Obama's Wars

Bob Woodward uses his nearly unrestricted access to the key players to paint an authoritative portrait of the process that led to President Obama's decision to deploy increased military might in the Afghanistan War. Using a chronological structure and a highly informative writing style, Woodward guides listeners through the military and political intrigue leading to the "surge." Boyd Gaines provides a clear, smooth, and rapid narration. His warm and mature baritone employs hints of tension or emotion and offers minimal vocal characterization. Gaines's assured tone keeps to an appropriate pace, without much flourish. Those who enjoy hearing about political interplay, with its occasionally dry tactical and strategic details, will find this an excellent choice. W.A.G. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

March 1, 2011

Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter/New York Times best-selling author Woodward turns his eye to a newly elected President Obama and his high-level advisors as they struggle with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet, as part of his research, Woodward apparently visited Afghanistan only once, which some might argue limits his perspective on the conflict. The end result is a near-verbatim, often tedious account of the many stateside meetings between Obama and his advisors. Woodward's closeness to the events and the numerous unidentified sources result in a work only moderately useful to researchers and scholars. Still, Tony Award-winning actor Boyd Gaines's impressive, steady narration will hold listener interest, and the title is certain to be in demand; recommended. [The S. & S. hc, published in September 2010, was an LJ and New York Times best seller; the S. & S. pb will publish in May 2011.--Ed.]--Dale Farris, Groves, TX

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