Emily Rankin's expressive narration and graceful tone guide listeners through this sympathetic story of the extended Strick family, whose members reside in a fictitious upper-middle-class town in the Hudson Valley. Anyone who has ever been part of an extended family--either as a parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, or grandparent--will find much that is familiar here. Rankin superbly distinguishes three generations, giving each character a unique and compelling persona. She expresses their rich emotional texture and exposes their vulnerabilities and longings. Listeners may even shed a tear or two as Rankin evokes the powerful scenes in which family members come to better understand and support one another. A relatable story and an absorbing listen.
Pub Date: May 4, 2020
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593166727
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Powerless women find their voices in a society controlled by men.
De Gramont’s novel, set in New York City in the early 20th century, introduces the newly widowed Isabelle Bishop, who hopes that marrying the wealthy, older widower John Whitten will rescue her along with her mother and daughter, Mariah, from scandal and poverty. Carlotta Brentan brings this diverse cast of characters to vibrant life. Whitten is loving and kind—as long as his demands are met. And instead of Isabelle, he wants to marry Mariah. Isabelle is determined and practical as she convinces Mariah to agree, for the sake of the family, to this arrangement. Hetty, Mariah’s lady’s maid, befriends Mariah, helping her find her confidence.
Powerless women find their voices in a society controlled by men.Pub Date: today
Duration: 10 hrs, 58 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668151334
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
An emotional journey through 1970s New York, conveyed with heart and soul.
Thurston's performance eloquently captures the spirit of the theater, the arts, and human connection. Growing up in the South, young Tiller Loomis discovers his passion for entertaining through puppetry. After his older brother dies in Vietnam, Tiller finds his way to New York, where he discovers his people: an acting troupe hired to put on a new children's show on the same public television network as Sesame Street. Thurston's voice so embodies Tiller's dreams and desires, it's occasionally heartbreaking. Listeners who remember those halcyon days of children's public programming and the theatrical spirit that powered it will be particularly moved.
An emotional journey through 1970s New York, conveyed with heart and soul.Pub Date: Nov. 3, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668658956
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: today
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2027
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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