If you’re in need of inspiration, words of wisdom, or just a shot of confidence, then this book will fit the bill. Author Katie Couric has assembled a Who’s Who of interview subjects, including Suze Orman, Bill Cosby, Chef Mario Batali, business leaders, and politicians, who opine on what made them successful. (For example, pay attention and show up on time.) Couric introduces each section, using her cheerful, friendly voice to connect with the listener. The other narrators do an excellent job giving voice to these high achievers. Each has a unique sound that ranges from reportorial to quirky, but all of them have excellent diction and pacing, and they allow their subject’s words to emerge front and center.
Pub Date: 2011
Duration: 7 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780307943309
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Dan Harris traces his experience finding a quieter, more peaceful mind, and life, through the unlikely pursuit of meditation. Deeply skeptical, he’s ultimately convinced by the scientific research showing meditation’s benefits. Harris says the voice in his head, the “inner narrator” he seeks to quiet, is a “total pill”—a voice that “comes braying in, heckling us all day with an air horn.” Unfortunately, his own narration has a way of grating on the ear, especially when he’s describing meditation with a cynical, yet-to-be converted eye or taking a competitive approach to mindfulness. Eventually, the ear adjusts and listeners can absorb interesting glimpses into Harris’s life as a broadcaster and his journey with meditation. However, some still may prefer to read the book to themselves.
Pub Date: 2014
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062331892
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
While a brief introduction to this audiobook is voiced by Dick Van Dyke himself, the balance is assigned to his friend Tom Bergeron. He does a remarkable, impeccable, and simply wonderful job, narrating with a rhythm and tonality similar to Van Dyke's. One might believe one is listening to the 100-year-old actor himself. In addition to talking about his life, Van Dyke also quite candidly describes living with the health and mobility issues that have touched him in his most recent years. Throughout the presentation, anecdotes and vignettes thoughtfully portray the pivotal influences on the man and his sensibilities. The novel approach of presenting the ever optimistic Van Dyke's "rules for living" works effectively.
Pub Date: 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668652992
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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