Many of today's master chefs can trace their enchantment with the culinary arts to the iconic Julia Child—and her liberating pronouncement that fresh, wholesome fine dining can and should be crafted at home. Spitz's biography captures the lively spirit and ancestral origins of a woman who transformed kitchen drudgery into enlightened American meals. Kimberly Farr has the sense to stop just short of Julia's distinctive high-pitched warble. Her expressive performance intuitively communicates Spitz's anecdotes about this "culinary messiah's . . . axis of fun," particularly her mischievous nature. Farr delivers reminiscences of those who knew and loved Julia with affection. Under Julia's often hilarious tutelage, food prep and feasting evolved from sustenance to pleasure—ushering in the "upheaval in the cultural paradigm" that is prominent globally today.
Pub Date: Aug. 7, 2012
Duration: 20 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780449012888
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Karen Chilton's fluid alto is a good fit for this biography of Thomas Jefferson. The authors are more or less successful in their attempt to present the third president in the context of his times. What we are presented with is a very human being--possessing great intellect, filled with flaws and contradictions, and still immensely fascinating nearly three centuries after his birth. Chilton's pacing and inflection are never off. She narrates with a calm demeanor, competently affecting various accents for quotes and ably giving subtle expression to the narrative. It all adds up to an enjoyable listening experience.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2016
Duration: 14 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501909993
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This rags-to-riches memoir recounts the business life of Sam Wyly as he made his way from IBM salesman in the early 1960s to the owner of Sterling Software and Michael's stores, as well as a chain of restaurants, among other companies. Along the way, Wyly tells of his investment strategies, his business partners, his successes, and his failures. Phil Gigante reads this business story with a steady voice that lulls listeners instead of exciting them. In addition to the occasional odd pronunciation, Gigante's voice is barely modulated, and he fails to engage emotionally. Nonetheless, this title offers an interesting view of how to invest in your business, making it grow while weathering an ever-changing economy.
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2008
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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