J.D. Salinger inspires the imagination as few other authors can. This memoir is immediately gripping because of its focus on the reclusive, iconic figure who gave the world THE CATCHER IN THE RYE. Rakoff's story of her time at the agency that represents Salinger and other notable authors is fascinating for its names and its intrigues. As a narrator, though, Rakoff is uneven and sometimes uncomfortable to listen to. Sibilance is a continual problem, and her hard delivery of other consonants can also be distracting. However, she eventually finds her stride, and the listener can fully engage with the fascinating story of her struggle to make progress in the publishing world.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2014
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
Publisher: Audible, Inc.
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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