Sounding erudite and professorial, author Philip Pullman delivers this collection of his nonfiction writings. The tone is apt, as many of these speeches and essays were originally given as lectures at universities or published as introductions to new editions of classic works. Topics range from his own writing process, such as for the His Dark Materials series, to the importance of fairy tales and his thoughts on religion and spirituality. Pullman's interests are clearly wide ranging, and his enthusiasm for, say, the charms of the illustrations in classics like Arthur Ransome's SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS and Tove Jansson's Moomins books invites listeners to want to learn more. It's a worthwhile listen for insights into the mind of the writer.
Pub Date: Sept. 18, 2018
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780525643302
Publisher: Penguin 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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