
No Ordinary Time
Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II
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Narrated by:
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Nelson Runger
About this listen
Pulitzer Prize Winner, History, 1995
No Ordinary Time describes how the isolationist and divided United States of 1940 was unified under the extraordinary leadership of Franklin Roosevelt to become the preeminent economic and military power in the world.
Using diaries, interviews, and White House records of the president's and first lady's comings and goings, Goodwin paints an intimate portrait of the daily conduct of the presidency during wartime and the Roosevelts' extraordinary constellation of friends, advisers, and family.
Bringing to bear the tools of both history and biography, No Ordinary Time relates the unique story of how Franklin Roosevelt led the nation to victory against seemingly insurmountable odds and, with Eleanor's essential help, forever changed the fabric of American society.
©1995 Doris Kearns Goodwin, All Rights Reserved. (P)2011 Simon & SchusterListeners also enjoyed...
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Story
A sweeping, magisterial biography of the man generally considered the greatest president of the 20th century, admired by Democrats and Republicans alike. Traitor to His Class sheds new light on FDR's formative years; his remarkable willingness to champion the concerns of the poor and disenfranchised; and his combination of political genius, firm leadership, and matchless diplomacy in saving democracy during the Great Depression and the American cause of freedom in World War II.
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Talented writer and narrator, but too biased/long
- By todd on 01-24-20
By: H. W. Brands
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Franklin D. Roosevelt
- A Political Life
- By: Robert Dallek
- Narrated by: Rick Adamson
- Length: 29 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
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In an era of such great national divisiveness, there could be no more timely biography of one of our greatest presidents than one that focuses on his unparalleled political ability as a uniter and consensus maker. Robert Dallek's Franklin D. Roosevelt: A Political Life takes a fresh look at the many compelling questions that have attracted all his biographers: how did a man who came from so privileged a background become the greatest presidential champion of the country's needy?
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Not bad but,
- By Christopher on 12-20-17
By: Robert Dallek
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The Leadership Journey
- By: Doris Kearns Goodwin
- Narrated by: Dion Graham, Rufus Jones, Christian McKay, and others
- Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author, Pulitzer Prize winner, and leading historian Doris Kearns Goodwin comes a definitive middle grade guide to Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson and how they became leaders. So how did each of them do it—rise to become President of the United States? What did these four kids have individually—and have in common—that made them the ones to lead the country through some of its most turbulent times?
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EXCELLENT
- By FLC on 03-13-25
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Franklin and Winston
- An Intimate Portrait of an Epic Friendship
- By: Jon Meacham
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
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Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill were the greatest leaders of “the Greatest Generation.” In Franklin and Winston, Jon Meacham explores the fascinating relationship between the two men who piloted the free world to victory in World War II.
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Franklin and Winston Review
- By Ronald Hull on 01-29-04
By: Jon Meacham
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Truman
- By: David McCullough
- Narrated by: Nelson Runger
- Length: 54 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
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Hailed by critics as an American masterpiece, David McCullough's sweeping biography of Harry S. Truman captured the heart of the nation. The life and times of the 33rd president of the United States, Truman provides a deeply moving look at an extraordinary, singular American.
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That Mousy Little Man From Missouri Revisited
- By Sara on 07-23-15
By: David McCullough
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The Definitive FDR
- Roosevelt: The Lion and the Fox (1882-1940) and Roosevelt: The Soldier of Freedom (1940-1945)
- By: James MacGregor Burns
- Narrated by: David Stifel
- Length: 58 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
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Franklin Delano Roosevelt was the longest serving president in US history, reshaping the country during the crises of the Great Depression and World War II. James MacGregor Burns's magisterial two-volume biography tells the complete life story of the fascinating political figure who instituted the New Deal. The Lion and the Fox details Roosevelt's youth, education, and his rise to national prominence, through his first two terms as president. The Soldier of Freedom is a moving profile of a leader gifted with rare political talent in an era of extraordinary challenges.
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Dedicated Author
- By Michael on 01-13-24
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The Defining Moment
- FDR's Hundred Days and the Triumph of Hope
- By: Jonathan Alter
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
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In this dramatic and fascinating account, Newsweek columnist Jonathan Alter shows how Franklin Delano Roosevelt used his first 100 days in office to lift the country from the despair and paralysis of the Great Depression and transform the American presidency.
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Very infomative, and also refreshingly honest
- By Andy on 02-19-09
By: Jonathan Alter
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Eleanor Roosevelt
- Volume I, 1884-1933
- By: Blanche Wiesen Cook
- Narrated by: Kate Reading
- Length: 22 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
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Eleanor Roosevelt was born into the privileges and prejudices of American aristocracy and into a family ravaged by alcoholism. She overcame debilitating roots: in her public life, fighting against racism and injustice and advancing the rights of women; and in her private life, forming lasting intimate friendships with some of the great men and women of her time.
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One of the Great Americans I knew too little about
- By Ray M on 07-19-20
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Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt
- By: Eleanor Roosevelt
- Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
- Length: 18 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
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The daughter of one of New York's most influential families, niece of Theodore Roosevelt, and wife of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt witnessed some of the most remarkable decades in modern history, as America transitioned from the Gilded Age, the Progressive Era, and the Depression to World War II and the Cold War. A champion of the downtrodden, Eleanor drew on her experience and used her role as First Lady to help those in need.
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Fascinating
- By Jean on 03-26-18
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Mornings on Horseback
- By: David McCullough
- Narrated by: Nelson Runger
- Length: 19 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
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Winner of the 1982 National Book Award for Biography, Mornings on Horseback is the brilliant biography of the young Theodore Roosevelt. Hailed as a masterpiece by Newsday, it is the story of a remarkable little boy -- seriously handicapped by recurrent and nearly fatal attacks of asthma -- and his struggle to manhood.
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Did not like this one
- By Randall on 11-05-18
By: David McCullough
What listeners say about No Ordinary Time
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- Julie Phillip
- 05-18-17
Women's voices
Would you listen to No Ordinary Time again? Why?
No. I'm nearly done and anxious for it to be over. The narrator's voices for the characters quickly grew annoying and never got better.
Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Nelson Runger?
David McCullough.
Any additional comments?
I wish I could have speeded up the narration to 1.25-1.5.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Loves Latin
- 05-17-19
The Past at Present
Perceptive narration about important events of the Second World War, a period I remember well, as I am now 93. I've read numerous books about the Roosevelts, their associates, and the war, and find that the author sheds new light upon all of them. ER, in particular, came to life in a manner very different from any I've encountered elsewhere. The narration by Nelson Runger was also stellar. While some other readers have found him too slow, I found him just right. His reading was enlivened by his ability to subtly suggest (rather than imitate) the accents and intonations of the various characters.
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- Tim
- 05-28-22
More Eleanor Please
I've always wanted to read Doris Kearns Goodwin on Franklin Roosevelt. Goodwin is one of the best Historians out there. Currently, I'm watching The First Lady on Showtime, and one of the characters that they are featuring is Eleanor Roosevelt. Reading "No Ordinary Time" gave me more insight into FDR, but I found myself to be more engaged with Eleanor and her story. The last few chapters in the memoir of the First Lady were more appealing than reading about the President.
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- Larry Cowsert
- 02-28-15
A separation of the myth of FDR from reality.
This is an extremely long listen, but well worth it. So much of what we "know" of FDR and Eleanor is propoganda and myth. This is nit a "tell all", but a sincere look at the realities that were the well-lived lives of this amazing couple, who both had a hand in changing how Americans think, work, and play.
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- Dwayne C. Carter
- 06-07-16
Beautiful!,
As usual, Doris Kearns Goodwin,has put on paper a glimpse into the lives of two of this countries most important, most unselfish, and most generous with time and talent.
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- GregG
- 05-16-15
Among the very best.
One of the best books I have read. Great history with great study of personality.
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- Joanne Hackenberger
- 06-14-15
What a nice surprise!
This is a book club selection and I wasn't sure that I was going to want to read it but boy was I wrong! I found it well written, real performed, and the content with all sorts of interesting information inserted into the facts of the Roosevelts. I am looking forward to our book club discussion!
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- Teresa
- 10-13-17
Eleanor is my hero
I have always admired the Roosevelt's; now my admiration has grown. They were amazing, inspired leaders at a time our nation needed them most. I like the true picture this author shares.
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- Claudia
- 03-21-17
Goodwin brings the people and challenges to life!
Would you listen to No Ordinary Time again? Why?
Once again, Doris Kearns Goodwin brings history to life through exemplary research and a way of telling the facts that makes you feel you are there. Nelson Runger made each character distinct and true. It is hard to believe the state our country was in when FDR took office: all of the domestic problems we had and how unprepared we were for war. I will go back again and again to impress more facts on my memory. With his great political mind and her great heart they brought us through to victory although he died prior to VJ Day.
Who was your favorite character and why?
It is too hard to pick just one.
Which character – as performed by Nelson Runger – was your favorite?
Winston Churchill
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Could not possibly listen to it in one sitting.
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- Goldy
- 12-28-16
Incredible Research
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
I highly recommend. I learned much about the mood of our country at this time period and the challenges that FDR had to face from home as well as abroad. Aslo learned much about Eleanor Roosevelt's importance.
What about Nelson Runger’s performance did you like?
The book is big, takes some time, but well read, you could almost hear the character's voice coming through Nelson Runger's naration.
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