Clarke's examination of John F. Kennedy focuses on the fall of 1963, making the point that after almost three years in the White House, JFK was finally hitting his stride as president. Malcolm Hillgartner narrates the book and also serves as cheerleader-in-chief. He does a great job. His voice has the authoritative, assured presence necessary for a story that presents Kennedy as a man, a leader, and a tragic figure. Hillgartner's deep tone and sure pacing grab our attention from the opening music. The book is an exercise in hero worship and lamentations of what might have been, and Hillgartner channels that message, making this an impressive listening experience.
Pub Date: July 16, 2013
Duration: 15 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781101620236
Publisher: Penguin 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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