Media personality, MTV veejay, and music trivia afficionado Dave Holmes performs his memoir in a bright, charismatic voice that reveals as much about his transition from an unremarkable Midwestern boyhood to a successful career in entertainment as anything he says about it. Holmes isn't afraid to use significant pauses to emphasize points, and his expressiveness makes this technique sound more like conversation than narration, particularly when he dishes on his interactions with friends and celebrities during his time with MTV in the heyday of boy bands and the music video show "TRL." The overall tone here is humorous, but Holmes also talks about his struggles coming to terms with his sexuality and some of his own self-defeating behaviors. An enjoyable listen, whether you're a fan or not.
Pub Date: June 28, 2016
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781524709655
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Karen Chilton's fluid alto is a good fit for this biography of Thomas Jefferson. The authors are more or less successful in their attempt to present the third president in the context of his times. What we are presented with is a very human being--possessing great intellect, filled with flaws and contradictions, and still immensely fascinating nearly three centuries after his birth. Chilton's pacing and inflection are never off. She narrates with a calm demeanor, competently affecting various accents for quotes and ably giving subtle expression to the narrative. It all adds up to an enjoyable listening experience.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2016
Duration: 14 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501909993
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This rags-to-riches memoir recounts the business life of Sam Wyly as he made his way from IBM salesman in the early 1960s to the owner of Sterling Software and Michael's stores, as well as a chain of restaurants, among other companies. Along the way, Wyly tells of his investment strategies, his business partners, his successes, and his failures. Phil Gigante reads this business story with a steady voice that lulls listeners instead of exciting them. In addition to the occasional odd pronunciation, Gigante's voice is barely modulated, and he fails to engage emotionally. Nonetheless, this title offers an interesting view of how to invest in your business, making it grow while weathering an ever-changing economy.
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2008
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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