Listeners are drawn in right away as narrator Robert Fass sets a dramatic scene that's literally the stuff of fiction, since it partly inspired the movie CHINATOWN. The author tells the story of how William Mulholland built Los Angeles' water system. Beginning the story with disaster, he recounts the collapse of the St. Francis Dam, which caused several hundred deaths in pounding floodwaters. This opening emphasizes the undercurrent of drama in a fascinating slice of history. As he goes back into Mulholland's life and work, Fass delivers an understated but gripping narration. The hardworking Mulholland becomes a tragic hero through Standiford's writing, and the growth of Southern California is seen through his life.
Pub Date: March 31, 2015
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062373847
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
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