Forget his childhood, education, and the fact that he's Shirley MacLaine's half-brother. This biography concentrates on Beatty's films (he’s an actor, director, and producer), womanizing (with Madonna, Diane Keaton, Julie Christie, to name just a few), and politics (he once toyed with the idea of running for president). You might call it an extended gossip column, and David Drummond narrates it just that way. It's lively, well paced, and clear. Conversations are animated; quotations are set apart. The author brings out Beatty's faults—obsessive-compulsiveness, lack of follow-through—as well as his intelligence and loyalty to friends. This neutral stance is reflected in Drummond's tone. Those under 40 may not remember the star of hits like BONNIE AND CLYDE and flops such as ISHTAR, but those with stamina and curiosity will enjoy this.
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2010
Duration: 23 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
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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