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 Jenny Lawson ; read by Jenny Lawson ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 31, 2026
If Lawson can do it, perhaps that means her listeners can, too.
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With good-humored narration, Lawson reminds listeners that sometimes, even when everything feels like it's falling apart, the best thing you can do for yourself is bedazzle the deer head you've been storing in your garage. With contagious conviviality, Lawson provides this solution—alongside other, perhaps more relatable, ones—to help her audience break their cycles of depression, anxiety, and/or endless scrolling. Lawson's laughter bubbles out as she speaks. Her fear is made palpable with every. Emphasized. Word. Her cheery voice quavers with a lifetime of self-imposed nervousness. Yet she narrates (and writes) on. Lawson uses open-hearted honesty to work toward the best version of herself.
If Lawson can do it, perhaps that means her listeners can, too.Pub Date: March 31, 2026
Duration: 5 hrs, 18 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217281992
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: April 11, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 2026
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by Stephen J. Dubner & Zack Lapinski ; read by Stephen J. Dubner ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 24, 2026
Dubner's joy in discovery shines through in his quest to understand Handel's legendary work.
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Some may love Handel's Messiah. Author Dubner is obsessed with it. The host of the popular Freakonomics podcast embarks on a journey to uncover the history of the music and better understand the composer. The audiobook follows a podcast template. Dubner interviews historians and locals in Dublin, unfolding the fascinating story of how Messiah came to be and how it changed Handel's life. Dubner considers key points about the business of music, the particulars of instrumentation, and religious politics. The music, voices, and occasional sound effects are woven together naturally and effectively.
Dubner's joy in discovery shines through in his quest to understand Handel's legendary work.Pub Date: March 24, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 48 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668177266
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: March 23, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
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