Diane Ackerman’s memoir is full of hope for anyone who is dealing with the aftermath of a stroke. When her husband, Paul West, suffers a major stroke that affects the communication center of his brain, the two of them embark on a life-changing, life-affirming journey. Barbara McCulloh narrates the book in the voice of Ackerman, relating the challenges she faces as caregiver for a victim of global aphasia. She shares Ackerman’s hope, love, frustration, and exhaustion at being wife, lover, and therapist of her disabled husband. McCulloh’s delivery of Paul’s lines as he struggles to communicate sound amazingly accurate as they immerse the listener in his frustrating battle to be understood. Most importantly, Ackerman shares resources and advice indispensable to others on the same road.
Pub Date: April 1, 2011
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781461803713
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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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