With this indispensable book, the king of bestsellers intended to put down his thoughts on writing. But after he was run over on a country road in Maine by "one of my own characters," the work turned into a memoir as the author wrote himself back to health. King's life has had a fair amount of horror--even before his near-death experience. His childhood doctor sounds like the town butcher; an early job included picking maggots out of blood-soaked medical laundry (which he seems to have preferred over teaching!). These rare glimpses into King's personal life--as related in his earnest tone and real (thank God) Maine accent--are fascinating, especially his affectionate portrait of his mother. But the real gems are King's tips on writing. He knows his craft, and he doesn't put on any airs. If you write--or want to--get this book. After explaining what's important (including good grammar), the celebrated author says to get down to the business--as he has for the last forty-odd years.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2000
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 743563379
Publisher: Simon & Schuster 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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