An ensemble cast supports Augusten Burroughs in the narration of his whimsical memoir, and it is a quirky romp indeed through a genuinely fertile imagination. He reveals, with his slow and sharply articulated wry drawl, that he is a witch, as are other members of his colorful family. Burroughs performs his own story with both the humor and pathos it requires. The supporting cast fleshes out his interactions with people around him--especially his mother and a favorite uncle (a reluctant witch himself)--and lays bare how witchcraft has continually intervened in their lives. While this work is not as focused as Burroughs's earlier memoirs, fans of his audiobooks will enjoy this original take on the magic in everyday life.
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2019
Duration: 12 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250240149
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Listeners looking to examine joy from a faith-based perspective will find much to reflect on.
In this audiobook, Bowler poses the question, "What is joy?" Narrating her own work, she muses on this theme, discussing finding joy in the ordinary, the role of emotions, recapturing past joy, and the way her faith has shaped her interpretation and experience of joy. Bowler’s narration is down to earth as she talks about her experience battling Stage 4 cancer shortly after her mother's death. She also tackles big ideas about duty and obligation, shared emotion, toxic positivity, how to convert faith into something concretely good, the secret of miracles, and taking risks to achieve joy.
Listeners looking to examine joy from a faith-based perspective will find much to reflect on.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 58 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217176564
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: April 1, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
Listeners in search of purpose may find this audiobook transformative.
Author and narrator Brooks challenges listeners to find meaning in their lives when distractions abound. The audiobook offers deep dives into topics including relationships, work, leisure, and faith, as well as formulas for finding happiness and meaning. Brooks delivers the material with the confidence of a professional, and his pace is fast but easy to follow. He shares scientific research, examples from history and literature, and stories of contemporary individuals, including himself. Listeners may want to be ready to pause and take notes to answer the questions Brooks poses about finding one’s own life's meaning.
Listeners in search of purpose may find this audiobook transformative.Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217282111
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: May 5, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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