Ringwald artfully keeps this meticulous, warts-and-all biography compelling and entertaining.
Molly Ringwald credibly captures Judy Blume from childhood to her incredible success as an author who revolutionized children’s literature. Ringwald’s Blume is realistically rendered, her heartaches, illnesses, and disappointments illustrating her often chaotic personal life while writing remains her dependable anchor. Blume challenged prevailing literary norms by adding realistic issues, including sexuality, divorce, and changing bodies, to her books for young people. Listeners hear about Blume’s rejections from publishers and her responses to book bans, as well as media interviews that reflect her dedication to children’s well-being. Oppenheimer’s charming and informative epilogue reveals that despite extensive research, Blume remains an enigma.
Ringwald artfully keeps this meticulous, warts-and-all biography compelling and entertaining.Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 12 hrs, 46 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217076574
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 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.
