In a story that proves that truth is stranger than fiction, Adeline Yen Mah tells the riveting and horrifying tale of her upbringing in China under the control of her malicious stepmother. As the "Fifth Youngest Daughter" in a society that disregards the value of girls, Adeline is the target of her stepmother's rage and her siblings' frustrations, while her father remains aloof. Writing with a calm simplicity, Yen Mah tells of striking out into the world to prove her worth, both to herself and her parents, and creating a life and career in America. Rosenblat matches this amazing story with her delicate and empathetic reading of this triumphant life. Rosenblat steers clear of a melodramatic performance, instead presenting Yen Mah's life as one would expect the author herself would have done--proudly and placidly.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1999
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Penguin Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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