A subdued narration of subjects that range widely.
Phillips narrates her collection of essays with a plainness that befits her memoir’s title. She opens with memories of her early childhood in 1950s West Virginia, which will feel familiar to listeners of a certain age. She centers on preschool church study, hair salons as women’s meccas, and unscheduled summer days. These early days are studded with details that anchor her remembrances: Crew cuts and spray from the hose on hot days sparkle in her straightforward reading. Phillips shares essays on loved dogs, The Big Valley, the famous feud between the Hatfields and McCoys, and writer Stephen Crane in tones that are sometimes scholarly, sometimes humorous. Particularly poignant are stories of mothers and daughters, from her own abortion to her mother’s death.
A subdued narration of subjects that range widely.Pub Date: April 21, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 35 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217174478
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: May 12, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 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.
