Arithmetic equations in an audiobook? In Humphrey Bower’s eloquent reading of this lauded 1991 biography of one of the world’s most brilliant and mystifying mathematicians, spoken numbers manage not to confuse. Admittedly, being able to see them would be nice, but mathematically inclined listeners can write down the equations as Bower reads, and non-math listeners wouldn’t really learn much from seeing the numbers anyway. They can join everyone else in appreciating the story of Indian genius Srinivasa Ramanujan. Bower reads with interest and command. He paces the math discussions to interest all listeners, and his command of British and Indian intonations adds color to the dialogue and quotations. Introduced with atmospheric music, this is a classy production.
Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2007
Duration: 17 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Blackstone 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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