Simon Winchester's arch and clearly British inflection provides the perfect contextual narration for the true story of Joseph Needham, a British scientist who made his life work the study of China. Winchester’s style can seem plodding and didactic to those looking for something faster paced and dramatic. The complexity of Chinese civilization, in contrast to the blatant Orientalism of the Far East by Europe, is one of the many dense themes he tackles as both writer and narrator. The movement among the three main elements of the book, from the historical information on ancient China, to the biographical events of Needham's life, and the events that led to his production of 17 volumes on Chinese society, is capably, if unimaginatively, handled by Winchester.
Pub Date: May 6, 2008
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: Harper 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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