Listeners who long to disappear into a secret book world will enjoy the escape in this love letter to public libraries.
Narrator Saskia Maarleveld takes the listener on a wild journey of magical realism with a woman who escapes her depressing life by losing herself within her favorite books. For the downtrodden Alix Watson, the Boston Public Library is a refuge from her troubles—until the day she discovers a secret portal into the fantastical Astral Library. Maarleveld creates a sympathetic impression of Alix while capturing her increasing desperation in a fevered pitch. She vividly portrays the Astral Library’s librarian with grave, smokey indifference. Maarleveld also gives voice to various characters from different time periods and works, ranging from Jane Austen’s Regency England to Sherlock Holmes to The Great Gatsby with skill and humor.
Listeners who long to disappear into a secret book world will enjoy the escape in this love letter to public libraries.Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 9 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063244825
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: March 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
This much anticipated sci-fi audiobook sequel shakes things up with a full-cast narration. The story picks up right where the first book in this duology stops--the robots known as "The Carls" have left, and April May, one of the first to discover them, has disappeared. Exploring new perspectives and experiences, this remarkably talented ensemble of narrators creates an appealing mix of likable characters as listeners follow a group of young people left behind in this post-Carl world. The plot can be heavy-handed at times, but the social commentary is eerily reminiscent of the world's current circumstances. Listeners will want to listen to the first book, AN ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE THING, to get the most from this follow-up.
Pub Date: July 7, 2020
Duration: 15 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593146316
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
As soon as one hears longtime Discworld narrator Stephen Briggs's comically heartfelt and mildly tuneful rendition of Discworld's national anthem, one realizes why some books should be heard and not just read. The devil hires a publicist. An artist paints the sky the wrong color. This collection of razor-sharp satire spans Terry Pratchett's long and prolific career, dating back to 1963. The sound of words and the sound of ideas always attracted Pratchett, and both Briggs and Michael Fenton Stevens excel at emphasizing Pratchett's special blend of sophistication and silliness, especially when they're providing character voices to dozens of witches and wizards. Wonderfully entertaining and an absolute must-listen for all longtime Pratchett fans.
Pub Date: March 17, 2015
Duration: 8 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780804193597
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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