Jane Austen's novels are the cornerstone of many a literature syllabus, and Kelly's exploration of Austen's influences and influence sounds like it could be a lecture from one of those courses. Emma Bering narrates with a brisk and matter-of-fact tone that only occasionally brings Kelly's arguments about Austen's literary intentions to life. While enthusiastic and capable in narrative skill, Bering's performance is inconsistent in providing enough momentum to keep the listener engaged. Because of the book's structure and its lack of section titles or headings to help the listener along, it may not be well suited to the audiobook format. This recording is best for the true Austen devotee.
Pub Date: May 2, 2017
Duration: 14 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781524783044
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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