Ulysses Grant's reputation suffers from the false perception that, as a general, he had a drinking problem and that, as president, he was unable to manage a scandal-plagued administration. Both beliefs are exaggerated and unfair, according to this new biography, which reexamines many contemporary sources. Arthur Morey offers a solid narration. His voice is serious without sounding pedantic. This helps carry the narration through occasional overly detailed passages that could become tiresome in the hands of a less talented reader. He varies his tone to fit the material and sets off quotes with appropriate pauses. He doesn't adopt special voices for individual speakers, which is wise given the brief length of most quotes.
Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2016
Duration: 27 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781522633006
Publisher: Brilliance 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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