Scientists believe that the Spanish flu pandemic, largely absent from history books, may have killed 100 million people in just two short years, making it more deadly than the Great War raging at the time. Ironically, it was troop movements around the globe that facilitated the virus’s spread. The audiobook is narrated primarily by MacLeod Andrews; Adenrele Ojo has the difficult task of breathing life into the timelines and appendices. The story explores the connections between WWI and the Spanish flu, and the historical impact of other pandemics. The statistics surrounding the flu are shocking; however, the audiobook's fact-heavy, nonsequential approach makes it difficult for Andrews’s narration to shine. While it is a compelling story, presented with perfect pacing, listeners may find their minds wandering. This year marks the pandemic’s 100th anniversary.
(Nonfiction. 11-15)Pub Date: May 15, 2018
Duration: 4 hrs, 45 mins
DD ISBN: 9780525529187
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
This production reflects both the sweep of history and the intimate resilience of one family.
A talented ensemble cast brings this fictionalized graphic memoir to life in a vivid, fully immersive listening experience. Young Carlos, voiced by Cuban American narrator Giordan Diaz, anchors the story with a performance that captures innocence, fear, and curiosity as revolution begins to shadow his childhood in Cuba. Daniel Miyares narrates in a steady, serious tone, skillfully weaving the historical context of 1950s Cuba into the family’s perilous journey toward Key West, Florida. The contrast between his grounded narration and the emotionally charged family scenes adds depth and authenticity. Cuban music and layered sound design, like rolling waves, hushed conversations, and distant protesters, create a cinematic atmosphere.
This production reflects both the sweep of history and the intimate resilience of one family. (Graphic memoir. 8-12)Pub Date: March 3, 2026
Duration: 1 hr, 27 mins
DD ISBN: 9798217346066
Publisher: Listening Library
Review Posted Online: March 10, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2026
A powerful contemplation of the impact of women's anger and a call to action.
Narrator Cynthia Farrell channels author Traister's conviction, passion, and sense of urgency. Engaging from the start, the audiobook is part history lesson and part personal reflection, providing listeners with a wide-ranging survey of how women's anger has powered social justice movements from the French Revolution to the Civil Rights Movement to the 2017 Women's March on Washington. With well-researched examples, Traister chronicles the many ways that women's rage is ignored, dismissed, and ridiculed, even though it is often the thing that spurs change. This audiobook will stay with listeners and will prompt awareness, reflection, and conversation.
A powerful contemplation of the impact of women's anger and a call to action. (Nonfiction. 10-16)Pub Date: Feb. 17, 2026
Duration: 6 hrs, 52 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668156506
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: April 20, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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