Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush

Though a stage and screen actor, Michael reads—rather than performs—this biography of the 41st president of the United States. The text is full of quotes from the diaries Bush and his wife, Barbara, kept throughout their lives, and from the books and diaries of numerous political figures. Michael always manages to make it clear who is speaking without trying to create voices for each of these people. Meacham paints a portrait of a man who believes in loyalty, honesty, and necessary political compromise, only on rare occasions allowing his fierce ambition to overcome his code of honor. As a presidential candidate at the 1988 Republican National Convention, he truly believed in his winning line, “Read my lips: no new taxes.” While Michael has exhibited his acting acumen in other audiobooks, he’s right to read this one in a steady, straightforward voice. A Random House hardcover. (Nov.)