The world’s most infamous former cyberspace hacker catalogs his computer, phone, and cellular network exploits, which vary from practical jokes to eavesdropping on U.S. governmental wiretapping. Narrator Ray Porter employs an assertive, controlled performance with effective use of pauses. He provides little vocal characterization except for a few Asian-American intonations. We hear an earnest telling, without self-examination or flashes of humor, of a spoiled life led with significant privilege, courtesy of Mitnick’s enabling parents and grandmother. Funds were always made available for defense attorneys and miscellaneous paraphernalia in support of an out-of-control intellectual curiosity for criminally challenging electronic systems and their security. The writing style is pedestrian as is Porter’s narration. Clearly an illogical choice for audio inclusion are the unexplained cryptic puzzles that follow each chapter title.
Pub Date: 2011
Duration: 13 hrs
Publisher: Blackstone 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.
