In this autobiography of one of the most celebrated, respected African-Americans of the twentieth century, the 90-year-old scholar, historian, and statesman relates the history of racism in black America. As Franklin says, "I look history straight in the eye, and tell it like it is." In a well-modulated, controlled, conversational voice, he, indeed, "tells it like it is" and was, about the early years of cruel discrimination, Civil Rights battles, and his struggles to achieve success in the academic community. Perhaps the telling is too controlled, with only tinges of the pain and anger he suffered and the joy of his triumphs. Nevertheless, this is an important document, a fascinating chronicle of an amazing life.
Pub Date: Nov. 15, 2005
Duration: 7 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
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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