This biography of one of China's most influential poets, Li Bai, is written by Chinese-American poet and novelist Ha Jin. Ha Jin creates a portrait of Li Bai as if the poet were one of his characters. Narrator David Shih is an engaging choice for this well-researched work. He recounts the significance of Li Bai's work, which was unrecognized for its genius during his lifetime. Shih does so with a gentle, compassionate delivery that keeps us engaged with the intricacies of Chinese society in the eighth century. For fans of history, culture, and poetry, this will be a title that lingers on the playlist to return to time and again.
Pub Date: Jan. 15, 2019
Duration: 10 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781984833365
Publisher: Random House 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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