Most histories of the American Revolution focus on the battles, the Declaration of Independence, and George Washington. This book is a different, welcome, and altogether enthralling account of Franklin's eight-year diplomatic mission to France to obtain weapons and friends for America's cause. Narrator Susan Denaker reads with an informed, authoritative voice that suits the subject and amplifies the text. She is clear and measured, enunciates every word, and has a marvelous command of French pronunciation. However, she fails to convey the importance of these events and personalities, and that results in an unsatisfying flatness as the book progresses. This is a trailblazing book, but unfortunately Denaker reads it as if it were an old story.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2005
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
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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