Elisabeth Rogers's deliberate and sensitive narration captures the isolation and misery of Maude Julien's horrific childhood. Julien is supposed to be a sort of superhero--immune to pain or fear, unable to be broken. Her parents homeschool her, express no affection, turn a blind eye to sexual abuse by a handyman, and constantly test her emotionally and physically. For example, she must hold on to an electric fence without flinching, spend a night in the basement with the rats without moving, and lock up her beloved dog during the day because . . . well, just because. Julien writes in the present tense, and Rogers honors that with an authentically young and naïve tone. It's all astonishingly bleak. Julien's gradual rebellion and eventual escape allow the listener to finally take a breath.
Pub Date: 2017
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781478970576
Publisher: Hachette 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:
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:
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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