There’s one great thing about this flawed biography; it provides the only audio performances from J.D. Salinger’s books and stories. (Salinger refused to have his works performed.) Taking small bits from CATCHER IN THE RYE and other works (so as not to trip copyright laws), the narrators provide a glimpse of the wonderful audiobook world that could exist if the Salinger estate eased its grip on these writings. There are other things to like about this book, as well—the breadth of research (there are statements and letters from hundreds of sources), the organization (the early emphasis on Salinger’s war experience sets the tone for his later years), and the superb full-cast narration (in particular Campbell Scott’s persuasive reading). What primarily mars the project is the commentary by the authors. If they had simply let others speak, they could have eliminated their self-serving, less-than-compelling contributions. An additional wish is that the downloadable version had included access to the book’s photos.
Pub Date: Sept. 3, 2013
Duration: 19 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781442365728
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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