Enn Reitel narrates two parallel stories: one, a history of the city of Timbuktu, a place that has long conjured myths and assumptions in the minds of Westerners; and the other, the 2012 jihadi takeover of the city, which put many thousands of ancient historic manuscripts at risk, prompting librarians to organize the evacuation and hiding of the fruits of this productive civilization. Reitel's intelligent, considered delivery, with light vocal inflections to distinguish local accents, contributes to the listener's understanding and adds suspense when describing the tension of recent historical events and the questions that remain over what really happened. Reitel's combination of clear tone, comfortable pacing, and vocal variation help the listener to absorb this exhaustively researched work.
Pub Date: May 2, 2017
Duration: 14 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781524754945
Publisher: Penguin 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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