Worthy Fights

Politicians are generally not seen as candid and unpretentious, but this audiobook presents former Congressman and CIA director Leon Panetta as sincere and approachable. His story is quite American, and his accomplishments are many. Panetta reads his own book in a clear, pleasant voice; his pace allows listeners to follow his story with ease. Throughout his political career, Panetta presented himself as a genuine man of the people, and that view of himself comes through in this book. However, his narration lacks the emotion and immediacy of the events he speaks about. He also drops some words at the ends of sentences and reads too slowly in places. Panetta has had a fascinating career, but he needs a professional to sing his praises. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine