Jonathan Todd Ross is an expert narrator who keeps listeners engaged throughout this densely researched book about how we make decisions and, in doing so, sometimes make mistakes. He sets a measured pace that helps listeners keep track of the many complex ideas, anecdotes, and data explored. Ross has the delivery style of a gifted professor. He is steady, consistent, and clear while, at the same time, allowing listeners to consider the impacts of clouded decision making in the numerous scenarios presented. For those seeking to understand more about human behavior in general and those wanting to make better choices themselves, this is an informative and enjoyable listening experience.
Pub Date: May 18, 2021
Duration: 13 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781984832061
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Feiler’s heartfelt performance emphasizes his message that rituals are key to forging community.
Feiler is interested in how we use rituals to connect with others in an age in which fewer people than ever are baptized, get married, or are eventually buried. He casts a wide net: filing down teeth for coming-of-age ceremonies, divorce parties, placenta burials, gender reveals, and more. Feiler isn’t a professional narrator, but his authenticity and gentle humor are clearly apparent in his voice, which lends the whole endeavor the feeling of a memoir. That seems appropriate, given that Feiler travels the world participating in Vegas weddings and Nordic cold plunges and develops his own new rituals with his family to celebrate beating cancer.
Feiler’s heartfelt performance emphasizes his message that rituals are key to forging community.Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 27 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217336692
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2026
An engaged and polished performance of an illuminating, thought-provoking book.
Ashton examines the effect of humankind’s “story-shaped brain” on communication and culture, from the rise of humanity to the perilous current state of machine-driven interactions and artificial images feigning reality. His learned, heavily informative text requires no obvious “acting,” but its proper presentation demands varied levels of emotive emphasis. Derek Perkins’ intelligent narration and adept expressiveness match and even enhance the fascinating text. He excels as much in his ability to provide the exact level of emotional nuance required as he does in shaping tone and phrasing to convey literal sense. His clear, crisp voice, British accent, and perfect pacing help make this program a thorough pleasure.
An engaged and polished performance of an illuminating, thought-provoking book.Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 12 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063438736
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 18, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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