Those who love history, biography, and fine storytelling will soon be immersed in this superb production. Catherine the Great is one of history’s most compelling figures, and the author is one of our most esteemed popular historians. Mark Deakins does both credit with a reading that is brisk and dramatic and that, not incidentally, relieves the listener of the burden of dealing with all those long Russian names. The production is flavored but not flooded with the vigor and expressiveness of the Russian language. Massie is a masterful storyteller who makes plain at all times who is who and what role he or she plays. He has a remarkable story to tell, and he knows how to tell it to maximum effect. Working with such exemplary material, Deakins turns in an enthralling performance.
Pub Date: Nov. 8, 2011
Duration: 23 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780307970206
Publisher: Random House 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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