Somaly Mam was an illiterate, impoverished, and deferential Cambodian orphan who was no more than 12 when she was forced into prostitution. Remarkably, she overcame beatings, rapes, and a life of deprivation to save thousands of girls from her own fate and worse. Tanya Eby Sirois does a first-rate job capturing the author's quiet but powerful essence in this inspiring memoir, which is aided by a clear emotional connection between narrator and subject. The narration is soft- spoken and compassionate, but potent, growing in strength as Somaly Mam finds an outlet for her rage. Sirois keeps her voice light and slightly breathy, evoking a sensitive Cambodian girl who, through incredible hardship and determination, grows into an international champion for the fight against child prostitution and slavery.
Pub Date: Sept. 9, 2008
Duration: 5 hrs
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
