Narrator Gerard Doyle's Irish brogue takes listeners back in time to Tom Phelan's childhood. Phelan's stories have a way of branching out to show us the Irish town in which he grew up. The story of his birth, for example, includes his parents' courtship and a tale about the nurse who delivered him. When Doyle emphasizes a phrase, such as the words "having notions," it tells a lot about his parents and community. Each time listeners are reminded that Phelan was said to be destined for the priesthood from birth, they will be a bit more curious to hear how his life turned out. Listeners will figure out most of the Gaelic words Phelan uses, but there's also a glossary at the end.
Pub Date: March 5, 2019
Duration: 6 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781508285304
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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