Politicians are generally not seen as candid and unpretentious, but this audiobook presents former Congressman and CIA director Leon Panetta as sincere and approachable. His story is quite American, and his accomplishments are many. Panetta reads his own book in a clear, pleasant voice; his pace allows listeners to follow his story with ease. Throughout his political career, Panetta presented himself as a genuine man of the people, and that view of himself comes through in this book. However, his narration lacks the emotion and immediacy of the events he speaks about. He also drops some words at the ends of sentences and reads too slowly in places. Panetta has had a fascinating career, but he needs a professional to sing his praises.
Pub Date: Oct. 7, 2014
Duration: 20 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780698179738
Publisher: Penguin 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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