Truman

Wow, talk about detail! The painstaking effort involved in researching sources, piecing together a coherent story, and telling this tale is unrivaled! Reading this book has been a truly unique experience, and I recommend it to anyone seeking to understand the mindset and motivations of someone who rose from humble beginnings to historical significance.

As is the case with most of David McCullough's literary talent and an attest of his abilities to maintain one's interest whether addressing fire or fluff Mr. McCullough has the ability to hold your attention fast throughout the 54 hour plus audio version of "Truman." Much can be attributed as well to the narration. Nelson Runger's impressionistic gift affords him the ability to smoothly maneuvers from narrative to an array of cast quotations. The "Narration" rating missed the Five Star tag not due to any fault of Mr. Runger but rather the audio engineering which neglects to mute normal and anticipated auxiliary noise such as inhaling, swallows and other normal vocal maladies which were left unattended. That single issue aside "Truman" is another McCullough Home Run.

By far the best narration of any book I've ever heard. Nelson Runger IS Truman! His unlabored, enthusiastic tone, shifts effortlessly between storytelling and dialog such that we believe Harry S Truman is there in the room with us. This is such a masterful biography that one dreads it coming to its inevitable end.

Very enjoyable, thank you for the opportunity to learn more about this president.

very informative and very well read. recommended.

LOVED IT! Made me aware of Truman and his life beyond dropping the first and only 2, atomic bombs on Japan. I would rank Harry as my favorite president and it seems time, has made many come to appreciate this honest little American leader! The narrator is one of my favorites.

I enjoyed this book immensely. It was exceptionally well researched and presented. The historical accuracy and authenticity were outstanding and any student of world history would benefit from reading it. Truman was truly an outstanding leader and president and this book did him justice. The areas where Truman was found wanting were tastefully covered and allowed one to see ugly truths, while preserving Truman's dignity. The narrator was outstanding. His long pauses and impersonations were magical and allowed one time to digest and interpret the literature, while reliving the moment. It was almost impossible to pause at times. I read where another reader was critical of the narrator's breathing and swollowing. I disagree that this was somehow indicative of poor quality or technical incompetence. To me it added value to the experience and introduced the concept of storytelling. The narrator is human as opposed to robotic and hearing him breathe, swollow, pause and change his tone and speed were amazing. I really enjoyed this book.

Nelson Runger is an outstanding reader. I've heard him read three books, and this Truman book is his best read. I appreciate him taking appropriate long pauses and he's got the hang of changing inflection for characters, subtle as it is. Well done, Mr. Runger. David McCullough continues to make his biographies page turners. I have 9 more hours before finishing, and know I'll return listening again. We can't learn enough about history and even if we know it, a refresher and a different perspective is welcomed. Thank you Mr. McCullough. Five Stars for both book and reader.