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Title: Memoranda During the War

Author: Walt Whitman

Narrator: Robert Gorman

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-24-07

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

"The real war will never get in the books," Walt Whitman wrote in this diary he kept during the Civil War. Whitman chronicled his visits to Washington, D.C. hospitals where he comforted wounded men and assisted nurses and doctors. This journal, written by one of America's greatest poets and writers, captures the details and ironies of war.

(P)2007 Recorded Books

Editorial Reviews:

When his brother was injured in battle, Walt Whitman went to see him on the frontlines. There, Whitman was shocked by what he saw. Memoranda During the War is Whitman's firsthand experiences of the Civil War. Best known for his book of poetry Leaves of Grass, Whitman is a lyrical writer like no other. Robert Gorman does this literary giant justice in this performance. Gorman's tone is soft and expressive. He treats each word with special care, concerned for the sounds, the assonance, and the alliteration. With gentle pacing, Gorman catches the listeners' imaginations. These stories of soldiers, battles, doctors, and the ramifications on a nation are as important as they are beautiful.

Members Reviews:

Interesting and boring

Yes, it was both interesting and boring. It was interesting to hear Whitman's first-hand accounts of Civil War life, visiting soldiers in the hospital and the political tone of the time. And while all that was interesting, it was dry and, well, a bit boring at times. Civil War buffs would probably enjoy this more than the Average Joe. I'm glad I listened to it, but not so sure my life was changed by it.

Poignant observations from a compassionate heart

I have always loved Walt Whitman's poetry but did not have a real sense of him as a man until I listened to these tender, insightful and achingly poignant observations of the field hospitals during and after the Civil War. They are very moving snippets from his journal, very honest and personal. I was surprised that I had not heard of them earlier, as I am a Civil War 'buff'. This is a valuable contribution to knowledge about that time. Whitman's kindness to both 'secess' and Union soldiers made me appreciate him all the more. I did not give this a 5 star rating because it is not 'of a piece', but an odd assortment of topics in a bit of a mish-mash rather than an integrated work; it is from a diary, after all, and not actually ever meant for an audience, perhaps. However, as a deeply caring and wonderful human being Walt Whitman earns 10 stars.

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Title: The Triumph of Liberty

Author: Jim Powell

Narrator: Jeff Riggenbach

Format: Unabridged

Length: 26 hrs and 43 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-27-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 41 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

Some of these men and women, like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Martin Luther King, Jr., remain famous. Others, like John Lilburne, a seventeenth-century "Leveller" who spent most of his adult life in prison battling England's infamous Star Chamber, are almost unknown. Some of Powell's choices, Erasmus, Cicero, Locke, Wollstonecraft, and Frederick Douglass, have often before been praised by those who love liberty. Others, Ludwig van Beethoven, Leonard Read, and Louis L'Amour, may be surprising. Others still, like Milton Friedman or Margaret Thatcher, are controversial.

Any one of these life stories, based on biographies, letters, diaries, unpublished manuscripts, and interviews with leading scholars, could make a book. Taken together, they form a saga of epic proportions. Here, are the greatest achievements of humankind and the first-ever full story of the triumph of liberty.

For more than 30 years, Jim Powell has gathered material for The Triumph of Liberty. He has interviewed scholars, pursued research in major libraries, and visited booksellers, museums, and historic sites around the world.

Critic Reviews:

"Pithy, vivid." (Publishers Weekly)

Members Reviews:

Nice light history of libertarian thought

Jeff Riggenbach does a very nice reading of this encyclopedic history of libertarian thought and the struggle for liberty written by Jim Powell. If you are a libertarian, you will likely enjoy this book, as I did, though the brevity of some of the biographical sketches might leave you wishing for more. Powell also follows the biographical convention of adding details about each subject's family life and upbringing - which is, in my opinion, a convention this book could have done without. The passages focusing on these issues stick out like sore thumbs, especially when they are in no clear way connected to the behavior of the subject. Also, the book is written from an obviously partisan perspective on libertarianism, and though it is clear that the author wanted to present solely positive contributions, his ideological decision to gloss over Ronald Reagan's enormous credibility and ethics problems while leaving out important contributions to liberty from the other side of the political fence (i.e. Harry Truman, Woodrow Wilson, Malcolm X, John Brown) because their methods did not fit within the particular agenda espoused by this author are a little problematic. Still, the book is a very good introduction to libertarian social thought, and should be read by anybody who believes they know what being an American patriot really means.

Extraordinary insights into gems of liberty!

While I expected to hear about Thomas Jefferson, Ronal Reagan, Martin Lugher King Jr., and James Madison, the depth and breadth of this book was truly enlightening. It should be required reading for anyone with an interest in liberty. Each story is entertaining, informative and inspirational. There are so many influential people who were involved in the pursuit of liberty through the years and the author makes the connections to show how they knew and influenced each other. For anyone interested in understanding what Liberty truly means, this book could be the Cliffs Notes.

What you did not learn in history class.

This was a great book, while I did not agree with everyone the author chose to include, he does an excellent job of pointing out the greats in history.

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Title: Dante

Author: R.W.B. Lewis

Narrator: Grover Gardner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 21 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-25-05

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 14 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

In Dante, Lewis traces the life and complex development (emotional, artistic, philosophical) of this supreme poet-historian, from his wanderings through Tuscan hills and splendid churches to his days as a young soldier fighting for democracy, to his civic leadership and years of embittered exile from the city that would fiercely reclaim him a century later. Lewis reveals the boy who first encounters the mythic Beatrice, the lyric poet obsessed with life and death, the grand master of dramatic narrative and allegory, and his monumental search for ultimate truth in The Divine Comedy. It is in this masterpiece of self-discovery and redemption that Lewis finds Dante's own autobiography and the sum of all his shifting passions and epiphanies.

©2001 R.W.B. Lewis; (P)2001 Books on Tape, Inc.

Members Reviews:

a good listen, a good value

I have a rather strong interest in Dante & his Comedy, and, knowing only the broadest outline of his life, I found this selection to be entertaining and informative. The narrator has a soothing, yet engaging delivery. The rather short length might be viewed as an advantage to some, but I personally tend to like lengthy listenings. I think even someone familiar with Dante's life would profit from a listen as there is a good bit of skillful literary analysis and speculation. Not life-changing, but very pleasant.

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Title: Jane Austen

Author: Carol Shields

Narrator: Donada Peters

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-25-05

Publisher: Books on Tape

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 49 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

With the same sensitivity and artfulness that are the trademarks of her award-winning novels, Shields here explores the life of a writer whose own novels have delighted readers for the past two hundred years. In Jane Austen, Shields follows this superb novelist from her early family life in Steventon to her later years in Bath, her broken engagement, and her intense relationship with her sister Cassandra. She reveals both the very private woman and the accomplished author behind the enduring classics Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, and Emma. With its fascinating insights into the writing process from a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, Carol Shields' magnificent biography of Jane Austen is also a compelling meditation on how great fiction is created.

©2001 Carol Shields; (P)2001 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic Reviews:

"This tightly written biography brings Austen to life in a way rarely seen. Here she is the living, breathing woman not the prim literary classic. Outstanding job." (Booklist)

Members Reviews:

Everything Jane

I very much enjoyed this brief biography of Jane Austen. The biographer was knowledgable about her subject; enough so that she could make a compact but smooth-flowing account of Jane Austen's life. The narrator was marvelous. The references and quotations from the books written by Jane Austen were not overwhelming to someone who had not read them all. A pleasent listening experience.

With Apologies to Ms. Peters

I love Austin and I think Sheilds is in the same category as Munro and Atwood, as a Canadian writer who is intelligent and writes perfectly simple sentences, full of meaning...and more meaning...and even more possible meanings...She is the kind of reader worth reading again and again.

Nevertheless, I just cannot finish listening to this book because (even on double speed) I find the narration unbearably dull and starchy. In this case, the voice of the author is much more powerful on the page.

Jane Austen

narrator very good, a good biography of Jane relating her books to her life circumstances; good information on her immediate family also and sister Cassandra relationship throughout their life

Excellent Place to Begin

Donada Peters is not a bad narrator, as some have said. She did a fine job. This biography is scholarly, balanced, interesting, and worth the time for anyone who is interested in beginning to understand Austen and her novels.

Jane Austen Junkies

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Not particularly...

Has Jane Austen turned you off from other books in this genre?

Absolutely not- I read everything and anything they slap Jane Austen's name to! :-D

What three words best describe Donada Peterss performance?

Crisp, clear, professional

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Title: A Life of Dante

Author: Benedict Flynn

Narrator: John Shrapnel

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 hr and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-03-04

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

Dante's vision, The Divine Comedy, has profoundly affected every generation since it first appeared in the early 14th century. Here is a brief account of his life, compiled from various sources (including his first biographer, Boccaccio) by Benedict Flynn, whose new translation of the Comedy has been widely acclaimed. It sets the known facts of Dante's life against the turmoil of the times, and puts the very personal nature of his poetry into perspective.

Editorial Reviews:

A brief literary biography like this should leave the listener with an impression of a writer's major work and some understanding of how his life informed that work. This short work doesn't leave much of an impression. Despite an unimpeachable narration by British actor John Shrapnel, the recording bogs down in its descriptions of the politics and history of medieval Italy. This, of course, is the groundwork upon which The Divine Comedy was written, but a short work like this is unable to provide any real synthesis, and the result is a contextual litany of names and dates.

Members Reviews:

Quick History Lesson

This is a very quick study of Dante's life. It is well written and narrated, but I got a little lost in the foreign names and events since my knowledge of Italian history is limited. I enjoyed the story, however, and it did introduce me to Dante and 13th century Italian history.

A Life of Dante by Bendict Flynn

Benedict Flynn describes in his short story the life of Dante Alighieri - the Italian poet of Dark Ages. The book reveals the dark side of the life of Dante - his conflicts with Florentines, his banishment from beloved city of Florentine, his passion for Guelphs and their struggles with Ghibellins. For those who do not know - Guelphs were papacy supporters against Ghibellins - the Roman Emperors supporters. Later - the movement divided into two factions Black and White Guelphs, and Dante was unfortunate to be White, while Black were in power, the power that, among other things was used to expel Dante for life long exile in Verona and finally in Ravenna.

The short book suggests that these misfortunes in Dante life, were actually the breeding ground for Dante's "Divine Comedy".

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Title: Living Biographies of Famous Novelists

Author: Henry Thomas, Dana Lee Thomas

Narrator: Pat Bottino

Format: Unabridged

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-13-00

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 2 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

"In telling the story of each of the novelists included in this book, it has been our purpose to depict not only the outer man, as seen through the facts of his life, but also the inner man, as seen through the thoughts of his mind. And it has been our delight to discover that every great novelist, when viewed from this double angle, is himself the hero of a great novel."

Members Reviews:

Colorful and fascinating!

Listening to these biographical sketches was like strolling through an exhibition of well loved impressionists. Even if you know well the novelists covered, you may get a new vivid and pleasing impressionistic glimpse of them.

While listening, I continued to wonder who was coming next. I was not deceived by the selection and even figured out some coherent progression as to their geographical whereabouts beyond the fundamental chronology of the presentation.

I didn't choose this audio book to learn any hard facts I didn't know before and spend an excellent time listening.

My only general regret is that audible.com files don't allow you to jump directly to the beginning of a given chapter (as you might do in a printed version) and this audio books doesn't even give any overview or index of the chapters (and novelists) it contains.

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Title: Wildthings and Vision Quest Ranch

Subtitle: Salinas California

Author: Patricia Lawrence

Narrator: J. D. Streeter

Format: Original Recording

Length: 28 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-04-14

Publisher: Travel Radio International

Genres: Travel & Adventure, Adventure & Exploration

Publisher's Summary:

Wildthings and Vision Quest Ranch is home to elephants, tigers, and other wild animals from around the world. Guests can get up close and interact with and care for some of the animals. Patricia Lawrence is exploring Wildthings with foundering president Charlie Sammut.

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Title: Kiev. Top-10

Author: Daniil Kovtun

Narrator: Stanislav Ivanov

Format: Unabridged

Length: 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-23-14

Publisher: New Internet Technologies

Genres: Travel & Adventure, Adventure & Exploration

Publisher's Summary:

Kiev - starinnyj gorod s bogatoj istoriej i ogromnym kul'turnym naslediem, on slavitsja svoej krasotoj i dostoprimechatel'nostjami. O nih i rasskazhet uvlekatel'naja audiokniga: iz nee Vy uznaete o pamjatnikah, cerkvjah, muzejah i obo vsem tom, chto sostavljaet duhovnoe dostojanie stolicy so mnogovekovym stazhem.

Please note: This audiobook is in Russian.

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Title: E.M. Forster

Subtitle: A New Life

Author: Wendy Moffat

Narrator: Paul Boehmer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 24 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-04-13

Publisher: Audible Studios for Bloomsbury

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

A New York Times Book Review Editors Choice

Finalist for the PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography

ALA Stonewall Honor Book

Finalist for James Tait Black Memorial Prize

E. M. Forsters homosexuality was the central fact of his life. Between Wildes imprisonment and the Stonewall riots, Forster led a long, strange, and imaginative life as a gay man. He preserved a vast archive of his private life - a history of gay experience he believed would find its audience in a happier time. Seeing Forsters life through the lens of his sexuality, Wendy Moffats biography offers us a dramatic new view - revealing his astuteness as a social critic, his political bravery, and his prophetic vision of gay intimacy. E.M. Forster: A New Life casts fresh light on one of the most beloved writers of the 20th century.

Members Reviews:

Boringly read

What would have made E.M. Forster better?

I found it very difficult to get a feel for the book as it was so badly narrated.

What was one of the most memorable moments of E.M. Forster?

I am sure there were many but I found it too difficult to wade through the appalling pronunciation and lack of tone/vocal inflection of the narrator.

What didnt you like about Paul Boehmers performance?

The book would have been more absorbing if there had been more interest in the voice of the narrator. He did not pronounce some of the words properly and quite often I had to listen to the sentence again to work out what he was saying.

Any additional comments?

I would love to hear the book again but being narrated by someone who enjoys reading and conveying to others his/her interest in the text.

Absorbing and interesting

Loved this book which added to the pleasure of Forster's books, have already started to read again, such a beautiful and authentic being.

Only connect

A sympathetic account of Forster's life, generally well-written, but in US English, which sometimes causes momentary confusion; "idyll" is a homonym of "idol", "preparatory school" isn't 5-13, but a secondary school, "write V Woolf" means send her a letter, ie, "write to her".

Pronunciation (except for Italian) isn't European, and the narrator could have done us the politeness of finding out "Tonbridge" is pronounced "Tunbridge"; the spelling, not the sound, was changed to avoid confusion at railway stations with its younger, more prosperous neighbour, Tunbridge Wells, where I live at present, subject of literary scorn from Jane Austen to Mary Beard, but redeemed lately in being the only constituency in SE, outsideLondon, to vote "Remain" in EU Referendum.

Entertained by description of Cavafy, a poet I appreciate, as "57, but described himself as middle-aged"! OF COURSE, 57 is young....(at least in Europe, maybe old in US)

Morgan, born a century too early, might not have written his considerable novels if he'd been able to live authentically. Merchant-Ivory wouldn't have had material for costume dramas of beauty and gentle social comment, but perhaps he'd have produced even better literature; who knows?

Morgan seems to have been rather a nice bloke; he wanted love, not endless casual sex, considered other people's feelings, was pacifist, a loyal friend

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Title: Postcards from a Rock and Roll Tour

Author: Gordy Marshall

Narrator: Gordy Marshall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-18-13

Publisher: Splendid Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 12 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Artists, Writers, & Musicians

Publisher's Summary:

Postcards From a Rock and Roll Tour is drummer Gordon Marshall's witty and wry take on life on the road touring with legendary rock band The Moody Blues. Part memoir, part travelogue, it is a candid, unexpected, and often hilarious account of just what it's like to travel around the world playing to sell-out audiences, living out of a suitcase, and spending days and days on a tour bus. If you thought being in a rock band was all sex, drugs, and rock and roll, then think again.

Members Reviews:

"Letter's I've written..." and I'm glad they were

Would you listen to Postcards from a Rock and Roll Tour again? Why?

Yes. A fun read.

Who was your favorite character and why?

n/a

What about Gordy Marshalls performance did you like?

Friendly, casual, without being falsely intimate. Definite sense that Gordy enjoyed what he does and writing about it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Written about a recent tour so that the feeling was very here-and-now, in the present while triggering much nostalgia for a longtime Moody Blues fan.

Any additional comments?

A good read. A must for any Moody Blues fan and just plain fun. I've read (and listened to via audio) quite a few rock and roll autobiographies and I've enjoyed most of them. But Gordy's book is different and in a very pleasant way. Not "kiss and tell" scandal-mongering nor confessional, "...and you thought I had a good life"; neither is it written "from on high and mighty." This truly seems like letters from a friend - polite but down to earth, witty and friendly. Very well written and informative without losing a nice, casual tone.

A 'must read' and now a 'must hear' book....!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would absolutely recommend this book to a friend!

For those who have hesitated ordering this book because they are simply too busy to read ANYTHING these days, you now have no excuse. With this, you can listen to each postcard unfold by that witty chap himself. Just be ready to laugh out loud uncontrollably at times. You may want to make sure you're not disturbing anyone around you by your frequent chuckling.

What did you like best about this story?

What did I enjoy the most from this book? It has to be Gordy Marshall's point of view on what it's sometimes REALLY like touring on the road with a world class band. In this case, it just happens to be The Moody Blues.....

Have you listened to any of Gordy Marshalls other performances before? How does this one compare?

Gordy has shared some of the podcasts he had narrated with a few of his earlier 'postcards'. They are all fantastic and very enjoyable to listen to. Definitely leaves you asking for more....

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Without giving too much away and spoiling things for the reader (or listener), it's important to note that this is certainly not just a light-hearted book. There are many thought provoking 'moment to pause' passages as well.

Any additional comments?

We are really looking forward to Gordy's next book and hope there will be many more to follow!

In a coma by postcard 15!

If you thought being on a rock and roll tour was all sex and drugs, forget it. This is such a tedious book to listen too.