Newly graduated from college and seeking meaning in his life, Andrew Forsthoefel undertakes a cross-country walk from his home in Pennsylvania all the way to California, relying on his wits, the words of Whitman and Rilke, and the kindness of strangers. Forsthoefel recounts his goals: to listen to other people's stories, to understand what is of value and important to people from all walks of life in America, and to test his own mettle. His voice is that of an earnest young man who had a relatively sheltered upbringing except for his parents' divorce, which left him shaken. Though Forsthoefel is not a professional narrator, he employs good timing and meaningful intonation to enhance his reflections on his life experiences.
Pub Date: 2018
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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