All too often, the personal discoveries of real people are more telling and more compelling than those of fiction. Such is the case with this captivating memoir by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Focusing on her youth during WWII, the book begins with her discovery in later life that her heritage is quite different from what she had believed. From there, Albright takes the listener on a journey through the events that led her to a career in diplomacy. Albright delivers the book with warmth, in a style that welcomes the listener into her life. While her voice, at times, can be raspy, her performance overcomes this minor limitation and allows the listener to experience world events, including WWII and the Cold War, through her eyes.
Pub Date: April 24, 2012
Duration: 14 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780062124616
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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