Famed narrator of the Dune series Scott Brick dials back his usually dramatic tone and gravelly timbre to a more conversational style as he narrates this legendary science fiction author's biography. Starting with Frank Herbert's humble beginnings in Tacoma, Washington, Brick adds extra warmth to heroic moments, such as the time Herbert saved his baby sister from parental neglect. Sadly, there are several moments throughout when the sound quality is inconsistent and it's clear that certain passages were redone. These edits pull the listener out of the flow of the narrative. But interesting facts about Herbert's inspiration for the Dune universe are sprinkled throughout, including the tidbit that the Mentats were based on his grandmother, who could easily figure complex equations in her head without the use of pen and paper.
Pub Date: Aug. 13, 2022
Duration: 19 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781665036535
Publisher: Brick by Brick Productions
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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