Adam Verner portrays Wagler's Old Order Amish family and its strict rules in this heartwarming memoir. The story begins with Wagler's rumspringa, the Amish rite of passage in which boys experience the outside world. Verner richly characterizes Wagler's journey of self-discovery, in particular the naïveté and torment that leads to his life-changing decision to leave the Amish way of life 10 years later. With warmth and humor Verner recounts Wagler's car purchase, forbidden by the Amish, and his wearing of "English" clothing, which marks him as a rebel. When Wagler loses his beloved horse, Studs, Verner's delivery will bring tears. This memoir is different from most Amish stories, and Verner's narration is real and honest.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2012
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: ChristianAudio
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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