by Ann Hood ; read by Kimberly Schraf ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 22, 1999
Finding oneself in this complex world is never an easy thing--so Olivia and 15-year-old Ruby discover. As Olivia slowly creates a life without a partner, she learns to accept, respect and love the free-spirited Ruby. Kimberly Schraf’s characterizations are clear-cut and emotional. Ruby sounds sophisticated and worldly; Olivia is quiet and introspective, with hints of energy beneath the sadness. As the bond between Olivia and Ruby strengthens, the story gains momentum, especially as they both struggle with raising a child.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1999
Duration: 9 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Jeff Zentner ; read by Charlie Thurston ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 3, 2026
An emotional journey through 1970s New York, conveyed with heart and soul.
Awards & Accolades
Our Verdict
GET IT
Thurston's performance eloquently captures the spirit of the theater, the arts, and human connection. Growing up in the South, young Tiller Loomis discovers his passion for entertaining through puppetry. After his older brother dies in Vietnam, Tiller finds his way to New York, where he discovers his people: an acting troupe hired to put on a new children's show on the same public television network as Sesame Street. Thurston's voice so embodies Tiller's dreams and desires, it's occasionally heartbreaking. Listeners who remember those halcyon days of children's public programming and the theatrical spirit that powered it will be particularly moved.
An emotional journey through 1970s New York, conveyed with heart and soul.Pub Date: Nov. 3, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668658956
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Nov. 14, 2026
by Hernan Diaz ; read by Imani Jade Powers ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 29, 2026
Despite Powers' strong performance, Diaz’s fans may be disappointed.
Narrator Imani Jade Powers puts her all into Diaz's first novel since his Pulitzer Prize, but the story’s emphasis on philosophy, physics, and politics over personality works against her. Powers maintains momentum through the driest sections, though it may be nearly impossible to put a great deal of passion into a speech about Heraclitean philosophy. The story is about a pincher (electricity thief) who gets involved with an orphan and a scientist possibly suffering from dementia. Nearly all the characters come from the same unnamed city, so accents are not an issue, but Powers clearly distinguishes characters and does what she can with the often restricted emotional ranges.
Despite Powers' strong performance, Diaz’s fans may be disappointed.Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
Duration: 14 hrs, 48 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217406203
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Oct. 20, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
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
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.