Lorrie Moore's new novel, for which fans have waited more than 10 years, is a lyrical and edgy examination of growing up American. In it, we follow Tassie, a Midwestern college student, through the joys, tribulations, and all-out strangeness of being 20. Moore, a poet, has Tassie tell her own story in a voice that, like many English majors, is both naive and self-consciously elegiac. Narrator Mia Barron reads unhurriedly, emphasizing the eloquence of the words. This sounds just as Tassie might sound reading it aloud to herself, proud of the beauty of the text. While this irritates occasionally, it also seems right, and makes this an interesting novel read intriguingly and well.
Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2009
Duration: 12 hrs
Publisher: BBC Audiobooks America
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Powerless women find their voices in a society controlled by men.
De Gramont’s novel, set in New York City in the early 20th century, introduces the newly widowed Isabelle Bishop, who hopes that marrying the wealthy, older widower John Whitten will rescue her along with her mother and daughter, Mariah, from scandal and poverty. Carlotta Brentan brings this diverse cast of characters to vibrant life. Whitten is loving and kind—as long as his demands are met. And instead of Isabelle, he wants to marry Mariah. Isabelle is determined and practical as she convinces Mariah to agree, for the sake of the family, to this arrangement. Hetty, Mariah’s lady’s maid, befriends Mariah, helping her find her confidence.
Powerless women find their voices in a society controlled by men.Pub Date: today
Duration: 10 hrs, 58 mins
DD ISBN: 9781668151334
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: Sept. 22, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2026
An emotional journey through 1970s New York, conveyed with heart and soul.
Thurston's performance eloquently captures the spirit of the theater, the arts, and human connection. Growing up in the South, young Tiller Loomis discovers his passion for entertaining through puppetry. After his older brother dies in Vietnam, Tiller finds his way to New York, where he discovers his people: an acting troupe hired to put on a new children's show on the same public television network as Sesame Street. Thurston's voice so embodies Tiller's dreams and desires, it's occasionally heartbreaking. Listeners who remember those halcyon days of children's public programming and the theatrical spirit that powered it will be particularly moved.
An emotional journey through 1970s New York, conveyed with heart and soul.Pub Date: Nov. 3, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668658956
Publisher: Hachette Audio
Review Posted Online: today
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2027
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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