With precision and clarity, Traci Kato-Kiriyama narrates Lin's poignant memoir on mental illness, motherhood, and the loss of her father to cancer. The memoir is divided into four sections, in accordance with the traditional Japanese four-part narrative. Japanese mythology and language are interwoven throughout, and Kato-Kiriyama's ease with them creates a sense of authenticity. Kato-Kiriyama brings forth Lin's personal experiences, both joyous and challenging, in a somber yet empathetic tone, subtly highlighting the author's keen insights. Kato-Kiriyama's deliberate pacing underscores the meditative quality of this work. While the memoir is episodic in nature, it follows a chronological path that makes it easy for listeners to comprehend. Lin's sharp observations and moving remembrances are well served by Kato-Kiriyama's perceptive performance.
Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063213265
Publisher: Harper 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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