This thorough biography of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., the first black congressman (representing Harlem), tells of his political and personal life in all its minutiae. Haygood traces Powell's roots and life from his grandfather, who was a slave, to Powell's death in 1972, with numerous digressions to flesh out the story of the fight for racial equality. The details are drawn in low, droning tones by Morgan Duncan. His sonorous voice creates a monotony that allows the listener to drift from the text. The flow of Duncan's narration is also marred by hesitations that seem to be breaks in concentration more than in natural phrasing. To abridge Powell's life would detract from his accomplishments but might make for a more compelling audiobook.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1996
Duration: 21 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
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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