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Title: American Warlord

Subtitle: A True Story

Author: Johnny Dwyer

Narrator: Peter Jay Fernandez

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-07-15

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 16 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures

Publisher's Summary:

A gripping work of reportage that, for the first time, tells the story of "Chucky" Taylor, a young American who lost his soul in Liberia, the country where his African father was a ruthless warlord and dictator.

Chucky Taylor was in many ways an average American kid: Growing up in Florida, he had friends, a high school sweetheart, and some brushes with the law. But then, in 1992, at age 15, he traveled to Liberia to meet his estranged father Charles Taylor - the warlord and future president of Liberia. Adrift in a strange, underdeveloped country, Chucky became the commander of the infamous Anti-Terrorist Unit, aka "Demon Forces".

Suddenly powerful amidst the lawlessness of his father's rule, any semblance of morality vanished: The savagery and pointlessness of his crimes shocked even his brutal father. Fleeing Liberia as his father's government fell, Chucky was caught sneaking into the United States and became the first American convicted of the war crime of torture. Now, Johnny Dwyer's deeply researched audiobook tells not just the riveting story of Chucky Taylor and his family, but also of Liberia, a nation which only recently has found reason to hope for the future.

Members Reviews:

More a historic review than a biography

This book is not what I expected. It is more a history of Liberia than a biography of Chucky Taylor. It is well written and informative.

The narration is exceptional. His voice matches the text, at times impartial and informative and at other times it's filled with the pathos and accents of the victims of the Taylors.

A thug's life

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

What sets this book apart from other bios of third world warlords is that its subject, Chucky Taylor, was born in the United States and spent his formative years there. Other than that, I didnt find the narrative all that compelling. There is little about Taylor or his story to hold the listeners interest his banality, cruelty, and seeming lack of insight into the effect of his actions on those around him could be the story of any number of faceless tyrants that have been all too depressingly common in the history of the dark continent. I had expected a rise and fall story of an evil but perhaps compelling figure but there is little here to suggest Taylor did little more than stumble into power by birthright before fading away to irrelevance. In this case, truth is duller than fiction.

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Title: Angela Merkel [Danish Edition]

Subtitle: Kansleren og hendes verden [The Chancellor and Her World]

Author: Stefan Kornelius

Narrator: Helle Bgeskov Mortensen

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-19-15

Publisher: ArtPeople

Ratings: 2 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures

Publisher's Summary:

Hvordan prstedatteren fra sttyskland blev Europas mgtigste politiker - en udenrigspolitisk biografi om Angela Merkels verden og Europas fremtid. Med eurokrisen har Merkel fet en magt, som isr i udlandet har fremkaldt sprgsml om, hvad der har prget hende, hvad der driver hende, og hvad hendes overbevisninger er. Hvem er denne politiker, der holder Europas skbne i sine hnder? Angela Merkel tiltrdte som Tysklands kansler den 22. November 2005 som den frste kvindelige kansler, den frste kansler fra det tidligere sttyskland og den yngste kansler i Forbundsrepublikkens historie. Hun har bret Tyskland gennem krisen med usvkket mandat, og internationalt har hun samtidig hstet bred anerkendelse for sine evner som forhandler. Stefan Kornelius, der har fulgt Merkel siden 1989, fortller om, hvordan hendes syn p verden er blevet formet af hendes baggrund i det lukkede DDR - og hvordan det blev udviklet gennem de personlige relationer til bl.a. Barack Obama, Vladimir Putin og Benjamin Netanyahu og de lande og kulturer, de reprsenterer.

Please note: This audiobook is in Danish.

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Title: The Peter Lawford Story

Subtitle: Life with the Kennedys, Monroe, and the Rat Pack

Author: Patricia Lawford Stewart, Ted Schwarz

Narrator: Nancy Linari

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-17-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3 of 5 out of 26 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures

Publisher's Summary:

As the brother in law to JFK and a member of the Rat Pack, Peter Lawford was one of America's most acclaimed movie stars. Lawford led an extraordinary life. His story, as told by the woman who knew him best, is the always candid, sometimes shocking unveiling of the most intriguing show business personalities and significant political events of our time.

Now fully updated and revised for 2014, this is a must-listen for anyone interested in Hollywood, film, and celebrity gossip.

Members Reviews:

Don't chose this book.

I was hoping this would be an informative, insightful book.

First the narrator was irritating.

The story was put together in odd vignettes

If you want to know about Peter Lawford, then read Christopher Lawford's books.

Interesting information, but very disjointed.

I thought the story was okay, but very disjointed and not very organized. Didn't really have a lot of information about the rat pack years.

Do not listen to this book

What disappointed you about The Peter Lawford Story?

I was looking forward to a book about his life, but got a very narrow, not entirely believable story by his last wife. She was in her early 20's and was married to him for only a few months before he died. It was so bad that I never finished it.

Would you ever listen to anything by Patricia Lawford Stewart and Ted Schwarz again?

Ted Schwarz was fine but Stewart's story seemed contrived and unbelievable.

Did Nancy Linari do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

She was not clear on anything and did a lot of "gossiping" without much believable look at any of the characters, including Peter Lawford himself.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

It was so bad, I stopped listening to the book in the middle, tried to finish it but finally just stopped listening. I would have preferred a book that told his whole story by someone who knew him well.

worst book ever

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

someone else writinhg it

Has The Peter Lawford Story turned you off from other books in this genre?

it had little to do with Peter more about immature wife

What didnt you like about Nancy Linaris performance?

light weight

What character would you cut from The Peter Lawford Story?

the wife

Any additional comments?

waste of time

Disgraceful

I remember how good he was in Little Women and in comedies. I don't want to remember how many drugs he took or the last wife who took them with him. The man suffered enough. Let him rest in peace.

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Title: 41: A Portrait of My Father

Author: George W. Bush

Narrator: George W. Bush

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-11-14

Publisher: Random House Audiobooks

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures

Publisher's Summary:

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:

Gives son's account of his fathers life

It is simple and enjoyable. I enjoyed Bush junior's awkward moments throughout the book. I never had a positive opinion on Bush Jr. and his Presidency, but this book changed my view on Bush.

A terrific audiobook about a great American hero

George W Bush's audiobook about his father is easy to listen to and full of feeling. If you appreciate the leadership of George H W Bush this is worth listening to.

Nice

I lovely story of a sons love of his father, dubya is obviously extremely proud of his dad, and it's a cracking insight into recent history

Excellent Personal Account

I belong to a generation that knows George W. But not his father. It was a very interesting thing to hear the sons account of his father.

Lots of personal stories and insight that tells so much about George H. W.

I came away still in disagreement over just about every choice these two men made through their whole lives! But the Two-term Bush speaks well and offers a clear presentation of his written word.

Delighted that he examined in more detail his father's early life before the presidency. And was particularly struck with the detailed accounts of his acting Presidency after the shooting of Reagan.

I got this using the monthly credit and probably wouldn't spend more than 10 on it however.

Outstanding biography

Fascinating to listen to, couldn't leave it alone. Made better by the fact it was real by President George W Bush. Excellent

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Title: Dear Leader

Author: Jang Jin-Sung

Narrator: Daniel York

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 42 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-03-14

Publisher: Random House Audiobooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures

Publisher's Summary:

Dear Leader contains astonishing new insights about North Korea which could only be revealed by someone working high up in the regime. It is also the gripping story of how a member of the inner circle of this enigmatic country became its most courageous, outspoken critic.

Jang Jin-sung held one of the most senior ranks in North Korea's propaganda machine, helping tighten the regime's grip over its people. Among his tasks were developing the founding myth of North Korea, posing undercover as a South Korean intellectual and writing epic poems in support of the dictator, Kim Jong-il.

Young and ambitious, his patriotic work secured him a bizarre audience with Kim Jong-il himself, thus granting him special status as one of the 'Admitted'. This meant special food provisions, a travel pass and immunity from prosecution and harm. He was privy to state secrets, including military and diplomatic policies, how the devastating 'Scrutiny' was effected, and the real position of one of the country's most powerful, elusive men, Im Tong-ok. Because he was praised by the Dear Leader himself, he had every reason to feel satisfied with his lot and safe.

Yet he could not ignore his conscience, or the disparity between his life and that of those he saw starving on the street. After breaking security rules, Jang Jin-sung, together with a close friend, was forced to flee for his life: away from lies and deceit, towards truth and freedom.

Members Reviews:

Amazing

I have read and listened to hundreds of books and never felt compelled to review. This is by far the best book I have ever read. I couldnt stop listening. Please read it.

Loved every moment.

Thoroughly recommend it to anyone with an interest in North Korea or the story of the North Korean people. Some of the sections with in depth politics / bureaucratic explanations (lots of names!) are tough in audio but always summarised clearly at the beginning and end to help you!

Couldn't put it down!

Beautifully written, I just couldnt put it down. I hope one day North Koreans get to see the outside world.

Lifts the lid off North Korea.

Really interesting expose written by an insider.

I'm sure it would help get a better understanding if this book were widely known.

Superb

A must read for anybody interested in those countries that suffer under tyranny. Contains powerful insights into North Korea's reality coupled with a moving human story. A superb book.

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Title: Good Morning, Mr Mandela

Author: Zelda la Grange

Narrator: Adjoa Andoh

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-19-14

Publisher: Whole Story Audio

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures

Publisher's Summary:

Good Morning, Mr Mandela is the journey of an awkward young typist later chosen to become the President's most loyal servant, spending most of her adult life travelling with, and caring for the man she would come to call 'Khulu', or 'grandfather'.

Here Zelda pays tribute to Nelson Mandela as she knew him. A man who forgave and respected all, but who was also frank, teasing and direct. Now she shares his inspiring gifts with the world.

Members Reviews:

thank you Zelada

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

Absolutely. As it comes across as an honest account of the events in Nelson Mandela's life after his release from prison. It is a frank and open account with all its flaws.

What did you like best about this story?

It is a personal account of one person who was very committed to serving a very special man (Mr Mandala) who led by example, a great inspirational human being in my life time.

An amazing story, and a beautiful tribute

Would you listen to Good Morning, Mr Mandela again? Why?

Yes, Zelda learnt so much from Mandela, and I am sure that each time I reread this book, I will always pick up something new from it. I also loved accompanying Zelda through her journey with Madiba. It is a journey I would enjoy taking again.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Good Morning, Mr Mandela?

It is very hard to pick just one. For example, I enjoyed the sweet funny moments with Mandela that just made me smile, for instance he was giving a talk that involved MacDonalds which he simply referred to as "the people who make the sandwiches". (He simply didn't eat at fast food restaurants so he would not have really known about Macdonalds). As well as those moments there are some real heart jerking moments when you remember just what Madiba has been through on Robin Island as a prisoner. In addition to this, you are seeing things through his secretary Zelda's perspective, who herself is being made free from the chains of apartheid that divided South Africa.

Have you listened to any of Adjoa Andohs other performances? How does this one compare?

I have not, but I do think that her voice was perfect for this book. I also loved the Afrikaans click every time she said Xhosa and some names that would usually be pronounced with that sound.

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

Both! As I said there where those sweet funny moments with Madiba that just made me smile but I felt very emotional, especially towards the end of the book. I could really sense Zelda's heart ache around the time of Madiba's death. I felt especially sad in the way she was treated towards the end as it was not only insensitive but would not have been what Madiba would have liked. It did make me feel very sad, but then I was also happy looking back throughout the book at the amazing things this man and his secretary had accomplished. I do think it takes a very special book to make you both laugh and cry and this one certainly does!

Any additional comments?

This is a beautiful book, and I feel after reading it I appreciate who Nelson Mandela was that much more. It is personal without being intrusive. It is sensitive without being overly sentimental.

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Title: Dean Acheson

Subtitle: A Life in the Cold War

Author: Robert L Beisner

Narrator: Ben Bartolone

Format: Unabridged

Length: 31 hrs and 37 mins

Language: English

Release date: 04-22-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures

Publisher's Summary:

Dean Acheson was one of the most influential Secretaries of State in U.S. history, presiding over American foreign policy during a pivotal era - the decade after World War II when the American Century slipped into high gear. During his vastly influential career, Acheson spearheaded the greatest foreign policy achievements in modern times, ranging from the Marshall Plan to the establishment of NATO.

In this acclaimed biography, Robert L. Beisner paints an indelible portrait of one of the key figures of the last half-century. In a book filled with insight based on research in government archives, memoirs, letters, and diaries, Beisner illuminates Acheson's major triumphs, including the highly underrated achievement of converting West Germany and Japan from mortal enemies to prized allies, and does not shy away from examining his missteps. But underlying all his actions, Beisner shows, was a tough-minded determination to outmatch the strength of the Soviet bloc - indeed, to defeat the Soviet Union at every turn. The book also sheds light on Acheson's friendship with Truman - one, a bourbon-drinking Midwesterner with a homespun disposition, the other, a mustachioed Connecticut dandy who preferred perfect martinis.

Over six foot tall, with steel blue, "merry, searching eyes" and a "wolfish" grin, Dean Acheson was an unforgettable character - intellectually brilliant, always debonair, and tough as tempered steel. This lustrous portrait of an immensely accomplished and colorful life is the epitome of the biographer's art.

Members Reviews:

Good subject, too bad about the rest

Any additional comments?

Verbose, too long, lacks substance, topical mostly, and poor unfeeling quick paced narration makes it a chore to listen to. Too bad, a great history here to tell.

A Man of Reason

One of the most well written biographies I have ever read. Acheson was a man of reason during very challenging times for our country and the world. Author Beisner did a good job of crafting language that emulate the witty, well spoken and speak-his-mind Acheson himself. Recommended to readers who appreciate writing above the norm and reading about remarkable men.

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Title: Conversations with Kennedy

Author: Benjamin Bradlee

Narrator: Richard Davidson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-12-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 6 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures

Publisher's Summary:

Ben Bradlee first came to know John Kennedy well when they were Washington neighbors in 1958. They remained good friends and off-the-record confidants until President Kennedy's death. They also had a more professional relationship governed by Bradlee's job covering the capital for Newsweek.

Bradlee and his wife Tony participated in the parties at the White House and in more private moments when the president and Jacqueline were relaxing with friends. With Kennedy's knowledge, Bradlee kept notes of their intimate conversations. These records are the basis for this behind-the-scenes record of the human side of the JFK presidency.

For the first time, all the conflicting elements of Kennedy's personality are seen at the closest possible range. Here was a politician of the South Boston stripe who also was at home among the WASP intellectuals he brought into government, who loved the sick old tiger who was his father and yet would not be dominated by him, who understood his brothers' every quirk and strength, admired women, and had few illusions about human nature but nursed dreams all the same.

Members Reviews:

to share the joys of raising children and having their wives become great friends as well

The author only knew the Kennedy's for a short time, mainly as a journalist...then a neighbor...then as a friend. These conversations, for the most part were off the record, but the President was aware that the author was taking notes and would not be written about for at least 5 years after Kennedy left the Office of POTUS. This book does not contain anything secret or major so to speak, but shows the Kennedy family in a more relaxed atmosphere, just humans after all. It must have been special to be included in dinners and parties, to hear all the latest gossip, to share the joys of raising children and having their wives become great friends as well. It's also difficult to imagine having to see the country and especially Jackie lose so much after Kennedy was assassinated and all of them to carry on. I thought the read was interesting.

A well written, easy to read memoir of the relationship between newspaperman Ben Bradlee and POTUS JFK

A well written memoir of a friendship between Ben Bradlee and his then wife and children and JFK, Jackie, and their children. The book also displays how Ben's job as a newspaper man and JFKs job as POTUS worked together in a symbiotic way. Somehow, these two brilliant men lived a friendship and a working relationship in such a way that the whole was greater than the sum of its parts. The book also gives you a sort of a back door look at history as it was made during JFKs presidency as well as an intimate look at personal and professional relationships JFK had with other important figures of the day. You get a real sense of how different American culture was in the late fifties and early sixties

Solid picture of Kennedy the man

Kennedy himself said that biographies answer the question "what's he like?" And based on this book, JFK was funny, shrewd, profane, and completely unsentimental. Some of this is a function of the fact that he and Bradlee were navy men, and related to each other on that level.

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Title: Mandela

Subtitle: My Prisoner, My Friend

Author: Christo Brand

Narrator: Rupert Degas

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-10-14

Publisher: Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 10 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures

Publisher's Summary:

Christo Brand was an 18-year-old recruit to the South African prison service when he was sent to work at the Robben Island prison. He was assigned to guard Nelson Mandela, who he was told was a dangerous terrorist. Over time, he became friendly with Mandela, even helping his wife Winnie bring in their grandchild for Mandela to hold for the first time.

The bond of trust between the two men extended beyond Mandela's prison years. As President of South Africa, he called for Christo and gave him a job in the archives department in Parliament. A few weeks before his death, Mandela made another call, to say goodbye.

Mandela: My Prisoner, My Friend is the story of Mandela's life in Christo Brand's own words, and of a powerful friendship forming in the most unlikely of places.

Members Reviews:

An Amazing true story

This is an amazing true account, written by a great man, about his time with another great man. I met Christo Brand a few times and he is a genuinely kind and giving human being and had tremendous respect for Nelson Mandela. This book is awesome!

Moved from dark to light...Enlightened!

My cousin Marilyn wanted to give me the book...I said i would listen to it on audible. i now wish i had the book (and its photos) for my collection. maybe I can still get this masterpiece.

Good read

Fascinating story of the life and times of Mandela .. Very personable and informative ... Of a greT man and his times

Very interesting perspective of Mandela

Well written and well read. I would recommend to anyone who has an interest in Mandela's life. Told from a different perspective; gives you more insight into Mandela's true personality and humility throughout his time in prison. The narrator reads well and it adds a little realism having a South African narrating.

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Title: Lincoln's Boys

Subtitle: John Hay, John Nicolay, and the War for Lincoln's Image

Author: Joshua Zeitz

Narrator: Malcolm Hillgartner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 02-04-14

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 46 votes

Genres: Bios & Memoirs, Political Figures

Publisher's Summary:

A timely and intimate look into Abraham Lincoln's White House through the lives of his two closest aides and confidants.

Lincoln's official secretaries, John Hay and John Nicolay, enjoyed more access, witnessed more history, and knew Lincoln better than anyone outside of the president's immediate family. Hay and Nicolay were the gatekeepers of the Lincoln legacy. They read poetry and attendeded the theater with the president, commiserated with him over Union army setbacks, and plotted electoral strategy. They were present at every seminal event, from the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation to Lincoln's delivery of the Gettysburg Address - and they wrote about it after his death.

In their biography of Lincoln, Hay and Nicolay fought to establish Lincoln's heroic legacy and to preserve a narrative that saw slavery - not states' rights - as the sole cause of the Civil War. As Joshua Zeitz shows, the image of a humble man with uncommon intellect who rose from obscurity to become a storied wartime leader and emancipator is very much their creation.

Drawing on letters, diaries, and memoirs, Lincoln's Boys is part political drama and part coming-of-age tale - a fascinating story of friendship, politics, war, and the contest over history and remembrance.

Critic Reviews:

"What a wonderful, welcome book. Zeitz has pulled off a difficult task - revealing how the myth of Lincoln came to be without distorting the true greatness of our extraordinary 16th President." (Ken Burns, filmmaker)

Members Reviews:

Best Publicists since Mathew, Mark, Luke, & John

What about Malcolm Hillgartners performance did you like?

Malcolm Hillgartner a brilliant narrator. His voice brings both sparkle and resonance to his performance. It was a true pleasure to listen to him. His credits include AudioFile Best Voice award in 2013 for Biography and Fiction for Kissinger to name but one honor.

Any additional comments?

No political leader since the father of our country, George Washington, holds a more revered position in our pantheon of political leaders then Abraham Lincoln. The work of his official secretaries, John Hay and John Nicolay are the chief apostils of the Lincoln image we have today. It is their work that crushed mean spirited or uninformed biographies that sought to capitalize on post assassination interest, and that burnished his image to the saintly figure we have today, embodied in the Lincoln memorial. If Washington is the god head of our country, then Lincoln is the sacrificial lamb who paid for the sin of slavery in the Constitution. His death and the deaths of 620,000 Civil War soldiers paid the price to expiate the sin of slavery from the Constitution through the 13th amendment and make a down payment on expiation from the body politic. The struggle goes on and other martyrs have joined Lincoln.

This book parallels the stories of the lives of John Hay and John Nicolay as they pursued their quite different lives after Lincolns death. During this time they maintained a friendship and had an ultimate goal to write the definitive history of Lincoln. The advantage these two authors had is that they retained the presidential papers of Abraham Lincoln. These papers formed the irrefutable reference base they cited to write their 10 volume history entitled, Abraham Lincoln: A History published in 1890.