Forty years after she wrote of her father's life in HOME BEFORE DARK, Susan Cheever, eldest daughter of renowned writer John Cheever, narrates her "sequel of sorts." Using the lens of her father's work, she analyzes and finds connections between his life and hers. Cheever's delivery gives equal weight to the strands she skillfully weaves. Excerpts from her father's literary work and journals are braided with contextual facts and her own memories. Her appreciation of his gift and of their deep attachment is balanced with memories of feeling exploited as his story settings moved from Westchester suburban swimming pools to the family dinner table. She's open about his writing, his homosexuality, and his alcoholic binges. Cheever's honesty and depth are matched by her eloquence.
Pub Date: Dec. 27, 2025
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9798228588554
Publisher: Blackstone 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.
