The Americans: 11 True Stories of Challenge and Wonder

By: David Vachon, Paul Chrastina, Rick Bromer, Michael Fuller

Narrated by: Michael Holmes

Length: 3 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Here are tales of adventurers, gifted and determined, who enriched our lives as they lived theirs with spirit and grit. Francis Scott Key, who turned glorious patriot as he saw Fort McHenry’s defenders bombed but not bowed. Amelia Earhart, who became a famous pilot before she could fly. Slaves William and Ellen Craft, who ran a thousand miles for freedom using audacity and ingenious disguise. Butch Cassidy and Sundance, Barnum, Twain, Dix. The first female doctor, a Civil War spy, the sharpshooting Quaker girl of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, and the man who banished pain. Meet them all - discover the TRUE stories about the people you only thought you knew.

You can find the print versions of these and many more stories from OldNewsPublishing.com. The Americans is also in Kindle form on Amazon.com.

©2012 Olds News Publishing (P)2012 Michael Holmes

Inspiring!

If you could sum up The Americans: 11 True Stories of Challenge and Wonder in three words, what would they be?

Courage and determination personified.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dorothea Dix could have frittered away her life and fortune on herself, but chose instead to use both resources to help the unlovely, unwanted people of society - the mentally ill. Her long life is a testament to selfless service - very inspiring!

Which scene was your favorite?

Hard to choose one favorite scene out of the 11 lives this book describes, because each story contains an inspiring hero.

Any additional comments?

The narration flows nicely with the musical backgrounds - helps to enhance the stories.

History Lives Again!

Where does The Americans: 11 True Stories of Challenge and Wonder rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

These stories rank among the top of my list.

What other book might you compare The Americans: 11 True Stories of Challenge and Wonder to and why?

The Right Stuff. I am certain the true tales of these earlier Americans were the inspiration for heros like Chuck Yeager, John Glen, and Neil Armstrong. I'd like to hear their stories this way too.

What does Michael Holmes bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Mr. Holmes' voice makes the story come alive without excessive hyperbole, drawing me into the adventure as if it I were hearing it for the first time. (in addition to the fact that, I can't read much anymore because my eyesight is failing: )

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

I was proud to be an American.

Any additional comments?

I would buy more material narrated by Michael Holmes. I wish I could find more of his stuff.

Full immersion history

What did you love best about The Americans: 11 True Stories of Challenge and Wonder?

The variety of stories told in a riveting fashion, will keep your attention from beginning to end. At the same time, because each story isn't extremely long, if your life involves lots of interruptions and changes in direction, you'll be able to savor each story one at a time.

What about Michael Holmes’s performance did you like?

The narration by Michael Holmes was perfectly suited to the stories.

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

There are moments of laughter and moments of tears scattered through the book.

Any additional comments?

I only wish there were more!

Great inspirational stories

I enjoyed this book. Lots of stories that aren't fully known are now clear to me. I'd recommend this as a nice quick and easy read.

Who knew?

Any additional comments?

Most everybody loves a good story. For me in particular, not so much. Unless... it is a good story about real events which happened to real people. Then it becomes both compelling and full of intrigue.

Imagining what it must have been like to actually be there in a different time and place, I was struck by how vastly different society was when these characters walked American soil, and yet how human nature hasn't changed at all.

From the inspirational life of Amelia Earhart, to the scandalous escapades of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, to the amazing stories of obscure people I have never heard of, I was drawn in to each one's world and amazed by their courage, audacity, and vision.

This is just a sampling of countless people of similar talent and ambition who have made America a great nation, The narrator delivers the stories in a smooth manner that is easy to listen to, and provides just enough background music and sound effects to bring the stories to life.

I am already listening to it a second time... and no, I am not a history buff.

History Comes to Life

Where does The Americans: 11 True Stories of Challenge and Wonder rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The top of my list.

What other book might you compare The Americans: 11 True Stories of Challenge and Wonder to and why?

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Your great expectations are fulfilled in the Americans: 11 True Stories of Challenge and Wonder.

What about Michael Holmes’s performance did you like?

Michael Holmes's voice is easy to listen to and the sound effects and music enhance the listening experience.

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

All the stories moved me!

Any additional comments?

This audio book should be in every school library!!!! Kids of all ages will love these stories.

Storytelling at Its Best!

Any additional comments?

Sit back and enjoy old-fashioned storytelling at its best! “The Americans” is a collection of 11 true tales that celebrate the diversity and ingenuity of those heroes who paved the way before us. The narrator does an excellent job of creating the perfect tone and mood for each story. The musical interludes are well placed and appropriate to the particular historical account. A truly enjoyable listening experience!

Great History Review

Good history with excellent narrative. the speaker was a little flat. Great for adults and kids alike.

Informative and well produced

I'm a documentary film maker and discovered this book doing research on a possible future project. I found the stories engaging and well told. The production is top notch with music and sound effects used to help "paint" a visual picture of the stories as they unfold. I think the narrator is spot on, not too sing-songy or overly dramatic, and he speaks with a warmth and feeling for the subject in a clear strong tone.

Wonderful!!

Would you listen to The Americans: 11 True Stories of Challenge and Wonder again? Why?

I have listened to this audible once and I'm starting the second time now. I am not a history buff but I find these stories to be entertaining and educational.

What other book might you compare The Americans: 11 True Stories of Challenge and Wonder to and why?

I can't really think of a book that I can compare this with that is as entertaining as well as educational.

What about Michael Holmes’s performance did you like?

He read with the correct inflection and pronunciations without taking away from the content. I also enjoyed the music added softly and the sound effects added at appropriate times.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I did want to listen to it all but had to leave and return to finish it later. It is great that you can listen to one story at a time.

Any additional comments?

I would highly recommend this audible.