This audiobook, with the undeniable help of Bronson Pinchot's pitch-perfect narration, demonstrates perfectly why Mark Twain continues to be popular. Twain's stories of his life range from the sardonic (“Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”) to the touching (remembrances of his daughter Susy, who died of meningitis at the age of 24). Listeners will find themselves sometimes smiling through their tears, occasionally laughing out loud, and at all times fascinated by Twain's minutiae of family life, criticisms of his many acquaintances, and discussions of the details behind his many literary works, from journalism to his Great American Novels. Throughout, Pinchot is spectacular, bringing this quintessential American author to life and doing him justice with every syllable. A perfect listening experience. K.O. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine