Author and columnist Thomas Page McBee narrates his thought-provoking memoir about masculinity with an engaging clarity and openness. McBee, who wrote about transitioning to male gender in his award-winning memoir, MAN ALIVE, is living with his girlfriend when the audiobook opens. Finding himself in a near fistfight with an aggressive jerk one day, the tattooed and testosterone-fueled author confronts the question of what really makes a man. In search of the answer, he trains for a charity boxing match. The achingly honest story that results makes for a compelling listen. McBee's light, growly voice is pleasant, and his rhythm and pacing add to the audiobook's listenability, encouraging us to think deeply as we root for him to survive throwing punches and being punched.
Pub Date: Aug. 14, 2018
Duration: 3 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781508267430
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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