John Grogan (MARLEY AND ME) spent his life distancing himself from a devout Catholic upbringing, only to return as his father battled leukemia. Grogan reads his own book with a voice that conveys both the defiance and cynicism of his youth and the concern of his older self for his ailing father. He also reflects on both times in his life from the wiser perspective of adulthood. This isn't a sentimental memoir. Grogan has rollicking tales of his youthful marijuana use and "making out," and discusses how he fell away from religion. Grogan often shows admiration for his parents, relating how they took in kids fleeing the Detroit riots. This one's for those disaffected kids, now adults, not their parents.
Pub Date: Oct. 21, 2008
Duration: 11 hrs
Publisher: Harper 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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