THE QUEEN The Forgotten Life Behind an American Myth

Identity theft takes on a new meaning in this mesmerizing biography/social study narrated by the adept January LaVoy. LaVoy, with her modulated, attentive tone, and author Levin, with his thorough research and clear writing style, both try to find the humanity in a woman who may have murdered three people, kidnapped and sold children, and defrauded public assistance programs. Strangely, she served time only for the latter charge—ripping off welfare programs for $7,000. But the "welfare queen" myth that she inspired helped elect Ronald Reagan (who wasn't afraid to embellish the charges against her) and propelled the post-Reagan anti-public assistance movement. Part history and part true crime, this is a sad but true story of lost identity. R.W.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2020 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2019]