Alexandra Stoddard's emotional groundedness along with the quotations from a wide selection of literary giants give her latest "living well" book an appealing, timeless foundation. It’s full of practical wisdom that sounds like it has been shared for eons by mothers and daughters throughout the world. A lot of her thoughtfulness appears as pointed advice—”Put your life in order” and “Avoid unnecessary distractions”—and it’s with these passages that narrator Laural Merlington sounds most at home. She’s not stern, but her mature voice and assertive tone alert listeners to pay attention and give some thought to the way they manage things like their health, finances, relationships, and intellectual growth. Her urbane performance is a wonderful vehicle for this satisfying reminder of what is beautiful and important in life.
Pub Date: April 2, 2013
Duration: 4 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780062239938
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Sedaris is as self-deprecating and witty as ever, and this audiobook is a refreshing listen.
American humorist Sedaris has done it again. His new essay collection is filled with uproarious anecdotes, and his narration is, as always, a delight. With the sound of the audience's laughter as a backdrop, listeners will feel as though they’re attending one of Sedaris’ live events. Sedaris’ trademark deadpan delivery is a treat, and his funny observations are sure to elicit lots of laughs. His themes include travel to far-flung corners of the world; city living; mundane annoyances, embarrassments, and curiosities; misadventures in language learning; and relationship dynamics.
Sedaris is as self-deprecating and witty as ever, and this audiobook is a refreshing listen.Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 26 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668648230
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: May 12, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2026
An impassioned and inspiring manifesto on telling good stories.
In an unadorned but sincere and appealing performance, Barnett’s enthusiasm for children’s literature comes through loud and clear. The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature makes a convincing case for the importance of children’s literature as an art form, and the importance of recognizing kids as creative, imaginative, discerning readers in their own right. As anyone who has read or listened to Barnett’s books for children knows, he’s funny, and that humor adds to the listening experience, especially when he shares personal stories or interrupts himself to deliver frequent footnotes. A couple of small changes from the print book make the production specific to audiobook listeners.
An impassioned and inspiring manifesto on telling good stories.Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668657096
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
