A lovely voice, sincere characterizations, and an engrossing story make this an exceptional listen. Narrator Amy Lynn Stewart delivers a tender interpretation of literary giant Harper Lee (TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD) and her extraordinary older sister, Alice. Author Marja Mills, a journalist for the CHICAGO TRIBUNE, sought to find out why, after great acclaim, Harper Lee dropped out of the literary spotlight and never wrote another book. She traveled to Monroeville, Alabama, but really didn’t expect to get an interview. To her amazement, Alice, an 89-year-old working attorney, welcomed her. It wasn’t long before their “off-the-record” friendship began. Eventually, both Lees asked Mills to relate their reminiscences “to set the record straight.” Stewart expertly differentiates between the sisters in this compelling biographical memoir.
Pub Date: July 15, 2014
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780698154575
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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