Dutch writer/editor (THE NEW YORK REVIEW OF BOOKS) Ian Buruma was stumbling around Japan long before sushi went onto international dinner plates. In arch tones, Buruma narrates his own audiobook, describing his coming-of-age in Japan in the 1970s. We close our eyes and listen deeply in order to reconcile the fact that the cultured voice drawing us into his past once belonged to an unsophisticated boy. Buruma explains in an ironic tone the rise of "being into Asian" as a global phenomenon. For those who are fans of Buruma's work as a chronicler of major events in Asia, this will be a personal encounter with his sexual and cultural awakening. For those unfamiliar, his performance here may lead to investigating more of his writing.
Pub Date: March 6, 2018
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525528814
Publisher: Penguin 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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
