NASA engineer Homer Hickam recalls how building rockets in the wake of the Soviet launching of Sputnik changed his life. Tom Stechschulte reads with a nostalgic tone and a hint of West Virginia accent, delivering the details of life in a coal town in a voice that reflects the author’s humor, fondness for the people and events of the story, and youthful naïveté. Stechschulte's voice also excels in the dramatic moments, such as the mine tragedy and Homer's father's illness. Stechschulte even accomplishes the rare task of making the process of learning calculus sound exciting. As Hickam recounts how his rocketry goals fueled a passion for learning and brought his town together, his story has lessons for kids and parents alike.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2008
Duration: 13 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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