The main interests of this history of two political families are served by narrator Malcolm Hillgartner's giving each major player his own voice. In the case of the easily recognizable--Winston Churchill, FDR, JFK, and RFK--he provides rough but serviceable imitations that enliven the reading and aid listener comprehension. He lends excitement to the material without overdoing it and maintains his vigor as the book devolves through repetition, spotty writing, and lack of depth to the principals' sad ends. Still, his persistent energy helps keep the listener focused, and his strong voice and serious manner make the book's main material--gossip--seem more substantial. Overall, Hillgartner's narration renders this work more enjoyable than it might otherwise be.
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 2014
Duration: 22 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781483031224
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
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