Gifted narrator Robert Fass exploits all the ironic humor and sadness of two young Cuban brothers who are adjusting to their new country, new language, and new school—without their parents. In an airlift few remember, Carlos and Tony arrived in Miami as refugees from the increasingly oppressive Castro government of the early 1960s. The younger brother records his painful memories of racial bullying, mayonnaise sandwiches, and huge rats. As they become bilingual, the boys’ raw thoughts in their native language act as hilarious dramatic asides. Fass’s sandy, taciturn voice makes addictive a story that everyone who was once a child will appreciate. He has total control of the three languages spoken: English (mostly), Mexican Spanish, and Cuban Spanish. He even sings “O Tannenbaum” in Austrian German.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2010
Duration: 12 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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