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NEW LIFE, NO INSTRUCTIONS

Gail Caldwell is the ideal narrator for her own memoir, which depends so much on voice and character. She's from Texas but has long lived in the Northeast, and we hear those histories in her accent. Her voice is a sweet low alto, and that too is the perfect range in which to pitch this story of loss, change, and courage in a single woman at midlife. Caldwell writes beautifully and is a loving friend, sister, and daughter. The structure for the book is provided by a stunning medical event in her life, how it challenges, and how she copes. It sounds painful, and there is plenty of both physical and psychic pain here, but Caldwell is a wonderful companion, full of gratitude and hope.

Pub Date: April 1, 2014

Duration: 4 hrs, 15 mins

DD ISBN: 9780804190862

Publisher: Random House Audio

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    THE WORLD IS MY HOME

    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

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      REVOLUTION FROM WITHIN

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      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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