James Langton's accent reflects the background of Jonathan Raban, a gifted British writer who relocated to Washington state. Enunciation and emotions are clear as Langton recounts Raban's moment-to-moment responses to a hemorrhagic stroke and the paralysis that followed. Langton smoothly embraces the elements of Raban's memoir--literary criticism combined with stories of his own healing. Raban also describes his parents' first encounter and growing love, based on their letters and journals. Langton's account of Raban's father's battles in WWII is more remote than the immediacy and liveliness he delivers as Raban faces his own battles to recover in a rehabilitation facility, understand his new limitations, and adjust to his trauma. Langton's narration honors the wit of the late writer.
Pub Date: Sept. 19, 2023
Duration: 12 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593863275
Publisher: Random House 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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