Vanessa Moyen's narration is the perfect blend of the heartfelt and the academic in this collection of essays about the feminist possibilities of female monsters. Zimmerman examines some of Greek mythology's most famous female monsters, from Circe to Medusa, and the traits that make them monstrous: greed, hunger, ambition, ugliness. Blending personal stories and a critique of contemporary culture with a fresh analysis of these myths, she explains how celebrating--even embracing--the monstrous can lead to liberation. Moyen smoothly imbues her narration with passion, wit, and the occasional rumble of anger. Whether the essays are about the Sirens, the objectification of women in the media, the saga of the Odyssey, fat phobia, or something else, Moyen modulates her voice perfectly to match the material, creating a cohesive and thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.
Pub Date: March 9, 2021
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780807054963
Publisher: Beacon Press
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
But as a whole, the work is a triumph, and Nolan proves a candid and forthright narrator and guide.
Narrating her latest essay collection, Nolan achieves a measured tone of remarkable clarity and strength. It’s a tone that both suits and complements her subject matter, which encompasses the personal and the political while revealing the extent to which the two are inseparable. Racial and gender inequities aren’t so much examined as turned inside out, and Nolan’s research is as well-stocked with facts and figures (for example, that the fastest-growing group of gun owners is comprised of Black women) as her arguments are informed by the analyses of predecessors including Tressie McMillan Cottom and bell hooks. For some listeners, the audiobook format might not be best suited for Nolan’s work, which can be dense (though not inaccessible).
But as a whole, the work is a triumph, and Nolan proves a candid and forthright narrator and guide.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 35 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063320116
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2026
Solnit presents a clear and coherent explanation of contemporary liberalism.
Solnit is known for expressing the liberal approach in her essays, and in this book, she specifically addresses ways of reshaping the world in accord with her principles. Unfortunately, while her voice is expressive, it is rather soft, which diminishes the effect of her sometimes-passionate arguments. Still, she knows what she wants to say, and she says it clearly. Drawing often on her own experiences and background, she lays out the case for liberal ideals and action. Her main concerns include Native American rights, our relationship with the biosphere, and the importance of empathy in public decision-making. She lacks empathy, however, for those who disagree with her.
Solnit presents a clear and coherent explanation of contemporary liberalism.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798318565045
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: May 26, 2026
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