Before she became a famous poet, Maya Angelou was a dancer, singer, actor, activist, magazine writer and editor, and a university administrator. This audio version of her fourth memoir covers her life from 1957 to 1962, roughly from the time of her move to New York City--where she met, among others, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X--and then to Accra, Ghana. The story is full of exciting events and celebrities, and the performance by Uzo Aduba does it justice. Aduba hints at the voices of the many characters, mostly using accents and emotional tones to bring them to life. Her control of accents is as impressive as her range of emotions. Angelou's own passions--romantic and political--are vivid, as well.
Pub Date: Aug. 5, 2025
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593911532
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Karen Chilton's fluid alto is a good fit for this biography of Thomas Jefferson. The authors are more or less successful in their attempt to present the third president in the context of his times. What we are presented with is a very human being--possessing great intellect, filled with flaws and contradictions, and still immensely fascinating nearly three centuries after his birth. Chilton's pacing and inflection are never off. She narrates with a calm demeanor, competently affecting various accents for quotes and ably giving subtle expression to the narrative. It all adds up to an enjoyable listening experience.
Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2016
Duration: 14 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501909993
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This rags-to-riches memoir recounts the business life of Sam Wyly as he made his way from IBM salesman in the early 1960s to the owner of Sterling Software and Michael's stores, as well as a chain of restaurants, among other companies. Along the way, Wyly tells of his investment strategies, his business partners, his successes, and his failures. Phil Gigante reads this business story with a steady voice that lulls listeners instead of exciting them. In addition to the occasional odd pronunciation, Gigante's voice is barely modulated, and he fails to engage emotionally. Nonetheless, this title offers an interesting view of how to invest in your business, making it grow while weathering an ever-changing economy.
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2008
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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