Classically trained British actor Mike Grady possesses the ideal voice and style to narrate this sprawling biography of poet, playwright, critic, translator, and children's author Ted Hughes (1930-1998), who often combined mythological, natural and classical themes into the sounds and rhythms of his modern verse. For American audiences, for better or worse, Hughes's turbulent life and career are forever entwined with the considerable reputation of his first wife, poet Sylvia Plath, who committed suicide in 1963. Author Bate seems to overcompensate by adding so many superlatives--greatest poet, best fisherman, exceptional chef--that the narrator has a hard task knowing what to accentuate because everything is accentuated with respect to this large-than-life writer.
Pub Date: Oct. 13, 2015
Duration: 25 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062433855
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Karen Chilton's fluid alto is a good fit for this biography of Thomas Jefferson. The authors are more or less successful in their attempt to present the third president in the context of his times. What we are presented with is a very human being--possessing great intellect, filled with flaws and contradictions, and still immensely fascinating nearly three centuries after his birth. Chilton's pacing and inflection are never off. She narrates with a calm demeanor, competently affecting various accents for quotes and ably giving subtle expression to the narrative. It all adds up to an enjoyable listening experience.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2016
Duration: 14 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501909993
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This rags-to-riches memoir recounts the business life of Sam Wyly as he made his way from IBM salesman in the early 1960s to the owner of Sterling Software and Michael's stores, as well as a chain of restaurants, among other companies. Along the way, Wyly tells of his investment strategies, his business partners, his successes, and his failures. Phil Gigante reads this business story with a steady voice that lulls listeners instead of exciting them. In addition to the occasional odd pronunciation, Gigante's voice is barely modulated, and he fails to engage emotionally. Nonetheless, this title offers an interesting view of how to invest in your business, making it grow while weathering an ever-changing economy.
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2008
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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