Robert Moses: visionary architect or power-hungry titan? This question haunted me for years as his massive biography stared me down. Audiobooks? Paperback? Neither held my attention. Then, like a serendipitous twist, a 99% Invisible episode announced a year-long group read. Suddenly, Moses’ life unfolded with new depth, illuminated by expert insights and shared discussions. Now, I’m finally engrossed in the audiobook, captivated by his complex legacy.
For years, I’ve had the paperback edition of this tome on my bookshelf (Amazon tells me I purchased it on September 11, 2002 – over twenty years ago). I’ve also had the audiobook version in my Audible library for several years. But I’m sort of chagrined to admit that, while I’ve started both versions from time to time, I’ve never seriously gotten into reading it.
That changed back in early December when I came across an episode of the 99% Invisible podcast during which they (and their guest Conan O’Brien) announced their plan to do a group read through The Power Broker over the course of 2024. After listening to that episode, I started over listening to the audiobook version of this biography of New York’s Robert Moses and have enjoyed finally getting into it.
The 99% Invisible podcast has now published the first two episodes discussion reading the book: PB 01 (which includes a conversation with author Robert Caro himself!) and PB 02 with more to come through the rest of 2024. If you’ve also wanted to read this early work of the great writer Robert Caro, listening to this podcast might provide you with the motivation to get back into it – like it did for me!
Are you also looking to tackle “The Power Broker“? Join the podcast-led group read and let’s explore Moses’ world together!