Those with a deep, abiding love for such musicals as OKLAHOMA!, CAROUSEL, SOUTH PACIFIC, and THE KING AND I will find great joy in listening to Purdum's account of the remarkable partnership between composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II. Circumstance drew the two together, thereby changing the face of American musical theater. Purdum has a smile in his voice as he recounts their extraordinary working relationship, detailing how Hammerstein would write the wonderful lyrics first and then send them to Rodgers, who would add the sparkling tunes. A quick study, Rodgers took only about five hours to compose the entire score of OKLAHOMA! Listeners will want to sing along as Purdum reads the lyrics to some of the world's most beloved melodies.
Pub Date: April 3, 2018
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781538537053
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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