Narrator Joe Barrett's raspy, enthusiastic voice is perfect for delivering Gerry Marzorati's memoir of his quirky mission to take up tennis competitively in his 50s. The author is self-deprecating and funny as he describes his regular lessons with his Russian coach, sporadic lessons at clinics around the country to build and rebuild his physical strokes, and Skyping with a life coach. Barrett returns every spin, lob, and risky shot that Marzorati serves up. A wink and smile at the idea that 10,000 hours of training aren't likely at his age, awe at the beauty of the Federer forehand and Wawrinka backhand, empathy for a playing partner who becomes seriously ill, and frustration at finally learning a real serve that pops just right only to see it come zinging back--all of these combine to make a listening experience that is both delightful and motivating.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2016
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 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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