Jonas Salk decided early in his life that he wanted to make a significant mark in history. After discovering the joy of chemistry and the challenges of fundamental research, he settled on medicine. During WWII, he was the principal developer of the first effective flu vaccine. After the war, he turned his attention to polio, eventually developing the killed-virus vaccine that now has the world on the edge of eradicating the crippling virus. Jeffrey Kluger’s story captures the drama and personal intrigues of scientific research, showing how jealousy and personal pique sometimes shape what happens and doesn’t happen. Michael Prichard’s clear, steady tone carries the reader, especially through detailed passages about research techniques and chemistry. At times, his voice sounds almost stentorian, but overall he does a good job, with no histrionics.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2005
Duration: 13 hrs
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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