Narrator Richard Ferrone adds a steady voice to this provocative biography of the 31st president of the United States. Unwilling to gloss over his deficiencies or elevate his successes to legendary status, the writer and narrator enable the listener to appreciate that timing is everything. Ferrone delivers the tone and pace of the chronicler as Hoover's roller coaster of a life unfolds. His ability to encapsulate the anger and excitedness, the euphoria and deep sadness of a life spent in service keeps the listener wanting to know more about this underrated historical figure. Ferrone resurrects an extraordinary life such that audiophiles will be looking for more.
Pub Date: Oct. 10, 2017
Duration: 27 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525500339
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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