Des Linden won the 2018 Boston Marathon on a miserably cold, rainy, windy day, becoming the first American woman to win the race in decades. She hadn't even planned to be a contender; in fact, she had insufficient training precipitated by a life-threatening health issue. Linden's narration isn't dramatic, and she's not big on flair, but her gravelly voice is appealing, and her no-nonsense performance reflects her personality, as well as clearly conveying the determination and grit needed to be a successful professional runner. Her win avenges a crushing two-second loss in the 2011 Boston Marathon. It's not all about running, though; Linden likes bourbon, coffee, travel, and dogs. The audiobook feels inspirational in a practical way and will likely bring a little extra pep to the step of the regular runner.
Pub Date: April 4, 2023
Duration: 5 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593671702
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A memoir that doesn’t break any records but is elevated by Hall’s authenticity.
Sara Hall has had an impressively long career as an elite distance runner. She has juggled being a professional athlete with raising four daughters with her husband, who is also a former professional runner. Her easygoing and conversational performance both understates and emphasizes her ambition and integrity. Hall’s evangelical Christian faith is central to her story; at times, she’s had to push back against those who believed she should put her husband’s needs and career before her own. A long-distance run can generate a multitude of emotions. Hall tracks those feelings as she recounts her disappointment about never making an Olympic team, her constant battles with injuries, and her joy at breaking American records, achieving personal bests, and creating a family.
A memoir that doesn’t break any records but is elevated by Hall’s authenticity.Pub Date: April 21, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 39 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250445605
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: May 12, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
Thanks to Hodge’s most enjoyable narration, this is a tasty treat.
British actress Patricia Hodge’s narration of Berry’s reflections is high-toned, crisp, and professional. Berry, now 91, offers her first book about gardening after dozens of cookbooks. Berry is a familiar face to BBC and PBS viewers, and here she enthusiastically shares the meaning gardening has for her. In this lightly sketched family memoir, she details the plants she loves to grow and identifies the people who have inspired her. Hodge's performance is particularly keen when Berry discusses being named a Dame of the British Empire and focuses on her charitable efforts, which include opening her personal gardens for events and tours.
Thanks to Hodge’s most enjoyable narration, this is a tasty treat.Pub Date: March 10, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 5 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217303137
Publisher: DK Publishing
Review Posted Online: April 21, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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