Wendy Spero is a stand-up comedian whose meticulous, meandering reflections on her quirky, neurotic life may remind listeners of David Sedaris. Like Sedaris, Spero has an amazing memory for the minutiae of her childhood, and she interweaves story after loving story about her family. Though Spero is great at voices, especially her mother's nasal drone and her own younger voices, listeners are more likely to smile than laugh out loud at these tales. Spero's dry wit emphasizes the interesting observation over the outright funny story. At over six hours, this audio performance also suffers from a lack of focus; the time constraints of a live performance would suit her style much better.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2006
Duration: 6 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Penguin 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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