In narrating her own memoir, literary writer Kingston gives her words just the lyrical quality she intends. She speaks with emotion and passion about her life's journey, bestowing each word with significance. A professor emeritus at UC Berkeley, Kingston is known for her books about Chinese culture and immigration, and she has devoted much of her life to antiwar activism. The American-born Kingston’s melodic speech is reminiscent of the tone and pace of poetic verse or haiku. Now 65 and speaking with depth, emphasis, and precision, she gently blends some imaginary pilgrimages into her life’s story as well. The meaningful events of her life unfold a culture clash of past and present, East and West—all of which are woven into her personal stories and colorful imagery.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2011
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Audible, Inc.
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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