Natalie Naudus captures the ups and downs of Lexa Thomas's complicated life and family. Naudus does an excellent job of dramatizing Lexa's half-siblings, as well as her American and Taiwanese identities, all of which compete for Lexa's loyalties. When her mother comes out as a lesbian and Lexa inherits her father's estate in Taiwan, her world is turned upside down. Naudus shepherds listeners through the streets of New York and into the food markets of Taiwan with a swift, steady style that makes the most of the story's humorous underpinnings. This is a sensory ride, deftly told through the sights and tastes of Lexa's home culture. Naudus garners sympathy for the besieged Lexa, as well as her complex family.
Pub Date: July 6, 2021
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9780593346723
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
Farr’s well-matched performance makes the complicated Rothstein family feel as real and frustrating and loving as our...
In an understated narration, Kimberly Farr delivers the many individual stories inherent in being part of a family. In chapters that are small jewels of revelation, Goodman’s careful prose spotlights the minutiae of the Rothstein family’s daily life and interactions. Farr handles each memorable moment flawlessly. She is subtle as she shows each character’s awareness of which buttons to push to elicit responses from desired targets. Listeners encounter sibling rivalries and long-held grudges, religious beliefs and inconsistencies, and ruminations on living a good life and speculations about death. Farr delivers all the opinions and philosophical musings with respect and care.
Farr’s well-matched performance makes the complicated Rothstein family feel as real and frustrating and loving as our own.Pub Date: today
Duration: 12 hrs, 15 mins
DD ISBN: 9780593612750
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: yesterday
Deepa Samuel's narration brings steadiness and emotional clarity to this story of the longstanding friendship between Ruchi and Deepa, who are shaped by class, migration, and unspoken longing. Samuel softly portrays the girls' intimate friendship during their Indian school days. Samuel's voice gradually deepens as the narrative moves into adulthood and the pressures of marriage, motherhood, and resettlement in suburban Connecticut. Samuel's pacing allows the evolving tension between the women to surface naturally, especially as jealousy, obligation, and affection collide across decades. Subtle tonal adjustments distinguish private interior moments from scenes of family and community life. Samuel's attentive performance supports the novel's exploration of devotion, distance, consequence, and friendship.
Pub Date: Feb. 3, 2026
Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins
DD ISBN: 9781639737871
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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