Listeners will be as surprised by this memoir's content as by its narration. The author of UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN shares memories of her early life in the American South. Although she retains her Georgia accent, a professional narrator may have better portrayed Mayes's 1950s youth. Still, Mayes engages with stories of her challenging childhood, during which she witnesses the constant arguments of her alcoholic parents. Her life falls to pieces upon the early death of her father. Her wish to escape her troubled mother and small hometown are fulfilled during her college years. But after her Italian adventures and years in California, Mayes finds herself yearning for the land of magnolias and settles in the well-known North Carolina "writers' town" of Hillsborough.
Pub Date: April 1, 2014
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780804148597
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Karen Chilton's fluid alto is a good fit for this biography of Thomas Jefferson. The authors are more or less successful in their attempt to present the third president in the context of his times. What we are presented with is a very human being--possessing great intellect, filled with flaws and contradictions, and still immensely fascinating nearly three centuries after his birth. Chilton's pacing and inflection are never off. She narrates with a calm demeanor, competently affecting various accents for quotes and ably giving subtle expression to the narrative. It all adds up to an enjoyable listening experience.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2016
Duration: 14 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501909993
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This rags-to-riches memoir recounts the business life of Sam Wyly as he made his way from IBM salesman in the early 1960s to the owner of Sterling Software and Michael's stores, as well as a chain of restaurants, among other companies. Along the way, Wyly tells of his investment strategies, his business partners, his successes, and his failures. Phil Gigante reads this business story with a steady voice that lulls listeners instead of exciting them. In addition to the occasional odd pronunciation, Gigante's voice is barely modulated, and he fails to engage emotionally. Nonetheless, this title offers an interesting view of how to invest in your business, making it grow while weathering an ever-changing economy.
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2008
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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