The director of a social neuroscience lab at Stanford narrates his positive audiobook about cynicism, trust, skepticism, and hope. Along with sounding personable and easy to understand, he performs with audible respect for his listeners and a desire to offer options for dealing with today's conflict-filled social climate. He's a great storyteller whose picturesque narratives work well to illuminate his message that we are too quick to draw negative conclusions based on frivolous information, blinding ourselves to the possibility of friendlier interpretations of our experiences. Smooth writing and persuasive research make a strong case for adopting a habit of hopeful skepticism. This approach benefits our health and happiness, brings out the best in others, and creates a culture of trust for the broader community.
Pub Date: Sept. 3, 2024
Duration: 7 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668640227
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Udall’s vocal confidence and flawless interpretations allow listeners to focus effortlessly on these important...
An MIT social psychologist says our emotional attachments with chatbots like Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT can diminish our sense of empowerment, make relationships with other people less appealing, and interfere with children’s social and emotional development. With her beautiful midrange voice, Kate Udall’s skilled delivery of the audiobook’s broad ideas is exceptional, always in sync with the energetic flow of the writing. Author Turkle says that the chatbots we consult for information and advice are increasingly being regarded as friends and even romantic partners. With their conversational language, chatbots tempt us to form emotional bonds with them rather than handling the messiness of real-life relationships.
Udall’s vocal confidence and flawless interpretations allow listeners to focus effortlessly on these important findings.Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 41 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668659496
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2027
Feiler’s heartfelt performance emphasizes his message that rituals are key to forging community.
Feiler is interested in how we use rituals to connect with others in an age in which fewer people than ever are baptized, get married, or are eventually buried. He casts a wide net: filing down teeth for coming-of-age ceremonies, divorce parties, placenta burials, gender reveals, and more. Feiler isn’t a professional narrator, but his authenticity and gentle humor are clearly apparent in his voice, which lends the whole endeavor the feeling of a memoir. That seems appropriate, given that Feiler travels the world participating in Vegas weddings and Nordic cold plunges and develops his own new rituals with his family to celebrate beating cancer.
Feiler’s heartfelt performance emphasizes his message that rituals are key to forging community.Pub Date: May 19, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 27 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217336692
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: June 30, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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