With her literary skills on full display in this absorbing memoir, a senior editor for a media company combines an elegy for two departed friends with absorbing philosophical perspectives on how language is formed and passed on to others. She narrates her lyrical writing in hushed tones, sounding as though she's sharing intimate feelings and creating an atmosphere that is perfect for her often arresting insights. She uses the work of Russian philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin to show how words from any individual are always embedded within other people's words and, in turn, continue to touch others in dialogues after they've died. The combination of these esoteric views with the author's intensely personal performance makes this a hypnotic listening experience that should not be missed.
Pub Date: April 16, 2024
Duration: 5 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9798368968551
Publisher: Spiegel & Grau by Spotify Audiobooks
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
A heart-wrenching deep dive into the everlasting, and often destructive, bond between mothers and their daughters.
Journalist Aviv reports on the intimacies, trials, and heartaches of various mother-daughter relationships in these seven essays, six of which were originally published in The New Yorker. Narrator Andi Arndt brings clarity and a resolute tone to these often tragic stories. Aviv recounts missing children, the erasure of abuse, and what it means to leave your family in order to make ends meet. Arndt’s steady narration is careful, helping listeners wade through these stunning true stories that are more universal than they may initially seem.
A heart-wrenching deep dive into the everlasting, and often destructive, bond between mothers and their daughters.Pub Date: July 7, 2026
Duration: 7 hrs, 25 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593150931
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 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
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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