Henry Ford was a driven genius who eventually came to believe he could accomplish anything, even stopping WWI. It’s difficult to capture the life of such a complex man in a single work, but this biography does a capable job. Sean Runnette offers a solid and, at times, spirited narration. He captures the excitement and enthusiasm of Ford’s early years as he labors to perfect his first automobile, crafting every part from scratch. In the latter portion of the book, Runnette depicts the pathos as Ford’s successes cause him to develop monomania, alienating most of those around him, including his own son. Runnette varies the pacing of his reading effectively, carrying the listener along and adding emphasis for effect as needed. He limits vocal characterizations to direct quotes by foreign speakers.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2013
Duration: 12 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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