THE WORST HARD TIME The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl

The best history books thrill us by telling their story as if the outcome were not assured. This is one of those books. Convincingly read by Patrick Lawlor, Egan's book renders the environmental ravages and human drama of the 1930s' Dust Bowl in fascinating detail. Egan blends a myriad of individual stories with the political record to create a tale of greed, stupidity, heroism, and perseverance that keeps one from touching the stop button. Lawlor's somewhat nasal voice sounds right for the era, and he reads the straight history passages with energy and clarity. He also imbues the many individual voices, including those who appear but once, with enlightening character. This is a must-listen. A.C.S. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]