As a child, Bobby Fischer became obsessed with the game of chess, keeping company with talented players and playing daily to improve his game. He devoured books about strategy and descriptions of illustrious matches. As his fame grew after notable wins, so did his arrogance and chutzpah. The London DAILY MAIL wrote, “[Fischer] is the most ill-mannered, temperamental and neurotic brat ever to be reared in Brooklyn.” Bobby played aggressive tennis, swam, and had a lukewarm interest in women. Ray Porter narrates with a strong and forceful voice. He uses short pauses between words to emphasize the author’s points. Pronouncing the abundant Russian and Hungarian names with comfort, he lends a welcome authenticity to an introspective biography.
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2011
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone 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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