This is a frustrating but ultimately rewarding listen. The audiobook focuses on author/narrator Ackerman's return to the Middle East, where he fought as a Marine. He explains in a sympathetic tone the many complexities of life and war in that region. His account of the second battle of Fallujah is extraordinary--as was his heroism. What is frustrating is that Ackerman does not sound like an experienced narrator. He does a fine job narrating, but one can't help wondering how much more powerful his story would be if it were delivered by a professional. This point is driven home when Mark Deakins narrates Ackerman's Silver Star commendation. But despite this quibble, the listener will undoubtedly be deeply moved by Ackerman's story.
Pub Date: June 11, 2019
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781984888778
Publisher: Penguin 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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