This book is the late author’s paean to his family’s home in Lebanon, built by his great grandfather. It is a heartfelt story that Shadid uses to tell of the physical reconstruction of the house and the metaphysical rebirth of Lebanon and the larger Middle East. Along the way, he recounts his family’s history and describes the Lebanese culture that has been lost since the civil war of the 1970s. Narrator Neil Shah has a deep, nasal-tinged voice that meshes beautifully with the author’s lyrical words. He uses a subtle approach, reading with purpose and force but never overpowering the story. Shah also flawlessly pronounces the Lebanese names and places, lending credibility and authenticity to his effort. It’s a marvelous book complemented by a first-rate narration.
Pub Date: Feb. 28, 2012
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781455156634
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
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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