Brigham Young was a relatively unschooled rural craftsman who rose to become the charismatic leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, better known as the Mormons. This comprehensive biography--neither pro- nor anti-Mormon--seeks to present a balanced view of his strengths and weaknesses. The author sets a good base for a discussion of the roots of Mormonism. Stephen Hoye is an able narrator, carrying the listener along nicely, although even he isn't able to make some of the arcane discussions of the early Mormon Church easy to listen to or follow. But that fault lies with the author, not the reader. The latter chapters, particularly those about the church's battles with the U.S. government, roll out at a pace more reminiscent of a novel than a history.
Pub Date: Dec. 24, 2012
Duration: 19 hrs, 45 mins
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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