The Start: 1904-30

Renowned journalist William L. Shirer chronicles his formative years in this captivating memoir, tracing his journey from a small-town Midwestern childhood to his remarkable transformation into a worldly foreign correspondent in 1920s Paris. Born at the dawn of the twentieth century, Shirer witnesses America's rapid evolution from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles and airplanes, while navigating his own path from Cedar Rapids newsrooms to the vibrant literary cafes of post-war Europe. His extraordinary luck in landing a coveted newspaper position during a casual Paris visit opens doors to encounters with legendary figures including Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and F. Scott Fitzgerald, painting an intimate portrait of both personal ambition and cultural upheaval.

Grover Gardner's masterful narration brings Shirer's vivid recollections to life with remarkable authenticity and warmth. His measured delivery perfectly captures the author's reflective tone while maintaining the excitement of youthful discovery and professional adventure. Gardner's nuanced performance highlights Shirer's keen observational skills and wry humor, making the memoir's extensive cast of historical personalities feel immediate and accessible. The audio format enhances the conversational intimacy of Shirer's storytelling, transforming this sweeping chronicle of early twentieth-century journalism and expatriate life into an engaging personal conversation across decades.