Actor Kelsey Grammer, star of the TV show “Frasier,” delivers an emotional examination of his own life through the lens of the 1975 abduction, torture, and murder of his 18-year-old sister, Karen. Kelsey was two years older. This is a brutal listening experience, as was the crime and its impact. Grammer’s narration is intense, warm, even slightly lighthearted at times. One can hear levity when he peppers his delivery with Frasier Crane’s comically pompous and preachy tone. His profound lingering grief is exposed in an entirely nonlinear manner, with frequent jumps in time and topic. The audiobook is somewhat like a stream-of-consciousness grief-counseling session. Tighter editing would have improved its overall appeal.
Pub Date: May 6, 2025
Duration: 15 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781400252831
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 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
An impassioned and inspiring manifesto on telling good stories.
In an unadorned but sincere and appealing performance, Barnett’s enthusiasm for children’s literature comes through loud and clear. The National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature makes a convincing case for the importance of children’s literature as an art form, and the importance of recognizing kids as creative, imaginative, discerning readers in their own right. As anyone who has read or listened to Barnett’s books for children knows, he’s funny, and that humor adds to the listening experience, especially when he shares personal stories or interrupts himself to deliver frequent footnotes. A couple of small changes from the print book make the production specific to audiobook listeners.
An impassioned and inspiring manifesto on telling good stories.Pub Date: May 5, 2026
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668657096
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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