Virginia Holman's mother went first subtly, then floridly, crazy when her two daughters were young, suddenly taking them off to live at a "field hospital" in a secret war she believed she'd been tapped to fight for the government. Holman shows unusual insight into her child's eye view of a bizarre situation, and an adult's honesty about her fear of her mother and of her own genes. She is understandably angry that her father and others did so little to help, or even acknowledge what was happening; she also concedes that, to a child, parts of it were sort of mad fun. Julia Gibson reads with warmth and sympathy, bringing a special touch to the tones of children's voices. B.G.
(c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2003
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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