J.

Its having been narrated by Condoleezza herself, with her own 1st hand views! The book could easily be required enjoyable reading for history buffs, especially those with a diplomacy or political science bent. No Higher Honor also goes a long way to dispel perhaps an image she had for a time as the Bush-Cheney mouthpiece. Condoleezza Rice does quite well in her narration (just get used to the way she pronounces "allies") and lets it be well known she had her own voice in all key matters of concern when she was National Security Advisor and later Secretary of State. I particularly enjoyed her candid views of various events and personalities, and the diplomatic processes and how they either facilitated or got in the way of U.S. international relations. I hope we haven't seen the last of Condi on the national stage.

Yes, because it's in Penny's own voice, Bronx accent and all, giving the best telling of her memories as you're going to get and enjoy!

There's nothing like listening to the author's own voice in going through his or her own book. However, in this case, the listener will have to put up with Langella's low, slow, almost somnolescent, funereal voice or intonations. It's just as well, as by far the majority of the people he speaks of are either well past cremated or rather nicely dug in their graves or slid into their niches long ago.

No. Though generally pleasing to listen to, his voice is a bit too funereal or, more charitably, sleep inducing.

rich, somnolescent, funereal.

No. But wait. Maybe so. Langella would probably feel that he's good enough to play them all, but then would probably pass if another Kennedy asked him to dinner.

Content of book is entertaining enough to recommend. For example, who knew how incredibly boring Richard Burton could be, and so forth. But then, like so many long dead others that Langella name-drops and "dishes" along the way, they can't quite answer back, can they?