Dead Presidents: An American Adventure into the Strange Deaths and Surprising Afterlives of Our Nation’s Leaders

Inspired by a lifelong fascination with America’s chief executives, Carlson, a reporter and NPR host, adopts a novel perspective on American history by exploring the ways in which past presidents have been remembered and memorialized. It’s hard to imagine a better narrator for this audio book. Zingarelli’s deep and gravelly voice naturally contains the right amount of gravitas for the subject, especially during the more somber moments when the author visits the tombstones of the deceased American leaders. Zingarelli just as aptly captures the humor and curiosity that arises from quirky and morbid approach to American history. He uses a fittingly regal voice for the quotes and passages from the presidents themselves. With good pacing and emphasis, and a congenial tone, he keeps listeners’ interest long enough for readers to discover the fascinating ways that Carlson connects the different presidential deaths. A Norton hardcover. (Feb.)