This incisive, funny, sardonic memoir by the daughter of CATCH-22 author Joseph Heller has its poignancy compromised by Karen White’s overly sweet narration style. The author’s father was brilliant, eccentric, and stubborn—and here the doors to her memories of family are thrown open for all to enjoy. Interactions with Balanchine, Poitier, Brooks, Mostel, and others are memorably written. The audiobook would have benefited from White’s assuming a greater vocal range. Despite her precise diction and phrasing, her repetitive intonations engage the listener only in moments. Nonetheless, for those with an interest in Joseph Heller, this is a must-listen as the details on his family and life experiences provide insights into how his life influenced his prize-winning writing.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2011
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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