Amy Bass's deep dive into Lewiston, Maine's high school soccer team is about more than sports. It's about immigration and acceptance. The author examines the wave of Somali immigrants that hit this small city in the early 2000s, focusing on the boys who join the soccer team. As they experience outright racism, the refugees bond with the local players through the leadership of the team's longtime coach. Narrator Will Collyer had a choice: He could read this audiobook straight or create voices for the players, coaches, and others whom the author cites. He chose the latter, and it brings the production alive. Treating everyone with dignity, he uses a slight New England accent when appropriate and creates inquisitive lilts for the Somali players. Both author and narrator take a "Friday Night Lights" approach to looking at the team, the city, and its residents through both sociological and sports lenses. The story culminates with an exciting state playoff run.
Pub Date: Feb. 27, 2018
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781478923794
Publisher: Hachette 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
© 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.
