One of the climactic moments of the twentieth century, the fall of the Berlin Wall marked a period of new hope and freedom, the end of the Cold War. Reporter Romesh Ratnesar recounts details of the negotiations between the Reagan administration and the Soviet Union that led up to the reunification of Berlin. He specifically covers Reagan's famous speech at the Brandenburg Gate. The production opens with an insightful interview between narrator Wes Bleed and Ratnesar in which the author discusses his motivation for writing the book. Following this discussion is a recording of Reagan's speech and then the text itself, which Bleed narrates with vigor and alacrity. His clear, friendly voice suits the book’s historical tone. Further, his reading captures the feelings of hope and determination that prevailed during this critical period in history.
Pub Date: Nov. 5, 2009
Duration: 7 hrs
Publisher: Oasis Audio/ Springwater
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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