As Thomas Beller delves into Salinger's writings, letters, and early youth, narrator Grover Gardner narrates in the direct tone so familiar to Salinger devotees. Author Beller's approach to this Salinger biography is to infuse it with his passion for the elusive writer's classic works, while drawing personal parallels to his own life. Gardner narrates simply and quietly, with little emphasis or emotion, but still conveys the famed author's private life, family background, and struggles as an artist with insight and depth. Beller examines Salinger's personal motivations, especially his ultimate choice to spend half a century in seclusion in small-town New Hampshire. This biography sheds light on the popular author's perplexing flight from the publishing world and his fans from 1953 until his death in his 90s.
Pub Date: June 3, 2014
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781480584822
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
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