Entertainer Mike Birbiglia and his wife, J. Hope Stein, work together to present a humorous contemporary story of reluctant parents. The pair are excellent foils. Birbiglia is lively—full of ironic observations and laugh-out-loud one-liners. Stein is more reserved, breathy and sincere as she reads her original poems, which are sprinkled throughout. In this audiobook listeners are getting the best moments of Birbiglia's stand-up comedy routines and Broadway show, which were based on the same theme. His experience as a performer shines through in the pace and timing of his narration. Listeners will appreciate the honesty behind his wit, along with the quieter tone of reflection in Stein's reading. M.R. 2021 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: July 14, 2020
Duration: 5 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781549126994
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: 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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