This is one in a long line of books in which famous people tell us how they used their talents and how we can apply their strategies to our own lives. That the famous person in this case is General Colin Powell makes this book stand out. His experience in war, peace, politics, and international diplomacy gives the work substance and weight. Powell is also one of the rare author-narrators who can support their written work with an effective audio performance. His strong, deep voice conveys assuredness and power. No surprises there—since he’s made a career out of getting people to follow him in terrifically stressful situations. He also has excellent diction and pacing, and he sustains his energy throughout the book. R.I.G. 2013 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: May 22, 2012
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062135155
Publisher: Harper 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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