Arts journalist Tim Greiving offers a fascinating biography of the man some call the first truly cinematic composer, John Williams. Jonathan Todd Ross masterfully performs this challenging task. His narration is intimate, measured, and enthusiastically nuanced. Williams, best known for his scores for Steven Spielberg films, initially lent little of himself to Greiving's efforts but later became very cooperatively involved. Chapter titles are favorite musical "cues" Williams wrote and named. His more popular television and film musical efforts are in Part I, "Hollywood," and the more classical and pops works are examined in Part II, "Tanglewood," that venue being the summer home of the Boston Pops. This production is a joy for those committed to a major listening experience.
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 2025
Duration: 33 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798899734168
Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.
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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