Some authors have a feel for narrating; others come across as stilted. But when a book takes an introspective look at a subject the writer knows well, it can be a perfect marriage. And that’s what Colson Whitehead brings. The author’s voice fits his writing because, of course, it’s his writing: a semi-stream-of-consciousness, personal, sarcastic, often humorous, and sometimes self-deprecating look at what goes on in one poker player’s mind. Sounding almost constantly out of breath, Whitehead paces the book like only he can. A section on tweets is especially well done. While some instructional advice on poker is given, the book relies on a more memoir-ish approach, so don’t expect when-to-hold-or-fold advice.
Pub Date: May 6, 2014
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780804191111
Publisher: Random House 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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