Even listeners in painful, incompatible marriages can change the tone with this step-by-step guide to resolving--or living with--conflicts. Working from decades of research he's conducted, the author says couples settle into three healthy styles of resolving conflicts--validating, volatile, and avoidant. He offers specific strategies for using more affirming communication in all three styles and for avoiding destructive patterns like criticism, condemnation, defensiveness, or withdrawal. Narrator Paul Costanzo doesn't add much excitement to the often dry specifics of this ongoing research, which is optimistic but offers more to-do's than inspiration. But his vocal tone is reliably enjoyable, he never misses a phrase, and he adds an academic sort of energy that makes the entire work sound worthy of respect and consideration.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2012
Duration: 8 hrs
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A heart-wrenching deep dive into the everlasting, and often destructive, bond between mothers and their daughters.
Journalist Aviv reports on the intimacies, trials, and heartaches of various mother-daughter relationships in these seven essays, six of which were originally published in The New Yorker. Narrator Andi Arndt brings clarity and a resolute tone to these often tragic stories. Aviv recounts missing children, the erasure of abuse, and what it means to leave your family in order to make ends meet. Arndt’s steady narration is careful, helping listeners wade through these stunning true stories that are more universal than they may initially seem.
A heart-wrenching deep dive into the everlasting, and often destructive, bond between mothers and their daughters.Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 25 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593150931
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Sedaris is as self-deprecating and witty as ever, and this audiobook is a refreshing listen.
American humorist Sedaris has done it again. His new essay collection is filled with uproarious anecdotes, and his narration is, as always, a delight. With the sound of the audience's laughter as a backdrop, listeners will feel as though they’re attending one of Sedaris’ live events. Sedaris’ trademark deadpan delivery is a treat, and his funny observations are sure to elicit lots of laughs. His themes include travel to far-flung corners of the world; city living; mundane annoyances, embarrassments, and curiosities; misadventures in language learning; and relationship dynamics.
Sedaris is as self-deprecating and witty as ever, and this audiobook is a refreshing listen.Pub Date: May 26, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 26 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668648230
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: May 12, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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