Swofford is best known for his memoir JARHEAD. Now he narrates a new memoir, this one about coming to grips with his father. In many respects this work is a continuation of JARHEAD as we see that many of the same issues that plagued him in the Marines still affect him in civilian life. The work touchingly dramatizes Swofford’s process of working through his relationship with his father. As the author learns of his own frail humanity, both are ultimately able to reconnect with each other. Just as in JARHEAD, Swofford reads his own work in an understated, somewhat monotonous voice. His tone is deadpan but has much intensity.
Pub Date: June 5, 2012
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781611134551
Publisher: Hachette 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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