In wry tones, T. Ryder Smith deftly narrates David Sipress's bittersweet and charming memoir about growing up in New York City in the 1960s and his rocky road to being a successful cartoonist for the NEW YORKER. Smith gives Sipress's father a brusque tone and Brooklyn accent that is in direct contrast to the relaxed tenor of the rest of the narration, artfully conveying Sipress's tenuous relationship with him. Smith's meticulous enunciation ensures that the listener doesn't miss a moment of this tongue-in-cheek, sometimes heartbreaking story, which reminds us that the greatest inspiration for humor is everyday life. The accompanying pdf, filled with family photos, textually appropriate visuals, and the author's cartoons--including his very first one, done as a child--is icing on the cake.
Pub Date: April 5, 2022
Duration: 7 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063274150
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Shute’s empathetic narration proves she’s just the right fit for this audiobook.
Shakira Shute brilliantly performs cartoonist Correll’s often all-encompassing anxiety in this graphic memoir. Listeners are presented with the hypervigilant thoughts that consume Correll in a way that’s both humorous and relatable. In a British accent, Shute effectively channels the author’s signature wit as well as her deeply personal struggles, helping listeners to understand Correll’s panic disorder. Even as it’s an honest look at what it’s like to have severe anxiety coupled with depression, Anxietyland is an entertaining, playful, and inviting listen that offers comfort to anyone familiar with an anxious internal world.
Shute’s empathetic narration proves she’s just the right fit for this audiobook.Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 28 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668105825
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2026
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Darrin Bell narrates this audio adaptation of his graphic memoir with assists from his son (portraying himself) and two professional actors. Between them, Brittany Bradford and William DeMerrit realize dozens of fully individuated characters: Bell's younger self, along with his parents (an interracial couple), childhood friends, teachers, college classmates, professional colleagues, and even cops and schoolyard bullies. Complemented by thoughtful sound design, they deliver tour-de-force performances that bring to life Bell's dialogue and reveal the critical interactions that formed his identity as a biracial Black man in America. Sadly, Bell's own voice--a little nasal, largely without affect, and untrained in vocal arts--makes for a thin accompaniment. Nonetheless, the power of his story will carry listeners along.
Pub Date: Aug. 27, 2024
Duration: 3 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250381248
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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