Clive Davis--Harvard Law School alumnus, former Columbia Records president, and founder of both the Arista and "J" record labels-- provides a lackluster and monotone narration of his memoir of his business career. Davis presents himself as an imperious egotist whose legal and business capabilities somehow assisted him in developing "golden ears," which helped him build the careers of countless platinum-selling musical artists such as Barry Manilow and Whitney Houston. Dennis Boutsikaris's contribution to the narration is smooth and measured. His voice is pleasant, strong, and youngish. But his lack of emotion and variability in style combined with what seems like dictated text makes for a tough slog for the listener. Still, music fans will get a unique and authentic look at the music world amid the author's continual boasting.
Pub Date: Feb. 19, 2013
Duration: 22 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781442361782
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 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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