to be desired. There was some feedback and messed up audio. To the Scaffoid Where does To the Scaffold rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? I learned a lot more then I ever had known about this Queen. I had always thought she was a real bust as a queen but now I gained a little respect for her. Thank you To the Scaffold Was a good listen with lots of facts written like a novel. But, I could not give it five stars, as I really felt the author copped out at the end. She ran through her death like it was hard for her to speak of. She gave more facts and showed more interest on the death of the king then the queen. Go figure.

American Sphinx Audiobook by Joseph J. Ellis

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Joseph J. Ellis) — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:32:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: American Sphinx Subtitle: The Character of Thomas Jefferson Author: Joseph J. Ellis Narrator: Susan OMalley Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 05-01-09 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 266 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: National Book Award, Nonfiction, 1997 In American Sphinx, Ellis sifts the facts from the legend to find the heart of the man who, at the grass roots, is no longer liberal or conservative, agrarian or industrialist, pro- or anti-slavery, privileged or populist. A man who sang incessantly under his breath; who spent ten hours a day during his presidency at his writing desk; and who sometimes found his political sensibilities colliding with his domestic agenda; who exhibited great depth and great shallowness, combined massive learning with extraordinary naïveté, and should neither be beatified nor forgotten. Critic Reviews: "Ellis does not have an agenda to promote; he has a story to tell, and he tells it well. In a book that reads like fiction, he combines exciting plot turns with information." (School Library Journal) "The richly documented life of Jefferson holds endless fascination....This set should be a lasting favorite in popular biography collections, especially in the South. Warmly recommended." (Library Journal) "Penetrating Jefferson's placid, elegant facade, this extraordinary biography brings the sage of Monticello down to earth without either condemning or idolizing him." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: New Download - Audio is GREAT! I was very concerned about trying this book reading the complaints about the audio quality. I contacted audible and they assured me a new, complete file had been uploaded and I can attest to that. Thanks audible! This was a great book and the audio quality on it was tremendous! Badly Scratched Record Literally hundreds of "skips" throughout the entire recording, usually occurring every 1 or two minutes. I should have paid attention to prior reviews. Based on the fact that this recording is still available after those reviews, there is obviously no quality control from either audible.com or Blackstone. Save your credit until this is replaced with an updated version. Excellent book despite audio issue I was initially looking for a historical biography of Jefferson, but other than the 100+ hr multi-volume set and a few very short (less than 10 hr) audiobooks, this seemed to be the best that Audible had. It is not a historical biography, but an analysis of Jefferson's ideology along the historical timeline of his life. In other words, you DO get some historical information and context, but not a lot more than you may have already known if you've read John Adams by David McCullough and Washington; A Life by Ron Chernow. That said, I felt the insights provided were fascinating, especially since there is such a contrast between the writings of Jefferson, Adams and Washington. Adams was so direct, Washington said as much with what he did NOT say as with what he DID, while Jefferson's sincerity at times seems to clash with a tendency to downplay disagreements he may have with the intended reader. Obviously this is seen when slavery is mentioned in his correspondence with fellow Virginians and with others opposed to the institution, but this was also evident in his political disagreements with Adams.

Eleanor Roosevelt Audiobook by Blanche Wiesen Cook

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Blanche Wiesen Cook) — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 00:37:59 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Eleanor Roosevelt Subtitle: Volume I, 1884-1933 Author: Blanche Wiesen Cook Narrator: Kate Reading Format: Unabridged Length: 22 hrs and 8 mins Language: English Release date: 07-05-16 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 71 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Eleanor Roosevelt was born into the privileges and prejudices of American aristocracy and into a family ravaged by alcoholism. She overcame debilitating roots: in her public life, fighting against racism and injustice and advancing the rights of women; and in her private life, forming lasting intimate friendships with some of the great men and women of her time. This landmark biography provides a compelling new evaluation of one of the most inspiring women in American political history. Celebrated by feminists, historians, politicians, and reviewers everywhere, it presents an unprecedented portrait of a brave, fierce, passionate political leader of our century. Members Reviews: The Story of a truly inspiring leader The biography was interesting and I learned a lot. I couldnt stand that she referred to people by initials. It seemed lazy, like it was her shorthand while researching and she never got around to cleaning up. I also didnt like the way she stuck quotes in the middle of sentences, changing who the speaker was without so much as a she said. The book included a great deal of biographical information about her friends and associates that wasnt necessary. In fact, the biographies of her family members was a bit excessive. I would love to Read her story as a novel. It would flow better than this did. Wonderful A fabulous way to reconnect with our history! ER is an impressive woman, indeed! Love love love Loved I find Eleanor's life very inspiring and this book is loaded with details I wasn't aware of. Excellent detailed history but long Excellent book - very detailed and interesting and provides great insight into Eleanor during her formative years. My only complaint is that at 18 hours this is quite long and there are two more volumes ! Overall I would recommend. Brilliant Excellent biography of ER and what made her the woman she was. The narrator was perfect neither too fast nor too slow. I'm already looking forward to Volume 2

The Great War of Our Time Audiobook by Michael Morell, Bill Harlow

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Michael Morell) — Tue, 12 May 2015 15:43:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Great War of Our Time Subtitle: The CIA's Fight Against Terrorism - From al Qa'ida to ISIS Author: Michael Morell, Bill Harlow Narrator: Robert Fass Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 05-12-15 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 406 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The Great War of Our Time offers an unprecedented assessment of the CIA while at the forefront of our nation's war against al-Qa'ida and during the most remarkable period in the history of the agency. Called the "Bob Gates of his generation", Michael Morell is a top CIA officer who saw it all - the only person with President Bush on 9/11/01 and with President Obama on 5/1/11, when Usama Bin Laden was brought to justice. Like Ghost Wars, See No Evil, and At the Center of the Storm, The Great War of Our Time is a vivid, newsmaking account of the CIA, a life of secrets, and a war in the shadows. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: You gotta listen to this I am not a politically savvy person. My opinion of contemporary news and politics is usually shaped by programs like the Colbert report and the Daily show. Prior to listening to this book, I felt confused about many issues such as how much should we be afraid of an attack on US by al-Qaeda, how political/corrupted were the leaders of intelligence community and how can we trust them and their motives after what happened in Iraq. This book answered those questions and many others. I elect to believe the author's statements (as of now, I have no reason not to) and as a result I have become significantly more confident in US government and CIA's mission to protect our citizens. This was a great read that provided both a history of war against terrorism and a knowledge of working of the CIA and its relationship to congress and the president. Fascinating Insider Insights Into The Biggest National Security Stories Of Our Time You could read this just for a blow by blow of how those controversial Benghazi talking points came about. But you'll also learn the inside scoop on 9-11, the intelligence lead up to the Iraq war, the Bin Laden mission and every other story that has dominated the news for the last 30 years. Was Snowden a hero or a traitor? The facts speak for themselves. Deeply Informative. The story behind the war on terrorism by someone who was there. Excellent! Gives you great insight into process. A must have for your collection Excellent and I will listen to it a 2nd time. It gives a personal and historical perspective. It isn't political at all and very informative. Great nonpartisan memoir of CIA from the analytical side Very well read and informative. I would recommend it to anyone trying learn more about CIA and counterterrorism.

Game Change Audiobook by Mark Halperin, John Heilemann

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Mark Halperin) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:06:28 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Game Change Subtitle: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime Author: Mark Halperin, John Heilemann Narrator: Dennis Boutsikaris Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 49 mins Language: English Release date: 01-11-10 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2415 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: "This shit would be really interesting if we weren't in the middle of it."--Barack Obama, September 2008 In 2008, the presidential election became blockbuster entertainment. Everyone was watching as the race for the White House unfolded like something from the realm of fiction. The meteoric rise and historic triumph of Barack Obama.... The shocking fall of the House of Clinton - and the improbable resurrection of Hillary as Obama's partner and America's face to the world.... The mercurial performance of John McCain and the mesmerizing emergence of Sarah Palin. But despite the wall-to-wall media coverage of this spellbinding drama, remarkably little of the real story behind the headlines has yet been told. In Game Change, John Heilemann and Mark Halperin, two of the country's leading political reporters, use their unrivaled access to pull back the curtain on the Obama, Clinton, McCain, and Palin campaigns. How did Obama convince himself that, despite the thinness of his résumé, he could somehow beat the odds to become the nation's first African-American president? How did the tumultuous relationship between the Clintons shape - and warp - Hillary's supposedly unstoppable bid? What was behind her husband's furious outbursts and devastating political miscalculations? Why did McCain make the novice governor of Alaska his running mate? And was Palin merely painfully out of her depth - or troubled in more serious ways? Game Change answers those questions and more, laying bare the secret history of the 2008 campaign. This is a reportorial tour de force that reads like a fast-paced novel. Members Reviews: Best Audiobook of 2010! I am an Audible.com Platinum subscriber, and my primary worry when downloading a book is that the book will waste my time by listening. The narrative is riveting and the narrator is outstanding. If you are interested in U.S. politics, you will not be able to put your iPod down once commencing a listen to this. I highly recommend it! Great insight into a fascinating election I have been following John Heilemann since I saw him on Real Time with Bill Maher last year. I appreciate his work, and Game Change lived up to all my expectations. The election was fascinating, viewed through the mass media lens. It is ten times more fascinating viewed through the eyes of the people that are on the bus, in the meetings, and rubbing shoulders with the candidates. Out Dated Even When It Was Current I heard about this book when I was listening to Morning Joe and snapped it up on audible years ago. I thought it sounded like a fun insiders view of the campaign trail. Not so for me. I found it beyond boring and hairsplitting to a degree that became mind numbing. It also turned me off to campaign politics and to listening to books pushed on morning talk shows in general. I know this review is years behind the time--but I'm reviewing old books in my library. This offering was a true disappointment. Superb! This is one of the best audio books I've ever purchased. The insight into the campaigns was fascinating, and while there was definitely more shared on the Democratic side of the contest, I think it was a balanced account. I strongly recommend anyone who was really moved by this most recently Presidential election to pick this book up.

The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell Audiobook

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jefferey J. Matthews) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:53:07 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell Author: Jefferey J. Matthews, Harry S. Laver Narrator: Scott Laurence Peterson Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 08-21-12 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 101 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: What essential leadership lessons do we learn by distilling the actions and ideas of great military commanders such as George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Colin Powell? That is the fundamental question underlying The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell. The book illustrates that great leaders become great through conscious effort - a commitment not only to develop vital skills but also to surmount personal shortcomings. Harry S. Laver, Jeffrey J. Matthews, and the other contributing authors identify nine core characteristics of highly effective leadership, such as integrity, determination, vision, and charisma, and nine significant figures in American military history whose careers embody those qualities. The Art of Command examines each figure's strengths and weaknesses and how those attributes affected their leadership abilities, offering a unique perspective of military leadership in American history. Laver and Matthews have assembled a list of contributors from military, academic, and professional circles, which allows the book to encompass diverse approaches to the study of leadership. Critic Reviews: "These essays form a pattern of leadership descriptions that represent the best of the art of command." ( Journal of America's Military Past) "Art of Command excels. The reader can follow each leader from inauspicious beginnings to greatness in the course of a short story that chronicles the development of a particular quality in that leader. ( Marine Corps University Journal) Members Reviews: Great essays on leadership The authors did a great job of selecting both leadership characteristics and individuals who modeled them. Great book with a lot of interesting history. Outstanding Leaders and Leadership Summaries What made the experience of listening to The Art of Command: Military Leadership from George Washington to Colin Powell the most enjoyable? Each leader's story was told in concise easy to listen to segments; perfect for listening to in the car. You look forward to hearing about the next leaders. The author spoke of some of the more famous leaders but also spoke of a few that you don't hear about that often but have a lot to offer. There was plenty of information to keep you interested without feeling as if you were being lectured. What did you like best about this story? All the leaders' stories were good and the time taken to present the lesson was just right to keep your interest and not be overwhelming. Any additional comments? The author covered some leaders that you always hear mentioned, but he also spoke about some leaders, such as Admiral Rickover and Gen. Hap Arnold, who don't get as much attention as a Patton or MacArthur. It was informative. I learned something and at the same time, was entertained. Great book highly recommended book for all leaders in any industry. list of traits in the book should be followed for success. Excellent overview on leadership Very good book for all that are leaders or aspire to leadership positions in or out of the military.

Showdown Audiobook by Wil Haygood

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Wil Haygood) — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 17:39:11 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Showdown Subtitle: Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court Nomination That Changed America Author: Wil Haygood Narrator: Dominic Hoffman Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 25 mins Language: English Release date: 09-15-15 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 147 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Thurgood Marshall brought down the separate-but-equal doctrine, integrated schools, and not only fought for human rights and human dignity but also made them impossible to deny in the courts and in the streets. In this new biography, award-winning author Wil Haygood surpasses the emotional impact of his inspiring best seller The Butler to detail the life and career of one of the most transformative legal minds of the past 100 years. Using the framework of the contentious five-day Senate hearing to confirm Marshall as the first African-American Supreme Court justice, Haygood creates a provocative and moving look at Marshall's life as well as the politicians, lawyers, activists, and others who shaped - or desperately tried to stop - the civil rights movement of the 20th century: President Lyndon Johnson; Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., whose scandals almost cost Marshall the Supreme Court judgeship; Harry and Harriette Moore, the NAACP workers killed by the KKK; Justice J. Waties Waring, a racist lawyer from South Carolina, who, after being appointed to the federal court, became such a champion of civil rights that he was forced to flee the South; John, Robert, and Ted Kennedy; Senator Strom Thurmond, the renowned racist from South Carolina, who had a black mistress and child; North Carolina senator Sam Ervin, who tried to use his Constitutional expertise to block Marshall's appointment; Senator James Eastland of Mississippi, the head of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who stated that segregation was "the law of nature, the law of God"; Arkansas senator John McClellan, who, as a boy, after Teddy Roosevelt invited Booker T. Washington to dinner at the White House, wrote a prize-winning school essay proclaiming that Roosevelt had destroyed the integrity of the presidency; and so many others. This galvanizing book makes clear that it is impossible to overestimate Thurgood Marshall's lasting influence on the racial politics of our nation. Critic Reviews: "Wil Haygood has brought us an elegant, fascinating and important tale, rendered with relentless originality and the author's superb gift of portraiture. Showdown reveals the essence of the great Thurgood Marshall, as well as the historical forces and often surprising backstage mechanics that enabled him to become the first African-American Supreme Court Justice." (Michael Beschloss) "[A]ccessible...moving...well-rounded. This is the definitive account of the life of a major American hero who deserves wider recognition." (Publishers Weekly) "Dominic Hoffman offers an effective and engaging narration." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: Haygood is master of the ticktock narrative Showdown is not a standard biography. Haygood frames the book through the confirmation fight of Thurgood Marshall. The author provides flashbacks to provide more information of the life of Thurgood Marshall and the various Senators of the Justice Committee. The suspense build and build as Marshal faced off against a wolf pack of Southern Senators who were determined to block his nomination to the Supreme Court in July 1967.

R. E. Lee: Volume One Audiobook by Douglas Southall Freeman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Douglas Southall Freeman) — Fri, 08 Dec 2017 12:31:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: R. E. Lee: Volume One Author: Douglas Southall Freeman Narrator: Charlton Griffin Format: Unabridged Length: 23 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 12-08-17 Publisher: Audio Connoisseur Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: R. E. Lee by Douglas Southall Freeman was the recipient of the 1935 Pulitzer Prize for Literature. It was a richly deserved honor, for Freeman's biography of the distinguished Virginian went on to become one of the most celebrated of all American biographies, a favorite of General George Marshall and President Dwight Eisenhower, among many others. Since his death, thousands of American soldiers have sought to emulate Lee's example of virtue, courage, and duty. This four-volume masterpiece traces Lee's life from his birth in 1807 at the ancestral Lee home of Stratford to his final years as the president of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia, where he was buried in 1870. Volume One carries us from Lee's childhood through his youth as a cadet at West Point, his slow but steady advance in the US Army Corps of Engineers, his spectacular record under General Winfield Scott during the Mexican War, his superintendency of West Point, and so on up to the point where Lee has made the difficult and painful decision to resign his commission in the US Army in order to remain with his beloved state of Virginia...for him, his "nation". After organizing the state's defenses and attempting unsuccessfully to keep Western Virginia within the control of Virginia, Lee is sent southward to inspect and build up the coastal defenses all the way to Florida. The volume ends with Lee's recall to Richmond as the Federal army under McClellan mounts its first invasion of Virginia. Freeman's writing style is termed "fog-of-war history". The listener knows only what Lee knows at the time he knows and understands events. We follow Lee's development of strategy in the environment into which he had been thrust. Listeners are urged to follow battles using the maps which Freeman himself drew, and which are included in the accompanying downloadable PDF document. Critic Reviews: "Lee complete for all time." (The New York Times) Members Reviews: Classic If you study the Civil War or youre curious about the man, Robert E Lee, this is vol 1 of the classic Pulitzer Prize winner by Douglas Southall Freeman. The discipline that shows through is amazing. Freeman spent over 20 years researching and writing the four volume set. Cant wait for the other three volumes on audible. This is a must listen/read and a ready reference for the student of the Civil War.

Love and Louis XIV Audiobook by Antonia Fraser

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Antonia Fraser) — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 19:15:40 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Love and Louis XIV Subtitle: The Women in the Life of the Sun King Author: Antonia Fraser Narrator: Rosalyn Landor Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins Language: English Release date: 10-12-06 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 171 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The self-proclaimed Sun King, Louis XIV, ruled over the most glorious and extravagant court in 17th-century Europe. Now, Antonia Fraser goes behind the well-known tales of Louis' accomplishments and follies, exploring in riveting detail his intimate relationships with women. The king's mother, Anne of Austria, had been in a childless marriage for 22 years before she gave birth to Louis XIV. A devout Catholic, she instilled in her son a strong sense of piety and fought successfully for his right to absolute power. In 1660, Louis married his first cousin, Marie-Thérèse, in a political arrangement. While unfailingly kind to the official Queen of Versailles, Louis sought others to satisfy his romantic and sexual desires. After a flirtation with his sister-in-law, his first important mistress was Louise de La Vallière, who bore him several children before being replaced by the tempestuous and brilliant Athénaïs, the Marquise de Montespan. Later, when Athénaïs' reputation was tarnished, the king continued to support her publicly as Athénaïs left court for a life of repentance. Meanwhile, her children's governess, the intelligent and seemingly puritanical Françoise de Maintenon, had already won the King's affections. In a relationship in complete contrast to his physical obsession with Athénaïs, Louis XIV lived happily with Madame de Maintenon for the rest of his life, very probably marrying her in secret. In the end, when his grandson's child bride, the enchanting Adelaide of Savoy, came to Versailles, she lightened the King's last years, until tragedy struck. Critic Reviews: "One of the most enveloping popular histories of the current publishing season." (Booklist) "Prolific royal biographer Fraser...has assiduously researched her measured yet engrossing study." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Excellent! I was really surprised to find that Louis was a great husband and a very decent human being. I became fascinated by other characters in the book such as his young granddaughter-in-law. This is a wonderful book for people who appreciate excellent research and strong characters who really lived. Just loved it! Engrossing Biography of an Engrossing Man This book does a very good job of capturing life at the court of the Sun King. It not only focuses on the brilliance of the court and the king but also his disappointments, his failures and his losses. And he lost a great deal, especially in his later years. An incredibly important historical figure, the Sun King was so much larger than life it would be easy to create a caricature of him. Ms. Fraser avoids the easy road and makes us realize that someone, who in his time was revered and reviled on the same level as God and the Devil, was also a human and his life was shaped by very human tragedies. Sometimes the authors biographies read almost like fiction. She can glamorize and idolize a person to the point that you know it cannot be accurate. She doesn't do that in this book. Perhaps because it would be hard to conceive of Louis being portrayed as more glamorous and more idolized than he actually was in real life. Wonderful Listen The book is a little slow in the beginning but once it gets going...it's an amazing journey.

The Reagan Diaries Audiobook by Ronald Reagan

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ronald Reagan) — Wed, 30 May 2007 10:08:38 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Reagan Diaries Subtitle: Extended Selections Author: Ronald Reagan Narrator: Eric Conger Format: Abridged Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 05-30-07 Publisher: HarperAudio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 278 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Edited by historian Douglas Brinkley, The Reagan Diaries provides a striking insight into one of this nation's most important presidencies and sheds new light on the character of a true American leader. Whether he was in his White House residence study or aboard Air Force One, each night Reagan wrote about the events of his day, which often included his relationships with other world leaders and the unforgettable moments that defined the era. Seldom before has the American public been given access to the unfiltered experiences and opinions of a president in his own words. To read these diaries, filled with Reagan's trademark wit, sharp intelligence, and humor, is to gain a unique understanding of one of the most beloved occupants of the Oval Office in our nation's history. Critic Reviews: "Reagan's diaries are revealing, and Brinkley has done historians and the broad public a great service by editing them for publication." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Provides a personal window If you take this audiobook at face value, yes, a lot of it is "went to meeting, talked to Mike Deaver", etc. If you read between the lines, however, you see where his heart was. His devotion to Nancy is remarkable. His ups and downs with the Soviets show raw emotion. He shares some personal family uprisings that show he was a real man, not perfect. His dedication to the diary speaks a lot to his character; he started something and finished it. True American Hero The diaries reflect the true Ronald Reagan as one of the greatest presidents in the history of the United States. Not the Reagan portrayed by journalists (alternately the most dangerous man in the world or a dottering old fool). His love for this country and his firm conviction of the failure of communism are clearly evident. His mission to defeat communism is clearly the focus of his efforts. Most touching and refreshing is the devotion he has to his wife Nancy. The diaries show his humanity, faith, compassion, strength and morality. A good overview I have read the Truman Diaries, and this cannot be compared to the rich detail and indepth history that Truman provides. However, it does give an interesting perspective of the daily life of a President and the huge issues and decisions that he faces. I'd say that it is worthwhile from that point of view, to get an overview for the 8 years that he was president. However, don't expect to get any great insights into history from this one. Will go down in history.... The book is an edited version of the daily diaries Reagan kept while he was president. They're short bullet entries. There are quite a few missed days; I guess that the editor did not believe them germane. The book showed the life of the most powerful person on the planet. His devotion to Nancy is remarkable. I was impressed at his response to the liberal press of the time--he seemed to hold no animosity, but rather viewed it as a contest: "I won that round" says he. Further, he seems to know when he had an impact with people...or not...and commented on same. His ups and downs with the Soviets show raw emotion and dedication to the people of both nations.

Worthy Fights Audiobook by Leon Panetta, Jim Newton

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Leon Panetta) — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 02:15:59 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Worthy Fights Subtitle: A Memoir of Leadership in War and Peace Author: Leon Panetta, Jim Newton Narrator: Leon Panetta Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs Language: English Release date: 10-07-14 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 415 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: It could be said that Leon Panetta has had two of the most consequential careers of any American public servant in the past 50 years. His first career, beginning as an army intelligence officer and including a distinguished run as one of Congress' most powerful and respected members, lasted 35 years and culminated in his transformational role as Clinton's budget czar and White House chief of staff. He then "retired" to establish the Panetta Institute with his wife of 50 years, Sylvia; to serve on the Iraq Study Group; and to protect his beloved California coastline. But in 2009, he accepted what many said was a thankless task: returning to public office as the director of the CIA, taking it from a state of turmoil after the Bush-era torture debates and moving it back to the vital center of America's war against Al Qaeda, including the campaign that led to the killing of Osama bin Laden. And then, in the wake of bin Laden's death, Panetta became the U.S. secretary of defense, inheriting two troubled wars in a time of austerity and painful choices. Like his career, Worthy Fights is a reflection of Panetta's values. It is imbued with the frank, grounded, and often quite funny spirit of a man who never lost touch with where he came from: his family's walnut farm in beautiful Carmel Valley, California. It is also a testament to a lost kind of political leadership, which favors progress and duty to country over partisanship. Panetta is a Democrat who pushed for balanced budgets while also expanding care for the elderly and sick; a devout Catholic who opposes the death penalty but had to weigh every drone strike from 2009 through 2011. Throughout his career, Panetta's polestar has been his belief that a public servant's real choice is between leadership or crisis. Troubles always come about through no fault of one's own, but most can be prevented with courage and foresight. Members Reviews: Outstanding Panetta memoir is the third cabinet members memoir and Obama is still in office. The memoir is a sub category of the autobiography. When I read a memoir I expect a narrow focus and want to feel I am looking at the situations as if I was that person. I am reading to get a better understanding of the events for a historical perspective. Panettas book gives a brief review of his earlier life so we can understand how he got to the point in the book that he is focusing on. He successfully puts me into the life of the director of CIA and Secretary of Defense. I felt as if I was in the meetings with him, understanding what he knew and thought and reactions to people and events as he covers his time as director of the CIA and Secretary of Defense. More than half of the book covers Panettas time as director of the CIA and his time as Secretary of Defense. Panettas book is well-written with frank descriptions of personalities and events. Panetta had been in government service for a long time and was the Congressman for the Monterey Bay area for many years. I enjoyed the story of his parents and grandparents immigration from Italy to the Monterey Bay area and Leons stories of childhood in Monterey. Panettas personality and his honesty came through in the book. The author covers in-depth the jobs he had in government including his being fired by Nixon when Panetta worked at Dept.

Heinrich Himmler Audiobook by Roger Manvell, Heinrich Fraenkel

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Roger Manvell) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:09:17 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Heinrich Himmler Subtitle: The SS, Gestapo, His Life and Career Author: Roger Manvell, Heinrich Fraenkel Narrator: Joe Barrett Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 02-28-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 147 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Authors Roger Manvell and Heinrich Fraenkel, notable biographers of the World War II German leaders Joseph Goebbels and Herman Goring, delve into the life of one of the most sinister, clever, and successful of all the Nazi leaders: Heinrich Himmler. As the head of the feared SS, Himler supervised the extermination of millions. Here is the story of how a seemingly ordinary boy grew into an obsessive and superstitious man who ventured into herbalism, astrology, and homeopathic medicine before finally turning to the science of racial purity and the belief in the superiority of the Aryan people. Editorial Reviews: In this revealing biography, Roger Manvell and Heinrich Fraenkel examine the life of Heinrich Himmler, tracing the evolution of an ordinary boy into a man who would supervise the extermination of millions. The authors paint a portrait of a man whose insecurities magnified his obsessions and paranoia, leading him to orchestrate one of the worst atrocities in history. Multiple AudioFile Earphones Award winner Joe Barrett's somber tone is leavened by his vocal clarity, creating a smooth narrative flow that allows listeners to appreciate the meticulously-researched details of Himmler's life. Members Reviews: Fascinating This book is book three of a trilogy; the other two books were Joseph Goebbels and Hermann Goring. I understand this was the first in-depth biography of Himmler. This book on Himmler was first published in 1965. Roger Manvell (1909-1987) died in 1987; he was born in London England. He was the first director of the British Film Academy. He was the author of many books on film making and on Nazi Germany. In 1975 he became a professor at Boston University. Manvell wrote this book with Heinrich Fraenkel (1897-1986). Fraenkel was a well known biographer of Nazi War criminals. Fraenkel was born in Leszno, Poland. At the time of his birth it was known as Posen, Germany. Fraenkel immigrated from Nazi Germany to Britain. He was also a well known chess player. This book on Himmler was first published in 1965. Himmler was the head of the SS and he supervised the extermination of millions. The authors follow his life from boyhood to his death. He is thought to have developed the Nazi science or racial purity theory and the idea of the superiority of the Aryan people. The book covers some of the most difficult periods of the Nazi rule. I found the book a fascinating study of Himmler and the people around him. This book goes into how the Nazis rose to power in Germany and what they did with this power. The book is well written and meticulously researched. The authors reviewed all the archived documents on Himmler as well as diaries, correspondence and other materials. They also interviewed people involved with Himmler. Audible Studies produced and published this as an audiobook in 2013. Joe Barrett has won multiple earphone awards for narration of audiobooks. Barretts narration of the book was excellent. Important History The author promised to present the story without being judgmental and succeeded. We are left to the inevitable conclusion by the facts themselves. Something New... Having a minor in history and heavily in WW2 I have read quite a few books and articles on the SS. This book brought out some perspectives that I had not heard yet.

Kissinger Audiobook by Niall Ferguson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Niall Ferguson) — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 08:08:54 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Kissinger Subtitle: 1923-1968: The Idealist Author: Niall Ferguson Narrator: Roy McMillan Format: Unabridged Length: 33 hrs and 12 mins Language: English Release date: 10-05-17 Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 3 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Kissinger: The Idealist by Niall Ferguson, read by Roy McMillan. No American statesman has been as revered and as reviled as Henry Kissinger. Hailed by some as the 'indispensable man' whose advice has been sought by every president from John F. Kennedy to George W. Bush, Kissinger has also attracted immense hostility from critics who have cast him as an amoral Machiavellian - the ultimate cold-blooded 'realist'. In this remarkable new book, the first of two volumes, Niall Ferguson has created an extraordinary panorama of Kissinger's world and a paradigm-shifting reappraisal of the man. Only through knowledge of Kissinger's early life (as a Jew in Hitler's Germany, a poor immigrant in New York, a GI at the Battle of the Bulge, an interrogator of Nazis and a student of history at Harvard) can we understand his debt to the philosophy of idealism. And only by tracing his rise, fall and revival as an adviser to Kennedy, Nelson Rockefeller and, finally, Richard Nixon can we appreciate the magnitude of his contribution to the theory of diplomacy, grand strategy and nuclear deterrence. Drawing not only on Kissinger's hitherto closed private papers but also on documents from more than 100 archives around the world, this biography is Niall Ferguson's masterpiece. Like his classic two-volume history The House of Rothschild, Kissinger sheds dazzling new light on an entire era. Critic Reviews: "Riveting...this will be his masterpiece." (Andrew Roberts, The New York Times) "For big, bold and compelling, it is impossible to ignore Kissinger." (John Bew, New Statesman - 'Books of the Year') "This is a superb history of the modern world as well as a biography of Kissinger...a tour de force." (William Shawcross, The Times) Members Reviews: Excellent narrative & narrator Brilliantly researched, organized, & narrated. Truly informative and highly enjoyable. Please keep this narrator or Malcolm Hillgartner for the next volumes!

Obama's Wars Audiobook by Bob Woodward

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Bob Woodward) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 03:02:39 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Obama's Wars Author: Bob Woodward Narrator: Boyd Gaines Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 09-27-10 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 537 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Working behind the scenes for 18 months, Bob Woodward has written the most intimate and sweeping portrait of President Obama making the critical decisions on the Afghanistan War, the secret war in Pakistan, and the worldwide fight against terrorism. Drawing on internal memos, classified documents, meeting notes, and hundreds of hours of interviews with most of the key players, including the president, Woodward offers an original, you-are-there account of Obama and his team in this time of turmoil and uncertainty. Members Reviews: A Very Intriguing Look Into A Misunderstood War As with all Woodward books, this continues in the same mold. He gives an unprecedented view into a very secretive and highly classified process, even if it is after the fact. My viewpoint on Afghanistan has slightly changed as a result of listening to this audio book. While I vehemently oppose the war to this day, Woodward has explained the reason for it continuing and why we must succeed; he does this in an elaborately detailed web of compendious sources that make up the bigger picture. As far as the narrator goes, Gaines is a genius! He has a specifically distinct tone and demeanor for the myriad of characters here. It's almost as if when Karzai is speaking, it's him and not Gaines I'm hearing. Gaines is extremely effective in this regard, and as a result, enhances Woodward's account. Woodward Does a Service First, read this book if you like Obama and if you don't. The insights are worth the effort for those who are news junkies and those who are just interested in what has taken place in the country. I might say that the book is best thought of as an essay on the lonliness of command. For listeners - listen for the patterns and insights that will be gained - the impressions are most informative. The writing is Bob Woodward, the reading of Boyd Gaines is very good - over all there is insight here for those willing to take time. Draw your own conclusions about Obama. Afghanistan War 101 Woodward gives his usual thorough, almost too much so, narrative of the current Afgan war, and the many problems there after the country was left to languish as Bush turned his sights on Iraq. The only minor complaints are that the long and almost repetitive narratives become background noise after awhile. Plus, the subject matter is quite narrow in scope. I wanted to hear more about the other trials and problems in the White House ongoing at the same time. There are also clear moments in the audio where the narrator was either starting a new day of reading, or had to "punch in" some audio changes after the fact. A bit shoddy for this stature of book. Worth the listen I'll admit, prior to reading this book, I didn't understand what was taking the president so long to decide on how to handle Afghanistan. This book very clearly explains the process that Obama forced our military and political leaders through. He very clearly and rationaly set the agenda and did his job. Of course there are always many sides to every story, so it is difficult to know whom to believe. As an independant voter I am no Obama supporter.

Great Presidents Audiobook by The Great Courses

biacuaduc@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 19:14:47 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Great Presidents Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Allan J. Lichtman Format: Original Recording Length: 24 hrs and 41 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 157 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The creation of the executive branch of government was one of the most audacious decisions in American history. The story of our greatest presidents create a narrative as compelling as an historical novel, and these 48 compelling lectures look at the lives, the achievements, and the legacies of those generally considered our 12 greatest presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Ronald Reagan. Drawing on a wealth of revealing anecdotes and inside stories, Professor Lichtman sheds new light on how the individual characters and historic decisions of each president made a major contribution to shaping our developing nation. You'll study the critical role these men played in America's founding years, Westward expansion, the struggle over slavery and the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War II, the perils of the atomic age, and more. These 12 leaders can be seen as giants of the most powerful elective office in the world. But through Professor Lichtman's eyes we see them as they really were, contradictions and paradoxes included. These lectures give the "inside stories" from our highest office, and they reveal 12 leaders with varying styles, personalities, and beliefs, but they all had in common an unsinkable ambition, a deep affinity with the American people, and a strong inner core of guiding values and principles. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: I'm clearly in the minority here... I hate to diss someone else's hard work, but out of concern for other Audible shoppers, I have to say: this guy's delivery is beyond irritating. He has adopted the most random, choppy and hard-to-listen-to rhythms I've ever experienced in an audiobook. He clearly has enthusiasm for the subject matter, and believes that by inserting dramatic pauses at certain points he is increasing the sense of wonder and amazement at what he is revealing about notable presidents. But it doesn't work. It just irritates -- me, at least. As for the subject matter, it's pretty good. It's what you'd expect out of a history course at a good private high school. No problem there, but...well, see above. I thought I'd get used to it after a while, but I'm on chapter six and that hasn't happened yet. Great info but at times lacking a unifying story Would you try another book from The Great Courses and/or Professor Allan J.

The Great Debate Audiobook by Yuval Levin

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Yuval Levin) — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 01:32:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Great Debate Subtitle: Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, and the Birth of Right and Left Author: Yuval Levin Narrator: Mike Chamberlain Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 12-03-13 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 160 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: For more than two centuries, our political life has been divided between a party of progress and a party of conservation. In The Great Debate, Yuval Levin explores the origins of the Left-Right divide by examining the views of the men who best represented each side of that debate at its outset: Edmund Burke and Thomas Paine. In a groundbreaking exploration of the roots of our political order, Levin shows that American partisanship originated in the debates over the French Revolution, fueled by the fiery rhetoric of these ideological titans. Levin masterfully shows how Burke's and Paine's differing views, a reforming conservatism and a restoring progressivism, continue to shape our current political discourse - on issues ranging from abortion to welfare, education, economics, and beyond. Essential reading for anyone seeking to understand Washington's often acrimonious rifts, The Great Debate offers a profound examination of what conservatism, liberalism, and the debate between them truly amount to. Members Reviews: Repetitive Overall an interesting topic and worth the listen, but the book does tend to repeat itself many times. Makes one rethink contemporary Right and Left Amazing book! I did not truly understand Burkean conservatism before this. To have it contrasted with Paine's radical enlightens theory was very illuminating. This book has affected my considered opinions on right, left, and the proper approach to politics. Highly recommended to anyone thinking seriously about these issues. an argument within liberalism? A fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of two giants of the modern age. a book with much more relevance for the politics of today than you might think. Burke and Payne may be the for bearers of left and right but they are also arguing about what type of liberalism is best. Levin basically argues that the right needs more Burke and the left could use more Payne. The perfect post-election read After this ugly and contentious election which was largely about which Presidential candidate was most loathsome, it would behoove an ascendent Republican right and a disillusioned Democrat left to take a collective deep breath and seek to reconnect and reengage each other at a deeper, less personal, and more edifying level: the level of ideas. And Levin's primer on the two intellectual antipodes of the classically liberal order in the Anglo-American tradition is a fitting and commendable start. The book's title indicates the true nature of liberal politics: party, partisanship, and principled disagreement as the best means yet known in a fallen world for establishing or affecting a felicitous polis. Not really relevant to our problems. Would you try another book from Yuval Levin and/or Mike Chamberlain? I would not. There are so many good authors that I really can't give them a second chance. Has The Great Debate turned you off from other books in this genre? The idea that it can show us the way today is false. Neither Edmund Burke or Thomas Paine had any idea of what society would be like in the 21st century. How did the narrator detract from the book? The narrator was ok it was the content that I objected to. If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Great Debate? The entire book would be cut.

Blood Feud Audiobook by Edward Klein

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Edward Klein) — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 16:26:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Blood Feud Subtitle: The Clintons vs. The Obamas Author: Edward Klein Narrator: Lars Mikaelson Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins Language: English Release date: 06-23-14 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 474 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: In this highly anticipated follow-up to his blockbuster New York Times bestseller The Amateur, former New York Times Magazine editor-in-chief Edward Klein delves into the rocky relationship between the Obamas and the Clintons. An old-school reporter with incredible insider contacts, Klein reveals just how deep the rivalry between the Obamas and the Clintons runs, with details on closed-door meetings buttressed by hundreds of interviews. Blood Feud is a stunning exposé of the animosity, jealousy, and competition between America's two most powerful political couples. Members Reviews: Fascinating! Any additional comments? I was enthralled with the book from beginning to end. Ed Klein managed to wrangle some good interviews with those close to both the Clinton's and Obama's. There is also insight into Valerie Jarret's role in the White House. And, of course, there's a lot of gossip. A great pick for political hounds. THE guide as to how political sausage is made This is the first one of these types of books I've bothered buying. Most just seem to be "juicy" gossip and while I'm sure this one has it's share of gossip, it also gives you a behind the scenes view of what is going on in this nation's government. It gives you a view as to how alliances are formed and why. Many of the things I have seen and been puzzled by are now clear. If you pair this with Pres Obama's Dreams from my Father and Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals it gives you a pretty clear picture as to the inner workings of what formed this man and his thinking. No matter what side of the political aisle you are on, or if you are on neither, you will find this book fascinating. As for the general tone of the book, there WERE times that I thought I was going to hear "this presentation is being brought to you by Hillary 2016". I Could Not Stop Listening! What did you like best about this story? It exposed the inner workings, behind the scenes and the rotten underbelly of today's politics. What about Lars Mikaelsons performance did you like? The performance was even handed and engaging....a very good narator. Any additional comments? If you enjoy politics this book will engage you at every level. Great Summer Read This book is a great summer read. It is very well written, and the story moves along well from the beginning. Klein has been criticized for re-creating scenes based on off-the-record or background interviews. Fair enough, I guess, but the overall narrative seems very consistent about what is well-known about the Clintons and the Obamas. It also seems highly unlikely that sources would have spoken on the record. How do the four main characters fare? Not very well: From flawed but competent to flawed but incompetent. Bill Clinton is definitely the most interesting character and clearly is the only one who seems to have the pulse of middle America. This is not surprising since he grew up Arkansas, while Obama grew up in Hawaii, and Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton both came from privileged backgrounds in Illinois. One thing that is absolutely clear from this narrative is that both the Clintons and the Obamas live like royalty; actually, probably better than royalty. The Clintons have multiple palatial residences in New York, D.C., and Little Rock and fly wherever they want (with Secret Service protection) on private jets.

The Black Presidency Audiobook by Michael Eric Dyson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Michael Eric Dyson) — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 07:54:36 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Black Presidency Subtitle: Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America Author: Michael Eric Dyson Narrator: Michael Eric Dyson Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins Language: English Release date: 02-02-16 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 159 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: A provocative, lively deep dive into the meaning of America's first black president and first black presidency, from "one of the most graceful and lucid intellectuals writing on race and politics today" (Vanity Fair). Members Reviews: Absolutely Love author Michael Eric Dyson Informative and entertaining. Love the fact that the author Michael Eric Dyson is also the reader. Great read!!!!! Only the Heart can truly appreciate profound Truth! Not only ami proud to be Black, but just as proud to be American after hear such a profoundly heart given experience on the Presidency of Barak Hussein Obama. Thank you Michael Eric Dyson for this memorable experience of to date The Greatest President of these United States of America. I got emotional even after the third time as well as on the occasion of the Eulogy for The Pastor. God continue to Bless you, President Obama and his family and God Bless these United States of America! Awesome was able to view the President more as a great leader and person. The writer was prolific in showing the good and the bad or a positive aspects and less positive aspects of the presidency Repetitive AF Not enough meat on them there bones. Dyson comes across more as a cheerleader than an objective author. Very good book! It was very informative and kept me interested in finishing. Good narration of the book.

Charles Darwin Audiobook by Jonathan Steinberg

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jonathan Steinberg) — Mon, 06 Oct 2003 19:23:12 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Charles Darwin Author: Jonathan Steinberg Narrator: Jonathan Steinberg Format: Unabridged Length: 30 mins Language: English Release date: 10-06-03 Publisher: The Great Courses Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Though arriving at Cambridge to study for the ministry, Darwin creates still another crisis in faith, creating the new theory of evolution and almost single-handedly destroying the old account of creation.

The Exile Audiobook by Cathy Scott-Clark, Adrian Levy

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Cathy Scott-Clark) — Tue, 23 May 2017 23:34:21 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Exile Subtitle: The Flight of Osama bin Laden Author: Cathy Scott-Clark, Adrian Levy Narrator: Chris Kayser Format: Unabridged Length: 24 hrs and 50 mins Language: English Release date: 05-23-17 Publisher: Audible Studios for Bloomsbury Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 44 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The Exile joins Osama bin Laden as he escapes into Pakistan in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, bringing to vivid life the years leading up to his death spent on the run and in exile. It tells the human story, and illuminates the global political workings. It is a tale of evasion, collusion, betrayal and the deep pain of isolation. Staying with a small group of characters throughout, The Exile moves through a series of dramatic set-pieces, from the shocking failure of the Battle of Tora Bora, one of the most significant losses in US strategic history, when, outgunned and outflanked, Osama still managed to give the world's most accomplished trackers the slip, through his covert journey from safe-house to safe-house in Pakistan, to the years spent hiding in the military compound in Abottabad where he was eventually to be killed. Using the contacts built up through years of research, including wives of key players such as Osama bin Laden and his mastermind, Khaled Sheikh Mohammed, the authors have gained extraordinary and intimate insight into Osama bin Laden and those closest to him. Meticulously researched, beautifully written, this is an enthralling and revelatory journey. Members Reviews: Unbelievable, cannot believe the level of detail Fantastic book. An amazing amount of detail but keeps your interest. I know have such a better understanding of the Middle East and the complexity of the region. And this is not the end, not by any means. Everybody should read it. Excellent and fast paced Loved how the story telling style kept the novel fast paced but gave details about each of the characters and their back stories. Facts and figures in one place It is a good research and fact finding mission. However, most of the information are already published by other authors, so it is a good compilation to find all the information in one place. A Unique Read The Exile is stunning indeed. A fascinating book Zoom? Can't believe I can't zoom in on the map.

Churchill and the King Audiobook by Kenneth Weisbrode

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Kenneth Weisbrode) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 03:32:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Churchill and the King Subtitle: The Wartime Alliance of Winston Churchill and George VI Author: Kenneth Weisbrode Narrator: Christian Rodska Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs Language: English Release date: 10-31-13 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 27 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: For fans of The King's Speech, the intriguing bond between monarch and prime minister and its crucial role during World War II. The political and personal relationship between King George VI and Winston Churchill during World War II is one that has been largely overlooked throughout history, yet the trust and loyalty these men shared helped Britain navigate its perhaps most trying time. Despite their vast differences, the two men met weekly and found that their divergent virtues made them a powerful duo. The king's shy nature was offset by Churchill's willingness to cast himself as the nation's savior. Meanwhile, Churchill's complicated political past was given credibility by the king's embrace and counsel. Together as foils, confidants, conspirators, and comrades, the duo guided Britain through war while inspiring hope in the monarchy, Parliament, and the nation itself. Audiobooks about these men as individuals could fill a library, but Kenneth Weisbrode's study of the unique bond between them is the first of its kind. Members Reviews: Moving and informative Well worth every word. Completely took my mind off the treadmill. I goes beyond history. I highly recommend it. A + Highly anecdotal narrative This interesting narration take much that is known of HM King George and Winston. As I listened, I recalled the close and continuing relationship between US Grant and Wm. Tecumseh Sherman during the War for the Union. Sherman was fully capable of carrying out independent actions in his theater of responsibility, but always worked in synchrony with Grant. The criticality of the king to the operational war effort is minimized, whilst Churchill's is given full credit. My opinion of the king is tempered with empathy because of the abdication of his brother and his ascencion to the throne at the worst possible juncture in history for a monarch who never wished to be king.

The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell Audiobook by Oren Harari

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Oren Harari) — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 21:35:06 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell Author: Oren Harari Narrator: Chris Ryan Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 26 mins Language: English Release date: 02-22-06 Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 79 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell recounts Powell's core beliefs on leadership, negotiation, self-knowledge, and more. Based on an article written by Oren Harari after Harari met Powell and heard him speak, an article so compelling that it became the subject of a front-page feature in the Wall Street Journal, this leadership primer reveals the secrets and insights that made Colin Powell the success he is today. Short, snappy, and packed with Powell's depth and spirit, it will help listeners inspire anyone to achieve extraordinary performance. Critic Reviews: "Harari has done an admirable job of distilling the essence of Powell's leadership style." (Publishers Weekly) "This is a 'battle-tested' leadership book...you don't have to be a CEO to benefit from the words and wisdom of Colin Powell." (Booklist) Members Reviews: He's right but not a big surprise I like what I see about Powell as a leader. The book is clearly written and the style is OK. But there is nothing fundamentally new here for those who have been practicing leadership for a while. It may be an excellent book for those just getting started as leaders. Those who have been around the track once or twice will find this to be a rehash of the usual management book yada yada. Great book Great book; almost too much info. Read it for the culture of Powell, not the specific lessons. valid core pointers a little hard to stay focused I am certainly glad I took the time to get through this audio book. for once in a long time I wish I had read the hard copy, highlighted and skimmed what I could. the author repeats his points of focus way too many times. a short version of Powell's methodologies tactics and beliefs would have been easier to follow in my opinion chptr 11 : best description of the meaning optimism I have ever heard. that was my favorite part Decent book Such a great leader with lots of experience. But this book was Kind of boring and dry at times. No memorable stories. Took me 3 days to finish. Yawn... surface explanation of leadership good background, good look a Colin's life, but could use more depth. good read overall.

Lincoln on Leadership for Today Audiobook by Donald T. Phillips

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Donald T. Phillips) — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 10:17:17 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Lincoln on Leadership for Today Subtitle: Abraham Lincoln's Approach to Twenty-First-Century Issues Author: Donald T. Phillips Narrator: Donald T. Phillips Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 16 mins Language: English Release date: 02-07-17 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 15 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The author of the classic best seller Lincoln on Leadership answers the question: How would President Lincoln handle the pressing crises of our modern world? Abraham Lincoln is recognized as one of history's finest leaders, a great president when the United States was under tremendous strain. But suppose he were alive today. How would Lincoln deal with today's high-pressure issues, from politics to business? Based on a lifelong study of Lincoln's life, writings, and speeches, best-selling author Donald T. Phillips offers compelling ideas on how Lincoln would employ his exemplary leadership and executive style. How would Lincoln handle today's frayed race relations, terrorism at home and abroad, gun control, and the influence of special interest groups on Congress? What would have been Lincoln's reaction to the invasion of Iraq? How would he have handled the Great Recession? What would be his stance on science and climate change? How did Lincoln feel about government entitlement programs? Would he have them at all? How would he feel about the growing gap between the haves and the have-nots, a worker's right to strike, the minimum wage, and labor unions? Would Lincoln have a mobile phone and embrace the whirl of social media? Phillips hews very closely to Lincoln's extensive writings and records to offer a fascinating look at how we might solve some of our most challenging problems, Lincoln style. Members Reviews: Leveraging Lincoln to drive a personal agenda What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you? Objective content would have been a refreshing starting point. First, I must say that I absolutely loved the original version of Lincoln on Leadership. I've personally purchased numerous copies to share with my co-workers over the years since I found the book. It was an engrossing, insightful, and applicable read. I have never gotten a bad review of that book. But I can not be more disappointed with this new version. The book is nothing more than the author's attempt to frame his personal agenda into one that would be theoreticaly endorsed by Lincoln. Every question is answered as if Lincoln is an active left-wing Democrat in our modern times. The lack of objectivity by the author to champion every current Liberal cause and agenda is almost too much to believe. I would suspect some of the author's perspectives to come to the top, but every Lincoln opinion is now aligned with the Left's agenda. Sadly, objectivity is sorely lacking in this book. While I am by no means an apologist for the current Republican Party or their platform, listening to this book was like watching a systematic beat down of the policies of the GOP. I have no doubt that Mr.

The End and the Beginning Audiobook by George Weigel

biacuaduc@gmail.com (George Weigel) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:56:10 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The End and the Beginning Subtitle: Pope John Paul II - The Victory of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy Author: George Weigel Narrator: Stefan Rudnicki Format: Unabridged Length: 23 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 09-14-10 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 69 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: "As March gave way to April in the spring of 2005 and the world kept vigil outside the apostolic palace in Rome, the pontificate of Pope John Paul II, then drawing to a poignant end, was already being described as one of the most consequential in two millennia of Christian history." With these words, world-renowned author and NBC Vatican analyst George Weigel begins his long-awaited sequel to the international best seller Witness to Hope: The Biography of Pope John Paul II. More than 10 years in the making, The End and the Beginning: Pope John Paul IIThe Victory of Freedom, the Last Years, the Legacy tells the dramatic story of the Popes battle with communism in light of new and recently disclosed information and brings to a close Weigels landmark portrait of a man who not only left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church, but also changed the course of world history. When he was elected pope in the fall of 1978, few people had ever heard of the charismatic Karol Wojtya. But in a very short time he would ignite a revolution of conscience in his native Poland that would ultimately lead to the collapse of European communism and death of the Soviet Union. What even fewer people knew was that the KGB, the Polish Secret Police, and the East German Stasi had been waging a dangerous, decades-long war against Wojtya and the Vatican itself. Weigel, with unprecedented access to many Soviet-era documents, chronicles John Pauls struggle against the dark forces of communism. Moreover, Weigel recounts the tumultuous last years of John Pauls life as he dealt with a crippling illness as well as the new world disorder and revelations about corruption within the Catholic Church. Weigels thought-provoking biography of John Paul II concludes with a probing and passionate assessment of a man who lived his life as a witness to hope in service to the Christian ideals he embraced. Critic Reviews: The author of the landmark Witness to Hope has now finished the story he began so brilliantly. In his new book, George Weigel - biographer and theologian - details John Paul II's battle against totalitarianism and chronicles the Holy Father's humble acceptance of suffering at the end of earthly life. As ever, Weigel writes with confidence, clarity, and insight. (Jon Meacham, Editor, Newsweek and Pulitzer Prize Winning Author of American Lion) Weve been awaiting it for a decade since his acclaimed Witness to Hope and George Weigels The End and the Beginning is well-worth the wait! It is impossible to comprehend fully the twentieth century without considering John Paul II, and it is difficult to appreciate him without plunging into this book, an enjoyable task indeed. (Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York) Members Reviews: Insight into Pope John II the Great What made the experience of listening to The End and the Beginning the most enjoyable? I thought I was somewhat informed on the pontificate of Pope John Paul II but George Weigel showed me in this excellent book how little I knew about Pope John Paul II the Great.The first part of the book tells an amazing story of the Church in Poland under the Nazis and then the Communist.

Che Guevara Audiobook by Jon Lee Anderson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jon Lee Anderson) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:15:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Che Guevara Subtitle: A Revolutionary Life Author: Jon Lee Anderson Narrator: Armando Durán Format: Unabridged Length: 36 hrs and 48 mins Language: English Release date: 01-02-09 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 638 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Jon Lee Anderson traces Che's extraordinary life from his comfortable Argentine upbringing to the battlefields of the Cuban revolution, from the halls of power in Castro's government to his failed campaign in the Congo and his assassination in the Bolivian jungle. Meticulously researched and full of exclusive information, this work illuminates as never before the mythic figure who embodied the high-water mark of revolutionary communism as a force in history. Members Reviews: Encompassing and Fair Look at an Historical Man The narrator was amazing- his voice was smooth, clear, intelligible, and engaging. I would definitely listen to more books by him. If youre remotely interested in the story of Che Guevara or the Cuban Revolution, then youre most likely going to enjoy this book. I never felt that the writing was biased either for or against the subject. It seemed to be a fair portrayal of events and not a skewed interpretation of how things should have happened, how they were right/wrong, misguided/ justified, etc. In the end, the writing retold the events as they happened while the reader (listener) was free to make their own correlations or decisions. The strongest parts of the book were the retellings of interpersonal relationships and things such as diary entries from Che and stories or conversations between important figures. The web of relations between Che, Castro, the Soviet Union, soldiers, family, Latin America, The U.S, Africa, and other players was one of great intrigue. The weaker moments came in retelling specific war strategy and tactics. I didnt care for the calling out of kilometers walked or mountain top elevations. I was a bit apathetic to the description of troop placements or numbers. I had difficulties remembering locations and names of people, which certainly led to my gray feelings for these things. Let me be clear- these things were not mishandled; they were simply not the most interesting parts for me to listen to. I entered with a vague impression of what I thought of Guevara and the Cuban Revolution. Although Im only beginning to ruminate on what this biography has done for those thoughts, Ill tell you this: it has made me want to learn more! I knew how the gist of the story progressed and ended, but in no way did those facts diminish from the breadth of what is contained in this book. This was a very enjoyable experience. The book was easy to follow and the information Ive learned from it was easy to digest. I highly recommend this book. Great as a historic document, terrible listen I could not get myself to finish this book. This book goes in very deep in Che's life, to the point of listing every insignificant detail. I think as a historic document the author does a great job compiling all that information. But for a normal person just trying to learn about Guevara's life, it is way to much information, making the book long and sorry to say, boring. The performance doesn't help either. It is read as you would a historic document, so the hours just drag and drag... I got to the 3rd download and gave up. Thirty Six Hours of Love, Bravery and Tragedy. I was already quite familiar with the story of Che Guevara when I purchased this audiobook. I have a book about him which I read once with great fascination.

A Fighting Chance Audiobook by Elizabeth Warren

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Elizabeth Warren) — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 12:42:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: A Fighting Chance Author: Elizabeth Warren Narrator: Elizabeth Warren Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 17 mins Language: English Release date: 04-22-14 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2124 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: An unlikely political star tells the inspiring story of the two-decade journey that taught her how Washington really works - and really doesnt. As a child in small-town Oklahoma, Elizabeth Warren yearned to go to college and then become an elementary school teacher - an ambitious goal, given her familys modest means. Early marriage and motherhood seemed to put even that dream out of reach, but 15 years later she was a distinguished law professor with a deep understanding of why people go bankrupt. Then came the phone call that changed her life: Could she come to Washington, DC, to help advise Congress on rewriting the bankruptcy laws? Thus began an impolite education into the bare-knuckled, often dysfunctional ways of Washington. She fought for better bankruptcy laws for 10 years and lost. She tried to hold the federal government accountable during the financial crisis but became a target of the big banks. She came up with the idea for a new agency designed to protect consumers from predatory bankers and was denied the opportunity to run it. Finally, at age 62, she decided to run for elective office and won the most competitive - and watched - Senate race in the country. In this passionate, funny, rabble-rousing book, Warren shows why she has chosen to fight tooth and nail for the middle class - and why she has become a hero to all those who believe that Americas government can and must do better for working families. Members Reviews: Great Book. Great Narration. Any additional comments? I thought this book might be dry, but it was a really enjoyable narration of Senator Warren's personal story and her experiences with DC culture and her move into the political realm. I already lean towards her progressive ideas but I will say that she also cleared up some misconceptions I had about the financial crisis. Definitely worth a credit!! This book has "Audie" written all over it! If you could sum up A Fighting Chance in three words, what would they be? For the People Who was your favorite character and why? Elizabeth and all of those on both sides of the American political spectrum who are working for the American people. What does Elizabeth Warren bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? I normally don't like it when authors narrate their own books; they tend to be very flat. Janice Ian was an exception to this rule, and Elizabeth Warren is as well. I can actually picture her teaching classes at an elementary school, or even at Harvard Law school... her inflection is fantastic! Any additional comments? I have NO interest in American politics and very little knowledge of the financial issues that caused the 2008 US recession. Elizabeth Warren's memoir details the work she and many others did on behalf of the American people - in studying the practices that caused people and families to go bankrupt, reporting on the causes of the 2008 financial services breakdown, and in pushing for a consumer agency that requires banks and mortgage lenders to provide plain language in contracts. But make no mistake - with very few exceptions, this is not a dry, boring, treatise on American banks.

The Queen Mother Audiobook by William Shawcross

biacuaduc@gmail.com (William Shawcross) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:04:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Queen Mother Author: William Shawcross Narrator: William Shawcross Format: Abridged Length: 9 hrs and 50 mins Language: English Release date: 10-27-09 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 69 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon - the ninth of the Earl of Strathmore's 10 children - was born on August 4, 1900, and, certainly, no one could have imagined that her long life (she died in 2002) would come to reflect a changing nation over the course of an entire century. Now, William Shawcross - given unrestricted access to the Queen Mother's personal papers, letters, and diaries - gives us a portrait of unprecedented vividness and detail. Here is the girl who helped convalescing soldiers during the First World War...the young Duchess of York helping her reluctant husband assume the throne when his brother abdicated...the Queen refusing to take refuge from the bombing of London, risking her own life to instill courage and hope in others who were living through the Blitz...the dowager Queen - the last Edwardian, the charming survivor of a long-lost era - representing her nation at home and abroad...the matriarch of the Royal Family and "the nation's best-loved grandmother". A revelatory royal biography that is, as well, a singular history of Britain in the 20th century. Members Reviews: The right woman at exactly the right time I was actually looking for a biography of George VI on audible but couldn't find on so I got this one as it was the closest I could get. I'm beginning to think audible is prejudiced towards male monarchs. She wasn't really all that special but she brought humanity to the Royal family at a time when they desperately needed it. And she did it with grace and an abundance of charm. She was the right woman at exactly the right place and time. Excellent book! After reading and listening to a number of historical books about many different members of the royal family through the centuries, this is the first book that moved me to tears regarding the death of a royal. The narration was also beautifully done. This is a remarkable book about a very human and yet very lovely, charming and admirable woman who was a true queen in every positive sense of the word. thin very little substance after the death of her husband. Basically 25 years of her social calendar. Abridged version - I had not realized when I purchased the audible that is was abridged. The book is quite detailed and lengthy. Didn't realize it wasn't the same until I noticed that the whole abdication crisis, WWII and the death of the king pretty much zipped through in 5 hours. These were the defining parts of the queen's life. Once I got past the glossed over version of this part of the queen's life I stopped listening. What was the point? Bland. Overall, a mildly interesting book for monarcho-philes but superficial and glorifying. Not a waste of time, especially for learning about her earlier years but at best a "beach" book, neither one that is a complete waste of time, nor one you would hate to lose.

Rome's Last Citizen Audiobook by Jimmy Soni, Rob Goodman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jimmy Soni) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 06:33:19 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Rome's Last Citizen Subtitle: The Life and Legacy of Cato, Mortal Enemy of Caesar Author: Jimmy Soni, Rob Goodman Narrator: Derek Perkins Format: Unabridged Length: 13 hrs and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 01-28-13 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 110 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Marcus Porcius Cato: aristocrat who walked barefoot and slept on the ground with his troops, political heavyweight who cultivated the image of a Stoic philosopher, a hardnosed defender of tradition who presented himself as a man out of the sacred Roman past-and the last man standing when Rome's Republic fell to tyranny. His blood feud with Caesar began in the chamber of the Senate, played out on the battlefields of a world war, and ended when he took his own life rather than live under a dictator. Centuries of thinkers, writers, and artists have drawn inspiration from Cato's Stoic courage. Saint Augustine and the early Christians were moved and challenged by his example. Dante, in his Divine Comedy, chose Cato to preside over the souls who arrive in Purgatory. George Washington so revered him that he staged a play on Cato's life to revive the spirit of his troops at Valley Forge. Now, in Rome's Last Citizen, Rob Goodman and Jimmy Soni deliver the first modern biography of this stirring figure. Cato's life is a gripping tale that resonates deeply with our own turbulent times. He grappled with terrorists, a debt crisis, endemic political corruption, and a huge gulf between the elites and those they governed. In many ways, Cato was the ultimate man of principle-he even chose suicide rather than be used by Caesar as a political pawn. But Cato was also a political failure: his stubbornness sealed his and Rome's defeat, and his lonely end casts a shadow on the recurring hope that a singular leader can transcend the dirty business of politics. Rome's Last Citizen is a timeless story of an uncompromising man in a time of crisis and his lifelong battle to save the Republic. Critic Reviews: "The authors succeed brilliantly in bringing this fascinating statesman to life." ( Kirkus) Members Reviews: Excelent The reading is well done. Emotive without overbearing. the narrative is also well done. It may be a bit long winded for some, but necessary to set the stage for who Cato was. This isn't a fluff piece but an unflinching look at a historical icon and how human he was. A most fascinating account of Cato the Younger and its lasting impact The voice of the reader is most pleasant to listen to, which is obviously something key with an audiobook. The book itself, while being a positive account of the exceptional men Cato seems to have been, goes out of its way in so far as trying to be nuanced. By listening to this audiobook you learn quite a good deal about the entire area (with larger than life characters such as Cicero, Caesar, Pompeus and so forth) in which Cato's life and death happened. Cato, where is he today Cato is one of the most fascinating characters from Ancient Rome and this book paints an interesting picture at the ancient saint

Harriet Tubman Audiobook by Catherine Clinton

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Catherine Clinton) — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 12:10:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Harriet Tubman Subtitle: The Road to Freedom Author: Catherine Clinton Narrator: Shayna Small Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins Language: English Release date: 01-24-17 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 27 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Celebrated for her courageous exploits as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman has entered history as one of 19th-century America's most enduring and important figures. But just who was this remarkable woman? To John Brown, leader of the Harpers Ferry slave uprising, she was General Tubman. For the many slaves she led north to freedom, she was Moses. To the slaveholders who sought her capture, she was a thief and a trickster. To abolitionists, she was a prophet. Now, in a biography widely praised for its impeccable research and its compelling narrative, Harriet Tubman is revealed for the first time as a singular and complex character, a woman who defied simple categorization. Members Reviews: very informative! I learned so much! She's definitely my Shero! I had no idea she did ALL the things she did outside of freeing slaves. She did so much humanitarian things, advocating for the indigent, women suffrage rights, served her Country in the military, etc!

My Fellow Soldiers Audiobook by Andrew Carroll

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Andrew Carroll) — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 04:39:02 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: My Fellow Soldiers Subtitle: General John Pershing and the Americans Who Helped Win the Great War Author: Andrew Carroll Narrator: Andrew Carroll Format: Unabridged Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins Language: English Release date: 04-04-17 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 19 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: From the New York Times best-selling author of War Letters and Behind the Lines, Andrew Carroll's My Fellow Soldiers draws on a rich trove of both little-known and newly uncovered letters and diaries to create a marvelously vivid and moving account of the American experience in World War I, with General John Pershing featured prominently in the foreground. Andrew Carroll's intimate portrait of General Pershing, who led all of the American troops in Europe during World War I, is a revelation. Given a military force that on the eve of its entry into the war was downright primitive compared to the European combatants, the general surmounted enormous obstacles to build an army and ultimately command millions of US soldiers. But Pershing himself - often perceived as a harsh, humorless, and wooden leader - concealed inner agony from those around him: almost two years before the United States entered the war, Pershing suffered a personal tragedy so catastrophic that he almost went insane with grief and remained haunted by the loss for the rest of his life, as private and previously unpublished letters he wrote to family members now reveal. Before leaving for Europe, Pershing also had a passionate romance with George Patton's sister, Anne. But once he was in France, Pershing fell madly in love with a young painter named Micheline Resco, whom he later married in secret. Woven throughout Pershing's story are the experiences of a remarkable group of American men and women, both the famous and unheralded, including Harry Truman, Douglas Macarthur, William "Wild Bill" Donovan, Teddy Roosevelt, and his youngest son, Quentin. The chorus of these voices, which begins with the first Americans who enlisted in the French Foreign Legion in 1914 as well as those who flew with the Lafayette Escadrille, makes the high stakes of this epic American saga piercingly real and demonstrates the war's profound impact on the individuals who served - during and in the years after the conflict - with extraordinary humanity and emotional force. Members Reviews: So good I sent a copy each to two friends. Wonderful history. It was so good that I had to send a copy each to two friends. Great, detailed book about ... Great, detailed book about the general who commanded the AEF in there First World War The Stories of Soldiers Always Tear at My Heart The author, Andrew Carroll, has been a driving force to preserve the hand-written correspondences of Soldiers to their families during the chaos of war. The letters contain the fears and aspirations that wildly vary among the different Soldiers as much as their vastly varying backgrounds. This account is of those during the Great War, which is often overshadowed by World War II, but shouldn't be understood to be less horrific. I first learned of this book from one of my new favorite historians, Candace Millard, who had an excerpt from the book regarding Quentin Roosevelt; it was powerful and heart-wrenching. Included in that were his father's, Theodore Roosevelt, sentiments about the tragedy of his youngest son's death. Beyond Valor, by Patrick K. O'Donnell, is a similar telling (i.e., narratives from Soldiers) albeit about WWII and without the overriding theme of the Commander of the American Expeditionary Force. Which is really my only criticism of this book.

The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks Audiobook by Jeanne Theoharis

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jeanne Theoharis) — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 02:15:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks Author: Jeanne Theoharis Narrator: Judith West Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 23 mins Language: English Release date: 12-07-15 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 14 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: 2014 NAACP Image Award Winner: Outstanding Literary Work - Biography/Auto Biography 2013 Letitia Woods Brown Award from the Association of Black Women Historians Choice Top 25 Academic Titles for 2013 The definitive political biography of Rosa Parks examines her six decades of activism, challenging perceptions of her as an accidental actor in the Civil Rights Movement. Presenting a corrective to the popular notion of Rosa Parks as the quiet seamstress who, with a single act, birthed the modern Civil Rights Movement, Theoharis provides a revealing window into Parks' politics and years of activism. She shows listeners how this civil rights movement radical sought - for more than a half a century - to expose and eradicate the American racial-caste system in jobs, schools, public services, and criminal justice. Cover photo: Rosa Parks on the courthouse steps, Montgomery, Alabama, 1955. Courtesy of AP. Members Reviews: The Truth of Rosa This book gives a complete picture of Mrs. Parks. The writer allows you to view Mrs. Parks and her complexities The narrator reading keeps your focus engulfing you in thoughts and reflections about what you're hearing

I Am Malala Audiobook by Malala Yousafzai

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Malala Yousafzai) — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 16:10:54 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: I Am Malala Author: Malala Yousafzai Narrator: Archie Panjabi, Malala Yousafzai Format: Unabridged Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins Language: English Release date: 10-08-13 Publisher: Orion Publishing Group Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 116 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: In 2009 Malala Yousafzai began writing a blog on BBC Urdu about life in the Swat Valley as the Taliban gained control, at times banning girls from attending school. When her identity was discovered, Malala began to appear in both Pakistani and international media, advocating the freedom to pursue education for all. In October 2012, gunmen boarded Malala's school bus and shot her in the face, a bullet passing through her head and into her shoulder. Remarkably, Malala survived the shooting. At a very young age, Malala Yousafzai has become a worldwide symbol of courage and hope. Her shooting has sparked a wave of solidarity across Pakistan, not to mention globally, for the right to education, freedom from terror and female emancipation. I Am Malala, the memoir of Malala Yousafzai, will shed insight into the lives of those children who cannot attend school, will tell the inspiring story of a schoolgirl faced the Taliban with courage and bravery. Read by Archie Panjabi, with a prologue read by Malala Yousafzai. Critic Reviews: "Narrator Archie Panjabi is an excellent choice to deliver this memoir of the Pakistani girl who stood up to the Taliban. Her voice is youthful, lilting, and buoyant, invoking the key qualities of the now well-known young woman who, at the age of 15, was shot three times in the face by the Taliban because she actively advocated education for girls. Panjabi narrates with vigor; rapid sentences and warm tones evoke Malala's persona. The listener has the feeling of being told this story by Malala herself rather than by an actor, which is the best type of audiobook. Those who want to hear more about Afghanistan, Pakistan's Swat Valley, or the family behind this courageous young person will not be disappointed." (AudioFile) Members Reviews: Great Book What made the experience of listening to I Am Malala the most enjoyable? The story is full of events within short period of time. Narration was attractive. Realty, includes the events made the story so interested Who was your favorite character and why? Malala and her Parents for understanding Malala Which scene was your favorite? I liked the scene when she went for opening a new school named after her in one of Pakistan cities If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be? Must have, to give Any additional comments? She is very good Educated, so she can give Generously great story Me encantó este audiolibro, la historia es conmovedora, esa lucha por ideales, el amor a su país, a su cultura y el deseo de ayudar y desear un mejor país, llevado a través de la educación, es impresionante! Hermoso Gran historia de ejemplo de una hermosa niña que lucha por hacer sus sueños realidad, que fortuna que estos sueños se puedan hacer realidad y poder ayudar en algo siempre será gratificante! Gracias Malala Yousafzai Source of inspiration. I would recommend this book to everyone! It educates on such topics as Islam, Pakistan and human rights, and shows how important the education is. Not only on the individual level, but on the level of society as well.

Darkest Hour Audiobook by Anthony McCarten

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Anthony McCarten) — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 03:22:55 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Darkest Hour Subtitle: How Churchill Brought Us Back from the Brink Author: Anthony McCarten Narrator: Sean Barrett Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 09-28-17 Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Penguin presents the audiobook edition of The Darkest Hour by Anthony McCarten, read by Sean Barrett. From the prize-winning screenwriter of The Theory of Everything, this is a cinematic, behind-the-scenes account of a crucial moment which takes us inside the mind of one of the world's greatest leaders - and provides a revisionist, more rounded portrait of his leadership. May 1940. Britain is at war, European democracies are falling rapidly and the public are unaware of this dangerous new world. Just days after his unlikely succession to Prime Minister, Winston Churchill faces this horror - and a sceptical King and a party plotting against him. He wonders how he can capture the public mood and does so magnificently before leading the country to victory. It is this fascinating period that Anthony McCarten captures in this deeply researched, gripping day-by-day (and often hour-by-hour) narrative. In doing so he revises the familiar view of Churchill - he made himself into the iconic figure we remember and changed the course of history, but through those turbulent and dangerous weeks he was plagued by doubt and even explored a peace treaty with Nazi Germany. It's a scarier and more human story than has ever been told. Members Reviews: Educational and Inspirational Enjoyed the insights into his formative years and their repercussions for his behavior pattern. Particularly like how the author delved into these events and how they affected his speech writing abilities. Churchill is humanized, yet his impact on history isn't diminished. Awesome insight into Churchills humanity If the film is as half as good as this book its going to be a corker!! Superb I loved The Darkest Hour by Anthony McCarten, the background to Churchill's beginnings as the new Prime Minister in May 1940 when Hitler was advancing through Europe and decisions he had to make as troops were being evacuated from Dunkirk. It is how he overcame the pressures from Halifax and Chamberlain to attempt to negotiate with the Italians, and how Churchill became the Churchill that took us through the war. Brilliantly read by Sean Barrett, hope you enjoy it.

Mr. Lincoln: The Life of Abraham Lincoln Audiobook by The Great Courses

biacuaduc@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 11:20:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Mr. Lincoln: The Life of Abraham Lincoln Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Allen C. Guelzo Format: Original Recording Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 81 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Five days after Abraham Lincoln was buried in Springfield, Illinois, John Locke Scripps, who had convinced Lincoln to write his first campaign autobiography, asserted that the 16th president had become, "the Great American Man - the grand central figure in American (perhaps the World's) History." Historians still find it hard to quibble with Scripps's opinion. Lincoln was the central figure in the nation's greatest crisis, the Civil War. His achievements in office make as good a case as any that he was the greatest president in U.S. history. What made Lincoln great? What was it about him that struck those who knew him? This fast-moving series of 12 lectures explores those questions with the help of one of our most distinguished Lincoln scholars and award-winning author. The lectures take you through Lincoln's life, from his forebears' arrival in America to an evaluation of his legacy. And you'll come to know the man through the eyes of those who knew, lived with, and worked with him. In presenting Lincoln, Professor Guelzo explores three themes: What ideas were at the core of his understanding of American politics? Why did he oppose slavery, and what propelled him, in the 1850s, into the open opposition to slavery that led to his election to the presidency in 1860? What gifts equipped Lincoln to lead the nation through the "fiery trial" of the Civil War? The result is an understanding of Lincoln as a man who envisioned a nation of self-governing equals wise enough to be guided not just by self-interest or popular enthusiasm, but by an abiding sense of right and wrong. Ultimately, he gave that nation, in his words, "a new birth of freedom." PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Great listen Loved it! It was well written and loved the insight into a great presidents life. Cool overview. Last lecture has the good stuff as far as why Lincoln is (or should be still) relevant today. I found this to be a good refresher and overview of the man. Scholars probably want something a little deeper, but I picked up a couple of nuggets and anecdotes that made it worthwhile. awesome real good listen lots of facts and super easy to follow along. this gentlemen did a wonderful job. Not to be missed This is my second time listening to this book. I am truly inspired by Lincoln and feel we should all no more about this great man. I listened to the other great courses lecture Lincoln in his own words and both courses are worth the credit and the time. Professor Guelso is very interesting and I intend on listening to other courses f his. I was impressed that Lincoln felt the hand of providence or the hand of God guiding him as president. Amazing the insights this man had. What would the nation have been like if he was not the first president assassinated? Fantastic Outstandingly well told. Best of the Great Courses that I have listened to (out of many)

Kissinger: Volume I Audiobook by Niall Ferguson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Niall Ferguson) — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 05:18:10 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Kissinger: Volume I Subtitle: 1923-1968: The Idealist Author: Niall Ferguson Narrator: Malcolm Hillgartner Format: Unabridged Length: 34 hrs and 18 mins Language: English Release date: 09-29-15 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 207 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The definitive biography of Henry Kissinger, based on unprecedented access to his private papers, by an acclaimed historian at the height of his powers. No American statesman has been as revered and as reviled as Henry Kissinger. Once hailed as "Super-K" - the "indispensable man" whose advice has been sought by every president from Kennedy to Obama - he has also been hounded by conspiracy theorists, scouring his every "telcon" for evidence of Machiavellian malfeasance. Yet as Niall Ferguson shows in this magisterial biography, the idea of Kissinger as the ruthless arch-realist is based on a profound misunderstanding. Drawing not only on Kissinger's hitherto closed private papers but also on documents from more than a hundred archives around the world, Ferguson argues that the true foundation of Kissinger's thought is philosophical idealism - combined with history itself. The first half of Kissinger's life is usually skimmed over as a quintessential tale of American ascent: the Jewish refugee from Hitler's Germany who made it to the White House. But in this first of two volumes, Ferguson shows that what Kissinger achieved before his appointment as Richard Nixon's national security adviser was astonishing in its own right. Toiling as a teenager in a New York factory, he studied indefatigably at night. He was drafted into the US infantry and saw action at the Battle of the Bulge - as well as the liberation of a concentration camp - but ended his army career interrogating Nazis. It was at Harvard that Kissinger found his vocation. Having immersed himself in the philosophy of Kant and the diplomacy of Metternich, he shot to celebrity by arguing for "limited nuclear war". Nelson Rockefeller hired him. Kennedy called him to Camelot. Yet Kissinger's rise was anything but irresistible. Dogged by press gaffes and disappointed by "Rocky", Kissinger seemed stuck - until a trip to Vietnam changed everything. Members Reviews: Paradigm Shift Alert! Not long ago, I read "On China" by Henry Kissinger. I was stunned. As an amateur student of Chinese history, and avid traveler, especially and frequently to Taiwan (and in a couple of weeks, to mainland China for an extended stay), Dr Kissinger's perspective and exposition on China's worldview were, well, simply stunning. So I immediately bought the new Niall Ferguson biography because: (1) I love Mr Ferguson's work having read and thoroughly enjoyed his work before, and (2) I was VERY intrigued, to say the least, about Dr Kissinger's worldview having seen it first hand in "On China." I was NOT disappointed. Mr Ferguson's writing style and scholarship were a perfect fit for Dr Kissinger's style and scholarship. This book is a real keeper - one I will re-read regularly to recalibrate my understanding of geopolitics. I cannot believe I did not discover Dr Kissinger's work before!! Beware, despite Mr Ferguson's clear prose, Dr Kissinger's work is not for those who don't take time to stop and ponder what they've read. But, for me, it has been worth every moment of reflection, and every revisit so far. Highly recommended. BTW: The narrator's performance was First Class.

The Good Spy Audiobook by Kai Bird

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Kai Bird) — Tue, 20 May 2014 11:45:00 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Good Spy Subtitle: The Life and Death of Robert Ames Author: Kai Bird Narrator: Rene Ruiz Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 46 mins Language: English Release date: 05-20-14 Publisher: Random House Audio Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 250 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The Good Spy is Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Kai Birds compelling portrait of the remarkable life and death of one of the most important operatives in CIA history - a man who, had he lived, might have helped heal the rift between Arabs and the West. On April 18, 1983, a bomb exploded outside the American Embassy in Beirut, killing 63 people. The attack was a geopolitical turning point. It marked the beginning of Hezbollah as a political force, but even more important, it eliminated Americas most influential and effective intelligence officer in the Middle East - CIA operative Robert Ames. What set Ames apart from his peers was his extraordinary ability to form deep, meaningful connections with key Arab intelligence figures. Some operatives relied on threats and subterfuge, but Ames worked by building friendships and emphasizing shared values - never more notably than with Yasir Arafats charismatic intelligence chief and heir apparent Ali Hassan Salameh (aka "The Red Prince"). Ames deepening relationship with Salameh held the potential for a lasting peace. Within a few years, though, both men were killed by assassins, and Americas relations with the Arab world began heading down a path that culminated in 9/11, the War on Terror, and the current fog of mistrust. Bird, who as a child lived in the Beirut Embassy and knew Ames as a neighbor when he was 12 years old, spent years researching The Good Spy. Not only does the book draw on hours of interviews with Ames widow, and quotes from hundreds of Ames private letters, its woven from interviews with scores of current and former American, Israeli, and Palestinian intelligence officers as well as other players in the Middle East "Great Game". What emerges is a masterpiece-level narrative of the making of a CIA officer, a uniquely insightful history of 20th-century conflict in the Middle East, and an absorbing hour-by-hour account of the Beirut Embassy bombing. Even more impressive, Bird draws on his reporters skills to deliver a full dossier on the bombers and expose the shocking truth of where the attacks mastermind resides today. Critic Reviews: Kai Bird has produced a compelling and complex narrative that must be read on many levels including as a detailed account of the immense influence that a truly good man can have on an agency as cynical as the CIA, and as a reminder of a myriad of losses. Robert Ames did not live long enough to get what he most desperately wanted -- a real peace in the Middle East. And America's intelligence agencies no longer seem as welcoming to agents with the wisdom, vision and integrity that Ames exemplified. -Seymour Hersh, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Price of Power, The Dark Side of Camelot, and Chain of Command Kai Bird has delivered two miracles -- the best day-by-day account of a secret intelligence career in the CIA, and the best book about the murderous intelligence war between Israel and her enemies with America smack in the middle. For years Robert Ames -- The Good Spy -- tried to nudge both sides toward peace until he picked the wrong day to visit the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and was killed by a car bomb.

Spymistress Audiobook by William Stevenson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (William Stevenson) — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 12:02:52 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Spymistress Subtitle: The True Story of the Greatest Female Secret Agent of World War II Author: William Stevenson Narrator: Nicholas Camm Format: Unabridged Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 03-27-14 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 74 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: A rousing tale of espionage and unsung valor, this is the captivating true story of Vera Atkins, Great Britain's spymistress from the age of 25. With her fierce intelligence, blunt manner, personal courage, and exceptional informants, Vera ran countless missions throughout the 1930s. After rising to the leadership echelon in the Special Operations Executive (SOE), a covert intelligence agency formed by Winston Churchill, she became head of a clandestine army in World War II. Her team went deep behind enemy lines, linked up with resistance fighters, destroyed vital targets, helped Allied pilots escape capture, assassinated German soldiers, and radioed information back to London. As the biographer of her mentor in the SOE, William Stevenson was the only person Vera Atkins trusted to record her story. Members Reviews: Great Story - Unfortunately Monotone Performance What made the experience of listening to Spymistress the most enjoyable? The story itself. And the writing was brisk and informative. Who was your favorite character and why? Why, the Spymistress, of course How did the narrator detract from the book? Really a one tone narrator. Very little inflection. It was, literally, mono-tonous. It is really too bad because the story is very interesting, and one that needs to be told. It is quite remarkable that this performance was 'approved' by editors/directors. Sentence after sentence delivered with the same intonation contours. It becomes almost impossible to distinguish given and new information. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? Only a strong reaction to the performance. I like the narrator's accent, but his lack of any kind of variation in delivery made listening a challenge. Any additional comments? I finished the book because I wanted to hear the story. And it was well told, just not narrated very well at all. Disappointed The disappointing part of this book is that it doesn't live up to it's title. Lots of info on the WWII spy network, but little about Vera herself. The narrator's fast talking and british accent made difficult to listen to. Better read as a novel than as history This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more? I read a lot of WW II history and I did enjoy reading this. It's full of anecdotes I've never seen. However, it is not a serious history. The author seems more interested in name-dropping than telling a coherent story about Vera Atkins. Would you ever listen to anything by William Stevenson again? No. Did Nicholas Camm do a good job differentiating all the characters? How? If there is any dialog, i missed it. No need to differentiate. I think he did a good job. If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Spymistress? NA. The book needs footnotes and sources. I am not sure what the Audible does when footnotes are encountered. Any additional comments? According to other reviews, CIA, goodreads, etc., the book is full of inaccuracies. Who doesn't like a smart and tough woman? ...unless of course you're her enemy! We who live free owe a great debt to those who fought the secret wars, and the men and women that Vera led were some of the bravest and most determined fighters whoever lived.

Up from Slavery Audiobook by Booker T. Washington

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Booker T. Washington) — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:25:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Up from Slavery Author: Booker T. Washington Narrator: Andrew L. Barnes Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 05-16-13 Publisher: Legacy Audio Books, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 84 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Up from Slavery is the 1901 autobiography of Booker T. Washington detailing his slow and steady rise from a slave child during the Civil War, to the difficulties and obstacles he overcame to get an education at the new Hampton University, to his work establishing vocational schools - most notably the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama - to help black people and other disadvantaged minorities learn useful, marketable skills and work to pull themselves, as a race, up by the bootstraps. He reflects on the generosity of both teachers and philanthropists who helped in educating blacks and native Americans. He describes his efforts to instill manners, breeding, health and a feeling of dignity to students. His educational philosophy stresses combining academic subjects with learning a trade (something which is reminiscent of the educational theories of John Ruskin). Washington explained that the integration of practical subjects is partly designed to reassure the white community as to the usefulness of educating black people. Members Reviews: The Perfect Reader What made the experience of listening to Up from Slavery the most enjoyable? I tried listening to the free version of this book on Librevox. While I have enjoyed other audio books from that source, this one was painful. The voice just didn't match the book, and the reader wasn't quite fluent in English. Hearing Andrew Barnes' reading of this book in the sample was what made me get an Audible membership. What was one of the most memorable moments of Up from Slavery? When Booker T. Washington and the Lady Principle at the school were inspecting rooms, they found a room where three girls, new from the country were sharing one toothbush. This is just one example of Washington's vivid descriptions of the deep poverty in the south. What does Andrew L. Barnes bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? Andrew L. Barnes has the perfect voice for this book. His reading voice is dignified yet grounded in a combination of humility and confidence with just the right touch of wry humor. He is so good that it's hard to remember that the book is not being read by Booker T. Washington himself. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Yes, but I couldn't because life requires that grown ups do things. Any additional comments? Andrew L. Barnes is so good that I kinda want to go through Audible and just listen to all the books he reads. A great inspired story. very inspiring and up lifting. I readi this book as a youth and didn't understand nor enjoy the true meaning of the book. Now older I truly appreciate this work. Good read! Loved it! it was very real in helping to create imagery with EVERY detail. I highly recommend it! Epic Bio of an Epic Man This books holds all of the secrets of success, while being a minority. It is a book completely devoid of any race hustling or any of the black victimization ideologies that has run amok on all of society today. interesting and insightful I have an immense amount of respect for Booker T Washington after listening to this book - for his hard work and his ability to forgive and even praise those who once enslaved them.

From Midnight to Guntown Audiobook by John Hailman

biacuaduc@gmail.com (John Hailman) — Thu, 25 May 2017 13:20:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: From Midnight to Guntown Subtitle: True Crime Stories from a Federal Prosecutor in Mississippi Author: John Hailman Narrator: Neal Vickers Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 25 mins Language: English Release date: 05-25-17 Publisher: University Press Audiobooks Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 14 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: As a federal prosecutor in Mississippi for over 30 years, John Hailman worked with federal agents, lawyers, judges, and criminals of every stripe. In From Midnight to Guntown, he recounts amazing trials and bad guy antics from the darkly humorous to the needlessly tragic. In addition to bank robbers - generally the dumbest criminals - Hailman describes scam artists, hit men, protected witnesses, colorful informants, corrupt officials, bad guys with funny nicknames, over-the-top investigators, and those defendants who had a certain roguish charm. Several of his defendants and victims have since had whole books written about them: Dickie Scruggs, Emmett Till, Chicago gang leader Jeff Fort, and Paddy Mitchell, leader of the most successful bank robbery gang of the 20th century. But Hailman delivers the inside story no one else can. He also recounts his scary experiences after 9/11 when he prosecuted terrorism cases. The book is published by University Press of Mississippi. Critic Reviews: "A real page-turner of a memoir which reads like a novel. John Hailman is the toughest federal prosecutor ever to hit the state of Mississippi." (Bill Minor, syndicated columnist, New Orleans Times-Picayune) "Highly recommended for all fans of true crime stories." (Ace Atkins, best-selling crime novelist) "The most fascinating and informative book I've read in years." (Parham Williams, dean, University of Mississippi School of Law) Members Reviews: GREAT BOOK - EVERYONE INTERESTED IN THE TRUE MISSISSIPPI SHOULD READ Interesting book front to back. As an old fraud investigator (now retired) I felt right at home with John Hailman. Also being from North Mississippi I had from previous work experiences known many of the persons mentioned in the book. I worked in many of the same areas in commercial situations which often lead to criminal charges being placed. John did a good job of keeping the book lively. I'm normally not much of a reader, but I ran to the book as often as I could find a few minutes and finished it in record time. I look forward to read more from this interesting author. He's the kind of buy I'd like to sit down with a few beers and discuss old "war stories". Good stories for my husband to read. My husband is enjoying this book. Thanks for offering it. The Truth, The Whole Truth and Nothing But The Truth Excellent presentation from an "insider" factually. However, the keys to enjoyment of this book, as opposed to other books about attorneys and the legal profession, are the glimpses of the authors personality as he recalls each scenario. From Midnight to Guntown I loved it ! John Hailman is a wonderful writer. His true stories of crime in Mississippi are fascinating. Living in Tupelo, I had no idea there was so much crime in my area. I can't wait to read his next two. Great book. Cannot put it down Great book. Cannot put it down.

LBJ: The Mastermind of the JFK Assassination Audiobook by Phillip F. Nelson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Phillip F. Nelson) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 15:40:49 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: LBJ: The Mastermind of the JFK Assassination Author: Phillip F. Nelson Narrator: Fred Sanders Format: Unabridged Length: 27 hrs and 27 mins Language: English Release date: 02-03-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 167 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The case against Lyndon B. Johnson and his role in Kennedy's assassination has never been sounder. LBJ aims to prove that Vice President Johnson played an active role in the assassination of President Kennedy and that he began planning his takeover of the U.S. presidency even before being named the vice presidential nominee in 1960. Lyndon B. Johnson's flawed personality and character traits, formed as a child, grew unchecked for the rest of his life as he suffered severe bouts of manic-depressive illness. He successfully hid this disorder from the public as he bartered, stole, and finessed his way through the corridors of power on Capitol Hill, though it's recorded that some of his aides knew of his struggle with bipolar disorder. After years of researching Johnson and the JFK assassination, Phillip F. Nelson conclusively shows that LBJ had an active role in JFK's assassination, and he includes newly uncovered photographic evidence proving that Johnson knew when and where Kennedy's assassination would take place. Nelson's careful and meticulous research has led him to uncover secrets from one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in our country's history. Editorial Reviews: Philip F. Nelson hopes to show that Lyndon B. Johnson played a major role in the Kennedy assassination, and unlike the baseless speculation and second-hand hearsay found elsewhere, Nelson grounds his claims with historical and biographical fact in a well-structured narrative that connects LBJ's youthful character flaws to the shady dealings in his early political life, and finally to the mentality that led him to - as Nelson asserts - assassinate JFK. Nelson is assisted in part by the convincing work of Fred Sanders, who is able to convey a believable curiosity and confidence while boldly implicating the 36th president. Members Reviews: LBJ plotted to kill JFK? Makes you think... If you're an assassination conspiracy fan you won't want to miss this audiobook by Phillip F. Nelson. The author has obviously put years into researching his premise and builds a very convincing structure of a conspiracy that puts LBJ at the forefront of the assassination of JFK. I've read every (and I mean every!) publication on this topic and this title ranks at the top of the pile when it comes to research and writing. It makes you truly consider LBJ as a primary conspirator. It could benefit from some editing - perhaps the abridged version is actually a better listen - because it is a long audiobook and there are some tedious expositional sections. Still, it is WELL WORTH THE LISTEN if you enjoy this topic. There are certainly many out there that don't reach this level of documentation and writing. The narration is average - no great contribution. Fred Sanders gives a journeyman performance with too many mispronunciations (my pet peeve) for comfort. But, it's not a bad listen...just average. The writing is good enough to carry the performance. If you like this subject go ahead and use the credit. Mind blowing Well researched, very thorough. The premise is very compelling and I for one was persuaded with the author's argument. A compelling circumstantial case By his own admission, Nelson has no background in politics, law, or journalism. Yet he is as incisive in his analysis and as eloquent in his communication as many in those fields.

The Life and Legend of Chris Kyle: American Sniper, Navy SEAL Audiobook by Michael J. Mooney

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Michael J. Mooney) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:03:20 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Life and Legend of Chris Kyle: American Sniper, Navy SEAL Author: Michael J. Mooney Narrator: Brian Troxell Format: Unabridged Length: 1 hr and 56 mins Language: English Release date: 04-24-13 Publisher: Hachette Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 474 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Journalist Michael J. Mooney reveals the life story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the American Sniper, from his Texas childhood up through his death in February 2013. A brutal warrior but a gentle father and husband, Kyle led the life of an American hero and legend. His heroism and reputation in the military service earned him the nickname "the devil" among insurgents and the nickname The Legend among his SEAL brethren, but his impact extended beyond that after he came home, through his work with fellow veterans. Mooney also sheds light on the life of the suffering fellow veteran who killed Kyle and interviews those closest to the late SEAL. The Life and Legend of Chris Kyle is an honest portrayal of the life of a man whose memorial service brought thousands of people to Cowboys Stadium - the most celebrated war hero of our time. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Ok I have read American Sniper before I read this book. With that being said my expectation of the book was higher than I have received. It's a good book of you are going to read it before you read American Sniper. Loved It True Hero Just sorry I just discovered Chris Kyle, thank everyone for sharing this story with the rest of us! Great audio book!! A really great audiobook!! I learned a lot more about Chris Kyle this guy is the real American hero so sad that he is gone A true American Hero, A man above reproach, Valor! A true American Hero, A man above reproach, Valor! A man of God, an amazing husband and father and someone we can all teach our future generations about. Thank you for you dedication to and for our country Chris. May your light shine brightly forever!! Thank You for reporting on such a Heroic Texan Loved it, listened to it sitting in the car waiting on my wife to get done with an after school program

Alexander Hamilton Audiobook by Ron Chernow

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Ron Chernow) — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 04:39:42 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Alexander Hamilton Author: Ron Chernow Narrator: Scott Brick Format: Unabridged Length: 35 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 12-07-17 Publisher: Head of Zeus Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Alexander Hamilton was an illegitimate, largely self-taught orphan from the Caribbean who overcame all the odds to become George Washington's aide-de-camp and the first Treasury Secretary of the United States. Few figures in American history are more controversial. In this masterful work, Chernow shows how the political and economic power of America today is the result of Hamilton's willingness to champion ideas that were often wildly disputed during his time. He charts his titanic feuds with Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Monroe and Burr; his highly public affair with Maria Reynolds; his loving marriage to his loyal wife Eliza; and the notorious duel with Aaron Burr that led to his death in July 1804. The book was adapted into a hugely successful Broadway musical - winner of 11 Tony awards - which opens at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London in November 2017. Critic Reviews: "A mammoth work of research that charted the course of Hamilton's dazzling career." (Guardian) "An elegantly written, richly detailed account of Hamilton's tempestuous life." (The Times) "A brilliant recreation of the society and culture of the time: thoughtful and playful, moving and powerful." (Michael Gove) Members Reviews: BrilliNT Had no idea what to expect as I like very early history but an so glad I chose this as my first foray into US history. What's remarkable man! Even amongst that group of remarkable people and events, he stands a lot taller than his height. I have changed my opinion on many of the early presidential histories I had gleaned from other stories and documentaries. I would have liked to have met him... and I can't say that about many of the people I have read about. Narration second to none. Well worth the listen

The Last of the President's Men Audiobook by Bob Woodward

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Bob Woodward) — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 22:32:37 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Last of the President's Men Author: Bob Woodward Narrator: Campbell Scott Format: Unabridged Length: 6 hrs and 9 mins Language: English Release date: 10-13-15 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 302 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Bob Woodward exposes one of the final pieces of the Richard Nixon puzzle in his new book, The Last of the President's Men. Woodward reveals the untold story of Alexander Butterfield, the Nixon aide who disclosed the secret White House taping system that changed history and led to Nixon's resignation. In 46 hours of interviews with Butterfield, supported by thousands of documents, many of them original and not in the presidential archives and libraries, Woodward has uncovered new dimensions of Nixon's secrets, obsessions, and deceptions. The Last of the President's Men could not be more timely and relevant as voters question: How much do we know about those who are now seeking the presidency in 2016 - what really drives them, how do they really make decisions, who do they surround themselves with, and what are their true political and personal values? Members Reviews: A Disturbing portrayal of Nixon Alexander Butterfield was President Nixons White House Aide, who revealed the existence of the secret recording system in the White House when testifying to the Senate Watergate Committee on July 16, 1973. The book is well written and researched. Woodward is well known as the journalist that broke the Watergate story. Woodward states he interviewed Butterfield for forty hours and also had access to the Butterfield papers and the national archive of Watergate papers. Before becoming a White House Aide Butterfield was a career Air Force officer. He was a college classmate of H. R. Haldeman. Butterfield left his job as an Aide at the end of Nixons first term and went to work for the FAA. The book provides new information and insight into Nixon and it also amplifies existing knowledge. Woodward also adds his own comments and information that he had gathered and published when appropriate in the story. I was most interested in what Butterfield said about Pat Nixon; that she was a borderline abused wife, ignored, or treated with chilly distain by Nixon. I found this book so interesting I finished it in one sitting. The book is short, only six hours but is packed with lots of information. Campbell Scott does a good job narrating the book. Inside the mind of Richard Nixon This is another fascinating look at how the Nixon administration came tumbling down. Through the words of Alexander Butterfield as told by Bob Woodward we learn what it was like behind the scenes of one of the most dramatic presidencies in American history. Nixon remains the most fascinating character ever to grace the American political stage. Interesting I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I am not, a history buff. It was amazing to learn so many facts about an event I was aware of at the time it happened, but really knew very little about it. Superb portrait of an overlooked Nixon staffer. Students of Watergate know Alex Butterfield as the one who disclosed the White House taping system. Few probably know his story to the depths this book takes it. This is a fascinating and important addition to the Watergate library. Rather than just another retelling of a familiar story, this book puts the spotlight on a staff member who was at the center of action but more often than not has been written into the shadows of history.

Endurance Audiobook by Alfred Lansing

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alfred Lansing) — Tue, 23 May 2000 07:31:35 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Endurance Subtitle: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage Author: Alfred Lansing Narrator: Tim Pigott-Smith Format: Abridged Length: 6 hrs Language: English Release date: 05-23-00 Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc. Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 201 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: The year was 1915. Equipment and food supplies were totally inadequate. After battling its way for six weeks through thousands of miles of pack ice and located only a day's sail from its destination, the Endurance became locked inside an island of ice. Yet Ernest Shackleton enabled all 27 of his men to survive for over a year on the ice-bound Antarctic seas - leadership without equal. This gripping account is based on contemporaneous diaries and interviews conducted by the author with these exceptional men. ©1959 Alfred Lansing; (P)2000 by The Audio Partners Publishing Corp. Critic Reviews: "One of the most gripping, suspenseful, intense stories anyone will ever read [or hear]." (Chicago Tribune) "One of the greatest adventure stories of our time." (The New York Times Book Review) Members Reviews: The Best You'll Find I truly enjoy reading the remarkable tales of unsung heroes in this world. Ernest Shackleton is one of them. Start to finish, this book kept me thinking, waiting, and imagining like few books ever have. Forget reality shows, forget mysteries... This book is a dose of "true reality and courage". Absolutely Fabulous!! I looked forward to my commute This must be the most incredible human survival story ever. A great tale. Probably the best Audible book I've ever bought. I found myself unable to get out of the car because I wanted to get to the next "page". The actual hardcover book does have some wonderful pictures and maps which make the story even better, but the Audible version was great nonetheless. Get the Unabridged one (also on Audible) This incredible story should be heard in all its detail. This version is good; the unabridged one is phenomenal. Good Leadership Lessons Another reviewer commented that this story was the Apollo 13 of its time. That is a perfect description. Beyond that, there are lots of leadership lessons one can take from "watching" Ernest Shackleton lead a group through a prolonged and difficult time. As the story is told, he maintained leadership and vision in extraordinary times. The Apollo 13 Of Its Day An extraordinary story, compellingly told. I found myself coming home from work and still listening in the driveway, riveted by the endless string of seemingly impossible challenges these brave explorers had to overcome. All of this without the benefit of radios, electricity and the like, to say nothing of a "Mission Control" to guide them. If you have any appreciation for the strength and nobility of the human spirit and will, you will enjoy this book.

Princess Sultana's Circle Audiobook by Jean Sasson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jean Sasson) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:32:58 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Princess Sultana's Circle Subtitle: Princess Trilogy, Book 3 Author: Jean Sasson Narrator: Catherine Byers Format: Unabridged Length: 8 hrs and 22 mins Language: English Release date: 02-26-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 64 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: With Princess Sultana's Circle, the extraordinary story of Princess Sultana continues. The forced marriage of Sultana's niece to a cruel and depraved older man, and Sultana's discovery of the harem of sex slaves kept by a royal cousin, makes this brave royal princess more determined than ever to fight the oppression of women in Saudi Arabia. Princess Sultana's cause is given an extra sense of urgency against the background of increased dissent against the Al Sa'uds, and the looming specter of Islamic fundamentalism. But an extended family "camping trip" in the desert brings the luxury-loving Sultana and relatives closer to their nomadic roots, and gives her the strength to carry on the fight for women's rights in all Muslim countries. This book paints a horrifying reality for women of the desert kingdom. It is a haunting look at the danger of Saudi male dominance and the desperate lives of the women they rule. Members Reviews: The whole series is worth listening to, but you wi I have read the entire series by this author. I don't know how she got her information, but the Saudi princess who was courageous enough to tell her story and the story of women in this country deserves some kind of major award! It is almost unthinkable for women in the U.S. to believe the powerlessness of women under such a restrictive government. Princess Sultana is a forward thinking woman who tells stories honestly and with no whitewash. She tries to see the positive steps that have been made in the rights of women, and reading the whole series shows that. But there is so much more to be done. As a fortunate western woman, I have no complaint about what I am able to do or say. No society is perfect, but for women in the Middle East, life is often no more than hell. The author tells the story using the princess's words, interspersing informational data from time to time. I only wish I could meet her and the princess to say thank you and to give them my encouragement. My prayers are with the women described in this and all the books. Catherine Byers is one of my favorite narrators. Her compassion is wonderful, and I find her voice beautiful. She makes these books even better! Amazing but sad true story The life of a female in many countries is almost worthless except for sex and to control. Even a Princess is not exempt. All 3 are great! Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? Yes. What does Catherine Byers bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book? Lovely lilting voice. I would have rather it been read by Shoreh Aghdasloo but Catherines voice was very nice.

The General Audiobook by Jonathan Fenby

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jonathan Fenby) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:07:53 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The General Subtitle: Charles De Gaulle and the France He Saved Author: Jonathan Fenby Narrator: Robin Bloodworth Format: Unabridged Length: 28 hrs and 50 mins Language: English Release date: 01-15-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 62 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: No leader of modern times was more uniquely patriotic than Charles de Gaulle. As founder and first president of the Fifth Republic, General de Gaulle saw himself as "carrying France on [his] shoulders." In his 20s, he fought for France in the trenches and at the epic battle of Verdun. In the 1930s, he waged a lonely battle to enable France to better resist Hitler's Germany. Thereafter, he twice rescued the nation from defeat and decline by extraordinary displays of leadership, political acumen, daring, and bluff, heading off civil war and leaving a heritage adopted by his successors of right and left. Le Général, as he became known from 1940 on, appeared as if he was carved from a single monumental block, but was in fact extremely complex, a man with deep personal feelings and recurrent mood swings, devoted to his family and often seeking reassurance from those around him. This is a magisterial, sweeping biography of one of the great leaders of the 20th century and of the country with which he so identified himself. Written with terrific verve, narrative skill, and rigorous detail, the first major work on de Gaulle in 15 years brings alive as never before the private man as well as the public leader through exhaustive research and analysis. Members Reviews: Book Great Read. Narrator Horrible-slow dead voice This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more? The BOOK is great. It moves fast and is well written. I will continue reading it with great joy. But I will NOT buy another Audible book because this was so dreadful. You need readers who bring a book alive, not readers who totally annihilate a book What was most disappointing about Jonathan Fenbys story? Nothing was disappointing in the story, only with the narrator. It's a wonderful book when I read it myself. Audible destroys this book. How did the narrator detract from the book? His voice is dead. Little inflection. Very slow and over-pronounced. Almost like a computer reading the story, but frankly, Siri is MUCH better. I expected an animated reading that I could play as I drive, but this reading is so horrible, that I'd fall asleep in 3 minutes. This could be a dry book, considering it is a historical documentary. When I read it myself (and I could read the whole book by the time this reader has finished section 1 of 4-5 sections) it is lively and exciting. Imagine books as documentaries: is the narrator lively? Does he make the story come alive? Does he keep your interest? Do you wait breathlessly for the next chapter? That's what is needed here. However, with this narrator, I'd quickly change the channel. What character would you cut from The General? None. Great story. History. Documentary. I'd find a good narrator. Any additional comments? Please give me a refund. I couldn't bear going beyond 10 minutes. CHARLES de GAULLE Jonathan Fenby, in "The General" shows Charles de Gaulle as the first among twentieth century French patriots. During Hitlers rise to power, de Gaulle (like Winston Churchill) argues against appeasement. While leaders, Lebrun and Daladier in France and Neville Chamberlain in England kowtow to Hitler, de Gaulle and Churchill stand against the majority of their respective countrymen. Fenby shows de Gaulle to have been a man out of his time but clearly in tune with a great nations history.

The Nixon Defense Audiobook by John W. Dean

biacuaduc@gmail.com (John W. Dean) — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 22:20:31 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Nixon Defense Subtitle: What He Knew and When He Knew It Author: John W. Dean Narrator: Joe Barrett Format: Unabridged Length: 26 hrs and 5 mins Language: English Release date: 07-29-14 Publisher: Penguin Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 155 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Based on Nixon's previously overlooked secret recordings, a revelatory new look at Watergate by one of its key figures. Watergate forever changed American politics, and in light of the revelations about the NSA's widespread surveillance program, the scandal has taken on new significance. Yet remarkably, four decades after he was forced to resign, no one has told the full story of Nixon's involvement in Watergate. In The Nixon Defense, former White House Counsel John Dean, one of the last major surviving figures of Watergate, draws on his own transcripts of almost a thousand conversations, a wealth of Nixon's secretly recorded information, and more than 150,000 pages of documents in the National Archives and the Nixon Library to provide the definitive answer to the question: What did President Nixon know and when did he know it? Through narrative and contemporaneous dialogue, Dean connects dots that have never been connected, including revealing how and why the Watergate break-in occurred, what was on the mysterious 18.5 minute gap in Nixon's recorded conversations, and more. In what will stand as the most authoritative account of one of America's worst political scandals, The Nixon Defense shows how the disastrous mistakes of Watergate could have been avoided and offers a cautionary tale for our own time. Members Reviews: Nixon HAD no defense # Nixon's defense Anybody who still thinks Nixon was railroaded in Watergate should consider this: within four days of the breakin, Nixon had talked to Chuck Colson about E Howard Hunts involvement, and to Haldeman about Gordon Liddy. They concocted a scheme to use the Cubans as a front for raising money from the Cuban American community in Miami. Would the men who were arrested be strong, Nixon wondered, or would they crack? Haldeman described to Nixon the kind of bugging equipment the burglars had, and noted that Hunt and another operative were in the Howard Johnsons across the street, where the bugging receivers were located. They wondered if Hunt should be spirited away to an "undisclosed location." The thing is, while the prosecutors were aware of some of this, they didn't know about Liddy yet. Someone operating in full disclosure mode would have called in the prosecutors and said, "Here's a guy who was involved in this, and this is where you can find him." Instead, at the urging of John Mitchell, they began looking for ways to turn off the FBI investigation. Within another few days, they had settled on trying to get the CIA to intervene - a blatant obstruction of justice that ultimately cost Nixon his presidency. Nixon never, to his dying day, operated in full disclosure mode. And that fact becomes glaringly obvious as John Dean meticulously reconstructs the many conversations Nixon had about Watergate over the course of a year. By the end of 1972, Nixon had a pretty clear picture of what had happened and who was involved. He was sketchy on some of the details, but he knew that Mitchell, Colson, and Haldeman were all involved; that Ehrlichman was at risk if the activities of the Plumbers were revealed; that Magruder had committed perjury to protect Mitchell; that Mitchell had probably committed perjury; that the people involved in the burglary were receiving clandestine financial assistance and promising to maintain silence in return.

The Wilderness Warrior Audiobook by Douglas Brinkley

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Douglas Brinkley) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:36:28 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Wilderness Warrior Subtitle: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America Author: Douglas Brinkley Narrator: Dennis Holland Format: Unabridged Length: 40 hrs and 33 mins Language: English Release date: 12-24-09 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 150 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: By setting aside more than 230 million acres of wild America for posterity between 1901 and 1909, Theodore Roosevelt made conservation a universal endeavor. This crusade for the American wilderness was perhaps the greatest U.S. presidential initiative between the Civil War and World War I. Roosevelt's most important legacies led to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and passage of the Antiquities Act in 1906. His executive orders saved such treasures as Devils Tower, the Grand Canyon, and the Petrified Forest. Tracing the role that nature played in Roosevelt's storied career, Brinkley brilliantly analyzes the influence that the works of John James Audubon and Charles Darwin had on the young man who would become our 26th president. With descriptive flair, the author illuminates Roosevelt's bird watching in the Adirondacks, wildlife obsession in Yellowstone, hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains, ranching in the Dakota Territory, hunting in the Big Horn Mountains, and outdoor romps through Idaho and Wyoming. He also profiles Roosevelt's incredible circle of naturalist friends, including the Catskills poet John Burroughs, Boone and Crockett Club cofounder George Bird Grinnell, forestry zealot Gifford Pinchot, buffalo breeder William Hornaday, Sierra Club founder John Muir, U.S. Biological Survey wizard C. Hart Merriam, Oregon Audubon Society founder William L. Finley, and pelican protector Paul Kroegel, among many others. He brings to life hilarious anecdotes of wild-pig hunting in Texas and badger saving in Kansas, wolf catching in Oklahoma and grouse flushing in Iowa. Even the story of the teddy bear gets its definitive treatment. Destined to become a classic, this extraordinary and timeless biography offers a penetrating and colorful look at Roosevelt's naturalist achie... Members Reviews: dull and wordy Bought it because of national parks and TR. Felt like an overlong Publish or Perish, over 40 hours, or nearly 1000 pages, and drily academic in tone. Not well done, I was extremely disappointed. The narrator was adequate. Inspirational A fascinating perspective on TR. Meticulously researched and presented. This book will make you want to go tour the National Parks. Finely written, detailed history.... As a purchaser of many other audio books on Teddy Roosevelt - I seem to enjoy those that really present a more up close and personal side of this amazing character, rather than more or less a straight-forward relaying of the facts...This book, while very detailed and well written, falls more into this latter category. Through an extensive array of vignettes, the contribution to wildlife and environmental preservation on behalf of Teddy Roosevelt comes to life. The picture it paints is one of overwhelming dedication to environmental stewardship. A fine, detailed account of the many contributions of Roosevelt, the relationships he had with notable early environmentalists and many other influential folk who shaped our modern day park and forestry systems. Great history of our land preservation Great insight into TR's passion and visionary actions to protect our natural resources. A little too much detail on all the preservation actions for my liking though. Could have been half this length. I DID keep listening This must be a good book, since in spite of its substantive as well as annoying flaws, I finished it.

Churchill Audiobook by Paul Johnson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Paul Johnson) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:41:44 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Churchill Author: Paul Johnson Narrator: Simon Prebble Format: Unabridged Length: 4 hrs and 40 mins Language: English Release date: 11-05-09 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 158 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Johnson's narration of Churchill's many triumphs and setbacks, rich with anecdote and quotation, illustrates the man's humor, resilience, courage, and eccentricity as no other biography before. Winston Churchill's hold on contemporary audiences has never slackened, and Paul Johnson's lively, concise biography will appeal to historians and general nonfiction listeners alike. Members Reviews: Superlative Account of Churchill This book is excellent in all respects. It is well-written by the great Paul Johnson, who does a magnificent job of distilling the life of Churchill into such a brief volume. Simon Prebble brings it to audio life with skill, professionalism, and nary an off note. The combined effect is a very entertaining audio book. Highest recommendations. well written This is a short review of a great life. I think the author shows the highlights and the depth of Churchill's life. Entertaining and well put together. An excellent summary biography. It seems the great majority of negative comments or reviews on this title seem to hinge on the fact that this book does not offer a sufficiently detailed account of this, that, or the other incident of Churchill's life or career or facet of the man himself. Please consider then, that this book is a summary biography of a man who was a prominent statesman on the geopolitical stage through two of the most pivotal conflicts in world history (the two world wars), and overlapping into a third (the cold war), who found the time, energy, and genius to be a prolific Nobel-Prize winning author, a first-rate adventurer, accomplished painter, master orator, wit, and general renaissance man. DOZENS of books would have to be written to tell the life story of such a man in any kind of detail. HUNDREDS have. Churchill himself published some 43 book-length works in 72 volumes, many of them documenting his own experiences. If you want to delve into deep details of all, or some or other episode or adventure out of the incredibly broad sweep of this man's titanic life experience, then by all means, jump into the deep reservoir of works on (or by) Churchill. I should think you could easily keep on reading about Churchill in greater depth for the next decade or so; at least. IF you are not quite ready to devote years, and just want to start out with a reasonable-length summary biography of a truly amazing character, this is a very well written text, very well read by the always competent Simon Prebble. Fascinating Portrait of Fascinating Man Like many others, I loved this bio due to its ability to paint a well-rounded portrait of one of the 20th Century's most fascinating characters without getting bogged down in too much scholarly detail. Easy to digest without dumbing down the material. If you're at all interested in history, Churchill or psychology, download this one! Excellent Great and encouraging book for leaders.

John Quincy Adams Audiobook by James Traub

biacuaduc@gmail.com (James Traub) — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 00:52:33 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: John Quincy Adams Subtitle: Militant Spirit Author: James Traub Narrator: Grover Gardner Format: Unabridged Length: 25 hrs and 49 mins Language: English Release date: 11-22-16 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 102 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: John Quincy Adams was the last of his kind - a Puritan from the age of the Founders who despised party and compromise yet dedicated himself to politics and government. The son of John Adams, he was a brilliant ambassador and secretary of state, a frustrated president at a historic turning point in American politics, and a dedicated congressman who literally died in office - at the age of 80, in the House of Representatives, in the midst of an impassioned political debate. In John Quincy Adams, scholar and journalist James Traub draws on Adams' diary, letters, and writings to evoke a diplomat and president whose ideas remain with us today. Adams was a fierce nationalist who, as secretary of state, championed the idea of American expansion. Yet at the same time, he warned against moralistic and militaristic policies abroad - a chastening wisdom that makes him the father of what we now call "realism" in foreign policy. As president he was a bold proponent of the idea of activist government later brought to fruition by Abraham Lincoln and others. Adams' numerous achievements - and equally numerous failures - stand as testaments to his unwavering moral convictions. A man who refused to take refuge in the politically prudent course of action, Adams was repudiated by his own Federalist party and, as president, by the nation that voted him out of office. And yet, in the final decade of his life, Adams regained the country's regard, and even reverence, for as a congressman he often stood alone against the forces of slavery, twice beating back motions of censure. John Quincy Adams tells the story of this brilliant, flinty, and unyielding man whose life exemplified political courage - a life against which each of us might measure our own. Members Reviews: spoiler The protagonists all die, it was kind of like Rogue One in that way... but overall incredibly well written and performed book. The importance of a great American. Being a student of American history I was interested in finding at this man. Adam was the last America leader that was in the middle of the beginning. His whole life center on country first. Average President, Stellar Congressman Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not? Yes, but hesitantly. Adams is one of the most interesting presidents - not because of his presidency itself, which was quite average, but his entire pre- and post-presidency careers. The years in ministerial work and then all his years in Congress are unique among the presidents, and they SHOULD make for an excellent biography. But this is the first such biography I've encountered, and it fell a bit short. However, Adams is still a very interesting person to read about, and so I would still recommend this book. At least until I find a more engaging JQA biography. What could James Traub have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you? Traub's writing had a tendency to stray into long stretches of dryness. It's a very common problem I've found with books on history, especially biographies. I mean, not everyone can be David McCullough or H.W. Brands. There's nothing outright bad about his writing - it was just that there are times where it feels like even he isn't engaged in the topic, and is merely relating a series of facts in order to get to the next interesting section.

Indian Summer Audiobook by Alex von Tunzelmann

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Alex von Tunzelmann) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 09:18:05 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Indian Summer Subtitle: The Secret History of the End of an Empire Author: Alex von Tunzelmann Narrator: Nicola Barber Format: Unabridged Length: 15 hrs and 24 mins Language: English Release date: 08-05-11 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 135 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: At the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947, the British Empire withdrew from India, igniting the exhilaration and turmoil of a newly free society. In this vivid, atmospheric popular history, Alex von Tunzelmann chronicles these times through the most prominent figures: Dickie Mountbatten, Britain's dashing, inept last viceroy; Dickie's savvy, glamorous wife, Edwina, who found the love of her life in Jawaharlal Nehru, India's new prime minister; Muslim leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah; and Mohandas Gandhi. Tunzelman's thrilling chronicle "removes the veil from the colorful personalities and events behind India's independence and partition with Pakistan" (The Washington Post). Critic Reviews: "In her scintillating debut, British author von Tunzelmann keeps one eye on the big picture, but foregrounds the personalities and relationships of the main political leaders - larger-than-life figures whom she cuts down to size.... [A] compelling narrative history, combining dramatic sweep with dishy detail." ( Publishers Weekly) "This is history as multiple, interconnected biography... a book more concerned with the smaller, more colorful threads of individual character than with the broader tapestry of history and retrospective judgment.... Indian Summer achieves something both simpler and rarer, placing the behavior and feelings of a few key players at the center of a tumultuous moment in history." ( The New York Times Book Review) Nicola Barbers narration is warm and intelligible, despite her entirely appropriate posh British vowels. Barber does an excellent job of pronouncing the names and titles of the various Indian places, princes, and pundits. ( AudioFile) Members Reviews: Such an interesting piece of History made easy I had started reading the book several times and never got past the firts few chapters. It is a piece loaded with historical facts and the lovely and melodious voice of Nicola Barber makes it very easy to digest, follow, understand and most of all, enjoy. The narrator gets too emotional... The narrator is emotional.... The narrative is biased... Reads more like the Mountebatten history... India comes second... Fabulous, easy history Of India. Part of this book is written when I was a child growing up. So, it was on the daily news. It's wonderful to put it all together! Good Content, Bad narration Would you be willing to try another one of Nicola Barbers performances? No. The narrator is trying to bring in modulations but did not do a good job. It gets irritating after a point. Good content emotional reader This is a good book. However the experience would've been much better had the narration discounted the emotion. The volume of the narrative suffered quite. A few times due to this. But the content was good overall.

Elizabeth and Mary Audiobook by Jane Dunn

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jane Dunn) — Thu, 29 Jan 2004 06:04:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Elizabeth and Mary Subtitle: Cousins, Rivals, Queens Author: Jane Dunn Narrator: Donada Peters Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 34 mins Language: English Release date: 01-29-04 Publisher: Books on Tape Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 325 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: In a rich and riveting narrative, Jane Dunn reveals the extraordinary rivalry between the regal cousins. It is the story of two queens ruling on one island, each with a claim to the throne of England, each embodying dramatically opposing qualities of character, ideals of womanliness (and views of sexuality), and divinely ordained kingship. As regnant queens in an overwhelmingly masculine world, they were deplored for their femaleness, compared unfavorably with each other, and courted by the same men. By placing their dynamic and ever-changing relationship at the center of the book, Dunn illuminates their differences. Elizabeth, inheriting a weak, divided country coveted by all the Catholic monarchs of Europe, is revolutionary in her insistence on ruling alone and inspired in her use of celibacy as a political tool, yet also possessed of a deeply feeling nature. Mary is not the romantic victim of history but a courageous adventurer with a reckless heart and a magnetic influence over men and women alike. Vengeful against her enemies and the more ruthless of the two queens, she is untroubled by plotting Elizabeth's murder. Elizabeth, however, is driven to anguish at finally having to sanction Mary's death for treason. Working almost exclusively from contemporary letters and writings, Dunn explores their symbiotic, though never face-to-face, relationship and the power struggle that raged between them. A story of sex, power, and politics, of a rivalry unparalleled in the pages of English history, of two charismatic women, told in a masterful double biography. Critic Reviews: "Her description of the political and cultural milieus of Britain is striking and credible....Dunn's vision of a 'dangerous age' is compelling." (Booklist) "It nicely captures the intertwined lives of these two women." (Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: Fantastic book A book comparing Elizabeth&Mary instead of only one queen in the spotlight! Amazing history, WELL written and perfectly read! Two thumbs up! Almost put my head on the block! Well researched and well read, but SO drawn-out by a lot of repeated analogies and trivial detail. I was ready to put my head on the block after the first 10 hrs. Face it - Mary was doomed from the start; a pampered French catholic who was raised in a state of ignorance for most of her life meets a country full of rogue protestant Scots and a cunning, experienced, self-directed English queen, who is no less the daughter of one of the most infamous schemers in the English monarchy (A. Boleyn). Although I found some of the detail fascinating, how many times did the author have to repeat the mantra: Mary was impulsive and reckless and Elizabeth was the crafty one? In my opinion, an overly detailed account of the two queens that will appeal more to an Elizabeth/Tudor history buff than the average reader who wants to know more about Elizabeth and Mary. Fun to listen to The best thing about this book is the intense level of detail -- read, gossip -- that the author imparts about an unbelievably fascinating time with people whose every decision could have life or death consequences.

Give a Boy a Gun Audiobook by Jack Olsen

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jack Olsen) — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 21:54:23 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Give a Boy a Gun Author: Jack Olsen Narrator: Rich Miller Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 52 mins Language: English Release date: 03-04-15 Publisher: Jack Olsen Literary Works, LLC Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 79 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: A classic true story. Members Reviews: interesting story...tough listen... Would you try another book from Jack Olsen and/or Rich Miller? i have enjoyed jack olsen but struggled with this book...i stuck it because of the story but it was a tough listen... What was one of the most memorable moments of Give a Boy a Gun? the judge's decision at the end of the book...restored some faith in the judicial process... This book is okay... Not one of the better Olson's books. I wasn't thrilled with the narration, but maybe due to how the story was written. Dull The story line was very good. However the presentation was dull. I finished it but I found it hard to stay focused. Disappointing What did you like best about Give a Boy a Gun? What did you like least? Jack Olsen continues to be my favorite true-crime author, but the narration this time around killed the story for me. Once the narrator pronounced Herefords as HER-A-FORDS it went downhill from there. By the way, it's pronounced phonetically as "HERFERDS" - I guess he didn't grow up around cows. It's unfortunate, with a better narrator this might have been a great story. Would you be willing to try another book from Jack Olsen? Why or why not? I have most of Jack Olsen's books and will continue to buy them. How did the narrator detract from the book? His delivery is lackadaisical and uninteresting. He should also learn how to pronounce what he's reading properly. Was Give a Boy a Gun worth the listening time? No; I kept struggling through it but it never did. A murder/execution and the public response Where does Give a Boy a Gun rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? Pretty good, but I have read a lot Who was your favorite character and why? The main people involved Which character as performed by Rich Miller was your favorite? Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Finished in a few days Any additional comments? This book reveals some of the ideology behind the Patriot Movement.

The Woman Behind the New Deal Audiobook by Kirstin Downey

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Kirstin Downey) — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 13:42:02 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Woman Behind the New Deal Subtitle: The Life of Frances Perkins, FDR'S Secretary of Labor and His Moral Conscience Author: Kirstin Downey Narrator: Susan Ericksen Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 35 mins Language: English Release date: 04-12-16 Publisher: Tantor Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 36 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Frances Perkins is no longer a household name, yet she was one of the most influential women of the 20th century. Based on extensive archival materials, new documents, and exclusive access to Perkins' family members and friends, this biography is the first complete portrait of a devoted public servant with a passionate personal life, a mother who changed the landscape of American business and society. Frances Perkins was named secretary of labor by Franklin Roosevelt in 1933. As the first female cabinet secretary, she spearheaded the fight to improve the lives of America's working people while juggling her own complex family responsibilities. Perkins' ideas became the cornerstones of the most important social welfare and legislation in the nation's history, including unemployment compensation, child labor laws, and the 40-hour workweek. Her greatest triumph was creating Social Security. Written with a wit that echoes Frances Perkins' own, award-winning journalist Kirstin Downey gives us a riveting exploration of how and why Perkins slipped into historical oblivion and restores Perkins to her proper place in history. Critic Reviews: "Downey provides not only a superb rendering of history but also a large dose of inspiration drawn from Perkins's clearheaded, decisive work with FDR to solve urgent problems diligently and to succeed in the face of what seemed insurmountable odds." ( Publishers Weekly) Members Reviews: An Absorbing Biography What a team Frances Perkins (1880-1965) and Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) made. Perkins had the ideas and the ambition to accomplish her goals. FDR had the political clout and knowledge to get the job done. Frances Perkins was the first female cabinet member in American history. She was the Secretary of Labor. She fought into law Section 7 of the National Industrial Recovery Act in 1933. What was the list she told FDR she wanted to accomplish or else she would not take the job? It was as follows: End child labor, a 40-hour work week, minimum wages, unemployment insurance, Social Security, workplace fire safety, improved working conditions and universal or national health care. She accomplished all but the health coverage. FDR also involved her in areas other than labor such as immigration. Perkins was the author of the New Deal. The book is well written and meticulously researched. I found the book fascinating. It is primarily an academic portrayal of a great legislator and reformer. The author follows Perkins from childhood to death and also touches on some of her ancestors. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could hardly put it down. The information on the Roosevelts I knew, but most of the information about Perkins was new to me. Some people may not enjoy the academic tenor of the book. Kristin Downey is a journalist. She shared the 2000 Pulitzer Prize with her group at the Washington Post. I enjoyed reading her 2014 biography, Isabella The Warrior Queen. The book is almost twenty hours long. Susan Ericksen does an excellent job narrating the book. Ericksen is an actress and multi-award-winning audiobook narrator. Over the years, I have enjoyed listening to her read a wide range of books. a great read Any additional comments? This was an illuminating biography of a real boundary breaker.

Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic Age Audiobook by The Great Courses

biacuaduc@gmail.com (The Great Courses) — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 03:47:56 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Alexander the Great and the Hellenistic Age Author: The Great Courses Narrator: Professor Jeremy McInerney Format: Original Recording Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins Language: English Release date: 07-08-13 Publisher: The Great Courses Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 119 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: This series of 24 lectures examines a crucial period in the history of the ancient world, the age ushered in by the extraordinary conquests of Alexander the Great. In all the annals of the ancient world, few stories are more gripping than those from this era. In the opening lectures, you'll explore the enigma of Alexander, son of a brilliant father, yet always at odds with the man whom he succeeded. You'll trace his early campaigns against the Persians and follow him to Egypt, where he was acclaimed as the son of god. You'll then look at his career after this and find in him a blend of greatness and madness as he strove to replace the Persian empire of the Achaemenid dynasty with a new, mixed ruling class of Macedonians and Persians. From there, you'll delve into the catastrophic period after Alexander's death in 323 B.C., which ushered in a period of catastrophic change as ambitious warlords carved up Alexander's realm into their own separate empires. You'll learn about each of the three kingdoms that resulted: Ptolemaic Egypt, Seleucid Syria, and the Attalid Empire in Asia Minor. Just as important to these lectures are the in-depth discussions of the bounties of Hellenistic culture, which contributed landmark ideas in everything from philosophy (which became more academic), art and architecture (with its excessive, naked emotions), and religion (especially the growing popularity of cult movements). Taken all together, these lectures are an engrossing and riveting journey into ancient history-and the life and times of the man who left an indelible mark on everything that would come after. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio. Members Reviews: Good Overview of Alexander and Hellenistic Empires Any additional comments? This book is a good overview of the rise and conquests of Alexander the Great, his Macedonian Empire, and the Hellenistic empires that took over his conquests after his death. The lectures go from Alexander's rise to the fall of the final Hellenistic kingdom with the conquest of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt by the Romans. The lecturer covers the major kingdoms of the Seleucids in Syria, the Ptolemies in Egypt, and Antigonids in Greece as well as some of the smaller Hellenistic kingdoms to rise during this age. He follows a relatively chronological pattern. One strength of this professor is his ability to cover not just the political history but also other parts of culture, including social, intellectual, and artistic changes. The only thing that prevents me from giving this series a five star rating is this author's thoroughness. I like listening to history books that leave me feeling like I have had a comprehensive overview on a topic (within reason) and also knowing that the author covered any major well-known sub-topics that deserve attention. Having listened to this lecturer a few times, I know he has a tendency to skip over content in his effort to focus in on specifics or controversies. So for anyone coming to the topic for the first time, there are probably important things he will skip over or not mention. I felt this way particularly in his section on Alexander the Great.

Stanton Audiobook by Walter Stahr

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Walter Stahr) — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 05:17:48 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Stanton Subtitle: Lincoln's War Secretary Author: Walter Stahr Narrator: George Guidall Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 25 mins Language: English Release date: 08-17-17 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 11 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Walter Stahr, award-winning author of the New York Times best seller Seward, tells the story of Abraham Lincoln's indispensable secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, the man the president entrusted with raising the army that preserved the Union. Of the crucial men close to President Lincoln, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton (1814-1869) was the most powerful and controversial. Stanton raised, armed, and supervised the army of a million men who won the Civil War. He organized the war effort. He directed military movements from his telegraph office, where Lincoln literally hung out with him. He arrested and imprisoned thousands for "war crimes" such as resisting the draft or calling for an armistice. Stanton was so controversial that some accused him at that time of complicity in Lincoln's assassination. He was a stubborn genius who was both reviled and revered in his time. Stanton was a Democrat before the war and a prominent trial lawyer. He opposed slavery but only in private. He served briefly as President Buchanan's attorney general and then as Lincoln's aggressive secretary of war. On the night of April 14, 1865, Stanton rushed to Lincoln's deathbed and took over the government since Secretary of State William Seward had been critically wounded the same evening. He informed the nation of the president's death, summoned General Grant to protect the Capitol, and started collecting the evidence from those who had been with the Lincolns at the theater in order to prepare a murder trial. Now, with this worthy complement to the enduring library of biographical accounts of those who helped Lincoln preserve the Union, Stanton honors the indispensable partner of the 16th president. Walter Stahr's essential book is the first major biography of Stanton in 50 years, restoring this underexplored figure to his proper place in American history. Members Reviews: A bad narrator can ruin a good book Terrible monotone narrator of an otherwise decent book; hate to say I'd buy or avoid a book on its narrator but I will in the future

Panzer Lightning: Heinz Guderian, Hitler's Sword Audiobook by James Smithson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (James Smithson) — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 12:27:02 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Panzer Lightning: Heinz Guderian, Hitler's Sword Author: James Smithson Narrator: Daniel F Purcell Format: Unabridged Length: 7 hrs and 57 mins Language: English Release date: 10-31-17 Publisher: Grand Oak Rare Books Inc Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 5 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: An in-depth look at one of World War II's most notorious military leaders. In 1941, Guderian commanded Panzergruppe Guderian in Operation Barbarossa in Russia, where he received the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves. His army conquered Smolensk in a short time, and turned south to threaten Kiev, but he was relieved of command on 25 Dec 1941 for disobeying an order from Hitler. On 1 Mar 1943, he was appointed inspector-general of the Armored Troops, then on 21 Jul 1944 the chief of staff of the army. He was dismissed by Hitler on 28 Mar 1945 after an argument, ending his involvement in WW II. Guderian surrendered himself to the Americans on 10 May 1945. Although he remained a prisoner until 1948, he was not tried for war crimes, though the Polish government protested. At the Battle of Wizna, Guderian threatened to execute Polish POWs if the Polish commander did not surrender; since none were actually executed, the incident was dismissed as a bluff employed by Guderian. Members Reviews: First Book I could not listen to, to the end The book is horribly disorganized. The first person narrative becomes annoying very quickly. The book is a missed opportunity to chronologically detail Guderians involvement in the war. Sadly, the book is made much worse by one of the least competent narrators I have ever listened to. Mr. Purcell might wish to not try and keep 2 marbles in his mouth while narrating the next book, if there ever is one. Mispronunciations, belaboured pronunciations of place names, and peoples names, and a lilt most unbecoming to Guderian and his undoubtedly strong personality. So, with more than 4 hours to go, I am done being irritated. Panzer Lighting: Heinz GuderianHitler's Sword Is the dialogue used as a first person based on diaries or has the author taken license? Great listen except for the origin of the narrative.

The Boer War Audiobook by Winston Churchill

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Winston Churchill) — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 00:16:04 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: The Boer War Author: Winston Churchill Narrator: Ric Jerrom Format: Unabridged Length: 18 hrs and 18 mins Language: English Release date: 09-15-15 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 25 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: As a young, ambitious soldier, Winston Churchill managed to get himself posted to the 21st Lancers in 1899 as a war correspondent for the Morning Post - and joined them in fighting the rebel Boer settlers in South Africa. In this conflict, rebel forces in the Transvaal and Orange Free State had proclaimed their own statehood, calling it the Boer Republic. Perhaps the most riveting personal account is found in London to Ladysmith via Pretoria, where Churchill is captured in Pretoria not long after he arrives to join the British forces - and is frustrated not by the conditions in the prison but by the fact that he was missing the action. Churchill tells the story of how he escaped and made a daring overland crossing, travelling only at night to avoid detection. Over a 64-year span, Churchill published over 40 books, many multivolume definitive accounts of historical events to which he was a witness and participant. All are beautifully written and as accessible and relevant today as when first published. During his 50-year political career, Churchill served twice as Prime Minister in addition to other prominent positions - including President of the Board of Trade, First Lord of the Admiralty, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Home Secretary. In the 1930s, Churchill was one of the first to recognise the danger of the rising Nazi power in Germany and to campaign for rearmament in Britain. His leadership and inspired broadcasts and speeches during World War II helped strengthen British resistance to Adolf Hitler - and played an important part in the Allies eventual triumph. One of the most inspiring wartime leaders of modern history, Churchill was also an orator, a historian, a journalist, and an artist. All of these aspects of Churchill are fully represented in this collection of his works. Members Reviews: Lots of fun for war enthusiats. Beautiful example of anecdotal correspondence. Churchill used his name and connections well, and gives us a cool perspective from inside the British camp. Considerate of Boer performance, personalities and perspectives, his writing gives a multi-faceted look at and feel of the conflict. Ric Jerrom may like to laugh more than Churchill intended, but this is a good stylistic difference. Free from romantic or sexual content and conspucuously exhibiting clean language, yet fully pithy and meaningful for adults; this work exemplifies pre-Progressive era literature, and is therefore a must for young readers to see how it is done. fascinating I now know why Churchill was so persuasive as a world leader. He writes like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle of Sherlock Holmes famd. Bringing history to life Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why? This beats reading about history hands down. The narrator is superb, bringing to life an account of the Boer War from 1899. This book is so well narrated it is like listening to old Winston himself speaking to you down through time. The narrative is a product of its time and there is the use of words which we find, quite rightly, offensive today. That said, I cannot recommend this energetic, interesting account of the Boer War highly enough. A great starter piece if you want to begin your journey into the Boer War. You will not be disappointed. What was one of the most memorable moments of The Boer War? Winston's escape from the Pretoria prison. I had never known that Winston had escaped from a prison.

Brothers Audiobook by David Talbot

biacuaduc@gmail.com (David Talbot) — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:56:58 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Brothers Subtitle: The Hidden History of the Kennedy Years Author: David Talbot Narrator: Mel Foster Format: Unabridged Length: 20 hrs and 39 mins Language: English Release date: 08-24-12 Publisher: Brilliance Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 148 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: For decades, books about John or Robert Kennedy have woven either a shimmering tale of Camelot gallantry or a tawdry story of runaway ambition and reckless personal behavior. But the real story of the Kennedys in the 1960s has long been submerged - until now. In Brothers: The Hidden History of the Kennedy Years, David Talbot sheds a dramatic new light on the tumultuous inner life of the Kennedy presidency and its stunning aftermath. Talbot, the founder of Salon.com, has written a gripping political history that is sure to be one of the most talked-about books of the year. Brothers begins on the shattering afternoon of November 22, 1963, as a grief-stricken Robert Kennedy urgently demands answers about the assassination of his brother. Bobbys suspicions immediately focus on the nest of CIA spies, gangsters, and Cuban exiles that had long been plotting a violent regime change in Cuba. The Kennedys had struggled to control this swamp of anti-Castro intrigue based in southern Florida, but with little success. Brothers then shifts back in time, revealing the shadowy conflicts that tore apart the Kennedy administration, pitting the young president and his even younger brother against their own national security apparatus. The Kennedy brothers and a small circle of their most trusted advisors - men like Theodore Sorensen, Robert McNamara, and Kenneth ODonnell, who were so close the Kennedys regarded them as family - repeatedly thwarted Washingtons warrior caste. These hardline generals and spymasters were hell-bent on a showdown with the Communist foe - in Berlin, Laos, Vietnam, and especially Cuba. But the Kennedys continually frustrated their militaristic ambitions, pushing instead for a peaceful resolution to the Cold War. The tensions within the Kennedy administration were heading for an explosive climax, when a burst of gunfire in a sunny Dallas plaza terminated John F. Kennedys presidency. Based on interviews with more than 150 people - including many of the Kennedys aging band of brothers, whose testimony here might be their final word on this epic political story - as well as newly released government documents, Brothers reveals the compelling, untold story of the Kennedy years, including JFKs heroic efforts to keep the country out of a cataclysmic war and Bobby Kennedys secret quest to solve his beloved brothers murder. Bobbys subterranean search was a dangerous one and led, in part, to his own quest for power in 1968, in a passion-filled campaign that ended with his own murder. As Talbot reveals here, RFK might have been the victim of the same plotters he suspected of killing his brother. This is historical storytelling at its riveting best - meticulously researched and movingly told. Brothers is a sprawling narrative about the clash of powerful men and the darker side of the Cold War - a tale of tragic grandeur that is certain to change our understanding of the relentlessly fascinating Kennedy saga. Members Reviews: very interesting and well written. narrator had good voice inflections and it had a lot of detail. I feel like it reflects both sides of the political divide. Great storytelling I dont know why I am so interested in the Kennedys, being a Canadian woman born in the 70s. However, I was drawn to learn more about JFKs presidency and his death. This led me to this book, which satisfied many of my lingering questions.

Blind Ambition Audiobook by John W. Dean

biacuaduc@gmail.com (John W. Dean) — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 16:42:09 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Blind Ambition Subtitle: The White House Years Author: John W. Dean Narrator: George Newbern Format: Unabridged Length: 14 hrs and 51 mins Language: English Release date: 12-13-16 Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 33 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: This New York Times best seller is an insider's account of the fall of Richard Nixon, and has remained an indispensable source into Nixon's presidency. Blind Ambition is an autobiographical account of a young lawyer who accelerated to the top of the Federal power structure to become Counsel to the President at 30 years of age, only to discover that when reaching the top, he had touched the bottom. Most striking in this chronicle is its honesty. Dean spares no one, including himself. But, as Time noted, Dean survived, despite the opposition of powerful foe, because he had no false story to protect and he had an amazing ability to recall the truth. Members Reviews: Pitch-perfect as a lawyer's eye-view I've read a few Dean books and I like the way he processes reality, and explains it. I could see an actual lawyer at each of these junctures making similar calls and ending up in this particular alley-with-no-exit. But of course there was, and is, an exit -- throwing oneself into the arms of prosecutors and, after some touch-and-go incarceration time, the classic DC exit: a book contract. Dean played it pretty well at every point, all things considered. He was a cat in a very wild jungle that landed on cat feet, if a little erratically mid-air on the way. I like his admission of alcohol overuse, though I think he soft-played the early playboy life discussed by other authors (all being hearsay, from here). This is Dean's brief on his own behalf, as half a dozen other players were to produce. (Only in the parallax of several can I hope to glean some ultimate factual record.) Meanwhile, this is a masterclass on life at the political top as perceived by a sharp-eyed lawyer. My own lawyer-litigation experience, including the portraits of various personalities found there and various tactics of all players, rang true. I like Dean's appraisals of the motives and strategies behind the words and gestures of the (now infamous) characters. For the cool-as-iced-tea Dean, bits sound perhaps whiny and self-pitying, until one immerses in the scenes and uncertainties where he found himself. Even he could be shaken and stirred. Unexpected bits include: (1) Chuck Colson as a funny, clever guy, even after being caught, jailed, and having his Christian conversion (I'm not sure in what precise order; I'll have to catch his memoirs next; no wonder Nixon liked him so much!); and (2) half-coincidentally, as I've been checking out the later Howard Hughes story, a wrap-up with Dean's conjecture on why the break-in happened, involving Howard Hughes. USA keeps generating indelible colorful/errant personalities and linking them oh so weirdly! We have always had wild disparities in outcomes and unexpected second acts, and we still do. Insightful Historical Window Preoccupied, just getting my footing asvan adult, Watergate settled in my memory as a national tragedy. Names of key players were a jumble of familiar sounds and, oh, there are so many names. While listening, I found it helpful to pause and quickly search the Internet to learn a person's significance. The Reader's vocal variety made this production engaging and worthy of my investment. A must listen for all Watergate students I read the book many years ago, and listened to it after years of reading many other Watergate-related books.

Karl Marx: A Nineteenth-Century Life Audiobook by Jonathan Sperber

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Jonathan Sperber) — Tue, 07 May 2013 00:08:46 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Karl Marx: A Nineteenth-Century Life Author: Jonathan Sperber Narrator: Kevin Stillwell Format: Unabridged Length: 22 hrs and 53 mins Language: English Release date: 05-07-13 Publisher: Audible Studios Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 90 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: Karl Marx is a magisterial and defining biography that vividly explores not only the man himself but also the revolutionary times in which he lived. Between his birth in 1818 and his death 65 years later, Karl Marx became one of Western civilization's most influential political philosophers. Two centuries on, he is still revered as a prophet of the modern world, yet he is also blamed for the darkest atrocities of modern times. But no matter in what light he is cast, the short, but broad-shouldered, bearded Marx remains - as a human being - distorted on a Procrustean bed of political "isms", perceived through the partially distorting lens of his chief disciple, Friedrich Engels, or understood as a figure of 20th-century totalitarian Marxist regimes. Returning Marx to the Victorian confines of the 19th century, Jonathan Sperber, one of the United States' leading European historians, challenges many of our misconceptions of this political firebrand turned London journalist. In this deeply humanizing portrait, Marx no longer is the Olympian soothsayer, divining the dialectical imperatives of human history, but a scholar-activist whose revolutionary Weltanschauung was closer to Robespierre's than to those of 20th-century Marxists. With unlimited access to the MEGA (the Marx-Engels Gesamtausgabe, the total edition of Marx's and Engels' writings), only recently available, Sperber juxtaposes the private man, the public agitator, and the philosopher-economist. With Napoleon III, Bismarck, Adam Smith, and Charles Darwin, among others, as supporting players, Karl Marx becomes not just a biography of a man but a vibrant portrait of an infinitely complex time. Already hailed by Publishers Weekly as "a major work... likely to be the standard biography of Marx for many years," Karl Marx promises to become the defining portrait of a towering historical figure. Members Reviews: Good Historiography, Not Great Narration Would prefer the narrator of a European historical text to be able to properly pronounce words from German and French. Informative intellectual biography, poor reading If you could sum up Karl Marx: A Nineteenth-Century Life in three words, what would they be? Hegelian bourgeois battler Who was your favorite character and why? Marx -- bourgeois and revolutionary, brawler and family man, workaholic who couldn't finish anything, thinker lodged in Hegelian philosophy who kept revising his ideas in response to each decade's new intellectual trends. How could the performance have been better? It's annoying when reviewers point out mispronunciations, but this reader's were especially prolific and egregious. "Émigré" is supposed to be stressed on the first syllable, not the second. The same goes for "Hegel." Both these words are repeated innumerable times. "Bon mots" does not rhyme with "Don Knotts." And so on. Any additional comments? I found some long sections, devoted to Marx's nasty struggles with various rival socialist leaders, a bit tedious in audiobook format.

Wilson Audiobook by A. Scott Berg

biacuaduc@gmail.com (A. Scott Berg) — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 00:25:24 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Wilson Author: A. Scott Berg Narrator: Jeremy Bobb Format: Unabridged Length: 32 hrs and 29 mins Language: English Release date: 09-10-13 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 477 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: In the tradition of Truman, John Adams, and Team of Rivals, the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning biographer of Charles Lindbergh, Maxwell Perkins, and Samuel Goldwyn sheds new light on a president and his presidency in a way that redefines our understanding of a tide-turning historical moment. A hundred years after his inauguration, Woodrow Wilson still stands as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, and one of the most enigmatic. And now, after more than a decade of research and writing, Pulitzer Prize-winning author A. Scott Berg has completed Wilson - the most personal and penetrating biography ever written about the 28th President. In addition to the hundreds of thousands of documents in the Wilson Archives, Berg was the first biographer to gain access to two recently discovered caches of papers belonging to those close to Wilson. From this material, Berg was able to add countless details - even several unknown events - that fill in missing pieces of Wilson's character and cast new light on his entire life. From the scholar-President who ushered the country through its first great world war to the man of intense passion and turbulence, from the idealist determined to make the world "safe for democracy" to the stroke-crippled leader whose incapacity and the subterfuges around it were among the century's greatest secrets, the result is an intimate portrait written with a particularly contemporary point of view - a book at once magisterial and deeply emotional about the whole of Wilson's life, accomplishments, and failings. This is not just Wilson the icon - but Wilson the man. Members Reviews: Well Written & Narrated But Too Much Hero Worship I thought that this book was extremely well written. I also thought that Jeremy Bobb did an superb job with the narration. The biggest problem I had with the book is that Professor Berg has produced a volume that deifies President Wilson too much and is not critical enough of his shortcomings both as a person and as a world leader. Throughout the book Berg gives short shift to Wilson's weaknesses (his unwillingness to forgive people whom he felt betrayed him, his pure enmity for Henry Cabot Lodge with regard to the Versailles treaty and the racism that came from his Southern roots) while spending way too much time on the good that he accomplished (his Progressive Agenda and his willingness to try to avoid US involvement in World War I until Imperial Germany pushed him too far). In writing this book Berg indicated that he had access to previously unreleased materials (i.e. the letters of one of Wilson's daughters and the letters of Dr. Grayson who was Wilson's personal physician), but in completing the book I am left with the feeling that the addition of these materials did not add greatly to the biography or shed any new light on Wilson than what I already know. If you have never read a biography of Wilson before, this book would be a good place to start in trying to understand him- but I believe that if you really want to understand the man and the times he lived, this book is only a first step. A complex man The last few years I have been reading everything I can get my hands on about World War I. Woodrow Wilson was the President during WWI therefore I have read several biographies on Wilson. In 2012 I read Woodrow Wilson: A Biography by John Milton Cooper which I enjoyed.

Tip and the Gipper Audiobook by Chris Matthews

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Chris Matthews) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 16:24:26 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Tip and the Gipper Subtitle: When Politics Worked Author: Chris Matthews Narrator: Chris Matthews Format: Unabridged Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins Language: English Release date: 10-01-13 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 123 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: From the author of the New York Times best seller Jack Kennedy - and Tip O'Neills former chief-of-staff - comes the firsthand, one-of-a-kind story of the friendship between President Reagan and the Speaker of the House. They were the political odd couple - the two most powerful men in the country, a pair who, in author Chris Matthews' words, "couldn't be more different or more the same." For six years, Matthews was on the inside, watching the evolving relationship between President Ronald Reagan and Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill. Their philosophies were miles apart - Reagan intent on scaling back government, O'Neill fervent in defending it. Yet there was common ground too: long lunches shared on St. Patricks Day and a mutual respect - political and personal. Three days after Reagans shooting, Tip was the first outsider at the presidents bedside. Drawing not only on his own remarkable knowledge but on extensive interviews with those closest to his subjects, Matthews brings this unlikely friendship to life in his unique voice, rendering as lively and novelistic a listen as Jack Kennedy and a timely object lesson in how bipartisan cooperation can work. Members Reviews: I didn't want it to end Where does Tip and the Gipper rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far? It's up there. Have you listened to any of Chris Matthewss other performances before? How does this one compare? This is the first book by Chris Matthew's I've read. I am an avid watcher of Hardball and have followed Chris for more years than I care to remember. His constant interruption of his guest just irks me to no end. I have to admit he has improved his manners. Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry? I was reluctant to purchase this audiobook because it was read by the author. However, listening to the sample changed my mind and I purchased it. What a treat. Chris didn't miss a beat and kept me up for hours listening. I listening to the book in two settings. I found myself envious of Chris' life. From Africa to the halls of power and sometimes the man behind the man. I kind of understand why he interrupts his guest so often. He just doesn't have the time nor the patience for the bullshit. I found myself at times emotionally drained. Like I was there in the room when it all went down. A fly on the wall so to speak. I was totally drawn into the story. I found myself comparing the past with the present situation going on now in the congress. This book should be required reading for all of congress. Some relief from the crap going on in DC Oct 2013 Matthews proves that two guys from the opposite side of the aisle CAN work TOGETHER and solve our nations' issues. I am a huge fan of Ronnie (in face he was the greatest President in my life to date), but I gathered new respect and admiration for Tip O'Neill and more so, the way the two worked together and compromised on the major issues of the day. Perhaps Obama and Boehner ought to get a copy and learn something from these two outstanding patriots and Americans.

Great Harry Audiobook by Carolly Erickson

biacuaduc@gmail.com (Carolly Erickson) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:49:27 GMT

Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/audiobook/317/]]> to download full audiobooks of your choice for free. Title: Great Harry Subtitle: The Extravagant Life of Henry VIII Author: Carolly Erickson Narrator: Nelson Runger Format: Unabridged Length: 19 hrs and 10 mins Language: English Release date: 10-24-11 Publisher: Recorded Books Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 55 votes Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures Publisher's Summary: In lively, absorbing prose that rivals the finest literary fiction, prize-winning historian Carolly Erickson recreates the life of the notorious Tudor king, Henry VIII. In his youth as a charming national hero, his reign as a monstrous king, and his final days as a tottering old man, Erickson draws a thoroughly convincing portrait of one of English historys most notorious characters. Members Reviews: Very interesting/ intriguing history of Henry VIII What did you love best about Great Harry? The fact that this book covered his entire life, not just his time as King of England.It gave me a very detailed background of Henry's family & ancestors, as well as what was happening in Europe in the 15 th century. From that, I was able to piece together what made this monarch such a fascinating man in England's history. I've read many books on Henry VIII, but this one put together a lot of detail about what the European monarchies were like, and the other religious and political people who were behind the scenes, so to speak. What other book might you compare Great Harry to and why? Not sure right now. Which scene was your favorite? The betrayal of Anne Boleyn. If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be? The most Feared , Maniacal & Beloved Monarch of all time: Henry VIII Any additional comments? Because there is so much information to cover in this book, I felt it was all over the place at first, & I thought the narrator was without passion until about halfway through, but I kept listening and finally things were easier to follow, with a less Henry the Gr8! This was an interesting history in that didn't centre on the well known fact he married six times but more on the man himself and the politics of the time. My criticism is that it had the feeling of a school text book as the author had a tendency to talk down to the reader. It was also difficult to listen to one of the most well known and memorable periods of English history being told by a narrator with an American accent. Nelson Runger did a good job but accent just seemed wrong when we were being told about the greatest English King! That said there was information that I didn't know and was most interested to hear about. I enjoyed the book and will listen to other Carolly Erickson's histories with equal interest. Full of info, dull narration. Like a textbook. Would you try another book from Carolly Erickson and/or Nelson Runger? I have read Carolly Erickson books before and love them. Her attention to detail is awesome. This book seems to be just a collection of stories and facts about Henry VIII. It just doesn't have much life in it. The narrator is kind of boring and slow. It is sometimes hard to tell which character is being portrayed. This is a good book for checking facts about some of the other Henry VIII books. Other than that I'd skip it for entertainment. Surprisingly good, ignore bad reviews! I have read/listened to every other Henry VIII book in Audible, both fiction and historical fiction. I found this book to contain many things I had yet to read. The author seems more favorable toward Henry than other biographers, and it was refreshing to see another point of view. This is ABSOLUTELY not written at children's level. I don't understand why anyone would say that.