Andrew Eiden's narration makes learning about the American Southwest a fun adventure. The audiobook is an informative amalgamation of natural history, personal narrative, travel writing, and historical and cultural data that highlights the unique past and present of the region. Eiden mimics the author's zest for exploration but doesn't accurately reflect the vocal characteristics of a Southwestern native. (The author is from New Mexico.) Eiden commits an Arizona cardinal sin by mispronouncing the state's most iconic cactus, the saguaro. He sounds uncomfortable pronouncing the audiobook's ubiquitous Spanish words, names, and locations, speaking them slowly and deliberately, which sometimes makes the otherwise quick pace sound erratic. Although Eiden is an excellent nonfiction narrator, a Spanish speaking actor would have made the production smoother and more authentic.
Pub Date: Jan. 14, 2025
Duration: 10 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593947739
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Carol Matthau epitomizes a glamour and lifestyle not associated with the 1990's. Here is a life of privilege, tragedy and worry about what friends would think of her new frock or lover. Matthau possesses a voice and delivery that simply could not be improved on. In her coy whisper, she tells compelling stories involving everyone from William Saroyan (husband #1) and Truman Capote to Carson McCullers, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Walter Matthau (husband #2). This excellent audio presentation will leave you wanting to read the entire book to discover what juicy tidbits were left out.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: The Publishing Mills
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A look at ancient art becomes an appealing pleasure in Gardner’s expert performance.
Grover Gardner’s narration of this history of the excavation of ancient Antioch (once in Syria, now in Turkey) initially seems slow and almost intoned, as if for a prayer or the start of an epic. The approach is a bit heavy for this affable, conversational examination of archaeological practice, art history, the nature of mosaic, and the handling of artistic relics by museums and institutions. But Gardner’s relaxed pace allows the listener to be absorbed in the material and to take full pleasure in his phrasing, the quiet expressiveness of his tones, his notable warmth, and his careful but effortless rendering of the text’s meaning.
A look at ancient art becomes an appealing pleasure in Gardner’s expert performance.Pub Date: Aug. 25, 2026
Duration: 10 hrs, 8 mins
DD ISBN: 9781797198224
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 29, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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