Narrator Heather Alicia Simms animates Anna Mae Bullock, better known to us as the iconic Tina Turner. This touching and impactful memoir is filled with tremendous highs and profound lows. Turner herself narrates the prologue exceptionally well, despite a stroke and other health problems that might have impacted the vocal qualities of a lesser performer. Simms cannot quite rise to the occasion of soaring when needed as she delivers the compelling story of the singing Tennessean born to humble roots who became an international superstar. One notices missing consonants both within and at the ends of many words. While Simms has a beautiful voice, her consistent and unchanging intonation cheats the emotional moments and variations in spirit that are part of Turner's long and complex life.
Pub Date: Oct. 16, 2018
Duration: 8 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781508276692
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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