Dunn's impressionistic life of Catullus, the passionate and often obscene Roman poet, gets a smart and engaging reading from Mike Grady. (Note: Graphic sexual references abound.) Grady's deep, rough, yet velvety voice and his well-measured, almost rhythmic, pacing could sweep listeners along if he read the back of a cereal box. He brings intelligence and a rich emotional sense to the text and the many quotations from the poetry. The latter are delivered in a regional British accent, probably to suggest a "hick" accent for Catullus, who came from the Gaulish north of Italy. Though a thoughtful and intriguing choice, the difference in accents between the narrative and quotes from Catullus sometimes distracts. Still, this program engages the mind and the senses, affording the listener rich pleasure.
Pub Date: July 5, 2016
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062472397
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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