No wonder Hanif Abdurraqib's collection of lyrical essays--thoughtful, beautifully written, and intelligently performed by JD Jackson--is a finalist for the National Book Award. In five related movements, "Performing Miracles," "Suspending Disbelief," "Matters of Country/Provenance," "Anatomy of Closeness/Chasing Blood," and "Callings to Remember," Abdurraqib focuses on Black life, Black performance, and Black exceptionalism. Jackson delivers each small gem with as much delight as there is anger and pain behind the words. In portraits of such Black luminaries as Josephine Baker, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Dave Chappelle, Beyoncé, and more, rage and compassion combine in an inspired stream of consciousness. Abdurraqib is a poet whose reflections offer a compelling look at Black performance in white America, and Jackson's narration gives it that extra something that will keep listeners listening.
Pub Date: March 30, 2021
Duration: 9 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593156032
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A thoroughly researched and organized history of Black music, delivered with confidence and authority.
Narrator Shamaan Casey is an essential guide to this detailed history of musical theory, form, and creativity. Author Gibbs is a musician and a founding member of the Black Rock Coalition, which supports the creative work of Black musicians. His audiobook reflects a deep understanding of music theory, particularly how Western expectations of structure and style have fundamentally misunderstood Black music. The chapters dig deep into granular details, and listeners are often directed to accompanying attachments. Not including some performed examples seems like a missed opportunity in the audio format. Yet Casey is skilled at delivering all the essential details of this layered, important text.
A thoroughly researched and organized history of Black music, delivered with confidence and authority.Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668657997
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: today
A gripping account.
Starting with the NYC subway shooting of four unarmed Black teenagers by Bernie Goetz in 1984, the author shows how the court system’s failure to serve justice to the white perpetrator is one of many examples of racial injustice caused by white anger about rapid societal changes. Thompson discusses how, with the failed trickle-down economic policies of the Reagan years, simmering rage about these and other stressors for white people were brought to a boil by sensationalized media coverage and divisive, opportunistic politicians. Though narrator Erin Bennett’s pacing will sound unusually slow to some listeners, her connection with this story of crime and justice and its broader context is exceptional. Her tone and her interpretive skill promote effortless engagement with the author’s nuanced examination of how economic and societal stress have led to so much untethered anger.
A gripping account.Pub Date: Feb. 10, 2026
Duration: 14 hrs
DD ISBN: 9798217295678
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: March 17, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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