by Bob Keyes ; Read by Traber Burns ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 7, 2021
Traber Burns maintains a brisk pace that accentuates the intensity of this captivating but sad story about the final days of the artist Robert Indiana. As a major figure in American art since the 1960s, Indiana is most known for his LOVE sculpture. After settling on the Maine island of Vinalhaven, where he lived in an abandoned Odd Fellows Hall called Star of Hope, he was known by the locals as eccentric, at best, and cantankerous, at worst. During his final years his lawyers, agents, partners, assistants, accountants, and a variety of local characters who served as caregivers all vied for control of his considerable estate. Burns's news reporter approach keeps the story interesting, and he's especially adept at capturing the islanders' voices.
Pub Date: Dec. 7, 2021
Duration: 6 hrs, 45 mins
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
by Gail Levin ; Read by Rebecca Lam ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 3, 2026
Baber’s reemergence will be celebrated by a new generation of female artists.
In a smooth, dusky voice, Rebecca Lam narrates the life story of American abstract expressionist painter Alice Baber (1928-1982). A talented and prolific artist, Baber painted bright, colorful shapes that mimic floating light, inspired by movement and sound. Later, she became an advocate for women artists and a champion of the feminist art movement. Sadly, her legacy was largely forgotten, while some of her female contemporaries are more well-known. Lam’s crisp diction and subtle expression enhance the descriptive writing, allowing the listener to visualize bohemian life among artists in New York’s Greenwich Village during the 1950s and ’60s.
Baber’s reemergence will be celebrated by a new generation of female artists.Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9798318542428
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2026
by Caitlin Vincent ; Read by Jennifer Jill Araya ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 13, 2026
Jennifer Jill Araya's bright tone and dynamic pacing pair well with Vincent's accessible prose to engage listeners. The audiobook is not quite as dramatic as its title implies, serving instead as an introduction to the art form that highlights occasional industry controversies. However, Vincent does make a strong case for opera as a living genre, arguing that newcomers should join the audience and that aficionados should make room for newer works. Vincent champions operas beyond the European canon, whose famous Italian and German titles Araya pronounces with musicality and accuracy. Araya catches the humor in Vincent's perspective on the supposedly serious opera world. A light, fun, and informative listening experience.
Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Duration: 8 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668125038
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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