Bill Quinn's sublime narration of this detailed biography of Alain Locke would meet with its subject's approval. The writer, educator, and philosopher was ahead of his time in extolling black intellect and was instrumental in the development of the Harlem Renaissance. At points, especially during descriptions of literary or philosophical styles, Quinn's voice can seem didactic--but these moments are few and come amid fascinating descriptions of Locke's relationship with his mother and examinations of race, queer identity, the black American class structure, and early-twentieth-century intellectualism. Quinn's unique voicing--neither overly persuasive nor detached--adds texture to the sometimes academic prose, raising interest while respecting the author's scholarship. Listeners who go beyond this work to Locke's writings will hear Quinn's vocal styling in Locke's words.
Pub Date: May 28, 2019
Duration: 45 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781541449732
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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