Authors Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella again demonstrate their talents as comedic narrators with the delivery of this collection of essays that explore the lighter side of mothers and daughters. Lisa's slightly scratchy, distinctively accented voice, with its hint of barely suppressed laughter, is the perfect vehicle for her droll observations on her overlapping roles as child and parent. Francesca's younger, smoother tones manage to convey both an eye-rolling tolerance of the older generation and the genuine affection and respect of a devoted daughter. Neither woman takes herself too seriously in either the writing or the narration of this wry look at life. The warmth and humor that underscore the presentation show they had fun with this, and so will the listener.
Pub Date: Nov. 22, 2011
Duration: 5 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781427213433
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A NEW YORK TIMES journalist documents the heart-wrenching choices she and her brother faced in caring for their mother during her last years. The lengthy but compelling narrative describes the relentless apprehension she felt about her mother’s deteriorating health and the frustrations she had with byzantine federal healthcare regulations and the shortcomings of private facilities. The dominant tone in Kate Reading’s flawless performance is resignation and persistence. While keeping the melodrama out of this very personal documentary, she captures the author’s determined efforts to arrange the best care for her mother in the midst of overworked care providers, dwindling financial resources, and her mother’s outspoken unhappiness. With a plethora of wisdom and good advice, this is an eye-opening look at end-of-life challenges and how current institutions are handling them.
Pub Date: April 26, 2011
Duration: 15 hrs, 30 mins
Publisher: Tantor Media
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Rodrigo Garcia narrates his brief but powerful memoir about the passing of his parents. His father was the literary giant Gabriel García Márquez. His mother, Mercedes Barcha, was also a giant--of their family. Garcia narrates the events of the months leading up to their deaths with tactical precision that can come across as emotionless. However, his reservation allows listeners to focus on the words and feelings of his mother, brother, and the plethora of people who paid tribute to his father. Fans of García Márquez will want to listen, of course, but anyone who has lost a family member will also want to hear this audiobook.
Pub Date: July 27, 2021
Duration: 2 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780063158344
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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