Graphic novelist Kristen Radtke narrates her study and considerations of the differences between aloneness, loneliness, and social deprivation at a pace that allows listeners to follow her combination of research and reflection. In spite of this, and in spite of the compelling content, the production suffers from the mistake of ignoring the content that her masterful sequential art provided in the original, flattening the affect of her presentation. This reviewer wonders if this production can be termed "unabridged," given the loss of vital information and mood setting the original text acquires from its format. Because Radtke, an excellent cartoonist, researcher, and thinker, is not a professional narrator, there seems to be little gained by this audiobook edition of her work.
Pub Date: July 13, 2021
Duration: 2 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593460832
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Shute’s empathetic narration proves she’s just the right fit for this audiobook.
Shakira Shute brilliantly performs cartoonist Correll’s often all-encompassing anxiety in this graphic memoir. Listeners are presented with the hypervigilant thoughts that consume Correll in a way that’s both humorous and relatable. In a British accent, Shute effectively channels the author’s signature wit as well as her deeply personal struggles, helping listeners to understand Correll’s panic disorder. Even as it’s an honest look at what it’s like to have severe anxiety coupled with depression, Anxietyland is an entertaining, playful, and inviting listen that offers comfort to anyone familiar with an anxious internal world.
Shute’s empathetic narration proves she’s just the right fit for this audiobook.Pub Date: April 28, 2026
Duration: 3 hrs, 28 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668105825
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Aug. 9, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2026
Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Darrin Bell narrates this audio adaptation of his graphic memoir with assists from his son (portraying himself) and two professional actors. Between them, Brittany Bradford and William DeMerrit realize dozens of fully individuated characters: Bell's younger self, along with his parents (an interracial couple), childhood friends, teachers, college classmates, professional colleagues, and even cops and schoolyard bullies. Complemented by thoughtful sound design, they deliver tour-de-force performances that bring to life Bell's dialogue and reveal the critical interactions that formed his identity as a biracial Black man in America. Sadly, Bell's own voice--a little nasal, largely without affect, and untrained in vocal arts--makes for a thin accompaniment. Nonetheless, the power of his story will carry listeners along.
Pub Date: Aug. 27, 2024
Duration: 3 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781250381248
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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