FIGHTING FOR COMMON GROUND How We Can Fix the Stalemate in Congress

Part autobiography and part political call to arms, this is a compelling encapsulation of a long life dedicated to public service. A U.S. senator from Maine for 18 years, now retired, Snowe has a distinctive voice and powers of verbal persuasion—both of which make a case for hearing the author read her own work. Narrator Pam Ward, nonetheless, is masterful in delivering the words of the powerful, passionate, and humble Snowe. Ward’s perfect pacing keeps the narrative flowing whether dealing with the high dudgeon of the early days of women in Congress or detailing vital but sometimes stultifying discussions of budgets, committee meetings, and cloakroom battles. Ward’s vocal power also highlights what we can infer from Snowe’s chronicle of a government lost in the desert. M.C. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2013]