This straightforward chronological reporting of Ronald Reagan's life is lumbering and mechanical. And try as he might, narrator Stephen Hoye cannot improve the material with his delivery. While all of the detailed occurrences are accurately portrayed, this is familiar territory; nothing new in style or perspective is offered. In the majority of his work, it seems as if Brands makes a deliberate effort to be critical of President Reagan. By the end, though, the book contradicts itself as one is left with the impression that the author believes that Reagan ranks with FDR as one of the great U.S. presidents. Hoye is his authoritative and stately self--always convincing but at times a bit loud, at times somewhat overwrought. Overall, an uneven listening experience.
Pub Date: 2015
Duration: 31 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780449011935
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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