A group of talented narrators deliver the 65 biographical sketches—3-4 minutes each—that describe growing up in The Bronx. The ethnically diverse borough has been home to many accomplished artists, writers, scientists, inventors, and ordinary folks over the past century. Arlene Alda has gathered stories of apartment-house life, racism, poverty, and success, which she intersperses with tales of exploring parks and waterways. Alan Alda, Christina Delaine, Regis Philbin, and Robert Klein deliver the sketches without much fanfare. Alan Alda reads most of the biographies in the soft voice we’re familiar with. Delaine takes on most of the female sketches, while Philbin and Klein switch off on the rest in slower, carefully enunciated tones. If you, your parents, or your relatives grew up in The Bronx, you’ll love these reminiscences. M.B.K. 2016 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: March 3, 2015
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781427262370
Publisher: Macmillan 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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