LisaGay Hamilton narrates the biography of the extraordinary black playwright Lorraine Hansberry, who wrote the acclaimed play A RAISIN IN THE SUN. Hansberry accomplished much in her short 34 years on earth, and the steady cadence of Hamilton's voice creates a mellow, informative, and poised narration of her story. Hamilton is not only informing the listener but also teaching and, most of all, sharing the uncommon details that shaped this energetic woman. Hansberry was passionate, active, and charismatic, especially when it came to the African-American community. Hamilton's calm tone is unchanging, even while describing Hansberry's colorful close relationships with artists James Baldwin and Nina Simone. This audiobook is like watching a documentary of someone paving the way for future artist-activists.
Pub Date: Sept. 18, 2018
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780807094730
Publisher: Beacon Press
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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