Astrophysicist Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi narrates his own compelling memoir, exploring his journey from a precocious, uncertain youth to an accomplished, assured adult. Growing up in the American South in the 1970s and '80s, Oluseyi was waylaid on his path to academia by family instability, economic insecurity, and educational inequities. His smooth baritone invites listeners to share a journey that he notes could have taken a much less fulfilling route. Oluseyi's conversational writing infuses his tone as he expands upon stories of the people and experiences that shaped him as a Black man. As Oluseyi struggled with his studies in a predominantly white graduate program and with addiction, invaluable mentoring relationships sustained him, a point he emphasizes. This engaging production will especially inspire aspiring scientists.
Pub Date: June 15, 2021
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593210345
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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