Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, (R)-Texas, examines the lives of American trailblazers, such as First Ladies Jacqueline Kennedy and Lady Bird Johnson; military leaders Sarah Emma Edmonds, Anna May Hayes, and Virginia Hall; writers and activists Pearl Buck, Toni Morrison, Jane Addams, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton; and women of science and medicine, such as Alice Hamilton. This list is far from complete as other remarkable women are also featured. As narrator, Hutchison employs a flat, inexpressive narrative quality that lacks energy. The presentation does not match the history-making drama found in these women's accomplishments. This is a shame as these stories deserve a first-rate audio presentation. Additionally, the lack of liner notes listing the women included in the program is frustrating.
Pub Date: Oct. 23, 2007
Duration: 6 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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
