Narrating her own work, Jill Lepore deconstructs the legend of Joe Gould in this short audiobook based on her NEW YORKER article. Gould, the subject of two previous famed NEW YORKER articles, was reported to have perpetrated a hoax by claiming to have written an unpublished nine-million-word oral history of America. Lepore argues that Gould may have actually written some or all of the oral history, though the portions that have been unearthed are not particularly engaging. More interesting is Lepore's portrait of Gould as a prejudiced, self-absorbed madman who, when not stalking women or proclaiming his greatness, relied upon the kindness of famous friends. Lepore narrates her work and when voicing Gould, employs a harsh tone and near-shouting volume, apparently simulating what Gould sounded like. Though that helps conjure up Gould, it's also a bit wearing on listeners.
Pub Date: May 17, 2016
Duration: 3 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780451484796
Publisher: Random House 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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