A NATION LIKE NO OTHER Why American Exceptionalism Matters

Newt Gingrich joins with his wife, Callista, to give a surprisingly leaden reading of his latest book. Their voices are clear and pleasant enough, but problems with tempo and intonation weigh down the presentation. The measured pace, perhaps meant to let the listener absorb the concepts presented, sounds more plodding than reflective. While the text will hit all the correct notes with Newt's Tea Party supporters, the delivery lacks energy and passion, seeming more like a lecture read from notes than a fiery call to arms designed to ignite a presidential bid. The seemingly random employment of Newt and Callista as alternating narrators further distracts from the listening experience. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2011]