The subtitle of this audiobook summarizes it well: "A Study of Genius, Mania, and Character." While it does cover the major events of the renowned American poet's life, it's not a biography in the conventional sense. Instead, it's a consideration of the relationship between his genius and his bipolar illness--by a psychologist who herself has bipolar illness. Narrator Jefferson Mays does a solid job with the text, which includes a great deal of prose and poetry from Lowell himself, as as well as from his friends, many of whom were also respected poets. The technical aspects of the psychological discussion remain clear as well. Lowell's prose overshadows Jamison's, but Mays gives the work of both writers appropriate weight, and he is particularly good with the poetry. For an extra treat, the book ends with Lowell reading one of his own poems, "Epilogue."
Pub Date: Feb. 28, 2017
Duration: 18 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781524755867
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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