Renowned Chicago chef Grant Achatz’s love affair with cooking has brought him to the pinnacle of avant-garde haute cuisine: molecular gastronomy. (He invented it.) His memoir—whose title is a reference to his recent struggle with tongue cancer—comes on the heels of his worldwide recognition as owner of the top North American Restaurant, Alinea. Johnny Heller's steady narration lacks the intensity of Achatz’s style. Heller’s voice should reflect the author's drive for culinary artistry as he recounts a life of food discoveries and encounters with gastronomic genius—from his childhood in professional kitchens to the opening of his trailblazing restaurants. Instead, Heller uses an even delivery, which lays out the story but lacks the passion of Achatz’s gastronomic adventures.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2011
Duration: 13 hrs
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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