Nikhaar Kishnani and Deepa Samuel narrate this memoir of food, childhood, and illness. The narrators work together to weave the stories of Fatima Ali and her mother, Farezeh Durrani. The narrators' styles work well as they explore the intergenerational roots of the self-described "brown girl chef" who became a fan favorite on "Top Chef." Kishnani is the voice of the young, talented Ali, who became tragically ill at the age of 29. Samuel portrays the more contemplative Durrani. As their story unfolds in alternating chapters, listeners are treated to a look at how childhood eating habits can help form adult palate preferences. Kishnani and Samuel accurately pronounce the names of the Pakistani dishes that are scattered throughout this ode to family, food, and female independence.
Pub Date: Oct. 11, 2022
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593507261
Publisher: Random House 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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