The daughter of the late astrophysicist Carl Sagan narrates her own work with self-deprecating wit, nostalgic remembrance, and a dash of joy. Sasha Sagan isn't religious, since her parents instilled science as a belief system from an early age. Still, she has a fascination with the rituals religion provides. Her thoughts about Christmas take listeners from a December visit to Tokyo's Ginza to Saturnalia and to her own participation in her husband's family's celebrations. Often, she recalls her father. Sagan tells of how she cried when hearing his voice on an audiobook and of her joy upon seeing mementos his fans have left at his grave. Her thesis--that everyone can observe rituals and see the miracles around us--will leave listeners with ideas to ponder.
Pub Date: Oct. 22, 2019
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593107126
Publisher: Penguin 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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