Allyson Ryan delivers a measured narration of Stevie Phillips's gossipy account of her life as agent to Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, and many other stars. While Phillips covers her struggle to be accepted in the male-dominated theater industry, her main focus is on the darker side of Garland--from her addictions to her self-mutilations. Phillips was there through several of Judy's pill-popping overdoses, alcoholic stupors, and episodes of erratic behavior--all of which she recounts with enough vitriol to burn away anyone's positive memories of the troubled star. Phillips presents "a demented, demanding, supremely talented drug addict," and there is little Ryan can do to alter the vicious tone. Kudos to Ryan for remaining as objective as the text allows.
Pub Date: Dec. 15, 2020
Duration: 9 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250782717
Publisher: Macmillan 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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