Narrator Suzanne Toren brings a welcome level of engagement to author Erica Jong's novel about how 60-year-old Vanessa Wonderman faces the sandwich years of tending to her elderly parents, caring for her older husband, and supporting her adult daughter. Although Vanessa's tendency toward self-focus verges on the tedious, Toren holds listeners' attention by highlighting Jong's chatty style and by perfectly interpreting the story's broad emotional spectrum--from Vanessa's sadness and fear at the prospect of losing her parents to her deep joy and love when holding her first grandchild. Despite the overarching theme of mortality, the audiobook is not without humor, especially as Vanessa tries to revive her wilder, younger self. Baby Boomers (who will most likely be familiar with Jong's 1973 bestseller, FEAR OF FLYING) will find themselves resonating with Vanessa's daily struggle to balance her many roles and responsibilities.
Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2015
Duration: 7 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781501237997
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Escape on a thrilling adventure with Soneela Nankani and Andrew Eiden as they narrate this suspenseful romance. A year has passed since Simi Chopra, her assorted crew, and Jack Danger pulled off a lucrative diamond heist. Now, the Chicago Mafia boss is demanding that the jewels be returned, so Simi gets the team back together. Nankani delivers an expressive performance that emphasizes Simi's conflict between her passion for Jack and the mission. Her distinct character voices keep the listener fully immersed. Eiden's lively tone gives Jack a subtle flair and confidence that make him easy to forgive and to love.
Pub Date: Aug. 20, 2024
Duration: 11 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593907467
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This is not a story about guns, but about blue pearls. Gerald Browne takes us to the Pacific Ocean and the world of pearl divers and natural gems and mixes in mystery, intrigue and suspense. Barry Bostwick portrays the characters in one voice, varying his intonation slightly for the Asian personalities. His reading style is very smooth, evidence of preparation and interest in the story. 18mm Blues is abridged well, collecting the important elements of the story. Unobtrusive music indicates the end of each side. Disappear into the mystery of the Far East and one of its most beautiful commodities.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 1993
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Audio Renaissance
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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